Showing papers by "Awadhesh Kumar published in 2022"

GC–MS and molecular docking analyses of phytochemicals from the underutilized plant, Parkia timoriana revealed candidate anti-cancerous and anti-inflammatory agents

Abstract: Plants are excellent sources of functionally bioactive compounds and essential nutrients. The phytochemical constituents have enormous potential in treating both plant and human diseases. Parkia timoriana (Yongchak/Zawngtah), one of the most important underutilized plants popularly consumed in Manipur and Mizoram states of Northeastern region of India, is known for its ethnobotanical and ethnomedicinal values. A significant DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl), ABTS (2,2'-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid)), and Phosphomolybdate scavenging activity corresponding to high antioxidant potentials was shown by the extracts from different edible parts of P. timoriana. P. timoriana extract showed significant antibacterial potential against Bacillus pumilus, Bacillus subtillis, Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analyses of the extracts revealed the functional groups and bioactive compounds present in different edible parts of the plant. Characteristic peaks of phenols, carboxylic acids, alkenes, glycogen, alkyl halides, halogen, aliphatic amines, primary and secondary amines, esters, ether, aromatics, lipids, triglycerides, nitro compounds that had antimicrobial, anti-cancer and anti-inflammatory properties etc. were observed. The GC-MS analysis also revealed the occurrence of 49 bioactive compounds that are known to possess a variety of pharmacological activities. Subsequently, in silico molecular docking studies of the identified bioactive compounds predicted potential anticancer and anti-inflammatory properties. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first-hand report on the bioactive compounds of edible parts of P. timoriana extracts showing antioxidant, antimicrobial and pharmacological significance. This study can lead to the production of new herbal medicines for various diseases employing P. timoriana and perhaps leading to the creation of new medications.

Interactive Effect of Retrogradation and Addition of Pulses, Cooking Oil on Predicted Glycemic Index and Resistant Starch of Potato

Abstract: Potato is consumed as boiled, microwaved, baked, or fried and in combination with pulses and/or oils which might affect the postprandial blood glucose response. The effect of the combination of potato with pulses/oils followed by retrogradation is investigated on the predicted glycemic index (GI), resistant starch (RS), and related parameters. The addition of pulses to potato results in lowering of GI and enhancement of RS. Moreover, retrogradation (4°C for 48 h) of potato-pulse combination shows a GI lowering effect compared to control. Out of eight pulses, pigeon pea and kidney beans are more effective in lowering GI and increasing RS. The addition of oils to potato during cooking results in the reduction of GI and glycemic load (GL), with an increase in RS. Further, storage of cooked potato-oil combination at 4°C for 48 h results in the reduction of GI and increase in RS. Out of seven cooking oils, olive oil and ghee (clarified butter) bring about an effective lowering of GI and GL. The results suggest that the addition of pulses and cooking oil to potato, followed by cooling might be an effective approach in managing the postprandial rise in the levels of blood glucose.

New Distributional Records of Lichens for the State of Mizoram, Indo-Burma Region of India

Abstract: The present paper enumerated the occurrence of 30 different species of lichens collected from 2 different study sites situated in 2 districts of Mizoram. It included Crustose (12 sp.), Foliose (16 sp.) and Fruticose (2 sp.) along with 9 species named as Diploschistes scruposus (Schreb.) Norman, Diorygma macgregorii (Vain.) Kalb, Staiger & Elix, Diorygma soozanum (Zahlbr.) M. Nakan. & Kashiw., Malmidea granifera (Ach.) Kalb, Rivas Plata & Lumbsch, Letrouitia vulpina (Tuck.) Hafellner & Bellem., Parmotrema austrosinense (Zahlbr.) Hale, Parmotrema crinitoides J.C. Wei, Parmotrema nilgherrense (Nyl.) Hale, Parmotrema rampoddense (Nyl.) Hale reported as a new record for the 1st time to the state of Mizoram, Northeast India. The finding were correlated with other previous reports on lichens and it provided detailed overview of documentation, distribution and diversity of lichens found in the small state like Mizoram under Indo-Burma region. Therefore, the richness of lichen diversity indicates the conditions of good forest health in Mizoram. The study also submits the need of conservation and exploration in the unexplored areas. HIGHLIGHTS The insight of the lichens diversity of the Mizoram state now provides the open platform for Lichenologist as well as Environmentalist The report of few species for the first time from the forest dominated hilly region of Mizoram had shown the richness of lichen distribution and its diversity As urbanisations as well as infrastructures developments are taking places in the remote corner of the state, it is very essential to explore the lichens diversities GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT