043539   KUMAR A , CHOUDHARY A , KAUR H (Botany Dep, Punjab Agricultural Univ, Ludhiana, Punjab) : Podophyllum Hexandrum: The treasure of trans Himalayas. Int J Ecol Environ Sci 2020, 2(3), 191-6.

Podophyllum hexandrum Royle (Himalayan Mayapple) was commonly known as Bantrapushi or Giriparpat, Bankakri, Kanda-ri-mokri, Rikhpat, Papra, Aindri (a divine drug) in ancient times. It is also known as ‘May apple’ as the fruit ripening occurs in the spring season. This plant has already proven its potential, as it shows the properties of antioxidants, antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, anticancer and insecticidal. Podophyllum has also got attention due its remarkable importance in various medicinal systems, either allopathic, homeopathic or amchi, because of its highly extensive therapeutic potential. However, the decline in species frequency for the last few years has drawn attention of many scientific bodies. This review paper gives a brief highlight on the phytochemical and pharmacological properties of P.hexandrum and its importance to mankind on pharmaceutical aspects related to this endangered plant.

4 illus, 2 tables, 49 ref

043536   SHARAN P (Botany Dep, Delhi Univ, Jharkhand) : Coral reefs-an excruciating creation of nature. Int J Ecol Environ Sci 2020, 2(3), 166-70.

Coral reefs are basically reef building corals which are of paramount importance to human beings not only because they contribute in the livelihood of coastal communities and oceanic production but also provide consequential benefits in the fields of tourism, recreation, coastal protection. They are the indicators to climate change and waste treatment also. India has 8,000 km of coastline and coral reefs play an important role in coastline protection. They are various types of corals that are distributed widely in India Gulf of Kutch to Lakshadweep islands. Coral reefs are significantly important in marine ecosystem because of their importance ecologically and climatologically. It is noted that coral reefs once destroyed its richness and biodiversity cannot be revived. In India there has yet not been a separate legal status of coral conservation and management, thus the need of the hour is awareness and more importantly implementation of strict laws otherwise we would lose a very beautiful gift of the nature because of shear negligence.

5 illus, 6 ref

043527   MAHESH MOHANAN P , ANUPRIYA CV , THOMAS B (Botany Dep, St. Joseph’s Coll, Devagiri, Kozhikode, Kerala) : Floristic analysis of riparian elements in the lower stretch of chaliyar river in Kozhikode district, Kerala, India. Int J Ecol Environ Sci 2020, 2(3), 103-10.

Riparian floristic elements in the lower stretch of River Chaliyar flowing through Kozhikode District, Kerala, India was analyzed and documented taxonomically. There are about 171 species belonging to 45 families and 134 genera were documented. In dicotyledons Asteraceae is the dominanat family with 17 species belongs to 15 genera followed by Fabaceae with 14 species belongs to 10 genera and Euphorbiaceae with 12 species belongs to 10 genera. Similarly, in monocotyledons, Poaceae is the dominant family with 20 species belongs to 12 genera. The life form analysis of the documented Riparian plants reveals that, herbs are dominant (99 in nos.), followed by shrubs (30 in nos.), trees (22 in nos.) and climbers (20 in nos.). The present study also highlighted the threatening factors that affect the distribution of plant species in the riparian regions. Many exotic plants are luxuriantly growing in the riparian regions which are also documented, there are about 51 species belongs to 43 genera and 22 families are exotic plants in the study area.

8 illus, 3 tables, 21 ref

043515   AKSHAYA PRAKASH C , SEBASTIAN D P , NAYANA KM, GEORGE S (Botany Dep, St. Joseph’s College (Autnomous), Devagiri, Kozhikode, Kerala) : Assessment of lead and zinc phytoaccumulation potential of some selected ornamental plants. Int J Ecol Environ Sci 2020, 2(3), 30-2.

Lead and Zinc phytoaccumulation potential of eight ornamental plants Begonia sarmentacea Brilmayer, Bidens sulphurea Sch. Bip., Episcia cupreata Hanst., Impatiens walleriana Hook.f., Kalanchoe blossfeldiana Poelln, Tagetes erecta L., Tradescantia spathacea Sw. and Turnera subulata Sm. were analyzed using atomic absorption spectrophotometry. It was found that, among the selected plants Begonia sarmentacea Brilmayer accumulated the highest amount of Lead and Episcia cupreata Hanst. accumulated the highest amount of Zinc. Concentration of Lead in acid dissolved dry plant material of Begonia sarmentacea was 16.61mg/kg and that of Zinc in Episcia cupreata was 36.72mg/kg. The study revealed that B.sarmentacea and E.cupreata were capable of removing the heavy metal contaminants, Lead and Zinc respectively from polluted soil, suggesting their potential for the reclamation of lands contaminated with these heavy metals.

10 ref

045293   MUTHUKUMAR M, SRIDHARAN S, KENNEDY J S (Agricultural Entomology Dep, Tamil Nadu Agricultural Univ, Coimbatore– 641 003, Tamil Nadu, Email: muthukumar.tnau@gmail.com) : Laboratory evaluation of botanicals for their repellence and toxicity to bitter gourd gall midge Lasioptera bryoniae Schiner and safety to its parasitoids. J Ent Res 2020, 44(3), 365-70.

Among the treatments used higher degree of repellence was observed in neem seed extract (NSE) (5 %), horticultural mineral oil (HMO) (0.5 %) and neem oil 3 % which also showed minimum egg laying of 4.33, 5 and 7 eggs per gall respectively. In toxicity studies maximum mortality of 80.67 % was recorded 96 HAT in azadirachtin 5 % at 0.2 % concentration which was statistically significant and superior to all other treatments. The next best treatment which recorded mortality of 54.38 % was azadirachtin 5 % at 0.1 % concentration. The effect of bioagents on A. diplosidis mortality studied through dry film method indicated that all the treatments were safe to the adults of A. diplosidis. A maximum mortality of A. diplosidis (10.0 %) was noted in azadirachtin 5 % at 0.2 % concentration followed by 3.33 % noted in 0.1 % concentration of azadirachtin 5 %. The other treatments showed no mortality of A. diplosidis adults up to 48 HAT.

4 illus, 3 tables, 15 ref

043500   SUBRAMANIAN M P S , GANTHI A S , SUBRAMONIAN K (Botany Dep, Rani Anna Govt. Coll for Women, Tirunelveli, Tamil Nadu) : Analysis of vegetation dynamics of point calimere wildlife and bird sanctuary, Tamil Nadu. Int J Ecol Environ Sci 2020, 2(2), 28-30.

Coastal ecosystems are areas of rich biological diversity as they support various forms of fauna and flora. India’s coastal and marine environment is vast with about 8000 km long coast line and surrounding coastal waters which encompasses a variety of ecosystems and diversity of species. The marine and coastal biodiversity is not systematically studied and documented. The Point Calimere sanctuary, located adjacent to and east of Kodikkarai and Kodikkadu villages, is basically an island surrounded by the Bay of Bengal to the east, the Palk Straight to the south and swampy backwaters and salt pans to the west and north. The entire vegetation has remained with very little enumerative studies and hence the present study was on the vegetation of the Point Calimere Wildlife and Bird Sanctuary, Tamil Nadu, India. The result of the present study revealed that species diversity in Point Calimere forest was significantly influenced by forest stand type.

6 ref

041686   SHARMA L, SHARMA A, GOYAL R, ALAM J (Shoolini Univ, Solan, Himachal Pradesh - 173 229, Email: lalitluckysharma88@gmail.com) : Pinus Roxburghii Sarg. ameliorates alzheimer’s diseasetype neurodegeneration and cognitive deficits caused by intracerebroventricular-streptozotocin in rats: An in vitro and in vivo study. Indian J Pharm Sci 2020, 82(5), 861-70.

Pinus roxburghii Sarg. is traditionally used as a nerve tonic, hemostatic and anticonvulsant. The present study was aimed to investigate the neuroprotective activity of Pinus roxburghii Sarg. stem bark for memory and cognition using in vitro and in vivo methods. Plant drug was extracted with methanol using Soxhlet extraction. In vitro cell viability activity of Pinus roxburghii Sarg. was assessed using PC-12 cell lines. The in vivo neuroprotective activity of Pinus roxburghii Sarg. was tested on Wistar albino rats (either sex) and intracerebroventricular streptozotocin (3 mg/kg, bilateral) was given to cause memory deficits. High-performance thin layer chromatography fingerprinting was performed for the presence of quercetin and gallic acid in the plant extract. The phytochemical testing of extract revealed the presence of flavonoids, alkaloids, steroids, and tannins. Pinus roxburghii Sarg. showed significant cell viability at 10, 50 and 100 µg/ml in an in vitro test on PC-12 cell lines. In the in vivo activity, intracerebroventricular streptozotocin caused significant deterioration in memory and cognition, tissue oxidative stress and acetylcholinesterase activity. Pinus roxburghii Sarg. 100, 200 and 300 mg/kg, per os and donepezil (3 mg/kg, per os) significantly (p<0.05) reversed the behavioral changes in rats when tested on morris water maze and elevated plus maze. Increased levels of lipid peroxidation, acetylcholinesterase activity and decreased the level of glutathione were significantly (p<0.05) antagonized by Pinus roxburghii Sarg., similar to donepezil in rat brain. Quercetin and gallic acid were identified quantitatively in the plant extract in High-performance thin layer chromatography study. The methanolic extract of Pinus roxburghii Sarg. ameliorated intracerebroventricular streptozotocin induced cognitive deficits and memory impairment possibly due to the presence of quercetin and gallic acid.

5 illus, 49 ref

043497   TAK A A , KAKDE U B (Botany Dep, The Institute of Science, Madame Cama Road, Maharashtra) : Evaluation of air pollution tolerance and performance index of plants growing in industrial areas. Int J Ecol Environ Sci 2020, 2(2), 01-9.

Evaluation of plants for their accumulation and absorbing capacity of air pollutants is essential for the greenbelt development in urban areas. To screen the plant’s tolerance and sensitivity biochemical parameters viz., pH of leaf extract, total chlorophyll content, ascorbic acid, relative water content, air pollution tolerance index (APTI) and air pollution performance index (API) was analyzed. Commonly available twelve plant species selected from three different industrial sites. The results of (API) and (APTI) demonstrated that Azadirachta indica, Cassia siamea, Ficus benghalensis as most tolerant plant species. As plants play an essential role in mitigating air pollution, the present study focuses on selecting the appropriate plant species for the reduction of air pollution at three industrial sites.

2 illus, 10 tables, 31 ref

043494   LISHA J M, BASKARAN V , VIJAY S , VISHNU M (Agricultural Univ, Tamil Nadu) : Dynamics of insect-pests of paddy and its correlation with weather parameters. Int J Ecol Environ Sci 2020, 2(1), 18-9.

Rice is the stable food crop of more than 60 per cent of the world population. In this view, rice was sown in experimental plots. The experiment was laid out in Randomized block design with three replications. To monitor the pest net sweeping method was used. This investigation revealed that pest activity commenced from 35th Standard meteorological week (SMW) and continued to 41^th SMW of the year 2018. Highest white ears (68 nos.) of Scirpophaga incertulas was found in 41^th SMW, the maximum population (59 nos.) of Cnapholocrocis medinalis was recorded in the 37^th SMW, the peak population of Nephotettix spp (95 nos.) was estimated in the 37^th SMW, the highest number of Leptocorisa acuta (102 nos.) was recorded in the 41^th SMV population. The results showed that the population of yellow stem borer, leaf folder, green leaf hopper and grasshoppers are positively correlated with maximum and minimum temperature, were as pollen feeders and Earhead bugs are showed negative correlation with maximum and minimum temperature respectively. The Relative Humidity (RH) is favourable for Earhead bug, Grasshopper and Pollen feeders are positive correlation except yellow stem borer, leaf folder and grasshopper. Sunshine hours favourable for all insects like Leaf folder, Green leaf hopper, Grasshoppers, Pollen feeders in rice. Since, it showed a positive correlation with sunshine hours except Yellow stem borer and Earhead bugs.

2 tables, 5 ref

043493   J MAHESWARI J , D NAGAJOTHI D (Ayya Nadar Janaki Ammal Coll, Sivakasi, Tamil Nadu) : Air pollution tolerance index and anticipated performance index of 15 species considered for green belt development in Virudhunagar. Int J Ecol Environ Sci 2020, 2(1), 06-17.

In this research work, the Air pollution Tolerance Index of fifteen species collected from three different locations like Residential area, Industrial area and Heavy traffic area in Virudhunagar has been evaluated by analyzing biochemical parameters like Ascorbic acid, Chlorophyll, pH and Relative water content. The high values of Air pollution Tolerance Index were recorded in Moringa olifera, Azardiracta indica, Delonix regia, Mangifera indica, Eugenia jambolana and Fiscus religiosa for winter and summer season. The Air pollution Tolerance Index of plant species was also calculated by their Anticipated Performance Index together with other socioeconomic and biochemical parameters. According to Anticipated performance index of most tolerant plant species for green belt development were Mangifera indica & Fiscus religiosa for road side and Azardiracta indica & Eugenia jambolona for industrial area.

4 illus, 9 tables, 42 ref

043492   MURUGAIYAN K (Botany Dep, Periyar Govt Arts Coll, Tamil Nadu) : Factors affecting marine algae diversity and distribution along the Indian coastal region. Int J Ecol Environ Sci 2020, 2(1), 01-5.

Marine algae are primitive non-flowering photosynthetic plants inhabiting in seas and oceans that occupy 71 % of the globe and they are natural renewable resources. They formed part of human life from time immemorial as food, besides their used as feed, fodder and manure. Marine algae are key space occupiers of rocky shores and interact with other organisms and hence play a key role in overall coastal biodiversity. They are found on rocks in the intertidal zone as a giant underwater forest. Marine algae grow abundantly along the Indian coastline particularly in rocky shore regions. The diversity and distribution of marine macro algal resources of Indian waters are affected since early 1970s due to over exploitation, sediment deposition and discharge of effluents, changes in the environmental factors, water temperature, light intensity, tidal waves, cyclones and consequence of bottom trawl fishing. As a result, there is decrease in algal production in Gulf of Mannar, Andhra coast and Kerala coast. On the other hand, there is rising demand for the phycocolloids viz. agar, algin, carrageenan and others. In this context there is an urgent need for conservation and better exploitation of the resources. Regulation of exploitation, control of pollution by domestic and industrial effluents, conducting algal culture are proposed as measures to overcome the damage to natural algal stocks to enable conservation and sustained production.

1 table, 45 ref

041678   GAUTAM R K, SHARMA S, SHARMA K, GOYAL S (Pharmacology Dep, Maharishi Markandeshwar Univ, Sadopur-Ambala - 134 007, Haryana, Email: rupeshgautammmu@gmail.com) : Evaluation of comparative anti-arthritic activity of traditionally well documented medicinal plants in rats. Indian J Pharm Sci 2020, 82(5), 791-6.

The aim of our study is to evaluate comparative assessment of well documented medicinal plants. Ethanolic extract of Pongamia pinnata, Salvadora persica, Asparagus racemosus and methanolic extract of Punica granatum were prepared by continuous hot extraction method and their preliminary phytochemical screening was performed. Animals were separated into different groups and each group contains six animals. The ethanolic and methanolic extracts were administered in a dose of 200 and 400 mg/kg. Arthritis was induced by FCA in Wistar albino rats and various parameters related to arthritis i.e. paw volume, arthritic score, body weight, joint diameter were recorded. A significant increase in paw volume, arthritic score, joint diameter and decrease in body weight was observed in arthritic control rats compared to normal control. Methanolic extract of Punica granatum significantly decreased the paw volume, arthritic score, and joint diameter and increased the body weight when compared to arthritic control. All the selected medicinal plants showed significant activity in arthritic rats however, methanolic extract of Punica granatum showed highly significant activity as compared to other plants. Methanolic extract showed the presence of flavonoids, alkaloids, terpanoids, glycosides, and phenolic compounds. The anti-arthritic activity of plant may be due to presence of aforementioned phytocomponds.

4 tables, 28 ref

041676   RATHORE V, KEWALANAND, VANDANA (Agronomy Dep, Agriculture Coll, Udham Singh Nagar, Uttarakhand, Email: vineetaagron@gmail.com) : Correlation study between growth parameters, yield and oil quality of Anethum graveolens linn. Indian J Pharm Sci 2020, 82(5), 773-80.

Anethum graveolens Linn is an important aromatic medicinal herb from the Apiaceae family. Seeds and leaves of this plant are the main parts that are being used. The main components obtained from its essential oil are carvone, limonene, dihydrocarvone, phellandrene and dillapiole. In order to study the correlation relation between growth attributes, yield components, yield and oil quality of European dill 2 y field cum laboratory experiments was carried out in N.E. Borlaug Crop Research Centre of G. B. Pant University of Agriculture and Technology, Pantnagar (Uttarakhand). The treatments were four cumulative pan evaporation levels of irrigation (50, 100, 150 and 200 mm) as main plots and three fertility levels (0, 15 and 30 t FYM ha^-1) in sub plots in a factorial randomized block design with three replications. After harvesting of crop, seed yield was recorded and seeds were analysed for the oil quality. Two years data revealed that successive levels of irrigation and farmyard manure application increased the yields and treatment combination I₁₀₀F₃₀ significantly increased the growth, seed and oil yield and oil quality of Anethum graveolens Linn. Simple correlation analysis showed a significant and positive relation among almost all the growth parameters (plant height, number of branches, dry matter accumulation) of Anethum graveolens Linn. with yield and yield attributes i.e., number of umbels and umbellets on different branches, number of fruits per umbel and test weight. Oil content was found to be non-significantly but positively associated with seed yield while a highly significant positive correlation was observed between seed and oil yield. In case of oil quality, carvone had a significant and negative correlation with dillapiole however it was positively associated with oil content and oil yield.

2 illus, 7 tables, 32 ref

041672   ARAUJO R, SOARES M, MAZZEI J L, RAMOS M, SIANI A C (Natural Products Dep, Institute of Drug Technology, 21941 902 Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Email: antonio.siani@far.fiocruz.br) : A comparative study of hard gelatin and hypromellose capsules containing a dry extract of senna (Cassia angustifolia) under controlled temperature and relative humidity. Indian J Pharm Sci 2020, 82(4), 718-23.

Dried natural extracts demand challenges to the production process, especially when encapsulated in hard shells to avoid compromising the integrity of the capsule and extract. The present study describes a preliminary comparative approach on the changes in properties of hard gelatin and hypromellose capsules containing senna (Cassia angustifolia Vahl) leaf dry extract under two storage conditions. Therefore, loss on drying, disintegration, resistance to breakage, water activity, and microbial contamination after 6 mo at 30$°$/65 % RH and 40$°$/75 % RH were evaluated using Pharmacopoeia, AOAC and the manufacturer´s methods. The contents of sennoside A and sennoside B in the capsules were assessed by HPLC. Fine-tosuperfine powder of the extract presenting 0.14 % total ash and 2.9 % loss on drying was applied. Uniformity of mass was repeatable independently of gelatin and hypromellose shells (p > 0.05, t-test). The hypromellose capsules were more resistant to breakage than those of gelatin (maxima broken of 1/100 versus 42/100), in which the water content (2.9 % to 5.7 %) and water activity (0.33 to 0.43 a_w) of the extract were intensively increased and, additionally, an acceptable increase in microbial contamination was observed. Compared to hypromellose shells, gelatin capsules did not maintain the same levels of both sennosides at 40°/75 % RH, while sennoside B was lower. In conclusion, hypromellose performed better than gelatin to provide stable capsules, for resistance to breakage and disintegration unchanged, and offered higher protection to senna dry extract against humidity, microbial contamination and sennoside degradation. Overall, these preliminary results suggest the use of hypromellose encapsulation as a good alternative to gelatin in the production of medicinal capsules containing herbal dry extracts, mainly those with high hygroscopicity, and provide preliminary support for designing stability studies of capsules containing dry extracts that present high hygroscopicity.

1 illus, 2 tables, 21 ref

041671   PREETHAMOL S N, THOPPIL J E (Botany Dep, Calicut Univ, Kerala - 673 635, Email: preethamolsn92@gmail.com) : Phenolic content, flavonoid content and antioxidant potential of whole plant extract of Ophiorrhiza pectinata arn.. Indian J Pharm Sci 2020, 82(4), 712-8.

The present study was designed to evaluate the antioxidant potential of the methanolic extract of Ophiorrhiza pectinata using various in vitro methods and the quantitative estimation of phenols and flavonoids in the extract. The total phenolic content of the extract was estimated using Folin-ciocalteu assay and the result was obtained as 41.59 ± 0.51 mg gallic acid equivalent per gram dry weight (GAE /g DW) of the extract. Estimation of the flavonoid content was done by aluminium chloride calorimetric method and the result was 21.01 ± 0.73 mg quercetin equivalent per gram dry weight (QE/g DW) of the extract. Antioxidant potential of the extract was screened against free radicals like 1,1-diphenyl–2-picryl hydrazyl (DPPH), hydroxyl, nitric oxide and superoxide. The results of the assays were calculated as the percentage inhibition of these radicals by the extract. In DPPH radical scavenging assay the percentage inhibition was obtained as 64.06 ± 1.12 %, in hydroxyl radical scavenging assay the percentage inhibition was 66.67 ± 1.005 %, in nitric oxide radical scavenging assay the percentage inhibition was 67.37 ± 1.006 % and in superoxide radical scavenging assay the result was obtained as 74.29 ± 1.06 %. In all the scavenging assays, the extract showed a dose dependent increase in free radical scavenging activity. The percentage inhibition of the radicals also increased with increasing concentration of the plant extract. The results suggested that the antioxidant efficacy of the plant extract might be due to the presence of phenol and flavonoid compounds that are known for their antioxidant properties. The study also justifies the use of the plant in folklore medicine for the treatment of various ailments. In conclusion, the plant extract can be a potent source of natural antioxidant that can be explored for research and therapeutic applications.

4 illus, 31 ref

041670   DAIMARI M, SWARGIARY A (Zoology Dep, Bodoland Univ, Debargaon - 783 370, Assam, Email: ananbuzoo101@gmail.com) : Study of phytochemical content and antioxidant properties of Musa balbisiana corm extract. Indian J Pharm Sci 2020, 82(4), 707-12.

Musa balbisiana colla is an important plant native to India and many other Asian countries. Parts of this plant such as seeds, fruit pulp, inflorescence, pseudo-stem, and corm have been known to possess several medicinal values. In Kokrajhar district of Assam, the decoction of corm part of the plant is traditionally used as antidiabetic medicine. The present study was aimed to investigate the phytochemicals, antioxidants, trace element, and major compounds of the corm part of Musa balbisiana. Phenolic and flavonoid contents were estimated following standard protocols. The antioxidant activity of the plant was studied by ferric reducing antioxidant power assay, total antioxidant capacity, 1,1-diphenyl-2-picryl-hydrazyl, and lipid peroxidation scavenging assay. The phytochemical study revealed that the corm extract is rich in protein, carbohydrates, phenolics, and flavonoid content. Antioxidant study revealed strong free radical scavenging property of the crude corm extract of Musa balbisiana. The elemental analysis showed highest Zn content (0.2993 ppm) followed by Ni, Cu, and Mn. Pb, Cd, and Cr were not detected in the extract. GC-MS analysis showed difluroisocyanotophosphine to be the major compound of Musa balbisiana corm extract.

4 illus, 1 table, 37 ref

041665   MISHRA L, TYAGI K, KUMARI M, KHANNA S, HANDIQUE J, MONIKA, SACHDEVA N,SHARMA S, GNANESWARI D (Zoology Dep, Delhi Univ, New Delhi-110 049, Email: divyagnaneswari@yahoo.com) : In silico analysis of compounds isolated from selected Indian medicinal plants against chikungunya viral proteins. Indian J Pharm Sci 2020, 82(4), 677-85.

Chikungunya fever caused by chikungunya virus is an Aedes mosquito borne disease responsible for recent epidemics not only in India but also in Africa, Southeast Asia and America. There are no reports of successful anti-viral drug or vaccine available for the treatment of this fever. Since the symptoms are very severe, development of specific treatment or prophylactic measures are need of the h to control this fever. India is known for its wealth of medicinal plants. Natural compounds from the medicinal plants have been used traditionally for the treatment of several infectious diseases. Indian medicinal plants namely Andrographis paniculata, Tinospora cordifolia and Carica papaya have been selected for this study based on the reports of their usage against this virus in our traditional medicine. The present study evaluates the potentiality of using various compounds derived from these plants as antiviral agent by computationally docking these compounds with some of the viral proteins responsible for its pathogenicity using Auto Dock program. The drug likeness of these compounds was also analyzed based on Lipinski’s rule of five. Out of 28 compounds tested, more than 15 compounds are found to be more effective in docking with 5 different viral proteins in comparison with the standard drug prescribed for this fever.

1 illus, 7 tables, 23 ref

045280   CHEN W-H, NAOAITORO V, KAFLE L, TSENG M-N, CHANG T-Y ( Plant Medicine Dep, National Pingtung Univ of Science and Technology, Pingtung, Taiwan, Email: tychang@mail.npust.edu.tw) : Susceptibility of Ophraella communa to the local strains of Metarhizium anisopliae infection under laboratory conditions. J Ent Res 2020, 44(2), 219-26.

In this laboratory study, susceptibility of Ragweed leaf beetle (RLB) (Ophraella communa) was tested against M. anisopliae infection. A single concentration (1 × 107 spores/ml) of four different local strains of M. anisopliae (ARSEF Ma 725, ARSEF Ma 6677, Ma PM303 and Ma PMG1106) were tested against the three larval instars and the adult male and female RLB. Results showed that mortality reduced with increased in larva age. Among the tested strains, except ARSEF Ma 6677 strain, all three strains caused 82-97, 62- 80 and 43-70 % mortality of first, second and third instar larvae of RLB, respectively. Those three stains caused 67-80 % adult mortality of RLB. Based upon the lethal time (LT50) value, first instar larvae were the most susceptible to M. anisopliae and females were more susceptible than males to M. anisopliae.

3 tables, 24 ref

041653   KARALE P, DHAWALE S C, KARALE M A (Pharmacology Dep, Swami Ramanand Teerth Marathwada Univ, Nanded - 431 606, Email: shashiprathmesh@gmail.com) : Antiobesity potential and complex phytochemistry of Momordica charantia linn. with promising molecular targets. Indian J Pharm Sci 2020, 82(4), 548-61.

Momordica charantia L. grows in many tropical and subtropical regions, the fruits of which are gradually becoming popular for treating diabetes and associated diseases. Momordica charantia L. appears to be an inimitable species that synthesizes a diverse range of chemical constituents in the fruits, leaves, stem and roots. Over 248 compounds belonging to the lipids, phenolics and terpenoids classes have been reported in various studies. The cucurbitane types of triterpenes exist in various parts of this plant as aglycones as well as glycosylated forms. Momordica charantia L. has been comprehensively studied worldwide for therapeutic properties to treat a number of diseases like diabetes, dyslipidaemia, obesity and certain cancers. The bitter melon seems to exert lipid lowering and antiobesity effects via several mechanisms like PPARs, LXRs, SREBPs, and Sirts-mediated fat metabolism in various tissues, prevent adipocyte hypertrophy and visceral fat accumulation. This article presents an extensive literature review on the vast potential of bitter melon as antiobesity agent with supporting data on complex phytochemistry.

3 illus, 3 tables, 115 ref

041622   ALFARISI H, SA’DIAH S, WRESDIYATI T (Anatomy Dep, IPB Univ (Bogor Agricultural Univ), Bogor 16680, Indonesia, Email: utikwr@gmail.com) : Polyphenol profile, antioxidant and hypoglycemic activity of Acalypha hispida leaf extract. Indian J Pharm Sci 2020, 82(2), 291-9.

This investigation is aimed at evaluating the polyphenol profile, antioxidant, α-glucosidase and α-amylase inhibitory and the hypoglycemic activities of Acalypha hispida leaf extract in vivo. Powdered Acalypha hispida leaves were macerated with 70 and 96 % ethanol and decocted in distilled water. The filtrates were evaporated to obtain dry extracts. The extracts were found to have a polyphenol profile (ultraperformance liquid chromatography quadrupole time-of-flight) and to exhibit antioxidant activity (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) and α-glucosidase and α-amylase inhibition (spectrophotometer) in vitro and a hypoglycemic effect in vivo. This study revealed that the number of polyphenol subclasses of the 96 % ethanol extract was greater than that of the other extracts. The 70 and 96 % ethanol and aqueous extracts exhibited strong antioxidant activity (IC₅₀<10 µg/ml). The 96 % ethanol extract showed very high inhibition of α-glucosidase and α-amylase activities. A hypoglycemic assay of the 96 % ethanol extract at 300 mg/kg dose exhibited a significant hypoglycemic activity in experimental rats. The present results suggested that the ethanol extract of Acalpha hispida leaves could be an effective hyperglycemic agent acting through inhibiting α-glucosidase and α-amylase.

3 illus, 6 tables, 46 ref

041592   VERMA P, KUNDU R (Botany Dep, Calcutta Univ, Kolkata - 700 019) : The ginger prophecy; A review of the underexplored genus, Hedychium against cancer. Indian J Pharm Sci 2020, 82(1), 11-20.

Cancer, the seventh most fatal disease in the world, poses a long struggle to combat this deadly disease. Economically and pharmacologically important members of Zingiberaceae plant family have helped to eradicate a number of ailments worldwide. This review highlights gingers and their wide spectrum of medicinal values focusing on their role as anticancer agents with facts and data obtained from literature review performed using PubMed, PMC, ScienceDirect, Google Scholar in a systematic way. Among the many genera underlined in this review, several species of Hedychium have emerged as potential cancer treatments with remarkable activity against different forms of tumour. However this genus is not much explored to unravel its value to medical research. Several species have been found to have cytotoxic, antiinflammatory, antioxidant and antitumour activities but not many attempts made to establish the plant principles as anticancer agents.

2 tables, 127 ref

041590   KUMAR D, MADAAN R, KUMAR S (Pharmaceutical Sciences and Drug Research Dep, Punjabi Univ, Patiala - 147 002, Punjab, Email: thakur_pu@yahoo.com) : Development of HPTLC method for estimation of gallic acid and bergenin in Actaea acuminata roots. Indian J Pharm Edu Res 2020, 54(4), 1169-73.

The major drawback associated with herbal drugs is to get their reproducible therapeutic efficacy. Standardization of herbal drugs with marker compounds seems to be a viable solution to achieve their consistent therapeutic effects. Standardization of roots of Actaea acuminata, a traditional medicinally promising plant, using selected marker compounds. A. acuminata was standardized by estimating the content of gallic acid and bergenin in its roots using HPTLC system. Soxhlet extraction process was used to prepare methanol extract of plant material. Gallic acid and bergenin, in methanol extract, were well resolved on TLC plates using chloroform: methanol (7:3; scanned at 292 nm) and chloroform: methanol (17:3; scanned at 280 nm), respectively, as solvent systems. The content of marker compounds was quantitatively determined by TLC densitometric methods, which were validated based on the parameters described in ICH guidelines. Gallic acid and bergenin were estimated to be 0.1242 % and 0.8010 % w/w, respectively, in A. acuminata roots. Standardized A. acuminata roots can be utilized for the development of clinical medicine.

8 illus, 3 tables, 10 ref

041582   SARAF A Y, SARAF A A (Botany Dep, Government of Maharashtra’s Ismail Yusuf Coll, Mumbai, Maharashtra, Email: aysaraf@gmail.com) : HPTLC fingerprinting: A tool for simplified analysis of phenolics in medicinal plants. Indian J Pharm Edu Res 2020, 54(4), 1098-103.

Phenolic compounds especially the flavonoids and tannins comprise one of the most significant classes of plant secondary metabolites. HPTLC is widely accepted by WHO and pharmacopoeia across the globe as an effective analytical method for the investigation of phenolics in herbal analyses. The methanolic extracts of Abrus precatorius L., Sapindus trifoliatus L. and Embelia ribes Burm. F. were developed on the HPTLC system to study the diversity of phenolic compounds like flavonoids and tannins under different development conditions. Flavanoids were separated using the combination of solvent system comprising of mid-polar to polar solvents, hence Ethyl acetate: formic acid: glacial acetic acid: water (10:0.5:0.5:1 v/v/v/v) solvent mixture and 10% methanolic Sulphuric Acid Reagent was used as spray reagent for separation of flavanoids. Tannins were separated on chromatogram by using the solvent system comprising of mid-polar to non-polar solvents, hence Toluene: Ethyl Acetate: Formic Acid (6:4:0.3 v/v/v) as solvent system and alcoholic FeCl₃ was used for derivatization. Distinct fingerprint of flavanoids and tannins was obtained. A profile of 11 to 12 polyvalent phytoconstituents were separated during the HPTLC analysis of flavonoids and tannins respectively. The HPTLC analysis successfully demonstrated that phenolic secondary metabolites can be effectively separated using the same extract under different development conditions. The detection and profiling of such metabolites provides the justification for therapeutic activities in medicinal plants.

10 illus, 14 ref

041543   TIWARI S W, SAH A N (Pharmaceutical Sciences Dep, Kumaun Univ, Nainital - 263 136, Uttarakhand, Email: drarchanansah@gmail.com) : Effect of apricot fruit and kernel extracts on in-vitro dissolution of cholesterol gallstones: Implication for development of potent anti-cholilithiaticc agent. Indian J Pharm Edu Res 2020, 54(3), 755-60.

Prunus armeniaca L. (apricot) belonging to family Rosaceae is an important edible medicinal plant containing many important constituents like polysaccharides, polyphenol, fatty acid and carotenoids. In this study, we attempted to assess the in-vitro anti-gall bladder stones activity (anticholilithiatic activity) of Prunus armeniaca L. (apricot) kernel and fruit extracts. For this study, some human gall bladder stones (cholesterol and pigment stones) along with human bile, were collected from hospitals, incubated in human bile and treated with a combination of apricot fruit and kernel extracts in two doses (1mg/ml and 2 mg/ml) and standard drug (ursodiol, 2 mg/ml) for 4 weeks. Dried weight of gallstones and the amount of cholesterol released, before and after treatment were calculated. From this experiment, it was found that the dried weight of cholesterol gallstones was reduced and the amount of cholesterol released from gallstones was increased in a dose-dependent manner, due to the effect of extracts. Morphological changes like color and fragility in gall stones were also observed due to the effect of extracts. This in-vitro study has given the primary evidence that the combination of apricot kernel and fruit extracts may cause the complete dissolution of cholesterol gallstones thus have the anti-cholilithiatic activity. Further in-vivo studies can be carried out on these extracts of apricot.

7 illus, 24 ref

041527   VARSHNEY S, MADHAV N V S (Kingston Imperial Institute of Technology and Sciences, Dehradun - 248 007, Uttarakhand, Email: sugandhavarshney19.12.86@gmail.com) : Development and evaluation of unidirectional mucoadhesive bio-flexy films loaded with nanosized topiramate using a novel biopolymer from Glycine max. Indian J Pharm Edu Res 2020, 54(3), 618-29.

Formulation and evaluation of nanosized Topiramate loaded bio-flexy films using novel biopolymer isolated from Glycine max seeds for epilepsy treatment. Formulations containing nanosized Topiramate: Glycine max biopolymer (in ratios of 1:0.5, 1:1; 1:3, 1:5, 1:6, 1:10) (FGO1-FGO6) were prepared by solvent casting method. Glycine max biopolymer showed percentage yield: 81.06 %±0.01, light yellow, odorless, soluble in chloroform, water and color changing point: 218°C±2. Topiramate loaded bio-flexy films containing Glycine max biopolymer (FGO1-FGO6) revealed Thickness: 0.019 mm±0.012 to 0.037 mm±0.010, Surface pH:7.01±0.03 to 7.01±0.02, ex-vivo Mucoadhesion Time: 30-120 mins, ex vivo Mucoretention Time:90-210 mins, Weight Uniformity: 0.078±0.05 to 0.083±0.04, Drug Content Uniformity:72.7 %±0.50 to 82.84 %±0.48, Folding Endurance: 117-173, Swelling Percentage: 62 %±0.6 to 74 %±0.4, Percentage Moisture Uptake (PTU): 2.0 %±0.13 to 2.8 %±0.12. The drug release pattern based on the T50 % and T80 % was found to be FGO2 (1:1) > FGO6 (1:10) > FGO1 (1:0.5) > FGO4 (1:5)> FGO5 (1:6) > FGO3 (1:3). Based on all the evaluation parameters, FGO2 (containing Topiramate: Glycine max biopolymer (1:1)) Bio-flexy film having R²=0.9139, Higuchi Matrix as best fit model, follows Fickian Diffusion (Higuchi Matrix) release mechanism, T50 %: 25 hr., T80 %: 27 hr. Prepared formulations were suitable for Soft Palatal Delivery.

13 illus, 5 tables, 13 ref

046601   PATEL J, REDDY R N, GANVIT R, PACHHIGAR K, PATEL S, MANIVEL P, SHARMA S, SINGH R, THONDAIMAN V, KUMAR S (ICAR-Directorate of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants Research, Boriavi- 387 310, Email: satyanshu66@gmail.com) : Quantification of two biologically active anthraquinones emodin and chrysophanol in Cassia tora seed extracts. Med Plants 2020, 12(4), 640-7.

Cassia tora L. is a weed herb and is distributed throughout tropical and subtropical regions of world. Its’ medicinal properties have been described in Indian System of Medicines. Methanolic extracts of seeds from 29 accessions of C. tora were processed using ultrasonication method at room temperature. Emodin and chrysophanol contents in extract were analysed using a reversed phase high performance liquid chromatography - photo diode array detection method. Wide variation in seed extract yield (6.13-19.93 %), content of emodin (0.0058 ± 0.002- 0.1002 ± 0.0008 %) and chrysophanol (0.0015 ± 0.0001- 0.182 ± 0.0027 %) of C. tora was recorded. Total phenolics content also showed wide variability in the range of 0.1869 – 0.9375 % in seeds. High emodin content was recorded in C. tora accessions, DCT-4, DCT-14, DCT-10 and DCT-5. Similarly, high chrysophanol content was recorded in accessions DCT-2, DCT-19, DCT-21 and DCT-1. These identified accessions of C. tora can be used for further genetic improvement. RP-HPLC-PDA method developed in the study would also be useful to explore further genetic variability in emodin and chrysophanol contents in C. tora germplasms.

3 illus, 6 tables, 43 ref

046600   RAINA A P, KAUSHIK S K (Germplasm Evaluation Div, ICAR- National Bureau of Plant Genetic Resources, New Delhi- 110 012, Email: aprraina@yahoo.co.in) : Nutritional and phytochemical composition of Moringa oleifera seeds: A multipurpose potential species in India. Med Plants 2020, 12(4), 633-9.

Moringa oleifera Lam. (Moringaceae) is a cosmopolitan tree that grows in many tropical countries having various nutritional and pharmacological applications. This tree species has gained importance due to its multipurpose usage and well adaptability to dry and hot climates of north-western plains, central India and dry regions of peninsular India. The young leaves, flowers and pods are common vegetables in several Asian diet. The seed protein and fat contents are higher than those reported for other important grain legumes and soybean. Present work aims to evaluate seed composition of M. oleifera germplasm grown in India for protein, lipid, flavonoid, phenol and fatty acids composition. Biochemical composition of M. oleifera seeds showed moisture content of 4.45 %-7.79 %; oil content of 27.6 %-38.6 % (w/w); crude protein content of 34.14 %-40.13 % (w/w); flavonoid content of 2.86 to 7.53 mg/g QE and phenol content of 7.29 to 16.4 mg/g GAE across germplasm collections. Fatty acid composition of oil analyzed by GC-MS showed oleic acid as the most predominant fatty acid (65.89-79.74 %) present in all the germplasm collections similar to olive oil. Other major fatty acids identified were palmitic acid (10.2-18.0 %), stearic acid (2.7-5.5 %), eladic acid (0.63-5.38 %), gonodic acid (1.41-2.78 %), behenic acid (0.68-1.83 %), and arachidic acid (1.0-2.8 %). High oleic acid germplasm lines (>75 %) identified were IC613770, IC585841 and IC613771. Hence, Moringa oil having high oleic acid with low polyunsaturated fatty acid provides it an outstanding and remarkable oxidative stability property and will be boon for food industry for having health supportive and better oxidative stability. Because of its nutritional properties, the low toxicity of the seeds and the excellent ability of the plant to adapt to poor soils and dry climates, M. oleifera can be an alternative source of highquality protein, oil and antioxidant compounds.

2 illus, 2 tables, 14 ref

046599   SEMENYA S S, MAROYI A (Botany Dep, Fort Hare Univ, Alice- 5700, South Africa, Email: amaroyi@ufh.ac.za) : Medicinal plants used for eye disorders and chest pains in the Limpopo province, South Africa. Med Plants 2020, 12(4), 623-32.

Use of herbal medicines to treat and manage eye disorders and chest pains is a common practice in tropical Africa. This study was aimed at documenting medicinal plants used for treating eye disorders and chest pains in the Limpopo province, South Africa. Purposive sampling and snowball techniques were used to select 240 traditional healers who participated in this study carried out between May and October 2017. A semi-structured questionnaire complemented by direct observations were used to collect ethnobotanical data on medicinal plants used to treat eye disorders and chest pains. The questionnaire was designed to document information on plant species used, their local name(s), part(s) used, methods of preparation, administration and dosage. A total of 39 plant species from 27 botanical families were used. Families Asteraceae and Malvaceae (four species each), Euphorbiaceae and Hyacinthaceae (three species each) were the most represented. Majority of species (54.2 %) were used for chest pains and the rest for eye disorders (45.8 %). The most commonly used plant parts for herbal preparations were roots (51.0 %) and whole plant (15.0 %). Altogether, 48 herbal remedies were noted, majority (68.8 %) were prepared from a single plant species, dispensed either orally, nasally under blanket or topically. The extracts from some of the documented plants have potential anti-inflammatory properties and can therefore, can be used against the disorders.

2 illus, 2 tables, 64 ref

046598   RAINA A P, MISRA R C (Germplasm Evaluation Div, ICAR- National Bureau of Plant Genetic Resources, New Delhi, Email: aprraina@yahoo.co.in) : Characterization of fatty acid composition of seed oil of Ocimum species/ chemotypes. Med Plants 2020, 12(4), 615-22.

Ocimum species have been widely used in traditional medicine both as herb as well as seeds. The aim of the present study was to characterize seed oil content and fatty acid composition of five Ocimum species viz; Ocimum basilicum L., Ocimum citriodorum Vis., Ocimum gratissimum L., Ocimum americanum L., Ocimum tenuoflorum L. comprising six essential oil chemotypes. Significant variations are observed in the seed oil content and composition among Ocimum species ranging from 10.95 % to 21.37 % w/w. The physico-chemical properties of the basil oil were assessed by standard methods. Results of fatty acid profiling of methylated oil by GC and GC-MS revealed predominant presence of poly unsaturated fatty acids of α-linolenic acid and linoleic acid similar to linseed oil. Oil composition showed presence of four major fatty acids among all the species; linolenic (55.79-72.95 %), linoleic (17.44-26.91 %), stearic acid (2.27-7.07 %), and palmitic acid (6.43-15.73 %). High linolenic acid content was observed among all the Ocimum species and chemotypes with highest content in O. citriodorum (66.69-72.95 %) followed by O. americanum (57.96-71.98 %). Eugenol rich chemotypes showed slightly lower content of linolenic acid in O. gratissimum (58.05-60.10 %) and O. tenuifolium (55.79-62.79 %). Basil seed oil may be alternative good source for several industrial applications, especially for applications that require linolenic and linoleic acid. A high linolenic acid oil, could be used in the paint, varnish and ink industries, while oils with lower linolenic acid content can be used by the food industry.

1 illus, 3 tables, 24 ref

046597   MALIK S, KASANA S, LAKHANPAUL S (Botany Dep, Delhi Univ, Delhi-110 007, Email: sumanlp2001@yahoo.com) : Chloroplast DNA marker as a tool to study the molecular phylogeny of Indian Barleria L. (Acanthaceae). Med Plants 2020, 12(4), 609-14.

Barleria is one of the largest and diversified genus of family Acanthaceae comprising more than 300 species. An enormous repertoire of phytochemicals found within this genus makes it medicinally important taxon. Barleria is classified into two sub-genera i.e., Barleria and Prionitis. However, due to high morphological variability observed within this genus,the sub-generic classification and phylogenetic relationship among different Barleria species remain ambiguous and unclear. Thus, molecular approach was attempted to resolve these discrepancies associated with morphology based classification. In India, Barleria is represented by more than 31 taxa. A high degree of regional endemism has also been observed among different species of this genus. Recent changes in the infra generic classification of Barleria genus also necessitate a thorough study of the group in India as well. Thus, in the present work the systematic position of Indian Barleria was examined with chloroplast (cp) locus i.e., rbcL along with a detailed analysis on the effect of changed circumscription on Indian taxa. Though infra generic classification involving rbcL locus could not be resolved pertaining to a small sample size, we observed genus Barleria as a monophyletic group even after adding Indian taxa.

4 illus, 1 table, 17 ref

046595   RAMALINGAM S, ANNAPURANI (Biochemistry Dep, PSG Coll of Arts and Science, Coimbatore– 641 014, Email: santhiakash1@gmail.com) : Evaluation of in vitro and in vivo anti-inflammatory activity of flavonoid extract of Thespesia populnea and Tabernaemontana divaricata leaves in Swiss albino mice. Med Plants 2020, 12(4), 591-7.

In the present study, the flavonoid fractions of Thespesia populnea and Tabernaemontana divaricata leaves were evaluated for anti-inflammatory potential. The maximum amount of flavonoids was found in ethyl acetate extract of T. populnea and T. divaricata. The in vitro and in vivo anti-inflammatory activity of the flavonoid fractions were determined by using the membrane stability method and Carrageenan induced oedema (acute), Formalin and Dextran induced oedema (chronic) method respectively. Diclofenac was used as a standard drug. The results revealed that the flavonoid fractions of the selected plants showed the highest membrane stabilizing activity compared to that of standard diclofenac drugs. The flavonoid fractions of both the plant exhibited a significant in vitro and in vivo anti-inflammatory activity.

2 illus, 3 tables, 28 ref

046590   OTANG-MBENG W , MASHABELA M N (Mpumalanga Univ, Mbombela- 1200, South Africa, Email: wilfred.mbeng@ump.ac.za) : A review of beneficial phytochemicals and postharvest studies on some indigenous leafy vegetables from the Mpumalanga Province of South Africa. Med Plants 2020, 12(4), 533-44.

Indigenous leafy vegetables are naturally growing plants within sub-Saharan African ecosystems. For several centuries, these leafy vegetables have served as a source of food to vulnerable rural communities including those in Mpumalanga Province in South Africa. Indigenous leafy vegetables are a good source of nutrients including carbohydrates, proteins, essential vitamins, dietary fibre, trace elements, non-nutritious phytochemicals or their alternatives. The consumption of these vegetable is reported to possess health benefits including antibacterial, antivirus, anti-diabetic, activating the immune system, preventing risk of carcinogens, source of antioxidants as well as preventing apoptosis among others. The present review aimed at evaluating the current state of indigenous leafy vegetables in Mpumalanga Province by summarizing comprehensively their phytochemicals and postharvest studies. Nine indigenous leafy vegetables are currently cultivated in Mpumalanga with numerous nutritional and health benefits. However, more knowledge and scientific data is needed for these vegetables to be included in the dietary diversification programmes to combat poverty and food security

1 illus, 3 tables, 57 ref

041486   SHAKYA A K (School of Sciences Dep, Indira Gandhi National Open Univ, New Delhi - 110 068, Email: arvind.kumar@ignou.ac.in) : Drug-induced hepatotoxicity and hepatoprotective medicinal plants: A review. Indian J Pharm Edu Res 2020, 54(2), 234-50.

The Liver, a paramount organ is the Chief site for metabolism of nutrients and energy production in the human body. It is also necessary for metabolism and elimination of exogenous drugs and harmful substances via kidney. Hepatotoxicity caused by a variety of environmental pollutants, pathogenic micro-organism, viruses, drugs and chemical agents may account for various hepatic diseases such as jaundice, necrosis, hepatitis, fibrosis and cirrhosis etc. Ayurveda is a traditional medicinal system of India and is being practiced continuously since ancient times and at present for the treatment of various human diseases. Medicinal plants as a significant source of therapeutic compounds used for the development of effective drugs against a variety of human diseases include liver ailments. Hence, therapeutic plants are becoming popular in the pharmaceutical industry to develop a safe and effective medicine for the treatment of the emerging new human diseases. Therefore, the present review is aimed to compiling data on hepatoprotective medicinal plants which have been investigated against drug-induced hepatotoxicity.

4 illus, 2 tables, 190 ref

046589   ALADEJANA A E, BRADLEY G, AFOLAYAN A J (Fort Hare Univ, Eastern Cape, South Africa, Email: aafolayan@ufh.ac.za) : Antidiabetic potential of selected Asteraceae plant species used in South Africa. Med Plants 2020, 12(4), 523-32.

Diabetes mellitus is one of the leading causes of death in South Africa, and it has already placed significant stress on the country’s health sector and economy. The orthodox hypoglycaemic drugs are not only ineffective in the management of diabetes and its complications, but they also possess adverse side effects. The need for alternative non-toxic drugs is therefore imperative. Various studies have listed several medicinal plants that can be successfully used in the herbal treatment of diabetes, and have investigated them for their anti-diabetic potentials in vivo and/or in vitro. Out of different potential herbal species, the plants belonging to the Asteraceae family possess highly potent hypoglycaemic properties with negligible toxicities. Our review provided an update of the scientific evidence on five plants of the Asteraceae family, widely used in different parts of South Africa and should be further explored for future applications.

5 illus, 1 table, 33 ref

046588   MUSARA C, ALADEJANA E B (Botany Dep, Fort Hare Univ, Alice- 5700, South Africa, Email: ealadejana@ufh.ac.za) : Ethnobotanical uses, botany, biological and chemical properties of Duranta erecta Linn.. Med Plants 2020, 12(4), 513-22.

Duranta erecta is a morphologically variable and polymorphic perennial flowering shrub in Verbenaceae family, originally native to Central and South America. D. erecta is used medicinally for a wide variety of ailments including diuretics, antidote to treat itches, infertility, pneumonia, malaria, intestinal worms, abscesses and neuralgic disorder. It exhibits antioxidant, antiparasitic, antibacterial, antifungal and antiviral activities against human pathogens. Active chemical ingredients of the plant include caryoptoside, duraterectoside A, durantoside I, durantoside III, lamiide and two lignans namely (+) 5′ methoxy isolariciresinol and (-) 5′ methoxy isolariciresinol from methanolic extract of D. erecta. Furthermore, the presences of phyto-molecules such as glycosides, saponins and tannins in D. erecta plant extracts can be used to reduce metal ions to nanoparticles in a single-step green synthesis process. In this review, ethnobotanical uses, biological, and pharmacological properties of D. erecta has been discussed.

1 illus, 3 tables, 88 ref

046587   ALADEJANA E B, ALADEJANA A E (Botany Dep, Fort Hare Univ, Alice- 5700, South Africa, Email: ealadejana@ufh.ac.za) : Potential antimalarial activity of polyherbal formulations: A review. Med Plants 2020, 12(4), 497-512.

Malaria is a serious life-threatening parasitic disease with major health challenges in tropical and subtropical countries. Despite the significant global efforts in fight against malaria, the emergence and spread of multidrug-resistant strains of Plasmodium to antimalarial medicines have become a recurring problem. Thus, there is an urgent need to search for new effective antimalarial drugs of plant origin that could target both the asexual and sexual stages of the parasites. The present review focused on documenting polyherbal formulations from different continents whose activity against malaria parasite have been reported both in vivo and in vitro clinical experiments. This study compiled several antimalarial polyherbal formulations that serve as a lead for the development of new and effective antiplasmodial drugs, and also reported their activities against different strains of Plasmodium. However, there is a need for the clinical validation of some of these formulations, determination of their mechanism of action, stability, toxicity and identification of the chemical constituents effective in the remedies.

2 illus, 1 table, 47 ref

046586   KUMAR S, RAO G P (Society for Conservation & Resource Development of Medicinal Plants, New Delhi- 110 052, Email: gprao_gor@rediffmail.com) : Moringa: A natural boon for health to mankind and livestocks. Med Plants 2020, 12(4), 487-96.

Drumstick (Moringa oleifera) also known as “horseradish tree” and “ben tree”, is a very important medicinal evergreen/ deciduous tree which can prevent more than 300 human diseases. All plant parts (pods, leaves, seeds, flowers, roots) are utilized for different nutritional and pharmaceutical purposes for human beings and livestocks. Moringa is a store house of rich nutrients like calcium, potassium, magnesium, zinc, iron and vitamins. The phytochemicals (flavonoids, alkanoides, perpenoides) present in moringa has strong anti-cancer, anti-diabetic, anti-microbial, anti-inflammatory, anti-biofilm, hepatoprotective and anti-oxidant activities. The nutritive value and pharmaceutical properties of this plant has been discussed in this paper.

1 illus, 2 tables, 58 ref

046584   AWASTHI M, VERMA R (Nutrition and Dietetics Dep, Manav Rachna International Institute of Research and Studies, Faridabad, Haryana, Email: madhviawasthi84@gmail.com) : Medicinal and nutritional potential of Bauhinia species. Med Plants 2020, 12(3), 472-6.

Genus Bauhinia is indigenous to Northern American region and has a significant presence in Asian sub-continent. This genus has around 300 different species out of which three species mainly Bauhinia purpurea, Bauhinia tomentosa and Bauhinia variegata have rich medicinal and nutritional potential. These species of Bauhinia are used against many diseases in Ayurvedic system of medicine. Both leaves and flowers of B. purpurea are eaten in North eastern regions of the country. Seeds of B. purpurea pods are rich in amino acids and are used as pulse in many tribal areas of north-eastern and central India. Aqueous extract of B. tomentosa flowers are reported to contain carbohydrates, oils and fats, glycosides, phtytosterols, flavonoids, saponins, tannins and phenolic compounds. However, B. variegata flowers are also good source of carbohydrates (16.01 %), protein (3.24 %), fat (0.15 %) and fibre (3.34 %) with good content of minerals. Rich medicinal and nutritional potential of these species of Bauhinia, make them a vital and prominent source of nutrition. The use of technological advancements is required to explore the additional features of these species and to use them for better medicinal and health properties.

1 illus, 1 table, 36 ref

046583   MUSARA C, ALADEJANA A E, ALADEJANA E B (Botany Dep, Fort Hare Univ, Alice- 5700, South Africa, Email: ealadejana@ufh.ac.za) : Morella serrata (Lam.) Killick (Myricaceae): Medicinal uses, phytochemistry and pharmacological properties. Med Plants 2020, 12(3), 467-71.

Morella serrata is an aromatic, dioecious shrub to Myricaceae family. The leaves, roots, and/or stem bark of Morella serrata are used as traditional medicines in southern Africa. This study is aimed at evaluating the medicinal uses, phytochemistry and pharmacological properties of M. serrata. The leaves, roots, and stem bark of M. Serrata are widely used in the treatment of chest-related problems, menstruation pains, dysmenorrhea, flu, management of blood sugar-related diseases, headache and enhancement of men sexual performance. Phytochemical compounds identified from the species include flavonoids, tannins, steroids and phenolics, which could possibly account for the pharmacological activities such as antimicrobial, antidiabetic, antitumor, hepatoprotective, antioxidant and aphrodisiac effects found in the plant. Further study should focus more on its Pharmalogical properties, efficacy and safety, and on the isolation and identification of chemical compounds in order to justify the medicinal application of the plant.

2 illus, 1 table, 15 ref

046581   KAIN D, KUMAR S, SURYAVANSHI A, ARYA A (Botany Dep, Delhi Univ, Delhi- 110 007, Email: suresh.kumar@ramjas.du.ac.in) : Phytochemical analysis and antibacterial activity of Achillea millefolium L.. Med Plants 2020, 12(3), 457-62.

Achillea millefolium L. commonly known as yarrow belongs to family Asteraceae. Phytochemical analysis of plant A. millefolium has been done by phytochemical screening, fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and gas chromatography- mass spectrometry. Antibacterial activity of plant A. millefolium has been done by disc-diffusion method against E. coli, S. aureus, B. subtilis and P. aeruginosa. Phytochemical screening confirmed the presence of alkaloids, cardiac glycosides, flavanoids, phenolic compounds, tannin, terpenoids and phlobatannin. Maximum antibacterial activity was shown by vegetative A. millefolium (V) with MIC 50 µg/ml, maximum ZOI against B. subtilis of 19±0.5 mm and maximum % increase in ZOI against B. subtilis i.e. 80% and 40.74% as compared to standard tetracycline and streptomycin respectively. FT- IR and GC- MS of A. millefolium revealed presence of different functional groups and active compounds respectively responsible for antibacterial activity.

4 tables, 36 ref

046580   AGGARWAL S, SHUKLA R (Plant Pathology Div, ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi- 110 012, Email: shilpi.aggarwal03@gmail.com) : Medicinal uses of natural dye yielding plants of India. Med Plants 2020, 12(3), 442-56.

Of late, demand for natural dyes has increased worldwide due to awareness about their beneficial properties. Natural dyes obtained from plants have several applications in several industries, viz., textiles, cosmetics, pharmaceutical and paper industries. These natural dyes exist indifferent shades of colours and possess medicinal properties owing to the constituent various plant pigments and bioactive compounds. The present work highlights the use of dye yielding plants by the indigenous people as folk medicine for curing various illnesses in humans and animals. Altogether 150 dye yielding plants belonging to 62 families have been reportedly being used by people from different geographical regions of India. The paper aims at gathering indigenous knowledge on dye yielding plants and their medicinal uses in order to promote traditional and ethnic systems maintained by the indigenous people.

4 illus, 2 tables, 46 ref

046579   SEMENYA S S, MAROYI A (Botany Dep, Fort Hare Univ, Alice- 5700, South Africa, Email: amaroyi@ufh.ac.za) : Medicinal uses of alien plants cultivated and managed in homegardens of Limpopo province, South Africa. Med Plants 2020, 12(3), 429-41.

Alien plant species cultivated and managed in homegardens are important sources of herbal medicines in many developing countries. The objective of this study was to document medicinal uses of alien plants cultivated and managed in homegardens of Limpopo province of South Africa. Ethnobotanical information such as species used, method of preparation and administration were collected from 300 participants using semi-structured questionnaires. Thereafter, quantitative ethnobotanical index relative frequency of citation (RFC) was calculated. A total of 75 species belonging to 37 families were recorded. Popular alien plants with RFC values >0.3 included Schkuhria pinnata, Ricinus communis, Moringa oleifera, Cannabis sativa, Carica papaya, Musa sapientum, Ocimum basillium and Solanum mauritianum. Documented species were used to treat and manage 38 medical ailments such as diabetes mellitus, injuries, wounds, skin rash, stomach-ache, chest complaints, diarrhoea, cough, gonorrhoea and tuberculosis. The use of these species as alternative sources of medicines could alleviate harvesting pressure on wild indigenous plant species, thereby enhancing plant biodiversity of the province.

3 illus, 3 tables, 101 ref

046578   MARY A A D, PADMAPRIYA S, RAJAMANI K (Medicinal and Aromatic Crops Dep, Tamil Nadu Agricultural Univ, Coimbatore– 41003, Email: spadmapriyaa@yahoo.co.in) : Anatomical and biochemical studies on tuber growth and development in Gloriosa superba L.. Med Plants 2020, 12(3), 422-8.

The present investigation was carried out at the Botanical Garden, Department of Medicinal and Aromatic Crops, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore during 2018-19. Cultivated type and Andhra wild ecotypes of glory lily in two different growth phases viz. 1) actively sprouting period and 2) dormant period were used for anatomical and biochemical studies. Observations were made on internal structure of tubers using SEM analyzer with EDAX instrument. Further biochemical analyses were made on starch, soluble protein, peroxidase and catalase activities of the tubers in both phases. The results indicated that, there was no difference found in internal structure of the tubers between the two ecotypes (Andhra wild and cultivated type) of glory lily but, the number and size of starch granules increased in dormant phase compared to sprouting phase. In dormant phase, Mn, Fe, Cu and Zn elements were absent while those elements are present in sprouting phase. The starch content was recorded highest in Andhra wild tubers in dormant phase (43.65 mg/g) while the cultivated type tubers in sprouting phase recorded lowest content (17.25 mg/g). Highest catalase activity (7.85 µg of H2 O2 g^-1 min^-1) and peroxidase activity (1.84 min^-1 g^-1) was registered in sprouting phase of cultivated type. The total soluble protein content was highest in Andhra wild tuber with dormant phase (7.81 mg/g), while cultivated type in sprouting phase recorded lowest soluble protein content (3.46 mg/g).

1 illus, 4 tables, 21 ref

046575   ALOYSIUS KHYAHRII S, SHARANYA K, KINI S, MILAN GAURAV R, HEGDE S (Nitte Univ Centre for Science Education and Research, Mangalore- 575 018, Email: smitha.hegde@nitte.edu.in) : Phytochemical analysis of Curculigo orchioides and its cytotoxic effect on lung adenocarcinoma cancer cell line (NCI-H522). Med Plants 2020, 12(3), 400-4.

Curculigo orchioides commonly called as ‘Kali Musli’ is an endangered medicinal plant, extensively used in Indian and Chinese indigenous medicines. The plant has several medicinal properties like anti-inflammatory, anti-diabetic, anti-cancer etc. The present study aims to examine the cytotoxic activity of aqueous and methanolic extract of roots and leaves of C. orchioides on human lung adenocarcinoma NCI-H-522 cancer cell line. In-vitro cytotoxicity was determined by MTT assay. The tests were conducted using various doses of the plant extracts. The crude extracts did not show IC₅₀ even at 500 µg/ml when tested on NCI-H-522 cancer cell line in vitro. Our present finding indicate that aqueous fresh root extracts and methanolic dried root extracts are significantly toxic as compared to leaf extracts. Cytotoxic property of the plant root is attributed to the presence of alkaloids and phenols. 

2 illus, 1 table, 13 ref

046574   ALADEJANA A E, BRADLEY G, AFOLAYAN A J (Fort Hare Univ, Eastern Cape, South Africa, Email: aafolayan@ufh.ac.za) : In-vitro evaluation of the cytotoxicity, mitotoxicity and lipotoxicity potentials of Helichrysum petiolare Hilliard & B.L. Burtt using HepG2 (C3A) Cell-lines. Med Plants 2020, 12(3), 392-9.

This study evaluated the hepatotoxicity (cytotoxicity, mitotoxicity and lipotoxicity) potentials of the boiled aqueous (BAQ), cold aqueous (CAQ) and ethanol (ETQ) extracts of Helichrysum petiolare using standard procedures that employed the use of C3A cell-lines. The results obtained showed negligible BAQ and CAQ cytotoxicities, which were further, corroborated by stability in the mitochondrial membrane potentials and were also congruent with the CAQ and BAQ results for steatosis and phospholipidosis. The data suggested a favourable CAQ and BAQ toxicity profiles with limited risks for hepatotoxicity. However, ETQ extract showed significantly high levels of cytotoxicity and lipotoxicity, and a low level of mitotoxicity. Our result suggested a potential risk of the ETQ extract for hepatotoxicity but appears partly independent of direct mitochondrial involvement.

3 illus, 29 ref

046571   SIRITA J, CHOMSAWAN B, YODSOONTORN P, KORNOCHALERT S, LAPINEE C, JUMPATONG K (Chiang Rai Rajabhat Univ, Chiang Rai- 57100, Thailand, Email: jsirita028@gmail.com) : Antioxidant activities, phenolic and tannin contents of paper mulberry (Broussonetia papyrifera) extract. Med Plants 2020, 12(3), 371-5.

This research aimed to determine the quantity of phenolic and tannin contents in paper mulberry (Broussonetia papyrifera) extract. An antioxidant activity of the ethanolic extract was also investigated. Crude extract of dry old leaves of paper mulberry was found to have the highest percent yield (5.09 ± 0.19) and phenolic content (262.25 ± 9.17 mg GAE /100 g), while the dry young leaf extract had the highest tannin content (213.16 ± 24.26 mg/100 g). The highest antioxidant activity with IC₅₀ value of 0.29 ± 0.02 mg/mL was found in the dry bark extract. Also, four parts of dried paper mulberry samples were analyzed for the quantities of total phenolic content, tannins and antioxidant activities in hot water extracts. The extracts of dry old leaves were found to have the highest phenolic content (565.67 ± 4.51 mg GAE/100g of extract) and tannin content (16.73 ± 5.37 mg /100 g of extract). The highest antioxidant activity with IC₅₀ value of 0.33 ± 0.08 mg/mL was found in the dry bark extract.

2 tables, 18 ref

046570   BALKRISHNA A, SAXENA P, PATEL S, VASHISTHA R K, GOND D K, BUTOLA J S, RAWAT B (Patanjali Herbal Research Dep, Patanjali Research Institute, Haridwar- 249 405, Email: rajeev.vashistha@prft.co.in) : Diversity, ethnomedicinal knowledge and conservation status of plant species in a part of North West Himalaya. Med Plants 2020, 12(3), 356-70.

Uttarakhand state is well known for its aesthetic beauty and great floristic diversity including the richness of medicinal plants (MPs). The present study reports diversity, ethnomedicinal knowledge and conservation status of MPs in Dhanaulti (near Mussoorie) to Chamba localities of District Tehri Garhwal, India. Two hundred six medicinal plant species in 87 families are currently being used under traditional healthcare system, were recorded in the study area. Ethnomedicinally most dominant families were Asteraceae, followed by Fabaceae and Rosaceae. Of the total species, 104 species (50.48 %) were herb, followed by shrub with 44 species (21.35 %) and trees with 40 species (19.41 %). Leaf of 69 species (33.49 %) followed by root (50 species; 24.27 %), whole plant (22 species; 10.67 %), fruit (15 species; 7.28 %) and tuber (6 species; 2.91 %) were recorded to be used for preparation of medicine. Locally, various ailments such as asthma, bronchitis, cold, constipation, cough, cuts, diarrhoea, digestive problems, eye disorders, pyrexia, jaundice, joints pain, liver complaints, skin ailments, abdominal disorders, urinary troubles, and wounds are being treated using these plants. As per IUCN criterion, 8 species were recorded critically endangered, 3 endangered, 1 lower risk / near threatened, 3 vulnerable in the study area. The presence of high diversity and considerable number of threatened MPs indicate the conservation need of the region. Effective management interventions are urgently required for conservation and sustainable utilization of these plants in the region.

4 illus, 1 table, 40 ref

046568   MAROYI A (Botany Dep, Fort Hare Univ, Alice- 5700, South Africa, Email: amaroyi@ufh.ac.za) : Clutia abyssinica Jaub. & Spach (Euphorbiaceae): Medicinal uses, phytochemistry and pharmacological properties. Med Plants 2020, 12 (2), 338-48.

Clutia abyssinica naturally occurs in east, central and southern Africa where it is widely used in folk and traditional medicine for diverse human diseases. In this review, medicinal uses, phytochemistry and pharmacological properties of C. abyssinicaare summarized. Several secondary metabolites such as 5-methylcoumarins, diterpenes with a secolabdane skeleton, essential oils, alkaloids, anthraquinones, cardiac glycosides, flavonoids, phenolics, saponins, steroids, tannins and terpernoids have been identified from the leaves and roots of the species. Analgesic, antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, antidiarrheal, antiinflammatory, antioxidant, antiplasmodial, antitrypanosomal, antipyretic, diuretic and hepatoprotective activities have been reported fromC. abyssinica extracts. Future research on C. abyssinicashould focus on the possible biochemical mechanisms of both the crude extracts and identified phytochemical compounds including toxicological, in vivo and clinical studies to corroborate the traditional medical applications of the species.

2 illus, 2 tables, 65 ref

046567   PARIKH P, KUMAR S, BANERJEE T, KODE J, ZUNJAR V, SINGH R, NAGAR P S, PATEL J (ICAR-Directorate of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants Research, Anand- 387 310, Email: satyanshu66@gmail.com) : Prophylactic potential of Indian medicinal plants in the management of influenza like illness especially COVID-19. Med Plants 2020, 12(3), 323-37.

Influenza viruses are one of the main causes of respiratory tract diseases. There is a need to identify novel natural occurring antiviral molecules due to the startling emergence of resistance to anti-influenza drugs. Several hundred plants have been investigated as potential source of antiviral agents. Phytochemicals from these plants have exhibited antiviral properties either by inhibiting the formation of viral DNA or RNA or inhibiting the activity of viral replication. Influenza viruses and COVID-19 have a similar disease profile collectively known as influenza like illnesses. Prophylactic potential and antiinfluenza properties of phytochemicals from twenty one medicinal plants have been briefly described in the present review. These medicinal plants could be used as a part of safe treatment as well as economically viable strategy for the management of infections against influenza like illness during endemic times.

1 illus, 31 ref

046563   UDAYAKUMAR M, SELVAN B T, SEKAR T (Plant Science Dep, Manonmaniam Sundaranar Univ, Tirunelveli– 627 012, Email: udayakumar@msuniv.ac.in) : Density, population structure and ethnobotanical uses of a medicinally important vulnerable tree (IUCN) in tropical forests of Javadhu hills, South India. Med Plants 2020, 12(2), 290-300.

A quantitative ecological study was conducted to record density, population structure and ethnobotanical uses of Chloroxylon swietenia, one of the IUCN’s vulnerable tree species. The study conducted in Javadhu hills, a part of southern Eastern Ghats in India. All individuals of Chloroxylon swietenia (Rutaceae) >10 cm diameter at breast height (DBH) were measured at 137 cm above the ground in 10 ha area covering all the altitudes of study area. Uses in six-use categories viz. construction, food, medicine, technology, firewood and other uses recorded through personal interviews with 100 informants including traditional healers and tribal community people. Density (trees ha^-1), abundance, basal area (m² ha^-1) and population structure recorded. A total of 538 individuals (>10 cm DBH) and 16.995 m² basal area recorded. On an average, 4.4 ± 2.17 (mean ± SD) times mo^-1 C. swietenia was brought to the informant’s home for various uses. The study found Javadhu hill as a home for large number of C. swietenia.

3 illus, 6 tables, 68 ref