Ni Zhang

Taxus × media, belonging to the genus Taxus of the Taxaceae family, is a unique hybrid plant derived from a natural crossbreeding between Taxus cuspidata and Taxus baccata. This distinctive hybrid variety inherits the superior traits of its parental species, exhibiting significant biological and medicinal values. This paper comprehensively analyzes Taxus × media from multiple dimensions, including its cultivation overview, chemical composition, and multifaceted applications in the medical field. In terms of chemical constituents, this study delves into the bioactive components abundant in Taxus × media and their pharmacological activities, highlighting the importance and value of these components, including paclitaxel, as the lead compounds in traditional medicine and modern drug development. Regarding its medicinal value, the article primarily discusses the potential applications of Taxus × media in combating tumors, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant activities, and treating diabetes. By synthesizing clinical research and experimental data, the paper elucidates the potential and mechanisms of its primary active components in preventing and treating these diseases. In conclusion, Taxus × media demonstrates its unique value in biological research and tremendous potential in drug development.

Taxus mairei (Lemée and H.Lév.) S.Y.Hu, indigenous to the southern regions of China, is an evergreen tree belonging to the genus Taxus of the Taxaceae family. Owing to its content of various bioactive compounds, it exhibits multiple pharmacological activities and has been widely applied in clinical medicine. This article comprehensively discusses the current state of cultivation, chemical constituents, applications in the pharmaceutical field, and the challenges faced by T. mairei. The paper begins by detailing the ecological distribution of T. mairei, aiming to provide an in-depth understanding of its origin and cultivation overview. In terms of chemical composition, the article thoroughly summarizes the extracts and monomeric components of T. mairei, unveiling their pharmacological activities and elucidating the mechanisms of action based on the latest scientific research, as well as their potential as lead compounds in new drug development. The article also addresses the challenges in the T. mairei research, such as the difficulties in extracting and synthesizing active components and the need for sustainable utilization strategies. In summary, T. mairei is a rare species important for biodiversity conservation and demonstrates significant research and application potential in drug development and disease treatment.