016240   Shukla A N;Singh K P (Botanical Survey of India, Northern Regional Centre, Dehra Dun, Uttarrakhand) : Contribution to the flora of Achanakmar-Amarkantak Biosphere Reserve, Central India. Indian For 2012, 138(1), 22-6.

The paper enumerates 137 taxa as new to the flora of Achanakmar-Amarkantak Biosphere Reserve. Correct nomenclature, family name, locality and field number of each taxon has been provided.

1 table, 15 ref

016239   Shailendra Kumar;Chauhan A K S (Botany Dep, J.L.N. (PG) College, Etah-207 001) : Combating different male sex conditions and women problems through folk medicines in Bharatpur region of Rajasthan, India. Hippocratic J Unani med 2011, 6(3), 65-80.

Present paper provides folk information on 45 ethnomedicinal plants growing in Bharatpur region of Rajasthan, used by local inhabitants to combat many male sex conditions, women-gynaecological and few livestock problems. The Information provides botanical names, family, mode of application, name of disease and conditions etc. in an attempt to provide lead material for the discovery of new drugs to combat such ailments effectively. The study is a part of ongoing investigations on the study area.

1 illus, 1 table, 36 ref

016238   Shaheen R;Mishra A (NO, National Bureau of Plant Genetic Resources, New Delhi-12, Email: reshmaisrar@yahoo.com) : Herbal cure of diabetes: at a glance. J Econ Taxon Bot 2011, 35(4), 648-51.

Diabetes is a chronic (lifelong) disease marked by high levels of sugar in the blood. Discusses some important plants used as a cure of diabetes.

1 ref

016237   Samanta A K;Panda S (Botany Dep, Ramnagar College, Depal, East Midnapore-721 453, Email: achintyaksamanta@gmail.com ) : Diversity in angiospermic climbers in Midnapore districts, West Bengal. J Econ Taxon Bot 2011, 35(4), 715-26.

Exploration in both East and West Midnapore districts of West Bengal recorded as many as 108 species of climbing plants. Of them, 96 species are dicotyledonous, 11 species are monocotyled-onous, and Lygodium pinnatifidum is the only pteridophytic species occurring in the districts. In the present study, have been mainly considered the climbing plants growing naturally in forests. However, the cultivated ones have also been included in making a comprehensive list of climbers growing in this bio-zone. The paper enumerates their forms, frequency, local uses and medicinal applications. Among the climber forms, the twiner comprises the highest number of species (55 out of 108 species, i.e. 50.93%). Dextrorse and sinistrorse modes were determined for a few climber species. Mikania micrantha appears to be a predominant weed, and Bauhinia vahlii, Celastrus paniculatus, Dalbergia volubilis and Solena amplexicaulis were found to be very rare in the districts. The data on rarity of some climbers might be helpful for taking necessary measures for their conservation.

1 illus, 4 tables, 26 ref

016236   Saeb K;Kakouei A;Hajati R J;Pourshamsian K; Babakhani B (Environment Dep, Tonekabon Branch, Islamic Azad Univ, Tonekabon, Iran, Email: keivan.saeb@tonekaboniau.ac.ir) : Investigating the effect of height on essential oils of Urtica diocia L. (case study: Ramsar, Mazandaran, Iran). Oriental J Chem 2011, 27(4), 1345-50.

Urtica Diocia L. from the Urticaceae family is a plant of herbal value and of a noticeable distribution in the north of Iran. The growth of different plants in various natural environments and ecosystems seems to be affected by factors such as the height (from sea surface). To investigate the effect of height on Urtica Diocia L. medicine compounds in its natural environment, three areas with the height of zero, 800 and 1800m were selected. The samples were randomly gathered three times and were dried; also, their compounds was extracted using the Clivenger with the water-distilling method. To determine the medicine compounds, the GC-MS as well as the GC machines were used. The analysis of variance was done in the form of the random-full-block design. The results indicated that there was a significant difference between the percent of EOs in the selected heights; however, such difference was not significant within each height. From among the eight flavors of the study, the Phytol compound was more in terms of percentage. By increasing the height the percent of EOs would decrease, lower heights could be considered most appropriate for producing the studied effective materials despite of the moistened climate and soil there.

1 illus, 3 tables, 22 ref

016235   Roy D;Mukherjee S K (Taxonomic & Biosystematics Laboratory, Botany Dep, Kalyani Univ, Kalyani-741 235, Email: sobhankr@yahoo.com) : Diversity of trees in Kalyani township in West Bengal. J Econ Taxon Bot 2011, 35(4), 687-95.

The present work has been carried out to record the different species of flowering trees in Kalyani Township, Nadia, West Bengal. In this survey a total of 124 species of flowering plants belonging to 98 genera under 41 families have been recorded. The investigated taxa have been alphabetically numbered providing botanical name of plants with their respective families along with vernacular names or English, native place, phenology, field number and uses of these plants have also been included. Out of total species, 54 species have ornamental value and 70 species can be used as economic and medicinal plants. There are many exotic species of different, origin.

3 tables, 12 ref

016234   Rawat V K (Botanical Survey of India, Central Circle, Allahabad-211 002, Email: rawat_vk2107@rediffmail.com) : Pteridophytic flora of Mehao Wildlife Sanctuary, Lower Diabang Valley, Arunachal Pradesh (Eastern Himalaya). Indian For 2012, 138(1), 39-46.

Over 500 specimens of pteridophytes (Ferns and fern allies) were collected from Mehao Wildlife Sanctuary, Lower Dibang Valley District of Arunachal Pradesh during exploration tours. The identification of specimens revealed the occurrence of 205 species of pteridophytes under 75 genera and 37 families from ten localities of the study area, of these 20 species belongs to Fern allies and the rest 185 to the Ferns including 6 sub species. The flora is diverse and rich with rare (51 species), endemic (7 species) and curious pteridophytic species. Nine species viz. Oleandra musifolia, Metteucia orientalis, Plagiogyria glaucascens, Arthromeris lehmanni, A. wardii, Hupergia dixitiana and Leucostegia immerse, Elaphoglossum marginatum, Idiogramma microphylla are recorded for the first time from Arunachal Pradesh. It is observed that the terrestrial species constitute more than 62% while epiphytes as approximately 23% of the total pteridophytic flora. Only 14% species have been found as lithophytes in the sanctuary. The present study shows that family Polypodiaceae is the largest family and represented by 33 species, which is followed by Athyreaceae (24 species), Dryopteridaceae (19 species), Thelypteridaceae (18 species) and Aspleniaceae (11 species).

5 illus, 7 tables, 32 ref

016233   Narasimhan D;Gnanasekaran G;Nehru P (Centre for Floristic Research, Madras Christain College, Chennai-600 059, Email: narasimhand@gmail.com) : Spermacoce remota Lam. (rubiaceae)- a potential invasive weed of wetlands. J Econ Taxon Bot 2011, 35(4), 645-7.

Spermacoce remota Lam., is a recently invading tropical American invasive species, that has a potential to become an aggressive colonizer of the wetlands in India. It is also reported here as an addition to the Flora of Tamil Nadu.

1 illus, 1 table, 10 ref

016232   Nagaraja T G (Botany Dep, The New College, Kolhapur-416 012) : Isolation and identification of seasonal endomycophytes of inner bark of Pachira insignis. Nat Envir Pollut Technol 2011, 10(3), 459-61.

Endophytic fungi from inner bark of Pachira insignis were studied in three different seasons during 2009-2010. A total of 25 endophytes were recorded during rainy season followed by 36 in winter season and 19 in summer season. Aspergillus niger, A. flavus and Verticillium sp. were found to be dominant endophytes followed by Biospora punctata, Rhizophus stolonifer and Cladosporium species.

3 tables, 18 ref

016231   Murugeswaran R;Venkatesan K;Abdul Karim M; Aminuddin (Survey of Medicinal Plants Unit, Regional Research Institute of Unani Medicine, No. 1, West Mada Chruch Road, Royapuram, Chennai-600 013) : Ethnopharmacological uses of plants among tribal and rural inhabitants of Wayanad district, Kerala. Hippocratic J Unani med 2011, 6(4), 87-95.

An ethnobotanical survey was carried out in South Wayanad forest division, Wayanad district, Kerala during the year 2010-2011. The study mainly focused on the wild plants used by the tribal and local people to cure various ailments. The tribal communities inhabiting the study area include Paniyas, Kurumas, Kattunayakans, Ooralis and Kuruchiyars etc. Some 30 folk medicinal plants belonging to 24 families were identified and presented in this paper. Among them some of the important medicinal plants are Acacia sinuata (Lour.) Merr., Achyranthes aspera L., Cardiospermum helicacabum L., Cassia fistula L., Catunaregam spinosa (Thunb.) Tirvengadam, Dioscorea bulbifera L., Hygrophila auriculata (Schum.) Heine, Mucuna pruriens (L.) DC., Piper nigrum L., Rauvolfia serpentina (L.) Benth. ex Kurz, Sphaeranthus indicus L., Spilanthes calva DC., Terminalia arjuna W&A, Thottea siliquosa (Lam.) Ding and Vitex negundo L. are exemplified. The study may provide a new lead to the discovery of new drugs of plant origin.

16 ref

016230   Murugalakshmi C N;Sudha S S (Microbiology Dep, Dr. N.G.P. Arts and Science College, Coimbatore-48, Email: sibilaxmi@yahoo.com) : Antagonistic potential of the fungi and Pseudomonas against Sclerotium rolfsii. Res J biol Sci 2011, 3(2), 51-5.

Culture filtrates of various fungi izA.niger, A.flavus, A.fumigatus, Fusarium, Trichoderma harizanum and bacteria Pseudomonas fluorescens strains (pf, pf2, pf3, pf4) were tested on mycelial growth of Sclerotium rolfsii. The inhibitory activity of extra cellular culture filtrates was less effective compared with the mixture of both extracellular and intracellular culture filtrates. Intracellular and extra culture filtrates of Trichoderma harzianum and Pseudomonas fluorescens were more effective in inhibiting and reducing the mycelial growth of S. rolfsii. The intracellular filtrate in addition to antagonistic activity has the ability to promote the growth of the plant. Therefore the antagonists, which grow in the rhizosphere can be used as ideal bio-control agents against root pathogens especially 5. rolfsii.

2 tables, 9 ref

016229   Mukesh Kumar;Semwal I M;Uddin Q;Hussaini S A; Aminuddin;Samiulla L (NO, Regional Research Institute of Unani Medicine (RRIUM), Bhadrak-756 100) : Plants used as cooling agents among nomadic people of National Chambal Sanctuary region of Etawah district (Uttar Pradesh). Hippocratic J Unani med 2011, 6(4), 125-30.

The National Chambal Sanctuary region of district Etawah is rich in biodiversity. Local inhabitants and traditional communities (nomadic people) have rich knowledge about ethnomedicinal plants of their surroundings. The present paper deals with 33 plant species belonging to 32 genera and 23 families used as cooling agents in the study area during summers. The information is based on a series of ethnopharmacological surveys conducted in the study area between 2006-2009.

9 ref

016228   Mohammad I;Malik V;Pranita (Botany Dep, M.S. College, Saharanpur, Email: vijai.malik@rediffmail.com) : Enumeration of ethnomedicinal plants of Shakumbari Devi region of district Saharanpur, Uttar Pradesh. J Econ Taxon Bot 2011, 35(4), 837-45.

This paper provides information on 50 medicinal plants belonging to 32 families used by the villagers and local people for curing various diseases of animals and human beings. Some of the important plants used for this purpose are Hygrophila, Anisomeles, Vitis, Ficus, Trichosanthes, Ammannia, Linum, Sida, Caesalpinia, Bacopa, Splianthes, Teramnus, Celastrus, etc. The use of traditional medicinal plants for curing various diseases was observed to be widespread and prevalent in this area.

1 illus, 1 table, 11 ref

016227   Misra M K;Panda A;Sahu D (Ecology and Floristic Laboratory, P.G. Botany Dep, Berhampur Univ, Berhampur-760 007, Email: malayakmisra@rediffmail.com) : Wetland flora of Malkangiri district, Odisha, India. J Econ Taxon Bot 2011, 35(4), 798-808.

Result of floristic survey of the wetlands of Malkangiri district of Odisha, India has been reported. The study was conducted during 2005-2008. The survey revealed altogether 108 species, representing 41% monocot and 59% dicot species under 83 genera and 35 families, Monocot families are represented by 29%. The most dominant family is Cyperaceae.

1 illus, 3 tables, 26 ref

016226   Meenatchi P;Purushothaman A;Shahjahan M (Post Graduate and Research Biochemistry Dep, Mohamed Sathak College of Arts and Science, Chennai-600 119, Email: bbt_meena@yahoo.co.in) : Phytoremediation of lead and cadmium by Eichhornia crassipes (water hyacinth) Hydrilla verticillata and Salvinia molesta: a comparative study. Res J biol Sci 2011, 3(2), 23-32.

This is a preliminary study intended to develop a method for treating industrial waste waters that are contaminated with lead and cadmium. The heavy-metals-uptake caused by hydroponics feeding into Eichhonia crassipes (water hyacinth), Hydrilla verticillata and Salvinia molesta was monitored by Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (AAS). The effect of lead and cadmium on Bio-Concentration Factor (BCF) and the relative growth of metal-exposed (test) plants and control plants at 8 days of immersion were studied. The present comparative study of the three water plants shows that in heavy metal removal Eichhornia and Hydrilla are more efficient than Salvinia. Water hyacinth is found to be a good accumulator of lead with the biosorption potential of 99.5%; and Hydrilla verticillata as a good accumulator of Cadmium with the biosorption potential of 90% at the end of 8 days of immersion time.

1 illus, 3 tables, 38 ref

016225   Meena S L (Botanical Survey of India, Arid Zone Regional Centre, Jodhpur, Rajasthan-342 008) : Flora of Balaram Ambaji Wildlife Sanctuary (BAWLS), Banaskantha district, Gujarat, India. J Econ Taxon Bot 2011, 35(4), 737-93.

The Balaram - Ambaji Wildlife Sanctuary is unique hotspot of flowering plants in Banaskantha district, Gujarat. The Sanctuary comprises total 652 species belonging to 392 genera and 98 families of Angiosperms. Out of them, many plant species fall into rare and threatened categories and require urgent need of conservation.

1 illus, 1 table, 15 ref

016224   Mazher F;Sharma S (NO, Motilal Vigyan Mahavidyalaya, Bhopal-462 008, Email: farieklavya@gmail.com) : Protocol for in-vitro clonal propagation of Acorus calamus L. an important endangered medicinal plant. Indian For 2012, 138(1), 63-9.

Acorus calamus L. (family Acoraceae) a perennial herb is an endangered plant species of medicinal importance. Micropropagation protocol for A. calamus has been standardized. Shoots obtained from the meristems culture on MS medium with BAP (2.0-3.0 mg/l), NAA (0.5-1.0 mg/l), and Kinetin (0.5-1.0 mg/l) in various combinations, showed good results of shoot induction and multiplication in 30 days culture. These shoots were elongated, rooted in-vitro and the plantlets were successfully hardened. The high rate of direct shoot-root multiplication and their high rate of post- hardening survival shows that this protocol could be easily adopted for large scale production.

5 illus, 3 tables, 15 ref

016223   Maragatham C;Panneerselvam A;Subalakshmi R (Microbiology & Clinical Microbiology Dep, PRIST Univ, Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu, Email: maragathamalagesan@yahoo.com) : Production and characterization of extracellular lipase from Aspergillus niger on groundnut oil cake. Res J biol Sci 2011, 3(2), 16-22.

An extracellular Lipase-producing strain of Aspergillus niger was isolated from curd. In the production of extracellular Lipases by Aspergillus niger using Groundnut oil cake. Lipase activity was detected in the culture filtrate of the fungi after 48 hours of incubation at 28°C. The presence of lipids in the growth medium enhanced the production of extracellular Upases by these fungi. A maximum enzyme yield of 13.16 ug^-1 was observed. The medium with Groundnut oil cake was supplemented with different nutrients in the form of nitrogen, carbon sources, salts and inducers. These nutrients enhance the enzyme production with sucrose and ferrous sulphate supplementation supporting maximum production. Fermentation was performed under optimized conditions. The crude enzyme was characterized by various features that control the enzyme activity such as temperature, pH & substrate specificity.

1 illus, 5 tables, 21 ref

016222   Kunthavai T;Murugesan S;Panneerselvam A (Botany & Microbiology Dep, A.V.V.M. Sri Pushpam College, Poondi-613 503, Thanjavur, Email: pannier_@yahoo.com) : In vitro antifungal activity of medicinal plants against plant pathogenic fungus Fusarium oxysporum. Res J biol Sci 2011, 3(4), 45-50.

Traditional medicinal methods, like the use of medicinal plants, still play a vital in developing countries. The use of herbal remedies is on the increase in developed countries in the last decade. Medicinal plants have been used for centuries to cure human diseases. It has been proved that many plants exhibit general antifungal and antibacterial activities. In the present study ten medicinal herbs were chosen and tested for their antifungal activity using Agar-well Diffusion method and it was found that among the herbs the antifungal activity of Piper betle against F. oxysporum was the most significant. This indicates the medicinal value of the herb and supports the claims of traditional remedies in the control of plant pathogenic microorganisms. However, further studies are needed to isolate bioactive compounds in aqueous and organic solvent extracts.

1 illus, 1 table, 9 ref

016221   Koteswara Rao J;Seetharami Reddi T V V;Aniel Kumar O (Botany Dep, Andhra Univ, Visakhapatnam-530 003, Email: reddytvvs@rediffmail.com) : Ethnomedicinal plants used to cure diarrhoea and dysentery by the primitive tribal groups of Visakhapatnam district, Andhra Pradesh. J Econ Taxon Bot 2011, 35(4), 794-7.

Deals with ethnobotanical studies carried out in Visakhapatnam district, Andhra Pradesh. The uses of plants by the primitive tribal groups for curing dysentery and diarrhoea are described. The uses of 32 species belonging to 32 genera and 27 families along with their vernacular names and mode of administration have been enumerated.

10 ref

016220   Khairnar D N;Khairnar A B;Kelhe A S (Life Sciences Dep, K.A.A.N.M.S. Arts, Commerce and Science College, Satana-423 301) : Threatened biodiversity of wild medicinal flora and its conservation in Nashik district, north Sahyadri, Maharashtra. Nat Envir Pollut Technol 2012, 11(2), 277-82.

One hundred thirty five wild medicinal plant species belonging to 69 families have been considered as rare (04), vulnerable (94), endangered (13), extinct (01) and endemic (03) on the basis of frequent floristic surveys carried out in North Sahyadri region of Nashik district during last two decades. The probable reasons for decrease of their population are destruction of natural habitats consequent upon increasing illegal acquiring of forest land, massive deforestation, encroachment of forest land for agriculture, urbanization and medicinal purposes. Suggestions for their efficient regular monitoring and proper conservation, preservation and protection have been suggested.

1 table, 7 ref

016219   Joseph M A;Sunilkumar T;Antony V T (Research and Development Centre, Bharathiar Univ, Coimbatore, Email: mannaprambil@hotmail.com) : Ipomoea obscura (L.) Ker-Gawl.-a wondrous plant against infertility, in the traditional medicine of Ullada tribes of Alappuzha district, Kerala. J Econ Taxon Bot 2011, 35(4), 639-41.

Ipomoea obscura (L.) Ker-Gawl, belonging to the family Convolvulaceae, is noted as a wondrous plant against infertility in women. The study was conducted among the Ullada tribes in Alappu-zha district, Kerala in order to gather information on the medicinal use of Ipomoea obscura (L.) Ker-Gawl. All the tribal people interviewed practise their own traditional system of medicine. They also utilize a wide variety of herbs in treating the physical symptoms. This study aims at documenting the indigenous knowledge of the Ullada tribe and the necessity to protect this plant from human invasion, urbanization and industrialization.

1 illus, 6 ref

016218   Jeevanandham P;Asokan S (Research Zoology Dep, TBML College, Porayar-609 307, Email: drpauljeevanandham100@gmail.com) : Impact of environmental factors on the population density of Chicoreus virgineus (roding, 1798)in the tranquebar coastal waters. Res J biol Sci 2011, 3(2), 33-45.

Environmental factors viz., rainfall, temperature, dissolved oxygen content, salinity and hydrogen ion concentration of Tranquebar coastal waters were studied for a period of two years from June 2004. Chicoreus virgineus was collected every fortnight at 8 fathom and 10 fathom lines at three different stations in Tranquebar coast. The monthly mean values were compared for the population density and sex ratio by Chi-square test. The sex ratio was found to be 1:1.5 and the ANOVA showed significant difference.

6 illus, 8 tables, 25 ref

016217   Jadhav D;Rawat S S (Botany Dep, Govt. Arts & Science P.G. College, Ratlam-457 001) : Ethnomedicinal plants used in the treatment of various ailments by Bhilala tribe of Alirajpur district (Madhya Pradesh). J Econ Taxon Bot 2011, 35(4), 654-7.

Frequent ethnomedicinal surveys were conducted between August, 2009 to January, 2011 in different tribal inhabited villages of Alirajpur district, Madhya Pradesh. Results of these surveys indicated that 34 plant species are used for the treatment of different human ailments by the Bhilala tribe of the district. Botanical names followed by family, local names and the ethnomedicinal uses have been provided.

10 ref

016216   Jadhav D (Botany Dep, Govt. Arts & Science PG College, Ratlam-457 001) : Wild plants used as a source of food by the Bhil tribe of Ratlam district (Madhya Pradesh). J Econ Taxon Bot 2011, 35(4), 707-10.

The study documents 58 wild plants used as a source of food by Bhil tribe of Ratlam district (M.P.). For each species, the information regarding botanical name, local names, parts used and seasonal availability have been provided.

2 tables, 7 ref

016215   Indhumathi T;Mohandass S;Rajathi K (Biochemistry Dep, Dr. N.G.P. Arts and Science College, Coimbatore-48, Email: mathii48@yahoo.com) : Preliminary phytochemical screening and antimicrobial activity of Spermacoce hispida L.. Res J biol Sci 2011, 3(2), 46-50.

Medicinal plants play an important role in public health service and offer an established basis for a search for new drugs. In the present study, two different extracts of Spermacoce hispida L. seed were analysed to explore the presence of phytochemical constituents through preliminary tests and GC-MS analysis. The antimicrobial activity of aqueous and ethanolic extracts of Spermacoce hispida were evaluated against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa by disc diffusion method. The remarkable properties of the phytochemical components such as flavanoids, tannins, alkaloids, phenols, glycosides, play a vital role, as a curative agent. Spermacoce hispida is used in the treatment of a wide range of disorders. The phytochemical studies prove that the aqueous seed extract of Spermacoce hispida has a rich amount of carbohydrates, glycosides and proteins. The ethanolic extract of Spermacoce hispida is found to be rich in phytochemicals such as carbohydrate, glycosides, alkaloids, flavanoids, tannins, phenols, steroids and proteins. The study reveals that Ethanolic extract of Spermacoce hispida has a maximum antimicrobial activity against the selected micro organisms except the Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

4 illus, 2 tables, 12 ref

016214   Gupta C S;Bhardwaj N (Plant Quarantine Div, National Bureau of Plant Genetic Resources, New Delhi-110 012, Email: fernshekhar@gmail.com) : Diversity, distribution pattern and threat categorization of pteridophytic flora of Hadauti plateau of Rajasthan, India. J Econ Taxon Bot 2011, 35(4), 681-6.

Fern flora of Rajasthan is mostly confined to Mt. Abu and Hadauti plateau due to their variable climatic conditions. Extremity of climate is a characteristic feature of Rajasthan. Pteridophytes of Hadauti plateau hold a significance position with respect to their occurrence and distribution. The present communication deals with 13 genera and 22 species of Pteridophytes from Hadauti Plateau of Rajasthan. Diversity, distribution pattern and threat categorization of these species is provided in appropriate manner.

5 ref

016213   Gore R D;Garad K U (Life Science Research Laboratory, Walchand College of Arts and Science, Solapur-413 006, Email: sayajiraog@gmail.com) : Addition to the flora of Marathwada region of Maharashtra, India. J Econ Taxon Bot 2011, 35(4), 727-31.

While investigating the flora of Raunling and adjoining area, we came across nine taxa of flowering plants not previously recorded from Marathwada region. They are reported in present paper in alphabetical order genus wise with correct nomenclature. A brief description, phonological data, GPS data, distribution, habitat, specimens examined and note, if any, are also given for each taxon. Family name of each taxon is provided in parenthesis.

17 ref

016212   Gautam P K;Singh D;Bhadauria S (Botany Dep, G.T.P. College, Nandurbar-421 254) : Effects of growth of angiosperms on the monuments- investigation based on historical monuments of Gwalior fort. Nat Envir Pollut Technol 2012, 11(2), 307-9.

The very old constructions of the city of Gwalior include historical buildings like Gwalior Fort which is facing the problem of higher plant growth. The objective of this paper is to study the diversity of higher plants on old buildings and their effect on them. Gwalior fort with its various buildings was selected for this study. The qualitative analysis of the monuments showed high diversity of various higher plants. In tropical countries like India the growth of higher plants on old constructions is a serious problem as they damage constructions physically as well as chemically.

1 table, 14 ref

016211   Elaiyarani M;Panneerselvam A;Prabakaran M (P.G. Research Botany and Microbiology Dep, A.V.V.M. Sri Pushpam College, Poondi-613 503) : Biodiversity and enzyme producing actinomycetes from marine soil. Res J biol Sci 2011, 3(2), 10-15.

Vedharanyam in Nagappattinam District, East coast of India has rich biodiversity of Actinomycetes. Totally ten actinomycetes species were isolated from marine soil of Vedharanyam, viz, Actinomadura hibisca, Actinopolyspora halophila, Amycolata autotrophila, Rhodococcus coprophilus, Saccharopolyspora hirsuta, S.spinosa, Streptomyces albus, S.cyaneus, Streptoverticilium album and S.salmonis. Out of the ten species isolated Streptomyces albus and S.cyaneus have been selected for enzyme studies. Cellulase and lipase play an important role in the field of industrial microbiology. Hence these two enzymes were selected in this study. The studies reveal that out of the two dominant species of Streptomyces namely S. cyaneus and 5. albus avillabe in the study area, 5 cyaneus can be used as a source for efficient production of Cellulase (0.0281 lU/ml) and Lipase (.617 IU/ml).

2 illus, 2 tables, 20 ref

016210   Dwivedi N K;Pancha Ram;Pareek S K (National Bureau of Plant Genetic Resource, Regional Station, CAZRI Campus, Jodhpur-342 003) : Herbal folk medicine used against anaemia in Jhadol taluk, Udaipur, Rajasthan. J Econ Taxon Bot 2011, 35(4), 677-80.

Survey has been carried out in different villages of Jhadol Taluk in Udaipur district placed in Aravalli range of Rajasthan to meet the dweller live in rural and tribal areas away from the hospitals for recording and documenting their traditional knowledge about the usage of local plants against anaemia. The study reveals about 19 medicinal plant species used against the ailment.

1 table, 2 ref

016209   Chandra R;Azeez P A (Environmental Impact Assessment Div, Salim Ali Center for Ornithology and Natural History (SACON), Anaikatty (PO), Coimbatore-641 108, Email: azeezpa@gmail.com) : The flora of Araku valley, Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, India. J Econ Taxon Bot 2011, 35(4), 816-36.

Survey on the Flora of Araku, Eastern Ghats was conducted focusing chiefly on three hillocks (Raktakonda, Galikonda and Chittamgondi) that are identified as potential sites for bauxite mining. In total 651 floral species belonging to 114 families and 442 genera were recorded during the survey. Fabaceae was the largest family represented by 68 species. Rare and endemic floral species such as Hypericum gaitii Haines, Kalanchoe cherukondensis G.V. Subba Rao & G.R. Kumari, Leucas indica (L.) R.Br. ex Vatke and Phyllanthus narayanaswamii Gamble were also recorded during the survey. The Shannon-Wiener index (If) for species diversity for trees, shrubs and herbs at Raktakonda was 1.15, 1.36 and 1.64, respectively. At Galikonda the diversity index values were 1.05, 1.44 and 1.58 for trees, shrubs and herbs, respectively. The HP values for shrubs and herbs at Chittamgondi were 1.78 and 2.25, respectively. Many species which were recorded from the area by the earlier researchers during 1970's could not be seen during the present survey. Several anthropogenic pressures might have led to the disappearance of these species from the locality.

1 illus, 1 table, 26 ref

016208   Binu S (NO, Tropical Botanic Garden and Research Institute, Palode Karimancode P.O., Thiruvananthapuram-695 562) : Enumeration of medicinal plants used by the tribals in Pathanamthitta district of Kerala India- Part-II. J Econ Taxon Bot 2011, 35(4), 700-6.

This paper enumerates the medicinal plants used by the tribals in Pathanamthitta district of Kerala State, India. The plants name, local name, parts used and methods of preparation and application of 25 species are described.

9 ref

016207   Bhellum B L;Magotra R (Botany Dep, Govt. Degree College, Kathua-184 101) : Flora of Jammu and Kashmir state (family convulvulaceae): a census. J Econ Taxon Bot 2011, 35(4), 732-6.

Deals with family Convolvulaceae of Jammu and Kashmir State. A total of 7 genera representing 26 species arid 2 varieties have been enumerated from the State. Of these, 3 species have already been recorded by the authors as new to the flora of Jammu and Kashmir State and 1 species and 1 variety being recorded as an addition to the State.

1 table, 8 ref

016206   Bhattacharya G (Regional Research Institute of Himalayan Flora, CCRAS, Tarikhet, Email: genviron@yahoo.com) : Exotic gymnosperms of Ranikhet. J Econ Taxon Bot 2011, 35(4), 668-76.

The present short research communication consists of an enumeration of 27 exotic gymnosperm species from Ranikhet area. These were introduced mainly for afforestation purpose and have naturalized themselves in the native ecosystem. The common name, botanical description and country of origin have also been furnished herewith.

11 ref

016205   Anand K K;Jena S N;Chaudhary L B (Plant Diversity, Systematics & Herbarium Div, CSIR-National Botanical Research Institute, Lucknow-226 001, Email: kamalanand53@rediffmail.com) : Reassessment of the taxonomic status of Astragalus malacophyllus Benth. ex Bunge (fabaceae) based on morphology and nrDNA internal transcribed spacer sequence data. Proc Indian Natn Sci Acad 2012, 78(2), 171-87.

Astragalus malacophyllus Benth. ex Bunge occurring in the N. W. Himalaya with restricted distribution is a well known medicinal plant 'Rudravanti' or 'Rudanti'. Sometimes, it is treated as a synonym of widely scattered and quite variable species A. rhizanthus Royle ex Benth. However, the critical morphological examination carried out on large number of herbarium specimens housed at different herbaria as well as plants in natural populations and molecular study based on nrDNA Internal Transcribed Spacer (ITS) separate them distinctly. A detailed account of both the species with photographs of habits and key to the species are presented here for their differentiation. In the present study, the ITS sequence of the candidate species has also been compared with its allied species A. candolleanus and A. pindreensis.

8 illus, 2 tables, 30 ref

016204   Ahmad S;Ali Z A;Khan L A (Survey of Medicinal Plants Unit, Regional Research Institute of Unani Medicine, Post Box 70, Aligarh-202 001) : Observations on some unani medicinal plants growing wild in Nainital district of Uttarakhand. Hippocratic J Unani med 2011, 6(4), 71-85.

An ethnobotanical survey of Nainital district of Uttarakhand has yielded much information on folk medicinal uses of local plants. In the course of this survey 76 species belonging to 73 genera and 43 families were commonly found to be used by the indigenous societies for health purposes. Most of these plants are very well known in Unani System of Medicine. This report deals with the information pertaining to Unani medicinal plants for their unknown therapeutic action and uses as well as parts used. Some of these plants with interesting and new uses deserve further scientific investigations.

39 ref

016203   Ahamed N;Sanjay Kumar;Gupta A K (Genetics & Tree Propagation Div, Forest Research Institute, Dehradun) : Indigenous uses of wetland plants of Deoband tehsil (district Saharanpur), Uttar Pradesh, India. J Econ Taxon Bot 2011, 35(4), 696-9.

Deals with indigenous uses of wetland plants of Deoband tehsil of Saharanpur district, Uttar Pradesh. An ethnobotanical survey was conducted in villages of study area, during 2005-2006, and 32 plant species under 30 genera belonging to 22 families have been enumerated. The plant species are enumerated in alphabetical order with local names, families, flowering & fruiting period, followed by their uses. Among the described useful species, the families Asteraceae, Polygonaceae and Amaranthaceae are most frequently represented with 3 species each, followed by Hydrocharitaceae, Lamiaceae and Poaceae with 2 species.

1 table, 14 ref

016202   Afaq S H;Khan T F;Zakir M (Pharmacognosy Section, Llmul Advia Dep, A.K. Tinniya College, Aligarh Muslim Univ, Aligarh-202 002) : Botanical identity and standardization of Gul-e-Ghafis. Hippocratic J Unani med 2011, 6(3), 89-99.

The botanical name of "Gul-e-Ghafis" is mentioned as Agrimonia eupatoria Linn. Family Rosaceae (Kirtikar & Basu, 1995) and its Greek name is "Eupatoria. The drug "Gul-e-Ghafis" (the flowers of Ghafis) is used in Tibb-e-Unani from ancient times. It is mentioned in various Arabic, Persian and Urdu classical books. It is useful in many diseases like Liver pain, Jaundice, Hepatitis, Gastritis, Dysuria, Ascites, Anaemia, Alopecia, acute,chronic and complicated fever, dry and wet Scabies, intestinal Ulcers and Splenitis. During the routine market survey it was noted that the market sample obtained did not match the plant Agrimonia eupatoria Linn. It was identified as the flower tops of Gentiana kurroo Royle. (Family: Gentianaceae). Root, rhizome and entire plant of Gentiana kurroo Royle, is used as a drug named as "Kutki" but no description of flower, as drug is available (Chopra, et a/.1956) and no pharmacognostical work has been done so far, thus in order to bridge the gape, the present work is an endeavor in this regard. The study included macroscopy, microscopy and physicochemical standardization. The qualitative analysis for different constituents and the quantitative estimation of carbohydrates, alkaloids, sterols/terpenes, nitrogen, proteins, phenols and flavonoids were carried out. With the help of descending paper chromatography amino acids and sugars were identified and quantified. Thin Layer Chromatography (TLC) and reported as TLC profile.

29 ref

015067   Vijayan C;Nair G M (Botany Dep, Univerity of Kerala, Kariavattom, Email: chithrajayasreevijayan@gmail.com) : Identification of antioxidant principle, radical scavenging and anticancer activity of Indian cat's whisker. J phytol Res 2011, 24(2), 119-24.

An HPLC method was developed for determination of the major antioxidant principle from the leaves of Orthosiphon aristatus Benth.from different parts of South India. Rosmarinic Acid, (RA) a caffeic acid derivative, was identified to be the major compound. The results showed significant variation in the amount of RA in methanolic extracts of leaf samples from different parts of South India. The potential antioxidative and anticancerous activities of ethanolic crude leaf extracts were evaluated in vitro. Antioxidative potency of the ethanol extracts was comparable to that of synthetic antioxidants BHT and tocopherol. The present observations also establish the efficacy of Orthosiphon aristatus leaves as potential anticancer agents.

2 illus, 1 table, 29 ref

015066   Verma K S;Puntambekar A;Saxena N (Post Graduate Studies and Research in Biological Sciences Dep, , Rani Durgawati University, Email: karunaverma@gmail.com) : Antioxidant activity and free radical scavenging potential of Piper nigrum and Piper longum. J phytol Res 2011, 24(2), 235-6.

The antioxidant activities of the Ether extracts from the fruits and leaves of Piper longum and Piper nigrum (Piperaceae) were assessed in an effort to validate the medicinal potential of the subterranean part of the herb. The antioxidant activity of the Piper was determined by the DPPH method and was compared with the standard antioxidants ascorbic acid and butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT). The radical scavenging activity of ether extracts of Piper and the standard compounds followed the order of Ascorbic acid <62> BHT <62> P. nigrum fruit <62> P. longum fruit <62> P. longum leaves. Present study reveals that the selected plants would exert several beneficial effects by virtue of their antioxidant activities and could be harnessed as drug formulations.

2 tables, 10 ref

015065   Verma H;Demla M (NO, R.K.S.D. College of Pharmacy, Kaithal, Haryana, Email: ysdverma@gmail.com) : Standardization of whole plant Celosia argentea Linn. Int J pharm Sci Res 2012, 3(8), 2695-9.

Celosia argentea is a medicinal herb belonging to the family Amaranthaceae has been used traditionally in Ayurveda for the treatment of diarrhoea and dysentery. Extensive studies have been carried out to substantiate its various claimed pharmacologic activities. Records the Pharmacognostic evaluation like Macroscopic and Microscopic characters and Physiochemical evaluation like Foreign matter, Moisture content, pH, Ash value, Extractive value, Crude Fibre content and Foaming Index. Fluorescence analysis and Phyto-chemical investigations on this plant reveal the presence of Carbohydrates, Amino acids, Glycosides, Saponins, Alkaloids, Flavonoids, Phenolic compound and Tannins in different extracts. Pharmacognostic and Qualitative chemical evaluation of whole plant should be helpful for identification and preparation of monograph of the plant.

18 ref

015064   Upendra Kumar;Ishwar Singh;Priyanka;Vimala Y (Botany Dep, CCS University6pMeerut-250 004, ) : In vitro production of L-DOPA in tissue cultures of Mucuna pruriens L. Vegetos 2011, 24(1), 111-13.

Callus cultures and regenerated plants of Mucuna pruriens L. were selected for the enhancement of L-DOPA. Treatment of cultures was carried out with an amino acid tyrosine as precursor and with NaCl. High percentage of L-DOPA was observed in regenerated plants grown under in vitro conditions on MS medium, supplemented with 50mM NaCl as compared to regenerated plants on basal MS medium and also as compared to the callus raised on MS medium supplemented with different concentration of PGRs with or without tyrosine and NaCl or in combination of both. The study suggests that in vitro regenerated plant of Mucuna pruriens is a high accumulator of L-DOPA under salt stress.

3 illus, 1 table, 6 ref

015063   Tsering J;Gogoi B J;Tag H (Botany Dep, Rajiv Gandhi University, Rono Hills, Doimukh-791 112, Email: jamserng@gmail.com) : Ethnobotany and phytochemical analysis of Pyrus pashia leaves. Int J pharm Sci Res 2012, 3(8), 2721-5.

Pyrus pashia Buch.-Ham. ex D. Don is distributed in the Himalayan region with great ethnic uses. Leaves of P. pashia are consumed as butter tea beverages by the Monpa community of Tawang, Arunachal Pradesh (India). The pulverized leaves were extracted using accelerated solvent extractor (ASE) in different organic solvents with increasing polarity. The leaf extracts of P. pashia were evaluated for the free radical scavenging activity by 2, 2-Diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay and total phenolic content (TPC) were determined by Folin Ciocalteu's method. The methanolic and water extracts shows strong free radical scavenging activity with IC50 values of 10.81±0.44 μg/ml and 11.57±0.36 μg/ml respectively. The methanolic extract has the highest TPC value of 351.16±0.43 mg/g. The study highlighted the antioxidant potentiality of Pyrus pashia Buch.-Ham. ex D. Don leaves and confirms it as a healthy beverage taken by the Monpa community.

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015062   Sutar A N;Waghmare M B;Kamble S S (Botany Dep, New College Research Institute, Kolhapur) : Effect of passages on development of carbendazim resistance in Alternaria alternata causing leaf spot of gerbera. Bioinfolet 2012, 9(4B), 744-5.

Culturing of the sensitive Alternaria alternat aisolate on carbendazim continuously for eight successive passages significantly increased resistance. Use of carbendazim alternately with mancozeb, roko and kocide reduced the resistance. When carbendazim was used in combination with mancozeb, roko and kocide,there was complete inhibition of the pathogen at the first passage only.

2 tables, 6 ref

015061   Singh S P;Singh A K;Alok Kumar;Sinha P;Singh P R;Manoj Kumar;Prasad B K (Post-Graduate Botany Dep, V.K.S. University, Ara-802 301) : Fungal decay of cucurbitaceous vegetables in kosi division, Bihar state. J phytol Res 2011, 24(2), 125-33.

On surveying the storage fungi of popular cucurbitaceous vegetables in Kosi Division, Bihar State, 19 spp. were isolated of which 7 spp belonged to Fusarium. On biochemical analysis of green parwal fruit due to Fusarium moniliforme as incitant of decay during storage, starch and protein contents were observed decreased with concomitant increase in the level of sugar and amino acid. Amylase, invertase, exo- and.end-β-l, 4-glucanase and protease activity were found stimulated. Of the nine amino acids detected alanine, valine and phenylalanine were meagre in concentration. Their decarboxylase, non-oxidative deaminase and oxidase were excited in their activity. Oxidase and decarboxylase of these amino acids were recorded in inoculated fruit only. The activity of starch phosphorylase and dehydrogenase of pyruvic acids, a-Ketoglutaric acid and succinic acid was recorded excited due to F. moniliforme besides uptake of more O2m on addition of glucose, fructose and pyruvic acid in the extract of inoculated fruit.

7 tables, 35 ref

015060   Singh P;Gupta P;Singh R;Sharma R (Biological Sciences Dep, M.G.C.G. University, Chitrakoot, Satna, Madhya Pradesh, Email: pushpendra_singhbiotechn@yahoo.co.in) : Activity and stability of immobilized alpha-amylase produced by Bacillus acidocaldarius. Int J Pharm Life Sci 2012, 3(12), 2247-53.

An isolated strain (from rice), Bacillus acidocaldarius was able to produce extracellular a-amylase. The enzyme was partially purified with 50% acetone and showed 4.3-fold purification. Amylase was immobilized on different carriers by different methods and its specific activity for starch hydrolysis studied. Immobilized a -amylase on glass beads (covalent binding) and cation exchange resin (ionic binding) had the highest immobilization yield (85.6 and 84.3%), respectively. It was further observed that, thermal and pH stabilities of immobilized enzymes were higher compared to free enzyme. The immobilized enzymes had higher K (Michaelis constant) and lower V (Maximum A rate of reaction) than the free enzyme. Activation energy (E ) of free enzyme was 2.37 Kcal/mol which was higher than the immobilized enzyme by covalent binding or by ionic binding (1.05 and 1/2 1.59 Kcal/mol), respectively. Half life time (t) of immobilized enzyme on glass beads was 83 min which was higher than that of immobilized enzyme on cation exchange resin (61 min). Immobilized enzyme on glass beads showed the highest operational stability for up to 8 reuses with 70% residual activity. On the other hand, a-amylase immobilized on cation exchange resin retained 66.2% of its original activity after 8 cycles.

6 tables, 30 ref

015059   Singh K;Varma R (Botany Dep, Govt. College, Kota, Rajasthan) : Study on effectiveness of dual inoculation with rhizobium and VA Mycorrhiza on growth and biomass production of faba bean (Vicia faba L.) grown in Kota district of Rajasthan. J phytol Res 2011, 24(2), 227-30.

Pot experiments were carried out to investigate the effect of Rhizobium leguminosarum and VA Mycorrhiza on the growth and biomass production of faba bean. The biofertilizers were applied in combination. The obtained results demonstrated that the dual inoculation of faba bean plants significantly increased the plant biomass, nodulation, nitrogen xation activity in comparison with uninoculatedcontrol. On the other hand, co-inoculation significantly increased the total plant protein, chlorophyll N-content and phosphorus content in plant tissue and percentage of root colonization. The study clearly shows that a combined application of biofertilizers is an essential requirement for the growth and biomass production of faba bean.

2 tables, 31 ref

015058   Singh J (NO, Deen Dayal Upadhyay Government P.G. College, Saidabad, Allahabad, Uttar Pradesh) : Ethnobotany of some rare and endangered medicinal plants of Sonaghati, Uttar Pradesh, India. J phytol Res 2011, 24(2), 253-4.

The present paper deals with 14 genera of 10 families which have effective solution for certain diseases in human beings, practiced by the tribes of Sonaghati region, district Sonbhadra U.P. These species have become rare and endangered because of overexploitation of plants for domestic and medicinal uses.

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015057   Silar Mohammed M;Shali Saheb T;Vinay Kumar B (Botany Dep, Osmania Degree & P.G. College (Autonomous), Kurnool-518 001) : Therapeutic efficacy of used and tested potential medicinal plants for common ailments. J phytol Res 2011, 24(2), 231-3.

The survey in Rayalaseema region is under taken to list out used and tested formulations of potential medicinal plants for common ailments and to reveal the same for usefulness of mankind. Most of the local practitioners and vaids are consulted and their formulations are cross checked comparing with the published scripts for knowing the therapeutic efficacy. More than 30 plants are mentioned in the present paper, which are useful in Jaundice, Tuberculosis, Migrane, scorpion bite etc.

1 table, 5 ref