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Over the past years, the tea industry in India has started to suffer from various drawbacks, i.e. issues regarding low productivity and rising input costs (namely the uneconomic age profile of tea bushes across the tea estates of North Bengal), leading to a decline in the industry and dramatic expansion of small tea growers. Accordingly, the vast expansion of small tea plantations in North Bengal prompted this study to examine the purpose and outcome of such an expansion concept. In the present study, Bhotepatty, Maynaguri (the Jalpaiguri district), was considered due to an immense conversion of agricultural land into numerous small tea plantations in the region. The study focuses on the agricultural shift from potato fields to small tea gardens. Initially, a cumulative approach encompassing the preliminary survey work and analysis of soil physicochemical characteristics was adopted to assess the adequacy of this agricultural shift. The survey conducted revealed the lack of proper land preparation, land rehabilitation before planting, sound soil nutrient management, and soil testing programs after shifting (responsible for the depletion of major nutrients such as potassium and phosphorus in the tea soil, which can be resolved with proper and timely manuring practices). Sulphur and the organic matter, organic carbon and available nitrogen of the top soil were detected in huge amounts compared to the optimum values suggested by the Tea Board of India.

The present study was focused on organic small tea plantations of Sittong (a village in Darjeeling) mainly due to their sudden rise in the Indian tea industry with a striking tactic i.e., organic tea cultivation. This cumulative survey and laboratorial experiments-based research focuses on the agricultural conversion in Sittong where farmers started to shift from vegetable and grain cultivation to small tea gardens. Soil physicochemical (pH and electric conductivity; organic carbon; organic matter; and available nitrogen content) and microbiological (determination of microbial cell mass and isolation of consortia; antibiotic and antifungal susceptibility test) characteristics were considered to assess the viability of this shifting agriculture practice and cross-verify the reflections of organic farming practices. The survey revealed that farmers have cultivated and rehabilitated the land in an acceptable manner before planting; they carried out the soil nutrient management practices organically. Survey also revealed economic perspectives including prices of their harvested tea leaves. Further, the moisture content analysis revealed its adequacy in the tea garden soils. Organic matter, organic carbon and available nitrogen were measured that reflected very high results compared to the optimum values suggested by the Tea Board of India. Microbial analysis results, as a cross-verifying tool, affirmed their organic farming practice by revealing microbes' susceptible nature towards antibiotics and antifungals. Overall, the findings of this study suggest that the small tea growers in Sittong-3 are well-positioned to produce a high-quality of organic tea. Sittong was found to have potential to promote the rural areas of Darjeeling into an ideal place for small-scale organic tea cultivation, while also serving as an inspiration for small tea growers across the country. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cancer remains a critical global health challenge, with limited progress in reducing mortality despite advancements in diagnosis and treatment. The growing resistance of tumors to existing chemotherapy exacerbates this burden. In response, the search for new anticancer compounds from plants has intensified, given their historical success in yielding effective treatments. This review focuses on α‐solanine, a glycoalkaloid primarily derived from potato tubers and nightshade family plants, recognized for its diverse biological activities, including anti‐allergic, antipyretic, anti‐inflammatory, anti‐diabetic, and antibiotic properties. Recently, α‐solanine has gained attention as a potential anticancer agent. Utilizing resources like PubMed/MedLine, ScienceDirect, Web of Science, Scopus, the American Chemical Society, Google Scholar, Springer Link, Wiley, and various commercial websites, this review consolidates two decades of research on α‐solanine's anticancer effects and mechanisms against nine different cancers, highlighting its role in modulating various signaling pathways. It also discusses α‐solanine's potential as a lead compound in cancer therapy. The abundant availability of potato peel, often discarded as waste or sold cheaply, is suggested as a sustainable source for large‐scale α‐solanine extraction. The study concludes that α‐solanine holds promise as a standalone or adjunctive cancer treatment. However, further research is necessary to optimize this lead compound and mitigate its toxicity through various strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this present study is to explore and decipher copper tolerant plant growth promoting bacteria from dolomite contaminated soil. Lysinibacillus sphaericus (NJCT1) isolated from tea garden soil near Kaljani river bank has been found to exhibit multifaceted characteristics and has shown its ability to tolerate copper up-to 40 mg/ml. Further, its ability to tolerate other heavy metals were also assessed and the result revealed that it can tolerate iron, zinc and aluminum upto 100 mg/ml, while for lead and arsenic it showed tolerance upto 10 mg/ml. GC-MS analysis showed that L. sphaericus (NJCT1) produced 16 compounds, among them, tromethamine, 2-methylbutanoic acid, 2,4,6-(1H,3H,5H)-pyrimidinetrione, 2-piperidinone, 3,5,5-trimethylhexyl acetate and cis-3-hexenyl propionate were found to exhibit various important biological properties. Also, this isolate was positive for phosphate solubilization and is capable of producing ammonia, HCN, siderophore, and 17.12 µg/ml of indole acetic acid. In seed germination, seeds treated with NJCT1 demonstrated 100% germination rate with 111-time increase in seedling vigor index. Further, in pot study, significant increase in all the growth parameters of NJCT1 treated Vigna radiata and Phaseolus vulgaris gave a strong indication that this strain can be a promising candidate for reclamation and revitalization of dolomite and copper ore affected tea garden soil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report a novel triangular trinuclear copper(II) complex with a central μ3-OH bridge, [(CuL)3(μ3-OH)(ClO4)2]·CH3OH·H2O (1), stabilised by the oxime-based Schiff base ligand, 3-(((5-bromothiophen-2-yl)methylene)hydrazineylidene)butan-2-one oxime (HL). Comprehensive characterization of 1 has been realised through different analytical and physical methods coupled with spectroscopic techniques. 1 has been structurally characterised by single crystal X-ray diffraction. The antiproliferative capacity of HL and 1 has been evaluated against human lung cancer cell line A549. Compound 1 shows promising efficacy in contrast to HL, which shows a limited cytotoxicity. Contrary to HL, 1 has distinctly impeded the proliferation of lung adenocarcinoma A549 cell lines in a dose-dependent way. Compound 1 has been employed as a potential therapeutic agent for promising cellular transformation of malevolent A549 cell lines. The programmed cell death mechanism of 1 reveals characteristic apoptotic changes in cellular morphology like chromatin condensation, fragmented nuclei, nuclear shrinkage along with blebbing, elevated number of nuclear body fragments and distorted nucleus, while round, clear edged, intact nucleus and uniformly stained round nuclei have been observed in the negative control. Variable-temperature magnetic studies show an antiferromagnetic Cu⋯Cu coupling of −44.6(2) cm−1. The g value as determined by EPR measurement of 1 in frozen N,N-dimethylformamide solution corroborates the experimental magnetic susceptibility values. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sterols, including β‐sitosterol, are essential components of cellular membranes in both plant and animal cells. Despite being a major phytosterol in various plant materials, comprehensive scientific knowledge regarding the properties of β‐sitosterol and its potential applications is essential for scholarly pursuits and utilization purposes. β‐sitosterol shares similar chemical characteristics with cholesterol and exhibits several pharmacological activities without major toxicity. This study aims to bridge the gap between phytochemistry and current pharmacological evidence of β‐sitosterol, focusing on its anticancer activity and other biomedical properties. The goal is to provide a comprehensive understanding of β‐sitosterol's potential for future translational approaches. A thorough examination of the literature was conducted to gather relevant information on the biological properties of β‐sitosterol, particularly its anticancer therapeutic potential. Various databases were searched, including PubMed/MedLine, Scopus, Google Scholar, and Web of Science using appropriate keywords. Studies investigating the effects of β‐sitosterol on different types of cancer were analyzed, focusing on mechanisms of action, pharmacological screening, and chemosensitizing properties. Modern pharmacological screening studies have revealed the potential anticancer therapeutic properties of β‐sitosterol against various types of cancer, including leukemia, lung, stomach, breast, colon, ovarian, and prostate cancer. β‐sitosterol has demonstrated chemosensitizing effects on cancer cells, interfering with multiple cell signaling pathways involved in proliferation, cell cycle arrest, apoptosis, survival, metastasis invasion, angiogenesis, and inflammation. Structural derivatives of β‐sitosterol have also shown anti‐cancer effects. However, research in the field of drug delivery and the detailed mode of action of β‐sitosterol‐mediated anticancer activities remains limited. β‐sitosterol, as a non‐toxic compound with significant pharmacological potential, exhibits promising anticancer effects against various cancer types. Despite being relatively less potent than conventional cancer chemotherapeutics, β‐sitosterol holds potential as a safe and effective nutraceutical against cancer. Further comprehensive studies are recommended to explore the biological properties of β‐sitosterol, including its mode of action, and develop novel formulations for its potential use in cancer treatment. This review provides a foundation for future investigations and highlights the need for further research on β‐sitosterol as a potent superfood in combating cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two novel copper(II) complexes, [Cu(L)(Cl)2](H2O) (1) and [Cu(L)(N3)2] (2), have been synthesized from a morpholine‐based N,N,N donor tridentate Schiff base ligand, (E)‐N‐(2‐morpholinoethyl)‐1‐phenyl‐1‐(pyridin‐2‐yl)methanimine (L). Ligand (L) and its stabilized complexes, 1 and 2, have been comprehensively characterized by different physical and spectroscopic techniques. Solid‐state single‐crystal X‐ray structures of both 1 and 2 have been determined. Powder X‐ray diffraction studies on the bulk samples of 1 and 2 have been executed to demonstrate that the synthesized bulk materials retain their solid‐phase purity as that exists in the single crystals. Cyclic voltammetric experiments have been done to demonstrate the redox behaviour of 1 and 2. UV–vis spectra of the copper(II) complexes with variation in time were accrued to probe that both 1 and 2 retain their stability in solution. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) has been performed to collate the thermal stability of 1 along with its possible thermal degradation behaviour. Room temperature magnetic moments of 1 and 2 have been determined. Cytotoxic activity of 1 and 2 has been screened against non‐small human lung cancer cell, A549. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Astraeus hygrometricus extensively been utilized by tribal people for long time. A triterpene, astrakurkurol has been isolated from A. hygrometricus but anticancer effect of this novel triterpene has imperceptibly been investigated. Motive of this research was to scrutinize its underlying apoptotic mechanism in HepG2 cells. Cytotoxicity studies demonstrated a selective effect of astrakurkurol with towering influence in HepG2 than Thle2 cells. The exposure of these triterpene‐induced marked apoptotic morphological changes enhanced the rate of cell apoptosis and arrest cell cycle at G0/G1. Furthermore, these results are aided by decline in the expression of Bcl‐2, Bcl‐xL with an increase in the expression of p53, Bax, Fas, FADD together with the activation of caspase cascade. Astrakurkurol also displayed a remarkable anti‐migratory capacity at a lower concentration. Altogether, studies explained anti‐proliferative, pro‐apoptotic, and anti‐migratory efficacy of astrakurkurol on HepG2, composing a gripping challenge in the advancement of novel treatments against hepatocellular carcinoma. Practical applications: Mushrooms, the minuscule pharmaceutical factory, bear hundreds of novel elements with incredible biological attributes. Triterpenoids from mushrooms has been proven to bear potentials of curing cancer. This study highlights the cytotoxic and anti‐migratory effects of novel triterpene in vitro in HepG2 cell, an HCC cell line. Astrakurkurol mediated cell death via both extrinsic and intrinsic apoptotic signaling. Utilization of astrakurkurol will provide a non‐toxic substitute of chemotherapy and also uplift the value of forsaken taxon, Astraeus and boost the rural acceptance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although comprehensive exertions have been made in late decades for treating advanced lung cancer with inclusive therapies but efficient anti‐lung cancer therapeutics are statically inadequate in the clinics. Hence, compelling novel anti‐lung cancer drugs are considerably desired. This backdrop enticed us to unveil anticancer efficacy of astrakurkurol, derivative of wild edible mushroom against lung cancer, whose effects have not yet been described. Mechanistic analysis disclosed that sensitizing effect of astrakurkurol is due to cell cycle arrest at G0/G1 phase, increased level of Fas, FADD, decreased ratio of Bax/Bcl‐2, and increased cleaved form of caspase 9, 8, and 3. Apart from the induction of apoptosis, it was demonstrated for the first time that astrakurkurol induced an autophagic response as evidenced by the development of acidic vesicular organelles (AVOs) with up‐regulation of beclin‐1, Atg7, and downregulated p62. Apoptosis and autophagy can be sparked by the same stimuli, which was as evident from the astrakurkurol‐induced inactivation of PI3K/AKT signaling. The thorough scanning of the mechanism of crosstalk between apoptosis and autophagy is requisite for prosperous anticancer remedy. Triterpenoid has evidently intensified cytotoxicity, induced apoptosis and autophagy on A549 cells. Besides astrakurkurol could also curb migration and regress the size of tumor in ex ovo xenograft model. All these findings put forth astrakurkurol as a convincing novel anti‐cancer agent, for scrutinizing the lung cancer therapies and as a robust contender for future in vitro and in vivo analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In humans, a wide range of health disorders have been induced due to an imbalanced metabolism and an excess generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Different biological properties found in mushrooms seem to be the reason for their customary use as a favourite delicacy. Therefore, exploration of wild edible mushrooms as a source of various biological compounds is gaining much importance today. Amanita konajensis, one of the underutilized macrofungi popularly consumed in Eastern India, demands a systematic study of its medicinal values. The study aims to explore the myco-chemical contents of A. konajensis ethanolic extract (EtAK1) and screen their antioxidant potency through various in vitro assays. GC-MS analysis identified the chemical components of EtAK1. Further, structure-based virtual screening of the identified compounds was analysed for drug-like properties and molecular docking with the human p38 MAPK protein, a potent targeting pathway for human lung cancer. The morpho-molecular features proved the authenticity of the collected mushroom. The screening assays showed that EtAK1 was abundant in flavonoids, followed by phenolics, β-carotene, and lycopene, and had strong antioxidant activity with EC50 values of 640-710 μg/mL. The GC-MS analyses of EtAK1 identified the occurrence of 19 bioactive compounds in the mushroom. In silico analysis revealed that anthraergostatetraenol p-chlorobenzoate, one of the compounds identified, displayed high binding affinity (ΔG = -10.6 kcal/mol) with human p38 MAPK. The outcome of this study will pave the way for the invention of myco-medicine using A. konajensis, which may lead to a novel drug for human lung cancer.