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Oral bacterial biofilms are the main reason for the progression of resistance to antimicrobial agents that may lead to severe conditions, including periodontitis and gingivitis. Essential oil-based nanocomposites can be a promising treatment option. We investigated cardamom, cinnamon, and clove essential oils for their potential in the treatment of oral bacterial infections using in vitro and computational tools. A detailed analysis of the drug-likeness and physicochemical properties of all constituents was performed. Molecular docking studies revealed that the binding free energy of a Carbopol 940 and eugenol complex was -2.0 kcal/mol, of a Carbopol 940-anisaldehyde complex was -1.9 kcal/mol, and a Carbapol 940-eugenol-anisaldehyde complex was -3.4 kcal/mol. Molecular docking was performed against transcriptional regulator genes 2XCT, 1JIJ, 2Q0P, 4M81, and 3QPI. Eugenol cinnamaldehyde and cineol presented strong interaction with targets. The essential oils were analyzed against Staphylococcus aureus and Staphylococcus epidermidis isolated from the oral cavity of diabetic patients. The cinnamon and clove essential oil combination presented significant minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) (0.0625/0.0312 mg/mL) against S. epidermidis and S. aureus (0.0156/0.0078 mg/mL). In the anti-quorum sensing activity, the cinnamon and clove oil combination presented moderate inhibition (8 mm) against Chromobacterium voilaceum with substantial violacein inhibition (58% ± 1.2%). Likewise, a significant biofilm inhibition was recorded in the case of S. aureus (82.1% ± 0.21%) and S. epidermidis (84.2% ± 1.3%) in combination. It was concluded that a clove and cinnamon essential oil-based formulation could be employed to prepare a stable nanocomposite, and Carbapol 940 could be used as a compatible biopolymer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The pollen morphology, with special reference to exine sculpture, of some species of the gymnosperms was assessed for the first time from the subalpine and alpine zones of western Himalayas northern Pakistan. The pollen of all these species is airborne and allergenic, so pollen morphology helps for identification of this allergenic pollen at specific level. Different morpho‐palynological characteristics were analyzed including size range of pollen, polar and equatorial diameter ratio, exine ornamentation, sculpturing, exine thickness, pollen type, and shape. For accurate and quick identification of species, taxonomic key was made based on different morpho‐palynological characteristics. The quantitative data were processed using SPSS software. Gymnospermal pollen includes inaperturate, rarely 1‐colpate observed in (Cupressaceae), hexazonocolpate in (Ephedraceae), vesiculate, bissacate in (Pinaceae), and inaperturate in (Taxaceae). Different pollen shapes observed were prolate (4 spp), sub‐spheroidal (7 spp), and oblate (1 spp). Variation was observed in exine sculpturing granular (4 spp), reticulate (1 spp), areolate‐punctate (3 spp), and psilate (2 spp). This is based on the analysis of 10 plants belonging to four families of gymnosperms. Distinct pollen shape has emerged as the most diagnostic feature to separate some genera such as spheroidal in (Cupressaceae, Taxaceae), prolate and radiosymmetrical in (Ephedraceae), and bilateral in (Pinaceae). Exine thickness and sculpturing proved to be helpful at generic and specific levels. The results reinforced the significance of gymnospermal pollen morphological features which were used as aid for valuable taxonomic tool in plant systematics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The research was performed to investigate pollen morphology of endangered species of Capparidaceae in subtropical regions of Pakistan. The distinguishing characters were investigated by using light microscope and scanning electron microscope. Palynological study is comprised of pollen shape, pollen type, exine sculpturing, polar and equatorial diameter, length and width of colpi, mesocolpium, and exine thickness. In polar view, Cleome viscosa exhibited the highest pollen size 26.4 (32.7–24.5 μm) ±0.776 whereas Capparis spinosa appeared to be the lowest 12.6 (14.5−10.7 μm) ±0.400. In equatorial view, Cleome viscosa had the largest pollen size 17.1 (20.0–15.0 μm) ±0.606 and Capparis spinosa had the smallest pollen size 9.7 (12.50–8.00 μm) ±0.394. The maximum fertility percentage has been observed in Capparis spinosa, that is, 98.96% and minimum in Cleome viscosa, that is, 82.93%. Diagnostic key has been constructed to state the essential diagnostic features by means of which the taxa can be identified. Remarkable variations have been observed in pollen size, shape, and exine sculpturing. All the selected species were tricolporate. Prolate to subprolate pollen were observed. There is a great variation existed in exine sculpturing such as in Capparis decidua and C. sp. nova sculpturing is reticulate, in Capparis himalayensis sculpturing is Scabrate granulate, in Capparis spinosa sculpturing is Psilate, in Cleome viscosa sculpturing is regulate‐reticulate, in Dipterygium glaucum sculpturing is regulate and in Gynandropsis gynandra sculpturing is striate‐regulate. On the basis of overall characteristics of pollen it seems that palynology of this family is helpful at the generic and specific level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Leaf epidermal anatomy of tribe Trifolieae L. has been studied with the objective to assess the characteristics that can be used to reevaluate the circumscription and systematic position of tribe. Using light and scanning electron microscopy, leaf epidermal characters of 17 species belonging to four genera of Trifolieae (Medicago L., Melilotus Mill., Trifolium L. and Trigonella L.) are investigated. The placement of Melilotus and Trigonella in one section Grammocarpus was also reassessed on the basis of leaf epidermal characters. Presence of characteristic anomocytic stomata with great variation of size and short, unbranched, unicellular, non glandular trichomes with acute apex are diagnostic characters for delimitation of species in Trifolieae. The distributional density of trichomes varies greatly between genera and found to be highest in genus Medicago. The value of stomatal index ranges between 24.6% (Trifolium dubium) to 83% (Trigonella foeno graceum). In general, present study concludes that the variations of all traits are mostly sustained and intrinsic to the species and of promising taxonomic value. The combination of leaf epidermal characters in correlation with other traits has potential for taxonomic resolution at species level. Further phylogenetic studies on tribe, based on more comprehensive sampling will probably explain intrageneric relationships in Trifolieae. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To better understand systematic characters of Aconogonon (Polygonaceae), we studied pollen morphology in three (A. alpinum, A. rumicifolium and A. tortuosum) of five species distributed in Pakistan using light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. Results showed that Aconogonon is characterized by tricolpate pollen with microspinulose type of exine ornamentation. One distinctive pollen type was recognized on the basis of aperture number and sculpturing of exine under SEM. Based on analyses in the present study, diagnostic keys to the three species were provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The plant diversity of Himalayan region has been reduced to greater extent due to environmental degradation and human exploitation. Anthropogenic disturbance was the major factor responsible for fragmentation of forest vegetation into small patches. Little research has been conducted in the Himalayan region of Poonch Valley of North eastern Pakistan with reference to plants biodiversity and its conservation. The present research was carried out to provide a checklist of vegetation for biodiversity conservation. A total of 430 vascular and 5 nonvascular plant species with 5 species of Bryophytes (5 families), 13 species of Pteridophytes (6 families), 4 species of Gymnosperms (1 family) and 413 species of angiosperms (95 families) were enumerated from the Poonch valley Azad Kashmir. The genera were classified into three categories according to the number of species. 25 plant communities with phytosociological parameters and diversity indices were reported. Present study revealed that there were 145 threatened, 30 endangered, 68 vulnerable and 47 rare species. It is recorded that extensive grazing, uprooting of plants and soil slope erosion intensify the environmental problems. Since there is maximum exploitation of vegetation, the valley showed a decline in plant diversity. The study was also indicated that the main threats to the biodiversity are expansion of settlement and army installations in the forest area of the valley. For sustainable use In-situ and Ex-situ conservation, controlled harvesting and afforestation may be the solution. Moreover, forest area should be declared prohibited for settlements and army installations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Ethnopharmacological relevance: Present survey was conducted to explore ethnomedicinal uses and cultural importance of wild edible fruits species by the inhabitants of Lesser Himalayas-Pakistan. Materials and methods: Information was obtained through informed consent semi-structured interviews, questionnaires, market survey, focus group conversation, unceremonious dialogue and village walks with key informants. Cultural significance of each species was calculated based on use report by participants at each study site. Results: A total of 35 wild edible fruits belonging to 21 genera and 17 families were used for the treatment of various ailments and consumed. Rosaceae was found dominating family with (8spp.), followed by Moraceae (6spp.), Rhamnaceae (5spp.), Palmae and Vitaceae (2spp. each) and remaining families were represented by one species each. Fruits (48%) were found highly utilized plant parts, followed by leaves (34%), bark, flowers and seeds (4% each), branches, latex and roots (2% each). Water was used as a medium for preparation while milk, ghee, oil, egg and butter are used for application. Modes of preparation were fall into seven categories like fresh parts eaten raw (38%), powder (24%), decoction (20%), extract (12 %), paste (4%), juice and latex (2% each). Based on cultural important index (CI) Morus nigra was found most significant species within top ten fruit plants followed by Morus alba, Olea ferruginea, Berberis lycium, Pyrus pashia, Ficus carica, Ficus palmata, Ziziphus mauritiana, Diospyros lotus and Ziziphus nummularia. Conclusions: Traditional uses of wild edible plant depend mainly on socio-economic factors rather than climatic conditions or wealth of flora. Use reports and citation demonstrated that there is a common cultural heritage regarding the gathered food plants. Further investigation is required for Antioxidant study, essential and toxic components, pharmacological applications; dietary requirements and biotechnological techniques to improve yields. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Fresh wild leafy vegetables and related soil samples were collected from Lesser Himalayas, Pakistan to evaluate the trace metal levels and related health risk to the consumers. The samples were prepared by acid digestion, followed by quantification of selected trace metals (Fe, Zn, Cu, Mn, Cr, Cd and Pb) on atomic absorption spectrophotometer. Generally, in the vegetables highest concentrations were detected for Fe, followed by Zn, Mn and Pb. Among the vegetables, highest concentrations of Zn, Cu and Cr were found in Solanum nigrum, while Stellaria media showed the elevated levels of Fe and Cd. Nevertheless, maximum concentrations of Mn and Pb were found in Convolvulus arvensis and Amaranthus viridis, respectively. In the case of soil, highest levels were observed for Fe, followed by Mn, Zn, Pb, Cr and Cu. Translocation of trace metals from soil to the vegetables exhibited highest values for Cd, followed by Zn. Multivariate principal component analysis showed significant anthropogenic contributions of the Pb, Cr, Zn, Cd and Fe in the vegetables. Health risk assessment was evaluated in terms of health risk index, target hazard quotient and hazard index which showed that the intake of some trace metals through vegetables was higher than the recommended values, consequently consumption of the vegetables may be associated with non-carcinogenic health risks. Nonetheless, elevated levels of Cr and Pb were also found to be associated with lifetime carcinogenic risk to the consumers. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Background Ethnoveterinary knowledge is highly significant for persistence of traditional community-based approaches to veterinary care. This is of particular importance in the context of developing and emerging countries, where animal health (that of livestock, especially) is crucial to local economies and food security. The current survey documents the traditional veterinary uses of medicinal plants in the Lesser Himalayas-Pakistan. Methods Data were collected through interviews, focus groups, participant observation, and by administering questionnaires. A total of 105 informants aged between 20-75 years old who were familiar with livestock health issues (i.e. farmers, shepherds, housewives and herbalists) participated in the study. Results A total of 89 botanical taxa, belonging to 46 families, were reported to have ethnoveterinary applications. The most quoted families were Poaceae (6 taxa), Fabaceae (6), Asteraceae (5), and Polygonaceae (5). Adhatod avasica was the most cited species (43%), followed by Trachyspermum ammi (37%), and Zanthoxylum armatum var. armatum (36%). About 126 medications were recorded against more than 50 veterinary conditions grouped into seven categories. The highest cultural index values were recorded for Trachyspermum ammi, Curcuma longa, Melia azedarach, Zanthoxylum armatum var. armatum and Adhatoda vasica. The highest informant consensus factor was found for pathologies related to respiratory and reproductive disorders. Comparison with the local plant-based remedies used in human folk medicine revealed that many of remedies were used in similar ways in local human phytotherapy. Comparison with other field surveys conducted in surrounding areas demonstrated that approximately one-half of the recorded plants uses are novel to the ethnoveterinary literature of the Himalayas. Conclusion The current survey shows a remarkable resilience of ethnoveterinary botanical knowledge in the study area. Most of the species reported for ethnoveterinary applications are wild and under threat. Thus, not only is it imperative to conserve traditional local knowledge of folk veterinary therapies for bio-cultural conservation motives, but also to assist with in-situ and ex-situ environmental conservation initiatives, which are urgently needed. Future studies which focus on the validation of efficacy for use of these ethnoveterinary remedies can help to substantiate emic concepts regarding the management of animal health care and for rural development programs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The pollen morphology with special reference to exine sculpturing of four species of the genus Pedicularis L. has been examined by light and scanning electron microscope. Comparative pollen analysis was made based on the type of pollen, shape in polar and equatorial views, P/E ratio, exine thickness and sculpturing of pollen. In this study, two types of pollen aperture configuration known in the genus were observed i.e., trisyncolpate and bi-syncolpate. Pollen grains with microscabrate ornamentation were found in bi-syncolpate pollen for the first time. Pollen fertility estimation ranged from 87- 95%, which shows that pollen flora of selected species is well established in Alpine zone. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Food and medicinal plants have been used for centuries against human diseases. The methanolic and aqueous extracts of different parts of Ocimum bacillicum Lam. (Niazboo or Sweet basil) of family Lamiaceae were investigated in vitro for their antibacterial properties against waterborne pathogens. The antibacterial properties of different parts of Ocimum bacillicum samples were assessed against Gram positive and Gram negative bacteria, which were isolated from water samples and identified by the API 20E method. The extracts from leaves and seeds of Ocimum bacillicum showed more antibacterial activities against Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and E. coli at 37°C than those obtained from shoots, roots, and buds. The lowest minimum inhibitory concentrations and minimum bactericidal concentrations were observed for leaves and seeds as compared to other parts of the plant. No activity of alum was observed against the tested bacterial strains. The seeds of Ocimum bacillicum were associated with higher coagulation activity in comparison to other parts of the plant and were comparable with alum. These results suggest that parts of a plant offer a potential for antimicrobial treatment of drinking water, but needs further exploration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study indicated that the inhabitants of Poonch Valley utilized 169 plant species for more than 30 domestic needs. Major use categories were determined with the largest (most species) being for medicines and foods. Medicinal plants, timber and fodder are identified as use categories that are of particular conservation importance in the area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Morphology, leaf anatomical features and pollen grain characteristics of the genus Hieracium (Asteraceae: Lactuceae) have been investigated and illustrated for the first time in Pakistan. Hieracium L. and Pilosella Hill, are recognized as separate genera. All Hieracium species are perennial rhizomatous herbs. In this study five species, i.e. Hieracium bichlorophyllum, H. diaphanoides, H. umbellatum, H. virosum, and H. vulgatum are described for Pakistan. The stem surface is glabrous in H. diaphanoides and H. umbellatum, while sparse echinulate and stellate hairs are also present in H. umbellatum. Hieracium bichlorophyllum has scabrous hairs, while stellate hairs are present in H. vulgatum. Basal leaves are sessile in all species but subsessile in H. vulgatum. Leaves are bifacial and stomata cells are staurocytic and amphianisocytic. The pollen type of the investigated species is trizonocolporate and tetrazonocolporate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pakistan hosts rich biodiversity, including 38 species of the genus Artemisia L. (Asteraceae). Plant morphological descriptions were noted by means of observations and ethnobotanical details were documented through questionnaires and meetings, with herbalists and local inhabitants. Twelve Artemisia species are popularly used among Pakistani people as food, ornaments, fumigants and medicines. These are Artemisia absinthium L., Artemisia annua L., Artemisia brevifolia Wall. ex DC., Artemisia dracunculus L., Artemisia dubia Wall. ex Besser, Artemisia herba-alba Asso., Artemisia japonica Thunb., Artemisia maritima L. Ex Hook.f., Artemisia roxburghiana Wall. ex Besser, Artemisia santolinifolia Turcz. ex Krasch., Artemisia scoparia Waldst. & Kit., and Artemisia vulgaris L. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article reports on a study of the resistant and effects of indigenous plant extracts to prevent Bactrocera zonata Saunders, peach fruit fly in Pakistan. The peach fruit fly is considered as one of the most dangerous species of Tephritide. It primary causes huge damage in indigenous plants and serves as the effective pest of peach, custard apple and guava. To avoid fruit flies, many agriculturists have interested to adopt plant extracts by using three solvents such as petroleum ether, acetone and ethanol for lowering fruit flies on fruit yield and quality. Several tables are presented depicting the mean number of fruit flies established on untreated guava fruit and treated with various plant extracts.

The presented research investigated the use of folk remedies among the people of Tehsil Pindigheb, District Attock of Pakistan. During the ethnobotanical survey, we documented indigenous knowledge and collected plant specimens which included medicinal plants. Through questionnaire, ethnomedicinal data was collected from key informants and local inhabitants in randomly selected villages. One hundred plant species belonging to 44 families were recorded as medicinal flora of the area. Due to construction of new housing colonies, modern agricultural practices and cultural changes within the community, the use of traditional knowledge and medicinal plant species are threatened day by day in the area. This study will provide help in future conservation strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Medicinal herbs provide prime source of primary health care in the northern mountainous parts of Pakistan in the Himalayas, Hindu-Kush and Karakorum mountain ranges. However, with the introduction of allopathic drags, the use of crude drugs from medicinal plants is on the decline and subsequently, the pertinent traditional knowledge may be lost in the near future. During the present study traditional knowledge of 126 medicinal herbs was documented from Swat Kohistan. Most of these herbs are used locally while some are sold to other parts of Pakistan. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]