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Euphorbia yadgirensis is a new species described and illustrated from the scrub forest of Rayangole village, Yadgiri District of Karnataka, India. It belongs to E. subg. Chamaesyce sect. Hypercifoliae and resembles Euphorbia kadapensis. However, it differs in nature of stipules and bracteole, structure of limbs, lack of sutures on capsules, etc. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Euphorbia ravii is described as a new species from Nigidi hills, Ananthapuramu district of Andhra Pradesh, India. It belongs to the subgenus Euphorbia section Euphorbia, it is closely allied to E. caducifolia but differs in many attributes which are discussed here. An updated key for Indian E. caducifolia group is also provided for easy identification. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Premise of research. Fruits of Euphorbiaceae are identified from the late Cretaceous (late Maastrichtian) cherts of the Deccan Intertrappean Beds of central India. These fruits, along with previously described silicified woods, are among the oldest known representatives of this family. Methodology. Physical sections, anatomical peels, and micro–computed tomography scanning were used to study two tricarpellate euphorbiaceous fruit types in the Mohgaonkalan chert, each with schizocarpic morphology and a single ellipsoidal seed per locule. Pivotal results. Euphorbiotheca deccanensis sp. nov. has subglobose to oblate fruits 4.5–5.0 mm in diameter, with zones of separation along each of the septa, weak or absent central column, and arillate seeds with a sturdy seed coat, a rounded chalazal scar, and a pair of ventral facets near the seed apex. Surangeocarpon mohgaoense D.K. Kapgate, S.P. Patil, & N.P. Illamkar also has oblate to globose trilocular fruits, but they are smaller, 1.5–2 mm in diameter, and have a relatively stout central column and seeds with a thin, wrinkly seed coat. Conclusions. The recognition of these two euphorbiaceous fruit types augments the prior recognition of phyllanthaceous fruits, indicating that these two related families of Malpighiales were well established by the latest Cretaceous in India—supporting prior reports based on fossil woods from the same stratigraphic level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A study was undertaken to find out the sexual system, pollination syndrome and seed dispersal modes in Croton scabiosus, an endemic deciduous tree from the Southeastern Ghats of Andhra Pradesh, India. The standard field methods/observations were used to examine different aspects of the pollination ecology. The study revealed that C. scabiosus blooms and fruits throughout winter, summer and the early phase of the wet season. Sporadic flowering occurs during the late wet season, if soil environment is favorable. The species is monoecious, ambophilous, involving myrmecophily and thripsophily, and polychorous, involving diplochory and hydrochory. In vitro pollen germination studies with different nutrient media indicated that sucrose and boric acid had each good pollen germination and tube development, while sucrose together with boric acid showed stimulatory effect in maximizing pollen germination rate and pollen tube length at the optimal concentration. Calcium nitrate, potassium nitrate and magnesium sulphate had dual roles of regulation and enhancement of pollen germination, as well as pollen tube growth, depending on their concentrations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Graham's posthumous publication (Cat. Pl. Bombay, 1839) was completed by Joseph Nimmo, in addition to contributing several new species in it. Croton gibsonianus Nimmo and C. lawianus Nimmo (Euphorbiaceae) were part of this addition, and both were described based on Gibson's collection from adjoining localities in the Western India. As the diagnosis of the latter species was scant, it was subsequently interpreted in different genera viz. Dimorphocalyx, Trigonostemon and Tritaxis. Due to misinterpretation of the protologue and Gibson's Croton collection housed at K, the name C. lawianus was wrongly applied to C. gibsonianus by subsequent authors. This inadvertent application of name is corrected here and referred to the hitherto undescribed new species C. chakrabartyi. Our recent collection of C. gibsonianus has turned out to be a rediscovery after 170 years. The nomenclature, description, photographs, and distribution of C. gibsonianus are provided to avoid further taxonomic ambiguity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The whitefly genus Tuberaleyrodes Takahashi is reported for the first time from India with description of a new species, Tuberaleyrodes monpa sp. nov. The new species was found infesting leaves of Macaranga peltata (Roxburgh) Muller (Euphorbiaceae) in the State of Arunachal Pradesh in North-East India. Euphorbiaceae is a new host family record for Tuberaleyrodes species. The new species differs from its Malaysian congener Tuberaleyrodes aequalis Dubey et Martin in having fewer submarginal setae, prominent thoracic tracheal pores, large median tubercles on abdominal segments I-VII and in the shape of vasiform orifice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Euphorbia lakshminarasimhanii (Euphorbiaceae), a new pygmy species belonging to the genus Euphorbia subg. Euphorbia sect. Euphorbia is described and illustrated from the Konkan region of Maharashtra, India. It is easily distinguished from all known Indian species by its unique sparsely‐branched pygmy habit, closely spaced and horizontally flattened tubercles, trapezoidal spine shields which are very close and overlapping at the apical region, giving a pouch like appearance, bifurcated spines completely separated by the leaf scar, leaves forming a crown, long bracts extending past the gland edge, coral red colored glands with indented margins, male florets 10 per fascicle, and capsule having globose cocci with thin keels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The occurrence of an African soft scale Hemilecanium theobromae Newstead (Hemiptera: Coccomorpha: Coccidae) in India is reported for the first time. The scale was collected on phylloclades of Euphorbia caerulescens Haw. (family Euphorbiaceae) growing in rocky hills of Kailasagiri village, Chintamani Taluk, Chikkaballapur district in the state of Karnataka, South India. Herein we provide basic diagnostic information for H. theobromae for both live and slide-mounted specimens and discuss its affinities with closely-related species. A key to separate the four species of Hemilecanium recorded from the Oriental Region, i.e. Hemilecanium imbricans(Green), H. mangiferae Kondo & Williams, H. theobromae and H. uesatoi Kondo & Hardy, is provided. Aspects of the distribution and economic importance of H. theobromae are briefly discussed. The presence of this alien insect in India is alarming and represents a possible major threat to cacao plantations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study attempt was made by using active component Taraxerol isolated from medicinal plant of India, Codiaeum variegatum (Family: Euphorbiaceae) to control harmful disease schistosomiasis in domestic animals caused by harmful aquatic snail Indoplanorbis exustus in laboratory as well as in experimental pond by acute and chronic analysis. This snail acts as intermediate hosts for the digenetic trematodes parasites which infect them and therefore causes reduced livestock productivity, morbidity and mortality. In this study time as well dose dependent effect of Taraxerol was observed in laboratory as well as in pond. Toxicological investigation shows difference in the toxicity between both the conditions, as toxicity in pond was lowered than laboratory. Chronic analysis of sublethal concentration of this compound was also studied on the reproductive traits of snail in laboratory and it was found that Taraxerol has negative effect on the fecundity, hatchability and survivability of juveniles and hence have potential to control such harmful disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study provides descriptive information of the floristic composition, forest structure and effects of disturbance on forest structure of a mid-elevation (≥ 1800 ≤ 2100 m amsl) tropical montane evergreen forests (sholas) in the Nilgiri Mountains, southern India. Sampling plots of 10 × 100 m (1000 m2, 0.1 ha) were surveyed in ten different locations within a large patch, giving a total sample area of approximately 1 ha. All individual stems (≥ 1 cm dbh) of trees, shrubs and lianas from these plots were identified to species level and counted. A total of 3896 individuals (≥ 10 cm dbh) comprising 97 species, 79 genera and 45 families were included. On average there were a total of 1246 individual stems of at least 10 cm per hectare with a basal area 53.33 m2 ha-1. The species abundance distribution did not differ significantly from a log-normal distribution. According to the Importance value index (IVI), five species, namely Litsea glabrata, Lasianthus venulosus, Meliosma simplicifolia, Daphniphyllum neilgherrense and Neolitsea fischeri were dominant species in the community and influenced forest structure more than any other species present. Lauraceae, Rubiaceae, Euphorbiaceae, Myrtaceae and Symplocaceae were most dominant families according to the Family Importance Value index (FIV). Our results also suggest that disturbance influences tree species richness and density and liana density and basal area, in addition toforest structure and changes species composition. Moreover, the study shows that one-hectare floristic inventories of shola forests can provide a useful tool for assessing plant biodiversity, and provide useful information for effective conservation and management of nature reserves. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Homonoia riparia Lour. (Family: Euphorbiaceae) is an important medicinal plant in Indian and Chinese systems of medicine used in the treatment of various medical conditions like urolithiasis, renal problems, and inflammation. This is the first report on the pharmacognostical standardisation and phytochemical evaluation of whole plant of Homonoia riparia Lour. Objective: To establish the pharmacognostical and physicochemical standardisation parameters of whole plant of Homonoia riparia Lour. Materials and Methods: The plant was studied for the morpho-anatomical characters, standardisation parameters such as ash value, extractive value, fluorescence analysis, loss on drying, swelling index, foaming index according to Indian Pharmacopoeia and WHO guidelines. Phytochemical analysis was also performed by standard methods. Quantification of gallic acid in Homonoia riparia was carried out using HPTLC technique. Results: The detailed microscopy of root revealed the presence of cork, cork cambium, pericyclic fibres, thick walled parenchyma and starch granules. The distinguishing characters of stem are presence of sclereids, xylem, phloem, fibres. Leaf microscopy showed the presence of anomocytic stomata, bicollateral vascular bundles ensheathed by fibres. Rosette crystals are present in all the parts of the plant. Starch grains are abundantly present in root and stem but absent in leaves. Various physicochemical parameters were also determined. Phytochemical screening of the extract and HPTLC quantification of gallic acid was also performed. Conclusion: The present study provides pharmacognostical, physicochemical and phytochemical details of the whole plant of Homonoia riparia which are useful in laying down standardization and pharmacopoeia parameters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Euphorbiaceae or also called the Spurge family is a vast family of flowering plants including 322 genera and about 8,910 species. Most of the species are herbs, but some of them especially the tropical ones, are shrubs or trees. In the present study a comparative analysis of phytochemical constituents in different parts of two species of family Euphorbieaceae, i.e., Emblica officinalis (Amla) and Phyallanthus niruri (Bhui amla) collected from Bastar district of Chhattisgarh, India was carried out. Seven secondary metabolites viz. cardiac glycosides, steroids, terpenoid, falvonoids, alkaloids, saponin and tannins were qualitatively analysed in different parts of the two speices in four different solvents petroleum ether, chloroform, methanol and Distilled Water (aqueous). Among the seven secondary metabolites analysed, steroid and terpenoids was found to present in all parts of E. officinalis in all four solvents but other phytocompounds were moderately found. But in P.niruri flavonoids, terpenoids and tannins were abundantly present in different solvents in comparison to other phytocompounds [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fossil fuels have been have been the prime source of energy for domestic, transportation and industrial sector for more than a century. The rapidly increasing consumption and consequent depletion of these reserves clearly show that the end of the fossil fuel era is not very far. For developing countries like India, rising world prices of crude oil and petroleum is a serious cause of concern. We import almost 70% of our requirement of crude oil and in future it is likely to increase to 85%. This is high time to ponder over and to find an alternative to partly replace the petroleum crude and be the fuel of the future Biodiesel buses are in use in Europe and in the mid western United states. In India successful test run drives have been done by using biodiesel produced from Jatropha curcas (Ratanjyot in Hindi). Shatabdi train was run from Delhi to Amritsar using B5 (5% biodiesel) blend and no problem was observed during the run. Jatropha curcas L is a multipurpose species with many attributes and considerable potential. The oil from the seeds is potentially the most valuable end product. Nearly 40% of the land area in India is wasteland. However, a large number of latex bearing and oil yielding plants can grow under such unfavourable agro-climatic conditions. J. curcas grow well under such adverse climatic conditions because of its low moisture demands, fertility, requirements, and tolerances to high temperatures. The seed contains 19.0% oil, 4.7% polyphenol, and 3.9% hydrocarbon. This semi-drying oil could be an efficient substitute for diesel fuel. The gross calorific value for the seed (0% moisture content) was 4980.3 cal/g (20.85 MJ/kg), oil was 9036.1 cal/g (37.83 MJ/kg, and hydrocarbon was 9704.4 cal/g (40.63 MJ/kg)). The oil fraction consists of saturated fatty acids: palmitic acid (14%), stearic acid (6.7%) and unsaturated fatty acids: oleic acid (47%), linoleic acid (31.36). treatment of plants with growth regulators significantly influences the production of hydrocarbons. Among the treatments, ethephon and morphactin induced the maximum production of hydrocarbon with 5.0% and 5,4%, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A comparative pollen (LM & SEM) study of 14 Jatropha species from India, America and Africa representing both the sub-genera Jatropha and Curcas and various sections is presented. The taxonomic value of sporoderm features such as variation in the "crotonoid pattern". Size shape, ornamentation types and density of clava/pila processes their ornamentation presence or absence of free processes in lumina and their number, details of brochi and muri in the species is pres ented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to reconstruct the palaeoclimate, a number of fossil wood pieces were collected and investigated from two new fossil localities situated in the Dhemaji and Lakhimpur districts of Assam. They belong to the Tipam Group considered to be of Middle-Late Miocene in age and show affinities with Gluta (Anacardiaceae), Bischofia (Euphorbiaceae), Bauhinia, Cynometra, Copaifera-Detarium-Sindora, Millettia-Pongamia, and Afzelia-Intsia (Fabaceae). The flora also records a new species of Bauhinia named Bauhinia miocenica sp. nov. The assemblage indicates a warm and humid climate in the region during the deposition of the sediments. The occurrence of some southeast Asian elements in the fossil flora indicates that an exchange of floral elements took place between India and southeast Asia during the Miocene. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There are 16 species of Phyllanthus subgenus Phyllanthus reported from India. The present paper adds two more species that are invasive weeds in the paddy fields and on forest floors, namely Phyllanthus hookeri Muell.-Arg. and P. nozeranii Rossignol & Haicour of sect. Urinaria subsect. Urinaria of Phyllanthus. The former is somewhat woody and perennial whereas the latter is slender and monsoonal. The presence of these two taxa in India was brought to light in 1987 by Rossignol et al. based on the herbarium specimens collected earlier to 1863 and deposited at Paris from northeastern and southeastern India. Whilst Phyllanthus hookeri is overlooked or underrated by the taxonomists, P. nozeranii is misidentified and considered conspecific with P. urinaria L. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We provide a check list of angiosperm plant species with their bioresource potential as medicinal plants enumerated from a total of seventy-five tropical dry evergreen forest sites along the Coromandel coast of peninsular India. These are poorly known sites even within Indian sub-continent and form an under-studied forest type. Tropical dry evergreen forests harbour 312 species belonging to 251 genera and 80 families. The families with the greatest numbers of species were Euphorbiaceae (20 species), Apocynaceae (18 species), Rubiaceae (15), Fabaceae (12), Mimosaceae (11) and Capparaceae and Asteraceae (10 each). Physiognomically evergreen species dominated the forest. Plant specimens are identified and confirmed using regional floras. These forests are conserved by the local people on religious ground as sacred groves, although they are also subjected to various levels of anthropogenic impacts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim of the study: The tubers of Euphorbia fusiformis Buch.-Ham.ex D.Don (Euphorbiaceae) are traditionally used in India by the Malayali tribes of Chitteri hills, Eastern Ghats, Tamil Nadu to treat liver disorders. The objective of the present study was to assess the hepatoprotective potential and biosafety of Euphorbia fusiformis tuber upon administration thereby justifying the traditional claims. Materials and methods: The hepatoprotective potential of the ethanol extract of Euphorbia fusiformis tuber against rifampicin induced hepatic damage was investigated in Wistar albino rats. The acute and subchronic toxicity were assessed in mice and rats, respectively. Results: The ethanol extract of tubers (250mg/kg p.o.) showed remarkable hepatoprotective effect against rifampicin induced hepatic damage in Wistar albino rats. The degree of protection was measured using the biochemical parameters serum glutamate oxaloacetate transaminase (SGOT), serum glutamate pyruvate transaminase (SGPT), gamma glutamyl transpeptidase (GGTP), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), total bilirubin and total protein. Treatment with ethanolic extract prior to the administration of rifampicin significantly (P <0.05 to P <0.001) restored the elevated levels of the said parameters on a par with the control group. The single dose LD50 was found to be 10,000mg/kgbw when administered orally in mice. Subchronic toxicity studies in rats with oral doses of 125, 250 and 500mg/kg exhibited no significant changes in body weight gain, general behavior, hematological and biochemical parameters. The histological profile of liver and kidney also indicated the non-toxic nature of this drug. Conclusion: The ethanol extract of Euphorbia fusiformis tubers may have potential therapeutic value in the treatment of liver disorders and is safer to use even at higher doses when taken orally. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Background: There is a growing interest in Jatropha curcas L. (jatropha) as a biodiesel feedstock plant. Variations in its morphology and seed productivity have been well documented. However, there is the lack of systematic comparative evaluation of distinct collections under same climate and agronomic practices. With the several reports on low genetic diversity in jatropha collections, there is uncertainty on genetic contribution to jatropha morphology. Result: In this study, five populations of jatropha plants collected from China (CN), Indonesia (MD), Suriname (SU), Tanzania (AF) and India (TN) were planted in one farm under the same agronomic practices. Their agronomic traits (branching pattern, height, diameter of canopy, time to first flowering, dormancy, accumulated seed yield and oil content) were observed and tracked for two years. Significant variations were found for all the agronomic traits studied. Genetic diversity and epigenetic diversity were evaluated using florescence Amplified Fragment Length Polymorphism (fAFLP) and methylation sensitive florescence AFLP (MfAFLP) methods. Very low level of genetic diversity was detected (polymorphic band <0.1%) within and among populations. In contrast, intermediate but significant epigenetic diversity was detected (25.3% of bands were polymorphic) within and among populations. More than half of CCGG sites surveyed by MfAFLP were methylated with significant difference in inner cytosine and double cytosine methylation among populations. Principal coordinates analysis (PCoA) based on Nei's epigenetic distance showed Tanzania/India group distinct from China/Indonesia/Suriname group. Inheritance of epigenetic markers was assessed in one F1 hybrid population between two morphologically distinct parent plants and one selfed population. 30 out of 39 polymorphic markers (77%) were found heritable and followed Mendelian segregation. One epiallele was further confirmed by bisulphite sequencing of its corresponding genomic region. Conclusion: Our study confirmed climate and practice independent differences in agronomic performance among jatropha collections. Such agronomic trait variations, however, were matched by very low genetic diversity and medium level but significant epigenetic diversity. Significant difference in inner cytosine and double cytosine methylation at CCGG sites was also found among populations. Most epigenetic differential markers can be inherited as epialleles following Mendelian segregation. These results suggest possible involvement of epigenetics in jatropha development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We provide a list of tree species enumerated from a total of 60 ha area sampled in the tropical forests of southern Eastern Ghats, Tamil Nadu, India. A total of 272 tree species (?? 30 cm girth at breast height) representing 181 genera and 62 families were recorded. Euphorbiaceae with 25 species was the most speciose family, followed by Moraceae (17 species), Rubiaceae (17), Rutaceae (14) and Lauraceae (12). At the generic level, Ficus dominated with 12 species, followed by Diospyros (9), Acacia (6), Terminalia (6) and Grewia (5). Anthropogenic activities such as hill cultivation, construction of dams, roads, buildings, etc. affect the already fragmented southern Eastern Ghats, and underline the need for effective conservation measures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Jatropha integerrima Jacq., family: Euphorbiaceae, is used in India and subtropical Africa to treat different skin conditions. In this study we evaluated the anti-inflammatory activity of J. integerrima leaves extract (JILE) using rat paw edema model. The extract was administered orally (200 and 400 mg/kg) or applied topically as creams at 2.5, 5, and 10% strength. Four hours post-treatment, maximum reduction of edema volume by 63.09% was observed after oral administration of JILE (400 mg/kg) as compared to indomethacin with 60.43%. The extract anti-inflammatory effect was accompanied by a decrease in NO, prostaglandin PGE2, TNF-α and PKC levels by 19, 29.35, 16.9, and 47.83%, respectively. Additionally, topical applications of JILE showed dose dependent reduction in paw edema and resulted in normalized levels of PGE2, TNF-α, and PKC when used as 10% cream. Signs of inflammations were reduced or absent from paw tissue of animals receiving JILE either orally or topically. Finally, liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry analysis of JILE resulted in the annotation of 133 metabolites including 24 diterpenoids, 19 flavonoids, 10 phenolic acid conjugates, 8 cyclic peptides, 6 phytosterols, 4 sesquiterpenes, and 4 coumarins. Several of the annotated metabolites have known anti-inflammatory activity including vitexin, isovitexin, fraxitin, scopeltin, stigmasterol, and many diterpenoidal derivatives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Tropical Ecology is the property of Springer Nature and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Abstract: In this study, the antioxidant activity of methanol extracts of five plants from the genus Phyllanthus was evaluated by various antioxidant assays, including total antioxidant, free radical scavenging, superoxide anion radical scavenging, hydrogen peroxide scavenging, nitric oxide scavenging, reducing power and metal ion chelating activities. The various antioxidant activities were compared to standard antioxidants such as butylated hydroxytoluene and ascorbic acid. All the extracts showed strong antioxidant activity in all the tested methods. Among the five plants Phyllanthus debilis has been found to possess the highest activity in all tested models, the activity decreased in the order Phyllanthus debilis>Phyllanthus urinaria>Phyllanthus virgatus>Phyllanthus maderaspatensis>Phyllanthus amarus. In addition to the antioxidant activity of these plants, the total phenolic compounds, flavonoids and flavonols were measured in the extracts. A correlation between the antioxidant activity and total phenolic content was observed. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Copyright of Tropical Ecology is the property of Springer Nature and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Phytochemical analysis of the stem bark of Suregada angustifolia (Baill. ex Muell. Arg.) Airy Shaw resulted in the isolation of six known compounds: friedelin, epi-friedelinol, n -octacosanol, a-amyrin, ß-sitosterol, and ß-sitosterol-3 ß-D-glucopyranoside. The aqueous and various solvent (methanol, chloroform, and hexane) extracts of stem bark were tested by the agar well-diffusion method against 12 human pathogenic bacteria. Maximum antibacterial activity was observed in the order of chloroform, hexane, and methanol extracts. Aqueous (room temperature, boiled, and autoclaved) extracts did not demonstrate any activity. The results of the current investigation correspond positively with the claims of the ethnomedicinal uses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The accumulation of elements in three dominant plant species, Jatropha curcas, Dodonea viscosa and Cassia auriculata, and their associated soils were studied. Multi-element analysis of these samples was carried out and the biological absorption coefficient (BAC) was calculated. Large amounts of B, Ba, Mn, Sr and Zn are found in the vegetation of the plant species under study. In their associated soils, large concentrations of Al, Fe and Be were also found. The BAC is the ratio of the concentration of an element in plant ash to that of its substrate. The results show the presence and/or absence of some elements in plants and soils, which can be explained on the basis of biogeochemical cycling of elements. Further, BAC is used to characterise the absorption of chemical elements by plants from their substrate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bhitarkanika National Park is the second largest contiguous mangrove forest of India. Approximately 0.15 million mangrove depending population are found residing in and around 307 villages within the National Park. Despite being one of the most diverse mangrove habitations of India, the ethnopharmacological practices are meager in comparison to the other mangrove regions of India and Southeast Asia. The present review is aimed to congregate information on the therapeutic potential and ethnopharmacology of nine dominant mangrove species of the National Park, such as Aegiceras corniculatum, Avicenia marina, Avicenia officinalis, Ceriops decandra, Excoecaria agallocha, Heritiera fomes, Lumnitzera racemosa, Rhizophora mucronata, and Sonneratia apetala. Our aim is to generate social awareness among the mangrove dwellers to promote uses of folklore medicine using these tremendously potential mangrove plants, as a complementary step to strengthen community health. Further, we also want to grab the attention of researchers working in related disciplines, for their holistic and extensive studies towards bio-prospectation of the dominant mangrove plants of Bhitarkanika National Park., (© 2022 Wiley-VHCA AG, Zurich, Switzerland.)

The identity of Philyra alcocki Kemp, 1915 (Leucosiidae), a species described from Chilika Lake, India is clarified. The redescription of lectotype male and examination of fresh material collected from Chilika Lake, Odisha state of India revealed that P. alcocki is significantly different morphologically from members of Philyra senso stricto and other allied genera in possessing two tuberculated rows on the branchial region of carapace, and a well-developed tubercle on male thoracic sternite 5 on either side of the sternopleonal cavity. Therefore, a new genus Alcolyra n. gen. is established herewith for the species.

The article presents a study which examines the chemical components of the oil seed species, Ricinus communis in India. The plant is a member of the Euphorbiaceae family, which comprises species that produce important economic products, and mentions its potential economic benefits due to its high oil contents. However, it mentions the challenges of the farmers for a widespread cultivation of the species due to its extremely toxic protein components.

Kamala is orange red powder consisting the glands and hair covering the fruit of Mallotus philppinensis Muell. (Euphorbiaceae), a small tree widely distributed throughout India up to an attitude of 1500 m. It is indigenous to southeastern Asia and find wild throughout tropical Asia, Australia and Philippines. In the indigenous system of medicine, Kamala is used as anthelminitic and cathartic. Kamala powder is used in external application for parasitic affection of the skin and also an aphrodisiac, lithotropic, and stypic. Kamala powder is also used as an antiseptic in blisters in the ears. The seed and fruit powder are generally used for urinary and menstrual disorders. A selective, precise and accurate Reverse Phase High Performance Liquid Chromatography (RP-HPLC) method has been developed for the quantification of Rottlerin in kamala. The use of reverse phase C18 column using gradient mobile phase of acetonitrile and water enabled the efficient separation of the chemical markers within a 22 minute analysis. Validation of method performs in order to demonstrate its selectivity, accuracy, precision, repeatability and recovery study. The proposed RP-HPLC method was found to be simple, precise and accurate and can be used for the quality control of the raw materials as well as formulations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Objective: To identify and understand the utilization and prioritization of medicinal plants used as tooth sticks by the select communities of Andaman and Nicobar islands. Methods: The information was collected through questionnaires and discussions among the informants in their local language regarding the plant parts used. Results: A total of 11 plant species belonging to 10 genera and 8 families were enumerated as tooth sticks, used by the Chota Nagpuri and Tamil inhabitants of Andaman and Nicobar islands to treat dental caries. Conclusion: The most important plant species harvested for tooth sticks belongs to the family Euphorbiaceae (3 species) and important as the tribal have used these plants since time immemorial and found effective in their teeth and gums health and this study has scopes on the conservation of certain medicinal plants, through sustainable utilization. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Objective: To evaluate the antioxidant capability of the methanolic leaf extract of Acalypha fruticosa. Methods: In vitro antioxidant activity was evaluated by studying 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging activity, hydroxyl radical scavenging activity and metal chelating activity. Butylated hydroxy toluene was used as standard for all the three experiments. Results: IC50 values observed for DPPH radical scavenging and hydroxyl radical scavenging activities were determined to be 92 and 290 μg/mL, respectively and for metal chelating activity it was again 287 μg/mL as observed for hydroxyl radical scavenging activity. Conclusions: The results clearly indicate that methanolic leaf extract of the study species is effective in scavenging free radicals and has the potential to be a powerful antioxidant. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Objective: To separate the bioactive compounds from crude methanol extract of leaf of Excoecaria agallocha (E. agallocha), a mangrove plant from Bhitarkanika, Odisha, India. Methods: Chromatographic separation was carried out by paper, thin layer chromatography (TLC) and column chromatographic techniques. Bioautography of the column fractionated extract and TLC chromatogram were evaluated in vitro for antibacterial and DPPH free radical scavenging activity. The HPLC and 1H NMR spectroscopy of the extract was also carried out to detect the presence of compounds and possible functional groups in the crude plant extract. Results: Evaluation of solvent system for chromatographic separation revealed that n-butanol: acetic acid: water in the ratio of 4:1:1 was the most appropriate for the separation of phenolic compounds in the crude extract. The antibacterial bioautography screening of the TLC fractionated extract of E. agallocha showed positive activity against Staphylococcus aureus (MTCC-1141) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (MTCC 1034). Evaluation of antioxidant properties of TLC fraction of E. agallocha showed 23.36% scavenging activity using DPPH assay at 40 μL concentration. HPLC chromatogram of the plant extract produced seven peaks for the leaf and two peaks for the stem/bark with the highest peaks at 2.563 and 2.493 minutes of retention time, respectively. The 1H NMR spectroscopic analysis of the plant extract revealed the presence of acyclic aliphatic and α- mono substituted aliphatic group of compounds in the sample. Conclusions: Thus, it is apparent from the present study that methanol crude extract of E. agallocha is rich in aliphatic group of compounds which can be purified and characterized for possible pharmaceutical utilization. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Ethnopharmacological Relevance: Acalypha indica Linn. (Acalypha indica) vernacularly called Kuppaimeni in Tamil, has been used as a folklore medicine since ages for the treatment of wounds by tribal people of Tamil Nadu, Southern India. The present study investigates the biochemical and molecular rationale behind the healing potential of Acalypha indica on dermal wounds in rats., Material and Methods: Acalypha indica extract (40 mg/kg body weight) was applied topically once a day on full-thickness excision wounds created on rats. The wound tissue was removed and used for estimation of various biochemical and biophysical analyses and to observe histopathological changes with and with-out extract treatment. The serum levels of pro-inflammatory cytokine tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α) was measured at 12 h, 24 h, 48 h and 72 h post-wounding using ELISA. Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) analysis was performed to study the expression pattern of transforming growth factor [TGF-β1], collagen 1 α (I) [Col 1 α (I)] and collagen 3 α (I) [Col 3 α (I)]. Likewise, linear incision wounds were created and treated with the extract and used for tensile strength measurements., Results: Wound healing in control rats was characterized by less inflammatory cell infiltration, lack of granulation tissue formation, deficit of collagen and significant decrease in biomechanical strength of wounds. Acalypha indica treatment mitigated the oxidative stress and decreased lipid peroxidation with concomitant increase in ascorbic acid levels. It also improved cellular proliferation, increased TNF-α levels during early stages of wound healing, up-regulated TGF-β1 and elevated collagen synthesis by markedly increasing the expression of Col 1 α (I) and Col 3 α (I). Increased rates of wound contraction, epithelialization, enhanced shrinkage temperature and high tensile strength were observed in the extract treated rats., Conclusion: Acalypha indica extract was shown to augment the process of dermal wound healing by its ability to increase collagen synthesis through up-regulation of key players in different phases of wound healing and by its antioxidative potential., (Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Protection against coastal disasters has been identified as an important service of mangrove ecosystems. Empirical studies on this service have been criticized, however, for using small samples and inadequately controlling for confounding factors. We used data on several hundred villages to test the impact of mangroves on human deaths during a 1999 super cyclone that struck Orissa, India. We found that villages with wider mangroves between them and the coast experienced significantly fewer deaths than ones with narrower or no mangroves. This finding was robust to the inclusion of a wide range of other variables to our statistical model, including controls for the historical extent of mangroves. Although mangroves evidently saved fewer lives than an early warning issued by the government, the retention of remaining mangroves in Orissa is economically justified even without considering the many benefits they provide to human society besides storm-protection services.