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AbstractPlants possess numerous secondary metabolites imparting flavor and aroma. However, fragrance inducing natural biomolecules and their potential sources are yet to be thoroughly explored. GC-MS analysis of a sweetly scented Malvacean liana; Hibiscus fragransRoxburgh was conducted to explore and characterize the concerned aroma fingerprints with sound insights on anticipated array of biosynthetic pathways. Leaf extract of the plant was analyzed by Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) technique. Biosynthetic pathways of signature aroma compounds were deduced utilizing bioinformatic databases and reviewing literatures. A rare fragrant biomolecule ‘2-n-Heptylcyclopentanone’ and 22 other aroma impacting biomolecules were detected and functional attributes were deliberately scrutinized. Interactive biosynthetic pathway schemes for all the 23 aromatic metabolomes including proposal for probable origin of 2-n-Heptylcyclopentanone and six other biomolecules (Pentadecanal; Cis-9-Hexadecenal; 14-Heptadecenal; Octadecanal; Undecane and 1-Decyne) with no previous biosynthesis report; out of a total of 47 GC-MS revealed metabolites were designed. Increased production of fragrant molecules in controlled surroundings availing biotechnological administration through metabolic bioengineering and in vitrotissue culture techniques may offer exciting dimensions to fragrance research.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma

AbstractCoronavirus (SARS-CoV-2), the causative agent of the Covid-19 pandemic has proved itself as the deadliest pathogen. A major portion of the population has become susceptible to this strain. Scientists are pushing their limits to formulate a vaccine against Covid-19 with the least side effects. Although the recent discoveries of vaccines have shown some relief from the covid infection rate, however, physical fatigue, mental abnormalities, inflammation and other multiple organ damages are arising as post-Covid symptoms. The long-term effects of these symptoms are massive. Patients with such symptoms are known as long-haulers and treatment strategy against this condition is still unknown. In this study, we tried to explore a strategy to deal with the post-Covid symptoms. We targeted three human proteins namely ACE2, Interleukin-6, Transmembrane serine protease and NRP1 which are already reported to be damaged via Covid-19 proteins and upregulated in the post-Covid stage. Our target plant in this study is Cannabis(popularly known as ‘Ganja’ in India). The molecular docking and simulation studies revealed that Cannabidiol (CBD) and Cannabivarin (CVN) obtained from Cannabiscan bind to post-Covid symptoms related central nervous system (CNS) proteins and downregulate them which can be beneficial in post-covid symptoms treatment strategy. Thus we propose Cannabisas an important therapeutic plant against post-Covid symptoms.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma