005372   DATTA R, PAUL S (Botany Dep, Dr. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam Government Coll, Kolkata- 700 157, Email: psoumitra@ymail.com) : Long non-coding RNAs: Fine-tuning the developmental responses in plants. J Biosci 2019, 44(4), 77.

Plant developmental biology is associated with various gene regulatory pathways involved in different phases of their life cycle. In course of development, growth and differentiation of different organs in plants are regulated by specific sets of gene expression. With the advances in genomic and bioinformatic techniques, particularly high-throughput sequencing technology, many transcriptional units with no protein-coding potential have been discovered. Previously thought to be the dark matters of genome, long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are gradually gaining importance as crucial players in gene regulation during different developmental phases. Some lncRNAs, showing complementarity to microRNAs (miRNAs), are used as endogenous target mimics of specific miRNA family. A number of lncRNAs can also act as natural antisense transcripts to attenuate the expression of coding genes. Although lncRNA-mediated regulations have extensively been studied in animals, plant lncRNA research is still in its initial phase. The present review highlights the regulatory mechanism and different physiological aspects of lncRNAs in plant development. In plants, lncRNAs are found to be associated with a number of plant developmental functions such as lateral root development, vernalization, photomorphogenesis, pollen development, fiber development and nodulation. Understanding these potent roles of lncRNAs in plant development can further provide novel tools for crop improvement programs in future.

4 illus, 1 table, 73 ref

005354   ASHOUR M A (Phytochemistry and Natural Products Dep, Northern Border Univ, Rafhaa, Saudi Arabia, Email: ashourmohamed08@yahoo.com) : Comparative chemical and biological investigations of three Saudi astragalus species. J Appl Biol Biotechnol 2019, 7(5), 56-61.

The chemical profile and biological activities of alcoholic extracts of the aerial parts of three Saudi Astragalus species have been comparatively investigated in this research. Three Saudi Astragalus species (A. spinosus Vahl, A. armatus Willd, and A. sieberi DC.) were collected from the wild area of Rafhaa city, Northern border region in Saudi Arabia. Phytochemical screening was carried out using the general standard procedure, total flavonoid content (TFC) and total polyphenolic content (TPC) were determined by AlCl₃ colorimetric method and Folin–Ciocalteu reagent method, respectively. Flavonoid markers (kaempferol, apigenin, rutin, luteolin, and quercetin) and phenolic compounds (gallic, caffeic, coumaric, ferulic, cinnamic, syringic, and chlorogenic acids) were quantitatively traced for the first time in these Saudi Astragalus species using high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) method. The antibacterial and antifungal studies were carried out by well diffusion method. Cytotoxic activities studies were carried out against Hep G-2, HCT-116, and A-549 cancer cell lines using 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol2-yl)-2-5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay procedure. Antioxidant activities were measured using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) method. Immunostimulant activity was examined using lymphocyte proliferation method. The chemical screening confirmed the presence of triterpenes, flavonoids, sterols, glycosides, saponins, and polyphenolic compounds and absence of anthraquinones in all species, while A. spinosus shows the highest percentages of TFC and TPC. Ethyl acetate fractions of A. spinosus and A. sieberi showed potent cytotoxic activities, expressed as 50 % inhibitory concentration (IC₅₀) = 50.2, 22.6, and 29.1 µg/ml for A. spinosus and 39.8, 28.8, and 47.2 µg/ml for A. sieberi against tumor cell lines, HepG-2, HCT-116, and A-549, respectively. Astragalus spinosus showed a DPPH radical scavenging effect (IC₅₀) = 69 μg/ml, compared with other two species (IC₅₀) = 161 and 313 μg/ml for A. armatus and A. sieberi, respectively. The Astragalus samples showed mild antimicrobial activities and immunomodulating activities. The present research shows the quality control testing, for the first time, of three Saudi Astragalus species and Astragalus-containing recipes. The present work provides valuable information for new drug or food supplement research and development.

3 illus, 3 tables, 28 ref

005400   POPOVA V, IVANOVA T, STOYANOVA A, NIKOLOVA V, HRISTEVA T, DOCHEVA M , NIKOLOV N, ILIEV I (Tobacco Dep, Food Technologies Univ, Plovdiv- 4002, Email: vpopova2000@abv.bg) : Polyphenols and triterpenes in leaves and extracts from three nicotiana species. J Appl Biol Biotechnol 2019, 7(5), 45-9.

Genus Nicotiana (Solanaceae) includes 76 species, among which only Nicotiana tabacum L. (common tobacco) is recognized as economically important. Nicotiana species synthesize various secondary metabolites with biological or ecological activities, but many of them still have not been sufficiently studied. The objective of current study was to determine the content of selected groups of metabolites (e.g., phenolic acids, flavonoids, and triterpenes) in the leaves and extracts of three Nicotiana species (Nicotiana alata Link and Otto, Nicotiana rustica L., and N. tabacum L.), grown side by side. The results from the high-performance liquid chromatography identification of polyphenols and triterpenes in leaves and extracts showed considerable variations between the species. All of them, however, were characterized as plant materials containing various specialized and bioactive metabolites, which substantiate their consideration as a valuable source for obtaining different phytoproducts. In terms of the studied groups of bioactive metabolites, the results from the study suggest that 50% and 70% ethanol are the most suitable solvent concentrations for the extraction of N. alata, N. rustica, and N. tabacum leaves. The high content of polyphenols and triterpenes in the extracts provides grounds for their use in various cosmetic and pharmaceutical products, which could be the subject of future research.

2 tables, 21 ref

005366   CHAKRABORTY K, DEBNATH A, DAS A R, SAHA A K, DAS P (Botany Dep, Tripura Univ, Suryamaninagar- 799 022, Email: panna11d@gmail.com) : Root-fungal associations in plants from home gardens of Tripura, Northeast India. J Appl Biol Biotechnol 2019, 7(5), 25-30.

Mycorrhizal association is an integral part of terrestrial ecosystems. The present work was focused to examine arbuscular mycorrhiza (AM), dark septate endophyte (DSE) fungal colonization, and the composition of AM fungi from two home gardens of Tripura in Northeast India. The results reveal eight plants commonly occurring in two sites belonging to seven families. Of the eight plants, dual colonization of AM and DSE fungi was observed in seven plants from two sites. A total of 18 AM fungal species were recovered from both the sites. The study reveals a robust composition of AM fungi in the home garden ecosystem. AM fungi isolated from these ecosystems confirm their occurrence and these fungi may be beneficial in improving the cultivation practices in the home garden systems of the region.

2 illus, 4 tables, 48 ref

005388   KUMAR M, ARYA R S, DHURIA R K, JAIN D, NEHRA R, SHARMA T (Animal Nutrition Dep, Rajasthan Univ of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Bikaner- 334 001, Email: kumarmangesh10@gmail.com) : In vitro antibacterial potentials of various extracts of ginger root powder and black cumin seed powder. Vet Pract 2019, 20(2), 288-90.

The present investigation was undertaken for in vitro screening of antibacterial activities of benzene, ethyl acetate and methanol extract of ginger root powder and black cumin seed powder. In vitro antibacterial efficacy of selected plants was assessed by well diffusion method against Salmonella typhi, Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The results showed that benzene and ethyl acetate extract of black cumin seed powder were most effective against the Salmonella typhi, while the ethyl acetate extracts of black cumin seed powder was most effective against the Staphylococcus aureus, whereas benzene extract of black cumin seed powder and the all three extracts of both the herbs remained ineffective against Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruoginosa, respectively. Results of the current study showed that these plants possess compounds with antibacterial activity.

1 table, 18 ref

005384   KRISHNAN R, KHANDURI P, TANDON R (Botany Dep, Delhi Univ, Delhi- 110 007) : Floral biology, pollination mechanism and embryo development in Zeylanidium maheshwarii (Podostemaceae). Vegetos 2019, 32(2), 216-22.

Zeylanidium maheshwarii is one of the 23 endemic species of Indian Podostemaceae, the largest family of fresh water aquatic plants in the world. The family is unique in many ways, be it their habitat, plant body or the reproductive attributes. We looked into some of the reproductive attributes of the species encompassing floral biology, mechanism of pollination and embryo development. The flower is highly reduced, and the species can be easily identified from the rest of the Zeylanidium clade by two features—the presence of a gynophore and the multi-lobed stigma. The pollen grains are released in units of two—the acalymmate dyads. The exine ornamentation is microechinate with discernible apertural and interapertural regions. Pollination is accomplished by autonomous self-pollination, which occurs above the water level. The formation of three-celled embryo sac in the species is the result of precocious degeneration of the central cell prior to syngamy. Absence of central cell before fertilization leads to absence of double fertilization and endosperm in the species, and this features reiterates the general cause of usual absence of double fertilization among the podostemads.

30 ref

005348   AKOMOLAFE G F, RAHMAD Z B (Sains Malaysia Univ, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia) : Functional traits differences of Cyclosorus afer (Christ) Ching in some wetlands: A potential invasive fern. Vegetos 2019, 32(2), 151-7.

Invasive plants are known to possess significant morphological and physiological traits which influence their impacts and disruption of ecosystem processes, even in the presence of natives. In this study, we assessed the functional traits of a potential invasive tropical fern Cyclosorus afer which has colonized most wetlands in some parts of Nigeria. We selected three wetlands of 500 m × 500 m and separated by 1000 m from each other. In each site, we determined the functional trait differences using 10 consecutive 1.5 m by 1.5 m quadrants located at 10 m intervals along a single 200 m transect at the peak of the growing season. These traits including whole plant, foliar and stipe traits explain its potential for efficient resource acquisition and usage in the habitats. Principal component analysis with varimax rotation was carried out on the traits to determine axis of specialization/drivers of its invasion in the wetlands. The results revealed that C. afer utilize different functional traits as its drivers in the three wetlands. Leaflet fresh weight, plant height, number of leaflets and leaf dry matter content (LDMC) are drivers in site 1; leaflet fresh weight, LDMC and plant height in site 2; leaflet fresh weight, SLA and number of leaflets in site 3. These traits are indicators of its high competitive ability, low inflammability and efficient acquisition and usage of resources. The possession of underground rhizome by this plant has also been observed as aiding its rapid horizontal expansion in unfavourable seasons.

52 ref

005389   KUMAR S, JOSHI J, BHATT P, CHOPRA N (Botany Dep, Kumaun Univ, Nainital- 263 002) : Positive relationship between species richness and above ground biomass in Kumaun Himalayan forest. Vegetos 2019, 32(1), 116-23.

Understory vegetation is an important part of forest ecosystem which affect the physical and chemical properties of soil, quality and quantity of forest litter and water storage capacity of litter soil layer. Thus, the influence of soil nutrients on the understory species composition of forest ecosystem cannot be ignored. The authors set 15 typical plots with area of 1 × 1 m in chir pine (Pinus roxburghii Sarg.), oak (Quercus leucotrichophora A. Camus)—chir pine mixed and oak–cypress (Cupressus torulosa D. Don) mixed forest. Chemical properties of the soil were analyzed at 0–10 cm, 10–20 cm and 20–30 cm in all the selected forest types. Phytosociological and diversity parameters were also calculated for each forest type. The present study reveals that carbon, nitrogen, pH and phosphorus are the most important environmental drivers which influence understory species composition. Plant species richness significantly correlated with species composition. To maintain the diversity and structure of ecosystems we should consider the co-evolution of both vegetation and soil. Further studies on climate and microorganism are needed to further explore the interactive relationships among vegetation and soil properties.

44 ref

005387   KUMAR A, SONI R, KANWAR S S, PABBI S (Microbiology Dep, CSK Himachal Pradesh Agricultural Univ, Palampur- 176 062) : Stenotrophomonas: A versatile diazotrophic bacteria from the rhizospheric soils of Western Himalayas and development of its liquid biofertilizer formulation. Vegetos 2019, 32(1), 103-9.

Rhizosphere is a rich repository of plant growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) which is a sustainable tool to increase crop productivity and maintain soil health. In this context, 43 isolates were obtained on Jensen’s medium from the rhizosphere of Triticum aestivum, Zea mays, Solanum tuberosum, Aloe barbadensis and Bacopa monnieri grown in Palampur, (Himachal Pradesh) India. Out of these isolates, only six isolates (WT-A2, WT-A1, MZ-A2, PT-A1, PT-A3 and BM-A3) exhibited significantly higher nitrogenase activity (451.45, 441.58, 440.91, 444.02, 383.64 and 374.44 nmole C₂H₄ h⁻¹ mg⁻¹ protein) as compared to the reference strain of Azotobacter chroococum MTCC 446 (372.85 nmole C₂H₄ h⁻¹ mg⁻¹ protein). The isolate WT-A2 was the most efficient with respect to nitrogenase activity (451.45 nmole C₂H₄ h⁻¹ mg⁻¹ protein), indole acetic acid production (17.45 μg ml⁻¹), ammonia production and siderophore production. Isolate WT-A2 was identified as Stenotrophomonas rhizophila on the basis of morphological, biochemical and 16S rRNA sequence analysis. In order to prepare liquid bioinoculant formulation, survivability studies on S. rhizophila was carried out in four different liquid carriers (Compost Tea, Biogas slurry, Vermiwash and Minimal Growth Medium) at room temperature (average maximum temp. was 23.83 °C and average minimum temp. was 11.91 °C). The results showed that S. rhizophila survived better in different liquid carriers (9.873 log cfu ml⁻¹ in biogas slurry; 9.843 log cfu ml⁻¹ in vermiwash; 9.163 log cfu ml⁻¹ in minimal growth medium), and Compost Tea was the best carrier to support higher bacterial load (9.907 log cfu ml⁻¹) on 180th day of storage. The results are of practical importance as this (compost tea) liquid carrier could be used to produce liquid biofertilizer formulation. Also, S. rhizophila could be a potential biofertilizer candidate as it posses multifarious plant growth promoting traits.

57 ref

005357   BAGYALAKSHMI B, NIVEDHITHA P, BALAMURUGAN A (PG & Research Biotechnology Dep, K S Rangasamy Coll of Technology, Tamil Nadu- 637 215) : Studies on phytochemical analysis, antioxidant and antibacterial activity of Ficus racemosa L. leaf and fruit extracts against wound pathogens. Vegetos 2019, 32(1), 58-63.

The present study deals with antibacterial activity of leaf and fruit parts of Ficus racemosa plant. Phytochemical analysis revealed alkaloids, flavonoids, phenols that contributed for higher antioxidant and antibacterial activity. The fruit exhibited significant inhibition when compared with leaf. Bacteria from wounds of diabetic patients were isolated and identified as Staphylococcus spp., Pseudomonas spp., Klebsiella spp. and Escherichia coli. MIC for all the three (Ethanol, toluene and ethyl acetate) extracts was performed against wound isolates. Among all wound bacteria tested Staphylococcus spp. showed lowest MIC (0.07 mg/ml) with toluene extract of fruit. The MIC for E. coli and Pseudomonas spp. was found to be 0.15 mg/ml and for Klebsiella spp. (0.31 mg/ml).The MIC 0.625 mg/ml was obtained for toluene extracts of leaf against Staphylococcus spp. and Klebsiella spp. Antibacterial study revealed that the extracts of leaf and fruit exhibited good inhibition activity against wound isolates. Study of well diffusion assay of Ficus racemosa extract revealed that 75 and 100 µg/ml concentration was found to have significant control over wound pathogens. Highest inhibition was obtained for Staphylococcus spp. and Klebsiella spp. with fruit extract with a zone of inhibition of 26 ± 0.10 and 24 ± 0.13 mm, respectively at 100 µg/ml. Toluene extract of fruit had higher antioxidant activity with IC₅₀ of 0.75 µg/ml followed by ethanol extract 1.42 µg/ml and correlated with antibacterial activity. Thus, this study proved that leaf and fruit extract have significant antibacterial activity and hence it can be used for a therapeutic purpose.

25 ref

005363   BINOY T T, BABY A, PILLAI A S, BHAGYA M V, THOMAS V P (Postgraduate and Research Dep of Botany, Catholicate Coll, Pathanamthitta, Kerala, Email: bttkripa@gmail.com) : Biomass productivity, synthetic seed preparation, oil extraction and chemical profiling of Scenedesmus obliquus. Vegetos 2019, 32(1), 33-8.

Microalgae are the quickly growing thalloid organisms and can be used as a renewable source of green energy. The present study focused on the uni-algal culturing, biomass productivity, viability testing of synthetic seed, oil extraction and chemical profiling of the micro-alga, Scenedesmus obliquus. Alga was isolated from leaves and cultured in the Bolds Basal Medium (BBM). The uni-algal culture of the species was developed by serial dilution method. The present study confirmed that BBM was the most successful culture medium for cultivating Scenedesmus obliquus. In the preliminary study, it was found that the biomass productivity of alga was higher in the log stage and later it was decreasing. Synthetic seed test proved that algal beads had more storage viability than pure culture and extend up to years. The percentage of oil in S. obliquus was 54.2 ± 0.0.49 %. The GC–MS analysis established that algal oil consists of altogether 37 chemical components with a variety of properties.

31 ref

005365   CAPARROTTA S, COMPARINI D, MARONE E, KIMMENFIELD R, LUZZIETTI L, TAITI C, MANCUSO S (Agricultural Sciences and Technologies Dep, Florence Univ, Florence- 50019, Email: cosimo.taiti@unifi.it) : Correlation between VOC fingerprinting and antimicrobial activity of several essential oils extracted by plant resins against A. tumefaciens and P. savastanoi. Flavour Fragr J 2019, 34(5), 377-87.

The present work aimed to assess the antimicrobial activity of twelve essential oils extracted from plant resins of trees that grow in several tropical and subtropical re‐gions of the world. Eleven essential oils were extracted from resins of plant belonging to the Burseraceae family (the genera Boswellia, Commiphora, Canarium and Bursera); the remaining oil was extracted from a resinous plant belonging to the Fabaceae fam‐ily (genus Hymenea). The extraction was carried out using a conventional distillation method. The volatile organic compounds (VOCs) of each essential oil were analyzed with PTR‐ToF‐MS (proton transfer reaction time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry) and the antimicrobial activity was evaluated against the phytopathogens Agrobacterium tumefaciens and Pseudomonas savastanoi pv. savastanoi. The essential oils obtained from Boswellia papyrifera, B. dalzielii, B. frereana and B. rivae were the most abundant in terms of signal intensity andVOC number in comparison with the other analyzed essential oils. Furthermore, B. neglecta shared a common volatile profile with the Canarium species,as was demonstrated previously in the literature. Greater bacterial growth inhibition of A. tumefaciens was detected with the essential oils extracted from plants belonging to Boswellia species while less action was observed against P. savastanoi. Finally, a positive correlation was found between terpenes and terpenoid compounds and bacterial growth inhibition, suggesting these essential oils as a new source of bioactive compounds for the prevention, protection and treatment of plant diseases.

5 illus, 2 tables, 97 ref

005376   FRATINI F, MANCINI S, TURCHI B, SPARAGNI D, AL-GWAD A A, NAJAR B, PISTELLI L, CERRI D, PEDONESE F (Veterinary Sciences Dep, Pisa Univ, Pisa, Italy, Email: flippo.fratini@unipi.it) : Antimicrobial activity of three essential oils (Cinnamon, Manuka, and Winter savory), and their synergic interaction, against Listeria monocytogenes. Flavour Fragr J 2019, 34(5), 339-48.

Essential oils (EOs) are categorized as having antimicrobial, insecticidal, and antioxidant activities. For their antibacterial activity, EOs are widely studied as alternatives to antibiotics in human and veterinary medicines. The inhibitory and bactericidal activities of three EOs (Cinnamomum zeylanicum, Leptospermum scoparium, and Satureja montana) were determined against Listeria monocytogenes ATCC 7644. The chemical compositions of the EOs were determined through gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GC‐MS). Essential oils were tested alone or in binary and ternary combinations for both their inhibitory and their bactericidal activities. Binary and ternary mixtures were tested through a chequerboard assay, and thus fractional inhibitory and fractional bactericidal concentration indices were obtained in relation to the activity of each EO alone. The chemical composition of each EO had different percentages of the main classes of compounds. EOs showed high levels of monoterpenes (hydrocarbons and oxygenated), sesquiterpenes (hydrocarbons and oxygenated), and phenylpropanoids for winter savory, manuka, and cinnamon, respectively. Several synergistic activities against Listeria monocytogenes were demonstrated in binary and ternary mixtures of the EOs. Mixtures of the EOs tested showed potential for use as antibacterial products; moreover, because of the synergistic activities the mixtures could be used in lower quantities than individual EOs on their own.

3 illus, 2 tables, 28 ref

005374   ELSHAMY A I, ABD-ELGAWAD A M, EL-AIMER Y A, GENDY A E G E, AL-ROWAILY S L (Botany Dep, Mansoura Univ, Mansoura, Egypt, Email: aibrahim2@ksu.edu.sa) : Interspecific variation, antioxidant and allelopathic activity of the essential oil from three Launaea species growing naturally in heterogeneous habitats in Egypt. Flavour Fragr J 2019, 34(5), 316-28.

Essential oils (EOs) from the aerial parts of three Launaea species collected from two different  habitats were  extracted [Launaea mucronata  collected  from  coastal desert (LMC) and from inland desert (LMD), Launaea nudicaulis collected from coastal desert (LNC) and from inland desert (LND), Launaea spinosa (LS)]. The EOs were analysed by gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GC‐MS) and tested for antioxidant activity as well for allelopathic activity against purslane. A total of 117 compounds were identified from all samples, including 64 from LS, 50 from LMC, 39 from LMD, 24 from LNC, and 20 from LND, representing 100 % of the total oil mass. The oxygenated sesquiterpenes were the major compounds of the EOs from LS, LMC, LMD, LNC, and LND, represent‐ing 62.73, 61.02, 58.35, 43.22, and 48.33 %, respectively, whereas the monoterpene hydrocarbons were minor compounds in all samples. α‐Acorenol (31.42 %), trans‐longi‐pinocarveol (12.04 %), and γ‐eudesmol (6.31 %) represented the major compounds of the EO from LS, whereas hexahydrofarnesyl acetone and n‐heneicosane represented the major compounds from LMC, LMD, LNC, and LND. Correlations between the EOs of the five samples were studied via principal component analysis and agglomerative hierarchical  clustering,  based on the chemical composition  of  the EOs.  There was a significant variation between Launaea species regarding both the quality and the quan‐tity of EO composition, whereas no significant difference was observed based on the habitats (coastal and inland deserts). The EOs of the five Launaea samples exhibited meaningful antioxidant activities, as follows: LND > LNC > LMD > LMC > LS. Moreover, the EOs of the five Lanaea samples exhibited significant allelopathic activity against purslane weed in a concentration‐dependent manner. LMD and LMC showed the high‐est  effect,  with  germination  inhibition  of  96.1 and  87.9%  at  250  μL  L⁻¹,  and  radicle growth inhibition of 92.6 and 89.7 %, but LS was the least effective extract. Our results showed that the variation in the quality and quantity of EO composition is mainly spe‐cies specific, with a slight correlation with habitats.

3 illus, 2 tables, 44 ref

005391   MAITY D, GHOSH J, MIDDAY M (Botany Dep, Calcutta Univ, Kolkata- 700 019, Email: debmaity@yahoo.com) : Traditional use of Mandragora caulescens c. b. Clarke, a poorly known medicinal plant of Sikkim Himalaya. Explor Anim Med Res 2019, 9(2), 204-6.

The traditional use of a Solanaceous plant, Mandragora caulescens C. B. Clarke, as medicine by the tribal communities of Sikkim is reported. The chemical constituents of the plant are also highlighted. In addition, the medicinal uses of its sister member, M. officinarum have also been mentioned. The scientific exploitation of M. caulescens through proper bioprospecting is highly recommended.

1 illus, 14 ref

005402   SANTHI SUDHA S, ARANGANATHAN V (Biochemistry Dep, Jain Univ, Bengaluru- 560 011, Email: v.aranganthanjainuniversity.ac.in) : Bioprospecting of some ethnomedicinal plants for potential antimycobacterial bacteriocin like inhibitory substances (BLIS). Explor Anim Med Res 2019, 9(2), 180-7.

Microbes produce antimicrobial substances giving itself an advantage to compete for resources over other microbes. In this study, some ethnomedicinal plants were screened for microbes that can produce anti-mycobacterial bacteriocin and have isolated a microbe. The isolated microbe has morphological characteristics of Gram positive and endospore forming rods. The 16S rRNA molecular level sequencing shows a 100 % similarity index with Bacillus subtilis of GenBank sequences. The bioactive compound is a peptide like substance exhibiting a clear zone of inhibition with Mycobacterium smegmatis as indicator microbe. Being sensitive to proteases, confirms its proteinaceous nature, shows characteristics of heat stability up to 70 °C and extractability with wide range of organic solvents. Having an advantage of being heat stable, tolerant to various organic solvents, and (MIC) minimum inhibitory concentration of 400 µg /ml for an unoptimized bacterial isolate, this compound might have pharmacological significance.

6 illus, 3 tables, 31 ref

005383   KINDSCHER K, MARTIN L M, LONG Q (Kansas Univ, KS- 66047, Email: 785-864-1529kindscher@ku.edu) : The sustainable harvest of wild populations of Oshá (Ligusticum porteri) in Southern Colorado for the herbal products trade. Econ Bot 2019, 73(3), 341-56.

It is a challenge to both use and conserve wild-harvested medicinal plants, especially when it appears they may be threatened by harvest pressure, and there is often limited biological information available to inform management decisions. Oshá (Ligusticum porteri) is an important medicinal plant whose roots are harvested in the southwest USA and Mexico as an herbal remedy to treat flu, sore throat, and other illnesses. We studied population structure, root production, and the ability of oshá to recover from harvest in different environmental contexts at two high-elevation southern Colorado sites with a goal of understanding what a sustainable rate of harvest might be. We experimentally harvested roots of mature oshá plants at four different rates. Results indicate that low rates of harvest allow for stable oshá populations over the short term (3–5 year) at our sites. Due to management interest by the USDA Forest Service, we propose a possible sustainable harvest rate of 50% of mature plants every 10 years. Given variability due to weather and other environmental factors, we recommend that future oshá harvest should be planned and adjusted after careful monitoring.

8 illus, 3 tables, 19 ref

005412   WANG J, SEYLER B C, TICKTIN T, ZENG Y, EZHU Z (Environment Dep, Sichuan Univ, Chengdu- 610 065, Email: bseyler@scu.edu.cn) : Indigenous botanical nomenclature used by the YI people in Liangshan prefecture, Sichuan Province, China. Econ Bot 2019, 73(3), 325-40.

With increasing outside cultural influences and economic development among the Yi people of Liangshan Prefecture, Sichuan, China, we sought to document traditional Yi language plant names and classification methods. Over 15 consecutive years (2003–2017), we used ethnobotanical surveys and interviews to investigate local knowledge of common plants in Liangshan. We collected Yi names of 322 plant taxa from 109 families and analyzed the Liangshan Yi’s indigenous botanical nomenclature. Many Yi language plant names include a suffix bbo, meaning “plant,” or syr meaning “tree.” Plants foundational to Yi culture, such as buckwheat, hemp, and bamboo, have monosyllabic names on which other plant names, compound words, and place names are built. The Liangshan Yi have a binomial nomenclature system used especially for crops, with “folk generics” based on plant life form or economic use, and “folk species/varieties” based on plant characteristics or habitat. Liangshan Yi generally name introduced plants by borrowing names from Mandarin Chinese in two ways: (1) borrowed sound (transliteration) or (2) borrowed sound combined with Yi morphemes (loan blends). With increased introduction of non-native plants into Liangshan, and greater market interactions between Han and Yi communities in Liangshan, traditional Yi plant naming methods are at risk of gradually being replaced by Han Chinese methods. Standardized education in Mandarin Chinese, increased Han migration to Liangshan, and changing lifestyles also contribute to decrease in knowledge and usage of Liangshan Yi plant names.

1 illus, 4 tables, 52 ref

005413   ZENDERLAND J, HART R, BUSSMANN R W, ZAMBRANA N Y P, SIKHARULIDZE S, KIKVIDZE Z, KIKODZE D, TCHELIDZE D, KHUTSISHVILI M, BATSATSASHVILI K (Humboldt State Univ, CA- 95521, Email: robbie.hart@mobot.org) : The use of “Use Value”: Quantifying importance in ethnobotany. Econ Bot 2019, 73(3), 293-303.

Use value (UV) is an index widely used to quantify the relative importance of useful plants. It combines the frequency with which a species is mentioned with the number of uses mentioned per species, and is often used to highlight prominent species of interest. However, high-UV species are often disproportionately cultivated species, with wild-collected plants ranking lower. To better understand this pattern, and to determine if it is present in the broader ethnobotanical literature, we reviewed an array of papers with results on UV and cultivation status, and we analyzed in depth data from two large ethnobotanical studies in the Republic of Georgia in the Caucasus. In addition to looking for differences in UV by cultivation status, we compared the two best-populated categories of use (medicinal and food uses) and the components of UV (relative frequency of citation and number of uses mentioned per species). We found that UV was higher in cultivated plants than wild plants in both the Caucasus datasets and the 17 studies overall. Medicinal plants did not exhibit this trend, as medicinal wild plants had marginally higher UV than medicinal cultivated plants. Relative frequency of citation had a substantial effect on UV, in contrast to number of uses mentioned for a given plant. In sum, UV seems subject to some obscured biases which are important to consider in the context of each study.

4 illus, 2 tables, 55 ref

005404   SAXENA C, RAWAT G (Pharmaceutics Dep, Swami Vivekanand Subharti Univ, Meerut -250 005, Email: charusaxena18@gmail.com) : Tinospora cordifolia (Giloy)- Therapeutic uses and importance: A review. Curr Res Pharmaceut Sci 2019, 9(3), 42-5.

Natural products having medicinal value are gaining more importance in clinical research now days due to their better pharmacological response and no side effects as compared to allopathic drugs. Tinospora cordifolia common name is “Guduchi” or “Giloy” is known for its application in the treatment of various diseases in the traditional ayurvedic literature. Active components obtained from the plant and their biological function in disease control has led to active interest in the plant. This review contains venicular name of plant, various components, their uses in targeting diseases .Giloy is an very important plant for treatment of various diseases.

1 illus, 2 tables, 15 ref

005407   SHARMA N, SINGH P, GUPTA S K (Pharmaceutical Technology Dep, Meerut Institute of Engineering and Technology, Meerut- 250 005, Email: nidhi1212sharma@gmail.com) : A review on role of various medicinal plants in cosmetics and cure health. Curr Res Pharmaceut Sci 2019, 9(3), 37-41.

According to W.H.O, about 80 % of the world population rely mainly on herbal remedies. Traditional use of herbs for cosmetic purposes mainly based on perfuming and skin care in the form of infusions, poultices etc. It is reported that herbal sources are mostly rich with vitamins, antioxidants, oils (essential) hydrocolloids, proteins, terpenoids and other bioactive compounds which are active in the scope of cosmetics such as anti-aging, anti-oxidant, anti-septic, antiinflammatory emollient effect etc. The natural content in the herbs does not have any side effects on the human body as compared to synthetic product. Herbal extracts are processed for curing several remedies and serve other health prospective. Cosmetics alone are not sufficient to take care of skin and other body parts, it requires association of active constituents to check the damage and ageing of the skin. Herbal formulations are useful as therapeutic and cosmetic applications for the treatment of various skin disorders and also for beautifying and attractiveness of skin, hair, lips, face, eyes etc.

2 tables, 9 ref

005386   KUMAR A D N, HAFTU B, KUMAR M V S M (Biomedical Sciences Dep, Adigrat Univ, Adigrat, Ethiopia, Email: adurganaveen@gmail.com) : Studies on antioxidant and anticancer potentials of fruit pulp extract of Semecarpus anacardium. Int J Pharm Biol Sci 2019, 9(3), 81-8.

Cellular damage mediated by reactive oxygen species (ROS) has been implicated in the pathogenesis of several diseases. Natural antioxidants have significant importance in human health. Focus towards the natural sources of antioxidants has been increasing these days to fight against the lethal effects of free radicals. Semecarpus anacardium, a medicinal plant of Anacardiaceae family used as remedy in the alleviation of disorders. The present study was focused to evaluate the antioxidant and anticancer potentials aqueous extract of S.anacardium fruit pulp by most accepted methods. The aqueous extract exhibited significant DPPH, hydroxyl radical and nitric oxide scavenging activities. In addition, the aqueous extract also exhibited significant anti-proliferative activity and cathepsin B and MMP-9 inhibitory activities. Therefore, S.anacardium fruits may serve as a novel therapeutic agent for the treatment of radical mediated diseases.

2 illus, 30 ref

005347   AGARWAL S, CHAKRABORTY S, MITRA A (Applied Science Dep, RCC Institute of Information Technology, Kolkata- 700 015, Email: mailsangvee@gmail.com) : Physico-chemical variables of ambient media and astaxanthin content of mangroves in Hooghly-Matla estuarine complex of Indian Sundarbans. Int J Pharm Biol Sci 2019, 9(3), 53-7.

Astaxanthin, one of the naturally occurring carotenoid pigments possessing strong antioxidant property, has been pointed to play an essential role in the protection against peroxidation of lipid and oxidative damage of LDL cholesterol, cell membrane, cells and tissues. The salt tolerant mangrove vegetation present in the deltaic lobe of Indian Sundarbans has been documented as one of the prime sources of astaxanthin. This paper reflects the accumulation pattern of astaxanthin in six species of mangroves namely- Avicennia officinalis, Avicennia alba, Avicennia marina, Sonneratia apetala, Aegiceros corniculatum and Bruguiera gymnorrhiza at ten different stations having different environmental conditions in the Hooghly-Matla estuarine complex of Indian Sundarbans. Although these six species share the same brackish water media, but significant variation in the leaf astaxanthin level confirms the concept of species specificity and effects of various Physico-chemical factors in terms of this secondary carotenoid.

2 illus, 3 tables, 14 ref

005403   SATARI ALTAF H, ZARGAR M I, RANJU B, SHAH WAJAHT A, BHAT ZULFIKAR A, ASHRAF N J, NASRIN A (Pharmaceutical Sciences Dep, Kashmir Univ, Kashmir- 190 006, Email: iqbalzargar@gmail.com) : Endophytic fungi as rich sources of naturally occurring bio-active compounds- A review. Int J Pharm Biol Sci 2019, 9(3), 44-52.

Medicinal plants are rich source of therapeutic substances and playing a good rule to curing illnesses. This review describes information that endophytic fungi are the rich source of naturally occurring bio active compounds. Endophytic fungi generally live peacefully with their host without causing any visible harm and often produce metabolites that help to protect the host plant from insects and other pathogen microorganisms. Emergence of new diseases, appearance of life threatening viruses, and development of drug resistance against the current drugs are some challenges in front of scientists to search for new drugs. In this review, we focus mainly on bioactive natural products from endophytic fungi by their different functional roles.

55 ref

005406   SETH M, DIKSHA, KAUR R, NITIKA, SOOD H, KAUR R, GUPTA V (Biotechnology Dep, DAV Coll, Amritsar- 143 005, Email: bio_vic@yahoo.com) : Evaluation of the antimicrobial potential of Punica granatum and Origanum vulgare. Int J Pharm Biol Sci 2019, 9(3), 1-5.

To evaluate the antimicrobial potential of Punica granatum and Origanum vulgare against some bacterial strains. The aqueous extracts were screened for their antimicrobial potential and physiochemical parameters such as extract concentration and temperature were optimized. The MIC of the most sensitive microorganism was worked out. The 10% aqueous extract of Punica granatum (pomegranate) and Origanum vulgare (Oregano) were screened for their antimicrobial activity against bacteria like Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Salmonella typhimurium, Staphylococcus epidermidis, where the average inhibition zone of Punica granatum ranged from 11-19 mm with Salmonella typhimurium being the most sensitive (19 mm). Origanum vulgare did not show effectiveness against the test organisms at 10% concentration. Optimization studies showed 20% extract concentration and an extraction temperature of 60 °C to be the optimal conditions which would support the best antimicrobial activity of the plant extracts. The MIC of Punica granatum against Staphylococcus epidermidis was found to be 50 mg/ml. These findings suggest that these plants can be used for development of antimicrobial compounds in time to come.

1 illus, 5 tables, 8 ref

005394   MORE K, BIRADAR R, CHABAKE V, GAMBHIRE V (Botany Dep, The Institute of Science, Mumbai, Maharashtra) : Some medicinally important plants used by tribal communities of Palghar District, Maharashtra. Bioinfolet 2019, 16(3), 138-40.

The tribal people use plants as medicine as per their ancestral knowledge coupled with experience. Present survey was undertaken from Wada, Jawhar, Mokhada, Vikramgad and Dahanuareas of Palghar district, where most of the tribal people are living. They use plants and plant products in their day-to-day life, and also for treating various diseases. Present survey includes information on 40 medicinally important plants from Palghar District.

1 table, 2 ref

005382   KHARAT G T (Botany Dep, Moreshwar Arts, Science & Commerce Coll, Jalna- 431 114) : Myxomycetes of Maharashtra (India) I: Genus Diderma pers. Bioinfolet 2019, 16(3), 133-7.

During floristic study of Myxomycetes from Nashik, Dhulia, Aurangabad, Kolhapur and Bhandara regions of Maharashtra, author come across a number of myxomycetes species. Among them the genus Diderma Pers. has been found to be representative of six species i.e. Diderma corrubrum Macbr., D. effusum (Schw.) Morgan, D. farrianum sp. nov., D. hemisphaericum (Bull.) Hernem., Diderma platycarpum Nann - Brem., Diderma rimosum U. Eliass & nann.-Brem. Out of these, D. farrianum sp. nov. is new to science and D. rimosum U. Eliass & nann.-Brem., are new records to India.

6 illus, 39 ref

005405   SAYYED I U (Botany Dep, Y & M AKIS Poona Coll of Arts, Science and Commerce, Pune- 411 001) : Effect of metal ions on production of amylase by fungi grown on dproteinized leaf extracts. Bioinfolet 2019, 16(3), 129-32.

Present study revealed the effect of metal ions on the production of enzyme amylase by four fungi viz Aspergillus niger, Helminthosporium oryzae, Aspergillus flavus, Curvularia lunata and Fusarium oxysporum, which were cultivated on deproteinized leaf extracts of Medicago sativa, Spinacia oleracea, Anethum graveolens and Trigonella foenium-graecum. Maximum amylase production was achieved by Aspergillus niger. The production of amylase increased due to the addition of ZnSo₄ to the deproteinized leaf extract of 4 Medicago sativa, when Aspergillus niger was cultivated on it.

4 tables, 7 ref

005385   KSHIRSAGAR A A (UG and PG Botany Dep, Shivaji Arts, Commerce and Science Coll, Aurangabad, Maharashtra) : Morphological and anatomical studies of Cuphea ignea L. (Family Lythraceae). Bioinfolet 2019, 16(3), 123-4.

The anatomical features of leaf, node, petiole and epidermis of Cuphea ignea belonging to family Lythraceae were examined to study morphoanatomical characters. Epicuticular portion of trichomes, crystals of calcium oxalate, diacytic stomata, anisocytic stomata and mucilaginous cells were observed.

5 illus, 6 ref

005410   UPADHYAY S, KOCHE V (Pt. Ravishankar Shukla Univ, Raipur- 492 010, Email: seema2610@gmail.com) : Antioxidant activity and phytochemical content of Clerodendrum serratum L. from different provinces of Chhattisgarh State, India. Asian J Chem 2019, 31(10), 2147-51.

Clerodendrum serratum L. is one of the important medicinal plant found in Chhattisgarh state of India. Its over-exploitation for medicinal value made it a threatened species according to Chhattisgarh Medicinal Plant Board. It is being used in Ayurveda from ancient times for many diseases like asthma, body ache, bronchitis, cholera, dropsy, eye diseases, fever, inflammations, malaria, ophthalmia, rheumatism, snakebite, tuberculosis, ulcers and wounds. Present study aimed to compare the phytochemical contents and antioxidant activity of a medicinally important plant C. serratum L. collected from different provinces of Chhattisgarh state (India). Plants were collected from three districts of Chhattisgarh (Jagdalpur, Bilaspur and Raipur). Aerial and underground parts were separated and subjected for extraction by using different solvents of different polarity. These extracts were evaluated for phytochemical profiling, phytochemical content (total phenolic and flavonoids content) and antioxidant activity. Methanolic extract shows highest antioxidant activity and phenolic and flavonoids content among all the extracts. When the plants of different regions were compared, it was found that plants of Jagdalpur district is a potent source of phytochemical and showing highest antioxidant activity. Further, the correlation study showed that phenolics and flavonoids mainly account for antioxidant activity. It may be possible that some different groups of phytochemical act synergistically together with the phenolics and flavonoids and provide antioxidant effect.

1 illus, 2 tables, 20 ref

005369   CHANDRA R, BHANDARI P, SHARMA S C, EMMANUEL I, ALAM A (Bioscience and Biotechnology Dep, Banasthali Vidyapith, Banasthali- 304 022, Rajasthan, Email: afrozalamsafvi@gmail.com) : Health benefits of cactus. Ann Phytomed 2019, 8(2), 179-85.

Xerophytes are the great fighters due to their amazing abilities to deal with extremely challenging environment. These plants are distinct from other mesophytes in having morphological, anatomical and physiological adaptations. Due to these adaptive modifications the biochemistry of these plants is also unique and they are the vital source of valuable phytochemical contents of a range of uses, especially medicinal utilization. Cactus is one of the most widely distributed plants in the xeric environment and has special characteristics. In this review an attempt is made to provide an all-encompassing account of this plant with special focus to its medicinal properties.

1 illus, 1 table, 87 ref

005377   GADADE J P, PATIL S A (Botany Dep, Shivaji Univ, Kolhapur, Maharashtra, Email: swaroopa.ghatge@gmail.com) : Phytochemical paradigm, antioxidant status and their correlation in Rotheca serrata (L.) Steane and Mabb. Ann Phytomed 2019, 8(2), 156-66.

Lamiaceae member Rotheca serrata (L.) Steane and Mabb. (Clerodendrum serratum) is reported as regionally “vulnerable” in northern India and “endangered” in Chhattisgarh and Madhya Pradesh regions. Being highly medicinal, it is used widely in treatment of different diseases. Locally called Bharangi, has antitussive, antioxidant, anticancerous and vasorelaxant properties. Present investigation deals with quantitative study of bioactive compounds like total phenolics and total flavonoids. Four different solvents systems (aqueous, methanol, chloroform, isoamyl alcohol) and fresh leaf and root plant parts were used for extraction. In the various solvent systems used, methanolic extract of root reported highest phenolic content (34.3 ± 0.05 mg GAE/g FW). The highest flavonoid content also has been found in methanolic extract of root (13.8 ± 0.01 mg RE/g FW). The antioxidant activities of fresh leaf and root parts of R. serrata were determined using 2,2 diphenyl-1-picrylhydazyl (DPPH), Ferrous Ion Chelating activity (FICA), Superoxide Anion Scavenging (SOAS), Phosphomolybdenum reducing power (PMo) and Ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assays of R. serrata. The antioxidant activities in leaf were strongly correlated with total phenolics (PMo R² = 0.433 and FICA, R² = 0.326 both significant), those in root were also correlated with total phenolics (FICA, R² = 0.798, DPPH, R² = 0.717, FRAP, R² = 0.551, PMo, R² = 0.500 all values significant). In leaf, the antioxidant activities were correlated with total flavonoid content (PMo, R² = 0.445 significant), in roots were strongly correlated with total flavonoid content, with all values significant (DPPH, R² = 0.532, FICA, R² = 0.840, FRAP, R² = 0.571).

6 illus, 1 table, 55 ref

005411   WALI A F, HAMAD E A, KHAZANDAR A A, AL-AZZAWI A M, SARHEED A, MENEZES G A, ALAM A (Pharmaceutical Chemistry Dep, RAK Medical and Health Sciences Univ, United Arab Emirates- 11172, Email: farooq@rakmhsu.ac.ae) : Antimicrobial and in vitro antioxidant activity of Salvia officinalis L. against various re-emergent multidrug resistance microbial pathogens. Ann Phytomed 2019, 8(2), 115-20.

Routine antimicrobial testing was evaluated by using agar disk-diffusion testing method. The total phenolic, total flavonoid content, 2, 2'-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid) (ABTS) and 1, 1-diphenyl2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) antioxidant activity were also performed on the extract/fractions. The results revealed fraction II possess maximum total phenolic and flavonoids content (330 ± 9.81 mg GAE/g and 106 ± 6.23 mg NE/g, respectively). Salvia officinalis L. extract and it's all fractions (I and II) exhibited antioxidant potential, but fraction II displayed significant DPPH and ABTS antioxidant potential, having an IC₅₀ value of 49.43 ± 6.21 µg/ml and 76.88 ± 7.42 µg/ml, respectively. The fraction II displayed substantial activity against clinical isolates for both Gram-positive bacteria (93 A, P 15 and P 9 Staphylococcus aureus), but against Gram-negative bacteria (715 Escherichia coli and ETT 10 and P 34 Klebsiella sp.). There were no inhibition in the growth of the microbes. S. officinalis extract and fractions would be useful to reduce the infectious diseases, caused by various re-emergent multidrug resistance microbial pathogens or slow the advancement of different oxidative stress related ailments. However, further study is needed to isol ation and characterization of bioactive molecu les, which may provide potential benefits source of natural antioxidants and antimicrobial properties.

2 illus, 3 tables, 27 ref

005364   BOUATROUS Y (Natural Sciences and Life Dep, Mohamed Khider Univ, Biskra, Algeria, Email: y.bouatrous@univ-biskra.dz) : Antibacterial activity of an essential oil and various extracts of the medicinal plant Thymus hirtus sp. algeriensis Boiss. & Reut. Ann Phytomed 2019, 8(2), 108-14.

Bacteria are most often implicated in cases of food poisoning and the extensive use of chemical, antibacterial agents in the medication leads to the selection of resistant bacterial strains. The essential oils of medicinal and aromatic plants can be used as an alternative for the treatment of infectious diseases and for the protection of food against any alteration. This study was carried out in order to examine in vitro the antibacterial activity of the essential oil of Thymus, ethanolic and aqueous extracts are tested on pathogenic bacteria: (Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Salmonella entertica), responsible for the toxins food infections in Algeria. The essential oil revealed variable antibacterial activities against the bacterial strains tested except the Pseudomonas aerugionsa strain. However, the ethanolic extract shows particularly remarkable antibacterial activity on Staphylococcus aureus only with a inhibition zone of the order of (10.91 ± 0.05). The aqueous extract showed no antibacterial activity. The evaluation also of the association effect of the essential oil of an aromatic plant (Thymus algeriensis) and an antibiotic gentamycin on four bacterial strains, one gram-positive and the other three gram-negative, gives us very important results regarding the association between thyme essential oil and gentamycin which appeared more effective compared to the use of each separate compound.

1 illus, 6 tables, 42 ref

005360   BHATT P R, PANDYA K B, PATEL U D, MODI C M, PATEL H B, JAVIA B B (Veterinary Pharmacology and Toxicology Dep, Junagadh Agricultural Univ, Junagadh- 362 001, Email: urvesh1981@yahoo.com) : Antidiabetic, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity of medicinal plants collected from nearby area of Junagadh, Gujarat. Ann Phytomed 2019, 8(2), 75-84.

The present study was planned to carry out phytochemical analysis and to evaluate in vitro antidiabetic, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities of different extracts of six medicinal plants collected from the nearby area of Junagadh, Gujarat, India, viz., Luffa echinata Roxb. (fruit), Operculina turpethum (L.) Silva Manso (leaf), Sphaeranthus indicus L. (fruit), Cressa cretica L. (leaf), Corchorus depressus L. (root) and Cassia absus (seed). An in vitro antidiabetic activity was evaluated by alpha-amylase and alpha-glucosidase inhibition methods, antioxidant activity by DPPH (2, 2-diphenyl-1- picrylhydrazyl) assay and anti-inflammatory activity by albumin denaturation assay. Hydro-alcoholic and methanolic extracts of L.echinata, water extract of C.cretica and methanolic and hydro-alcoholic extracts of C. depressus showed significant inhibition either of alpha-amylase or alpha-glucosidase or both in vitro at various concentrations. Hydro-alcoholic and methanolic extracts of L. echinata fruit and hydroalcoholic and methanolic extracts of S. indicus fruit showed significant in vitro antioxidant effect. Water extract of O. turpethum leaf showed significant anti-inflammatory activity by preventing albumin denaturation in vitro. Phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of glycosides, flavonoids, alkaloids, tannins and steroids in different extracts of medicinal plants which might be responsible for significant in vitro antidiabetic, antioxidant and antiinflammatory activities. Identification and isolation of active substances from such plants and in vivo efficacy evaluation will be helpful for further validation of pharmacological activities of these medicinal plants.

6 illus, 4 tables, 46 ref

005351   ALAM A (Bioscience and Biotechnology Dep, Banasthali Vidyapith, Banasthali- 304 022, Rajasthan, Email: afrozalamsafvi@gmail.com) : Herbs that heal spices: The hoard of natural remedies. Ann Phytomed 2019, 8(2), 7-18.

Plants and humans have cherished a great association ever since their beginning of this planet. Our planet is called green planet just because of the green boon given to us by Mother Nature. Plants fulfill almost every need of humans and other life present on this planet. Through finely woven ecosystems with well formed trophic levels, humans are getting precious offering in the form of plants, including their food, feed, shelter and most significantly the medicines to cure various ailments. In this review an attempt has been made to highlight just only three common kitchen’s spices that have valuable aspects as medicinal herbs, viz., Cinnamomum verum J. Presl (Dalchini), Trigonella foenum-graecum L. (Methi) and Crocus sativus L. (Kesar). An all inclusive account of these three is given related to their potential as natural medicines.

2 illus, 99 ref

005409   SHEORAN S, NIDHI P, NIDHI P, KUMAR V, SINGH G, LAL U R, SOURIRAJAN A, DEV K (Shoolini Univ of Biotechnology and Management Sciences, Himachal Pradesh- 173 229) : Altitudinal variation in gallic acid content in fruits of Phyllanthus emblica L. and its correlation with antioxidant and antimicrobial activity. Vegetos 2019, 32(3), 387-96.

Gallic acid is one of the most important organic compounds in fruits of Phyllanthus emblica. Therefore, the objective of the present study is to find out the effect of altitude on gallic acid content in fruits of P. emblica and its correlation with antioxidant and antimicrobial activity. Phytochemicals such as phenolics, tannins, flavonoids, carbohydrates, glycosides, phytosteroids, alkaloids and saponins were detected in fruit extracts of P. emblica collected from different regions of Himachal Pradesh. Fruits extract from Mandi (239.74 ± 39.28 mg/g gallic acid equivalents, GAE) district showed a higher amount of total phenolic content (TPC), whereas, total flavonoid content (TFC) was higher from Kangra (356 ± 27.63 mg/g rutin equivalents, RE) district. Methanolic extracts showed inhibition to the growth of both Gram-positive ( B. subtilis, Staphylococcus aureus), and Gram-negative bacteria ( E. coli, K. pneumoniae). The methanolic extract of fruits of Bilaspur district showed the highest antibacterial activity against B. subtilis (19.5 ± 0.71 mm), S. aureus (21.0 ± 1.41 mm), E. coli (17.5 ± 0.71) and K. pneumoniae (21.5 ± 2.12) as compared to other regions and amoxyclav. High-performance thin-layer chromatography (HPTLC) method was used for the quantification of gallic acid in the extracts of fruits of P. emblica. HPTLC chromatogram showed the highest content of gallic acid in methanolic extracts of fruits from Kangra followed by Bilaspur, Mandi, and Una. However, antioxidant and antibacterial activity was higher in fruits extracts of high altitude (Bilaspur region). In summary, Bilaspur region of Himachal Pradesh could be used for mass cultivation of fruits of P. emblica because of their high antioxidant and antimicrobial potential under these geographical conditions.

53 ref

005361   BHATTACHARJEE S, DAS A R, SAHA A K, DAS P (Botany Dep, Tripura Univ, Tripura- 799 022) : Fungal endophytes from medicinal plants: Growth promotion in Oryza sativa L. and Cicer arietinum L. Vegetos 2019, 32(3), 381-6.

In the present investigation, four endophytic fungi were isolated from two medicinal plants from two medicinal plants and identified using molecular technique and tested the efficacy of four isolates on the growth of Cicer arietinum and two varieties of rice (Sarath and Gomati). The molecular characterization using amplification of internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region of fungal ribosomal DNA (rDNA) reveals four fungi namely Diaporthe phaseolorum, Penicillium oxalicum, Fusarium sp. and Syncephalastrum monosporum. The efficacy of isolates on the growth of plants indicated that there was significant increase in shoot length, root length and shoot dry weight with inoculation of D. phaseolorum, P. oxalicum and Fusarium sp. on Sarath variety of rice. Significant increase in shoot length and root dry weight was observed in Gomati rice variety with the inoculation of D. phaseolorum, P. oxalicum and Fusarium sp. Again there was significant increase in root length, shoot dry weight and root dry weight with inoculation of D. phaseolorum, P. oxalicum and Fusarium sp. on the growth of C. arietinum. However, no significant difference was observed between S. monosporum and uninoculated treatment on the growth of rice variety Gomati and C. arietinum. The results indicated that out of four, P. oxalicum, Fusarium sp. and D. phaseolorum were better plant growth promoting endophytic fungi.

28 ref

005381   KHAJURIA A K, CHANDRA S, MANHAS R K, BISHT N S (Botany Dep, HNB Garhwal Univ, Uttarakhand- 246 001) : Effect of different PGRs on in vitro organogenesis in Viola canescens Wall. ex. Roxb. from petiole callus culture. Vegetos 2019, 32(3), 353-62.

An efficient protocol for in-direct in vitro regeneration of Viola canescens is described using petiole derived callus. Proliferation of callus was achieved using 2,4-D, 2,4-D: Kn, 2-4D: BAP; IBA alone or in combination with Kn on Murashige and Skoog medium. The callus differentiated into multiple shooting buds on MS medium fortified with different concentrations of various cytokinins (Kn, BAP, Zeatine and Gibberellin). Maximum average number of shoots (19.93 ± 1.79) and maximum average length of petiole (5.41 ± 0.47) was achieved when medium was fortified with 22.20 µM BAP and 18.60 + 4.0 µM Kn + Gibberellin, respectively. The microshoots were separated and rooted on full and half strength MS medium fortified with different concentrations of various auxins (IBA and NAA). Maximum average number (14.30 ± 2.24) and length (3.98 ± 0.73) of root was recorded on half strength medium fortified with 4.92 µM IBA. The regenerated plantlets were phenotypically normal and successfully transplanted to soil conditions with 90% survival percentage.

65 ref

005355   AVASTHI S, GAUTAM A K, BHADUARIA R (Jiwaji Univ, Madhya Pradesh- 474 011) : Biochemical alterations in Aloe vera (L.) Burm. f. leaves infected with Colletotrichum gloeosporioides. Vegetos 2019, 32(3), 345-52.

This study aimed to determine the alterations in major biochemical contents of Aloe vera infested by Colletotrichum gloeosporioides. Effects of fungal pathogen C. gloeosporioides on chlorophyll-a, chlorophyll-b, total chlorophyll, total soluble sugar, total phenols, total anthraquinones, total flavonoids, carotenoids and vitamin E were analyzed in artificially infested leaves of A. vera. While significant decrease in the contents of chlorophyll-a, chlorophyll-b, total chlorophyll, carotenoids and total soluble sugar was observed, an increased concentration of total phenolics, total anthraquinones, total flavonoid and vitamin E contents was recorded in infested leaves as compared to control. Being a medicinal plant, A. vera suffers a huge loss in its yield due to the attack of number of fungal pathogens. Moreover, changes in the concentration of its main biochemical groups were directly associated with the adverse effect of pathogens during the progression of infection on plant leaves. Therefore, control of the fungal diseases by applying appropriate management strategies is the important thrust to protect the plant of an enormous commercial value.

55 ref

005393   MAZRI M A, MEZIANI R, ELMAATAOUI S, Alfeddy M N, Jaiti F (Institute National de la Recherche Agronomique, Marrakech, Morocco) : Assessment of genetic fidelity, biochemical and physiological characteristics of in vitro grown date palm cv. Al-Fayda. Vegetos 2019, 32(3), 333-44.

The effects of various culture conditions on adventitious bud multiplication and plantlet regeneration in date palm cv. Al-Fayda were investigated. Adventitious buds were cultured on semi-solid Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium supplemented with three different plant growth regulator (PGR) combinations. The effects of various strengths and textures of the multiplication medium were evaluated and the adventitious buds were cultured on media supplemented with various types and concentrations of carbon sources. It was found that semi-solid 1/2MS medium supplemented with 2.4 µM NOA, 2.3 µM KIN and 40 g l⁻¹ sucrose is the most effective for shoot bud multiplication with 30 shoot buds per explant. On the other hand, liquid media resulted in very high levels of hyperhydricity (up to 100%). Peroxidase activity ranged from 372 to 709 U g⁻¹ FW and was higher in buds cultured on liquid media, while the total protein concentration ranged from 16.3 to 46.7 mg g⁻¹ FW. Shoot elongation and rooting were successfully achieved on semi-solid 1/2MS medium supplemented with 2.4 µM NOA, 2.3 µM KIN and 40 g l⁻¹ sucrose. Regarding the physiological characteristics of developed shoots, the chlorophyll content ranged from 6.50 to 14.40 CCI, the chlorophyll fluorescence from 0.682 to 0.750, the foliar surface from 6.85 to 9.88 cm² and the stomatal conductance from 8.97 to 12.51 mmol m⁻² s⁻¹. The rooted plantlets were successfully acclimatized in the glasshouse with a survival rate of 70%. The genetic conformity of regenerants was assessed by inter-simple sequence repeat (ISSR) markers, and a high similarity with the mother plant was observed.

49 ref

005359   BHADURI A, CHATTERJEE S, BAKULI K, HAZRA D, PANDEY S (Botany Dep, Banwarilal Bhalotia Coll, Asansol- 713 303) : Nutrient cycling and metabolic activity of soil microbes in pristine forests in comparison to a monoculture. Vegetos 2019, 32(3), 324-32.

Soil health in terms of nutrient cycling, metabolic activities and microbial diversity is measured and compared among four different forests in Gangajalghati forest area of Bankura district, West Bengal, India. Three of these forests are of pristine nature and one is Eucalyptus monoculture. The microbial diversity in terms of species richness is considerably higher in pristine forests as compared to the Eucalyptus monoculture. The P values determined using statistical tools like Wilcoxon rank sum test and Kolmogrov Smirnov test reveal significant difference in carbon and nitrogen contents and also in acid phosphatase activity between the pristine forests and the man-made monoculture forest. The elemental analysis through EDX also suggests a better nutrient cycling owing to greater microbial activity in the pristine forests than its monoculture counterpart. It also revealed a higher concentration of some heavy metals viz., Cd, Pb and Cr in the monoculture type forest. However, phosphorus content, basal respiration and dehydrogenase (DHA) activities remains to be the same in these characteristically two types of forests. Most of the parameters indicate a poor nutrient shuffling and microbial diversity in the man-made monoculture of Eucalyptus and a reforestation practice of this kind is not encouraging.

40 ref

005370   CHAUHAN R (Botany Dep, Panjab Univ, Chandigarh- 160 014) : Nitrogen sources and trace elements influence laccase and peroxidase enzymes activity of Grammothele fuligo. Vegetos 2019, 32(3), 316-23.

The effect of different organic, inorganic nitrogen sources and trace elements on growth and ligninolytic enzymes production by Grammothele fuligo has been investigated. Amongst all the nitrogen compounds used, the most favourable for growth was ammonium oxalate. It showed maximum Lignin Peroxidase activity (80.6 IU/mL) with ammonium chloride. The optimum Manganese Peroxidase activity (4.13 IU/mL) was observed with ammonium acetate. DL-alanine served as the best organic nitrogen source for the growth. The highest MnP (36.7 IU/mL) and laccase (3921.5 IU/mL) activities were revealed in medium supplemented by DL-tryptophan. However, their positive effects on enzyme accumulation were due to a higher biomass production. The higher concentrations of trace elements were found to be fungistatic for its growth viz. B, Co, Cu, Fe (400 ppm) and Co (100 ppm). It exhibited maximum LiP activity (456.9 IU/mL) with 10⁻³ ppm Fe and MnP activity (3.30 IU/mL) with 10⁻⁶ ppm B and 10⁻³ ppm Ca. The maximum laccase activity (653.5 IU/mL) was observed with 10⁻⁶ ppm Cu. This is the first report on nitrogen sources and trace elements effect on ligninolytic enzymes production of Grammothele. The results will facilitate research to understand the nature of the fungus and to increase its enzymes production under controlled conditions.

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005401   PRASHER I B, MANJU (Botany Dep, Panjab Univ, Chandigarh, Punjab) : Screening of Peniophora nuda (a white rot fungus) for the presence of commercially important bioactive metabolites. Vegetos 2019, 32(3), 307-15.

The present investigation was carried out to analyze the active constituents present in the ethyle acetate, methanol and hexane extract of Peniophora nuda, a resupinate basidiomycetes. It had shown 60, 9 and 60 major peaks with crude extract of ethyle acetate, methanol and hexane respectively in GC–MS (gas chromatography and mass spectometery) chromatogram. Ethyle acetate extract had shown 29 peaks having area  % more than one; 12.88% being the highest occupied by 13-Docosenamide, (Z)-. All the 9 peaks in methanolic extract have area more than 1% among which 49.82% was the highest occupied by Tricaproin. Twenty-eight peaks of hexane extract have shown area % more than 1; 14.46% being the highest occupied by 13-Docosenamide, (Z)-.

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005398   PAUL C, DEBNATH B (Forestry and Biodiversity Dep, Tripura Univ, Suryamaninagar, Tripura) : Assessment of sex specific relationship among nine Dioscorea species found in Tripura by using morphometric and micro morphometric markers. Vegetos 2019, 32(3), 254-68.

Present study deals the assessment of inter and intra specific relationship among nine Dioscorea species by using morphological and micro-morphological markers. To fabricate the relationship among the Dioscorea species 37 micro-morphometric traits were adopted. Wild Dioscorea tuber is a potential substitute food supplement offering the seasonal food security to the indigenous forest dwellers of Tripura. In nature, Dioscorea species exhibit high morphological variation. In spite of enormous information available regarding the interspecific relationship in dioecious Dioscorea species meager information are existing with respect to sexes. PCA analysis revealed that two vital components account for 58.21% of total variation among the traits. PCA I was strongly associated (r > 0.5) with fourteen morphological traits. The first seven PCs have Eigen value greater than 1 together explain 95.17% of the total variance. The results of cluster analysis and dendrogram developed initially produce four main groups at level 7.31. The results obtained may contribute to effective conservation and improvement practices of Dioscorea with good agronomical traits which may be attributable with the utilization of Dioscorea genetic resources.

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005380   KANTHALIYA B, JOSHI A, ARORA J (Botany Dep, Mohan Lal Sukhadia Univ, Udaipur- 313 001) : Evaluation of isoflavonoid content in context to tuber size and seed biology study of Pueraria tuberosa (Roxb.ex.Willd.) DC: A vulnerable medicinal plant. Vegetos 2019, 32(3), 247-53.

Pueraria tuberosa known as “Kudzu” is a vulnerable perennial woody liana and native to South–East Asia. The tuber of this plant is used in traditional medicine system and possesses various pharmacological properties due to presence of various Isoflavonoids. The present study has been aimed to create GIS map of P. tuberosa with special reference to South Rajasthan. Analysis of total isoflavonoids content in tuber and its correlation with size and geographical distribution has also been done. HPLC profiling of different sized tuber revealed that palatable tubers are watery and very poor in puerarin (0.3 mg/g DW), diadzin (0.17 mg/g DW) and genistin (0.87 mg/g DW). The biggest tuber (~ 4.5 kg) contained highest amount of Puerarin (100.79 mg/g DW) obtained from one geographical region while the biggest tuber (~ 180 g) from another geographical region contained no detectable puerarin and high diadzin (10.4 mg/g DW). Further germination pattern of seeds revealed that a systematic management practice may increases the survival of seedlings up to 70%.

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005373   DEBNATH S, SAHA R, DAS P, SAHA A K (Botany Dep, Tripura Univ, Tripura- 79902) : Cultivation and medicinal properties of wild edible Pleurotus ostreatus of Tripura, Northeast India. Vegetos 2019, 32(3), 238-46.

Cultivation of edible mushrooms is one of the most economically usable processes for bioconversion of agro wastes for the production of protein-rich food with various medicinal values. The present investigation was focused to determine the most effective and suitable substrate for the cultivation of Pleurotus ostreatus considering biological efficiency and medicinal activities of fruiting bodies. Different parameters like mycelium running rate, development of fruiting bodies, cropping phase, productivity, biological efficiency and medicinal activities like antibacterial, antioxidant activities of this mushroom were evaluated. The total mycelium running, total primordial formation, complete fruit body formation and duration of cropping were dominant in PS substrate. Fruiting body size was bigger in SD substrate but higher productivity (19.6%) and biological efficiency (65.33%) was observed in PS substrate. Methanolic extracts of cultivated P. ostreatus on PS substrate showed higher antibacterial, free radical scavenging activity (74.26%), chelating effects on ferrous ion (91.11%), total phenol content (0.097 mg GAE/g) and flavonoids content (0.017 mg CE/g). The lowest EC₅₀ values of cultivated P. ostreatus were found in PS substrate which indicated the stronger ability of antioxidant activity. The present study indicates that the types of used substrates affect biological efficiency and medicinal properties.

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005408   SHARMA S, SHUKLA V J, HARISHA C R, PATEL B R (Pharmaceutical Chemistry Dep, Gujarat Ayurved Univ, Jamnagar, Gujarat, Email: shikhavishishth@gmail.com) : Pharmacognostic and preliminary phytochemical studies on leaf and fruit of Adansonia digitata L. J Phytopharmacol 2019, 8(5), 220-5.

Adansonia digitata, the baobab, is the well-known tree species of the genus Adansonia. Review reveals that the leaves and fruit of the plant are used traditionally in the treatment of fever, diarrhea, dysentery, ophthalmic, insect bites, inflammation, and pain. Although it is used traditionally, scientifically the plant is yet to be evaluated for its pharmacognostical characters. Hence, the plant parts were subjected to macro-microscopic, photomicrographic, physicochemical, and preliminary phytochemical tests to fix the quality standards for this drug. Plant authentication, pharmacognostical study, physicochemical and phytochemical study was performed by following standard procedures as per Ayurvedic Pharmacopeia of India. Microscopy of T. S. of rachis shows circular to orbicular in shape, in the cortical region parenchyma cells heavily loaded by tannin content, cluster and rosette crystals. Schematic outline of T. S. of the leaflet is bulged in the center and consist of the outer epidermis, mesophyll cells differentiated into upper palisade and lower spongy parenchyma while lower epidermis interrupted by anisocytic type of stomata. T.S. of fruit shows the presence of epidermis followed by layers of stone cells and sclerids and T.S. of seed shows outer hard testa, spool cells layer, inner large endosperm. Both samples show Loss on drying less than 6% and very few amounts of acid insoluble ash which directly indicate the amount of inorganic residue. Fruits are slightly acidic in nature. Qualitative tests showed the presence of carbohydrate, tannin, flavonoid, and steroids in leaves and fruits. This study would be useful in the identification and authentication of the raw drug.

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005367   CHAKRABORTY K, TALAPATRA K , DAS A R , SAHA A K, DAS P (Botany Dep, Tripura Univ, Suryamaninagar- 799 022, Email: kripachakraborty@gmail.com) : Mycorrhizal colonization in Drosera burmannii Vahl, a carnivorous plant: Observation using light and fluorescence microscopy. Ambient Sci 2019, 6(1), 16-20.

In the present investigation, the insectivorous plant, Drosera burmannii Vahl inhabiting in the natural ecosystem was evaluated for categorizing the status of mycorrhizal colonization under fluorescence and light microscope. The results revealed the occurrence of dual colonization by AM and DSE fungi in . Mycorrhizal structures such as arbuscules possessed 21.48 %, vesicles having 18.66 %, 65.56% of hyphae and 7.14 % of DSE colonization in the root. The colonization by mycorrhizal fungi was noticed in the cortical cells and it was more in the outer cortical cells. Fluorescing vascular bundles and the presence of root hairs were observed. Hyphal coils and hyphal penetration in the epidermis along with fluorescing arbuscules were also observed. The study suggests the presence of mycorrhizal associations may assist benefit to the plant to acquire nutrients from the soil.

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005356   AYODELE V O, OLOWE O M (Pure and Applied Botany Dep, Federal Univ of Agriculture Abeokuta, Abeokuta, Nigeria, Email: ayodele.victor@pg.funaab.edu.ng) : Morphological traits and nastism of mango ginger (Curcuma amada Roxb.). Agric Sci Dig 2019, 39(3), 177-83.

Necessity demands observation and assessment of growth development of Mango ginger plants (with paucity of or no publication about its agronomy and pathology) as prerequisite to understanding their nature and avoid incorrect plant disease diagnosis (by taking for abnormal condition that which is normal). Hence, this study observed the morphological development of Mango ginger (Curcuma amada Roxb.) plants, a rare crop, and assessed for its plant height and number of leaves in the years 2016 and 2017. The rhizomes, the most economic part of the plant, was observed to emerge from corm and appeared finger-like with dome ends. Mango ginger leaves averaged 9 per plant stand and showed curling nastic movement. Sunlight and temperature had positive and significant effect on the daily curling and uncurling of leaves. Also, height parameter of Mango ginger plants was inconsistent when measured from soil level to tip of youngest leaf/apical bud; but when measured from soil level to peak/top (highest point attained at natural position above soil level) irrespective of what leaf made the upper boundary, plants increased in height with time. Significant difference existed in 2016 between the two different upper boundaries of plant height. This study: provide basic understanding of the morphology of Mango ginger plant; and gives original and significant insight on the nastic movement of its leaves, for better understanding of its fundamental botany, which may form bases for its disease identification and further investigation as an under-cultivated and underutilized crop (for colouring and flavouring drinks, and as: food preservative; medicine for cure of bacterial and fungal infection; anti-inflammatory and antipyretic; hypotriglyceridemic and hypoglycemic; anti-cancer with fertility potential).

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