Showing papers in "Current Botany in 2011"

Effect of Zinc on Germination, Seedling Growth and Biochemical Content of Cluster Bean (Cyamopsis tetragonoloba (L.) Taub)

Abstract: Cluster bean seeds were grown in the presence of  0, 10, 25, 50, 100,150 and 200 mgl -l of zinc sulphate solution in order to asses the effect of metal on germination, growth and biochemical changes. The results indicated that low level of zinc concentration (10 and 25 mgl -l ) showed a significant increase in the germination, seedling growth and biochemical content; whereas the higher concentrations (50-200 mgl -l ) decreased the same except for proline content.

Influence of vermicompost and vermiwash on physico chemical properties of rice cultivated soil.

Abstract: In this study the effect of vermicompost on soil chemical and physical properties was evaluated during samba rice cultivation studies. The experiments were arranged in a completely randomized block design manner with three replications. The soil sampling and plant growth measurements were carried out for two months, ie., during initial and final stages. The present study has been carried out to study the impact of various vermiproduct such as vemicompost, vermiwash and mixture of vermicompost and vermiwash on soil physico-chemical properties during the pot culture studies of samba rice. The physical properties such as the pH, electrical conductivity (EC), porosity, moisture content, water holding capacity and chemical properties like nitrogen, phosphorous, potassium, calcium and magnesium were found distinctly enhanced in vermicompost treated soil, where as the corresponding physico-chemical values in control were minimum. The soil treated with vermicompost had significantly more electrical conductivity in comparison to unamended pots. The addition of vermicompost in soil resulted in decrease of soil pH. The physical properties such as water holding capacity, moisture content and porosity in soil amended with vermicompost were improved. Â The vermiproduct treated plants exhibit faster and higher growth rate and productivity than the control plants. Â Among the treated group, the growth rate was high in the mixture of vermicompost and vermiwash treated plants, than the vermicompost and vermiwash un-treated plants. The maximum range of some plant parameter's like number of leaves, leaf length, height of the plants and root length of plant, were recorded in the mixture of vermicompost and vermiwash. The results of this experiment revealed that addition of vemicompost had significant positive effects on the soil physical, chemical properties and plant growth parameters.

Characterization of plant growth promoting rhizobacteria and fungi associated with rice, mangrove and effluent contaminated soil

Abstract: Plant growth promoting rhizobacteria have been identified in influencing the growth and yield of many plants. The effects of PGPR on plant growth can be mediated by direct or indirect mechanisms. In search of efficient PGPR strains with multiple activities, microbial isolates belonging to Bacillus spp, Pseudomonas spp, Azotobacter spp, Azospirillium spp, Phosphobacteria spp, Glucanacetobacter spp Aspergillus niger and Penicillium spp were isolated from different sources (Rice field, Mangroves and Effluent soil) of Cuddalore district. These test isolates were biochemically characterized and screened in vitro for their plant growth promoting traits like production of Indole acetic acid (IAA), ammonia, HCN and catalase production. All the isolates were able to produce IAA. Production of ammonia was commonly detected in all the isolates. All the test isolates were positive for catalase but none of the isolates produced HCN. On the basis of multiple plant growth promoting activities, the isolates were evaluated for their heavy metal tolerance. Among the isolates used on the heavy metals (Iron, Zinc, Lead, Magnesium and Copper), the effluent isolates were more tolerant to heavy metal and more tolerance were seen on iron metal. Tolerance to heavy metals was observed less frequently in Azospirillium spp, Phosphobacteria spp and Glucanacetobacter spp. The isolates could exhibit more than two or three PGP traits, which may promote plant growth directly or indirectly or synergistically. Further rhizobacteria tolerant to multiple heavy metals exhibited a couple of PGP activities.

Effect of microbial consortium on plant growth and improvement of alkaloid content in Withania somnifera (Ashwagandha)

Abstract: The effect of microbial consortium consisting Plant Growth Promoting Rhizobacteria (PGPR) like Azospirillum, Azotobacter, Pseudomonas and Bacillus were tested separately and in combination on Withania somnifera for two consecutive years (2009 and 2010). The combinations of above mentioned PGPR strains significantly increased plant height, root length, and alkaloid content in Withania somnifera when compared to the uninoculated control. Plant growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) exhibit direct and indirect mechanisms as plant growth promoters and biological control agents. Direct mechanism by PGPR, include the provision of bio-available phosphorus for plant uptake, nitrogen fixation for plant. The results of this study suggest that the PGPR applied in combination have the potential to increase the plant growth, alkaloid content of Withania somnifera .

Chemical mutagenic action on seed germination and related agro-metrical traits in M1 Dianthus generation

Abstract: Chemical mutagenesis is an efficient tool used in mutation breeding programme for improving various vital characteristics in floricultural crop, like Dianthus . In this study, colchicine (Col), ethyl methane sulphonate (EMS) and sodium azide (SA) with three different concentrations like 0.1%, 0.4% and 0.7% were used to analyze their effect on seed germination behaviour, lethality, pollen sterility and other related agro-metrical traits. Mutagen treated pure-line seeds were sown in experimental field following randomized block design (RBD) layout to raise first mutant (M1) generation. It was noted that increase in the dose of EMS and SA, germination percentage and survivability were decreased; whereas colchicine doses were proportional to increase germination percentage at seedling stage, but they were not survived till maturity. Higher lethality over control (32.89) was shown by 0.7% EMS. Pollen sterility also increased with increasing mutagenic doses. The maximum pollen sterility (61.1%) was observed under 0.7% colchicine. So, the effect of chemical mutagenesis on seedling and pollen sterility with EMS (especially 0.7%) treatment is much more beneficial as compared to colchicine and SA. 0.4% colchicine is effective for other agronomical characters. Hence these mutagens can be used for improving the germination behaviour and the metrical traits in Dianthus cultivar.

Growth and development of blackgram (Vigna mungo) under foliar application of Panchagavya as organic source of nutrient

Abstract: The present study was aimed to improve the growth and development of Blackgram ( Vigna mungo ) under foliar application of panchagavya as organic nutrient. A pot culture experiment was conducted at the Experimental farm during March-May 2010 season to evaluate the efficacy of Panchagavya foliar spray and NPK on the physiological growth and yield of Blackgram ( Vigna mungo ) cv. ADT-3. The results of the experiment revealed that foliar application of Panchagavya recorded significant improvement in chlorophyll content, N content of root nodules, plant height, number of branches per plant, leaf area index (LAI) and dry matter production when compared with NPK and control. Yield attributes such as number of pods per plant, number of seeds per pod, test weight and grain yield were also recorded significantly higher under foliar application of Panchagavya over NPK and control. Three percent Panchagavya foliar spray given at 15 th , 25 th , 35 th and 45 th days of interval period recorded significantly higher growth and yield of Blackgram than NPK and untreated control.

Soil irrigation effect of sugar mill effluent on changes of growth and biochemical contents of Raphanus sativus L.

Abstract: The effect of sugar mill effluent on plant growth and biochemical constituents of Raphanus sativus L. var. Pusha Chetki was studied in a pot culture experiment. The experiment was conducted at Botanical Garden, Department of Botany, Annamalai University, Tamil Nadu, during the period of January to March 2008. In the pot culture experiment, radish plants were grown up to 60Â days, in the soil irrigated with different concentrations of sugar mill effluent (viz, 0, 20%, 40%, 60%, 80% & 100%v/v). The inner surface of pots was lined with a polythene sheet. Each pot containing 5kg of air dried soil. Six seeds were sown in each pot. All pots were irrigated (500ml) with respective concentration of test solutions daily. Plants were thinned to a maximum of three per pots, after a week of germination. The higher sugar mill effluent concentrations (above 40%) were found to affect plant growth and decreased chlorophyll-a, chlorophyll-b and total chlorophyll, caroteinoids, total sugar, amino acids and protein contents, but diluted effluent (up to 40% ) favoured the plant growth and biochemical contents.

Screening of three wild edible fruits for their antioxidant potential.

Abstract: The antioxidant properties of three wild edible fruits, viz. Mimusops elengi L.Sp., (Sapotaceae), Cipadessa baccifera (Roth) Miq. (Meliaceae) , Bridelia scandens (Roxb.) willd.(Euphorbiaceae) were determined by using  DPPH (2, 2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) free radical-scavenging activity, ferric reducing antioxidant property (FRAP), reducing power ability and chelating activity on ferrous ions .The solvent systems used were Acetone, ethanol, methanol and 100% distill water. The different levels of antioxidant activities were found in the solvent systems used.

Antibacterial activity of bacterocin producing Lactobacillus sp., isolated from traditional milk products.

Abstract: Lactic acid bacteria commonly used as a natural food preservative to improve the food safety and stability. These organisms produce certain antimicrobial substance such as bacteriocins. The present study was focused on isolation and characterization of bacteriocin producing L actobacillus sp ., from a traditional milk product such as Curd, Cheese, Butter, Milkpeda and Ghee. The isolates were identified, based on characteristics of the strains of Lactobacillus sp ., as present in Bergey’s manual of determinative bacteriology, the metabolite bacteriocin was extracted from the isolated Lactobacillus LBC and the antibacterial activity was evaluated against bacterial pathogens. The bacteriocin producing Lactobacillus LBC exhibited the highest zone of inhibition (15 mm) against Staphylococcus aureus . This study revealed the possibility of using bacteriocin as food biopreservative to control food spoilage and pathogenic bacteria.

Eco-friendly management of Pyricularia oryzae-The causal agent of blast of paddy

Abstract: Integrated management of Pyricularia oryzae by eco-friendly approaches is promising. In this study we isolated and tested the essential oils and oleoresin from Piper nigrum , Coriander sativum and Curcuma domestica for their effect on Pyricularia oryzae in rice. These were evaluated for their antifungal activity against P . oryzae in vitro by poison food technique . Seed health testing was performed using the standard blotter method. We isolated P. oryzae and cultured on potato dextrose agar (PDA) medium to maintain pure culture for our future experiments. The pure culture of P. oryzae was tested against different concentration of essential oils and oleoresin on PDA medium. Incubated for several days and plates were checked for mycelial growth inhibition and percentages of inhibitions were calculated. Maximum inhibition of mycelial growth was observed in pepper oil which showed 5.9%, 5.5%, 4.4% and 7.0% of inhibition at 100ppm, 200ppm, 300ppm and control, respectively. Mycelial growth was completely inhibited at 500ppm and 1000ppm concentration. This indicated that pepper oil is most effective against P. oryzae pathogen. Oleoresin and coriander oil is less effective. The results of the current study indicated that each of the three essential oils tested, reduced the natural infection frequency in P. oryzae.

Ethnobotany of Stem Bark of Certain Plants of Visakhapatnam District, Andhra Pradesh

Abstract: The paper enumerates 56 medicinal plant species belonging to 47 genera and 31 families, whose stem barks are used for ethnobotanical purposes by the Primitive Tribal Groups (PTGs) of Visakhapatnam district, Andhra Pradesh. Three plant species and 70 practices were found to be new.

Distribution of Endophytic Fungi in Leaves of Azadirachta indica A. JUSS. (Neem) of Panchmarhi Biosphere Reserve

Abstract: Total 85 e n d o p h y t i c f u n gi of 10 genera were isolated f r om 200 s e g m e n t s of f r e s h Azadirachta indica le a ves collected from Panchmarhi biosphere reserve. The endophytic fungi recovered b e l o n g t o hyphomycetes (68.2%), coelomycetes (19.99%), a s c o myce t e s and s te r ile my c eli u m ( 5 . 88%) each. T h e m o s t dominant e n dop h y te s observed w e re Trichoderma ( 21.17%), Pestalotiopsis spp. (16.47%) and Penicillium ( 15.29%).

Ultra Structural and Analytical Studies of Biodiesel Producing Microalgae (Chlorella vulgaris and Senedesmis sp.) Collected from Tamil Nadu, India

Abstract: Microalgae are an economical choice for biofuel production, because of its availability and low cost. Our studies prove that biodiesel can be produced from Freshwater (Temple tanks, Forest lagoons, Inland lakes, Rock ponds) microalgae ( Chlorella vulgaris, Senedesmis sp). The Nile Red fluorescence method described in our present study provides a rapid, easily manipulated and reliable method for in vivo quantification of neutral lipids in various microalgal taxa, particularly those belonging to the Chlorophyceae , that were previously found difficult to stain with Nile Red method. The optimum drying period of microalgae biomass is determined to be 120 min. The percentage of lipid content during n-Hexane soaking period ( Chlorella vulgaris ) is 49% during 210min. Extraction of lipid fragments through solvent extraction method from biomass and the fractions were analysed for biodiesel under FT-IR and GC-MS.

Effect of silver thiosulphate on In Vitro plant regeneration of Solanum nigrum (Linn.) ? An important antiulcer medicinal plant

Abstract: Effect of Silver Thiosulphate (Ethylene inhibitor) on shoot regeneration using axillary bud explants of Solanum nigrum was studied. Ethylene inhibitor silver thiosulphate favoured the shoot morphogenesis. Highest frequency of regeneration (95%), maximum number of shoots (4.2) was achieved with 40 m M/L STS, added to MS medium. The optimum range of STS concentrations recorded was between 10-40 m M/L. At higher concentration adventitious root formation was observed and successful field establishment was also achieved. Ethylene inhibits the shoot morphogenesis and also affects the root formation. Ag + ions inhibit ethylene action in a wide variety of ethylene induced responses in plants by reducing the receptor capacity to bind ethylene. Thus, silver thiosulphate may be useful as a media supplement to develop efficient protocols for in vitro propagation of Solanum nigrum as it favours the shoot and root formation.

Deteriorative changes in oilseeds due to storage fungi and efficacy of botanicals

Abstract: Improper storage makes the oilseeds vulnerable to storage fungi which deteriorate the stored oilseeds both qualitatively and quantitatively. They bring about the variety of biochemical changes in the suitable conditions. Considering this fact, experiments were undertaken to understand nutritional changes like change in reducing sugar, change in crude fat content and change in crude fiber content of oilseeds due to artificial infestation of storage fungi. It was found that, Alternaria dianthicola, Curvularia lunata, Fusarium oxysporum, Fusarium equiseti, Macrophomina phaseolina and Rhizopus stolonifer causes decrease in reducing sugar of oilseeds. Alternaria dianthicola, Curvularia pellescens, Macrophomina phaseolina, Penicillium digitatum and Penicillium chrysogenum hampered the fat content of oilseeds. Curvularia lunata, Curvularia pellescens, Fusarium oxysporum, Macrophomina phaseolina, Rhizopus stolonifer and Penicillium digitatum increased the fiber content in oilseeds. An attempt was also made to control the seed-borne fungi by using aqueous extract of ten medicinal plants. Aqueous extract of Eucalyptus angophoroides was found to be most fungitoxic.

Ethno Medicinal Plants Used by the Tharu and Magar Communities of Rupandehi District, Western Nepal

Abstract: The present research seeks to explore the information of medicinal plants used by local people of Rupandehi district for primary healthcare. Local healers were interviewed regarding the detail uses of plants. A rich and unique diversity of 74 ethno medicinal plant species belonging to 45 families under 64 genera were documented. The use of plants In Rupandehi is an old tradition and the exploration of such unique cultures should be completed thoroughly so that the oral traditions are not lost forever. Immediate conservation and management approaches of valuable medicinal plants with the involvement of local indigenous people of Rupandehi district will encourage the sustainable conservation of both biological and cultural diversity

Studies on the ecology and distribution of zooplankton biomass in kadalur coastal zone, Tamil nadu, India

Abstract: Zooplankton diversity important criteria for evaluating the suitability of water for irrigation and drinking purposes. In this study, we tried to assess the Zooplankton species richness, diversity, and evenness and to predict the state of three stations. The Zooplankton showed seasonal variations at all the stations. The order of abundance of Zooplankton at the three selected stations are Station 1 (Palar river): Rotifera > Cladocera > Ciliata > Copepoda > Others, Station 2 (Palar estuary): Â Ciliata > Siphanophora > Rotifera > Polychaeta > Cladocera > Copepoda > Cirripedia > Others and Station 3 (Kadalur sea coast): Copepoda > Ciliata > Hydrozoa > Rotifera > Amphipoda > Chaetognatha > Cladocera > Others.

Occurrence and significance of cystoliths in Acanthaceae

Abstract: The present authors studied foliar anatomical features of 43 species belonging to 22 genera of the family Acanthaceae. Cystoliths are characteristic of the family. However, they are totally absent in Acanthus spinosus L. , Adhatoda beddomei C.B . Clarke and Staurogyne zeylanica (Nees) O. Ktze. Generally, they are present in laminar epidermis, petiolar epidermis and ground tissue. They exhibit different shapes, sizes and even colors. In some taxa, both ends of cystoliths are obtuse or acute, whereas in others one of the ends of cystolith are either obtuse or acute. They observed either single or double. This communication reviewed their occurrence in the family and highlighted their taxonomic significance.

The foliar epidermal studies in some hitherto unstudied Euphorbiaceae

Abstract: The paper is aimed at revealing various cellular structures, contours of foliar epidermis and foliar stomata of hitherto unstudied 17 species belonging 17 genera of the euphorbiaceous taxa. This information will be useful to reach sound taxonomic and phylogenetic deductions. Epidermal peels removed by TAT method or using Wellcol or Favicol were stained by safranin and fast green combination making semi permanent slides then camera lucida drawings provided to enlightened their structures. Â Anomocytic stomatal type is predominant, while other types such as paracytic, hexacytic and anisocytic are also noted on the same foliar surface in different combinations. In majority of taxa, the leaves are hypostomatic, while in few they are amphistomatic. Distribution of stomata, stomatal index, stomatal frequency, stomatal size and other cell wall contours are described in detail in present study.

Phytotherapy in India: transition of tradition to technology

Abstract: The disease preventive and health promoting approach based on herbal medicine takes into consideration, the promotion of health and treating ailments is holistic way and finds increasing acceptability in many regions of the world, India and China being in the forefront. The practice of herbal medicine basically depends on folklore and by experiences of people over a long period of time. However, very little research especially in the area of basic science has been conducted in a systematic manner. Medicinal plants with a long history of safe and effective use are likely to have a pharmaceutical effect. The use of plants in traditional medicine can be explained by physiologically active phytochemical compounds of a species and also by its ascribed meaning in a culture. Â Plants produce a great diversity of substances that could be of therapeutic significance in many areas of medicine. However, the chemical nature of plant compounds present naturally as such and in extract, is puzzling. It is important to know constituents of plant extracts and their relative importance in their therapeutic value. The alkaloids and other compounds are characterized and tested for their medicinal value from these plants which include not only the unexplored tribal plants but also the spices, condiments and vegetables which are already in use. In last decade, there is a renewed interest in the development of herbal drugs underlined by the understanding of mechanism of action rather than based on faith and folk, as it happened in past. Several aspects on integrated approaches of drug development from herbs have explored many potential lead phytochemicals. Nonetheless, even the limited number of mechanistic experiments reveals that numerous mechanisms are likely involved in the various actions of even a single herbal medicine. It will be the elucidation of such mechanisms that will provide the scientific basis for establishing the efficacy and safety of not only Chinese and Indian herbal medicines but all forms of medicinal botanicals.

Protection of mungbean and urdbean crops against vector borne mungbean yellow mosaic virus through botanicals

Abstract: The mungbean and urdbean crops were found suffering from the infection of a vector borne virus which was characterized by severe yellowing of the leaves and extremely reduced growth of the plants. Such crops may be protected by the regular spraying either with the aqueous leaf extract of Azadirachta indica, Clerodendrum aculeatum or the root extract of the Boerhaavia diffusa separately. The maximum reduction in the incidence of mungbean yellow mosaic virus disease was observed in mungbean and urdbean when these crops were given six sprays of each botanical separately. In case of C. aculeatum treatments reduction in disease incidence in mungbean and urdbean was 53.76 and 48.22 per cent, respectively. Whereas, B. diffusa root extract could reduce the incidence by 42.48 and 40.55 per cent in mungbean and urdbean followed by 33.07and 28.55 per cent by A. indica . It has been observed that not only the incidence of disease was reduced but a significant increase in plant height, primary and secondary branches, nodulation, pods formation and grain yield was also recorded.

Is the sensitivity to ammonium nutrition related to nitrogen accumulation

Abstract: Nitrate and ammonium can be used as nitrogen sources by most plant species although plant response to continuous ammonium nutrition is species dependent. In the present study, the effect of the nitrogen source (nitrate and ammonium) on growth, photosynthetic parameters, nitrogen content and nitrogen assimilating-enzymes (nitrate reductase, glutamine synthetase and glutamate dehydrogenase) was investigated in wheat ( Triticum aestivum L.), tomato ( Solanum lycopersicum L.) and lucerne ( Medicago truncatula L.). Obtained results showed that these plant species vary in their sensitivity to NH 4 + nutrition, with wheat to be highly sensitive, tomato moderately sensitive and lucerne tolerant to ammonium nutrition. For the three plant species, the growth reduction was correlated closely to ammonium accumulation in leaves. Moreover, contrary to that was observed for wheat plants, glutamine synthetase and glutamate dehydrogenase activities were higher in roots than in leaves, for tomato and lucerne plants. Taken together, these data suggest that the site of ammonium assimilation is a key factor controlling tolerance to ammonium nutrition in the different plant species, with plants being more tolerant when ammonium is assimilated in roots.

Effect of fungal infections on nutritional value of papaya fruits.

Abstract: The nutritional value of fruits chiefly depends on the quality & quantity of nutritive substances. Various fungi causes rots in fruits of papaya. The fungi are very selective in their nutritional requirements. They influence the stored substances by observing them or by converting some of the complex forms into simple ones. In the present investigation total five fungi were isolated from papaya fruits. The effect of these fungi on considerable losses in proteins, ash and nitrogen content were observed in the papaya fruits. In general the amount of the amino acids in free as well as bound forms increased in infected fruits. Considerable decrease in total sugar and increase in reducing sugar was observed in most of the fungi.

Ethnomedicinal plants in jalgaon district: current status

Abstract: The remote villages and hamlets of Jalgaon district are repositories of indigenous knowledge about plant wealth. A total of 167 plant species with respect to their valid botanical names, family, local name, parts used, recipe, status whether wild or cultivated are presented disease-wise. Their floristic analysis in the region is presented. As many as 35 plant species are exotic which have been integrated with local traditions. Such a study would help to develop a database of medicinal plants and conservation for posterity. Â Jalgaon district is a treasure trove of medicinal plant species. Â If subjected to modern laboratory scrutiny, it would reveal new drugs or provide alternatives.

Bioremediation of tannery effluent and its impact on seed germination (blackgram and sunflower)

Abstract: In this study, we attempted two investigational systems: one is treatment of tannery effluent by aerobic bacterial consortium and the other is impact of treated and untreated effluent on seed germination. For the effluent treatment, heavy metal resistant bacteria were isolated from tannery effluent. Among them, Bacillus, Pseudomonas and Micrococcus were selected for the further studies. The selected isolates were tested for their efficiency on the bioremediation of tannery effluent. The physico-chemical properties such as colour, odour, pH, electrical conductivity, total solids, suspended solids, dissolved solids, BOD, COD, chromium, zinc, iron, nickel were found decreased in effluent after 72 hrs. The study of seed germination (Blackgram and Sunflower) was carried out at 0, 20, 40, 60, 80, 100% concentrations of treated and untreated effluent using soil sowing method. Shoot length, fresh weight, dry weight and chlorophyll content showed an increase when treated effluent was tested whereas a decrease of growth was noticed in untreated effluent tested seedlings. The results revealed that effluent treated by aerobic microorganisms has no negative impact on the seed germination and can be effectively used for irrigation.

PCR based detection of fumonisin producing strains of Fusarium verticillioides and gene related to toxin production

Abstract: Fusarium verticillioides produces Fumonisins are a group of mycotoxins that contaminate food and feed products posses maximum threat to human and animal health. In this work Eighty two strains of Fusarium species collected from infected rice samples were subjected to PCR assay to discriminate fumonisin producing and nonproducing strains with Inter Generic Spacer region (IGS) of rDNA  coding units specific primer named as  VERTF-1/VERTF-2 were used. 21 isolates of  F . verticillioides scored positive for VERTF-1/ VERTF-2 pair of primers proves to be potential fumonisin production and 25 isolates were scored negative. Specific primers for polyketide synthase (PKS) gene FUM1-(previously FUM5) were used to all 83 strains resulted in positive signals observed in 21 strains of F . verticillioides. This present study proves the efficiency of IGS and gene specific primer also represents well for Fusarium strains isolated from rice also. For both primers PCR detection was consistent even at 100 pg/I¼l concentration of genomic DNA. This quite rapid and specific method helps in accurate discrimination of Fumonisin producing strains.

Isolation of antioxidant enzymes from some wild edible fruits at mature and ripened stage rhizome

Abstract: The activity of catalase (CAT), peroxidase (POX), superoxide dismutase (SOD), were determined in  ten wild edible fruits, viz Ficus racemosa Linn., Elaeagnus conferta Roxb. , Flacourtia indica (Burm. f.)Merr. , Glycosmis pentaphylla (Retz.) DC., Ziziphus rugosa Lamk., Meyna laxiflora Robyns., Cordia dichotoma Linn., Grewia tiliifolia Vahl, Scleichera oleosa Merr.  and Antidesma ghasembilla Gaertn. The CAT and SOD activity was increased in mature fruits than ripened fruits, whereas POX activity found to be more in ripened fruits as compare to mature fruits.

Isolation, Purification and Identification of the Anti-Diabetic Components from Cinnamomum zeylanicum and Cinnamomum cassia Bark Oil Extracts

Abstract: The bark and the leaves Cinnamomum sp are commonly used as spices in home kitchens and their distilled essential oils are used as flavouring agent in the food & beverage industries. Â The chemical analysis of the oils from both the sources revealed that the active oil contained 74% cinnamaldehyde, compared to only 8.3% in the inactive oil. Â Cinnamon has been reported to have remarkable pharmacological effects in the treatment of type II diabetes and insulin resistance. Â However the plant material used in the study was mostly from C. cassia and only few of them are truly from C. zeylanicum. Â Three types of distinguishing method for cinnamon barks have been described: Microscopy, Mucilage content determination and Thin layer chromatography (TLC). Â The preparatory TLC fractionation of ether, extracted from C.cassia and C. zeylanicum yielded 3 fraction representing 58.5% of the crude extract. Â Similar to the ether extract the preparative TLC of the distilled oil also yielded 3 fraction with a combined yield of 97.5% of the crude distilled oil. Â The Gas Chromatography/Mass spectrophotometry (GS/MS) of the fraction 2 of ether extract, yielded 4 peaks, with the relative intensity of 4, 6, 61,6 and 29%. Â The first and second most intense peaks were identified as cinnamaldehyde and cinnamic acid repectively. Â The remaining two peaks with relative intensity of 6% or less could not be identified. Â The GC/MS of the fraction 2 of the distilled oil yielded only one peak with the relative intensity of 99.1% which was identified as cinnamaldehyde.

Ethnobotanical study of medicinal plants in the coastal districts of Odisha

Abstract: Ethnobotanical study was carried out in the coastal districts of Odisha during 2010-2011 to document the medicinal utility of plants. The present paper deals with traditional uses of 46 plant species belonging to 44 genera and 32 families along with correct botanical identification, local names, parts used and mode of administration in respect to different diseases. Â The documented ethnomedicinal plants are mostly used to cure skin diseases, diarrhoea, jaundice, piles and urinary troubles.