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Reverse phase-high performance liquid chromatography was used to estimate the berberine content of Berberis jaeschkeana. The root and bark samples were harvested from different habitats (i.e., rocky and grassy), along an altitudinal gradient. The results revealed the presence of significantly (p

The essential oils from fresh, shade dried and oven dried leaves of Callistemon citrinus were separately hydrodistilled and analyzed by GC and GC–MS in order to determine the variation in occurrence of the constituents. The average yield obtained, ranged from 0.30 to 0.97% and the maximum yield recorded in oven dried leaves was (0.97 ± 0.08%), followed by shade dried (0.52 ± 0.03%) and fresh leaves (0.30 ± 0.03%). Twenty compounds amounting 98.4–99.1% were identified in the oils. Among the essential oil constituents, the major component was identified as 1,8-cineole (87.2, 86.0 and 80.0% in shade dried, oven dried and fresh leaves, respectively). 1,8-Cineole is used for its aromatic properties and as an ingredient in pharmaceutical and industrial applications.

Artemisia roxburghiana is used for the management of diabetes mellitus in the Indian subcontinent. The present work aimed to validate the traditional claim of the plant in diabetes mellitus. In vitro studies were conducted using α-glucosidase and α-amylase assays whereas streptozotocin-nicotinamide-induced diabetic Wistar rats were used for in vivo study. The aqueous-ethanol extract from the aerial parts was found to exhibit α-glucosidase and α-amylase inhibitory activities with the IC50 values of 31.0 and 17.2 mg/mL, respectively when compared with acarbose (IC50 = 8.6 and 16.25 mg/mL, respectively). The extract showed a significant glucose-lowering effect in diabetic rats at the doses of 200 and 400 mg/kg in a dose-dependent manner, while acarbose (10 mg/kg) was used as a standard. The results revealed that A. roxburghiana aerial parts showed antidiabetic activity via inhibiting α-glucosidase and α-amylase enzymes. The present study also validated the ethnomedicinal claim of the plant in diabetes mellitus.

Phytonutrients are essential for normal body functions and play vital role against several disease conditions. Extraction and purification of these essential phytonutrients from plant samples is a crucial task in order to avail their benefits. Using conventional methods such as maceration, percolation, decoction, thin layer chromatography, and so forth, result may problems/limitations related to process and efficiency. The use of more advanced techniques such as microwave, ultrasonication, supercritical fluids, and high pressure liquid chromatography, among others, which are much more efficient in terms of better yield and lower economic and environmental losses. Moreover, purification of phytonutrients by different chromatographic, crystallization, and separation techniques depends on physico-chemical properties of compounds. In order to get the maximum economic yield, as well as purity of phytonutrients, methods of extraction and purification need to be optimized. Different statistical models, or algorithms are used which result in better phytonutrients yield. Some of the commonly used optimization models include response surface methodology, Taguchi design, and artificial neural networks. It is evident from various experiments that by using these optimization models, one could achieve a higher concentration and quality of phytonutrients. The trend of using these techniques varies based on the plant part and phytonutrient class.

Valeriana jatamansi is a perennial medicinal herb used in traditional and modern medicines for preventing number of diseases. Root samples were collected from wild and cultivated conditions in different seasons (spring, summer and winter) and analyzed for essential oil composition using gas chromatography – Mass spectrometry (GC–MS). Antioxidant activity of essential oil was evaluated using DPPH (1, 1-Diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl radical) assay. A total of thirty compounds (constitutes 80.1–92.1% of total essential oil) were detected by GC–MS analysis. Patchouli alcohol (36.6–52.8%) was recorded as a major compound followed by guaiene epoxide (3.6–11.5%), seychellene (4.2–5.6%), α-guaiene (2.2–4.6%), kessane (2.7–3.6%), α-patchoulene (0.1–2.3%), β-selinene (0.8–3.1 β-acoradienol (0.6–2.4%), ar-curcumene (0.7–2.2%), γ-patchoulene (1.4–2.6%), viridiflorol (0.6–2.4%), and α-humulene (0.1–4.6%). Essential oil content was recorded higher during winter season in wild (0.9%) and cultivated plants (0.8%) as ...

Centella asiatica has been considered as brain tonic due to its wide beneficial neuroprotective activity. Besides this, various other effects such as anti-inflammatory, antiproliferative, anticancer, antioxidant, antiulcer, wound healing, etc. have been reported. These effects were tested on animal model and various phytochemicals such as asiactic acid, asiatosides, polyphenolic compounds, etc. are proven effective for these responses. The herb is also tested for its toxicity and interactions with other drugs. Anticonvulsant drugs were found to interact with C. asiatica and also toxicological study suggested its use with cautions over long period of time. Also, various commercial products are available throughout the world that has been majorly used for enhancing memory, antioxidant, skin nourishment, neuroprotective as well as dietary supplements. Further research work need to be done more on clinical as well as cultivation aspects.

The present study aims to determine the variability in the chemical composition of the essential oils from the aerial parts of Artemisia vulgaris L. grown in different locations of Uttarakhand Himalaya. The essential oils were obtained through hydro-distillation and analyzed by gas chromatography (GC) and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). In the oils from two locations (Jhanjhar and Kaditalla), α-thujone was found as the major constituent, ranging from 14.40–21.66 % followed by artemisia ketone (6.77–8.64 %), trans-caryophyllene (6.22–6.94 %) and 1,8-cineole (4.75–5.13 %); however in Chakrata region, artemisia ketone (29.38 %) was determined as a principal constituent followed by p-cymene (7.60 %) and yomogi alcohol (5.48 %), while α-thujone found to be only 3.10 %. Essential oils from all the locations were dominated by oxygenated monoterpenoids (52.04–59.24 %), whereas oxygenated sesquiterpenoids found to be 23.08–24.05 % in Jhanjhar and Kaditalla locations and only 2.44 % in the oil...

The chemical composition of the essential oils of Cymbopogon schoenanthus (L.) was investigated by GC and GC/MS study. Cis-sabinene hydrate was found as the major component which varies from 30.1-31.6% in wild and cultivated plants whereas trans-sabinene was found to be second highest constituent which was 17.1% in wild sample and 14.5% in cultivated oil sample. Results reveals that chemical composition of Cymbopogon schoenanthus wild and cultivated oil has similar composition but both of them varied quantitatively especially in case of cis-piperitol. Data set indicates that species cultivated in tarai and plain region of Uttarakhand can be used for trapping sabinene hydrate which is present in very good amount in both the samples.

Three Himalayan medicinal plants (Habenaria intermedia, H. edgeworthii, and Roscoea procera), widely used in vitality strengthening Ayurvedic formulations in India, were assessed for nutritional phytochemical constituents, and antioxidant activity. These target species emerged as a good source of minerals and possessed important micro elements. Individually, H. intermedia contained a high content of total phenols, thiamins, tannins, and calcium; R. procera was rich in potassium and iron content; and H. edgeworthii emerged as a good source of sodium. While various antioxidant assays provided evidences on the antioxidant potential of target species, greater antioxidant potential of H. intermedia as compared to the other two species was revealing. This study, therefore, highlighted the possibilities of harnessing nutritional and antioxidant potential of these species.

The roots of Angelica glauca Edgew., a high value critically endangered plant, were collected from two alpine Himalayan locations of Uttarakhand (India). The essential oils were obtained by hydro-distillation, analyzed by gas chromatography (GC) and gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS) in order to determine the variation of concentration in their constituents. A total of 26 compounds were identified in both the oils, representing 97.7–98.2 % of total oil compositions. The major components of A. glauca oils were characterised as (Z)-ligustilide (40.6–53.0 %), (Z)-butylidene phthalide (20.7–32.8 %), (E)-butylidene phthalide (2.5–5.9 %) and (E)-ligustilide (2.1–2.3 %). Due to the higher relative area quantum of monomeric lactones (phthalides and ligustilides) in A. glauca populations (69.3–90.6 %) growing in Uttarakhand, there is a need to develop propagation protocol for mass multiplication and in situ and ex situ conservation.

An efficient in vitro propagation protocol for Habenaria edgeworthii Hook. f. ex. Collett using seed-derived callus was established. The maximum seed germination was observed in Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium supplemented with 1.0 μM α-naphthalene acetic acid (NAA). Induction of callus was achieved on full and ½-strength MS medium supplemented with 1.0 μM NAA. The highest number of shoot (11.9 shoots/explant) was achieved in MS medium supplemented with 0.1 μM 6-benzyladenine (BA) and 0.01 μM NAA. Further, elongated shoots when transferred to ½-strength MS rooting medium with different auxin concentrations induced roots (41.6–83.3%) and tubers (0–20.8%); however, a maximum of 87.5% rooting was achieved in a plant growth regulator (PGR)-free MS medium. Rooted shoots (plantlets) when transferred to a mixture of soil:sand:perlite (1:1:1 ratio) resulted in 68% survival. Inter-simple sequence repeats (ISSR) markers confirmed the genetic stability among regenerated plants. The phytochemical analysis of tissue culture-raised tubers showed higher phenolic content than wild tuber. The regeneration protocol developed in this study provides a basis for germplasm conservation and harnessing the total phenol and phenolic compounds of H. edgeworthii. Further, the methods can open avenues for application in other Orchidaceous plants of the Indian Himalayan region.

Berberis asiatica samples collected from nine altitudes of Kumaun Himalaya, India were analyzed for berberine concentrations using high-performance liquid chromatography. Correlation between berberine concentration, size class, and season were established. The root and stem bark samples from lower altitude, having larger size class, contained more berberine. Berberine concentration was the highest in summer and lowest in the rainy season. Low level of soil moisture and higher level of soil potassium produced higher berberine concentrations.

Nutritional and anti-nutritional factors of five Berberis species, widely known for their wild edible fruits and medicinal properties, were investigated in the Indian west Himalaya. These fruits contained high content of fiber (pulp 7.0–8.1%; seeds 4.4–5.3%), protein (pulp 4.7–7.2%; seeds 5.9–8.5%) and fat (pulp 2.6–4.0%; seeds 4.6–5.3%) as compared to most of the known wild edibles in the region. They, however, contained reasonably lower food energy, largely due to low carbohydrate content. All the five species emerged as good source of minerals, especially Ca and K. The values of various nutrient and mineral elements varied significantly among species, which implies potential of different species can be harnessed for diverse attributes. The fruits, however, possessed anti-nutritional factors like tannins and phytic acid, which need to be tackled appropriately while considering these fruits for value addition as health food.

Dry flowering parts of Tanacetum nubigenum and T. gracile Collected from alpine area of Uttarakhand and hydro-distilled for essential oil. T. nubigenum showed higher essential oil yield (0.64 %) as compared to T. gracile (0.1 %). Gas chromatography (GC) and GC–MS analysis revealed a total of 30 compounds in T. nubigenum, and 38 compounds in T. gracile. The major compounds in the essential oil of T. nubigenum were 1,8 cineole (30.0 %), followed by sabinene (15.6 %), eudesmol (11.2 %) and camphor (8.0 %), whereas T. gracile possess α-bisabolol (28.0 %), chamazulene (8.4 %), α-phellandrene (6.9 %), germacrene-D (4.7 %) and eudesmol (4.3 %) as major constituents The results of the present study highlight the potential of the species and its constituents in the industry for preparation of incense (doop) and fragrance. [Tanacetum nubigenum typical photographs]

Objective To evaluate the variation of Cinnamomum tamala leaf essential oil in respect with months and tree size class. Methods By fallowing standard laboratory methods using capillary GC-FID and GC-MS. Results The oil samples were analyzed for two months and two different tree size classes. cinnamaldehyde, was the principal component, was higher in the both months i.e. October and January, highest in 30 cm girth class tree in January month (59.23%) and lowest in 60 cm girth class tree in a month of October (41.90%). Smaller size class tree contained greater amount of cinnamaldehyde as compared to higher size class. Conclusions Consequences of the present study need to selection of proper, tree size and month for harsh economic potentials of such valuable resources

The essential oils isolated from the aerial parts of two different populations of Artemisia gmelinii growing in Uttarakhand Himalaya region were analysed by gas chromatography and gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC-MS) in order to determine the variation of concentration in their constituents. Artemisia ketone was detected as a major constituent in both the populations i.e., Niti valley and Jhelum samples. Niti oil was found to have considerably greater amounts of artemesia ketone (53.34%) followed by α-thujone (9.91%) and 1,8-cineole (6.57%), Similarly, the first major compound in Jhelum oil was artemesia ketone (40.87%), whereas ar-curcumene (8.54%) was identified as a second major compound followed by α-thujone (4.04%). Artemisia ketone can be useful for perfumery and fragrance to introduce new and interesting herbaceous notes.

The variation of the berberine content in roots and stem bark of Berberis asiatica with altitude and edaphic conditions in the western Himalaya was estimated by HPLC. The comparative assessment revealed a significantly higher berberine content in roots than in stem barks. Moreover, the berberine content varied significantly with altitude and edaphic conditions both in root and stem bark samples. The populations growing at low altitude contained significantly more berberine than the ones growing at high altitude. Also the moisture and potassium (K) percentage of the soil significantly influenced the berberine content.

Background: The genus Artemisia is important due to its medicinal properties as well as vital aroma compounds of commercial value. Objective: The aim of the study was to explore the potential of the essential oil of Artemisia indica wildly growing in Uttarakhand. Materials and Methods: The aerial parts of Artemisia indica Willd. (Asteraceae), collected from wild growing habitat of Garhwal Himalaya, Uttarakhand (north of India) at full flowering stage were hydro-distilled and gave pale yellow oil with the yield of 0.8% (v/w). The obtained essential oil was analyzed by GC and GC-MS and identified 32 components, amounting 95.42% of the oil. Results: Among detected compounds, the principal component was found to be davanone (30.80%), followed by β-pinene (15.30%) and germacrene-D (5.82%). Conclusion: To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report on A. indica from Himalayan region of India, which detected davanone as major component. The species, collected from a specific location, can be explored for isolation of davanone for its industrial utilization and as alternate source of Artemisia pallens, which have already established commercial value.

The essential oil content in inflorescence of Lavender (Lavander angustifolia Mill.) cultivated in the hills of Uttarakhand was found to be 0.55% on dry weight basis. Thirty four constituents, representing 92.22% of the oil, were identified by GC-MS. The major constituents of the oil were linalyal acetate (39.10%), linalool (28.7%), lavandulyl acetate α-terpineol (4.35%) and Trans-caryophyllene (2.76%). The quality of lavender oil produced in Garhwal Himalyan region of India was found to compete with standard quality of oil from other parts of the globe. Hence, lavender oil produced in Kalsi, Uttarakhand region of India has international quality standards.

The western Himalaya is well known for rich and diverse natural bio-resources but many valuable resources are still unutilized. In order to utilize such natural resources particularly wild edibles, it is important that resources can be harnessed efficiently to meet the requirement of local peoples for their economic development with sustainable manner. Although, wild edible bioresources have been complementing the food security to traditional societies for centuries in the Himalayan region. Unfortunately these valuable wild edibles are not given much priority by main stream societies, scientists, policy makers and food & medicine processing industries. Increased interest in harnessing the potential of wild edibles is the result of growing knowledge about these and consequently shifts in development paradigms. Now wild bioresources are being viewed as untapped or less utilized resources that could play a significant role in the development of horticulture industries, livelihood option and nutritional security. Therefore, the policy makers and agencies working in the region are need to give proper consideration to the wild edible plants for their wide in-situ production and development through due emphasis on genetic improvement, mass scale propagation and plantation and awareness on proper utilization and sustainable harvesting.

Volatiles of rose water were analyzed by GC-MS. 2- phenyl ethyl alcohol as a major component, which from 77.3589.37%, followed by α-citronellol (0.95–5.71%) along with other minor constituents like geranial (0.07–2.49%), eicosane (0.08–0.20), heneicosane (0.08–1.07%), tricosane (0.01- 0.09%), and tetracosane (0.04–0.31%). The components of rose water varied qualitative and quantitatively among the locations. It was therefore, concluded that the climatic conditions of Uttarakhand hills are suitable for quality productions of the rose water, particularly Joshimath region which was found to be an elite source among the investigated samples.

Background: Saussurea costus (Falc.) Lipschitz, syn Saussurea lappa C.B. Clarke, one of the best-known species within this genus, is commonly known as costus. Due to the remarkable biological activity of S. costus and its constituents it will have an appropriate place in various systems of medicines all over the globe. Objective: The main aim is to study the volatile constituents of S costus cultivated in Uttarakhand Himalayas. Material and Methods: The volatile constituents were isolated from the root of S costus cultivated in Chamoli district of Uttrarakhand by hydro distillation and were analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectroscopy (GC-MS). Results: A total 35 aroma compounds representing about 92.81% of the total composition were identified. Aldehyde like (7Z, 10Z, 13Z)-7, 10, 13-hexadecaterinal (25.5%) was found as a major compound including other ketones like dehydrocostus lactone (16.7%), alcohols like elemol (5.84%), γ-costol (1.80%), vulgarol B (3.14%), valerenol (4.20%), and terpinen-4-ol (1.60%), etc. Esters and acids were found to be completely absent in our samples. Conclusion: S. costus volatile oil constituents are superior in terms of total identified constituents. Where relative area quantum is higher in Uttarakhand Himalayas samples, when compared with those originated to China and Korea.

Valeriana wallichii (Valerianaceae) is an indigenous medicinal and aromatic plant of Himalayan region and that is widely exploited for its roots and rhizomes which contain valepotriates and valerinic acids (with putative pharmacological activities). It is used as ethno medicine for the treatment of habitual constipation, insomnia, epilepsy, neurosis, anxiety, diuretic, hepatoprotective, analgesic and cytotoxic, antispasmodic, anticonvulsant, nematicidal, anti inflammatory, etc. Several phytoconstituent have been isolated from different parts of the plant belonging to the category volatile oils, iridoids, alkaloids and flavonoids. A review of biological activities of Valeriana wallichii is discussed in this article.

Nardostachys jatamansi has been emerged a major player in herbal supplements and medicines both in daily selfcare and in professionally managed health care system. The principal constituents of N. jatamansi are jatamansone, sesquiterpenoid, spirojatamol, patchouli alcohol, jatamol A and B, jatamansic acid, nardostachone, nardol and resin. All the parts of N. jatamansi are used as antiseptic, anticonvulsant, antispasmodic, antibacterial, antipyretic, antifungal, antidote, antiemetic, analgesic, anxiety and locally as “dhoop”. Despite the huge medicinal properties, religious importance and critically endangered status, N. jatamansi could not receive much attention regarding conservation and sustainable utilization, and limited studies have been done so far on development of propagation and regeneration protocols. As the survival of N. jatamansi species is in risk, the present article highlights the major causes of threats and conservation measures developed so far.

Biochemical investigations have revealed the presence of Picroside I & II as important bioactive components of Picrorhiza kurroa. A simple, high precision RP – HPLC method with photodiode array detection has been developed for validation and simultaneous determination of Picroside I, and II in Picrorhiza kurroa. Picroside I, and II vary in different samples collected from varying sites: Picroside I ranging between 2.74 – 4.91% and Picroside II between 3.12 – 5.39%. Lohagang pass site has been the most promising source for Picroside I, and II.

Natural products from plants are rich source of chemical diversity and most of the pharmacologically active principles, currently used as drugs, including anticancer agents. Chemical composition, antimicrobial activities of the essential oils from leaves of Hyptis suaveolens Poit vary considerably among the locations. Among samples drawn from various locations, Ranipokhari sample possessed, sabinene (34.80%) and 1,8 cineol (16.19%), as major components. Mohand samples also have sabinene 1,8 cineol as major components but the quantum was less as compared to Ranipokhari. The oil obtained from Raniphokari samples was also having greater activity to inhabit bacteria and fungi as compared to Mohand. While DL-limonene was present in Ranipokhari samples, Mohand samples were devoid of the same. The results of the present study suggested location specific variations in potential of the oil constituents.

Among the Himalayan edible plants, Spondias pinnata Linn. (Local Name: Amara) grows naturally and sparsely distributed in the forest between 500 to 1500 m altitude. It has been identified recently a high priority bioresource with outstanding economic and ecological value. Therefore, the study have been undertaken to assess the nutritive and mineral potential of ripe fruits of S. pinnata and their comparison with other wild as well as horticulture fruits. The fruit of S. pinnata possess food energy 189–203 kcal/g, crude fat 12.23–12.54%, crude fiber 3.13–4.03%, total carbohydrate 23.54–16.30%, sodium 1.38–0.96%, calcium 0.93- 0.15%, iron 1.5–1.3%, and copper 0.9–1.23 0%, respectively. Results of the present study indicated that the nutritive and mineral potentials of S. pinnata is higher as compared to other wild edibles of the region and comparable with commercially available horticulture fruits.