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Asarum (Asarum sieboldii Miq. f. seoulense (Nakai) C. Y. Cheng et C. S. Yang) is a medicinal plant that contains asarinin and sesamin, which possess extensive medicinal value. The adaptation and distribution of Asarum's plant growth are significantly affected by altitude. Although most studies on Asarum have concentrated on its pharmacological activities, little is known about its growth and metabolites with respect to altitude. In this study, the physiology, ionomics, and metabolomics were investigated and conducted on the leaves and roots of Asarum along an altitude gradient, and the content of its medicinal components was determined. The results showed that soil pH and temperature both decreased along the altitude, which restricts the growth of Asarum. The accumulation of TOC, Cu, Mg, and other mineral elements enhanced the photosynthetic capacity and leaf plasticity of Asarum in high-altitude areas. A metabolomics analysis revealed that, at high altitude, nitrogen metabolism in leaves was enhanced, while carbon metabolism in roots was enhanced. Furthermore, the metabolic pathways of some phenolic substances, including syringic acid, vanillic acid, and ferulic acid, were altered to enhance the metabolism of organic acids. The study uncovered the growth and metabolic responses of Asarum to varying altitudes, providing a theoretical foundation for the utilization and cultivation of Asarum. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In-vitro chemical characterization and mosquitocidal screening of essential oil derived from Mikania scandens (L.) Willd. (Asteraceae) (CVO-MS) against the malarial vector Anopheles gambiae was investigated. GC-MS analysis evidenced a total of 12 bio-active compounds, and maximum at α-bisabolol (39.34%) followed by stigmasterol (13.45%) respectively. The larvicidal activity of CVO-MS against the malarial vector An. gambiae evidenced that the mortality rate was prominent at the maximum dosage of 1000 ppm. The Median Lethal Concentration (LC50) of CVO-MS was established at 488 ± 2.45 ppm, respectively. Enzyme inhibition assay showed that the CVO-MS delivers a significant upsurge in the level of CYP450, GST, and a decline in the level of α-β carboxylesterase activity in both the third and fourth instar (p ≤ 0.0001). The gut-histological examination of CVO-MS showed that there is severe damage in the mid-gut tissues, especially epithelial layer (EL), gut-lumen (GL), and peritrophic membrane (pM). The non-target screening against the mosquito predators (A. bouvieri, D. indicus, and third instar larvae of Tx. splendens) suggests that CVO-MS showed less toxicity as compared to Pestanal® (1 ppm) respectively. The present study has paved a new insight in understanding the bioactivity of CVO-MS as a potential larvicidal agent of malarial vector and non-toxic against mosquito predators.

Neurada procumbens (Neuradaceae) is an importent plant of the Cholistan desert and is traditionally been used for the treatment and control of diabetes, fever, inflammations and jaundice. The aim of the current project is to investigate the bioactive compounds, free radical scavenging capacity and the anti-inflammatory potential of Neurada procumbens separately for its aerial and floral parts in six different extracts. The phytochemical profile (total bioactive contents, HPLC polyphenolic quantification), anti-oxidant (DPPH and FRAP assays), anti-inflammatory (HRBC stabilization) activities of the Aqu, MetOH, n-But, EtAc, n-Hex, and DCM extracts from the aerial and floral parts of Neurada procumbens were quantified. Based on the current results, the aerial and floral parts of N. procumbens extracts have found to contain a significant amount of active metabolites including polyphenolic compounds such as 2,3 di MeO benzoic acid, p-coumaric acid, chlorogenic acid, quercetin dihydrate and t-ferrulic acid. The total phenolic and total flavonoid contents of the plant were found to range from 28.13 to 78.9 GAE mg/g of plant and 17.23 to 68.23 RE mg/g of plant, respectively. DCM and n-But extracts of floral part exhibited comparatively higher antioxidant potential in DPPH (IC50

Asarum (Asarum sieboldii Miq. f. seoulense (Nakai) C. Y. Cheng et C. S. Yang) is a medicinal plant that contains asarinin and sesamin, which possess extensive medicinal value. The adaptation and distribution of Asarum’s plant growth are significantly affected by altitude. Although most studies on Asarum have concentrated on its pharmacological activities, little is known about its growth and metabolites with respect to altitude. In this study, the physiology, ionomics, and metabolomics were investigated and conducted on the leaves and roots of Asarum along an altitude gradient, and the content of its medicinal components was determined. The results showed that soil pH and temperature both decreased along the altitude, which restricts the growth of Asarum. The accumulation of TOC, Cu, Mg, and other mineral elements enhanced the photosynthetic capacity and leaf plasticity of Asarum in high-altitude areas. A metabolomics analysis revealed that, at high altitude, nitrogen metabolism in leaves was enhanced, while carbon metabolism in roots was enhanced. Furthermore, the metabolic pathways of some phenolic substances, including syringic acid, vanillic acid, and ferulic acid, were altered to enhance the metabolism of organic acids. The study uncovered the growth and metabolic responses of Asarum to varying altitudes, providing a theoretical foundation for the utilization and cultivation of Asarum.

In-vitro chemical characterization and mosquitocidal screening of essential oil derived from Mikania scandens (L.) Willd. (Asteraceae) (CVO-MS) against the malarial vector Anopheles gambiae was investigated. GC-MS analysis evidenced a total of 12 bio-active compounds, and maximum at α-bisabolol (39.34%) followed by stigmasterol (13.45%) respectively. The larvicidal activity of CVO-MS against the malarial vector An. gambiae evidenced that the mortality rate was prominent at the maximum dosage of 1000 ppm. The Median Lethal Concentration (LC50) of CVO-MS was established at 488±2.45 ppm, respectively. Enzyme inhibition assay showed that the CVO-MS delivers a significant upsurge in the level of CYP450, GST, and a decline in the level of α-β carboxylesterase activity in both the third and fourth instar (p ≤ 0.0001). The gut-histological examination of CVO-MS showed that there is severe damage in the mid-gut tissues, especially epithelial layer (EL), gut-lumen (GL), and peritrophic membrane (pM). The non-target screening against the mosquito predators (A. bouvieri, D. indicus, and third instar larvae of Tx. splendens) suggests that CVO-MS showed less toxicity as compared to Pestanal® (1 ppm) respectively. The present study has paved a new insight in understanding the bioactivity of CVO-MS as a potential larvicidal agent of malarial vector and non-toxic against mosquito predators. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has become a global challenge to the health care system. A novel agent to combat this deadly virus is still a matter of research. Herbal molecules have served humanity since the beginning. Objectives: This narrative review aims to study the antiviral properties of medicinal plants, which are already effectively used in the past against various viruses. It derives the importance of exploration of such phytochemicals, which can be complementarily used to treat COVID-19. Methods: Studies related to traditional medicine and treatment for viruses were retrieved from databases including PubMed, Google scholar until December 2020 using the keywords SARS-CoV-2, COVID-19, Immunological, Phyto-chemicals, Traditional Medicine. The resulting publications were analyzed to develop a narrative review on the traditional Indian phytochemicals that have been shown to effectively treat various viral infections and potentially treat or prevent COVID-19. Results: Many of the researches are showing that Indian herbal compounds have a significant potential against viral diseases. Plants like Azadirachta indica, Withania somnifera, Tinospora cordifolia, Ocimum basilicum, and many more have been shown tremendous antiviral, anti-inflammatory, and immune-modulatory activities. Conclusion: Phytochemicals obtained from the herbs can be helpful in the treatment and prevention of SARS-CoV-2via various modes such as inhibition of attachment, penetration, uncoating, replication, assembly, and release of respiratory viruses. Further analysis of the potential phytochemicals in treating SARS-CoV-2 in clinical trials is warranted.

Ten bacterial species were isolated and monthly variations in their count were recorded from three edible tuna fishes. Phytochemical analysis and antibacterial activity of hexane, chloroform, methanol, and distilled water extracts of twelve common spices, against the isolated bacteria were evaluated. The study indicates that these pathogenic bacteria in all three tuna fish species cause various human health problems upon consumption. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bruchid Beetle, Callosbruchus maculatus Fab. (Coleoptera: Bruchidae) causes huge losses to pulses. In the present experiment aqueous and powder extracts of five plant species, i.e. Azadirichta indica L., Thuja orientalis L., Nicotiana tabacum L., Nicotiana rustica L., Melia azedarach L. at six different concentrations of 0.50%, 1 %, 1.5%, 2%, 2.5% and 3%, were tested for their toxicity against C. maculatus under controlled laboratory conditions of 27±5°C temp., 60%±5% R.H. and 12: 12h (L:D) photoperiod. The research were replicated four times using Completely Randomized Design. C. maculatus mortalities were significantly higher in aqueous form with all N. tabacum concentrations and in powder form with A. indica significantly lower mortalities were recorded of T. orientalis after 24h, 48h, 72h, and 7d and 14d. Overall means mortalities of C. maculatus were also significantly higher with N. tabacum in aqueous form with all concentrations and A. indica in powder form, where it was significantly lower with T. orientalis in aqueous and T. orientalis in powder form after 24h, 48h, 72h, and 7d and 14d. All the Phyto-chemicals were present in N. tabacum and in N. rustica while in A. indica least number of it were present. Phyto-sterol was present in highest while carbohydrates in moderate concentration. Saponins were present only in N. rustica and N. tabacum aqueous extracts. N. tabacum, A. indica and M. azedarach proves the most effective bio pesticides may be used as alternative to synthetic insecticides for the control of C. maculatus in stored pulses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study aims to determine the secondary metabolites by phytochemical analysis andin-vitro antimicrobial activity of Cuscuta reflexa (Convolvulaceae). Cuscuta reflexa is commonly called as Dodder plant it is a parasitic weed plant and also an extensive climber. Cuscuta reflexa grows as holoparasite; it has very low level of chlorophyll and photosynthesis activity. It makes haustorial connection with the vascular tissue of the host plant and completely depends over the host plant for its survival. The shade dried and powdered parasitic plant material was extracted using ethanol by cold maceration. Antibacterial and antifungal activity of extract at different concentrations of 100mg, 75mg, 50mg, and 25mg per mL were determined by agar well diffusion method. Ciprofloxacin in concentration of 1mg/mL was used as standard reference antibiotic and Fluconazole in concentration of 10mg/mL was used as standard reference antifungal agent. The phytochemical analysis showed positive result for secondary metabolites like flavonoids, terpenoids, glycosides, tannins and phenols. The crude extract of different concentrations was effective against all the test bacteria with marked inhibitory effect against Pseudomonas aeruginosa [100mg/mL (23mm),75mg/mL (21mm),50mg/mL (19mm) and 25mg/mL (16mm)]. The crude extract of different concentration showedmore effectiveness towards Cladosporium sp.[100mg/mL (16mm),75mg/mL (14mm),50mg/mL (12mm) and25mg/mL (11mm)]compare to all other test fungal organisms. The parasitic plant Cuscuta reflexa appears promising to treat bacterial infectious disease and it also shows an inhibitory activity against some fungal pathogens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fenugreek is one of the well-known spices, used for its antioxidant, antimicrobial, pharmaceutical and nutritional properties. Information on fenugreek seed flour blend with teff for a bakery product is scanty. This study was initiated to evaluate the effect of substitution of teff flour with fenugreek seed flours on the mineral, phyto-chemicals and microbiological quality of produced injera. Teff-fenugreek composite injera samples were prepared by substituted teff flour with 4, 8, 12, and 16% fenugreek seed flours (raw, roasted and germinated). Teff injera substituted with fenugreek (raw, roasted and germinated) at 4, 8, 12 and 16% substituted injera showed a significant (P < 0.05) effect on Ca content, selected phyto-chemicals and microbial quality of injera. Fenugreek seed flour substitution increased in Zinc, condensed tannin and total Phenol contents were observed in fenugreek substituted injera samples whereas phytic acid, calcium and Fe content were decreased as compared to control injera sample. During the storage days, yeast- mold and total aerobic plate counts were lowest in fenugreek substituted injera samples. Raw fenugreek substituted injera had higher microbial stability than germinated and roasted fenugreek substituted injera. The 16% fenugreek-substituted injera showed good in zinc, phyto-chemicals and microbial stability of injera. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study aims to determine the secondary metabolites by phytochemical analysis andin-vitro antimicrobial activity of Cuscuta reflexa (Convolvulaceae). Cuscuta reflexa is commonly called as Dodder plant it is a parasitic weed plant and also an extensive climber. Cuscuta reflexa grows as holoparasite; it has very low level of chlorophyll and photosynthesis activity. It makes haustorial connection with the vascular tissue of the host plant and completely depends over the host plant for its survival. The shade dried and powdered parasitic plant material was extracted using ethanol by cold maceration. Antibacterial and antifungal activity of extract at different concentrations of 100mg, 75mg, 50mg, and 25mg per mL were determined by agar well diffusion method. Ciprofloxacin in concentration of 1mg/mL was used as standard reference antibiotic and Fluconazole in concentration of 10mg/mL was used as standard reference antifungal agent. The phytochemical analysis showed positive result for secondary metabolites like flavonoids, terpenoids, glycosides, tannins and phenols. The crude extract of different concentrations was effective against all the test bacteria with marked inhibitory effect against Pseudomonas aeruginosa [100mg/mL (23mm),75mg/mL (21mm),50mg/mL (19mm) and 25mg/mL (16mm)]. The crude extract of different concentration showedmore effectiveness towards Cladosporium sp.[100mg/mL (16mm),75mg/mL (14mm),50mg/mL (12mm) and25mg/mL (11mm)]compare to all other test fungal organisms.The parasitic plant Cuscuta reflexa appears promising to treat bacterial infectious disease and it also shows an inhibitory activity against some fungal pathogens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Red-fleshed dragon fruit offers an array of bioactive compounds. Its cultivation is gaining momentum in India, including in arid and semi-arid conditions. Among various factors, the fruit developmental stages and climatic conditions of locations greatly influence the biosynthesis and actual contents of different bioactive compounds and mineral contents of the fruit. The changes in physical attributes, and bioactive and mineral content in red-fleshed dragon fruit grown in semi-arid conditions in India were assessed and quantified at six developmental stages. Significant changes occurred in the physical attributes of the fruit and the bioactive compounds and mineral content during the fruit maturation stages of the red-fleshed dragon fruit. The fruit physical characteristics, such as fruit size, fruit and pulp weight gain, peel thickness, and fruit firmness, along with eating quality parameters, such as soluble solids, sugars, acidity and soluble proteins, were observed at optimum at 35 days after anthesis (DAA). The decrease in total phenolics (29.96%), total flavonoids (41.06%), and vitamin C (75.3%) occurred throughout the fruit development stages, whereas the content of betalains, which was detected initially at 25 DAA, increased (48.6%) with the progression of the fruit development stages. However, the antioxidant capacity and free radical scavenging activity demonstrated variable trends throughout the fruit maturation period. There was an increasing trend in all the minerals up to 35 days, followed by a slight decrease, except for phosphorus content, which increased until the last stage of evaluation. The colour characteristics, in conjunction with the bioactive and antioxidant potential determined in the present study, suggest that red-fleshed dragon fruit can be harvested at 35 DAA for long-distance transportation, and from 35 to 40 DAA for local marketing.

Neurada procumbens (Neuradaceae) is an importent plant of the Cholistan desert and is traditionally been used for the treatment and control of diabetes, fever, inflammations and jaundice. The aim of the current project is to investigate the bioactive compounds, free radical scavenging capacity and the anti-inflammatory potential of Neurada procumbens separately for its aerial and floral parts in six different extracts. The phytochemical profile (total bioactive contents, HPLC polyphenolic quantification), anti-oxidant (DPPH and FRAP assays), anti-inflammatory (HRBC stabilization) activities of the Aqu, MetOH, n -But, EtAc, n -Hex, and DCM extracts from the aerial and floral parts of Neurada procumbens were quantified. Based on the current results, the aerial and floral parts of N. procumbens extracts have found to contain a significant amount of active metabolites including polyphenolic compounds such as 2,3 di MeO benzoic acid, p -coumaric acid, chlorogenic acid, quercetin dihydrate and t -ferrulic acid. The total phenolic and total flavonoid contents of the plant were found to range from 28.13 to 78.9 GAE mg/g of plant and 17.23 to 68.23 RE mg/g of plant, respectively. DCM and n- But extracts of floral part exhibited comparatively higher antioxidant potential in DPPH (IC 50 < 100 μg/ml) and FRAP (IC 50 < 55 μg/ml) assays compared to aerial part. The dichloromethane floral extract demonstrated impressive anti-inflammatory activity in the hemolytic red blood cell lysis assay, with 83 % protection of HRBC lysis at an IC 50 of 469.6 µg/ml (p < 0.01). In vivo , a 300 mg/kg body weight of DCM floral extract reduced carrageenan-induced paw oedema by 8.51 ± 0.35 mm to 7.65 ± 0.38 mm, a highly significant difference (p < 0.001).The toxicity studies revealed that the floral-DCM dose extract was found to be safe up to 2000 mg/kg BW, while its lethal dose (LD 50) was found to be 4472.13 mg/kg BW in rats. Due to quite low toxicity effects, the floral part of the plant could be recommended as a safe pharmacological agent for various therapeutic applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aroma of cumin (Cuminum cyminumL) is due to the presence of aromatic volatile compounds. The flavor of cumin is judged by its volatile oil content. Cumin seeds of variety RZ-209 and GC-4 collected from western Rajasthan were used for screening of essential oil chemical constituents. The volatile oil content of RZ-209 and GC-4 was 4.0 % and 4.33 % respectively. Cuminaldehyde was found as major constituents in cumin essential oil. The GC-MS scan result reveals that RZ-209 variety contains slightly more cuminaldehyde (40.31 %) than GC-4 variety (38.50 %). Other phyto-chemical constituents were terpenic compounds and organic acids. The total phenolics content ranged from 101-109 mg GAE g-1seed while total flavonoid content were 65-67 mg QE g-1seed. 2, 2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging antioxidant activity expressed as IC50value was ranged from 14-16 mg/ml. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The betel leaf is also known as Piper betle L. It is also commonly known as 'Paan' in India. It belongs to the family Piperaceae, i.e. the Black Pepper family. There are about 100 varieties of betel vine in the world, of which about 40 are found in India. The leaves are very rich in minerals and phyto-chemicals constituents. Besides that, India has an income of more than 7000 crore every year from betel leaf. It is estimated that about 20 million people derive their livelihood directly or indirectly, partly or fully from production, processing, handling, transportation and marketing of betel leaves in India, including about 5 million workers from state of West Bengal. The leaves has several beneficial effects like antioxidant, anti cancerous, anti bacterial etc. Though the leaves has several beneficial effect, still a huge amount of wastage of leaves takes place every year which ranging from 35-70% due to storage, transport, perishability. The aim of this review is to focus on the production, wastage scenario, different beneficial effects of betel leaf such as antibacterial, anti cancerous, antioxidant etc. The impact of betel leaf on Indian economy, different attempts to increase the shelf life and minimization of wastage also have been focused in this review. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study of parasites an their likely influence on optimal foraging and mate-selection in animals has attracted much attention in recent times. The possible effects of parasites on the host include the manipulation of host behaviour by parasites and the emergence of host behavioral adaptaions for protecting against parasitism. Self-medication in wild animals is believed to be the behavioral adaptaion evolved primarily against parasites and associated diseases. In this article, we have briefly reviewed some types of unusual behaviour observed in mammals, birds and insects which can be considered as self-medication. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Red-fleshed dragon fruit offers an array of bioactive compounds. Its cultivation is gaining momentum in India, including in arid and semi-arid conditions. Among various factors, the fruit developmental stages and climatic conditions of locations greatly influence the biosynthesis and actual contents of different bioactive compounds and mineral contents of the fruit. The changes in physical attributes, and bioactive and mineral content in red-fleshed dragon fruit grown in semi-arid conditions in India were assessed and quantified at six developmental stages. Significant changes occurred in the physical attributes of the fruit and the bioactive compounds and mineral content during the fruit maturation stages of the red-fleshed dragon fruit. The fruit physical characteristics, such as fruit size, fruit and pulp weight gain, peel thickness, and fruit firmness, along with eating quality parameters, such as soluble solids, sugars, acidity and soluble proteins, were observed at optimum at 35 days after anthesis (DAA). The decrease in total phenolics (29.96%), total flavonoids (41.06%), and vitamin C (75.3%) occurred throughout the fruit development stages, whereas the content of betalains, which was detected initially at 25 DAA, increased (48.6%) with the progression of the fruit development stages. However, the antioxidant capacity and free radical scavenging activity demonstrated variable trends throughout the fruit maturation period. There was an increasing trend in all the minerals up to 35 days, followed by a slight decrease, except for phosphorus content, which increased until the last stage of evaluation. The colour characteristics, in conjunction with the bioactive and antioxidant potential determined in the present study, suggest that red-fleshed dragon fruit can be harvested at 35 DAA for long-distance transportation, and from 35 to 40 DAA for local marketing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]