Zhijun LiuDr. Zhijun Liu

Professor

Medicinal Plant Lab

School of Renewable Natural Resources
Louisiana State University
Baton Rouge, LA 70803-6202


Office located in: Wilson Lab Building, Room 143
Phone: (225) 578-4214
Fax: (225) 578-4227
Email: zliu@agcenter.lsu.edu

Education

  • Ph.D. - Michigan State University, USA 1991
  • M.S. - Oklahoma State University, USA 1988
  • B.S. - Henan Agricultural University, China 1982

Research Interests

Solubility enhancement of poorly soluble compounds; discovery of natural solubilizers from medicinal plants; novel delivery methods of bioactive compounds; extraction and purification of bioactive compounds in plant materials, especially fruit waste; product design aimed at improved and sustained effects; use of natural ingredients for the control of insect pests and plant diseases caused by bacteria, fungi, and viruses.

Major Achievements

Cultivation of anti-cancer tree materials

My medicinal plant career began when I grew trees for anti-cancer natural compounds. Trees produce their own “defense compounds” against herbivory and micro-organismic feeding. These defense compounds happen to be medicinal and anti-cancerous. Understanding the patterns of their production was the goal and foundation to “trick” the trees to produce more. One trick was to turn the tall trees into a bushy annual crop because they are proportionally high in bark material, which is richer in the desired compound than other tissues. It is very interesting that trees can be “guided” to become our raw pharmaceutical manufacturers. The major contribution to science is connecting the dots between biology and chemistry in a medicinal tree.

  1. Liu, Zhijun, Stanley B. Carpenter, Wayne J. Bourgeois, Ying Yu, Roysell J. Constantin, Matthew J. Falcon, and John C. Adams. 1998. Variation in the secondary metabolite camptothecin in relation to tissue age and season in Camptotheca acuminata (Nyssaceae). Tree Physiol. 18: 265-270. PMID: 12651381.
  2. Liu, Zhijun, John C. Adams, H.P. Viator, Roysell J. Constantin, and Stanley B. Carpenter. 1999. Influence of nutrient availability, spacing and coppicing on stomatal conductance, abscisic acid, and alkaloid levels in Camptotheca acuminata seedlings. Physiol. Plant. 105: 402-408.

Extraction and standardization of bioactive extracts

Discovery of anti-angiogenic compounds from plants concentrates the attention to natural solutions. Under conventional approaches, the most potent (active) is taken and the rest, less potent ingredients, are abandoned. This often relates the biological responses to an acting compound and simplifies the understanding over the mode of action. However, the plants produce more than one active structure and use of them all is advantageous. We followed this thought and developed a reliable quality control protocol. We discovered one single active compound explained only partial activity when it is placed in the background of an extract and set the rationale for exploring synergy in exerting bioactivity.

  1. Liu, Zhijun, Joshua Schwimer, Dong Liu, Frank L. Greenway, Catherine T. Anthony, and Eugene A. Woltering. 2005. Black Raspberry Extract and Fractions Contain Angiogenesis Inhibitors. Journal of Agriculture and Food Chemistry 53(10):3909-3915. PMID: 15884816.
  2. Liu, Zhijun, Joshua Schwimer, Dong Liu, James Lewis, Frank L. Greenway, David A. York, Eugene A. Woltering. 2006. Gallic acid is partially responsible for the anti-angiogenic activities of Rubus leaf extract. Phytotherapy Research 20(9): 806-813. PMID: 16835875.
  3. Liu, Dong, Joshua Schwimer, Zhijun Liu, Eugene Woltering, and Frank L. Greenway. 2008. Antiangiogenic effect of curcumin in pure versus in extract forms. Pharmaceutical Biology 46: 677-682.

Drug discovery combining chemistry and biology

Practical methodology of preparing botanical samples for effective bioactivity screening is my other contribution to science. People can do really well in drug discovery on the biology side or on the chemistry side, but when dealing with a complex botanical sample, preparation for bioactivity screening can be challenge. I have been caught in the middle between a bioassay lab and my medicinal plant lab. I found there are better ways to prepare samples suitable for accurate and efficient bioactivity screening. The experience is reported in the following paper and recognized in grant awards, which has been an interest to people working in the interface of botanicals and their bioactivity.

  1. Liu, Zhijun. 2008. Preparation of botanical samples for biomedical research. Endocrine, Metabolic & Immune Disorders-Drug Targets. 8: 112-121. PMID: 18537697.
  2. Guixin Chou, Shun-Jun Xu, Dong Liu, Gar Yee Koh, Jian Zhang, and Zhijun Liu. 2009. Quantitative and fingerprint analyses of Chinese sweet tea plant (Rubus suavissimus S. Lee). J. Agric. Food Chem. 57: 1076-1083. PMID: 19138116.
  3. Liu, Zhijun, David G. Baker, and Frank L. Greenway. 2000-2002. Development of crude plant extracts for use as herbal dietary supplements to prevent high blood pressure. Industrial Ties Research Subprogram. Louisiana Board of Regents and Sage Pharmaceuticals.
  4. Liu, Zhijun. 2005-2010. Botanicals and Metabolic Syndrome. National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, NIH (P50AT002776-01). Co-investigator in a NIH Botanical Center Grant, led by LSU Pennington Biomedical Research Center.
  5. Liu, Zhijun (PI). 2007 – 2009. Antiangiogenic properties of sweet leaf tea extract. National Center for Complementary and lternative Medicine, NIH (Grant No.: R21AT002882).

Solubility technology

Discovery of natural solubilizers is another contribution to science. During medicinal plant research looking for bioactive natural compounds, solubilizing compounds are also found. These natural compounds are able to solubilize other poorly soluble compounds quite effectively for some. Using these natural solubilizers, 5,700-fold more paclitaxel and 175,000-fold more curcumin is each dissolved in water than the intrinsic solubility. All solubilized compounds are in clear water solutions as shown in propofol (photo below). In addition to these two examples, all poorly soluble compounds experimented with these natural solubilizers are solubility-enhanced. The following papers illustrated the uses in curcumin, etoposide, and paclitaxel.

  1. Zhijun Liu, Fang Zhang, Gar Yee Koh, Xin Dong, Javoris Hollingsworth, Jian Zhang, Paul S. Russo, Peiying Yang and Rhett W. Stout. 2015. Cytotoxic and antiangiogenic paclitaxel solubilized and permeation-enhanced by natural product nanoparticles. Anti-Cancer Drugs 26(2): 167-179. PMID: 25243454.
  2. Zhang, Fang, Gar Yee Koh, Javoris Hollingsworth, Paul S. Russo, Rhett W. Stout, Zhijun Liu. 2012. Reformulation of etoposide with solubility-enhancing rubusoside. International Journal of Pharmaceutics 434: 453-459. PMID: 22698860
  3. Zhijun Liu. 2008. Preparation of botanical samples for biomedical research. Endocrine, Metabolic & Immune Disorders - Drug Targets. 8: 112-121. PMID: 18537697.
  4. Zhang, Fang, Gar Yee Koh, Duane P. Jeansonne, Javoris Hollingsworth, Paul S. Russo, Graca Vicente, Rhett W. Stout, Zhijun Liu. 2011. A novel solubility-enhanced curcumin formulation showing stability and maintenance of anti-cancer activity. Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences 100: 2778–2789. PMID: 21312196
  5. Zhijun Liu. 2008. Preparation of botanical samples for biomedical research. Endocrine, Metabolic & Immune Disorders - Drug Targets. 8: 112-121. PMID: 18537697.
  6. Liu, Zhijun (PI), Paul Russo, Rhett Stout, Peiying Yang, Fang Zhang, Gar Yee Koh. 2012 - 2014. Oral paclitaxel solubilized and bioenhanced by food compound for cancer therapy. NIH/NCI (1R21CA167255-01).

  7. Jian Zhang, Guixin Chou, Zhijun Liu, and Mei Liu. 2016. Employing rubusoside to improve the solubility and permeability of antitumor compound betulonic acid. Nanomedicine (Lond.) 11(21): 2829–2844.

  8. Jian ZHANG, Zhijun LIU, Guixin CHOU, Yunyi LAN. A novel combination of betulonic acid facilitated by rubusoside induce tumor cell apoptosis vis caspase regulation. Submitted to Cancer Biology & Therapy on 8/30/2018.

  9. Jianzhong Chen, Sachin K Khiste, Xiaomei Fu, Kartik R. Roy, Yixuan Dong, Jian Zhang, Mei Liu, Yong-Yu Liu, and Zhijun Liu*. Rubusoside-assisted solubilization of poorly soluble C6-ceramide for a pilot pharmacokinetic study. Prostaglandins and Other Lipid Mediators 146 (2020) 106402.

  10. Sachin K. Khiste, Zhijun Liu, Kartik R. Roy, Mohammad B. Uddin, Salman B. Hosain, Xin Gu, Sami Nazzal, Ronald A. Hill, Yong-Yu Liu*. 2020. Ceramide-Rubusoside Nanomicelles, a Potential Therapeutic Approach to Target Cancers Carrying p53 Missense Mutations. Molecular Cancer Therapeutics 19:564–74.

  11. O’Hara, Flinn M.; Liu, Zhijun; Davis, Jeff; Swale, Daniel. 2023. Catalyzing systemic movement of inward rectifier potassium channel inhibitors for antifeedant activity against the cotton aphid, Aphis gossypii (Glover). Pest Manag Sci 79: 194–205.

Bioavailability enhancement techniques

Poor solubility is often the major roadblock for oral bioavailability but other factors such as low permeability and rapid clearance due to metabolism are problematic for certain compounds. We use the solubility platform to formulate in principles of traditional Chinese medicine Jun Chen Zuo Shi and modern nanomedicine. Some effects have become quite promising.

  1. Liu, Zhijun. 2015 – 2016. Optimization of Vitamin B9 formulation to increase oral absorption and bioavailability in plasma and cerebrospinal fluid. Nestle Health Science - Pamlab, Inc. (Agreement# 1415R0233).
  2. Liu, Zhijun (AgCenter PI) and Yong-Yu Liu (ULM PI). 2015 – 2016. Ceramide-Rubusoside Nanomicelles is a Potential Therapeutic Agent for Targeting p53-Mutant Cancers. LaCRI Program sponsored jointly by LSU AgCenter and the University of Louisiana-Monroe School of Pharmacy.
  3. Liu, Zhijun. 2011 – 2012. Formulation development for poorly soluble natural compounds. Block Center for Integrative Cancer Treatment.

Refereed Publications (Since 2006)

  1. Shu, J.; Yin, Y.; Liu, Z. 2023. Integrated Processes Turning Pepper Sauce Waste into Valuable By-Products. Foods 2023, 12, 67. https://doi.org/10.3390/foods12010067

  2. O’Hara, Flinn M.; Liu, Zhijun; Davis, Jeff; Swale, Daniel. 2023. Catalyzing systemic movement of inward rectifier potassium channel inhibitors for antifeedant activity against the cotton aphid, Aphis gossypii (Glover). Pest Manag Sci 79: 194–205.

  3. Ronald A. Hill, Zhijun Liu and Yong-Yu Liu. 2020. Small ceramide tames big p53 mutant beast. Oncotarget, 2020, Vol. 11, (No. 37), pp: 3418-34.

  4. Sachin K. Khiste, Zhijun Liu, Kartik R. Roy, Mohammad B. Uddin, Salman B. Hosain, Xin Gu, Sami Nazzal, Ronald A. Hill, Yong-Yu Liu*. 2020. Ceramide-Rubusoside Nanomicelles, a Potential Therapeutic Approach to Target Cancers Carrying p53 Missense Mutations. Molecular Cancer Therapeutics 19:564–74.

  5. Jianzhong Chen, Sachin K Khiste, Xiaomei Fu, Kartik R. Roy, Yixuan Dong, Jian Zhang, Mei Liu, Yong-Yu Liu, and Zhijun Liu*. Rubusoside-assisted solubilization of poorly soluble C6-ceramide for a pilot pharmacokinetic study. Prostaglandins and Other Lipid Mediators 146 (2020) 106402.

  6. Kartik Roy, Sachin K Khiste, Zhijun Liu, and Yong-Yu Liu. 2019. Fluorescence HPLC Analysis of the in-vivo Activity of Glucosylceramide Synthase. Bio-Protocol Vol 9, Iss 12, June 20, 2019.

  7. Jian ZHANG, Zhijun LIU, Guixin CHOU, Yunyi LAN. A novel combination of betulonic acid facilitated by rubusoside induce tumor cell apoptosis vis caspase regulation. Submitted to Cancer Biology & Therapy on 8/30/2018.

  8. Daniel R. Swale, Zhilin Li, Jake Z. Kraft, Kristen Healy, Mei Liu, Zhijun Liu, Lane D. Foil. 2018. Development of an autodissemination strategy for the deployment of novel control agents targeting the Common Malaria Mosquito, Anopheles quadrimaculatus Say (Diptera: Culicidae). PLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases 12(4):e0006259. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pntd.0006259.

  9. E.C. Silva, P. L. Abhayawardhana , A. V. Lygin, C. L. Robertson, M. Liu, Z. Liu, and R.W. Schneider. 2018. Coumestrol confers partial resistance in soybean plants against Cercospora leaf blight. Phytopathology 108:935-947.

  10. Jianzhong Chen, Xiaomei Fu, Yixuan Dong, Mei Liu, Jian Zhang and Zhijun Liu. 2017. HPLC-MS determination and pharmacokinetic study of 7, 8-dihydroxyflavone, a natural weight-loss agent after oral administration in rats. Current Pharmaceutical Analysis Volume 13, E-Pub DOI: 10.2174/1573412913666170410132032.

  11. Sachin K. Khiste, Salman B. Hosain, Yixuan Dong, Mohammad B. Uddin, Kartik R. Roy, Ronald A. Hill, Zhijun Liu, Yong-Yu Liu. 2017. Incorporation of Florescence Ceramide-Based HPLC Assay for Rapidly and Efficiently Assessing Glucosylceramide Synthase In Vivo. Scientific Reports 7:2976.

  12. Sachin K. Khiste, Salman B. Hosain, Mohammad B. Uddin, Zhijun Liu, Yong-Yu Liu. 2016. Sensitive analysis of in-vivo activity of glucosylceramide synthase to assess the role it played in cancer drug resistance. Biochemical Pharmacology (submitted).

  13. Jian Zhang, Guixin Chou, Zhijun Liu, and Mei Liu. 2016. Employing rubusoside to improve the solubility and permeability of antitumor compound betulonic acid. Nanomedicine (Lond.) 11(21): 2829–2844.

  14. Xu-Lan Shang, Zheng-Feng Wu, Zhi-Qi Yin, Jian Zhang, Zhi-Jun Liu and Sheng-Zuo Fang. 2015. Simultaneous determination of flavonoids and triterpenoids in Cyclocarya paliurus leaves using high-performance liquid chromatography. Afr J Tradit Complement Altern Med. (2015) 12(3):125-134.

  15. Jian Zhang, Guixin Chou, Zhijun Liu, and Gar Yee Koh. 2015. In vitro cytotoxicity and antioxidation of a whole fruit extract of Liquidambar formosana exerted by different constituents. European Journal of Medicinal Plants 6(1): 34-44.

  16. Zhijun Liu, Fang Zhang, Gar Yee Koh, Xin Dong, Javoris Hollingsworth, Jian Zhang, Paul S. Russo, Peiying Yang and Rhett W. Stout. 2015. Cytotoxic and antiangiogenic paclitaxel solubilized and permeation-enhanced by natural product nanoparticles. Anti-Cancer Drugs 26(2): 167-179. PMID: 25243454.

  17. Mei Liu, Xinhua Xia, Guixin Chou, Dong Liu, Aamir Zuberi, Jianping Ye, and Zhijun Liu. 2014. Variations in the Contents of Gingerols and Chromatographic Fingerprints of Ginger Root Extracts Prepared by Different Preparation Methods. Journal of AOAC International. 97 (1): 50-57. PMID: 24672859.

  18. Jiayuan Zhao, Xiaoxuan Zheng, Robert A. Newman, Yang Zhong, Zhijun Liu & Peng Nan. 2013. Chemical composition and bioactivity of the essential oil of Artemisia anomala from China. Journal of Essential Oil Research 25 (6): 520-525. DOI: 10.1080/10412905.2013.820670.

  19. Zhang, Fang, Gar Yee Koh, Javoris Hollingsworth, Paul S. Russo, Rhett W. Stout, Zhijun Liu. 2012. Reformulation of etoposide with solubility-enhancing rubusoside. International Journal of Pharmaceutics 434: 453-459. PMID: 22698860.

  20. Greenway F, Liu Z, Yu Y, Gupta A. A Clinical Trial Testing the Safety and Efficacy of a Standardized Eucommia ulmoides Oliver Bark Extract to Treat Hypertension. Altern Med Rev. 2011 Dec;16(4):338-47.

  21. Zhang, Fang, Gar Yee Koh, Duane P. Jeansonne, Javoris Hollingsworth, Paul S. Russo, Graca Vicente, Rhett W. Stout, Zhijun Liu. 2011. A novel solubility-enhanced curcumin formulation showing stability and maintenance of anti-cancer activity. Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences 100: 2778–2789. PMID: 21312196.

  22. Duane P. Jeansonne, Gar Yee Koh, Fang Zhang, Heather Kirk-Ballard, Laura Wolff, Dong Liu, Kenneth Eilertsen and Zhijun Liu. 2011. Paclitaxel-induced apoptosis is blocked by camptothecin in human breast and pancreatic cancer cells. Oncol Rep 25: 1473-1480. PMID: 21331447.

  23. Koh G.Y., Kathleen McCutcheon, Fang Zhang, Dong Liu, Carrie A. Cartwright, Roy Martin, Peiying Yang, and Zhijun Liu. 2011. Improvement of obesity phenotype by the Chinese sweet leaf tea (Rubus suavissimus) components in high-fat diet-induced obese rats. J. Agric. Food Chem. 59; 98–104. PMID: 21138267.

  24. Twiner EM, Liu Z, Gimble J, Yu Y, Greenway F. 2011. Pharmacokinetic pilot study of the antiangiogenic activity of standardized platycodi radix. Adv Ther. 28(10):857-65. PMID: 21975926.

  25. Wenxing Chen, Yan Luo, Lei Liu, Hongyu Zhou, Baoshan Xu, Xiuzhen Han, Tao Shen, Zhijun Liu, Yin Lu, and Shile Huang. 2010. Cryptotanshinone Inhibits Cancer Cell Proliferation by Suppressing Mammalian Target of Rapamycin–Mediated Cyclin D1 Expression and Rb Phosphorylation. Cancer Prev Res; 3(8); 1015–25. PMID: 20628002.

  26. Koh G.Y., Chou G., Liu Z. 2009. Purification of a Water Extract of Chinese Sweet Tea Plant (Rubus suavissimus S. Lee) by Alcohol Precipitation. J. Agric. Food Chem. 57: 5000-5006. PMID: 19419169.

  27. Yin J, Zuberi A, Gao Z, Liu D, Liu Z, Ye J. 2009. Shilianhua extract inhibits GSK-3β and promotes glucose metabolism. Am. J. Physiol. Endocrinol. Metab. 296: 1275-1280. PMID: 19351808.

  28. Guixin Chou, Shun-Jun Xu, Dong Liu, Gar Yee Koh, Jian Zhang, and Zhijun Liu. 2009. Quantitative and fingerprint analyses of Chinese sweet tea plant (Rubus Suavissimus S. Lee). J. Agric. Food Chem. 57: 1076-1083. PMID: 19138116.

  29. David E. Wedge, Nurhayat Tabanca, Blaire J. Sampson, Christopher Werle, Betul Demerci, K. Husnu Can Baser, Peng Nan, Jia Duan, Zhijun Liu. 2009. Antifungal and Insecticidal Activity of two Juniperus Essential Oils. Natural Product Communications. 4(1):123-127. PMID: 19113871.

  30. Wedge, David; Klun, Jerome; Tabanca, Nurhayat; Demirci, Betul; Ozek, Temel; Baser, K. Husnu; Liu, Zhijun; Zhang, Sui; Cantrell, Charles; Zhang, Jian. 2009. Bioactivity-guided Fractionation and GC-MS Fingerprinting of Angelica sinensis and A. archangelica Root Components for Antifungal and Mosquito Deterrent Activity. Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry. 57(2):464-70.

  31. Liu Z, D Liu, G Chou, S Xu, A Zuberi, J Ye. Variations in gingerols and chromatographic fingerprints of ginger root extracts from different preparation methods may account for bioactivity discrepancies among investigations. Planta Med 2008; 74 - PC99

  32. Zhijun Liu. 2008. Preparation of botanical samples for biomedical research. Endocrine, Metabolic & Immune Disorders - Drug Targets. 8: 112-121. PMID: 18537697.

  33. Kirk H, Cefalu WT, Ribnicky D, Liu Z, Eilertsen KJ. 2008. Botanicals as epigenetic modulators for mechanisms contributing to development of metabolic syndrome. Metabolism. 57(7 Suppl 1):S16-23. PMID: 18555849.

  34. Yin, Jun, Aamir Zuberi, Zhanguo Gao, Dong Liu, Zhijun Liu, William T. Cefalu, Jianping Ye. 2008. Effect of Shilianhua extract and its fractions on body weight of obese mice. Metabolism Clinical and Experimental 57 (Suppl 1): S47–S51. PMID: 18555854.

  35. William T Cefalu, Jianping Ye, Aamir Zuberi, David Ribnicky, Ilya Raskin, Zhijun Liu, Zhong Q Wang, Phillip J Brantley, Luke Howard and Michael Lefevre. 2008. Botanicals and metabolic syndrome. Am J Clin Nutr 87(suppl): 481S-7S. PMID: 18258643.

  36. Yin, Jun; Gao, Zhanguo; Liu, Dong; Liu, Zhijun; Ye, Jianping. 2008. Berberine improves glucose metabolism through induction of glycolysis. Am J Physiol Endocrinol Metab 294: E148-E156. PMID: 17971514.

  37. Liu, Dong, Joshua Schwimer, Zhijun Liu, Eugene Woltering, and Frank L. Greenway. 2008. Antiangiogenic effect of curcumin in pure versus in extract forms. Pharmaceutical Biology 46: 677-682

  38. David A. York, Sonyja Thomas, Frank L. Greenway, Zhijun Liu, Jennifer C. Rood. 2007. The Effect of NT, an Herbal Supplement, on Body Weight in Rats. Chinese Medicine 2:10. PMID: 17868447.

  39. Greenway, Frank L., Zhijun Liu, Ying Yu, Mary K. Caruso, Andrew Roberts, Joshua Schwimer, Alok K. Gupta, Drake Bellanger, Thomas Guillot, Eugene A. Woltering. 2007. An Assay to Measure Angiogenesis in Human Fat Tissue. Obesity Surgery 17: 510-515. PMID: 17608264.

  40. Oner, F. Hakan, Yanno Bezerra, Gholam A. Peyman, Mandi D. Conway, James M. Lewis, Zhijun Liu, Frank Greenway, Eugene A. Woltering. 2007. Antiangiogenetic Effect of a Chinese Sweet Leaf Tea Extract in Experimental Corneal Neovascularization. Pharmaceutical Biology 45(1): 44-47.

  41. Andrew T. Roberts, Corby K. Martin, Zhijun Liu, Ronald J. Amen, Eugene A. Woltering, Jennifer C. Rood, Mary K. Caruso, Ying Yu, Hui Xie, Frank L. Greenway. 2007. The safety and efficacy of a dietary herbal supplement and gallic acid for weight loss. Journal of Medicinal Food 10(1): 184-188. PMID: 17472485.

  42. Zhang, Jian,Ying Yu, Dong Liu, and Zhijun Liu. 2007. Extraction and composition of three naturally occurring anti-cancer alkaloids in Camptotheca acuminata seed and leaf extracts. Phytomedicine 14: 50-56. PMID: 17137773.

  43. Zhu, Bin, Qingbiao Wang, Esben F. Roge, Peng Nan, Zhijun Liu, Yang Zhong. 2006. Chemical variation in leaf oils of Pistacia chinensis from five locations in China. Chemistry of Natural Products. 42(4): 422-425.

  44. Liu, Zhijun, Joshua Schwimer, Dong Liu, James Lewis, Frank L. Greenway, David A. York, Eugene A. Woltering. 2006. Gallic acid is partially responsible for the anti-angiogenic activities of Rubus leaf extract. Phytotherapy Research 20(9): 806-813. PMID: 16835875.

  45. Frank L. Greenway, Zhijun Liu, Corby K. Martin, Wei Kai-yuan, James Nofziger, Jennifer C. Rood, Ying Yu, and Ronald J. Amen. 2006. Safety and Efficacy of NT, an Herbal Supplement, in Treating Human Obesity. International Journal of Obesity April 25: 1-5.

  46. Zhao, Jiayuan, Jimei Liu, Xiaoyan Zhang, Zhijun Liu, Tashi Tsering, Yang Zhong and Peng Nan. 2006. Chemical Composition of the Essential Oils of Three Wild Bergenia Species from Western China. Flavour and Fragrance Journal 21: 431-434.

  47. Liu, Jimei, Peng Nan, Qiong Tsering, Tashi Tsering, Zhankui Bai, Li Wang, Zhijun Liu, and Yang Zhong. 2006. Volatile constituents of the leaves and flowers of Salvia przewalskii Maxim. from Tibet. Flavour and Fragrance Journal 21: 435-438.

  48. Wang, Qingbiao, Yong Yang, Xiaomin Zhao, Bin Zhu, Peng Nan, Jiayuan Zhao, Li Wang, Fan Chen, Zhijun Liu, and Yang Zhong. 2006. Chemical variation in the essential oil of Ephedra sinica from Northeastern China. Food Chemistry 98: 52-58.

Non-Refereed Publications

  1. Yan Chen, Zhijun Liu, and Javin Little. 2022. Growing Tea in Louisiana. Louisiana Agriculture Summer Issue.

  2. Zhijun Liu, William E. Owens, Yixuan Dong, and Jian Zhang. 2017. Antibacterial botanical formulations. Louisiana Agriculture 60 (1): 11-13.

  3. Glen T. Gentry Jr., Zhijun Liu, Matt Capelle, Mei Liu, Yixuan Dong, Xiaomei Fu, and Jian Zhang. 2016. Battling feral swine. Louisiana Agriculture 59 (1): 11-13.

  4. Liu, Zhijun. 2012. Solubility enhancement technology. Louisiana Agriculture 55 (4):27-28.

  5. Liu, Zhijun, Gar Yee Koh, Fang Zhang, Duane Jeansonne, Rhett Stout, Dong Liu, and Fred Enright. 2011. Medicinal plants and cancer: solubility-enhanced reformulation of paclitaxel, an old drug. Louisiana Agriculture 54 (1): 6-7.

  6. Emma M Twiner, Zhijun Liu, Ying Yu, Frank L Greenway. Pharmacokinetic Study of the Anti-Angiogenci activity of Standardized Platycodin Radix. Abstract accepted for the Obesity Society 28th Annual Scientific Meeting, October 8-12, 2010. San Diego, CA.

  7. Peiying Yang, Carrie Cartwright, Gar Yee Koh, Fang Zhang, and Zhijun Liu. The anti-angiogenic activity of GER, a derivative of sweet leaf tea, is mediated by the down-regulation of BFGF and VEGF. WHERE, November 7, 2010.

  8. Peiying Yang, Carrie Cartwright, and Zhijun Liu. Sweet gum extract inhibits proliferation of prostate cancer PC3 cells through suppression of mTOR pathway, but through MAPK pathways in DU145 prostate cancer cells. WHERE, November 7, 2010.

  9. Peiying Yang, b, Carrie Cartwright, Mary V., Diana Chan, Jibin Ding, Dong Liu, and Robert A. Newman. The anti-angiogenic activity of sweet leaf tea extract is mediated by the down-regulation of bFGF and VEGF receptors. Abstract accepted for the American Association for Cancer Research annual meeting April 18 to 22, 2009 in Denver, CO.

  10. Zhijun Liu and Peiying Yang. Novel aqueous solutions of taxol and camptothecin that retain potent cytotoxicities against human cancer cells. Abstract presented at the 4th Modern Drug Discovery & Development Summit, October 15-17, 2008. San Diego, CA.

  11. Zhijun Liu, Dong Liu, Guixin Chou, Shunjun Xu, Aamir Zuberi, Jianping Ye. Variations in gingerols and chromatographic fingerprints of ginger root extracts from different preparation methods may account for bioactivity discrepancies among investigations. Abstract accepted to the 49th Annual Meeting of the American Society of Pharmacognosy in Athens, Greece, August 3 to 9, 2008, and published in Planta Medica, 74(9): 1110.

  12. Pawlus, AD, Cartwright CA, Vijjeswarapu M, Liu Z, Woltering E, Newman RA. Anti-angiogenic activity from the fruit latex of Ficus carica (Fig). Abstract accepted to the 49th Annual Meeting of the American Society of Pharmacognosy in Athens, Greece, August 3 to 9, 2008, and published in Planta Medica, 74(9): 963.

  13. Gar Yee Koh, Guixin Chou, Zhijun Liu. Purification of Chinese Sweet Leaf (Rubus suavissimus) by Alcohol Precipitation. 7th Oxford International Conference on Science of Botanicals (ICSB), April 12-15, 2008, University, Mississippi.

  14. Zhijun Liu, Eugene A. Woltering, Dong Liu, Josh Schwimer, and Charles Johnson, and Frank L. Greenway. Persimmon calyx extract is antiangiogenic. Abstract accepted to the 48th Annual Meeting of the American Society of Pharmacognosy in Portland, Maine, July 14 to 18, 2007.

  15. Zhijun Liu, Frank L. Greenway, Eugene A. Woltering, Dong Liu, Ying Yu, Josh Schwimer, Peng Nan, and Yang Zhong. Rhodiola crenulata root extract contains potent antiangiogenic components beyond gallic acid. Abstract accepted to the 48th Annual Meeting of the American Society of Pharmacognosy in Portland, Maine, July 14 to 18, 2007.

  16. Xiaojun Wu, Dong Liu, and Zhijun Liu. Influence of Various Culture Conditions on the Growth of Eucommia ulmoides Hairy Roots. Abstract accepted to the 48th Annual Meeting of the American Society of Pharmacognosy in Portland, Maine, July 14 to 18, 2007.

  17. Peiying Yang, Zhijun Liu, Carrie Cartwright, Diana Chan, Dong Liu, Jibin Ding, Robert A. Newman. Sweet gum inhibits the proliferation of prostate cancer through dual inhibition of pi3k/akt and mTOR pathways. Abstract accepted to the 48th Annual Meeting of the American Society of Pharmacognosy in Portland, Maine, July 14 to 18, 2007.

  18. David E. Wedge, Nurhayat Tabanca, Betul Demirci, K. Husnu Can Baser, Peng Nan, Jian Duan and Zhijun Liu. The Chemical Composition and A TLC Bioautography Assay for the Detection of Antifungal Compounds from Two Juniperus Oils. 6th Oxford International Conference on Science of Botanicals (ICSB) “Quality, Safety and Processing of Botanical Products”, April 30 – May 3, 2007, University, Mississippi.

  19. David E. Wedge, Nurhayat Tabanca, Betul Demirci, Temel Ozek, K. Husnu Can Baser, Zhijun Liu and Sui Zhang. Characterization of Volatile Constituents of Angelica sinensis and Studies on the Antifungal Activity against Phytopathogens. 5th Oxford International Conference on Science of Botanicals (ICSB) “Quality, Safety and Processing of Botanical Products”, August 21st –24th 2006, University, Mississippi.

  20. Peng Nan, Jiayuan Zhao, Jia Duan, Xiaomin Zhao, Qingbiao Wang, Robert A. Newman, Yang Zhong, and Zhijun Liu. Chemical composition and bioactivity of the essential oil of Chinese medicinal Artemisia anomala. 5th Oxford International Conference on Science of Botanicals (ICSB) “Quality, Safety and Processing of Botanical Products”, August 21st –24th 2006, University, Mississippi.

  21. Zhijun Liu, Frank L. Greenway, Dong Liu, Ying Yu, and Eugene A. Woltering. Separation of anti-angiogenic and laxative fractions in rhubarb rhizome extract. Abstract accepted to the 47th Annual Meeting of the American Society of Pharmacognosy in Washington, D.C., August 4 to 9, 2006.

  22. Zhijun Liu, Chu Chen, Conrad Hornick, Jian Zhang, Dong Liu, and Eugene A. Woltering. Anti-angiogenic activity of Noni fruit juice is associated with the inhibition of COX-2. Abstract accepted to the 47th Annual Meeting of the American Society of Pharmacognosy in Washington, D.C., August 4 to 9, 2006.

  23. Dong Liu, Jun Yin, Zhanguo Gao, Jianping Ye, and Zhijun Liu. Isolation of anti-inflammatory components indicated by NF-kB activity in Sinocrassula indica. Abstract accepted to the 47th Annual Meeting of the American Society of Pharmacognosy in Washington, D.C., August 4 to 9, 2006.

  24. Jun Yin, Zhanguo Gao, Zhijun Liu, and Jianping Ye. Insulin-independent Glucose-lowering Effect of SLH in vitro. Abstract accepted at the American Diabetes Association 66th Scientific Sessions (Abstract Number: 951992).

  25. Liu, Zhijun, and Eugene Woltering. Multiple angiogenic inhibitors in a single leaf extract. Proceedings of the 2006 Miami Nature Biotechnology Winter Symposium, February 4-8, 2006, Miami Beach, Florida.

  26. Xiaojun Wu, Dong Liu, Zhijun Liu. Establishment of a hairy root culture system for producing anti-hypertensive Eucommia extract. Abstract submitted for the American Society of Pharmacognosy meeting, Corvallis Oregon, July 22-27, 2005.

  27. Liu, Dong, Joshua Schwimer, Eugene Woltering, Zhijun Liu. Antiangiogenic effect of curcumin in pure versus in extract forms. Abstract submitted for the American Society of Pharmacognosy meeting, Corvallis Oregon, July 22-27, 2005.

  28. Andrew T. Roberts, Mary K. Caruso, Ying Yu, Eugene A. Woltering, Zhijun Liu, Joshua E. Schwimer, Drake E. Bellanger, Thomas S. Guillot, and Frank L. Greenway. VALIDATION OF AN ANGIOGENESIS ASSAY BASED ON HUMAN FAT TISSUE. Abstract at the NAASO's 2005 Annual Scientific Meeting.

  29. Liu, Zhijun, Conrad Hornick, and Eugene Woltering. 2005. Noni tree: potential cancer preventative, therapy. Louisiana Agriculture 48 (1): 8-9.

  30. Liu, Zhijun. 2004. Biomedical research shows tree bark reduces hypertension. Louisiana Agriculture 47 (1): 18-19.

  31. Zhang, Jian, Zhijun Liu, Ying Yu, and Dong Liu. 2003. Extraction and composition of three naturally occurring anti-cancer alkaloids in Camptotheca acuminata seed and leaf extracts. Abstract to the Division of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, 226th American Chemical Society National Meeting. New York City. September 7 to 11, 2003.

  32. Liu, Zhijun and Jiancan Feng. 2000. Medicinal potential of Camptotheca acuminata trees. Louisiana Agriculture 43 (2): 17.

  33. Liu, Zhijun and Toni DeBosier. 2000. Enhanced germination of Eucommia ulmoides seeds through in vitro techniques. Proceedings of the 25th Southern Forest Tree Improvement Conference, New Orleans, LA. July 11-14.

  34. Liu, Zhijun. 1997. Tissue age, season, and postharvest drying method affect camptothecin concentration. Louisiana Agriculture 40(2): 30-31.

Feature Articles/Media

  1. Research Discovers New Option for Cleaning Spray Tanks. Soybean Research & Information Network (SRIN). https://soybeanresearchinfo.com/research-highlight/research-discovers-new-option-for-cleaning-spray-tanks/ December 5, 2022.
  2. Featured in the WRKF: Louisiana's Prescription on April 13, 2015: Old cancer drugs, new formula, reported by Wallis Watkins.
  3. News story in the Daily Reveille May 1, 2015: Professor’s reach aims to improve cancer treatment drug. Reported by Rose Velazquez.
  4. Featured in Louisiana Agriculture Magazine Winter Issue 2015 by Rick Bogren: Research Moves Closer to Improving Cancer Drug. Page 13.
  5. Featured in Louisiana Agriculture Magazine Winter Issue 2012 by Randy LaBauve: Liu journeys. Louisiana Agriculture 55 (4):28-29.
  6. Featured in The Advocate (People section) on August 8, 2004 “LSU studying eucommia’s possible health benefits.”
  7. Featured in The Advocate Editorial on September 21, 2004 “LSU could ease blood pressure.”
  8. Article featured in the Louisiana Research magazine 2005: Unlocking the secrets of medicinal plants (Pages 8 to 9).
  9. Article featured in the Louisiana Agriculture magazine, Winter 2006. Black raspberry may be a new cancer fighter.

Teaching

RNR/HORT 2018 Introduction to Medicinal Plants.

3 credit hours. Lectures in every spring semester.

This is a sophomore level course that offers a comprehensive overview of a growing industry of medicinal plants. The course covers a wide variety of topics such as the chemical components in the plants, functions of secondary metabolites to plants themselves and as human medicines, potential applications of organic pesticides based on plants’ defense ideas and chemicals, rationale and methods of extraction, basic techniques in purification and extract standardization, determination of medicinal property, sources and uses of essential oils, issues of translating lab results to the clinic, product forms of dietary supplements, and rules and regulations regarding the uses of plant products. Students from renewable natural resources, horticulture, food science, plant pathology, entomology, pre-med, pre-vet, pre-dental, and other related areas will find this course relevant to a particular area of own interest with a rare glimpse into other fields surrounding them or other routes to science and knowledge. The greatest aspect is to gain a holistic view of the whole medicinal plants industry that spans from plants, chemistry, biology, and interfaces among them. The goal is to stimulate interests and open up options for future careers or develop a comprehensive understanding of a complex issue early on in their school learning. In addition to classroom learning, the course makes major effort to bridge internship opportunities in the rapidly developing hemp and nutraceutical/supplements industry. Moreover, it serves to gain better understanding on the roles of medicinal plants in maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

The Introduction to Medicinal Plants course is required for the new curriculum “Medicinal Plant Sciences”. For more information, go to the website: https://catalog.lsu.edu/preview_program.php?catoid=25&poid=11835#medicinalplantsciences or contact Dr. Liu at zliu@agcenter.lsu.edu.