Discrimination among species of Papaver based on the plastid rpl16 gene and the rpl16-rpl14 spacer sequence

An attempt was made to discriminate among six species of Papaver (P. bracteatum, P. orientale, P. pseudo-orientale, P. rhoeas, P. setigerum and P. somniferum) by comparing the nucleotide sequences of the plastid rpl16 gene and the rpl16-rpl14 spacer region. Comparison of sequences allowed us to distinguish five species, namely P. bracteatum, P. orientale, P. pseudo-orientale, P. rhoeas and P. setigerum plus P. somniferum from one another, but sequences from P. setigerum and P. somniferum were identical. It is difficult to distinguish between P. bracteatum, P. orientale and P. pseudo-orientale at the vegetative stage of growth. However, our method allowed us to distinguish between these three species and the others using nucleotide sequences and should allow identification of P. bracteatum that has been cultivated illegally in the garden in Japan. Furthermore, P. rhoeas was clearly discriminated from P. setigerum and P. somniferum by reference to the sequence of the rpl16 exon using young seedlings.     

Determination of salvinorin A and salvinorin B in Salvia divinorum-related products circulated in Japan

Two major salvinorins, salvinorin A (SalA) and salvinorin B (SalB), in three Salvia divinorum dried leaf products and nine of its “concentrated extract” products circulated in Japan were determined. These ingredients were extracted twice with acetonitrile and decolored with graphite carbon powder. SalA and SalB were confirmed by liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry in product ion scan mode, and quantified by high-performance liquid chromatography with UV detection (for SalA) and by mass spectrometry in single ion monitoring mode (for SalB). The SalA/SalB contents (μg/mg) were in the range of 3.2–5.0/0.10–0.17 in the dried leaf products and 4.1–38.9/0.26–2.42 in the “concentrated extract” products. These findings would be useful for analysis of S. divinorum-related products circulated in the drug market.     

Determination of salvinorin A and salvinorin B in Salvia divinorum-related products circulated in Japan

Two major salvinorins, salvinorin A (SalA) and salvinorin B (SalB), in three Salvia divinorum dried leaf products and nine of its "concentrated extract" products circulated in Japan were determined. These ingredients were extracted twice with acetonitrile and decolored with graphite carbon powder. SalA and SalB were confirmed by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry in product ion scan mode, and quantified by high-performance liquid chromatography with UV detection (for SalA) and by mass spectrometry in single ion monitoring mode (for SalB). The SalA/SalB contents (mug/mg) were in the range of 3.2-5.0/0.10-0.17 in the dried leaf products and 4.1-38.9/0.26-2.42 in the "concentrated extract" products. These findings would be useful for analysis of S. divinorum-related products circulated in the drug market.     

Japan's Global Health Strategy: Connecting Development and Security

Japan has made its presence felt in the realm of power politics by focusing on the promotion of “human security” and sustainable development. At the core of both concepts lies the issue of health. As Japan prepares for the upcoming G7 Summit, Keizo Takemi examines the question of what sort of leadership role Japan should play in the critical field of health.