029091   SAXENA P, MEHTA T, KUMAWAT G, GOUR T, NAGDA A, SANGELA V, HARISH (Botany Dep, Mohanlal Sukhadia Univ, Udaipur - 313 001, Email: harish.botany1979@gmail.com) : Perspective of Lotka-Volterra model in interspecific competition between Zea mays and Sorghum bicolor. Plant Arch 2018, 18(2), 1709-15.

Plant-plant interaction plays a pivotal role during seed germination and vegetative growth. Interaction between the plants of the same species is known as intraspecific competition and between different species is called as interspecific competition. In the present pilot study, we have evaluated the interspecific competition of Zea mays and Sorghum bicolor, grown together in different density dependent growth modeling design. In series of different experimental design, we evaluated the intensity of interspecific competition between these two crops. To understand the intensity of competition, we evaluated the percent seed germination, shoot and root length, biomass (wet and dry), protein, chlorophyll content, proline and peroxidase activity of the two crops. All these parameters show no particular trend and changes randomly, revealing the complex nature of such type of experiments. However, overall growth is affected at higher density of plants showing that intensity of competition is evident. Zea mays, due to its faster growth rate out-compete Sorghum plants in majority of these experiments. We observed that intraspecific competition more than interspecific competition.

3 illus, 3 tables, 11 ref

029036   DAS D, MANDAL P (Botany Dep, North Bengal Univ, Siliguri-734 013, Email: nbubotanypm@gmail.com) : A comparative study of foliar micro-morphology of six genotypes of Morus alba L. from Darjeeling district, West Bengal, India. Plant Arch 2018, 18(2), 1471-8.

Morus alba is one of the most important genus under the family Moraceae distributed in tropics and sub-tropics. Morus alba is the only food source for silk worm larvae, beside this it also bears other commercial importance. Selection of appropriate genotype of mulberry is an important criterion because it will put significant impact on economic parameters of mulberry dependent industries. Present work was focused on studying comparative foliar micro-morphology of six mulberry genotypes. The work was aimed to study micro-morphological characteristics that can be used to identify superior genotype. The obtained results were statistically studied through ANOVA, Correlation, PCA and Dendrogram analysis. Result suggests that on the basis of morphological and statistical analysis S1 and V1 genotype are most suitable for silk industry because of its smaller stomatal aperture and less trichome density. S1635 and Guangdong are represented by large foliar size, with high frequency of stomata and trichome, while TR10 and BC259 bears the intermediate characters.

3 illus, 5 tables, 22 ref

029041   EL-EMARY F A, EL- AAL M M A, EL-DAYEM H M A, ESMEIL F H M, ABOU-SHLELL M K (Agricultural Botany Dep, Al-Azhar Univ, Egypt) : Morphophysiological and anatomical studies on moringa (Moringa oliefera L.). Plant Arch 2018, 18(2), 1421-42.

Two pot experiments were carried at the Experimental farm of the Botany Department, Faculty of Agriculture, Benha University, Qlubia Governorate and Agricultural- Botany Department, Fac. of Agricultural, Assiut, AL- Azhar Univ, Egypt, during two successive seasons of 2015 and 2016. The aim of this work was to study the effect of foliar application with benzyladenine (BA) at (25, 50 and 100 mgl^-1), paclobutrazol (pp33) at (5, 10 and 20 mgl^-1), algae extract at (5,10 and 20 ml^-1),mineral nutrients (Ca, Mg and Fe chelated) at 500 mgl^-1 and lithovit at 500 mgl^-1 on some morphological, physiological and anatomical characteristics of Moringa oliefera plant at 90 and 180 days after sowing. The obtained results indicated that the foliar application of benzyl adenine (100 mgl^-1), lithovit (500 mgl^-1), algae extract (20 mgl^-1) and mineral elements (Ca, Mg and Fe) at 500 mgl^-1 significantly increased all the studied morphological parameters i.e., stem length, leaves number and leaf area/plant^-1 as well as dry weight of roots, stems and leaves at different ages (90 and 180 days after sowing) during the two growth seasons. On the contrary, these measured morphological characteristics were significantly decreased with paclobutrazol treatment in both two seasons compared with the control treatment. Also, foliar application with all used treatments increased physiological characteristics of moringa leaves represented as photosynthetic pigments content (chlorophyll a, b and carotenoids), antioxidant activity, total phenolic and total flavonoids & flavonols concentration compared with the control plants. Results also showed that foliar spray treatments with benzyl adenine (100 mgl^-1) followed by lethovit (500 mgl^-1), algae extract (20 mgl^-1), paclobutrazol (20 mgl^-1) respectively were the most effective in this respect. Results revealed that different anatomical characteristics of moringa leaflet and stem were positively responded in the two stages of growth. Add to the obtained data showed that the mosttrait sofmoringa leaflet anatomical characteristics were increased with different applied treatments, especially with paclobutrazol (PP333) at 20 mgl^-1, algae extractat 20 mgl^-1 and lithovitat 500 mgl^-1 respectively compared with the control treatment in the two stages. The anatomical characteristics of the leaves were increased i.e, increasing thickness of palisade and spongy tissues as well as thickness of leaflet lamina. Also, the increasing of number and diameter of xylem vessels arch^-1 led to increase in the vascular bundle thickness. More over the increasing of number and larger of xylem vessels arch^-1 and number of vascular bundles led for increasing the thicknesses of midrib at 90 or 180 days after sowing comparing to control treatment. The results showed that the increasing of stem diameter was a result for increasing the thickness of cuticle, epidermis, cortex, phloem and xylem tissues, cambial region, number of xylem vessels arch^-1, number of xylem arches vascular bundle^-1, number & diameter of the vascular bundles and pith in the stemat the two stages. Generally, in this study the morphological and physiological characteristics of Moringa oleifera were recorded the highest values with benzyladenine (100 mgl^-1). At the same time, the best anatomical characteristics were recorded with the foliar application of paclobutrazol (PP333) at 20 mgl^-1at 90 or 180 days after sowing at the same field conditions.

4 illus, 4 tables, 130 ref

029083   RAWAT R, RAUTELA R, RAWAT S, BHATT A B (Botany and Microbiology Dep, H.N.B. Garhwal Univ, Srinagar-249 161, Email: rashmi.rawat2989@gmail.com) : Hydrolytic enzyme production potential of bacterial population from Sahastradhara cold sulfur spring, Uttarakhand. Plant Arch 2018, 18(2), 1313-6.

Hydrolytic potential of bacterial isolates from Sahastradhara sulfur spring was explored using qualitative approach. A total of 14 isolates, obtained by serial dilution and spread plate method, were purified by quadrate streaking. The isolates were characterized morphologically and biochemically.Bacterial population was comprised of rod shaped members. All the recovered isolates were Gram positive in nature and were screened for production of amylase, cellulase, lipase and protease. All the isolates exhibited amylolytic activity. 71.4 %, 85.7 % and 64.2 % were positive for cellulase, lipase and protease respectively. Majority of isolates were positive for more than one hydrolytic activity. The percentage of isolates exhibiting single, two, three and four hydrolytic activities was 7.1 %, 14.2 %, 14.2 % and 64.2 %, respectively. Larger proportion of population had good amylolytic potential. Enzyme index greater than one was shown by 42.8 %, 28.5 %, 14.2 % and 21.4 % isolates for amylase, cellulase, lipase and protease, respectively.

3 tables, 28 ref

029031   BHATNAGAR S, KHAN A U, VISHNOI G, RATHORE L S, KUMAR B, SINGH S (Arid Forest Research Institute, Jodhpur, Rajasthan, Email: shiwani.bhatnagar@gmail.com) : Inflorescence gall problem of Prosopis cineraria in Rajasthan. Plant Arch 2018, 18(2), 1248-50.

Dry pods of the Prosopis are the main part of some Rajasthani dishes and also have a broader range of pharmaceutical application. However, due to inflorescence gall formation resulting in obstruction in setting of fruits, there is a decline in the yield of pods of this hardy tree. In severely inflorescence gall affected trees, pods yield get reduced drastically. Gall infested trees appear sick, having large number of unorganized and deformed galls which are round, oblong and spindle-shaped. These galls were initially soft and green in colour but became hard and brown when dried. Heavily infested inflorescence spikes were either completely devoid of pods or only 2-3 pods were seen. Average no. of gall per inflorscence was higher at Phalodi (6.66) followed by Lohawat (4.96) in comparison to average no. of gall per inflorscence at Khejarli (0.63) and Guda Bishnoiya (0.59). Also at all the sites under study average no. of galls per inflorescence on trees of girth class 70-100 cm was higher in comparison to trees of girth class 130-160 cm.

1 illus, 1 table, 21 ref

029108   SYED R, KAPOOR D, BHAT A A (Botany Dep, Lovely Professional Univ, Jalandhar-144 411, Email: dhriti405@gmail.com) : Heavy metal toxicity in plants: A review. Plant Arch 2018, 18(2), 1229-38.

Heavy metal toxicity has become a major consideration in today’s world because of increased environmental pollution. Heavy metals are non-biodegradable and bio accumulative that frequently lead to deleterious biological effects. Plants require certain heavy metals for their growth and development but their excessive amounts can become toxic to plants by triggering the ROS generation such as (O_2.-), (OH_·-), (H₂O₂) etc. that causes the oxidative stress by disturbing the equilibrium between pro-oxidant and antioxidant with in the plant cells and causes disorders like protein and lipid oxidation, DNA damage and denaturation of cell structure and membrane that finally results in the programmed cell death (PCD). To minimize ROS generation, there are enzymatic and nonenzymatic scavengers such as CAT, SOD, AsA, GSH etc that combats the metal stress in plants.

2 illus, 1 table, 105 ref

028038   KOTESWARA VRAO J, REDDI T.V.V.S (Botany Dep, Govt. Degree Coll, Satyavedu - 517 588, Email: drkotiaubot@gmail.com) : Ethnomedicine for aphrodisiac by the tribes of north coastal Andhra Pradesh. Indian J Nat Prod Resour 2018, 9(3), 267-72.

The aim of the present study was to document aphrodisiac plants used by the tribes of North Coastal Andhra Pradesh. It resulted in discovering 45 species of plants covering 45 genera and 35 families used as aphrodisiac. Fabaceae is the dominant family with 7 species followed by Malvaceae, Mimosacae and Meliaceae each with 2 species and others. Habit-wise analysis showed the dominance of shrubs (14) followed by trees and herbs (13 each) and climbers (5). Morphological analysis showed the dominance of seed and root in 7 practices each followed by stem and leaf in 6 practices each; stem bark (4); fruit, root bark and whole plant (3 each); flowers and rhizome (2 each) and others. Canavalia africana, Maerua oblongifolia, Zaleya decandra and 20 practices were found to be new or less known.

1 illus, 1 table, 26 ref

028068   SINGH D, AERI V, ANANTHANARAYANA D B (Pharmacognosy and Phytochemistry Dep, School of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Jamia Hamdard,New Delhi - 110 062, Email: vidhuaeri@yahoo.com) : Comparative powder microscopy on the barks of four Ficus species. Indian J Nat Prod Resour 2018, 9(3), 261-6.

The genus Ficus constitutes one of the largest genera of medicinal plants containing more than 800 species occurring in tropical and subtropical areas. The more famous species are Ficus bengalensis (Bargad), Ficus religiosa (Pipal), Ficus racemosa (Goolar) and Ficus lacor (Pakar). These plants are reported to possess antidiabetic, antidiarrhoeal, antiepilepsy, anti-inflammatory properties and are used in many Ayurvedic and traditional formulations. The barks of these species are usually interchanged or adulterated with other species of ficus due to limited knowledge of identification and differentiation. The slide preparation method was optimized to visualize common as well as distinguishing characters of the bark powder. The photomicrographs were taken with Motic microscope moticam 3.0 MP, AE 2000. The variation in the bark powder lies in size and shape of the stone cells and sclereids, their occurrence, type of wall and lumen. Most of the herbal drugs in the industry are supplied in powdered form. So, there are more chances of adulteration as it is very easy to spoil a drug in the powdered state. Industry emphasizes for powder microscopy as it is effortless. Hence, a detailed powder microscopy evaluation was carried out with an aim to establish diagnostic features to differentiate between these four bark powders.

4 illus, 2 tables, 7 ref

028073   SUBBA A R, RAI S K (Botany Dep, Sikkim Univ, Gangtok - 737 102, Sikkim, Email: skrai@cus.ac.in) : Phytochemical screening, physico-chemical analysis and antioxidant activity of some ethnomedicinal plants from Sikkim Himalaya. Indian J Nat Prod Resour 2018, 9(3), 235-43.

The present study was carried out to determine the phytochemical constituents, physicochemical values and antioxidant activity of six traditionally used medicinal plants from Sikkim Himalaya according to the standard pharmacopoeial method. Antioxidant activity was determined in methanolic extracts by DPPH (2, 2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) radical scavenging assay, ferrous chelating assay and ferric ion reducing assay for methanol extracts, which showed that methanolic extracts of all six plants particularly at higher concentration exhibited better antioxidant property. The phytochemical investigation revealed the presence of various secondary metabolites such as flavonoids, tannins, phenols, terpenoids, phlobatannins, saponins, glycosides and good content of four major phytochemicals (Phenol, flavonoid, flavonol and tannin), which could account for the high antioxidant activity. The results suggest the potential of selected medicinal plants as a source of new agents for the treatment of diseases related to oxidative stresses.

4 illus, 3 tables, 67 ref

028049   NANDILKAR M D, BHAGYASHRI B, KUMBHALKAR, GAURAV R V (Naoroji Godrej Centre for Plant Research, Satara, Maharashtra - 412 801, Email: mnandikar@gmail.com) : GC-MS analysis of phytochemical compounds in the crude methanolic extract of roots of Murdannia lanuginosa and M. simplex (Commelinaceae). Indian J Nat Prod Resour 2018, 9(3), 229-34.

The aim of the present study is to investigate the methanolic extract of the roots of Murdannia lanuginosa and M. simplex (Commelinaceae) for their phytochemical compounds using Gas Chromatography–Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS). The study reveals three compounds in M. lanuginosa and six compounds in M. simplex respectively. M. lanuginosa could be used for antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory and anti-proliferative activity due to the presence of secondary metabolites like 4H-Pyran-4-one, 2, 3-dihydro-3,5-dihydroxy-6-methyl (Retention time 8.659) in the methanolic extract. While M. simplex extracts may be used in the development of fungicidal agent due to the presence of Salicylaldehyde, Azine (Retention time 22.608) as a major compound which is known for its fungicidal activity. A further study in the present taxa and family Commelinaceae is warranted to determine active principle of the extract as well as to elucidate their exact mechanism of action in various disorders.

2 illus, 2 tables, 22 ref

028060   SAILAKSHMI A S R, ANAND A, MADHUSUDANA K, NAYAK V L, ZEHRA A, BABU K S, TIWARI A K (Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research, Hyderabad-500 007, Telangana, Email: tiwari@csiriict.in) : Diospyros melanoxylon (Roxb.): A tribal fruit that maintains euglycemic state after consumption and cools oxidative stress. Indian J Nat Prod Resour 2018, 9(3), 194-203.

Tendu, Diospyros melanoxylon Roxb. (Family: Ebenaceae) fruit is indigenous to the Indian subcontinent. The ripe fruit of tendu is eaten by tribal people. Both, unripe, as well as ripe fruits, have been used in folk-medicine by tribal communities. Aqueous methanol extract of unripe fruit displayed potent free radicals scavenging properties and also mitigated free radicals induced DNA damage. Furthermore, this extract also alleviated the development of oxidative stress induced due to a hyper physiological concentration of H₂O₂ and glucose in NIH 3T3 cells. FACS analysis revealed that extracts significantly (p <0.001) prevented the build-up of reactive oxygen species in NIH 3T3 cells generated due to a hyper physiological concentration of H₂O₂. Total polyphenols, flavonoids, and anthocyanins were present in unripe fruit were observed radically decreased when the fruit ripened. Presence of pancreatic α-amylase, intestinal α-glucosidase, and pancreatic lipase inhibitory activities in fruit extracts were also recorded. Postprandial glycemic excursion of unripe as well as ripe fruits pulp were significantly (p <0.05) less than that induced due to oral sucrose administration. Results suggest for the first time that fruit of D. melanoxylon may become an economic beverage fully equipped to counter free radicals and resultant oxidative stress. Furthermore, fruit may serve as a true euglycemic sweetener against sucrose.

7 illus, 2 tables, 39 ref

028021   BIZUAYEHU B, GAREDEW B (Biology Dep, Wolkite Univ, P.O. BOX. 07, Wolkite, Ethiopia, Email: behailu21@gmail.com) : A review on the ethnobotanical study of medicinal plants used for the treatment of gonorrhea disease in Ethiopia. Indian J Nat Prod Resour 2018, 9(3), 183-93.

This review literature aimed to compile and document the ethnobotanical knowledge of medicinal plants used for the treatment of gonorrhea problem in Ethiopia. A total of 48 published and unpublished ethnobotanical studies meeting specific inclusion criteria were used to assess the ethnobotanical study of medicinal plants used for the treatment of gonorrhea in Ethiopia. Ethnobotanical literature data was entered in an Excel spreadsheet and analyzed using SPSS statistical software used to summarize relevant ethnobotanical information using descriptive statistics, frequency, percentage, tables, bar graphs and pie charts. A total of 100 anti-gonorrhea plants belonged to 80 genera and 46 families was compiled in this review. Families Euphorbiaceae (13 species), Cucurbitaceae (9 species) and Solanaceae (8 species) were found to be represented by the highest number of anti-gonorrhea medicinal plant species. A higher diversity of anti-gonorrhea plants was reported from south and southwestern parts Ethiopia. Herbs represented 48 % of species followed by shrubs (26 %), trees (17 %) and climbers (9 %). Root were the most commonly used medicinal plant parts, it accounts 42 % followed by leaves (9 %), Latex (5 %) and stem (3 %). 39 % of the plant medicines were prepared from fresh plant parts, followed by dried (9 %) and the remaining 26 % from both fresh and dried parts. The majority of anti-gonorrhea plants were collected from wild habitat (63 %), followed by homegarden (16 %) and the remaining 21 % were collected from both homegarden and wild. Advanced phytochemical analysis is required to validate the therapeutic potential of anti-gonorrhea compounds from promising plant species.

2 tables, 63 ref

028043   MAHATO D, SAHU A P, SHARMA H P (Botany Dep, Ranchi Univ, Ranchi-834 001, Jharkhand, Email: dipamahato@gmail.com) : Phytochemical and antioxidant evaluation of Urginea indica Kunth. Indian J Tradit Know 2018, 17(4), 783-8.

Urginea indica Kunth. is a rare, threatened and endangered medicinal plant that belongs to Liliaceae family and commonly known as Jangli Pyaz. In the present study, phytochemical analysis and antioxidant activity of the methanolic extract of Urginea indica bulbs was carried out. The secondary metabolites produced by this medicinal plant are reported to have therapeutic values. The secondary metabolites like phenol, flavonoid, tannin, saponin and alkaloid have been analyzed qualitatively as well as quantitatively in this species. The quantitative estimation has revealed the highest concentration of tannins (130.10 mg of GAE/g) in methanolic extract of Urginea indica bulb, whereas alkaloids (17.80 mg/g of dry plant sample), flavonoid (13.66 mg of QE/g), phenol (6.27 mg of GAE/g) and saponin (4.00 mg/g of dry plant sample) were found to be in good quantity. Considering the importance of natural products in modern phytomedicine, the antioxidant activity of Urginea indica extract was evaluated. The methanolic extract showed antioxidant activity by DPPH assay (IC₅₀ = 51.87 µg/mL) comparable to gallic acid (IC₅₀ = 39.91 µg/mL). Such an effect might contribute to explaining the traditional use of wild onion sps, Urginea indica in the treatment of various chronic diseases.

3 illus, 5 tables, 32 ref

028052   NONGMAITHEM R, YUMKHAM S D, DEVI N P, SALAM S, DAS A K, SINGH P K (Ecology & Environmental Science Dep, Assam Univ, Silchar–788 011, Email: nongmaithemrita29@gmail.com) : On the use of Dalbergia stipulacea Roxb. (fabaceae) in oral healthcare with supplementary notes on species used in oral hygiene in Manipur, India. Indian J Tradit Know 2018, 17(4), 754-62.

The present paper reports the survey conducted from June 2012–December 2016 to assess the wild species used in oral hygiene and related dental recipes by four indigenous communities (Meitei, Maring, Kabui, Tangkhul) of Manipur, India. The age long tradition of blackening of teeth called Ha–sang practiced by the Maring tribe is documented for the first time. It was revealed that Dalbergia stipulacea Roxb. is exclusively used for the purpose. Additional notes on nine more species used in oral care are also highlighted. A total of 200 informants were interviewed for the purpose. Preference ranking calculation was employed for data analysis to assess the best choice of species used in dental hygiene for the respective four communities. The preference score for each species is different and highest preference of species for the respective communities are A. paniculata (35) for Meitei, D. stipulacea (36) for Maring, O. aristatus (32) for Kabui and M. malabathricum (31) for Tangkhul. The study concludes that D. stipulacea is a new addition to the plant list used in dental hygiene. It further emphasizes on their scientific exploitation and sustainable utilization in dental medicines.

2 illus, 3 tables, 31 ref

028028   HARNANDEZ-MARIN D A, GUEVARA-LARA F, RIVAS-MOREALES C, VERDUZCO-MATINEZ J A, GALINDO-RODRIGUEZ S A, SANCHEZ-GARCIA E (Autónoma de Nuevo León Univ, Nuevo Leon, México, Email: eduardo.sanchezgrc@uanl.edu.mx) : Biological activity of Nothoscordum bivalve (L.) Britton and Parthenium incanum Kunth extracts. Indian J Tradit Know 2018, 17(4), 699-706.

Medicinal properties of Nothoscordum bivalve (false garlic) have not been reported, while Parthenium incanum (mariola) is used to treat stomach and liver diseases. The aim of this work was to evaluate in vitro different biological activities of these plants to assess their pharmacological potential. Extracts were obtained by maceration or Soxhlet sequential solvent extraction. The extracts were tested by inhibiting the growth of Acinetobacter baumannii, besides for the techniques of Artemiasalina toxicity, cytotoxicity in human erythrocytes, cytoprotective, antioxidant capacity, quantification of soluble phenols and coagulation tests. MBC´s obtained were between 7.50 ± 0.54 and 8.50 ± 0.54 mg/mL. Toxicity assays showed LD₅₀ from 380 to 1882 µg/mL. Cytotoxicity was between 0 and 92.98 %. Cytoprotective effect indicated 0 to 94.58 %. Antioxidant capacity levels of extracts were between 275.55 ± 21 and 598.99 ± 4 µmol TE/g. Soluble phenolics concentrations between 1.35 ± 0.07 and 4.13 ± 0.04 g GAE/100 g were observed. Regarding coagulation assays, only one P. incanum extract showed significant difference (p < 0.05) in the PT assay. Extracts from the sequential extraction showed less toxicity and cytotoxicity, and greater antioxidant and cytoprotective capacity; they also showed no significant prolongation in the extrinsic pathway of coagulation, and a significant (although small) prolongation in the intrinsic coagulation pathway.

2 illus, 3 tables, 37 ref

028065   SEMENYA S S, MAROYI A (Botany Dep, Fort Hare Univ, Alice 5700, South Africa, Email: sebua.semenya@ul.ac.za) : Respiratory infections treated by Bapedi traditional healers in the Limpopo province, South Africa: Extent of treatments and diagnosis techniques. Indian J Tradit Know 2018, 17(4), 672-81.

Respiratory infections (RIs) contribute to high morbidity and mortality in developing countries, where modern healthcare facilities are limited or non-existence. The aim of this study was to investigate the type of RIs, extent of their treatment and document diagnosis approaches used by Bapedi traditional healer’s (THs) in the Limpopo Province, South Africa. A conveniently selected sample of 240 THs was questioned via a questionnaire comprising of semi-structured and open-ended questions. Six RIs namely asthma, pneumonia, rhinitis, sinusitis, sore throat and tuberculosis were treated by THs. Tuberculosis (84.1 %) and sore throat (65 %) were the most diagnosed RIs. Overall, identification of the aforesaid six RIs by all queried THs relied primarily on clinical symptoms and most of the symptomatic diagnosis procedures used are supported by scientific evidence. This study concludes that Bapedi THs have a fairly good general knowledge with respect to the identification of RIs and have potential to contribute towards their reduction or management.

2 illus, 1 table, 40 ref

028064   SEMENYA S S, MAROYI A (Botany Dep, Fort Hare Univ, Alice 5700, South Africa, Email: sebuasemenya@gmail.com) : Exotic plants used therapeutically by Bapedi traditional healers for respiratory infections and related symptoms in the Limpopo province, South Africa. Indian J Tradit Know 2018, 17(4), 663-71.

The present study examines the use of exotic plants by Bapedi healers (THs) as medicine for respiratory infections (RIs) and related symptoms (RLs). A sample of 240 THs practising in the Limpopo Province, South Africa was questioned using a semi-structured questionnaire, supplemented by personal observations. Thirty-eight plants comprising of 35 genera belonging to 26 botanical families, mainly the Solanaceae (5 spp.) and Poaceae (3 spp.), were documented. Herbs (44.7 %, n = 17) constituted the major habit followed by trees (42.1 %, n = 16). The most important plants according to use mention (UM) and fidelity level (FL) indexes were Zingiber officinale (UM = 240 and FL = 99.5 %, chronic cough), Moringa oleifera (UM = 210 and FL = 100 %, fatigue), Datura stramonium (UM = 202 and FL = 100 %, chest pain), Jacaranda mimosifolia (UM = 156 and FL 100 %, chronic cough) and Schkuhria pinnata (UM = 105 and FL = 94.5 %, painful eyes). These plants also yielded the highest use value (UV) index, but with M. oleifera (fatigue; UV = 0.87), followed by D. stramonium (chest pain; UV = 0.84), J. mimosifolia (chronic cough; UV = 0.65) and S. pinnata (asthma, fatigue and painful eyes; UV = 0.46) being the most appreciated. Overall, larger number of species recorded in our study illustrates the important role played by foreign plants as treatment of RIs and RLs in the Bapedi traditional healing sector.

1 table, 43 ref

028061   SAIVE M, FREDERICH M, FAUCONNIER M-L (Organic and General Chemistry Dep, Liège Univ, Gemloux, Belgium, Email: msaive@ulg.ac.be) : Plants used in traditional medicine and cosmetics in Mayotte Island (France): An ethnobotanical study. Indian J Tradit Know 2018, 17(4), 645-53.

Mayotte is a small island located in the Mozambique canal and due to this location it has long been an important cultural and botanical crossroad. Species from Madagascar, China, India and the African continent, as well as some endemic species are found on this small island. Semi structured interviews were carried out throughout the island with 29 informants known for their knowledge of the traditional uses of plants. We based our work on the hypothesis that the more a plant was mentioned by the interviewees, the higher the chances would be to find an effective biological activity. In the end 69 species of interest were identified through the interviews. Flowers of Jasminum nummularifolium Baker, wood of Carissa spinarum L., roots of Curcuma longa L., leaves of Lawsonia inermis L., and wood of Santalum album L. tend to be the most known and the most used in Mayotte for traditional medicine and cosmetics. In the end those plants are used for medicine or for cosmetics, however, when it comes to medicinal uses, the traditional doctors are not looking for the cause of the disease and will orient their treatment towards the curing of the symptoms. On another hand, it is clear that the locals have a strong cultural bond with the use of traditional cosmetics in addition to traditional medicine.

1 illus, 2 tables, 31 ref

028020   BALANGCOD T D, BALANGCOD K D (Biology Dep, Philippines Baguio Univ, Philippines 2600, Email: tdbalangcod@up.edu.ph) : Plants and culture: Plant utilization among the local communities in Kabayan, Benguet province, Philippines. Indian J Tradit Know 2018, 17(4), 609-22.

The Cordillera region occupies a mountainous and forested area in the northern most part of the Philippines. With a favorable temperate climatic regime, the region is endowed with a rich and diverse flora and fauna. Moreover, the region is inhabited by local communities with a diverse culture. With an intimate interaction with the environment, the communities have developed inherent indigenous uses of the plant resources around them. The main aim of this project is to determine the useful plants in Kabayan, Benguet province and document the traditional knowledge that are associated with the useful plants, Kabayan is one of the 13 municipalities in Benguet province. The municipality is predominantly peopled by three ethnolonguistic groups namely: Ibaloi, Kankanaey and Kalanguya, that demonstrate inimitable indigenous knowledge on plant utilization. Ethnobotanical survey was conducted using a structured questionnaire which was used as a guide for the individual interviews and focused group discussions. Plant uses range from food, shelter, clothing, rituals, medicine and many more. They also preserve their dead using various plant extracts. This indigenous knowledge is currently endangered because these are held by the older generation and if not documented, this ethnobotanical knowledge will be irreversibly lost.

4 illus, 8 tables, 35 ref

028032   JHANJI S, SEKHON N K (Botany Dep, Punjab Agricultural Univ, Ludhiana -141 001, Email: shalini_jhanji@yahoo.com) : Evaluation of potential of portable chlorophyll meter to quantify chlorophyll and nitrogen contents in leaves of wheat under different field conditions. Indian J Exp Biol 2018, 56(10), 750-8.

The chlorophyll meter is a simple, non destructive and portable tool that could be used to measure the greenness or relative chlorophyll and nitrogen contents in leaves during different developmental stages for efficient nutrient management. In this study, we tried to correlate SPAD index with chlorophyll (chl)/nitrogen(N) content in leaves of bread wheat (Triticumaestivum L., PBW 509) and durum wheat (Triticum durum L. PDW 233), and to find the variable (chl concentration i.e. µg Chl g^-1 tissue, content i.e. µg Chl cm^{- 2} tissue or N content) that could be best estimated with chlorophyll meter.The leaf samples collected from four different fields varying in N and manganese fertility levels, exhibited a wide range of SPAD index (26-47).The linear model was best fitted to describe the relationship of these variables with SPAD index and it was found to be the best measure of chl concentration (R²= 0.59) as compared to chl content (R²= 0.49) and nitrogen content (R²= 0.37). The correlations improved when separate calibration curves were plotted for cultivar and field. SPAD index explained 70, 87 and 71 % of variation in chl concentration, chl content and N content, respectively, at field 3 from pooled data of the two cultivars and the corresponding values of variables were 94, 93 and 91 % for PBW 509 and 87, 83 and 91% for PDW 233 from pooled data of four fields. The chlorophyll meter can be used with caution to develop separate calibration curves for particular cultivar, field, hybrid and treatments to develop standards for interpretations and efficient fertilizer management.

2 illus, 6 tables, 44 ref

028051   NILE S H, KEUM Y S (Bioresources and Food Science Dep, Konkuk Univ, Seoul-143-701, South Korea, Email: nileshivraj@gmail.com) : Chemical composition, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antitumor activities of Eucalyptus globulus Labill. Indian J Exp Biol 2018, 56(10), 734-42.

Eucalyptus globulus L. is used in folk medicine throughout the world and its essential oils are widely used in modern pharmaceutical, food, and cosmetic industries. In this study, E. globulus leaves were extracted using three solvents (methanol, chloroform and hexane). The polyphenolics were quantified with HPLC and the volatiles analyzed by GC/MS with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antitumor activities. Results have shown a hierarchy of antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity for three extracts as hexane > chloroform > methanol extracts with DPPH, FRAP, and oxygen radical absorbance capacity, respectively. A similar order of results was observed for antitumor activity by potato disc and colorimetric assays. The GC/MS analysis led to the identification of 1, 8-cineole (eucalyptol) as a major constituent of methanol (48.2 %), chloroform (35.5 %), and hexane (5.8 %) extracts. Different phenolic acids (gallic acid, ellagic acid, syringic acid, and vanillic acid) and flavonoids (quercetin, rutin, and catechin) were highly abundant in methanol extract. The methanol extract of E. globulus exhibited the maximum antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antitumor activities. These results demonstrate E. globulus leaf extracts may be used as a potential source of bioactive compounds with remarkable antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antitumor activities.

5 tables, 28 ref

028048   NAIR S, DAGLA H R (Botany Dep, JN Vyas Univ, Jodhpur, Email: hrdagla@gmail.com) : Thermostability assessment, profiling and localization of peroxidase activity in stem tissues of Leptadenia pyrotechnica: A defensive enzyme for survival in high temperature conditions. Indian J Exp Biol 2018, 56(9), 694-7.

Plants are known to overcome the biotic and abiotic stresses through various adaptive measures. Lignification is one such process that fortifies the cell wall wherein peroxidases play an important role. Here, we studied the thermostability and optimum pH of peroxidase activity, isozyme profile and its localization in stem tissues of the perennial desert shrub, Leptadenia pyrotechnica (Forsk.) Decne, locally called ‘khip’, belonging to the family Apocynaceae (subfam. Asclepiadaceae). L. pyrotechnica is an important component of the extreme arid environment of the Thar Desert. Apart from lignifications, peroxidase plays vital role in, suberization, detoxification of hydrogen peroxides, fruit ripening, cross-linking of cell wall components and salt tolerance. The highest (72 %) and lowest (8.5 %) relative activity of peroxidase was observed at pH 6 and pH 3, respectively. Peroxidase of L. pyrotechnica was highly active within a broad range of pH 6-8. The maximum (81.5 %) relative activity was observed at 40 ⁰C for 25 min. Relative activities of 52.3-23.1 % were observed at 60 and 80 ⁰C, respectively, for 5 min of treatment. Five isozymes of peroxidase were observed in the zymogram. The bright amber and red colour of peroxidase and lignin were observed, respectively, in the stem tissues. Co-localization of peroxidase and lignin in xylem tissues of stem in L. pyrotechnica can be correlated with the role of peroxidase in lignin biosynthesis and for adaptive modification of arid zone plants under extreme climatic conditions.

5 illus, 32 ref

028066   SIDDIQUE S, MAZHAR S, BAREEN F, PARVEEN Z (Punjabi Univ, Ferozpur Road,Lahor,Pakistan, Email: saimesiddique@gmail.com) : Chemical characterization, antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of essential oil from Melaleuca quinquenervia leaves. Indian J Exp Biol 2018, 56(9), 686-93.

Niaouli oil is an essential oil known for its applications in aromatherapy and pharmaceutical preparations for coughs, colds, rheumatism and neuralgia. It also serves as a sedative, possesses antifungal activity, and used in perfume industry. Melaleuca quinquenervia (Cav.) S.T. Blake, commonly called, paper bark tea tree or punk tree, is a potential source of niaouli oil. Here, we analyzed the chemical composition of essential oil from M. quinquenervia leaves and evaluated its antioxidant and antimicrobial potential. Chemical analysis of the oil by GC-FID and GC-MS revealed 1,8-cineole (31.0 %) as a major component followed by p-cymen-8-ol (19.7 %), p-cymene (16.5 %), α-terpineol (9.9 %), limonene (6.8 %), α-pinene (4.2 %) and terpinolene (4.2 %). M. quinquenervia essential oil demonstrated good antioxidant activity by inhibiting 84.3 % of 2,2^׳-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical and ferric reducing power (1.94±0.007) at 100 µg/mL. Further, it was highly effective against tested food borne bacterial as well as fungal pathogens inducing 11.0-46.0 mm and 11.8-46.0 mm zones of inhibition, respectively at concentration of 8-250 μg/mL. The high degrees of antibacterial and antifungal activities were further confirmed at 8 μg/mL minimum bactericidal concentrations and minimum fungicidal concentrations, respectively. Time kill assay showed significant bactericidal and fungicidal effects of essential oil for four weeks. The high antimicrobial and antioxidant activities of M. quinquenervia essential oil substantiate its potential use as alternative to chemical preservatives in food industry.

5 tables, 46 ref

028045   MARDANI M, BADIEE P, GHARIBNAVAZ M, JASSEBI A, JAFARIAN H, GHASSEMI F (Shiraz Medical Sciences Univ, iraz, Iran, Email: badieep@gmail.com) : Comparison of anti-Candida activities of the ancient plants Lawsonia inermis and Ziziphus spina Christi with antifungal drugs in Candida species isolated from oral cavity. J Conserv Dent 2018, 21(4), 359-62.

Medicinal plants have reportedly fewer side effects, compared to antifungal agents. This study was designed to compare the anti‑Candida activity of two medicinal plants with two routine antifungal agents, used in the clinics, on Candida species isolated from the oral cavity of the liver transplant patients. Anti‑Candida activities of ethanol extracts of Lawsonia inermis leaf and Ziziphus spina christi unripe and ripe fruit (collected from south of Iran) versus nystatin and fluconazole were evaluated using CLSI M27‑A3 standard method. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) 90 values for L. inermis, Ziziphus spina christi ripe, and unripe fruits in Candida albicans were 0.1 µg/mL, 25 µg/mL, and 0.1 µg/mL, and in Candida glabrata were 0.05 µg/mL, 25 µg/mL, and 0.05 µg/mL, respectively. The MIC90 value for nystatin in both species was 0.035 µg/mL, but MIC90 value for fluconazole in C. albicans was 0.5 µg/mL and in C. glabrata was 2 µg/mL. Unripe fruits of Ziziphus spina christi and L. inermis were found more effective than fluconazole on Candida species. Ziziphus spina christi unripe fruit and L. inermis leaf have potential anti‑Candida activity and can be considered as a new mouthwash agent to prevent and treat Candida infections. Further studies regarding pharmacokinetics and toxicities of these extracts are needed for their use in humans.

2 tables, 26 ref

028077   YUNANA B T, BUKAR B B, AGUIYI J C (Pharmacology Dep, Jos Univ, Nigeria, Email: bitrus2toba@gmail.com) : In vitro and in vivo evaluation of antibacterial activity of Bridelia ferruginea extracts on some clinical isolates. J Phytopharmacol 2018, 7(4), 392-8.

The ethanol extracts of root, bark and leaf of Bridelia ferruginea was investigated for antibacterial activity against clinical isolate of Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. The extracts had significant antibacterial activity in vitro at concentration of 25 mg/ml, 50 mg/ml, 100 mg/ml and 200 mg/ml and in vivo at dose of 50 mg/kg and 100 mg/kg. The root extract in vitro had the highest zone of inhibition, followed by the bark extract for both Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. The concentration of 200 mg/ml had the highest zone of inhibition in vitro. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) showed a decreasing inhibitory effect of the plant extracts for both Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli as the concentration decreases with root having 3.125 mg/ml, bark having 6.25 mg/ml and leaf having 25 mg/ml for Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. Likewise, the minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) showed decreasing bactericide effects with decrease concentration with root having 12.5 mg/ml, bark having 12.5 mg/ml and leaf having 25 mg/ml for Escherichia coli while root had 6.25 mg/ml, bark had 12.5 mg/ml and leaf had 25 mg/ml for Staphylococcus aureus. The in vivo investigation showed that the root and bark extract exhibited antibacterial activity on both Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli at doses of 100 mg/kg and 50 mg/kg; the root extract had higher activity than the bark and root/bark combined. The dose of 100 mg/kg had the highest colonies reduction for Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli in vivo. Preliminary phytochemical screening of root, bark and leaves of Bridelia ferruginea revealed the presence of tannins, flavonoids, carbohydrates, cardiac glycoside (root, bark and leaves), saponins (root and bark). The presence of tannins, saponins, flavonoid, cardiac glycoside and carbohydrate in the bark and root extracts of the plant indicates that the bark and root extracts were pharmacological importance.

4 tables, 34 ref

028033   KAGUCHIA S M, GITAHI S M, THORUWA C L, BIRGEN J K, HASSANALI A (Plant Sciences Dep, Kenyatta Univ, Kenya, Email: kaguchiasm[at]gmail.com) : Bioefficacy of selected plant extracts against Sitophilus zeamais on post-harvest management of Zea mays. J Phytopharmacol 2018, 7(4), 384-91.

Maize (Zea mays L.) is the most important cereal crop in Kenya with 90 % of the total population relying on it as the main staple food. Post-harvest loss in maize is caused by insect pests such Sitophilus zeamais and Larger grain borer and the can sometimes be up to 90 percent. Synthetic chemicals are used to manage weevil infestation in maize. However, chemical residues have been detected on the stored maize prior to consumption. Additionally, continuous uses of synthetic chemicals have led to development of pest resistance reducing their effectiveness. This study therefore sought to evaluate a possible use of Ocimum kilimandscharicum essential oil to manage Sitophilus zeamais. The study also determined the effect of pretreating baglets with aqueous extracts of A. indica and W. ugandensis to enhance efficacy of O. kilimandscharicum oil. Laboratory experiments were carried out to establish insecticidal property of O. kilimandscharicum oil. Additionally, on farm experiments were carried out to establish the oil’s effectiveness and longevity. Maize grains were treated with O. kilimandscharicum oil in the first experiment and in the second treated maize grains were put in miniature synthetic bags treated with aqueous extracts of A. indica and W. ugandensis and stored in a granary for six months. On-farm experiment revealed that O. kilimandscharicum oil doses were effective against S. zeamais as compared with untreated maize grains. However, 10 ml per 1 kg of maize grains was the best dosage. Weight loss in maize grains was proportional to the number of holed grains. Replenishment of the oil after the third month (at 6 ml, 8 ml and 10 ml) reduced significantly (p<0.0001) the number of holed grains as well as weight loss. Pretreatment of baglets containing maize grains with aqueous extracts of A. indica and W. ugandensis significantly improved protection of maize grains treated with O. kilimandscharicum oil. From the results of this study it can be concluded that plant extracts can offer a possible substitute to synthetic chemicals in post-harvest management of S. zeamais in stored maize. Use of essential oil of O. kilimandscharicum for post-harvest protection of maize grains against S. zeamais is therefore recommended.

7 illus, 4 tables, 47 ref

028022   CHAKRABORTY U, CHAKRABORTY B N, DEY P L,CHAKRABORTY A P (Botany Dep, North Bengal Univ, Siliguri-734013, Email: ucnbu2012@gmail.com) : Bacillus safensis from wheat rhizosphere promotes growth and ameliorates salinity stress in wheat. Indian J Biotechnol 2018, 17(3), 466-79.

Bacillus safensis (W10) from wheat rhizosphere which could grow in medium with high concentration of sodium chloride selected for this study showed positive response in in vitro plant growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) tests such as phosphate solubilization, siderophore production, indole acetic acid (IAA) production and 1 aminocyclopropane-1- carboxylase (ACC) deaminase activity. The growth of six cultivars of wheat under normal as well as salt-stressed conditions was promoted by this bacterium also enhanced the tolerance of wheat cultivars to salinity. Activities of antioxidant enzymes were enhanced due to salinity, but not by bacterial application, while those of defense enzymes were significantly enhanced due to application of W10 alone or with NaCl treatment. Microarray and bioinformatic analysis for comparing gene expression in seedlings under salinity stress against those under salinity stress along with bacterial application revealed an up-regulation of 3731 genes and down-regulation of 6312 genes. Some of the up-regulated genes included those for expansins, endotransglucoslylase/hydrolase, sulphur-rich thionin, S-adenosylmethionine decarboxylase precursor and metallothionines while down regulated ones included those for flavanone hydroxylase, oxalate oxidase, protein phosphatase etc. Probably, salinity stress in wheat is alleviated mainly not through enhanced antioxidant systems but up-regulation of several other genes involved in tolerance to salinity as well as defense against biotic stress.

9 illus, 5 tables, 67 ref

026569   KUMAR S S, SARAMMA A V (Botany Dep, Maharaja’s Coll, Ernakulam, Kerala, Email: gokulamshyam01@gmail.com) : Effect of salinity and pH ranges on the growth and biochemical composition of marine microalga- Nannochloropsis salina. Int J Agric Environ Biotechnol 2018, 11(4), 651-60.

Nannochloropsis salina is a free living unicellular marine microalga. The present study analyse the influence of salinity and pH on the growth and biochemical composition of this microalga. The alga could tolerate a wide range of salinities. Maximum growth rate and production of chlorophyll, carotenoids and protein was noted in cultures with 40 ppt salinity. Cultures with a salinity of 50 ppt recorded maximum carbohydrate and lipid production. However, the organism could not tolerate low salinity levels as no growth was observed at zero and 10 ppt salinity. The optimum pH required for the maximum production of biochemicals varied considerably. While maximum growth rate and Chl a production were noted at pH 9, carotenoid production was more in cultures with pH 6. Production of protein and carbohydrate was high at pH 10, and lipid at pH 7.

14 illus, 64 ref

026566   ROUAMBA A, COMPAORÉ M, KIENDREBEOGO M (Ouagadougou Univ, Burkina, Email: rouambaablasse@gmail.com) : Chemopreventive compounds from plant derived food and their bioactivity. Asian J Med Sci 2018, 9(5), 1-7.

Terrestrial plants, especially higher plants, have a long history of use for the treatment of many human diseases such as ailment, cancer, diabetes, neurodegenerative and cardiovascular disorders. Since then, many studies have been designed to evaluate biochemical properties of whole plant extract, fractions or isolated compounds. Several researches have established the relation between consumption of plant derived products to minimize the oxidative stress and diseases associated with stress. These beneficial biological properties on animal health has been attributed to certain classes of metabolites contents in plants including anthocyanins, flavonols, tannins, carotenoids, terpenoids, alkaloids and vitamins. The bioactivity of these compounds is due to their ability to scavenge reactive oxygen species (ROS) or NOS or to modulate antioxidant enzymes expression. The devastating environmental pollution has burdened with numerous toxic chemicals of which biological compounds such as nucleic acid, proteins and membrane phospholipids were the potential targets leading to mutation, cell injury and death. The endogenous antioxidant systems falls prey in response to these toxic and deleterious oxidants and reactive oxygen species. In these conditions, exogenous chemopreventive compounds extracted from plant derived foods are required to maintain cell hemostasis. This review highlights the source and the chemopreventive mechanisms of genoprotective compounds from plant derived food. 

77 ref

026565   SAXENA G, SADAWARTE K, KAORE N M (Microbiology Dep, People’s Coll of Medical Sciences and Research Centre, Bhanpur - 462 037, Email: drkalpanasadawarte@gmail.com) : Antibacterial activity of aqueous extract of garlic (Allium sativum) on standard strains. J Evolution Med Dent Sci 2018, 7(19), 2320-2.

Many plants are known for their medicinal properties. Plant derived compounds are a potential source of natural antimicrobial agents. But this potential is largely unused till today. As antimicrobial resistance is increasing day by day, search for nov el and safe antimicrobial agents is the need of the hour. Garlic is one such potential source of such agents. It is a common dietary ingredient and also known for its medicinal value from centuries. This study was undertaken to assess the antimicrobial activity of crude ex tract of garlic on standard strains Escherichia coli (ATCC 25922), Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 25923) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (ATCC 27853). The crude extract was prepared by maceration of 50 g of shade dried garlic cloves in 100 mL of distilled water for 24 hrs. The filtrate was used as crude extract for preparation of discs of various concentrations ranging from 714 to 89 mg/mL and was used to test antimicrobial activity by Kirby Bauer disc diffusion method along with positive control and negative control. Crude aqueous garlic extract was found to be active against standard strains of Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus at concentration range of 714 to 178 mg/mL and there was no activity against standard strain of Pseudomonas aeruginosa even at 714 mg/mL concentration. Garlic has some antimicrobial compounds, which are active against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. These compounds, if extracted have the potential to emerge as effective antimicrobial agents in future.

3 illus, 1 table, 13 ref

026568   HAO J, JIAO K, YU C, GUO H, ZHU Y, YANG X, ZHANG S, ZHANG L, FENG S, SONG Y, DONG M, WANG H, SHEN C (Hangzhou Normal Univ, Hangzhou 310036, China, Email: shencj@hznu.edu.cn) : Development of SCoT-based SCAR marker for rapid authentication of taxus media. Biochem Genet 2018, 56(3), 255–66.

Taxus media is an important species in the family Taxaceae with high medicinal and commercial value. Overexploitation and illegal trade have led T. media to a severe threat of extinction. In addition, T. media and other Taxus species have similar morphological traits and are easily misidentified, particularly during the seedling stage. The purpose of this study is to develop a species-specific marker for T. media. Through a screening of 36 start codon targeted (SCoT) polymorphism primers, among 15 individuals of 4 Taxus species (T. media, T. chinensis, T. cuspidate and T. fuana), a clear species-specific DNA fragment (amplified by primer SCoT3) for T. media was identified. After isolation and sequencing, a DNA sequence with 530 bp was obtained. Based on this DNA fragment, a primer pair for the sequence-characterized amplified region marker was designed and named MHSF/MHSR. PCR analysis with primer pair MHSF/MHSR revealed a clear amplified band for all individuals of T. media but not for T. chinensis, T. cuspidate and T. fuana. Therefore, this marker can be used as a quick, efficient and reliable tool to identify T. media among other related Taxus species. The results of this study will lay an important foundation for the protection and management of T. media as a natural resource.

5 illus, 4 tables, 43 ref

026567   ZHAI S H, YIN G S, YANG X H (Biological Science and Technology Dep, Kunming Univ, Kunming 650214, China, Email: ottelia@163.com) : Population genetics of the endangered and wild edible plant Ottelia acuminata in southwestern China using novel SSR markers. Biochem Genet 2018, 56(3), 235–54.

Ottelia acuminata is an edible aquatic plant species that is endemic to southwestern China. This plant has experienced habitat degradation resulting from environmental change and extensive human disturbance. Determining the genetic variation and genetic structure of O. acuminata populations could help develop strategies to collect, evaluate, utilize and conserve the species. To this end, we genotyped 183 individuals sampled throughout the species distribution using twelve novel nuclear microsatellite loci (nSSRs). Eight of these nSSRs exhibited low average levels of genetic diversity (H_E = 0.351, Ho = 0.376) and showed evidence of significant inbreeding across several populations. A high degree of genetic differentiation was identified among populations (FST = 0.457), probably resulting from limited pollen and seed-mediated gene flow. Only 17.8 % of variation existed between O. acuminata var. acuminata and other O. acuminata varieties. Bayesian analysis and a UPGMA dendrogram based on Nei’s genetic distance also revealed notably low genetic differentiation among the varieties. This low genetic differentiation is possibly attributed to shared ancestral polymorphisms since their divergence. Additional taxonomic and phylogenetic studies with additional molecular markers are needed to determine the population genetic relationship between O. acuminata varieties. Conservation of this species depends on in situ and ex situ actions, such as controlling habitat water pollution and overexploitation and creating a germplasm bank based on the population genetic differences. To the best of our knowledge, this study represents the first attempt to understand the population genetics of O. acuminata in China using novel nSSR markers developed from transcriptome sequencing and could contribute to the conservation management of this economic plant.

6 illus, 5 tables, 56 ref

026564   MONDAL S, SEN A (Bidhan Chandra Krishi Viswavidyalaya, West Bengal - 741 252, Email: sanm04@ gmail.com) : Isolation of rhizobium and screening based on plant growth of lentil. J Food Legume 2018, 31(2), 98-100.

Inoculation with effective Rhizobium strains is an essential practice that helps the plant to fix atmospheric nitrogen symbiotically and stimulates the growth of plants andultimately leads to better produce. In this present study, the Rhizobium strains were isolated from the root nodules of lentil plants form Murshidabad district of West Bengal, using Yeast Extract Mannitol Agar (YEMA) medium. Based on different biochemical tests and growth on YEMA medium, 5 isolates were selected and a pot experiment was carried to study the effect of those selected Rhizobium strains on plant growth and root nodulation. Inoculation with Rhizobium strains resulted in better growth and nodulation over un-inoculated control. Among the five strains, T1 strain recorded the highest plant height, maximum number of primary and secondary branches, number of nodules and number of pods compared to other strains.

3 tables, 13 ref

026560   SHEKHAWAT M S, MANOKARI M (Plant Sciences Dep, M.G.G.A.C, Mahe, Pondicherry, Email: smahipal3@gmail.com) : Micromorphological and anatomical evaluation of in vitro and field transferred plants of Coccinia indica. Agric Res 2018, 7(2), 135-44.

The micromorphological and anatomical changes in micropropagated plantlets of Coccinia indica grown under field conditions were studied. In vitro regeneration of plantlets under heterotrophic conditions is responsible for the induction of plant’s physiological and structural modifications. Significant developmental changes were observed from in vitro to the in vivo shifted plantlets. The micromorphological alterations in terms of stomatal index (from 23.0 to 19.2), vein islets (from 6.2 to 11.5), trichomes (from 11.0 to 16.0), epidermal cells and mesophyll tissues revealed the effective metabolism of photosynthesis and respiration from in vitro to field environment. Abnormal hypertrophied cortical cells with large intercellular spaces and retarded vascular cells were reported from the in vitro grown stem and root, whereas compact storage cells and advanced vascular tissues with the development of secondary xylem and phloem tissues were observed in field transferred plants. Field transfer is stressful to the micropropagated plantlets, which could be repaired by maintaining in vitro regenerated plantlets in the greenhouse to induce the plasticity in the plantlets. This study could help in understanding the abnormal tissues organization and functions of stomata behind the poor acclimatization process which leads to the poor survival of micropropagated plantlets in the field.

4 illus, 3 tables, 40 ref

026557   MOZAFARI A A, VAFAEE Y, SHAHYAD M (Horticultural Science Dep, Kurdistan Univ, Sanandaj 66177-15175, Iran, Email: a.mozafari@uok.ac.ir) : Phytochemical composition and in vitro antioxidant potential of Cynodon dactylon leaf and rhizome extracts as affected by drying methods and temperatures. J Food Sci Technol 2018, 55(6), 2220-9.

The effect of five drying methods including shade drying (SHD), solar drying (SOD), and oven drying at 30 (OD30), 40 (OD40) and 50$°$C (OD50) on the phytochemical composition and antioxidant potential of C. dactylon leaf and rhizome was assessed. Among drying methods, OD50 resulted in the shortest drying time (18.3 and 12 h for rhizome and leaf, respectively), when compared with SHD and SOD. Based on GC–MS analyses, 15 and 17 constituents were identified in leaf and rhizome extracts, respectively, accounting for $~$ 99 % of all components. Fatty acids (palmitic acid and linoleic acid) along with their methyl esters (ethyl palmitate, ethyl linoleate and ethyl oleate) and other derivatives (dihomo-$\gamma$-linoleic acid) were the main identified constituents shortly after drying procedures; however, other components such as 5-hydroxymethylfurfural, maltol, retinol and phytol were also traced. Some of C. dactylon phytochemicals including 5-hydroxymethylfurfural and ethyl linoleate were sensitive to high drying temperatures. Besides, higher drying temperatures lead to the production or increasing the level of substances such as 2,3-dihydrobenzofuran, tricyclopentadeca-3,7-dien and 2,3-dihydro-3,5-dihydroxy-6-methyl4H-pyran-4-one and diacetin. Based on the 2,2-diphenyl-1- picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radical scavenging assay, the IC₅₀ values were generally higher (significance level of 0.05) for oven-dried rhizome compared with shade-dried leaves and rhizomes that quenched more than 84 % of the DPPH at the concentration of 400 mg/ml (IC₅₀ 59.12). Our findings suggest that OD30 is a versatile drying method not only to reduce drying time but also to preserve the main phytochemicals and antioxidant activity of C. dactylon during dehydration.

2 illus, 3 tables, 49 ref

026549   LIU H, WANG C, QI X, ZOU J, SUN Z (Zhejiang Wanli Univ, Ningbo- 315 100, People’s Republic of China, Email: qixiangyang85@sina.com) : Antiglycation and antioxidant activities of mogroside extract from Siraitia grosvenorii (Swingle) fruits. J Fd Sci Technol 2018, 55(5), 1880-8.

Siraitia grosvenorii (Swingle) is one kind of medical and edible plants with various health-promoting properties. Recently, its hypoglycemic and antidiabetic activities have been reported, but the underlying mechanism remains to be explored. The current study was aimed to investigate the antioxidant and antiglycation activities of mogroside extract (MGE) from Siraitia grosvenorii (Swingle). The results showed that compared to glycated BSA, MGE at middle (125 µg/mL) and high dose (500 µg/mL) significantly inhibited BSA glycation evidenced by decreased fluorescent AGEs formation, protein carbonyls and N^e-(carboxymethyl) lysine (CML) level at 500 lg/mL by 58.5, 26.7 and 71.2 %, respectively. Additionally, the antiglycative activity of MGE (500 µg/mL) was comparable to aminoguanidine (AG) at the equal concentration.However, the inhibitory effect of MGE on glycation-induced increase of fructosamine level and decrease of thiol level was not remarkable. MGE was a potent peroxide radicals scavenger (851.8 µmol TE/g), moderate DPPH and ABTS radicals scavenger with IC₅₀ 1118.1 and1473.2 µg/mL, respectively, corresponding to positive controls ascorbic acid of IC₅₀ 9.6 µg/mL, and trolox of IC₅₀ 47.9 µg/mL, respectively, and mild reducing power. These findings suggest that MGE may serve as a new promising anti glycative agent against diabetic complications by inhibiting protein glycation and glycoxidation.

5 illus, 1 table, 35 ref

026548   CHAUDHARY A, CHAUDHARY S, SHARMA U, VIG A P, SINGH B, ARORA S (Botanical Dep, Guru Nanak Dev Univ, Punjab- 143 005, Email: ashun.chaudhary@gmail.com) : Purple head broccoli (Brassica oleracea L. var. italica Plenck), a functional food crop for antioxidant and anticancer potential. J Food Sci Technol 2018, 55(5), 1806-15.

Natural foods are used in many folks andhousehold treatments and have immense potential to treat aserious complication and health benefits, in addition to thebasic nutritional values. These food products improve health, delay the aging process, increase life expectancy, and possibly prevent chronic diseases. Purple head Brassica oleracea L. var. italica Plenck is one of such foods and in current studies was explored for chemical compounds at different development stages by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Antioxidant potential was explored employing different assays like molybdate ion reduction, DPPH, superoxide anion radical scavenging and plasmid nicking assay. Inspired by antioxidant activity results, we further explored these extracts for antiproliferative potential by morphological changes, cell cycle analysis, measurement of intracellular peroxides and mitochondrial membrane potential changes. Current study provides the scientific basis for the use of broccoli as easily affordable potent functional food.

4 illus, 2 tables, 35 ref

026547   PANT S, RINCHEN T, BUTOLA J S (Botany Dep, BGSB Univ, Rajouri -185 131, Email: shreekarpant.2@gmail.com) : Indigenous knowledge on bio-resources management for sustainable livelihood by the cold desert people, trans-Himalaya, Ladakh, India. Indian J Nat Prod Resour 2018, 9(2), 168-73.

The present study is carried out in Ladakh to document the indigenous knowledge on bio-resources management. People here practice various indigenous techniques for storage, use and management of their local resources. Some of the indigenous practices for storage of cultivated crops (i.e., food grains, vegetables, and fruits), fuel, fodder and several other bioresources in nutshell are described in this paper. The present study not only established the validity of traditional knowledge but also indicates the urgency to use and keep them in a sustainable mode. Indigenous knowledge if not conserved properly will be seriously threatened under pressure of modernization and especially on account of the apathy among the new generation.

2 illus, 8 ref

026546   SINGH H, DHOLE P A, KRIDHNA G, SARAVANAN R, BASKE P K (Central Botanical Laboratory, Howrah - 711 103, Email: harish_bsi@yahoo.co.in) : Ethnomedicinal plants used in malaria in tribal areas of Odisha, India. Indian J Nat Prod Resour 2018, 9(2), 160-7.

The present paper deals with 38 ethnomedicinal plant species belonging to 37 genera and 24 families used for prevention and treatment of malaria by the tribal and indigenous non-tribal communities of Sundargarh, Mayurbhanj, Angul, Balangir, Deogarh and Nuapada districts of Odisha. This first-hand ethnomedicinal information for their therapeutic use against malaria was collected directly from a field survey of 404 remote tribal villages and forest areas of these 6 districts during 2006-2017. Additionally, uses of other 6 plants for the treatment of the same diseases were also recorded from the already published literature on these districts. These plant species are arranged in alphabetical order followed by family, habit, local name(s), locality(ies), field number(s) along with a method of preparation and mode of ethnomedicinal uses in detail.

1 table, 31 ref

026545   VIANNEY Y M, AMANDA N, PIEKNELL K, JOHAN C W, HARDJO P H (Surabaya Univ, East java, Indonesia, Email: yoanes_mv@yahoo.co.id) : Evaluation of the antioxidant and antibacterial activity of breadnut (Artocarpus camansi Blanco) leaf extracts. Indian J Nat Prod Resour 2018, 9(2), 151-9.

Breadnut (Artocarpus camansi) was once acted as a staple food. Exploration of phytochemistry potential of this now underutilized plant was done. Total ethanol, ethyl acetate, and hexane extracts from leaves were examined for phenolic and flavonoid content, an antioxidant capacity that was related to DPPH scavenging activity, antibacterial activities using well diffusion assay, and minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of the best subjective extracts utilizing tetrazolium assay. There were significant differences between the results of the three crude extracts that were evaluated. The ethanol extracts showed the highest total phenolic and flavonoid content, which were 47.46 mg GAE/g dried extract and 79.094 mg CE/g dried extract, correspondingly. The ethanol extract exhibited the lowest IC₅₀ values (73.16 mg/L) which related to the ability to scavenge DPPH. Antibacterial activity of each extract tested against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli revealed that ethanol extract gave the highest inhibition diameter significantly. The MIC values of ethanol extract ranged from 25 to 50 mg/mL. There was a strong correlation between the phenolic and flavonoid content with antioxidant and antimicrobial activity. These results revealed that the solvent’s polarity determined the phenolic and flavonoid content significantly, hence affecting antimicrobial and antioxidant activity.

1 illus, 4 tables, 51 ref

026544   KALITA R D, HUSSAIN I, DEKA R C, BURAGOHAIN A K (Molecular Biology and Biotechnology Dep, Tezpur Univ, Tezpur- 784 028, Email: alakkrburagohain@gmail.com) : Antimycobacterial activity of linoleic acid and oleic acid obtained from the hexane extract of the seeds of Mesua ferrea L. and their in silico investigation. Indian J Nat Prod Resour 2018, 9(2), 132-42.

Tuberculosis is responsible for about 8 million deaths worldwide annually. The emergence of multidrug-resistant and extensively drug-resistant strains urgently requires the development of new drugs against tuberculosis. Drug discovery from plants against tuberculosis is an exciting area for exploration. In the present study, the fatty acids- linoleic and oleic acids isolated and identified from the seeds of the plant Mesua ferrea L. exhibited antimycobacterial activity. The analysis was done using Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry and supplementary information was obtained using fourier transform-infra red and ¹H and ¹³C nuclear magnetic resonance. The minimum inhibitory concentration of the purified fraction containing both the compounds was found to be 78 µg/mL. In silico molecular docking studies against the target proteins GlfT2, Inh A and mtKasB of Mycobacterium tuberculosis revealed high scores for both the compounds. Cytotoxicity studies of the compounds revealed no toxicity and high antioxidant activity was observed.

6 illus, 29 ref

026543   JADHAV V, DHANDE S, KADAM V (Pharmacology Dep, Bharati Vidyapeeth's Coll of Pharmacy, Mumbai - 400 614, Email: dswatir@gmail.com) : Angiogenic effect of indigenous herbal extracts: Bombax ceiba and Erythrina variegata. Indian J Nat Prod Resour 2018, 9(2), 126-31.

Angiogenesis is the process of formation of new vasculature; an important process in various pathological conditions. The study is focused on the screening of herbal plants targeting angiogenesis. The ethanolic extract of plant Bombax ceiba (EEBC) and Erythrina variegata (EEEV) were used. The experimental methods included regenerative angiogenesis assay in adult zebrafish and developmental angiogenesis assay in zebrafish embryos. For the regenerative angiogenesis assay, the regeneration of amputated fin length was evaluated. The adult zebrafishes were divided into 5 treatment groups of 8 fishes in each group. In developmental angiogenesis assay, various phenotype changes in embryos were observed. The embryos were divided into 5 groups with 12 embryos in each group. For both assays grouping was; group I vehicle control (DMSO), group II high dose of EEBC, group III low dose of EEBC, group IV high dose of EEEV and group V low dose of EEEV. The results of both the assays suggest that EEBC showed significant (p < 0.05) pro-angiogenic activity while EEEV showed significant (p < 0.05) anti-angiogenic activity. Therefore EEBC can prove beneficial in diseases related to insufficient angiogenesis like in management of wound healing while, EEEV in diseases related to excessive angiogenesis like management of cancer.

6 illus, 30 ref

026542   ASHAFA M O N A O T, SABIU S (Plant Sciences Dep, The Free State Univ, Phuthaditjhaba 9866, South Africa, Email: ashafaAOT@ufs.ac.za) : Anti-nephrolithiatic potential and the protective role of saponin-rich extract of Dianthus basuticus against acetaminophen-induced damage in HEK293 cells. Indian J Nat Prod Resour 2018, 9(2), 117-25.

Saponins have found ethnomedicinal applications against a number of diseases including oxidative stress, urinary and kidney ailments. This study investigated antioxidant, anti-nephrolithiatic and nephroprotective properties of saponin-rich extract of Dianthus basuticus in vitro. While nephroprotective activity was demonstrated against acetaminophen-mediated toxicity in HEK293 cells using the MTT method, its inhibition of calcium oxalate (CaOx) nucleation was evaluated in the anti-nephrolithiatic study. The antioxidant effect was demonstrated against OH and lipid peroxide radicals. The significant (p < 0.05) acetaminophen-induced reduction of viable cells in the nephrotoxic cells following 24 hours incubation was reverted and cell mortality dropped from 81.98 to 13.15 % at 125 µg/mL dose of the extract. The extract significantly inhibited CaOx nucleation crystals in a dose-related manner with the highest dose being 51.11 % potent. The inhibitory effect of the extract had an overall IC₅₀ of 1.03 µg/mL (R²= 0.9698) which is corroborated by the degree of turbidity of the treated crystals solutions. The overall effects elicited by the extract may be attributed to its antioxidant activity which was concentration-related with the highest dose exhibiting the most potent effect (IC₅₀: 0.45–0.63 µg/mL) when compared with vitamin  C  (IC₅₀:  0.49–0.69 mg/mL).   Hence,   D.   basuticus  is  potentially  a  new  lead  agent  in  the  management   of nephrolithiasis and renal disorders.

5 illus, 1 table, 41 ref

026541   BHAGYA N, CHANDRASHEKAR K R (Applied Botany Dep, Mangalore Univ, Mangalore - 574 199, Email: profkrchandrashekar@gmail.com) : In vitro pharmacological potential of Epiprinus mallotiformis - An endemic. Indian J Nat Prod Resour 2018, 9(2), 108-16.

Epiprinus mallotiformis is an endemic species of Western Ghats, traditionally known to cure dysentery, digestive problems, ulcers, gonorrhoea and also as a good antimicrobial and diuretic agent. The present investigation was done to evaluate the in vitro pharmacological activities and preliminary screening for phytochemicals in leaf, stem and bark extracts. The study revealed an optimum antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial activities and the presence of phenolics, flavonoids and saponins in the plant extracts. The ethyl acetate fraction of leaf samples exhibited a very significant antibacterial activity against S. aureus with a minimum bactericidal concentration of 8 mg/mL which might be due to the presence of high saponin content (9 %) in the leaves. The investigation also suggests the possible use of E. mallotiformis as an antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antibacterial agent.

1 illus, 5 tables, 46 ref

026540   KUMAR N, KHURANA S M P (Amity Univ, Gurugram- 122 413, Email: narendra.microbiology@rediffmail.com) : Phytochemistry and medicinal potential of the Terminalia bellirica Roxb. (Bahera). Indian J Nat Prod Resour 2018, 9(2), 97-107.

Terminalia bellirica Roxb., known as Bahera or Beleric or bastard myrobalan, belonging to the family Combretaceae of order Rosales, is a large deciduous tree common on plains and lower hills in Southeast Asia, where it is also grown as an avenue tree. Glucoside, tannins, gallic acid, ellagic acid, ethyl galate, gallyl glucose, chebulanic acid are the main active phytoconstituents of medicinal importance. These phytoconstituents are responsible for many of the pharmacological roles. Different parts of the tree have various medicinal activities viz., antisecretory, analgesic, antihypertensive, antidiarrhoeal activity, antimicrobial activity antidiabetic, antioxidant, antiulcer, antipyretic, hepatoprotective, anticancer, angiogenesis, antidepressant-like and anti-urolithiatic activity. This affects the LDL oxidation and macrophage inflammatory response and also nephrotoxic effects. Also having antipsychotic potential helpful in preventing delaying clot formation and have immunostimulant activity. Their traditional uses include relief in a cough, asthma, indigestion, dental problems, sore throat and wounds. The review also records some tissue culture investigations made for micropropagation and genetic diversity of T. bellirica.Terminalia bellirica Roxb., known as Bahera or Beleric or bastard myrobalan, belonging to the family Combretaceae of order Rosales, is a large deciduous tree common on plains and lower hills in Southeast Asia, where it is also grown as an avenue tree. Glucoside, tannins, gallic acid, ellagic acid, ethyl galate, gallyl glucose, chebulanic acid are the main active phytoconstituents of medicinal importance. These phytoconstituents are responsible for many of the pharmacological roles. Different parts of the tree have various medicinal activities viz., antisecretory, analgesic, antihypertensive, antidiarrhoeal activity, antimicrobial activity antidiabetic, antioxidant, antiulcer, antipyretic, hepatoprotective, anticancer, angiogenesis, antidepressant-like and anti-urolithiatic activity. This affects the LDL oxidation and macrophage inflammatory response and also nephrotoxic effects. Also having antipsychotic potential helpful in preventing delaying clot formation and have immunostimulant activity. Their traditional uses include relief in a cough, asthma, indigestion, dental problems, sore throat and wounds. The review also records some tissue culture investigations made for micropropagation and genetic diversity of T. bellirica.

2 tables, 76 ref

026539   ABA P E, ASUZU I U (Veterinary Physiology and Pharmacology Dep, Nigeria Univ, Enugu state, Nigeria, Email: Patrick.aba@unn.edu.ng, iasuzu@yahoo.ie) : Mechanisms of actions of some bioactive anti-diabetic principles from phytochemicals of medicinal plants: A review. Indian J Nat Prod Resour 2018, 9(2), 85-96.

Diabetes is both an endocrine and a metabolic disease affecting large numbers of individuals worldwide. The use of natural products such as herbs in the management of diseases dates back to the prehistoric era. Herbal therapy presents a less adverse side effect when compared with the synthetic orthodox counterpart. The phytochemical components of medicinal plants have been credited for the efficacy of herbal formulations. The aim of this study is to review some common anti- diabetic plants which have been tested experimentally using recent diabetes marker parameters and to highlight the bioactive anti-diabetic principles isolated from their phytochemicals. In addition, anti-diabetic compounds isolated in the process of research in our laboratory have been cited in the review. Such keywords like anti-diabetic medicinal plants, mechanism of actions, phytochemicals, alloxan, streptozotocin, glycosylated haemoglobin, were used on different search engines to generate secondary data used in this review. Data obtained indicated that various phytochemical components of anti-diabetic herbs such as the flavonoids, saponins, tannins, alkaloids, glycosides, terpenes, were responsible for the said anti-diabetic activities of the plants. The data equally revealed that these phytochemicals acted in diverse mechanisms to bring about their activities. From the data obtained, it was concluded that phytochemicals from anti-diabetic medicinal plants/herbs are pivotal in the production of marketable novel and efficacious anti-diabetic drug in future.

1 illus, 150 ref

026563   MUNDA S, SAIKIA P, LAL M (CSIR-North East Institute of Science and Technology (CSIR-NEIST), Jorhat, Assam, Email: mohan@neist.res.in) : Chemical composition and biological activity of essential oil of Kaempferia galanga: A review. J Essential Oil Res 2018, 30(5), 303–8.

Kaempferia galanga is one of the most industrially important medicinal plants belongs to Zingiberaceae family and contains high-valued essential oil of medicinal and industrial importance. The essential oil of K. galanga has got huge market potential in India and world. The present market value of essential oil varies from US $ 600 to 700 per kilogram on the international market. The major chemical constituents of the essential oil of K. galanga are ethyl-p-methoxy-cinnamate, ethylcinnamate, 1,8-cineole, borneol, camphene, linoleoyl, methyl-cinnamate and pentadecane. These chemical components show various anti-microbial activities and nutraceutical properties. Due to its wealth of pharmacological applicability, K. galanga is a high-valued medicinal plant of industrial importance. In this review, we present, up to date information regarding the chemical composition and biological activity of essential oil of K. galanga which offer a new perspective on the research on biochemical and molecular characterization of elite chemical components for pharmacological applications and commercial utility.

2 illus, 1 table, 37 ref

026562   KUMAR R, SHARMA S, SHARMA S, SHARMA M, KUMAR N (CSIR-Institute of Himalayan Bioresource Technology, Palampur, Email: rakeshkumar@ihbt.res.in) : Influence of flower to water ratio and distillation time of damask rose (Rosa damascena Mill.) flowers on essential oil content and composition in the western Himalayas. J Essential Oil Res 2018, 30(5), 353–9.

An experiment was conducted to study the influence of flower to water ratio and distillation time of damask rose (Rosa damascena Mill.) flowers on essential oil content and composition in the western Himalayas. Essential oil was produced by hydrodistillation extraction method using a Clevenger type apparatus. The experiment consists of 12 treatments; four flower to water ratios (1:2, 1:3, 1:4 and 1:5) and three distillation time (3, 4 and 5 h). We hypothesized that the chemical constituents of damask rose essential oil are eluted at different times during the hydrodistillation process and vary with flower to water ratios, resulting in oils with different composition. The compositions of the essential oils were characterized by GC–MS. A total of 25 compounds were identified, constituting over 89.1 ± 1.3 % to 96.2 ± 2.3 % of oil composition. Flower to water ratio influenced the essential oil content and significantly higher rose oil was recorded by 1:2 flower to water ratio (0.051 %). Distillation time did not significantly affect the essential oil content. Distillation of flowers in 1:2 ratio for 3 h recorded the highest citronellol + nerol content (41.1 ± 0.2 %) as compared to other treatments.

2 illus, 2 tables, 32 ref

026561   PINO J A, PORTELLES E C T, HERNANDEZ I, RODEIRO I, FERNANDEZ M D (Food Industry Research Institute, Cuba, Email: jpino@iiia.edu.cu) : Chemical composition of the essential oil from Croton wagneri Mull. Arg. (Euphorbiaceae) grown in Ecuador. J Essential Oil Res 2018, 30(5), 347–52.

The chemical composition of the essential oil from leaves of Croton wagneri Müll. Arg. grown in Ecuador was studied. A total of 135 volatile compounds were identified in the essential oil, of which the most prominent were cis-chrysanthenol (27.5 %) and myrcene (19.2 %). Furthermore, we  antioxidant properties using the DPPH and the ferric reducing antioxidant power assays andfound that the extract had a moderate scavenging effect.

1 illus, 3 tables, 20 ref

026559   BABU R H, YUGANDHAR P, SAVITHRAMMA N (Botany Dep, Sri Venkateswara Univ, Tirupati - 517 502, Email: yugandharbotany@gmail.com) : Synthesis, characterization and antimicrobial studies of bio silica nanoparticles prepared from Cynodon dactylon L.: A green approach. Bull Mater Sci 2018, 41(3), 65.

The present study reports on a green approach method for synthesis of silica nanoparticles (SiNPs) from Cynodon dactylon. These SiNPs were characterized by using ultraviolet–visible (UV–Vis) spectrophotometer, Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR), dynamic light scattering (DLS) and Zeta, X-ray diffractometer (XRD), scanning electron microscope (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and evaluated its growth inhibitory efficacy against different microorganisms. These SiNPs showed a colour change pattern upon synthesis and indicated a broad peak at 350 nm when analysed by UV–Vis spectrophotometer. FT-IR analysis revealed the presence of Si content, and the appearance of phytochemicals such as primary amines of proteins, phenols were mainly responsible for capping and stabilization of SiNPs. DLS and Zeta potential studies revealed average size of 62.1 nm and −23.3 mV zeta potential value of nanoparticles. AnXRD study showed a broad peak at 22^◦ of 2θ value and confirmed that the nanoparticles were amorphous in nature with 60 nm average size of particles. Higher magnification studies with SEM and TEM analysis revealed that the particles were poly-dispersed, spherical in shape and have the size range from 7 to 80 nm without any agglomeration among the particles. Energy dispersive X-ray analysis showed a 52.84 weight percentage of silica content in the sample, which indicates towering purity of the sample. The obtained nanoparticles were tested for growth inhibitory activity on different microbial pathogens, resulting in potential inhibitory activity. This study concluded that the plant C. dactylon was an excellent and reliable green source for production of potential bio antimicrobial SiNPs.

4 illus, 1 table, 45 ref