New records of ferns in the flora of Laos
Fieldwork in Lao PDR during 2007-2008 resulted in the discovery of 15 unrecorded fern species among the flora of Lao PDR. All have been identified in other countries in southeastern Asia, as well as from other tropical areas. The species are as follows: Asplenicaceae (Asplenium delavayi, A. rockier), Athyriaceae (Anisocampium cuspidatum), Dennstaedtiaceae (Microlepia hookeriana, Pteridium […]
Hmong herbal medicine and herbalists in Lao PDR: pharmacopeia and knowledge transmission
In Lao PDR, the Hmong ethnic group has extensive knowledge about the use of medicinal plants. However, despite the importance of the Hmong pharmacopeia as a primary health care resource, no study has been undertaken to thoroughly document medicinal plant knowledge and its transmission. Objectives of this study are (i) to describe and characterize Hmong […]
New and noteworthy species of Begonia (Begoniaceae) from Vietnam and Laos
Strictly endemic species Begonia alta, B. babeana, B. crassula, B. gesneriifolia, B. minuscula, B. nahangensis, B. rigidifolia, B. rubrosetosa, B. rugosula, B. sonlaensis, and B. viscosa (Begoniaceae) are described and illustrated. Relations and morphological differences of described species from their allies are shortly discussed
An updated checklist of Begonia (Begoniaceae) in Laos, with two new species and five new records
Two new species of Begonia L. (Begoniaceae), B. laotica (sect. Parvibegonia) and B. hypoleuca (sect. Reichenheimia), from north Laos are described and illustrated. Begonia augustinei, B. dryadis, B. lancangensis, B. sizemoreae and B. sillentensis subsp. mengyangensis were newly recorded taxa in Laos. Furthermore, an updated checklist of Begonia of Laos is also compiled.
An ethnobotanical survey of medicinal plants of Laos toward the discovery of bioactive compounds as potential candidates for pharmaceutical development
Using semi-structured field interviews with healers in the Lao PDR, plant samples were collected, extracted, and bio-assayed to detect bioactivity against cancer, HIV/AIDS, TB, malaria. Plant species demonstrating activity were recollected and the extracts subjected to a bioassay-guided isolation protocol to isolate and identify the active compounds.
Six new species and eight new records of Gesneriaceae from Laos
Six new species of Gesneriaceae from Laos, namely Didymocarpus angustiflorus Souvann. & Lanors., D. bolavenensis Souvann., Soulad. & Phonep., D. laoticus Souvann. & Lanors., D. trilobus Souvann. & Phonep., Hemiboea olivifolia Souvann. & Tagane and Paraboea planiflora Souvann. & Lanors., are described and illustrated. Additionally, Aeschynanthus bracteatus Wall. ex A.DC., A. micranthus C.B.Clarke, Epithema ceylanicum […]
Case study on orchid exports from the Lao PDR: Recommendations for using the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora to increase sustainable orchid trade.
This report is a product of the project “Piloting CITES Implementation in Lao PDR: Strengthening Institutions through Case Studies”. Supported by the Swiss Agency for Development Cooperation (SDC), this initiative was carried out by IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature) and partners, including the National University of Laos and TRAFFIC, in 2007-2008.The initiative provided […]
Didymocarpus albiflorus (Gesneriaceae), a new species from Vientiane capital, Lao PDR
Didymocarpus albiflorus, a new species from central Lao PDR, is described and illustrated with photographs. The new species is similar to D. middletonii and D. brevipedunculatus, but can be distinguished by a combination of characters (see diagnosis and note). A detailed description, illustration, photographs, distribution, ecology and provisional conservation assessment and key to the species […]
Highly efcient production of 2,3‑butanediol from xylose and glucose by newly isolated thermotolerant Cronobacter sakazakii
Background: 2,3-Butanediol (2,3-BD), a valuable compound used for chemicals, cosmetics, pesticides and pharma‑ ceuticals, has been produced by various microbes. However, no high-temperature fermentation of the compound at high productivity has been reported. Methods: Thermotolerant xylose-utilizing microbes were isolated from 6 diferent districts in Laos and screened for a low accumulation of xylitol in a […]
Inventory of medicinal plants of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic: A mini review
The Lao People’s Democratic Republic (Lao PDR) or Laos has a long history in the use of medicinal plants, as well as in the use of traditional medicines. The Government of Laos also supports the use of medicinal plants and traditional medicines in the prevention and treatment of diseases. As a government institution, the Institute […]
