Asian Journal of Plant Science and Research Volume 2 :Issue 3 : 2012

Need and Importance of Conservation of Endangered Tree Oroxylum indicum (Linn.) Vent.

Oroxylumindicum is a well-known medicinal tree in Asia, belongs to family Bignoniaceae, commonly known as Shivnak, Shyonak, Sonpatha or midnight horror, possesses economic as well as medicinal importance. The tree was distributed throughout the great parts of India but now it is listed amongst endangered species in many areas in the country. Many medicinal plants are also in trouble from over harvesting and destruction of habitat. Population growth, urbanization and the unrestricted collection of medicinal plants from the wild is resulting in an overexploitation of natural resources. Hence there is an urgent need for its conservation is required.

GC-MS Determination of Bioactive compounds of Mirabilis jalapa

In this study, the bioactive compounds of Mirabilis jalapa have been evaluated using GC-MS. The chemical compositions of the whole plant methanol extract of Mirabilis jalapa were investigated using Perkin-Elmer Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. The mass spectra of the compounds, found in the extract was matched with characterization and measurement of the central Electrochemical Research institute. GC-MS analysis of Mirabilis jalapa whole plant methanol extract revealed the existence of the ether compound -3,3’- Methylenebis(4- hydroxycoumarin)(17.07),N-D-alpha-Phenylyglycine(38.76),laminaribiitol(7.753),3-(4-(dimethylamino)cinnamoyl)- 4-hydroxycoumarin (16.89), unkown (5.284),unknown(10.26). The results of this study offer a base of using Mirabilis jalapa as herbal alternative for the synthesis of antifungal agents.

Phytochemical compound analysis of Pandanus odoratissimum

The phytochemical compounds of methanol extract of Pandanus odoratissimum were investigated using perkin- Elmer Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. The spectrum of the compounds, with characterization and measurement of the growth analysis by central Electrochemical Research Institute at Karaikudi. GC-MS analysis Pandanus odoratissimum whole plant methanol extract revealed the existence of the either compound -3-(4- (dimethylamino)cinnamoyyl)-4-hydroxycomarin(69.82), 3,3’-methylenebis (4-hydroxycomarin) (1.694), and erythro-9, 10-dihydroxyoctadecanoic acid (1.718), octadecanedioic acid (8.512), and dihydroagathic acid (3.052). The results of this study offer a base of using Pandanus odoratissimum as herbal alternative for the synthesis of antifungal agents.

Persistent chlorinated pesticide residues in selected market vegetables of root and leaf origin

Aldrin, dieldrin, heptachlor and lindane pesticides analyzed in selected root and leaf vegetables. The concentration of total organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) was ranged between, <0.01-6.00 ng/g, with an average of 2.16±0.21 ng/g (wet wt.). The concentration of individual aldrin, dieldrin, heptachlor and lindane was 0.48±0.06 ng/g, 0.13±0.02 ng/g, 1.03±0.11 ng/g and 0.52±0.06 ng/g (wet wt.), respectively. The selected vegetables had residue levels, much below the recommended maximum residue limits (MRLs) set by European Commission and Indian government.

Remote sensing & Geo-informatics technology in evaluation of forest tree diversity

Plant diversity encompasses several community attributes. Preservation of plant diversity and understanding its status is therefore imperative. Evaluations of Indices such as Shannon-Weiner, Margalef and others are local measures. Scaling them at larger scale is subtle. However, as tools for sustainable management the inclusion of Remote sensing (RS) and Geographic Information System (GIS) technologies has provided a means to characterize such estimations on wider scale. An attempt not only to evaluate different indices but also to interpolate one of such index on larger area using RS-GIS tool has been made in this paper. Village wise spatial display of diversity indices generated can serve as a good input for forest planners. In addition, the species diversity map generated using kriging method proved useful in understanding the diversity status on a wider scale. Accuracy testing showed the outputs generated to be 65-75% accurate at 85% confidence level.

GC-MS Analysis of bioactive components on the Leaves extract of Stylosanthes fruticosa- A potential folklore medicinal plant

The present study of phytochemical analysis in the leaf powder extract with absolute alcohol,the phytochemical compound screened by GC-MS method. In this GC-MS analysis, 33 bioactivephytochemical compounds were identified in leaf powder of Stylosanthes fruticosa .The 33 compounds predominantly Phenolic compounds and Flavonoids derivatives are present included , Carbohydrateand Glycoside, Saponin,, and Phytosterols compounds.protein and alkaloids is limited in the leaf extract. These different active phytochemicals have been found to possess a wide range of activities, which may help in the protection against incurable diseases.

In vitro evaluation of antioxidant activity of Leucas plukenetii (Roth) Spreng

The present study was carried out to evaluate the antioxidant activities of methanolic extract of Leucas plukenetii (Roth) Spreng whole plant in various systems. The free radical scavenging potential was studied by using different antioxidants models of screening using vitamin C (5mM) as standard. About 200, 400, 600 & 800 μg/ml methanolic extract inhibited the FeSO4 induced lipid peroxidation in a dose dependent manner and showed IC50 value 536 ± 1.26 μg/ml. The methanolic fraction at 800 μg/ml exhibited significant antioxidant activity in ferrous sulphate induced lipid peroxidation and Superoxide scavenging models with simultaneous improvement in hepatic glutathione (10.31 ± 0.2906 μg GSH/mg of wet tissue) and catalase levels (121.81 ± 0.6306 μM of H2O2 consumed /min/mg tissue) compared to standard group. The results suggest that the methanolic extract of Leucas plukenetti Smith. Whole plant plays an important role in the modulation of oxidative stress.

The efficacy of aqueous methanolic extract of Murraya koenigi (L.) Spreng in alloxan induced diabetic albino rats

Murraya koenigi (L.) Spreng (Rutaceae), is an indigenous medicinally important herb of Indian origin, has been used for centuries in the Ayurvedic System of Medicine. The present investigation was carried out to evaluate the antidiabetic effect of solvent extract of leaf of M.koenigi (L.) in alloxan induced diabetic albino rats. The leaves, bark and the roots of the plant are used in indigenous medicine as tonic, stomachic, stimulant and carminative. An infusion of the roasted leaves is used to prevent vomiting. The present study throws light on the further understanding and bioactivity of M.koenigii (L.) Spreng. In comparison with the efficacy of other crude extracts, aqueous methanolic extract display promising activity and significantly decreased the elevated blood glucose level, cholesterol, LDL, triglycerides, phospholipids, VLDL in comparison with standard control (glibenclamide - a standard drug used to treat Diabetes mellitus).

Identification of Chemical Constituent of Combine Sample of Some Medicinal Plants for Antioxidant Activity

The use of Natural products as medicine has been practiced from ancient time in World. With an estimation of WHO that as many as 80% of world’s population rely on herbal traditional medicines as their primary health care. In recent years the interest to evaluate plants possessing antioxidant activity for various diseases is growing. Based on local use of common diseases and ethno-botanical knowledge, an attempt has been made to investigate the antioxidant activity of combine extract of Aloe barbandesis (leaves), Tinospora cordifolia (stem), Triticum aestivum (straw) Azadirachta indica (leaves) and Ocimum sactum (leaves). In this study the combine extract of selected plant materials, were analysed for their antioxidant activity by peroxide value method and diphenylpicrylhydrazyl radical scavenging method along with the reference sample ascorbic acid. The extract were further analysed to determine their total phenolic content by Folin-Ciocalteau method and total flavonoid content by Dowd method along with the reference sample rutin and gallic acid respectively. The extract exhibited significant antioxidant activity, total phenolic and flavonoid content. The extract can be used effectively for medication purposes.

Palynology of honeycomb and a honey sample from an apiary in Lagos, Southwest Nigeria

Most reported studies on honey samples from Nigeria have come from those samples bought in the open market. Though palynomorphs recovered from them have shown that they were produced in the derived savanna, savanna and rainforest vegetation ecozones, it is necessary to study honey samples from honeycomb to eliminate the adultration allegation and provide more accurate palynomorph data as well as shed light on the habit of bees. To achieve these, a study of honeycomb and a honey sample from an apiary in Lagos State, southwest Nigeria was carried out. The middle and edge sections of the comb were sampled and studied along with a pressed honey sample. Comparison between the two sections of the comb was also made. Data from the pressed honey was also compared with the comb data. In all, a total of 36 species of plant have their pollen represented. The middle section of the comb has higher abundance with lower diversity while the comb edge sample has higher diversity but lower abundance. The pressed honey has higher proportion of small sized pollen with a relatively higher diversity than the middle section but lower diversity than the edge portion. Pollen of Kigelia africana was recovered in a higher proportion than found in the two comb samples most likely resulting from secondary contamination. Generated data from this comb has revealed the palynomorph components of honey produced in the area and insight into the habit of the bees is also provided. Most of the traditional pollen types of Nigeria honey were faintly recovered from the studied samples. The higher diversity and lower abundance of the comb Edge assemblage indicate that production most likely started from the centre and moved outward.

Effect of Black pepper on antidiarrhoeal activity of an Ayurvedic formulation: Kutajarishta

Aqueous Black pepper extract, Kutajarishta and Kutajarishta along with aqueous Black pepper extract were tested for antidiarrhoeal, antimotility and antisecretory activity in mice. The methods of castor oil and magnesium sulphate induced diarrhoea were used to evaluate antidiarrhoeal activity, while charcoal meal test and castor oil induced intestinal secretions were used for testing antimotility and antisecretory activity in mice. Aqueous Black pepper extract (ABPE) produced a significant increase in the antidiarrhoeal, antimotility, and antisecretory effect of Kutajarishta. It can be concluded that ABPE produces additive effect with Kutajarishta in treating diarrhoea by enhancing its antimotility, and antisecretory activity.

In-silico Identification of Anti-fertility Proteins based on Sequence and Structural Similarity

The hiking population is one of the major problems of concern its negative impact can be seen on welfare economics of developing and even developed nations. In order to abolish this hike there is need to synthesize effective antifertility compounds. In this paper the Ribosomal Inactivating Proteins of Momordica charantia are used showing anti-fertility property. Even if the studies conducted on phyto-proteins serves to produce compounds with novel structures, excellent activity, and negligible side effects, but still a very less number of phyto-proteins are identified along with their medicinal importance. In this paper an in-silico approach is described for modeling the threedimensional structure of a protein from the homologous protein structures and their amino acid sequences. A method is developed for the simultaneous superimposition of several protein molecules and for the calculation of an ‘average structure’ or ‘framework’ by the RMSD values in order to obtain most similar structure of the phytoproteins showing anti-fertility property. Consequently, we obtained nine phyto-proteins on the basis of the family of homologous proteins. This alignment provides a basis for model building the tertiary structure for the unknown phyto-proteins.

Occurrence of Congener Specific Polychlorinated Biphenyls in Soils from Roadside Agricultural Fields

Twenty eight polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) congeners including twelve dioxin-like PCBs were measured in soils from roadside agricultural lands of National Capital Region (NCR), India. The concentration of ΣPCBs ranged between <0.01-38.32 ng g-1 (dw) with the mean of 8.40±1.27 ng g-1 (dw), where, Σ12dl-PCBs ranged between <0.01- 13.59 ng g-1 (dw) and their average value was 2.86±0.46 ng g-1 (dw). Group homolog of total 28 PCBs was dominated by tetra-chlorinated biphenyls (4-CBs) and hexa-chlorinated biphenyls (6-CBs) which accounted for 56% and 23.6%, respectively. Toxic equivalent (TEQ) of dl-PCBs was between <0.01-140.24 pg WHO2005-TEQ g-1 (dw) with a mean of 31.86±5.25 pg WHO2005-TEQ g-1 (dw). PCBs contaminations in studied soils of agricultural areas were lower than soil quality guideline values.

Extraction and Purification of lignan compound from flax seed Linum usitatissimum

The extraction and purification of lignan (Secoisolariciresinol diglucoside, SDG) from flax seed (Linum usitatissium) was made by using following chromatographic techniques: Liquid-liquid chromatographic, ionexchange chromatographic, thin layer chromatographic (TLC) and high performance liquid chromatographic (HPLC).

Extraction and Purification of lignan compound from flax seed Linum usitatissimum

Andrographolide: An effective anti-fertility agent for the control of Tribolium confusum

Andrographolide, a terpenoid isolated from the leaves of Andrographis paniculata [Acanthaceae] affected normal growth and development of the ovaries of Tribolium confusum [Duval] [Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae]. The fifth instar, sixth instar larvae and pupae were treated with 1μg/μl of Andrographolide. The treated resultant females exhibited ovarian deformities. The ovaries of the treated resultant Tribolium confusum showed variation in the length and size of the ovarioles, ovariole degeneration, oocyte degeneration, resorption and inability of the mature oocytes to oviposite. Our results show that the topical application of Andrographolide inhibits ovarian development, affecting the fertility and the reproductive potentiality of Tribolium confusum suggesting its use for the development of safe and specific anti-fertility agent for the control of this stored grain pest.

Isolation & Antimicrobial Screening of Ten Long Chain Aliphatic Compounds from Psidium guajava (Leaves)

For the millions of rural populations in countries of the developing world, diarrhoeal diseases continue to be the major cause of morbidity and mortality, with an estimated 1 billion episodes of illness and some 5 million or more deaths in children under 5 years (5-8). In such populations, preparations from herbs and plants remain the most common forms of treatment for diarrhoeal disease. Decoctions of the leaf, root or stem of the guava plant, Psidium guajava have been used as antidiarrahoeal therapy in many systems of traditional medicine in tropical countries. Psidium guajava Linn. is one of such medicinal plants. Belonging to the family Myrtaceae that is also used as a source of food. Ten new aliphatic compounds pentapentacont-17, 31-diol (1), 11-hydroxy-tricont-35- pentatriacontanoate (2), 34-octahexacontanol (3), heptatriacont-8-ol (4), 14,15-dimethyl (cyclopropayl)-9-oloctadecayl- 3-(4-hydroxyphenyl) propanoate (5), hexaeicosan-16-ol (6), pentatetracosan-10, 25-diol (7), untricontan-11, 19-diol (8), tricosan -17-ene-5-ol (9), and nonacosan-23-ene-3-ol (10) isolated from the ethanol extract of the leaves of P. guajava. All compounds exhibited moderate activity against Staphylococcus aureus and poor activity against Shigella spp and Klebsiella pneumoniae. The plant can be used for the formulation of oral antibacterial drugs to manage surgical, skin and soft tissue infections.

Free radical scavenging effect of various extracts of leaves of Balanites aegyptiaca(L.) Delile by DPPH method

The study of free radicals and antioxidants in biology is producing medical revolution that promises a new age of health and disease management. The present study was performed to evaluate the in vitro antioxidant effect of the petroleum ether, alcoholic and aqueous extracts of Balanites aegyptiaca (L.) Delile (Zygophyllaceae) by using DPPH method. The alcoholic extract exhibited significant inhibition in DPPH free radical formation with IC50 values of 10.7474. The alcoholic extract showed potent activity on DPPH, which is compared to that of ascorbic acid (IC50 = 21.2253) taken as standards. The results of the present comprehensive analysis demonstrated that alcoholic extract of Balanites aegyptiaca (L.) Delile is a viable source of natural antioxidants and might be exploited for functional foods and nutraceutical applications.

Antifungal activity of Heterostemma tanjorense (Wight and Arn.)

Antifungal activity of solvent extract of Heterostemma tanjorense (Wight and Arn.) have been investigated against human pathogenic fungi, such as Aspergillus flavus, Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus terreus, Candida albicans and Fusarium moniliform The various solvents extracts were found to be effective against test organism but the ethyl acetate and ethanol extracts appeared to be most effective antifungal agents as compared to aqueous and chloroform extract. Infectious diseases represent a critical problem to health and they are one of the main causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide. The resistance to antibiotics and with the toxicity during prolonged treatment with several drugs due to this medicinal plants are widely used by the traditional medical practitioners for curing various diseases in their day to day practice. Since ancient times, plants have been an exemplary source of medicine. The presented review summarizes the information concerning the new profile of antifungal drugs obtaining from medicinal plants.

Antimicrobial assessment of ethanolic extract of Costus afer Leaves

The antibacterial effect of ethanolic leaf extract of Costus afer was evaluated on bacterial strains which included Streptococcus pneumoniae, Streptococcus pyogenes and Staphylococcus aureus, among the Gram-positive organisms and Klebsiella pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli among the Gram-negative, using Standard Microbiological Method [STM]. The in vitro antibacterial activity was performed by Agar-disc Diffusion Method [ADM]. The concentrations used were 150mg/ml, 100mg/ml and 50mg/ml. All the organisms tested varied in their percentage susceptible to the extract of the plant leaves at different concentrations, except Klebsiella pneumonia which was 100% resistant. The Gram-positive organisms were more sensitive to the plant extract than the Gram-negative organisms. The phytochemical analysis reveals the present of flavonoids, saponins, tannins, cardiac glycosides terpenes and phlobatanins. Cotus afer leaves can be used for treatment of disease associated with tested organisms excluding K. pneumonia.

Effect of leaf positions on the concentrations of some micronutrients, antinutrients and toxic substances in Hibiscus sabdariffa at vegetative phase

The leaf age (which is linked to position on mother - plant) influenced the accumulation of nutrients and toxic substances by the leaves on plants. It is against this background that this study was carried out in pot experiment to examine the effect of leaf position on the levels of antinutrient (soluble and total oxalates), toxic substances (cyanide and nitrate) and some micronutrients viz; β-carotene (provitamin A), vitamin C and mineral elements (Fe, Mg, Cu, Zn, Ca Na and K) at vegetative phase of Hibiscus sabdariffa grown in nitrogen and non – nitrogen treated soil. The leaves of Hibiscus sabdariffa were harvested and analysed at three different leaf locations, namely; basal, middle and upper positions. The results obtained showed that the concentrations of cyanide and nitrate were generally higher in older leaves than younger ones. The soluble and total oxalate contents in the vegetable increased with leaf age. Vitamin C content was concentrated more in the middle leaf region compared to basal and upper leaf positions in the vegetable.The β-carotene concentration was significantly (p < 0.05) highest in middle leaves, closely followed by upper leaves and least in the basal leaves. Levels of Fe in the basal and middle leaves were not significantly different from each other, but the two leaf positions had significant (p < 0.05) higher amount of the mineral than upper leaves irrespective of the soil nitrogen levels.The concentrations Ca, Cu and Na were significantly higher in the basal leaf region compared to middle and upper leaf locations in Hibiscus sabdariffa except that no significant variation in Cu content was observed between basal and middle when nitrogen was applied. While leaf position had no significant effect on the concentrations of Mg and Zn in Hibiscus sabdariffa, the concentration of K was significantly higher in the upper leaves than the middle and basal leaves in control and nitrogen applied. The study concludes that the plant toxins are concentrated more in the older leaves than the younger ones in Hibiscus sabdariffa at vegetative phase.

Synergistic and antagonistic action of antibiotics against biofilm forming Staphylococcus aureus

12 Clinical isolates of Staphylococcus aureus from various specimens of infectious bodily sites having ability of biofilm formation were screen in this study. On the basis of their ability to attach to polymeric surfaces, the formation of biofilm was determined in 6 wild type clinical isolates. Minimum biofilm inhibitory concentration (MBIC) of seven antibiotics (ampicillin, azithromycin, ciprofloxacin, erythromycin, gentamycin, oflaxicin, and penicillin) was estimated against the established biofilm on polystyrene microtiter plates. Biofilms were observed to be less susceptible to antibiotics by comparing the MBIC with MIC. The synergism result was investigated by the comparison of MBIC and FBIC. Synergy was demonstrated against the combination of beta lactam antibiotics (ampicillin + penicillin and ampicillin + cloxacillin) and their combination with macrolide antibiotics (ampicillin + azithromycin and penicillin + azithromycin). The observed values of partial synergistic, indifferent and antagonistic result were 12.5%, 16.67% and 55.55% respectively.

Wound healing activity of topical application form based on herbomineral formulation

The traditional Indian medicine—Ayurveda, describes various herbs, fats, oils and minerals with anti-aging as well as wound healing properties. Mimusops elengi (Sapotaceae) commonly called as ‘Bakul’ in India. In Ayurveda, M. elengi has been reported to be used for arresting bleeding of gums and preparation of a lotion for sores and wounds. Zinc is a trace mineral, a component of many enzymes, including DNA and RNA polymerases, Matrix metalloproteinase ((MMPs) and is also required for protein synthesis, DNA synthesis, mitosis, and cell proliferation. Many of these zinc-dependent processes are required for wound healing, such as collagen synthesis and cell division. Consequently, zinc forms one of essential nutrients for normal wound healing. In the present study Yashad Bhasma is used as a source of zinc. There was no scientific evidence justifying the use of Mimusops elengi bark along with Yashad Bhasma for treatment of wound, therefore the present study was aimed at evaluation of wound healing activity of the plant (Bark) in combination with Yashad Bhasma in Excision, Incision and Estimation of biochemical marker models.

Rapid micropropagation and callus induction of Terminalia bellerica Roxb. - An endangered plant

An in vitro micropropagation system has been developed for Terminalia bellerica Roxb., an important Indian medicinal plant. Nodal segments obtained from 15-d-old aseptically grown seedlings were used as explants. MS medium containing 2.0 mg/l BAP was found most suitable for culture initiation. Although shoot multiplication was achieved on MS medium containing BAP and Kn, the maximum number of shoots was obtained with 3.5 mg/l BAP+ 0.5 mg/l Kn. Best rooting response was observed on medium containing quarter strength MS salts, 0.8% agar and 1.0 mg/l IBA. Plantlets were hardened initially in culture room conditions and then transferred to misthouse. Maximum callus induction response was observed on MS medium supplemented with 0.25 mg/l 2,4-D+ 0.3 mg/l Kn within 4 weeks from leaf petiole.

Production and Optimization of Pectinase from Bacillus sp. MFW7 using Cassava Waste

This study investigated pectinase production and optimization by bacterial strain MFW7 isolated from fruit market wastes. Initial screening process identified the best pectinolytic strain and it was characterized by 16S rDNA sequencing and designated as Bacillus sp. MFW7. Optimization of process parameters were carried out by altering the physico-chemical environment of the production medium. High pectinase production was observed at 72 h of incubation at 35°C with the initial pH of 6.5. Various nutrients were investigated in terms of their effect on the production of extracellular pectinase using Cassava waste as substrate. Lactose in combination with peptone supported maximum pectinase production. Purified pectinase showed a molecular weight of 37 kDa observed by means of SDS-PAGE.

Production, Purification and Characterization of α-Amylase and Alkaline Protease by Bacillus sp. HPE 10 in a Concomitant Production Medium

This study evaluated an amylolytic and proteolytic bacterial strain HPE 10 isolated from soil sample. Initial screening process involved a selection medium containing starch and skim milk as substrates. The strain was characterized as Bacillus sp. using Bergey’s manual and 16S rDNA sequence analysis. Various physico-chemical parameters such as pH, temperature, incubation period, and effect of different carbon and nitrogen sources were studied in order to determine the optimum conditions for amylase and protease production by Bacillus sp. Amylase production was influenced by 120 h of incubation, 50°C with initial pH of 6 along with lactose and sodium nitrate. Protease production was influenced after 120 h of incubation, 45°C, pH 9 with glucose and peptone as nutrient sources. The enzymes were purified by column chromatography and molecular weights were determined by SDSPAGE.