Gnetaceae

Gnetaceae is a family of tropical gymnosperms in the order of Gnetales composed of one genus, Gnetum. Gnetum montanum Markgr. (Gnetaceae) is an evergreen vine indigenous to southern China. In the traditional clinical practice of Yao medicine, the stems and rhizomes of this plant are used to treat rheumatic arthralgia and bruises. Modern chemistry research shows that the plant contains abundant stilbenes, sterols, flavonoids, alkaloids, and other bioactive phytochemicals. Furthermore, modern pharmacological research also proved that the plant exhibited various biological activities such as antitumor, antioxidation, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial.