018565   Singh T;Mishra A;haq S I u;Lavanya A (NO, Guru Nanak Institutions Technical Campus, School of Pharmacy Ibrahimpattnam, Hyderabad, Email: manjeet600@gmail.com) : Comparative study of in vitro anthelmintic activity of sap of Azadirachta indica (Neem). Int J Pharmac 2016, 3(12), 513-6.

The present study was designed to judge the in vitro anthelmintic activity of Sap of Azadirachta indica. The duct roundworm, Pheretima posthuma, has been reported to cause severe health issues in immeasurable folks round the world. Records prove that a lot of the liquid extracts obtained from varied elements of various seasonal plants exhibited important Anthelmintic activity against Pheretima posthuma. This gave us a lead to found new compound resulting in the Anthelmintic activity on Sap of Azadirachta indica. The vermicidal activity was studied in four completely different volumes (5, 10, 20, 40 ml) and dilutions (5/10, 10/10, 15/10, 20/0) millilitre were prepared. The dilutions were evaluated for the time of palsy and time of death of the worm. Sap of Azadirachta indica exhibited important Anthelmintic activity. At highest concentration of 40 millilitres and dilution's 20/0 millilitre exhibits wonderful Anthelmintic activity was reported as compared to standard drug, Albendazole. Sap of Azadirachta indica in vitro studies indicated that Sap of Azadirachta indica possess important Anthelmintic activity.

2 illus, 2 tables, 14 ref

018564   Shao H;Zheng X W;Han C X;Hu Y X;Eminniyaz A; Zhang C (Key Lab of Biogeography and Bioresource in Arid Land, Xinjiang Institute of Ecology and Geography, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Urmuqi, 830011, China, Email: shaohua@ms.xjb.ac.cn) : Potential - 75 - allelopathic effects of fungus Aspergillus flavus isolated from Solanum rostratum Dunal. invaded soil. Allelopathy J 2017, 41(2), 177-88.

During the screening of soil microorganisms with potential allelopathic activity, a fungus strain H13 Aspergillus flavus was isolated from Solanum rostratum Dunal. invaded soil, it was identified as per its morphological characteristics and ITS region of rDNA. The PDB (Potato Dextrose Broth) fermentation broth of H13 was extracted by ethyl acetate and subjected to column chromatography purification procedure, which led to the isolation of 5-hydroxy-2-hydroxymethyl4H-pyran-4-one (kojic acid) as the most active compound. In Bioassay, the kojic acid at low concentration (2 μg/ml) stimulated (<60>15%) the receiver plants (Amaranthus retroflexus L., Thlaspi arvense L. and Poa annua L.) but was inhibitory at higher concentrations (10<126>1000 μg/ml) in a dose-dependent manner. At 1 mg/ml concentration the seed germination of T. arvense was completely inhibited, while the root and shoot length of A. retroflexus and Poa annua were reduced to 36.4% and 49.6%, and 3.6%, 79.4% of the control, respectively. Pyrosequencing analysis results indicated that Aspergillus flavus and other Aspegillus fungi significantly increased in the invaded soil, and the possible physiological and ecological consequences of this phenomenon are worth further investigation.

7 illus, 1 table, 36 ref

018563   Roy A S;Pal R (Botany Dep, Calcutta Univ, 35, Ballygunge Circular Road, Kolkata-700 019, Email: rpalcu@rediffmail.com ) : Fresh water euglenophytes from East Kolkata wetlands - a ramsar site. Phytomorphology 2016, 66(3-4), 113-21.

A total number of 24 planktonic Euglenophyte taxa were recorded from East Kolkata Wetlands (EKW), a eutrophic ecosystem of Ramsar site. An illustrated taxonomic account of freshwater Euglenoids is represented in the present communication after a two year long survey (January 2012 to January 2014). Among the 24 taxa, 21 of them were recorded for the first time from this site. Scanning Electron Microscopic (SEM) investigation on morphometry of major identified taxa was also carried out for detailed study. The population included a number of genera comprising different numbers of species viz. Euglena sp. (5), Euglenaformis sp. (1), Trachelomonas sp. (1), Rhabdomonas sp. (1), Euglenaria sp. (1), Cryptoglena sp. (1), Monomorphina sp. (2), Lepocinclis sp. (3), Phacus sp. (8) and Peranemopsis sp. (1).

4 illus, 45 ref

018562   Raja R R;Pandiyan P S (NO, PRIST Univ, Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu, Email: rsmr_raj@yahoo.co.in) : Pharmacognostical phytochemical screening of Aristolochia bracteolate (Aristolochiaceae). Int J Pharmac 2016, 3(11), 496-500.

Aristolochia bracteolate is a small glabrous shrub occurring in India. It belongs to the family Aristolochiaceae. The whole plant is used in various ailments like abortifacient, alterative, anthelmintic, antiperiodic, emmenagogue and purgative. The stem and root having the aristolochia acid (Alkaloid). The leaves and roots are used to rid the body of Guinea worm (a parasitic infection caused by a nematode). In present study was macroscopical, microscopy, physiochemical parameters (extractive values, crude fibre content, ash values, foreign organic matter), fluorescent analysis, plant cell inclusions reported. The ethanolic plant extraction was carried out by using soxhlet apparatus. The extract was screened for phytochemical properties by using colour reaction test.

6 illus, 6 tables, 7 ref

018561   Pereira L A R;Pina G O;Silveira C E S;Gomes S M;Toledo J L;Borghetti F (Botany Dep, Biology Institute, Brasilia Univ, CEP 70910-900, Brasilia-DF, Email: lpereira.unb@yahoo.com) : Effects - 74 - of Eugenia dysenterica L. extracts on roots and gravitropism of Sesamum indicum L. and Raphanus sativus L.. Allelopathy J 2017, 42(1), 3-20.

Authors tested the effects of allelochemicals phytotoxicity from Eugenia dysenterica leaf extracts on the gravitropism in radish and sesame plants. We also investigated the morphoanatomical, ultrastructural aspects of sesame and radish seedlings exposed to E. dysenterica extracts. The roots underwent structural modifications with severe structural abnormalities when exposed to E. dysenterica extracts. Hence, these roots bended upwards, the hypocotyl thickened, root tip malformations and showed early lateral root development. Internally, tissue oxidation, faster damage to xylem and root caps. Furthermore, the gravitropic response of roots was altered due to abnormalities in columella cells ultrastructure. Thus, allelochemicals may interfere with the differentiation and positioning of statoliths, which is a determining factor for a proper gravitropic response in plants.

7 illus, 52 ref

018560   Mehta S;Sharma K (Microbial Research Lab Botany Dep, Mohan Lal Sukhadia Univ, Udaipur, Rajasthan, Email: surbhimehta27@gmail.com) : Natural resources: An ecofriendly and safer alternate to control plant diseases. Int J pharm Sci Res 2016, 7(11), 4327-40.

As the focus of the world is shifting towards natural products and analogues, the demand of herbal medicine is also increasing and several plants have been screened for antifungal activity. Review of literature reports that plant extracts have been mostly screened for activity against human pathogenic bacteria and fungi. Compared to this, there are very few reports regarding inhibitory activity against plant pathogenic fungi. Although there are several reports of antifungal activity of plant products yet not much work has done to develop herbal bio-control agents or formulations using plant products or extracts. Herbal Products are cheaper than chemicals with minimal or practically no adverse side effects on hosts. Eucalyptus globulus extract has been screened for antifungal activity against human pathogenic fungi and bacteria but very few reports are available regarding plant pathogenic fungi especially early blight caused by Alternaria solani. Antifungal activity of organic substances has been reported by some workers but no study till date has been reported on preparation of herbal formulation by combining plant powder, extracts and organic substances. The present work proposes to develop a formulation by combining plant extracts/ plant powder with these traditionally used organic substances for control of early blight of tomato caused by Alternaria solani. This type of formulation will provide a cheap and environmentally safe herbal fungicide that can be further used as a commercial herbal bio-control agent.

^iia155 ref

018559   Meena A;Hanief M;Bidalia A;Rao K S (Botany Dep, Delhi Univ, Delhi-110 007, Email: archanam417@gmail.com) : Structure, composition and diversity of tree strata of semi-arid forest community in Delhi, India. Phytomorphology 2016, 66(3-4), 95-102.

The present study investigated species composition, density, basal area, IVI (Importance Value Index), distribution pattern and diversity indices of trees in a semi-arid forest. Two sites, i.e., North Ridge Forest (NRF) and Central Ridge Forest (CRF) representing varied soil physical characters were selected for the study. The total tree density was 633 and 684 individuals ha^-1 in NRF and CRF sites, respectively and the total basal area was 33.61 and 19.87 m² ha^-1 in NRF and CRF sites, respectively. Prosopis juliflora (Sw.) DC was the most dominant tree species having highest density, basal area, frequency and IVI in both the forest sites. The Shannon-Weiner diversity index was higher for NRF (1.78) than CRF, whereas, the Simpson concentration of dominance was higher for CRF (0.52) than NRF. The distribution pattern analysis of the trees showed contiguous pattern for all the tree species except for P. juliflora, which showed random distribution at NRF. The present study provides significant baseline information for future studies on monitoring and sustaining biodiversity in these forests.

1 illus, 3 tables, 46 ref

018558   Mandal B;Ganguly A;Mukherjee A (NO, Jogesh Chandra Chaudhuri College, Prince Anwar Shah Road, Kolkata-700 033, Email: bananimandal50@gmail.com) : Checklist of the roadside trees of Kolkata city. Bionotes 2017, 19(4), 125-28.

1 table, 15 - 73

018557   Liu J G;Liao H X;Chen B M;Peng S L (State Key Lab of Biocontrol, Guangdong Key Lab of Plant Resources, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat, 510275 Guangzhou, China, Email: lsspsl@mail.sysu.edu.cn) : Do the phenolic acids in forest soil resist the exotic plant invasion?. Allelopathy J 2017, 41(2), 167-76.

Allelopathy helps in the success of some invasive plants (i.e. Novel Weapons Hypothesis). The invasive plants exert allelopathic inhibitory effects on natives, but it is unclear, how the invaders are affected by the allelochemicals released by native plants. We have developed a GC-MS based approach to analyze the phenolic acids in forest soil and their allelopathic effects on three worst invasive plants (Ipomoea triloba L., Mikania micrantha Kunth and Wedelia trilobata (L.) Hitchc.) in South China. We identified eight phenolic compounds (benzoic acid, p-hydroxybenzal- dehyde, trans-cinnamic acid, p-hydroxybenzoic acid, vanillic acid, 3,4-dihydroxybenzoic acid, p-coumaric acid and ferulic acid) in the forest soil, and found that individual phenolic acids were seldom strong enough to effectively inhibit the growth of invasive plants, however, their mixtures had inhibitory effects on invaders. Our work provides an evidence, how the native forest community resists the exotic plant invasion through allelopathy.

3 illus^p33 ref

018556   Li W;He S Q;Cheng X P;Song W H (Yunnan Academy of Biodiversity, Southwest Forestry Univ, Kunming 650224, China, Email: ww0592@gmail.com) : Role of allelopathy in plant invasions in natural conditions. Allelopathy J 2017, 41(2), 249-58.

This review focuses on recent studies that stress the importance of using allelopathy research in natural environments. We have discussed the differences in allelopathic potential obtained in laboratory and natural environments and compared the corresponding abiotic and biotic conditions. We suggest that multiple abiotic and biotic conditions should be considered in evaluating the effectiveness of allelopathy in natural settings. We have also identified some priority research areas and suggest future directions for allelopathy research.

1 table, 73 ref

018555   Lavanya A;Reddy B M;Neeharika V (Phytochemistry and Pharmacognosy Dep, G. Pullareddy College of Pharmacy, Mehdipatnam, Hyderabad, Telangana, Email: lavanya.svkk@gmail.com ) : Evaluation of Ficus racemosa leaf for wound healing activity. Int J Pharmac 0000, 3(12), 501-12.

The wound healing activity of leaves of Ficus racemosa Linn. alcoholic, chloroform and ethyl acetate extract ointments were evaluated on wistar rats by excision wound model for a period of 12 days and incision wound model for a period of 10 days. In incision model the parameter carried out was tensile strength of wounded skin. In excision model percentage wound contractions were determined for all the groups. Reference standard drug was curcumin ointment. Animals treated with extracts of Ficus racemosa Linn. showed marked reduction in wound area in comparison to control group from 4th day onwards. From the observations, it is found that in both the models, alcoholic extract of Ficus racemosa and enriched diet was have greater wound healing activity in terms of tensile strength in incision model and percentage wound closure, in excision model than that of other groups. Enriched diet also showed good wound healing activity which may be due to high protein content and fatty acids present in oil.

4 illus, 5 tables, 21 ref

018554   Gayathri V;Karthika A (Botany Dep, Avinashilingam Institute for Home Science and Higher Education for Wo, Coimbatore, Tamilnadu, Email: gaya4874@gmail.com) : Preliminary phytochemical screening of two medicinal plants - Solanum nigrum Linn. and Leucas aspera (Willd.) Linn.. Int J Pharmac 2016, 3(12), 517-20.

The medicinal plants are useful for healing, as well as, for curing of human diseases because of the presence of phytochemical constituents. Phytochemicals are naturally occurring in the medicinal plants, leaves, vegetables and roots that have defense mechanism and protect from various diseases. The leaves of Solanum are used to treat mouth ulcers that happen during winter periods in Tamil Nadu. Leaves of Leucas are considered useful in chronic rheumatism, psoriasis and other skin eruptions. The preliminary phytochemical screening showed the presence of almost all the phytoconstituents in the different solvent extracts used. Protein and carbohydrate were found to be absent only in chloroform, petroleum ether and benzene extracts. The presence of various other phytoconstituents such as alkaloids, flavonoids, steroids, terpenoids, quinone, phenols, starch, cellulose, oil and fat shows the therapeutic use of the plants both S. nigrum as well as L. aspera for accelerating the wound healing process.

2 tables, 17 ref

018553   Ganie A H;Yousuf P Y;Ahad A;Pandey R;Ahmad S; Aref I M;Noor J J;Iqbal M (Molecular Ecology Lab, Botany Dep, Faculty of Science, Jamia Hamdard, New Delhi-110 062, Email: iqbalg5@yahoo.co.in) : Quantification of phenolic acids and - 71 - antioxidant potential of inbred, hybrid and composite cultivars of maize under different nitrogen regimes. J envir Biol 2016, 37(6), 1273-9.

Maize (Zea mays L.) is a multipurpose crop, which is immensely used worldwide for its nutritional as well as medicinal properties. This study evaluates the effect of varying concentrations of nitrogen (N) on accumulation of phenolic acids and antioxidant activity in different maize cultivars, including inbreds, hybrids and a composite, which were grown in natural light under controlled temperature (30°C/20°C D/N) and humidity (80%), with sufficient (4.5mM) and low (0.05mM) nitrogen supply. Seeds of different cultivars were powdered and extracted in a methanol:water (80:20) mixture through reflux at 60-75°C, and the extracts obtained were subjected to high performance thin layer chromatography (HPTLC), using ethyl acetate: acetic acid: formic acid: water (109:16:12:31) solvent system for the separation of phenolic acids. Antioxidant activity of the extracts was determined by 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and H₂O₂-scavenging activity assays. At sufficient nitrogen condition, the contents of different phenolic acids were higher in the composite cultivar (8.7 mg g^-1 d.wt. in gallic acid to 39.3 mg g^-1 d.wt. in cinnamic and salicylic acids) than in inbreds and hybrids. Under low nitrogen condition, the phenolic acids contents declined significantly in inbreds and hybrids, but remained almost unaffected in the composite. The antioxidant activity was also the maximum in the composite, and declined similarly as phenolic acids under low nitrogen supply, showing a significant reduction in inbreds and hybrids only. Therefore, the maize composite has a potential for being used as a nutraceutical in human-health sector.

1 illus, 3 tables, 36 ref

018552   Doorn W G V;Papini A (Plant Sciences Dep, California Univ, Davis, California 95616, USA, Email: alpapini@unifi.it) : Plastid degeneration in Tillandsia albida (Bromeliaceae) and Lobivia rauschii (Cactaceae) provides evidence about the origin and destiny of multilamellar bodies in plants. Phytomorphology 2016, 66(3-4), 103-12.

Vesicle-like structures containing several to numerous concentric membranes, called multilamellar bodies (MLBs), are present both in animal and plant cells. The origin of MLBs in animal cells has been partially elucidated, while that of plant MLBs is unknown. MLBs in plant cells are present in the cytoplasm, at the interface of cytoplasm and vacuole, and inside vacuoles. This suggests that they become transported from the cytoplasm to the vacuole. This investigation, aims to reveal the origin and destiny of MLBs in plants. The method of choice was the ultrastructural observation of plastid degeneration in anthers of Tillandsia albida and in Lobivia rauschii (respectively one monocot and one dicot species). The function of plant MLBs seems to be the transfer of cellular membranes to the vacuole. Although it is often impossible to discern whether they have a single or a double outer membrane, in some examples a double outer membrane is present. This might suggest autophagic/mitochondrial/plastidial origin. Membrane structures similar to those in MLBs apparently have not been described in mitochondria. By contrast, structures similar to MLBs are found in autophagous structures and in degenerating chloroplasts and other plastids. The data might suggest the hypothesis that plant MLBs derive from autophagous structures and/or from plastids. A mechanism of formation of lipid droplets inside the vacuole, starting from MLB is proposed.

12 illus, 45 ref

018551   Dingaran S;Sridhar S;Eganathan P (Botany Dep, Government Arts College, Tiruvannamalai-606 603, Email: sekarsridhar@rediffmail.com) : Chemical composition and antioxidant activities of black seed oil (Nigella sativa L.). Int J pharm Sci Res 2016, 7(11), 4473-9.

Nigella sativa L. is an annual herb and cultivated largely in the East Mediterranean region. Seeds used in traditional folk medicine for the treatment of various purposes in the systems of Unani, Ayurveda, Chinese and Arabic. Nigella sativa seed oil was isolated using soxhlet hexane extraction process. GC-MS analysis identified a total of 32 compounds among which 9-eicosyne (63.04%), linoleic acid (13.48%), palmitic acid (9.68%) were the major constituents. Saturated aliphatic fatty acid accounted 63.04% of the seed oil extract. Fatty acid and monoterpene hydrocarbon constituted 23.26% and 4.91% respectively. Also the seed oil included compounds of alkanes and sesquiterpene hydrocarbons that constituted 2.84%, and 0.30% respectively. The seed oil was estimated for its chemical compounds and antioxidant activity using in vitro assays such as DPPH, ABTS, nitric oxide, hydrogen peroxide and total antioxidant scavenging capacity. Higher antioxidant scavenging activity of TAC and ABTS was found in seed oil. The seed oil contains higher percentage of fatty acids and exhibit antioxidant activity which are useful for preparation of pharmaceutical products.

40 ref

018550   Chen B M;Liao H X;Chen W B;Wei H J;Peng S L (State Key Lab of Biocontrol, Guangdong Provincial Key Lab of Plant Resources, School of Life Scienc, Guangzhou 510275, China, Email: chbaoming@163.com) : Role of allelopathy in plant invasion and control of invasive plants. Allelopathy J 2017, 41(2), 155-66.

Allelopathy plays important role in many aspects of plants invasion (plant invasiveness, resistance to invasive plants of native community and control of invasive plants). There is urgent need to understand the integrative role of allelopathy in plant invasion, resistance of native community and management/ control of invasive plants. This review summarizes the role of allelopathy in plant invasion: (i). Facilitating the exotic plant invasion as indicated by "Novel Weapon" hypothesis, (ii). Used by native plants as weapon against invasive plants, (iii). Its potential to control exotic plant invasion by regulating the native species allelopathic effects on invasive species. It is crucial for the ecological restoration of invaded communities, to understand how the allelopathic effects of invasive and native plants counteract and which allelochemicals produced by natives are effective against invasive plants. We suggest that exotic plants invasion may be controlled by eliminating the allelopathic effects of invasive species or by enhancing the allelopathic effect of native species.

97 ref

018549   Bose R;Nandi C;Roy A S;Gorain P C;Pal R (Botany Dep, Calcutta Univ, 35, Ballygunge Circular Road, Kolkata-700 019, Email: raplcu@rediffmail.com) : Floristic survey of microplanktonic cyanobacteria and chlorophyta from different ecological niches of West Bengal, India. Phytomorphology 2016, 66(3-4), 77-93.

In a recent survey work more than seventy microplanktonic Cyanobacteria and Chlorophyta have been recorded from different ecological niches like freshwater lotic and lentic pond, oligotrophic and eutrophic water body, shallow ditches and deep lakes etc. The recorded taxa were from 11 families of Cyanoprokaryota (Komarek, 1999, 2005, 2013) viz. Aphanizomenonaceae, Borziaceae, Chroococcaceae, Coelosphaeriaceae, Leptolyngbyaceae, Merismopediaceae, Microcystaceae, Microcoleaceae, Nostocaceae, Pseudoanabaenaceae, Rivulariaceae. Similarly 11 families belonging to Chlorophyta were recorded, namely Chlorellaceae, Hydrodictyaceae, Oocystaceae, Radiococcaceae, Scenedesmaceae, Selenestraceae, Sphaerocystidaceae, Schizochlamydaceae, trebouxiophyceae incertae sedis, Neochloridaceae and Volvocaceae. Of these, two species Sphaerospermopsis aphanizomenoides and Volvulina steinii are from two genera that are reported for the first time from West Bengal.

4 illus, 1 table, 51 ref

018548   Begum N;Mandal S (Botany Dep (UGC-SAP-DRS-II), Biosystematics Lab, Visva-Bharati Univ, Santiniketan-731 235, Email: smandalbot@gmail.com) : Diversity and identification of the pollen flora of Birbhum district, West Bengal, India. Phytomorphology 2016, 66(3-4), 127-36.

The present paper deals with the morphometric - 69 - diversity of 105 taxa belonging to 46 families of flowering plants. The pollen apertural types vary from monosulcate to tricolporate type. Exine ornamentation varies from psilate to coarsely reticulate. A pollen key has been prepared on the basis of the traits examined: pollen aperture type, diameter of pollen grains, size (polar axis and equatorial diameters, PA and ED), PA/ED ratio, length of colpa, diameter of pores, exine thickness, exine sculpturing and shape of the pollen. The study of local pollen flora will be helpful to identify airborne pollen related to respiratory allergic disorders.

3 illus, 1 table, 13 ref

017618   Viswakanakam Y;Ammani K (Botany Dep, A.V.S.Junior College, Pulletikurru-533 239) : Fimbristylis sanjappae w.khan & s.n. solanke (cyperaceae):an addition to the flora of Andhra Pradesh, India. Bioinfolet 2017, 14(3), 338-9.

The species Fimbristylis sanjappae of family Cyperaceae is reported here for the first time from Andhra Pradesh. The species is interesting and a new record for the state.

1 illus, 6 ref

017617   Viswakanakam Y;Ammani K (Botany Dep, A.V. S. Junior College, Pulletikuru-533 239) : Cypereus compressus subsp. micranthus koyama (cyperaceae) : A new plant record for Andhra Pradesh state. Bioinfolet 2017, 14(3), 336-7.

The communication reports one subspecies of Cypereceae a new record for Andhra Pradesh state form Konaseema delta area of East Godavari District.

3 ref

017616   Vimala R;Mrunalini B R;De Ghosh M;Ramakrishna T M (Chemistry Dep, Indian Academy Centre for Research and PG studies, Hennur Cross, Hennur Main Road, Bengaluru-560 043, Email: demahuya@yahoo.com) : Antimycotics in certain taxa of euphorbiaceae. Int J pharm Sci Res 2017, 8(3), 1229-34.

There is a lot of thrust on utilization of bioactive chemicals from plant systems and their significant effect on microorganisms. Ten species of plants of the family Euphorbiaceae have been used for our study they are, Croton bonpandianum, Euphorbia tirucalli, E. hirta, E. - 100 - heterophylla, Jatropha curcas, J. glandulifera, J. multifida, Phyllanthus amarus, Ricinus cummunis, Pedilanthus tithymaloides. Most of the family members of Euphorbiaceae have unique feature of possessing latex in their plant body. This latex is a secondary metabolite and hence has no significant physiological role in the plant system. An attempt has been made to find whether the plant extracts prepared in water have any role against fungi. These fungi are pathogenic to both plants and animals. The stem and leaves are thoroughly washed in 1% mercuric chloride and later washed in tap water followed by double distilled water. Later on crushed in mortar and pestle using water. The fungal species used for our study are Aspergillus niger, Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Fusarium oxysporum. The extracts are directly used for their antimycotic activity. Most of the plant extracts of Euphorbiaceae showed inhibition of growth of the fungi but for few exceptions. The study envisages to find new biodegradable pesticides, presently which are necessary to control plant diseases.

23 ref

017615   Verma P P S;Padalia R C;Singh V R;ur-Rahman L (NO, CSIR-Central Institute of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants Research Centr, Purara, Post-Gagrigole, Bageshwar, Uttarakhand) : Effect of combined doses of nitrogen and phosphorus on plant growth and oil yield of menthol mint (Mentha arvensis L) in western himalayan region of Uttrakhand. Int J herb Med 2017, 5(6), 18-21.

The experiment was laid out in randomized block design with three replication at CSIR-Central Institute of Medicinal and Aromatic Plant Research Centre Purara, Bageshwar (Uttrakhand) during 2014-15 with the objectives to study the effect of different level of combined doses of nutrients, viz. nitrogen and phosphorus on herb and oil yield of menthol mint. The treatments combination is five combined doses of nitrogen and phosphorus, viz. T₁ (control, N₀ P₀), T₂: N₅₀ P₂₀, T₃: N₁₀₀ P₄₀, T₄: N₁₅₀ P₆₀, T₅: N₂₀₀P₈₀. Result indicated that the better expression of plant growth and oil yield characters was observed in T₅: N₂₀₀P₈₀ followed by T4: N₁₅₀ P₆₀.

5 illus, 1 table, 14 ref

017614   Sujatha S;Seker T;Pavithra S (Botany Dep, Bharathiar Univ, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu) : Free-radical scavenging activity of stem and leaf of Atalantia monophylla (L.) Corr. Serr. Int J herb Med 2017, 5(5), 47-53.

The ethnobotanical and folk medicine used of plant A. monophylla (L.) Corr. Serr. Itis used for Respiratory, Rheumatism etc. To evaluate the plant's leaves and stem of Atalantia monophylla extract of pet ether, chloroform, acetone and methanol for, total antioxidant and free radical scavenging ability. The ability of the plant extract to act as hydrogen/electrons donor or scavenger of radicals were determined by in-vitro antioxidant assays using 2,2-diphenyl-2-picryl-hydrazyl free radical (DPPH.) scavenging, then reducing power assay, superoxide radical (O₂*-) scavenging activity, phosphomolybdenum assay, ferric Reducing antioxidant power assay, and metal chelating activity, were performed to know the antioxidant potency of the plant extract of leaves and stem of Atalantia monophylla. The study also revealed significant free radical scavenging ability of the plant leaves as assessed by DPPH, reducing power, phosphomolybdenum assay, FRAP, and metal chelating activity. Scavenging ability of the plant leaves as assessed by DPPH, reducing power, phosphomolybdenum assay, FRAP, and metal chelating activity.

7 illus, 30 ref

017613   Soni S (Geography Dep, Ch. Bani Lal Government College Loharu, Bhiwani, Haryana) : Herbal remedies for skin burn problems in Garhwal Himalaya. Int J multidiscipl Res Dev 2017, 4(10), 12-14.

Garhwal Himalaya is the central part of Western Himalaya (29° 26'- 31° 28' N and 77° 49'- 80° 6' E). Due to its unique topography, ethnic uses of plants are in traditions of people of this area. Garhwal include seven districts- Dehradun, Haridwar, Pauri, Chamoli, Tehri, Uttarkashi and Rudraprayag representing mountains lower hills, tarai Bhabar belt and plain area. These hills have been a potent source of a variety of healing herbs. The present paper enumerates plants useful in treating several categories of diseases and hints on - 99 - preparation and application of recipes. The information has been gathered from old people that used their own indigenous methods for burn skin. Due to many side effects of drugs of modern system of medicine and their high cost, the traditional medicine are being revival all over the world.

2 illus, 8 ref

017612   Sharma G;Lamichhane G (Pharmaceutical Science Dep, Pokhara Univ, Lekhnath, Kaski, Nepal) : Plant based medicine in treatment of urolithiatic disorder. Pharma Innovation 2017, 6(10), 8-12.

Medicinal plants have been known for ancient time and are well admired in globe as a potential source of curative compounds for the prevention of different diseases. Urolithiasis is precipitation of insoluble and less soluble salt such as Oxalate and Phosphate in urinary tract causing obstruction in urethra resulting renal colic and hematuria. The information on flora was collected from various Journals, websites and books which were additionally revised to ascertain use parts, studied model, ethno medicinal use and different mechanism of action. By analysing 36 articles of 27 journals this review accumulates information of list of 94 plants of 55 families covering 21 mechanism of action which can suppress urolithiasis with three studied model. Also, Conventionally, 20 parts of these plants are used by different modes like boiling, decoction, extract, paste, juice, powder and ash.In this article, an effort has been made to highlight on effective native flora which is used in cure of urolithiasis.

^iia1 table, 36 ref

017611   Sharma D;Roy V;Saraf A (School of Biological and Chemical Sciences, MATS Univ, Raipur, Chhattisgarh, Email: devyani.sengupta@gmail.com) : Update on phytochemicals analysis and medicinal prospects of indian herb Withania somnifera. Ambient Sci 2017, 4(2), 1-6.

Universally the Ashwagandha (Indian Ginseng) could be referred as an extensively researched medicinal plant. It also holds an important place in the Charaka Samhita. It contains highly potent phytochemicals which are meticulously used as a tonic in Ayurveda for various ailments. Various aspects of this useful plant with reference to the phytochemicals, various biochemical activities, the extraction methods, and its antioxidant and antimicrobial activity have been tried to discuss in this paper. Information generated in this study shall be useful for undertaking research on genomic, transcriptomic, proteomic, metabolomics, and in vitro studies on Withania somnifera.

1 illus, 67 ref

017610   Shafi S;Mehta J P;Sharesth Kumari;Dhiman P (Botany and Microbiology Dep, HNB Garhwal Univ, (A Central Univ), Srinagar, Uttarakhand) : Indigenous uses of plants under pinus dominated ecosystem at Pauri Garhwal, India. Int J herb Med 2017, 5(5), 9-15.

A panorama of the diversity emerged in this study, which is intangible asset suggests a very high scope of the utilisation of this natural and uncultivated biodiversity for supporting livelihoods of the region. A survey was conducted in the forest ecosystem of Pauri-Garhwal Uttarakhand with an objective to identify the prevalent economically important forest products medicinal, fodder, fibres, fuel wood, dye and various other plants used by local inhabitants. Due to the exorbitant use of the resources of forest area and modernisation, the traditional knowledge of plants is receding day by day. An attempt has been made to suggest - 98 - possible conservation strategy of these resources. It is emphasised that there is to prioritise the important plants of multipurpose use. Such efforts would bring high proceeds to the local community. The present study concludes that study area comprises a huge diversity of economically important plant used by the local villagers.

7 illus, 1 table, 23 ref

017609   Sangvikar R V (Botany Dep, Science College, Nanded-431 005) : Antagonistic activity of endophytic fungiisolated from Adhathoda vasica. Bioinfolet 2017, 14(3), 340-2.

Eight endophytic fungi were isolated from the leaves and stems of Adathoda vasica. Among them Alternaria and Penicillum weredominant. These endophytic fungi inhibited growth of plant pathogens indicating theirantifungal activity.

2 tables, 17 ref

017608   Rokhade V K;Taranath T C (Studies in Botany P. G. Dep, Karnatak Univ, Dharwad-580 003, Email: tctaranath@rediffmail.com) : Phytosynthesis of silver nanoparticles using fruit extract of Leea indica (Burm. F.) Merr. and their antimicrobial activity. Int J pharm Sci Res 2017, 8(3), 1319-25.

Green nanotechnology is gaining importance due to the elimination of harmful chemicals and provides a safe, environmental friendly and economic method for synthesis of nanoparticles. In the present investigation fruit extract of Leea indica (Burm.f.) Merr. was used for the synthesis of silver nanoparticles. Aqueous fruit extract were added to 1 mm silver nitrate solution by changing the colour of reaction mixture from colourless to brown colour indicates the formation of silver nanoparticles further, confirmed by characteristic UV-Vis absorption peak at 400 nm. Synthesized nanoparticles were characterized by FTIR, EDAX, AFM and HR-TEM. The FTIR data revealed that bio-molecules involved in the reduction and capping of silver nanoparticles. The morphology of silver nanoparticles was determined by AFM and HR-TEM. The size of nanoparticles ranges between 10-50 nm. The EDX analysis confirmed the purity and elemental nature of silver. Synthesized silver nanoparticles exhibited synergistic antimicrobial activity in combination with antibiotic against Escherichia coli, Salmonella typhi, Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus subtilis.

31 ref

017607   Rekha K;Krishnan A (Botany Dep, St. Mary's College, Thrissur, Kerala) : Diversity of pteridophyte flora in Akamala forest station, Thrissur, Kerala. Int J Fauna biol Stud 2017, 4(5), 1-3.

Akamala forest station belongs to Machad forest range in Thrissur district. No literature is available regarding the diversity of flora and fauna of this forest range. The current study focuses on the diversity of pteridophytes in the Attoor beat of Akamala forest station. The survey has been carried out from June 2015 to August 2016. A total of 24 species of pteridophytes were collected from the study area. Floristic analysis of collected specimens was carried out to find out the families, genus and species. The collected species belonged to17 genera, 14 families and 2 classes. Except different species of - 97 - Selaginella ((Lycopsida) all other members belonged to the class Filicopsida (Fern group). The most frequently represented species were Selaginella, Adiantum, Hemonitis and Pteris. Most of the collected species were terrestrial. Epiphytes, lithophytes and aquatic species were also reported, but few in numbers. Regarding the conservation status, 2 species belonged to 'endangered' category, 4 species under the category 'rare' and 1 species 'at risk'. The result of the study indicates the richness of pteridophyte diversity in the study area.

1 illus, 2 tables, 9 ref

017606   Preeti Kumari;Tiwari S K;Choudhary A K (Botany Dep, Ranchi Univ, Ranchi, Jharkhand) : Current status of medicinal plants: A case study from the Palamu Tiger Reserve & Betla National Park, Jharkhand, India. Int J herb Med 2017, 5(6), 9-13.

Plamau Tiger Reserve (PTR) and Betla National Park (BNP) is famous for tigers. Tourist across India used to come here to see tigers and many rare animals in open air. One more potential of BNP should be explored i.e. Betla in Jharkhand could be a hot medical tourist spot. The tribal people inhabit in the forest areas of PTR of Jharkhand, collect potential and effective medicinal plants and utilized by them for meeting their primary health care. The medicinal uses of plants species have been recorded from the tribal medicine men such as Jangurus, Ojhas, Manjhis etc. during the survey and field studies among them. These tribes have traditional knowledge about use of this medicinal plant. It has been observed in the present study that the total 139 medicinal plants belong to 56 families. One rare medicinal plant of forest is harjodwa commonly known as 'Panivel' Cissus repanda Vahl. (Syn. C.rosea, Vitis repanda and V. rosea) belong to Family Vitaceae. These tribes use the indigenous flora for various medicinal purposes in their daily life as local people have faith and belief in these medicines. The present paper highlights some of the potential medicinal plant species that are used as traditional herbal remedies by the tribal people. Ethno-botanical information about medicinal plants is given by mentioning their botanical name, family, local name, ecology and uses.

1 table, 25 ref

017605   Paul J J P;Lawrence R A R (Botany Dep, Centre for Advanced Research in Plant, Sciences (CARPS), St. Xavier's, Palayamkottai, Tamil Nadu) : Phytochemical analysis of Sargassum linearifolium (Turner) C.Ag. (brown seaweed) using UV-VIS, FTIR and HPLC. Int J herb Med 2017, 5(6), 14-17.

The present study was aimed to explore the phytochemicals of Sargassum linearifolium (Turner) C.Ag. collected from Koothankuzhi coast, located in Tirunelveli district, in the south east coast of Tamil Nadu, India. The phytochemical analysis of the methanol extract was carried out using UV-Visible spectroscopy, FT-IR spectroscopy and HPLC. The UV-Visible spectrum of the methanol extract of Sargassum linearifolium showed the presence of the compounds separated from 200 to 1100nm with the absorption. The crude methanol extract of Sargassum linearifolium was passed into FTIR and it confirmed the presence of functional groups such as aromatic nitro compound, amides, alkyl chloride, organophosphorus compounds, amines, sulfonyl chloride, primary amines, ketones, phosphines and aliphatic compound. HPLC fingerprint of Sargassum linearifolium displayed seven prominent peaks at the retention time of 2.007min, 2.177min, 2.323min, 2.653min, 2.800min, 3.007min and 3.427min out of ten compounds separated.

3 illus, 3 tables, 15 ref

017604   Pandey A;Singh S (NO, M.Sc. Biodiversity and Conservation G.G.S.I.P. Univ, New Delhi) : Ethno-botanical evidences of common wild medicinal herbs existing on Delhi ridge: A checklist. J med Pl Stud 2017, 5(5), 46-60.

Herbs are organizing a rebound and herbal "renaissance" is going on everywhere throughout the globe. The herbal items today symbolize security rather than the synthetics that are viewed as perilous to human and condition. In spite of the fact that herbs had been valued for their therapeutic, enhancing and fragrant qualities for quite a long time, the engineered results of the present day age outperformed their significance, for some time. Be that as it may, the visually impaired reliance on synthetics is finished and individuals are coming back to the naturals with any desire for wellbeing and security. It has been evaluated that in developed countries, for example, United States, plant drugs constitute as much as 25% of the aggregate medications, while in developing countries, for example, China and India, the commitment is as much as 80%. Accordingly, the monetary significance of restorative plants is a great deal more to nations, for example, India than to rest of the world. These nations give two third of the plants utilized as a part of present day arrangement of drug and the human services arrangement of country populace rely upon indigenous formulations of pharmaceutical (Marshall, 2011). The present work has been an effort to document the wild medicinal herbs found on the ridges of Delhi, India. The study has revealed the existence of 172 medicinal herbs from the five ridges of Delhi; these plants belong to 41 botanical families. Out of the documented plants 127 different genera with 162 species have been recorded.

3 illus, 2 tables, 102 ref

017603   Maqbool F;Singh S;Kaloo Z A;Jan M (Plant Tissue Culture Laboratory, Botany Dep, Kashmir Univ, Hazratbal, Srinagar-190 006, Email: darfarhana88@gmail.com) : Rapid micropropagation protocol of Atropa acuminata Royle ex Lindl. - a threatened medicinal plant species of Kashmir himalaya. Indian J Biotechnol 2016, 15(4), 576-80.

In the present study, different explants, viz., petiole and nodal explants, of Atropa acuminata Royle ex Lindl. were used to develop an efficient micropropagation protocol for the conservation of this medicinally important plant. The petiole explants produced the maximum amount of callus on MS medium supplemented with BAP (3 mg/L) within 18 d in 80% cultures. Further, shoot regeneration was obtained when these calli were subcultured onto MS medium supplemented with BAP (5 mg/L), with a mean shoot length of 2.2±0.19 cm in 40% cultures within 48 d. Similarly, from nodal explants, the maximum amount of callus was achieved on MS medium supplemented with BAP (2 mg/L) in 80% cultures within 17 d. When these calli were transferred onto MS medium supplemented with BAP (2 mg/L), shoot regeneration was obtained with a mean shoot length of 2.0±0.20 cm in 80% cultures within 14 d. Root differentiation with 100% response was obtained within 18 d in in vitro grown shoots on MS medium augmented with IBA (0.5 mg/L) with a mean number of 21.6±6.9 roots. The in vitro raised plantlets were then successfully acclimatized and hardened in compost under greenhouse conditions within 3 wk with 80% response. The hardened plants were successfully transferred to the field conditions.

7 illus, 5 tables, 15 ref

017602   Kalaichelvi K;Dhivya S M (Botany Research Dep, Vellalar College for Women (Autonomous), Thindal, Erode, Tamil Nadu) : Screening of phytoconstituents, UV-VIS spectrum and FTIR analysis of Micrococca mercurialis (L.) Benth. Int J herb Med 2017, 5(6), 40-4.

The present investigation was focused on the preliminary phytochemical, UV-VIS spectrum and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectral analysis of Micrococca mercurialis. The aqueous and organic solvent extracts (petroleum ether, acetone, chloroform, ethanol and aqueous) from the whole plant of Micrococca mercurialis (Euphorbiaceae) were tested for the availability of alkaloids, glycosides, flavonoids, phenols, saponins, steroids, amino acids, tannins, terpenoids, quinones, anthraquinones and coumarin. The UV-VIS spectrum showed the peaks at 214, 446 and 472 nm with the absorption of 0.599, 0.655, and 0.550 respectively. The FT-IR spectrum showed the presence of alcohols, phenols, alkanes, alkynes, alkyl halides, aldehydes, aromatics, nitro compounds and amines. The results confirm the fact that this plant posses' important bioactive constituents useful for our health, so further scientific investigation is needed.

2 illus, 2 tables, 16 ref

017601   Joshi A K;Juyal D (Pharmacy Dep, Himalayan Institute of Pharmacy and Research, Dehradun, Uttarakhand) : Traditional and ethnobotanical uses of Quercus leucotrichophora A. camus (Quercus oblongata D. Don) in Kumaun and Garhwal regions of Uttarakhand, India. Int J herb Med 2017, 5(5), 6-8.

Kumaun and Garhwal region of Uttarakhand State is characterized by a rich diversity of ethno-medicinal plants as well as a rich heritage of traditional medicine system. The present study focuses on the status traditional and ethno-botanical uses of Quercus leucotrichophora A. Camus (Quercus oblongata D. Don) and its importance preserved by the local population in Kumaun and Garhwal region of Uttarakhand. Quercus genus (family- Fagaceae) consists of around 450 species worldwide and represents an important group of evergreen or deciduous trees from temperate and tropical climatic areas. Quercus leucotrichophora A. Camus plant is belonging to family Fagaceae. Oak forests occupy approximately 20,000Km² areas in the Central Himalaya between 1000 and 3000 m elevations and are considered as a key stone species. For the present study, an intensive and extensive survey was made in different districts of Kumaun and Garhwal region of Uttarakhand (Almora, Tehri Garhwal, Rudrapriyag, Chamoli, Bageshwar and Pithoragarh) and other States. The present paper is a review on ethno-medicinal uses of Quercus leucotrichophora A. Camus (Quercus oblongata D. Don) used by different tribes for treating of various diseases. Different parts of the plant (bark, leaves, fruits and resins) are variably used in treating wide range of diseases such as urinary infection, toothache, piles, astringent, diarrhea, stomachache, gonorrhea, asthma, dysentery, stomach pain.

^iia1 illus, 24 ref

017600   Jaiswal P;Padma Kumar (Lab of plant tissue culture and secondary metabolites, Botany Dep, Rajasthan Univ, Rajasthan, Email: priyankajaiswal.micro@gmail.com) : Evaluation of antimicrobial efficacy of extracts from the bark of a semi arid plant Albizia lebbeck (L.) Benth. Indian J nat Prod Resour 2016, 7(4), 287-92.

In the present study, use of ethnomedicinal plant/ plant parts for the treatment of disease with little or no side effect is investigated against the pathogens related to infectious diseases. Bark of Albizia lebbeck (L.) Benth was collected and air dried and soxhlet extracted by using standard methods for flavonoid, alkaloid, steroid and different solvents. These extracts were then tested for antimicrobial activity using disc diffusion method. Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC), and total activity (TA) were also calculated. Statistical analysis like mean value and standard deviation were calculated for the test bacteria and fungi. Data was analyzed by one-way analysis of variance and P values were considered significant at P <62> 0.005. Among the seven extracts, methanol extract exhibited highest inhibition zone (20 mm) against R. planticola. P. aeruginosa, S. aureus, and R. planticola were observed to be more susceptible pathogens in the investigation followed by B. subtilis, E. aerogenes,and E. coli. Bound flavonoid and methanolic extracts of the bark of A. lebbeck were found to be most bioactive. The range of MIC and MBC of extracts recorded was 0.625-0.078 mg/mL and 0.312- 0.039 mg/mL, respectively. The lowest MIC value 0.078 mg/mL was recorded against R. planticola, indicating significant antimicrobial potential of test extracts. High values of TA were observed against R. planticola, followed by S. aureus. Results of the present study revealed that the bark extracts of A. lebbeck showed great antimicrobial potential against the tested microorganisms and - 94 - may be exploited for future antimicrobial drugs.

3 tables, 40 ref

017599   Haldar D (Botany Dep, Krishnath College, Berhampore-742 101, Email: halder.dinesh85@gmail.com) : Extension of distribution of two species of Stemphylium from West Bengal. J mycopathol Res 2017, 55(1), 27-9.

Two dematiaceous leaf inhabiting fungi viz. Stemphylium botryosum Wallroth and Stemphylium lycopersici (Enjoji) Yamamoto have been collected and illustrated. Both species are reported for the first time from West Bengal.

2 illus, 9 ref

017598   Gokhale M;Verma M;Pandey A (Botany and Microbiology Dep, St. Aloysium College, Jabalpur-482 001, Email: mamtashrirang@gmail.com) : Isolation of endophytic fungi from different parts of Oroxylum indicum and ITS sequencing based identification. J mycopathol Res 2017, 55(1), 73-9.

Endophytic fungi play an important role in the metabolism of host plant. Oroxylum indicum (L.) Vent. is an endangered medicinal tree. In the present study isolation of endophytic fungi from different parts i.e. leaf, shoot and root of this tree was carried out. Two sp. of Altemaria (from shoot of O. indicum), Geotrichum sp. (from root of O. indicum) were identified on the basis of morphological and biochemical studies. Other two fungal isolates were identified by ITS sequencing. DNA barcoding targeting the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region of the nuclear ribosomal repeat has been regarded as a prerequisite procedure. Polycephalomyces sinensis and Phomopsis phaseoli (both from leaf of O. indicum) were identified by ITS sequencing.

24 illus, 2 tables, 24 ref

017597   Ganga Kailas J;Ramakrishna H;Prabhaker R; Devender R (Palaeobotany and Palynology Research Lab., Botany Dep, Univ College of Science, Osmania Univ, Hyderabad, Telangana State-500 007) : Diversity in teracolporate pollen of arborescent plants in Karimnagar district, Telangana state, India. Bioinfolet 2017, 14(3), 269-72.

The present paper deals with study of diversity in tetracolporate pollen taxa of seven species of arborescent plants viz., Azadiracta indica, Citrus aurantifolia, Feronia elephantum, Manilkara zapota, Melia azadirach, Phyllanthus columanica, Swietenia mahagani from Karimnagar district. Pollen samples of these species were acetolysed and microscopic observations were recorded on diversity in size, shape, symmetry, polarity and ornamentation, which will be useful in melissopalynology, aeropalynology and taxonomy.

1 illus, 1 table, 15 ref

017596   Gachande B D;Manoorkar V B;More S A (NO, Botany Research Laboratory and Plant Disease Clinic, N.E.S. Science C, Nanded-431 602) : Antifungal activity of leaf extracts against fungal pathogens associated with soybean seeds. Bioinfolet 2017, 14(3), 343.

5 ref

017595   Dubey R (Botanical Survey of India, Western Regional Centre, Pune-411 001, Email: dr.rashmidubey@gmail.com) : Periconia chandoliensis - a new microfungus from western ghats of India. J mycopathol Res 2017, 55(1), 101-4.

Periconia chandoliensis sp. nov., collected on the leaves and stems of Saccharum officinarum L. from Chandoli National Park, Maharashtra, India is described and illustrated. This species is unique in its distinct proliferated and branched conidiophores.

^ssc3 illus, 11 ref

017594   Bouredja N;Messaoudi N;Benyamina K (Living and Environment Dep, Faculty of Natural Science and Life, Univ of Science and Technology of, BP 1505, 31000 Bir El Djir, Algeria, Email: bouredjanadia2007@yahoo.fr) : Ethnobotanical and floristic study of medicinal plants in the region of Oued Tlelat, Algeria. Int J pharm Sci Res 2017, 8(3), 1199-204.

An ethnobotanical study of medicinal plants was carried out in the region of Oued Tlelat. It was made in order to establish the catalog of medicinal plants and gather all information on the therapeutic uses practiced by the local population in the study area. The results have identified 59 species that are divided into 29 families of which three are the most dominant, especially Lamiaceae, Apiaceae, and Fabaceae. The most cited plants Thymus vulgaris, Menthaspicata and Verbena officinalis. The foliage is the most used part and most of the remedies are prepared as an infusion. In terms of treated diseases, respiratory diseases occupy first place with a rate of 31.74%. This study highlights the medicinal plants used in the treatment of different type's diseases (Respiratory, metabolic disorders, neurological disorders, dermatological infections, genitourinary infections) by the population of the study area. The results are a valuable source of information and a database for research in the field of pharmacology.

10 ref

017593   Biswas D;Biswas J;Sharma D (Central Laboratory, National Cave Research and Protection Organization, Raipur, Chhattisgarh, Email: jb@caves.res.in) : Habitat and season dependent the invasion of micro-fungi in decaying wooden flinders: A case study of the dandak cave of Chhattisgarh, India. Ambient Sci 2017, 4(2), 22-6.

Subterranean caves represent itself always a sterile ecosystem as it usually has very bleak connections with the external world. Due to complete lack of light, the existence of autotrophs become out of question inside the cave and whatever the organic energy sources get available inside the cave are mostly transported from the external world. Thus, most of the micro-fungi found inside the caves are also generally transported inside from some external agencies. Further, the available habitats inside the cave either abolish them completely or accelerate them to flourish. In the present study, we have tried to isolate the micro-fungi responsible for decaying the wood log inside a cave, Dandak of Chhattisgarh, India. Samples were collected from two different habitats of the cave, one which remains under the influence of external world (outer chamber) the other which is almost isolated from it (inner chamber). We found that besides some other genera of micro-fungi, the genus Aspergillus is dominating the decaying process of wood in the outer chamber whereas the genus Penicillium is dominating the same for the inner chamber.

3 illus, 2 tables, 36 ref

017592   Bera S;Das S;Roy A (College of Agriculture, Extended Campus of Bidhan Chandra Krishi Viswavidyalaya, Burdwan-713 101, Email: soumen.bckv@gmail.com) : Ethnobotanical study of Kulekhara (Hygrophila auriculata. SATSA Mukhapatra 2017, 21(Annual Techn, 232-4.

^ssc1 table, 4 ref

017591   Baleeshwar Reddy A;Reddy A V B (Palaeobotany and Palynology Research Lab, Botany Dep, Univ College of Science, Saifabad, Hyderabad-500 004) : Spider webs: a source of a allegenic spore and pollen. Bioinfolet 2017, 14(3), 288-91.

This study concerns about the spore and pollen analysis of 50 spider webs, which were collected from the various intra and extramural localities of Osmania University campus, Hyderabad. Twenty nine Pollen taxa belong to 19 families were recorded. The palynotaxa viz., Peltophorum, Ailanthus, Prosopis, Holoptelea, Causarina, Eucalyptus, and the fungal spores viz., Curvularia, Nigrospora, Tetraploa, Torula, Teichospora, Dreschlera, etc. were recorded from the study. The trapped pollen and fungal spores in spider webs indicated allergenic environment.

1 illus, 1 table, 22 ref

016720   Vinod Kumar;Sharma A;Bhardwaj R;Thukral A K (Botanical and Environmental Sciences Dep, Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar-143 005, Email: renubhardwaj82@gmail.com) : Multivariate analysis of antioxidant enzymes and pigments in leaves of plants in vicinity of river Beas, India. Ecol Envir Conserv 2017, 23(1), 190-6.

Leaves of twenty one plant species were collected from the catchment area of river Beas, India and analyzed for antioxidant enzyme activities and pigments. SOD activity was found to be highest as compared to other antioxidant enzymes. Total chlorophyll content was found to be higher than carotenoids and anthocyanins. The first three components of principal component analysis (PCA) explained 86.94% and 99.98% of the total variance for enzyme activities and pigments respectively. Factor analysis for enzyme activities revealed that factor-1 had maximum positive loadings on detoxifying enzymes such as catalyse (CAT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD). Factor-2 had maximum negative loadings on reductases such as dehydroascorbate reductase (DHAR) and glutathione reductase (GR). Factor-3 had maximum negative loadings on guaiacol peroxidase (POD) and ascorbate peroxidase (APX). This factor accounts the peroxidase enzymes. Factor analysis of pigments showed factor-1 contributing to photosynthetic pigments such as chlorophyll and carotenoids. Factor-2 had maximum loadings on anthocyanins. Multiple linear regression analysis showed that CAT had maximum positive regression on the SOD activity, whereas POD negatively regressed on it. Further MLR also revealed that chlorophyll content is positively regressed on carotenoid content.

1 illus, 4 tables, 24 ref

016719   Tasnuva S T;Sahena F;Qamar U A;Kashif G; Juliana J;Zaidul I S M (Faculty of Pharmacy, International Islamic Univ, Malaysia, 25200 Kuantan, Pahang DM, Malaysia, Email: zaidul@iium.edu.my) : Mimosa pudica L.: A comparative study via in vitro analysis and GC Q-TOF MS profiling on conventional and supercritical fluid extraction using food grade ethanol. Indian J nat Prod Resour 2017, 8(1), 54-62.

The study compared conventional (maceration) extraction (EtOHconv) and supercritical fluid extraction (SFE) methods as a mean of comparing conventional and green process for a weed namely Mimosa pudica L. to obtain a safe antidiabetic natural agent. In vitro analysis comprised of two different assays, antioxidant assay (determination of total phenolic content, total flavonoid content, and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl assay) and antidiabetic assay (inhibition of α-amylase and α-glucosidase). GC Q-TOF MS profiling for both extracts was done after derivetisation to confirm the presence of bioactive compounds. SFE was performed at 40 MPa pressure, 60 - 126 - °C temperature and 5 mL/min CO₂ flow rate using 30 % ethanol (co-solvent) for 2 h. EtOH_conv prepared using 95 % ethanol through conventional method (maceration) showed a good in vitro antioxidant potential and digestive enzymes inhibitory effect compared to supercritical fluid extract. α-amylase and α-glucosidase inhibitory activities for EtOH_conv at 1 mg/mL were 30.08 % (±5.23) and 38.29 % (±2.52), whereas for standard acarbose it was 28.24 % (±13.66) and 36.93 % (±2.70), respectively. Supercritical fluid extract showed less potent in vitro antioxidant and digestive enzymes inhibitory effects (15.67±4.03- α-amylase, 28.36±2.01- α-glucosidase). GC Q-TOF MS analysis was done to confirm the presence of bioactive compounds in both the extracts. Although EtOH_conv showed better results, SFE was found to contain more bioactive compounds associated with various pharmacological effects especially antioxidative as per GC Q-TOF MS results. SFE being a clean and green technology could be employed in future with more focus on method development and optimization to reproduce better and safe bioactive products from the neglected weed M. pudica.

2 illus, 3 tables, 40 ref

016718   Taheria M;Mirzabea A H;Bavanib N B;Kianmehra M H (Mechanical Engineering of Biosystems Dep, Aboureihan College, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran, Email: a_h_mirzabe@alumni.ut.ac.ir) : Determination of some physical properties of harmala (Peganum harmala L.) seeds. Ecol Envir Conserv 2017, 23(1), 12-17.

The study was conducted to investigate some physical properties of rue seed at various moisture levels. The average length, width and thickness were 0.712 mm, 0.475 mm and 0.442 mm, respectively, at moisture content of 6.12% (d.b). True density has increase from 1151.103 to 1182.326 kg m^-3 when the moisture content increased from 6.12 to 21.47% (d.b). The angle of static friction increased from 31.54 to 38.52°, 26.80 to 32.87°, 10.05 to 22.60° and 12.91 to 16.69° for plywood, rubber, iron and galvanized, respectively, as the moisture content increases from 6.12 to 21.47% (d.b).

4 illus, 2 tables, 20 ref

016717   Suresh Kumar P P;Usha Kumari K;Preema Devi M; Choudhary V K;Sangeetha A (ICAR RC NEHR, AP Centre, Basar, Arunachal Pradesh, Email: psureshars@gmail.com) : Bamboo shoot as a source of nutraceuticals and bioactive compounds. Indian J nat Prod Resour 2017, 8(1), 32-46.

Bamboo has a vital importance in the lives of the native tribes and is extensively grown in varied climatic zones. It is a valuable and renewable natural resource. India is one of the richest countries in terms of bamboo resources with about 136 species. In this review, we tried to collect and systematically arrange all the available important literature on nutritional importance of bamboo with special emphasis on the traditional foods and future processing avenues. New bamboo culms that come out of the ground, called shoots are usually used in Asian cookery in various ways (raw, canned, boiled, marinated, fermented, frozen and liquid). Bamboo provides moisture (89.3 %), low fat (0.41 g/100g), high dietary fibre (3.90 %), and mineral content (1.03 %). It is also a good source of thiamine, niacin, vitamin A, vitamin B6, and vitamin E. However, they contain a potentially toxic glycoside of a -hydroxynitrile, called taxiphyllin. Trade potential of bamboo is not fully exploited, though it has the prospective to ensure livelihood security, in both rural and urban areas. As it is a seasonal product and delicate in nature, processing and preservation of bamboo products are the important steps to make bamboo accessible in developing countries. Nutraceutical potential of bamboo shoot is also explored in this review.

^iia5 illus, 3 tables, 131 ref