018132   Barbaruah B;Baruah P (Medicinal Aromatic and Economic Plant Div, North East Institute of Science and Technology, (Formerly RRL) Jorhat, Assam, Email: barnalibarbaruah@yahoo.com) : Deuteromycetous fungi in a tropical rainforest ecosystem of the upper Brahmaputra valley. Indian For 2012, 138(12), 1164-9.

Study investigates some data on Deuteromycetous fungal flora of a tropical rainforest ecosystem. The soil samples from various depths of a tropical rainforest ecosystem at disturbed and undisturbed stands were analyzed. Altogether 28 species of Deuteromycetous fungi were isolated from the site. The highest fungal counts were found in the top soil layer in all seasons except during the rainy season when the population was greater in the subsoil. It was found that their number decreased with increasing depth of the soil i.e. from 0-100 cm soil depth. Fungal population was the highest during Autumn (2.1X10⁴/g at top soil at undisturbed stand) and lowest during Summer (0.8 X10⁴/g at top soil at undisturbed stand). Aspergillus and Penicillium were the most dominant genera at the two stands and at different depths. Soil organic carbon (1.40% at top soil and 1.25% at 100 cm depth at undisturbed stand) and total nitrogen percentage decreased with increasing depth of the soil.

3 illus, 3 tables, 14 ref

018131   Balasubramanian P;Azeez P A (Salim Ali Centre for Ornithology and Natural History, Anaikatty PO, Coimbatore-641 025, Email: balusacon@yahoo.com) : Floral diversity and vegetation ecology of the Pathiramanal island in Vembanad lake, Kerala. Indian For 2012, 138(9), 804-11.

Highlights the floristic richness and vegetation association in the Pathiramanal Island, an important mangrove location in Kerala, South-western coast. Ceriops tagal, Excoecaria agallocha and Cerbera odollam constituted the dominant mangroves in Pathiramanal Island. The need for conservation of this area is emphasized.

3 tables, 9 ref

018130   Ashok Kumar M;Nagarajan R;Ilayaraja R; Swaminathan S;Desai A A (PG and Research Dep of Zoology and Wildlife Biology, A.V.C. College, Mannampandal-609 305, Email: hyeashok@gmail.com ) : Impact of plant weeds on grass availability in Gaur (Box gaurus H. smith, 1827) foraging areas of Mudumalai Tiger Reserve, Southern India. Indian For 2012, 138(12), 1131-40.

Invasive species are regarded as one of the largest threats to biodiversity but little is known about the invasion of exotic plants into the tropical forest. The per cent grass availability in gaur (Bos gaurus H. Smith, 1827) foraging areas in three different habitats namely dry deciduous forest, moist deciduous forest and thorn forest in relation to weed category areas viz., Lantana Comoro invasion areas, Chromolaena odorata invasion areas, 'both weeds invasion' and 'weed-free' areas were investigated in Mudumalai Tiger Reserve between November 2003 and April 2004. The overall mean per cent grass availability was 28.52±26.81/m² (n=7343). The overall mean density of L. camara and C. odorata were 2.2±5.75/50 m² (n=8090) and 10.7±14.6/50 m² (n = 8090) respectively. Among the habitats, the dry deciduous forest had maximum availability of grass (%) followed by thorn forest and moist deciduous forest. The per cent availability of grass was highest in the weed free areas of dry deciduous forest (54.0227.28%) and lowest in L camara areas of thorn forest (14.52±14.45%). In all the habitats there was a significant variation among the weed category areas with reference to the per cent availability of grass. The densities of L. camara and C. odorata negatively influenced the per cent grass availability. The Standardized Partial Regression Coefficients of multiple regression equation model indicated that the C. odorata had the primary influence on the grass growth followed by L. camara.

4 illus, 3 tables, 31 ref

018129   Ashok Kumar;Avasthe R K;Shukla G;Pradhan Y (ICAR Research Complex for NEH region, Sikkim Centre, Tadong-737 102) : Ethno botanical edible plant biodiversity of Lepcha tribes. Indian For 2012, 138(9), 798-803.

Dzongu area of North Sikkim is one of the most biologically diverse habitats reserved for the Lepcha tribe in Sikkim. Surveys were conducted among the community during January to December 2009-10 to document the edible plants wealth of the area. Edible resources were categorized into four types on the basis of their uses. The paper highlights the edible resources commonly used by these tribes for life saving purposes in a very remote part of the country. Among vegetables, spices, fruits and underutilized plants, 38 plants belonging to 11 families under 24 genera are used as vegetables, nine plants from five families and seven genera are used as spices, 10 plants from seven families and nine genera are used as fruits and 19 plants from 17 families and 18 genera are underutilized for different purposes.

3 tables, 8 ref

018128   Anita Kumari;Sharma D;Bawa R;Kaushal P (Regional Centre, National Afforestation and Eco development Board, MoEF, Dr YS Parmar, UHF, Nauni, Solan-173 230) : Non timber forest products used for mother and child health care in tribal and remote areas of Himachal Pradesh. Indian For 2012, 138(12), 1151-9.

Modern healthcare system has negligible accessibility in the interior, remote and harsh areas of the northwestern Himalayas. People residing in these areas still depend upon traditional healthcare system. The study carried out in tribal and non tribal communities located in Kinnaur, Lahul, Bharmour and Pangi (tribal areas) Shilai, Churah, Parvati valley and Chhauhara (non tribal but remote areas) in Himachal Pradesh revealed that 9 species are used as tonic and as nutritional supplements by the expecting mothers. Species like Betula utilis and Dioscorea deltiodea for birth control Bunium persicum and Thymus serphyllum for relief from post delivery pain, similarly Cannabis sativa, Papaver somniferum and Selinum vaginatum are utilized as pain killers. Chenopondium album is used for the cure of chicken pox, Bombaxceiba during small pox and for urine problems, Arctium lapa and Capsellabursapastoris are used specially in case of infants. It was also observed that due to illicit trade of the much demanded medicinal and aromatic species, many species namely Aconitum hetrophyllum, Podophyllum hexandrum, Rheum australe, etc. are on the verge of extinction. Thus there is dire need to educate the rural people to conserve their rich wealth for their own utilization.

3 illus, 2 tables, 5 ref

018127   Aishwath O P (NO, National Research Centre on Seed Spices, Tabiji-305 206, Ajmer, Rajasthan) : Response of zinc in medicinal plants. Indian J Fertil 2012, 8(5), 14-19.

Zinc is one of the essential micronutrients required for optimum crop growth and human nutrition. Deficiency of zinc is widespread among the crops grown in calcareous and highly weathered acid soils. The deficiencies in these calcareous soils are often associated with iron deficiency as well and this can be corrected by application of acid producing fertilisers or use of amendments like gypsum or foliar application of zinc. Liming of soil and addressing antagonistic effect of specific ions are the corrective measures in acid soil. Medicinal plant response to zinc reflects that growth, yield and quality could be improved either by foliar or soil application of zinc. Foliar application is more beneficial under saline, sodic and calcareous soils. Medicinal plants respond well with zinc sulphate or chelated zinc than the other fertilisers. Applications of zinc with other fertilisers, biofertilisers and manures have synergetic effect on medicinal plant and improve its use efficiency. Zinc nutrition also reduces the adverse effect of salinity and other abiotic stresses.

2 tables, 70 ref

018126   Agnihotri P;Husain T (Biodiversity & Angiosperm Taxonomy, CSIR-National Botanical Research Institute (CSIR-NBRI), Rana Pratap Marg, Lucknow-226 001, Email: hustar_2000@yahoo.co.uk) : Supplement to the flora of Nainital, Uttarakhand. Indian For 2012, 138(9), 812-18.

Deals with taxa, which are additions to the flora of Nainital in Uttarakhand. Each species is provided with correct botanical name, important synonym (s), if any, diagnostic character, flowering and fruiting period and occurrence. Nomenclature for each species has been updated.

5 ref

018125   Agarwal P;Thakur S;Harsh N S K;Sharma A K (Forest Pathology Div, Forest Research Institute, Dehra Dun, Uttarakhand) : New disease of Uraria picta and its chemical control. Indian For 2012, 138(9), 863-4.

^ssc4 illus, 5 ref

018124   Agarwal P (Botany Dep, Government Girls' P.G. College, Fatehpur-212 601, Email: agarwalpoonamdr@gmail.com) : Effect of ethyl methane sulphonate (EMS) on alkaloid contents in Ageratum conyzoides Linn.. Med Pl 2012, 4(1), 52-3.

Seedlings of Ageratum conyzoides Linn, of Family Asteraceae were treated with various concentrations of Ethyl Methane Sulphpnate (EMS) to, record its effect on production of alkaloids. 0.5% EMS showed an appreciable change over the control and was effective concentration to increase the alkaloid contents in A. conyzoides Linn.

1 illus, 15 ref

017225   Zagami S E;Golmakani N;Kabirian M;Shakeri M T (Midwifery Dep, Faculty of Midwifery, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Mashhad University of Medical Science, Mashhad, Iran, Email: Golmakanin@mums.ac.ir) : Effect of dill (Anethum graveolens Linn.) seed on uterus contractions patten in active phase of labor. Indian J Tradl Knowledge 2012, 11(4), 602-6.

Dill is herbaceous and aromatic herb used in order to convenient and shorter labor in Iran. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of Dill seed on uterus contractions in active phase of labor. In this historical cohort study, 40 women used Dill seed infusion in the case group and 60 women used nothing in the control group. Interpretable electronic fetal monitoring was obtained for half an hour at the beginning of the active phase. The Fall: Rise ratio was calculated by measuring the duration of time for a contraction to return to its baseline from its peak (fall) divided to the duration of its rise time to its peak (rise).The number of contractions in the case group was significantly more than the control group. The ratio of contraction's fall time to its rise time in the case group was shorter than the control group. The study showed that Dill seed shortens duration of the first stage of labor. Since there is not enough information about correct amount and time for consuming this herb, more complete studies are needed.

3 tables, 29 ref

017224   Verma R S;Padalia R C;Chauhan A (NO, CSIR-Central Institute of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants, Research Cen, P.O. - Dairy Farm Nagla, Udham Singh Nagar, Uttarakhand-263 149, Email: rswaroop1979@yahoo.com) : Compositional analysis of the leaf and flower essential oils of Indian oregano (Origanum vulgare L.). J essential Oil Bearing Pl 2012, 15(4), 651-6.

Oregano (Origanum vulgare L.; family Lamiaceae) is an immersing aromatic crop for India. It finds lot of uses in food and flavour industries. Leaf and flower essential oils of O. vulgare, grown in Kumaon region of Uttarakhand (India) were investigated by gas chromatography (GC-FID) and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Altogether, fifty-eight constituents representing 95.5 % of leaf oil and forty-seven components constituted 94.4 % of the flower oil were identified. Leaf and flower essential oils were dominated by benzenoid compounds (57.5 and 66.4 %), followed by monoterpene hydrocarbons (12.6 and 13.6 %), aliphatic compounds (8.8 and 2.3 %), and oxygenated monoterpenes (8.0 and 4.7 %). Major components of leaf and flower essential oils were thymol (27.9 and 49.0 %), p-cymene (25.1 and 13.9 %), ?-terpinene (7.9 and 8.7 %), and 1-octen-3-ol (4.7 and 1.8 %).

1 table, 26 ref

017223   Velayudhan K C;Dishit N;Abdul Nsizar M (National Bureau of Plant Genetic Resources Regional Station, , Vellanikkara, Thrissur-680 656, Email: velagerm@gmail.com) : Ethnobotany of turmeric (Curcuma longa L.). Indian J Tradl Knowledge 2012, 11(4), 607-14.

This paper deals with the ethnobotany of turmeric (Curcuma longa L.) - an ancient crop having its origin and early domestication in South Asia and ethnobotanically very important. Due to its manifold uses in cultural and social life of ethnic people of Asia with special reference to South and South East Asia, has very early domestication and evolutionary history. In India, its history begins from time immemorial, probably much prior to the great Indus valley civilization. It is grown from time immemorial in Orissa. It has been mainly used as a colouring agent, a magic substance and a substance of religious importance and medicine from ancient times. Also, several other species of the genus Curcuma are economically useful. An attempt has been made in the paper to assemble information and elucidate the historical, legendary, religious, literary and mythological aspects substantiating logically the probable origin of the crop in India. Its ethnic connections in relation to its common usage in the sustenance of the primitive people from the pre-historical times are documented. The information given in the paper is mainly based on available literature and the passport information on the indigenous knowledge collected by the authors during survey and collection trips conducted and the PGR work carried out by the senior author on the genus Curcuma during the past 25 years.

1 table, 21 ref

017222   Usha V S;Jesudass L;Menon V S (NO, , B8 Bramin's Colony Kowdiar, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala) : Inventory of the climbers of the sacred groves of Thiruvananthapuram district, Kerala. Indian For 2012, 138(8), 758-60.

^ssc1 table, 3 ref

017221   Upreti D K;Tiwari P;Shukla P;Dwivedi A (Lichenology Laboratory, National Botanical Research Institute (CSIR-NBRI), Rana Pratap Marg, Lucknow-226 001, Email: upretidk@rediffmail.com) : Natural thalli and cultured mycobion of Usnea ghattensis G. Awasthi - A potential source of purple dye yielding lichen from India. Indian J nat Prod Resour 2012, 3(4), 489-92.

Usnea ghtattensis G. Awasthi and its cultured mycobiont were used to extract dye for silk fibre, using ammonia fermentation, boiling water and cow urine methods. Both natural thalli as well as lichen cultured mycobiont yield a Purple dye from ammonia fermentation method, while the other two methods produced light shade of colours. The dyed silk threads were evaluated for fastness properties by some treatments like effect of sunlight and detergent. Both natural lichen and cultured mycobiont dyes yield fast colour to the fibre.

1 illus, 1 table, 12 ref

017220   Udayan P S;Robi A J (Botany Dep, Sree Krishna College, Ariyannur P.O., Guruvayur, Thrissur-680 102, Email: psudayan@rediffmail.com) : Actinodaphne lawsonii Gamble & Apollonias arnotii Nees (lauraceae)-a new report to the state of Karnataka. Indian For 2012, 138(7), 662-4.

Botanical survey conducted in the Coorg district resulted in the collection of two Lauraceae species that are new distribution record to Karnataka state. Among them Actinodaphne lawsonii, is an endemic, vulnerable species collected from Talacuvery, after eighty-five years other than the Type collection.

^ssc2 illus, 7 ref

017219   Tripathi S N;Rai A N;Verma N K (Botany Dep, Dr. H S Gour University, Sagar-47000, Email: nkverma_mycology@yahoo.com) : Some additions to the hyphomycetes from central India. J Mycol Pl Pathol 2012, 42(2), 201-6.

The present communication deals with three new micro fungi collected from Nauradehi, Madhya Pradesh, India viz, Phaeoisariopsis neo-woodfordiae, Pseudocercospora zizyphus-jujubae and Sarcomella mairadejoocp;a omfectomg the infecting the leaves of (Linn.) Kurz. (Lythraceae), - Linn. (Rhamnaceae) and Roxb. (Ebenaceae) respectively. These have been described, illustrated and compared with the allied taxa for their distinct identity.

3 illus, 3 tables, 7 ref

017218   Sumanth M;Anusha;Swetha S (NO, Visveswarapura Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, 22nd Main, 24th Cross, BSK II Stage, Bangalore-560 070, Email: meerasumanth@gmail.com) : Elucidation of mechanism of anti-arthritic action of Arthosansar-a polyherbal formulation. Indian J Tradl Knowledge 2012, 11(4), 704-13.

To elucidate the mechanism of anti-arthritic action of the Arthosansar, a polyherbal formulation has proven anti-arthritic activity. The mechanism is elucidated by emphasizing on immunomodulation, anti-inflammatory and analgesic action. The study is carried out using CFA induced arthritis in rats, carrageenan induced peritonitis in mice, inflammation induced by various phlogistic agents in rats, acetic acid induced writhing in mice and tail-immersion test in mice. Arthosansar significantly (P<60>0.001) inhibited proliferation of lymphocytes in CFA induced arthritic rats. Arthosansar significantly (P<60>0.001) inhibited neutrophil infiltration in carrageenan induced peritonitis in mice, inhibited the release of inflammatory mediators (PGs, histamine, 5-HT and bradykinin) and pain mediated through these mediators in acetic acid induced writhing test. Arthosansar also showed significant (P<60>0.001) increase in latency period in tail immersion test in mice. Arthosansar exhibits anti-arthritic activity by. (a) Inhibiting lymphocyte proliferation (b) Inhibiting production of IF- , TNF- , IL-2 (c) Inhibiting release of inflammatory mediators PGs, histamine, 5-HT and bradykinin (d) Exhibits antinociceptive action through opioid receptors and by promoting release of endogenous peptides.

10 illus, 5 tables, 22 ref

017217   Sringeswara A N;Vishwanath S (Forestry and Environmental Science Dep, Agricultural Sciences Univ, GKVK Campus, Bengaluru, Karnataka-560 065, Email: ansringesh@gmail.com) : Note on Diploprora championii (Lindl. ex Benth.) Hook.f. (orchidaceae)- an interesting orchid from Karnataka, India. J Threatened Taxa 2011, 3(2), 1550-2.

^ssc1 illus, 9 ref

017216   Sivaraj N;Pandravada S R;Jairam R;Sunil N; Varaprasad K S;Ramesh P;Bisht I S;Pareek S K (National Bureau of Plant Genetic Resources, , Regional Station, Rajendranagar, Hyderabad-500 030, Email: sivarajn@gmail.com) : Indigenous cost effective innovation for bird scares by the Gond tribe in Adilabad district, Andhra Pradesh. Indian J Tradl Knowledge 2012, 11(4), 714-18.

Indigenous cost effective innovation developed and used for bird scare by the Gond tribal community living in Adilabad district of Andhra Pradesh, is described. The objective of the study is to record innovative traditional practices related to agriculture prevailing among the tribal communities in the Adilabad district, Andhra Pradesh.

2 illus, 9 ref

017215   Singh R (Botany Dep, Govt P.G. (Autonomous) College, Satna, Madhya Pradesh, Email: drrashmisingh2011@yahoo.com) : Ethno-medicinally important tree species in and around district Satna (M.P.). Life Sci Bull 2012, 9(1), 193-6.

Natural plant heritage may be used as an important tool in shaping the economical up keeping of the tribals, if managed in a proper way. Climate and topographic diversity of Satna district provides a variety of habitats for the luxuriant growth of potential medicinal species. About Fifty two ethno-medicinally important tree species belonging to 25 families were recorded with the help of tribal people and village medicine-men of district Satna. The study indicates that the traditional knowledge and culture is alive and well functioning in the remote area of our country. The survey of the area shows that the important plant species are declining at a faster rate because of overexploitation for their economic values and environmental disturbances.

1 table, 8 ref

017214   Singh A;Tewari V;Mohan J (Botany Dep, D.G. (P.G.) College, Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh, Email: archanasingh248@gmail.com) : Algal flora (Cyanophyceae) of river Ganga at barrage ghat, Kanpur (U.P.). Life Sci Bull 2012, 9(1), 181-4.

Study of the occurrence and periodicity of algal samples reveal that distribution of algae found in Ganga water at Barrage mainly belongs to class Cyanophyceae. The results showed an interesting relationship among the species of algae growing in the Ganga river water. Fourteen taxa of fresh water cyanobacteria were collected from river Ganga at Barrage Ghat, Kanpur. These taxa belongs to ten genera viz., Aphanocapsa montana, Merismopedia glauca, Coelasphaerium kuetzingianum, Spirulina subtilissima, Spirulina subsalsa, Oscillatoria curviceps, Oscillatoria chlorina, Oscillatoria acuta, Phormidium ambiguum, Phormidium anomala, Lyngbya hieronymusii, Nostoc muscorum, Anabaena iyengrii and Rivularia hansgirgi were recorded.

1 illus, 1 table, 13 ref

017213   Singh A K;Verma N;Tyagi V;Dimree S (ICAR Reaserch Complex for Eastern Region, , Patna-800 014) : Indian needs of crop genetic resources setting priority. Prog Agric 2011, 11(1), 1-16.

National Bureau of Plant Genetic Resources (NBPGR) New Delhi is nodal organization engaged the various activities related to enrichment of plant genetic resources in the country. Acquisition of more exotic germplasm as early as possible has become the priority due to latest development under convention on Biological Diversity and other International treaties and laws, which makes flow of genetic resources bit more difficult than it was ever before enforcement of new laws. The germplasm/genetic material contain promising traits related to yield & yield attributing characters, quality character and also resistance to various biotic and aiotic stresses. Germplasm of diverse crops were required for our National needs which will further distributed to various potential users (breeders/crop improvement workers) in the country for its evaluation and further utilization in their ongoing/crop improvement works for our food and nutritional security. An effort has been made to prioritize the Indian needs of crop genetic resources in this presentation.

8 ref

017212   Shrivastava A K;Dewangan N;Shrivastava R; Chandrakar B (Botany Dep, Govt. D.T. College, Utai Durg, Chhattisgarh, Email: aksbotany@gmail.com) : Isolation and characterization of plant growth promoting rhizobacteria associated with Vitex negundo. Life Sci Bull 2012, 9(1), 197-9.

Vitex negundo Linn. belonging to family Lamiaceae is credited with innumerable medicinal qualities validated by modern science and used since ancient time. Vitex commonly known as the five leaved chaste tree or Nirgundi is a large aromatic shrub. Natives of Chhattisgarh are well aware of various properties and use of Nirgundi plant from many generations. The present paper deals with the study of the plant growth promoting rhizobacteria of Nirgundi plant. Total number of 13 isolates of rhizobacteria was isolated, out of which 9 isolates were found to show amylase positive reaction, 2 were found to show urea degrading enzyme urease production and 2 were catalase positive. All the thirteen isolates show gram's positive reaction.

2 tables, 9 ref

017211   Sharma S K;Kalia S (SLEM Project, Directorate of Extension, Indian Council of Forestry Research & Education, Dehradun, Uttarakhand) : Tissue culture of 40 year old clump of Bambusa nutans Munro culture. Indian For 2012, 138(6), 562-6.

Nodal segments taken from 40 yr old clump were surface sterilized using 0.1% (w/v) HgCI₂ solution for 15-20 minutes and placed aseptically on media supplemented with 7.5 μM BAP for bud break (79.16±7.22) and it was observed within a period of two weeks. Sprouted shoots were excised along with small piece of mother tissue and kept on medium supplemented with 5.0 μM BAP for multiplication for 4-5 subculture cycles. Bunch of three shoots exhibited faster shoot multiplication when cultured on multiplication media. During multiplication phase, BAP alone proved to be superior to kinetin. Microshoots exhibited higher rooting percentages on media supplemented with IBA than other auxins (IAA or NAA). Effective IBA concentration was found to be 10 μM on which 72.22% of propagules rooted. Hardening was effectively carried out on half strength MS media without growth regulators, vitamins and sucrose. Success was achieved in acclimatizing 73.33% rooted propagules on mixture carrying potting mix of sand: FYM: Soil in 1:1:1 in poly-tunnels. Acclimatized plantlets were successfully transplanted to pots.

3 illus, 3 tables, 13 ref

017210   Shaikh M (Botany Dep, P.M.B. Gujarati Science College, Indore, Madhya Pradesh, Email: shaikhmujaffar@gmail.com) : Flora of east Nimar region, Madhya Pradesh. Life Sci Bull 2012, 9(1), 187-90.

East Nimar region comprises of two districts namely Khandwa and Burhanpur. It is situated between 21°5'-22°25' North latitude and 75°57'- 77°13' East longitude. The rocks are of Bijaver and Lameta formations. The vegetation is broadly divided into forest, grassland and hydrophyticcategories. Under climax forest vegetation, two broad types were recognized i.e., teak forest and mixed forest. Its flora was poorly documented. Therefore floristic surveys were carried out between 2006-2010. Which resulted in record of total of 1110 Angiosperm taxa. They fall under 593 genera and 130 families, bringing out of the genus species ratio as 1:1.87. The ten dominant families were Poaceae (162 taxa), Fabaceae (102), Cyperaceae (59), Asteraceae (53), Acanthaceae (43), Euphorbiaceae (40), Convolvulaceae & Lamiaceae (27 taxa each), Malvaceae (26), Scrophulariaceae (25) and Rubiaceae (22). The life forms were harbaceous with (62.78%), trees (15.94%), climbers (12.34%) and shrubs species (7.38%).

1 illus, 1 table, 11 ref

017209   Sarkar P K;Prajapati P K;Pillai A P G;Chauhan M G (Rasashastra Dep, J B Roy State Ayurvedic Medical College and Hospital, 170-172, Raja Dinendra Street, Kolkata-700 004, Email: prasantaksarkar@yahoo.com) : Pharmacognosy of aconite sold under the name Vatsanabha in Indian market. Indian J Tradl Knowledge 2012, 11(4), 685-96.

Aconite is one of the lethal poisons used in therapeutics of Ayurveda. It is sold under the name of Vatsanabha in Indian market. The aconite is generally found as mixture of different species of Aconitum, due to the close morphological similarity of the different species of aconites. The aims of the study were to identify different species of Aconitum present in the market samples of Vatsanabha and to find out the authentic species of Vatsanabha, i.e. Aconitum chasmanthum Stapf. ex Holmes in the market sample. Vatsanabha was sold from Indian markets and was identified by means of macroscopic and microscopic studies and by TLC profile. It was found that `Vatsanabha' of Indian market is mixture of 8 species of Aconitum, 6 of these were identified as A. spicatum Stapf., A. falconeri Stapf., A. chasmanthum Stapf. ex Holmes, A. laciniatum Stapf., A. balfourii Holmes ex Stapf. and A. deinorrhizum Holmes ex Stapf. A. chasmanthum Stapf. ex Holmes species is rarely available in market samples.

29 illus, 17 ref

017208   Saika P;Khan M L (Forestry Dep, North Eastern Regional Institute of Science and Technology, Deemed Uni, Nirjuli-791 109) : Phenology, seed biology and seedling survival and growth of Aquilaria malaccensis: a highly exploited and red listed tree species of Northeast India. Indian For 2012, 138(3), 289-95.

Life history of Aquilaria malaccensis including its phenology, seed production, size, weight, moisture concent, viability, germination, seedling growth and survival was studied. It was found that 70.5% fruits were two seeded leaving the rests as one seeded. Seed production was found variable among different trees and individual tree can produce 5,092 to 16,660 seeds per year. Most of the seeds were having weight range between 0.014 and 0.251 gm and diameter between 3.86 mm and 5.50 mm. Tetrazolium test of freshly collected seeds showed 100% viability which decreased with the increase in storage duration. Germination started after 7 days of sowing and continues up to 45 days. Both the mean seasonal survival rate and growth rate of seedlings in terms of collar diameter was highest in 50 % irradiance level followed by 25 % and 75 % irradiance level and survival was maximum during February to April (98 % ± 0.88) and lowest during May to July (90 % ± 4.53) but, growth was highest during May to July (34.47 % ± 5.02) and lowest during November to January (20.56 % ± 4.38) in all the three irradiance levels of the mist house. Findings of the present report may be helpful in developing protocols for large scale production of planting stocks and proper management of the species with immense economic importance with extinction risk.

6 illus, 1 table, 39 ref

017207   Said Hassani M;Zainati I;Zrira S;Mahdi S; Sukessou M (Faculte des Sciences et Techniques, Universite des Comores, B.P. 2052, Moroni, Comoros Islands) : Chemical composition and antimicrobial activity of Plectranthus amboinicus (Lour) spring essential oil from archipelago of comoros. J essential Oil Bearing Pl 2012, 15(4), 637-44.

Essential oil was isolated by hydrodistillation of Plectranthus amboinicus (Lour) Spring. dried leaves from Archipelago of Comoros. The oil was analyzed by capillary GC and GC-MS. Carvacrol (23.0 %), camphor (22.2 %), δ-3-carene (15.0 %), μ-terpinene (8.4 %), O-cymene (7.7 %) and α-terpinene (4.8 %) were the major constituents of the oil. The antibacterial activity of P. amboinicus (Lour.) Spring. leaves essential oil was investigated using agar gel diffusion. The results obtained showed that the essential oil of P. amboinicus (Lour.) Spring. exhibited more antibacterial activity on positive Gram (+) (Staphylococcus aureus) than on negative Gram (-) (Escherichia coli). The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) was 0.2 % and 0.1 % for Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus, respectively.

5 tables, 20 ref

017206   Safeer R;Sharma J R (NO, Botanical Survey of India, Dehradun, Uttarakhand) : Record of wood-rotting mycoflora from Rajaji National Park, Uttarakhand. Indian For 2012, 138(3), 296-303.

Present paper deals with the study of wood-rotting fungi from Rajaji National Park, Uttarakhand. The data is based on collections made from August to November 2009-2010. The paper includes 43 species of wood-rotting fungi under 19 genera belonging to the order Aphyllophorales.

6 ref

017205   Safeer R;Sharma J R (NO, Botanical Survey of India, Dehradun-248 195) : Genus Phellinus Quel. in Rajaji National Park, Uttarakhand. Indian For 2012, 138(8), 747-52.

In this presentation, a list of 21 species of Phellinus collected and studied from Rajaji National Park, Uttarakhand is given. The data is based on collections made from August 2009 to October 2011.

^ssc8 illus, 11 ref

017204   Refaat J;Kamel M S;Ramadan M A;Ali A A (Pharmacognosy Dep, Faculty of Pharmacy, Minia Univ, Minia-61519, Egypt, Email: johnrefaat82@yahoo.com) : Crinum; an endless source of bioactive principles: a review, part II. Crinum alkaloids: crinine-type alkaloids. Int J pharm Sci Res 2012, 3(9), 3091-100.

Crinum is a genus of about 130 species belonging to family Amaryllidaceae with wide geographical distribution throughout the tropics, subtropics and warm temperate regions of the world. These plants are not only showy ornamentals but they possess significant folkloric and commercial reputation as well. Long ago, Crinums have been subjected to extensive chemical, cytological and pharmacological investigations. Phytochemical investigations have resulted in isolation of several diverse classes of phytocompounds and have been focused predominantly on alkaloids. The present part of our review work about the phytochemical, biological and toxicological studies on Crinums summarizes crinine-type alkaloids isolated up to now as well as their structural and stereochemical differences, in addition to their distribution in different Crinum species.

1 illus, 1 table, 65 ref

017203   Razvi S;Prasad S;Nautiyal S (Plant Physiology Discipline, Botany Div, Forest Research Institute, Dehradun-248 006) : Seed germination in four Rhododendron species of Garhwal Himalayas. Indian For 2012, 138(3), 284-8.

Seed germination studies in four Rhododendron species were carried out in BOD incubator at 20°C ± 1°C temperature under continuous light as well as in open laboratory conditions at 25°C±2°C temperature. In BOD incubator, maximum 76.25% germination was recorded in the seeds of Rhododendron anthopogon followed by 61.5% in R. campanulatum and 59.25% in R. barbatum with 59.25% while minimum 53.5% was recorded in R. arboreum. However, in open lab conditions (25°C ± 2°C), maximum germination 56.5% was recorded in Rhododendron anthopogon followed by 47.5% in R. barbatum and minimum 41.0% in R. campanulatum. Highest number of seed per capsule was observed in R. campanulautum (900-1100) followed by R. arboreum (850-1000), R. barbatum (300-400) and R. anthopogon (350-450). Maximum seed length 2.93 mm and seed width 1 mm was observed in Rhododendron barbatum followed by R. campanulatum (2.04 and 0.63 mm) and R. arboreum (1.71 mm and 0.63 mm) while, minimum (1.04 mm and 0.47 mm) was recorded in R. anthopogon.

4 tables, 8 ref

017202   Ranjana Devi Y;Rupachandra Singh L; Kunjeshwori Devi S (Basic Sciences and Humanities Dep, College of Agricultural Engineering and Post Harvest Technology, Centr, Gangtok-737 135, Email: y_ranjana@yahoo.co.in) : Indigenous knowledge of oak tasar silk cocoon cooking and a method of its improvement using pineapple extract. Indian J Tradl Knowledge 2012, 11(4), 724-6.

Oak tasar (Antheraea proylei J.) cocoons are difficult to reel due to high amounts of protein tannin complexes. Traditionally the tasar cocoons are cooked in an earthen pot for 5-6 hrs with approximately 1 % sodium carbonate or are cooked for 24 hrs with ashes of paddy husk and banana leaf. Cocoons are then reeled in semi-moist condition on an inverted face of an earthen pot or on thigh of the reeler. This traditional method employed gives relatively low reeling performance and low fuel efficiency. To overcome the drawbacks of the traditional methods, studies were carried out to develop a novel, simple, economic and effective oak tasar cocoon cooking and reeling method readily accessible to the common tasar silk reelers and weavers using pineapple extract which is abundantly available in the North eastern states of India. The proteolytic activity of the pineapple extract helps in partial solubilisation of the proteinaceous silk gum (sericin) involved in binding the silk (fibroin) strands together in silkworm cocoon. Cocoon cooking by the standardized enzymatic procedure developed during the present investigation, viz. pressure cooking for 30 minutes and soaking in pineapple extract for 12 hrs at room temperature gives a very high reeling performance as compared to traditional method.

1 table, 16 ref

017201   Rana C S;Tiwari J K;Danwal L R;Sundriyal R C (NO, Herbal Research and Development Institute (HRDI), Mandal-Gopeshwar-246 401) : Herbal remedies for sexual capability. Indian J Tradl Knowledge 2012, 11(4), 646-51.

Present paper document folklore medicines used by the tribal communities inhabiting in buffer zone of Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve, Uttarakhand. The field work was carried out among the tribes viz. Bhotiyas, Tolchhas and among the general inhabitants living in the vicinity of the forests and remote localities. These communities utilize plants and plant products as aphrodisiac medicine. This paper deals with 17 significant medicinal plants belonging to 16 genera and 14 families used by the local community for the treatment of sexual incapability.

9 illus, 13 ref

017200   Ramachandran V S;Thomas B;Sofiya C;Sasi R (Taxonomy and Floristic Laboratory, Botany Dep, Bharathiar Univ, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu-641 046, Email: vsrbotany@gmail.com) : Rediscovery of an endemic plant Caralluma diffusa (wight)N.E.Br. (asclepiadaceae) from Coimbatore district, Tamil Nadu, India, after 160 years. J Threatened Taxa 2011, 3(3), 1622-3.

1 illus, 11 ref

017199   Rajurkar S K;Tambe S S;Kadam V B (P.G. Botany Dep, Deogiri College, Aurangabad, Maharashtra, Email: suchitra.rajukar@yahoo.com) : Incidence of verticillium rot on banana (Musa paradisica, L.). Life Sci Bull 2012, 9(1), 145-7.

Aerial dissemination of spores of Verticillium, causes fruit rot of Banana (Musa paradisica L.). It was studied by using Tilak air sampler for a period of one year (1st July,2006 to 31 June, 2007). Symptoms produced by Verticillium species different in nature than the earlier reported species. During present investigation incidence of Verticillium has been undertaken and studies were conducted on same aspect.

3 illus, 2 tables, 9 ref

017198   Rajan I;Remitha R;Jayasree P R;Manish Kumar P R (Biotechnology Dep, Calicut Univ, Malappuram-673 635, Email: manishramakrishnan@rediffmail.com) : Cell cycle inhibitory effects of leaf extract from Curcuma vamana M. Sabu & Mangaly on mitotically synchronous cultures of Physarum polycephalum Schw.. Indian J expl Biol 2013, 51(1), 81-7.

Leaf extracts of C. vamana, endemic to Kerala state in India, were found to inhibit cell cycle progression in synchronous cultures of P. polycephalum in a concentration and phase-specific manner. Crude alkaloid extract (CAE) elicited maximum cell cycle delays in comparison to soxhletted chloroform, acetone and aqueous extracts. Total alkaloid content of CAE was found to be 64.9 mg/g. CAE showed lowest DPPH radical scavenging activity. Other extracts with higher free radical scavenging activity exhibited lesser cell cycle inhibiting potential. Upto 21% decrease in nuclear DNA was observed in CAE treated samples. However, genotoxicity as evidenced by comet assay was not observed. The extracts were also found to be non-toxic to human RBCs at the highest concentration tested (750 μg/mL). CAE treatment completely suppressed a 63 kDa polypeptide with a concomitant, but weak induction of a 60 kDa polypeptide suggesting that these may be cell cycle related. CAE was found to possess potent antiproliferative activity against PBLs. The study clearly demonstrates the cell cycle inhibitory activity of C. vamana leaf extracts, with CAE being the most potent of them.

5 illus, 34 ref

017197   Rahimi-Nasrabadi M;Nazarian S;Pourmortazavi S M;Ahmadi F;Pourmohamadian S;Shabani M;Batooli H (Chemistry Dep, Imam Hossein University, Tehran, Iran, Email: kpmrahimi@ihu.ac.ir) : Antibacterial activity of the essential oil and mehtanol extract of Eucalyptus procera leaves from the central of Iran. J essential Oil Bearing Pl 2012, 15(4), 672-7.

Present study describes the antibacterial activities of essential oil and methanol extract of Eucalyptus procera leaves. The antibacterial activities of essential oil and methanol extract of E. procera has been investigated against Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Bacillus subtilis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia Coli, Salmonella typhimurium. The essential oil and polar and nonpolar subfraction of methanol extract showed good antibacterial activity against both Gram (+) and Gram (-) microorganism except for P. aeruginosa and S. typhimurium (with MIC <60> 500.0 μg mL^-1). Our findings demonstrate that the essential oil and methanol extract of E. procera possess antimicrobial activities that might be a natural potential source of preservative used in food and other allied industries.

1 table, 26 ref

017196   Prasad K S;Biju P;Raveendran K (P.G. Studies & Research in Botany Dep, Sir Syed College, Taliparamba, Kannur-670 142, Email: prasadks.1090@rediffmail.com) : Flemingia tuberosa Dalz. (fabaceae)- a new addition to the flora of Kerala, India. J Threatened Taxa 2011, 3(2), 1548-9.

^ssc10 ref

017195   Potdar G G (Botany Dep, Yashwantrao Chavan College of Science, Karad, Vidyanagar Karad, Dist. Satara-415 124, Email: girishpotdar@yahoo.com) : Eriocaulon rajendrababui Ansari & Balakr. (eriocaulaceae): a new record for Maharashtra state. Indian For 2012, 138(8), 761-2.

^ssc1 illus, 18 ref

017194   Pawar B T;Papdiwal P B (Botany Dep, Shri Muktanand College, Gangapur, Dist. Aurangabad, Maharashtra, Email: pbpapdiwal@yahoo.co.in) : Antibacterial activity of some stem bark extracts against Xanthomonas campestris pv. Mangiferaeindicae. Life Sci Bull 2012, 9(1), 177-8.

Mango bacterial canker disease (MBCD) caused by Xanthomonas campestrispv. mangiferaeindicae (Xcmi) is one of the important disease of mango, affecting a number of commercial cultivars. The pathogen affects different plant parts like leaf, stem and fruit. Favorable environmental conditions cause severe loss to the crop. The in vitro studies have been performed by using cup-plate method to examine the antibacterial activity of some bark extracts. Bark extracts of 6 plants were screened against 11 strains of Xcmi. Out of 6, only the bark extract of Azadirachta indica showed antibacterial activity against the Xcmi strains under investigation.

1 table, 12 ref

017193   Pande P K;Rawat L (Wood Anatomy Discipline, Botany Div, Forest Research Institute, Dehradun-248 006) : Intra, inter-tree and inter-location variations in wood anatomical traits and specific gravity in seed raised plantations of Dalbergia sissoo Roxb. Indian For 2012, 138(6), 555-61.

Deals with intra-, inter-tree and inter-location variations in wood anatomical traits and specific gravity in seed raised plantations of Dalbergia sissoo Roxb. The materials were procured from State Forest Department, Punjab. The sites were located at Kharkan, Hoshiarpur (Site-l), Dhirowal, Hosiyarpur (Site-ll), Kamalpur, Amritsar (Site-Ill) and Dharmkot, Ferozpur (site-IV). In all 12 tress were considered for the study. Intra-tree, both axial and radial, and inter-tree variations were significant for most of the wood traits except wall thickness and specific gravity for intra-tree radial variations. The increasing trend was obtained from pith to periphery and bottom to top for most of the wood traits. F-test showed that variations due to site were significant for wood anatomical parameters and specific gravity. It indicates that site had impact on wood anatomical properties and specific gravity. The sites of lower rain fall showed higher wood anatomical dimensions. Further, the trees of different sites were clustered together and indicated the influence of genetics on the wood traits. It showed that genetic diversity played an important role even at the similar type of environment for wood-traits in seed raised plantations of Dalbergia sissoo.

2 illus, 4 tables, 30 ref

017192   Nawar K;Sharma O P (Botany Dep, Govt. College, Bundi, Rajasthan, Email: kapil.nawar@yahoo.com) : Medicinal plants in Rameshwar of Bundi (Rajasthan). Life Sci Bull 2012, 9(1), 191-2.

Present work deals with medicinal plants of Rameshwar of Bundi district, South-East Rajasthan observed during December, 2009 to March, 2011. Ethno medicinal studies have been made by the survey of the region during different season. This studies describes 18 medicinal plant species used by tribal and folk people of the region.

8 ref

017191   Mondal S;Rahaman C H (Botany Dep, Visva-Bharati, Santiniketan-731 235, Email: habibur_cr@yahoo.co.in) : Medicinal plants used by the tribal people of Birbhum district of West Bengal and Dumka district of Jharkhand in India. Indian J Tradl Knowledge 2012, 11(4), 674-9.

3 illus, 3 tables, 23 ref

017190   Mohammadhosseini M;Nekoei M;Ali Mashayekhi H; Aboli J (Chemistry Dep, Shahrood Branch, Islamic Azad University, Shahrood, Iran, Email: mohammadhosseini@yahoo.com) : Chemical composition of the essential oil from flowers, leaves and stems of Haplophyllum perforatum by using head space solid phase microextraction. J essential Oil Bearing Pl 2012, 15(4), 506-15.

Head-space volatiles separated from flowers, leaves and stems of Haplophyllum perforatum, a growing wild plant collected in the Golestan Province of Iran were investigated. A 100 μm polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) fiber was conditioned to trap the volatiles prior to GC and GC-MS analyses. Sabinene (52.7 %, 24.7 %, and 26.2 %) and trans-carryophyllene (10.8 %, 35.6 %, and 8.8 %) were the main constituents in the flower, leaf, and stem oils of H. perforatum, respectively. The other components in the flower oil of the plant were (2E,6E)-farnesyl aceton (10.3 %), hexadecanoic acid (5.1 %), β-pinene (5.0 %) and cis-sabinene hydrate (4.9 %). Moreover, elemol (17.4 %), α-humulene (4.6 %), α-pinene (4.5 %) and 1,8-cineol (4.3 %) were found in the leave oil as well as camphor (7.4 %), limonene (6.3 %), elemol (5.0 %), β-phellandrene (4.9 %) and α-pinene (4.6 %) in the stem oil. The oils of flower and stem were consisted mainly of monoterpene hydrocarbons while the leave oil was characterized by sesquiterpene hydrocarbons as the main constituents.

3 illus, 3 tables, 32 ref

017189   Misra R C;Sanjeet Kumar;Pani D R;Bhandari D C (National Bureau of Plant Genetic Resources, , Base Centre, CRRI Campus, Cuttack-753 006, Email: rcmisranbpgr@gmail.com) : Empirical tribal claims and correlation with bioactive compounds: a study on Celastrus paniculata willd., a vulnerable medicinal plant of Odisha. Indian J Tradl Knowledge 2012, 11(4), 615-22.

The present study elucidates the indigenous use of various parts of Celastrus paniculata Willd. as divulged from the structured interview and cross verification with 26 tribal informants of 19 villages of 6 dominant tribes of Odisha. Further, it highlights the establishment of correlation between the reported tribal claims and presence of such causal bioactive compounds to justify their rationale through phytochemical testing and published literature.

4 illus, 4 tables, 53 ref

017188   Misra M K;Panda A;Sahu D (Ecology & Floristic Laboratory, PG Botany Dep, Berhampur University, Berhampur-760 007, Email: malayakmisra@rediffmail.com) : Survey of useful wetland plants of South Odisha, India. Indian J Tradl Knowledge 2012, 11(4), 658-60.

Paper reports useful wetland plants (except medicinal plants) of South Odisha, a part of the Eastern Ghats region, India. The survey was conducted during 2005-2008 and the collected specimens were deposited in the Herbarium of the Botany Department, Berhampur University (BOTB). Ethnobotanical data were collected through interview with elderly people of the area. The result revealed that 61 wetland plants under 47 genera and 23 families were under use by the local inhabitants for food (25 species), fodder (23 species), mat and basket weaving (7 species), thatching material (5 species), fuel (2 species) and other miscellaneous uses (16 species). Out of the total taxa, 38 species are Dicotyledons under 30 genera and 8 families, and 21 species are Monocotyledons under 15 genera and 13 families. Two species belong to Pteridophytes. Conservation of wetland and wetland plants is suggested.

8 illus, 31 ref

017187   Mishra R;Tiwari A K;Singh S;Tripathi R C (JRD Tata Foundation for Research in Ayurveda and Yoga Sci, Deendayal Research Institute, Chitrakoot, Satna, Madhya Pradesh, Email: ritumishra89@yahoo.com) : Pharmacognostical studies of the fruit and root of Ficus racemosa. Life Sci Bull 2012, 9(1), 156-60.

Present study deals with the scientific validation of Ficus racemosa Linn. with special reference to its pharmacognostical and phytochemical investigations. This is commonly known as gular, fig and is known to have medicinal properties, also even used as home remedies in the rural and the remotest parts of the India. The fruit of Ficus racemosa Linn. is medicinally more used for the treatment of diabetes, diarrhoea, dyspepsia, menorrhagia, haemoptysis, intrinsic haemorrhage, excessive thirst, visceral obstructions. Root is used in diabetes and usefullyapplied in cases of mumps and other inflammatory glandular enlargements. Therefore an attempt has been made to carried out the detailed quality control and assurance of the drug followed by HPTLC profiles, botanical identification, physico-chemical analysis, preliminary phytochemical studies and microbial screening of drug to get authentic therapeutic value.

6 illus, 5 tables, 11 ref

017186   Mejri J;Abderrabba M;Mejri M (Unite de Recherche en Physico-chimie Moleculaire, Institute Preparatoire des Etudes Scientifiques et Techniques, IPEST,, , Email: jmejri2001@yahoo.fr) : Investigation and modeling of extraction parameters of Ruta chalepensis L. essential oil. J essential Oil Bearing Pl 2012, 15(4), 516-25.

To evaluate the effects of hydrodistillation parameters and the vegetative cycle of the plant (Ruta chalepensis L.) on the global essential oil yield the response surface methodology was used. The parameters tested are the volume of water in the suspension to be distilled and the time of distillation. The third parameter is the vegetative cycle of the plant. The responses were the global extraction yield and the extraction yield of following essential oil compounds: 2-undecanone, 2-decanone, 2-dodecanone and 2- tridecanone. The optimal conditions selected for the total output of the extraction obtained from the analysis of the response surfaces are: time of distillation: 120 minutes; volume of water in the suspension to be distilled: 500 ml; stage of vegetation: January (young growths). The results show that the time of distillation and the stage of vegetation are the parameters more meaning on the global essential oil yield.

1 illus, 6 tables, 23 ref

017185   Mathur A;Joshi H (NO, G.B. Pant University of Agriculture & Technology, House No. 1331, Technology, Pantnagar-263 145) : Traditional remedies in tarai region of Kumaun, Uttarakhand. Indian J Tradl Knowledge 2012, 11(4), 652-7.

Floristic survey of ethnomedicinal plants was conducted in the Tarai region of Kumaun, Uttarakhand. The study was conducted during 2008 to 2011 to assess the traditional uses of plant resources of this area. The study area was divided in three sites and eight communities and the study was conducted through extensive and intensive explorations during different seasons (i.e., summer, rainy, winter and spring) of the year. A total of 41 Angiospermic plants species belonging to 27 families being used for traditional remedies are reported. Details of plant parts, methods of preparation and mode of utilization are also presented. The information on traditional knowledge was gathered through exhaustive interviews with local people as well as migrants of distant places of different gender and class settled in the area. Although people of Tarai region used these plant species for 45 traditional remedies for a long time on trial and error basis, further research and scientific examination is recommended for these traditional remedies.

1 illus, 1 table, 26 ref