023425   Bawistale O (Taxonomy Laboratory Dep of Botany, Dr. Hari Singh Gour Central Univ, Sagar, Madhya Pradesh, Email: Omkarji_bavistale1982@rediffmail.com) : Axonopus compressus (SW.) P. Beauv. (poaceae) new record for Satpura region, Madhya Pradesh, India. Flora Fauna 2016, 22(1), 26-8.

Axonopus compressus (Sw.) P. Beauv. (Poaceae) was collected and reported for the first time from Satpura Region, (M.P.) India. The present work embodies a detailed description and illustration facilitate identification and confirmation of the species in this region.

1 illus, 8 ref

023424   Anjusha S;Gangaprasad A;Radhamany P M (Plant Tissue Culture and Molecular Biology Lab, Botany Dep, University of Kerala, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala-695 581, Email: gp@keralauniversity.ac.in ) : GC-MS analysis of leaf extract of Gynochthodes umbellata (L.) razafim. and B. bremer (Rubiaceae). Int J pharm Sci Res 2015, 6(11), 4826-9.

Present investigation was carried out to determine the presence of volatile, bioactive, phytocomponents in the leaf ethanolic extract of Gynochthodes umbellata (Syn. Morinda umbellata) belonging to the family Rubiaceae, using Gas Chromatography- Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis. Gynochthodes umbellata is an important medicinal plant widely used in traditional system of medicine. Literature survey revealed that till date, no work has been reported on GC-MS analysis of ethanol extract of Gynochthodes umbellata leaves. The mass spectrum of the compounds found in the extract was matched with the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) library. GC-MS analysis revealed the presence of 32 compounds. Sterols, stanols and Terpenoids were the most prominent compounds detected in leaf ethanolic extract of this plant. The major compounds detected were 9,19-Cyclolanost-24-en-3-ol (16.09%), 2,5,5-Triphenyl-4-methoxyimidazole (10.87%), á-Sitosterol (8.81%), Stigmast-4-en-3-one (7.26%), Phytol (5.62%). The compounds were identified by comparing their retention time and peak area with that of literature and by interpretation of mass spectra.

16 ref

023423   Adhav R;Mantry P;Darwhekar G N (NO, Acropolis Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research Indore, Madhya Pradesh, Email: rohitadhavpharma11@acropolis.edu.in) : Wound healing medicinal plant of India. Int J Pharmac 2015, 2(1), 6-10.

The traditional Indian medicine - Ayurveda, describes various herbs, fats, oils and minerals with anti-aging as well as wound healing properties. Wounds are the result of injuries to the skin that disrupt the soft tissue. Wound healing can be defined as a complex dynamic process results in the restoration of anatomic continuity and function. Various plant products have been used in treatment of wounds over the years. Wound healing herbal extracts promote blood clotting, fight infection, and accelerate the healing of wounds. Hence in the current review a list of the plants used in traditional medicine for the treatment of wounds were screened. It is a beneficial work for researchers to provide many details about the wound healing herbs and development of safe and effective and globally accepted herbal drugs for cuts and wounds.

^iia5 tables, 30 ref

023422   Abu-Irmaileh B E;Abu-Zarga M H (Faculty of Agriculture, Plant Protection Dep, Univ of Jordan, Amman, Jordan, Email: barakat@ju.edu.jo) : Selective growth inhibitory compounds isolated from shoots of Salvia syriaca L.. Crop Res 2015, 49(1-3), 86-90.

Syrian sage, Salvia syriaca L. (family Labiatae), is a common perennial weed in wheat fields in Jordan. The weed has a pronounced allelopathic activity on many agronomic crops. As part of our research on identifying growth inhibitors in plants, we tested the growth inhibitory effects of the aqueous weed extract on different plant species from different botanical families. Then we evaluated certain isolated compounds from the weed for their growth inhibitory activity oh wheat seedlings. Oleanolic and ursolic acids showed remarkable growth inhibition of wheat seedlings as they reduced the lengths of shoots and roots of wheat seedlings when tested at 0.2 mg/1 (200 ppm). The compounds : 3 a hydroxy-11 α-methoxy-17, 22-seco-17(28), 12-ursadien-22-oic acid (a), 1 β, 3 β dihydroxy-11 α methoxy-17, 22-seco-17(28), 12-ursadien-22-oic acid (b), and 1β, 3b-11 α-trihydroxy-17, 22-seco-17(28) and 12-ursadien-22-oic (c) did not show growth inhibitory activity on the test plant.

2 illus, 3 tables, 24 ref

023421   Abhang A R;Auti B K (Arts, Science and Commerce College, Rahuri, Dist. Ahmednagar, Maharashtra, Email: autibhausaheb@yahoo.com) : Consequence of foliar relevance of BGA extract on augmentation of tomato (Lycopersicun esculentum mill.) cvc. phule raja(RTH2). Flora Fauna 2016, 22(1), 21-5.

The field trials were conducted to study the effect of BGA on the growth and yield of Tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.) cultivar Phule Raja (RTH2). In all eight treatments (T1- Nostoc calcicola extract, T2- Lyngbya majuscula extract, T₃- Scytonema millei extract, T₄- Oscillatoria subbrevis extract, T₅- Bioforce, T₆- Amruta (19:19:19), T₇- Recommended dose (NPK) and T₈- Control) were applied through foliage at pre-flowering, flowering and post-flowering stages. The results of field trials that application of Nostoc calcicola and Scytonema millei extracts recorded highest plant height, number of branches, number of leaves, leaf area, plant spread, number of flowers, 50% flowering, number of fruits and crop yield (693.99 q/ha) as compared to the commercial fertilizers. The control (unspread) recorded lowest plant growth and crop yield (289.26 q/ha). The use of BGA extracts proved as an efficient alternative to the conventional chemical fertilizers.

2 tables, 18 ref

022356   Warke P D;Kale M K (MJRPU Research Scholar, Pharmacy Dep, MJRPU, Jaipur, Rajasthan, Email: pdwarke@rediffmail.com) : Pharmacognostic and preliminary phytochemical screening of leaves of Raphanus sativus, Linn.. Int J Pharm 2015, 2(2), 93-7.

Raphanus sativus commonly known as radish is cultivated as crop and having various medicinal uses. It is cultivated all over the world as edible root vegetable. The present study deals with pharmacognostic, preliminary phytochemical investigation of Raphanus sativus, Linn. belonging to family Cruciferae. In this, pharmacognostic studies are concerned for the determination of physicochemical parameters like ash values, extractive values, and loss on drying fluorescence analysis also the macroscopic and microscopic evaluation carried out. The leaves were subjected to successive soxhlation using petroleum ether, ethyl acetate, alcohol and water. The extracts thus obtained were studied for preliminary phytochemical investigation for detection of presence of various chemical constituents like alkaloids, glycosides, steroids, tannins, saponins, fats and oils, flavonoids etc.

4 tables, 17 ref

022355   Verma S K;Sahin G;Gurel E (Biology Dep, Abant Izzet Baysal Univ, 14280 Bolu, Turkey, Email: sandeep.20j@gmail.com ) : Somatic embryogenesis, pigment accumulation, and synthetic seed production in Digitalis davisiana heywood. Indian J expl Biol 2016, 54(4), 245-53.

Digitalis davisiana, commonly called Alanya foxglove, from Turkey, is an important medicinal herb as the main source of cardiac glycosides, cardenolides, anthraquinones, etc. It is also known in the Indian Medicine for treatment of wounds and burns. It has ornamental value as well. Overexploitation of D. davisiana has led this species to be declared protected, and thereby encouraged various methods for its propagation. In this study, an optimized and efficient plant tissue culture protocol was established using cotyledonary leaf, hypocotyl and root explants of D. davisiana. Callus tissues were obtained from the cotyledonary leaf, hypocotyl and root segments cultured on Murashige and Skoog's (MS) medium containing different plant growth regulators. The maximum number of somatic embryos were achieved by the MS medium containing 6-benzyladenine (1.0 mg/L BAP) or 2,4-dichlorophenoxy acetic acids (0.1 mg/L 2,4-D), which produced an average of 8.3 ± 1.5 or 5.3 ± 1.5 embryos per cotyledonary leaf, respectively. After 3 wk of culture in MS medium supplemented with 1.0 mg/L 2,4-D, callus showed a clear accumulation of orange pigmentation. Shoot regeneration was remarkably higher (14.3 indirect shoots) in a combination of a-naphthalene acetic acid (0.25 mg/L NAA) plus 3.0 mg/L BAP than 2.0 mg/L zeatin (10.3 ± 0.5 direct shoots) alone. The shoots were successfully rooted on MS medium supplemented with NAA (0.1-1.0 mg/L). In addition, synthetic seeds were produced by encapsulating shoot tips in 4% sodium alginate solution. Maximum conversion frequency of 76.6% was noted from encapsulated shoot tips cultured on 0.25 mg/L NAA with 1.0 mg/L BAP. The encapsulated shoot tips could be stored up to 60 days at 4°C. Regenerated plantlets of D. davisiana were successfully acclimatized and transferred to soil. This study has demonstrated successful preservation of elite genotypes of D. davisiana.

3 illus, 4 tables, 50 ref

022354   Sutheesh V K;Jijeesh C M;Jiji A H (NO, Kerala Forest Research Institute, Peechi, Thrissur, Kerala-680 653, Email: cmjijeesh@gmail.com) : Influence of seed size variation and pre-sowing treatments on germination and early seedling growth of Caesalpinia sappan Linn. J Envir Biosci 2015, 29(1), 161-6.

A study was conducted on the effect of seed size variation and pre-sowing treatments on the germination and seedling growth of Caesalpinia sappan, an important dye yielding plant endowed with various medicinal properties. The seeds were grouped into three categories, small (<60> 9 mm) medium (9-12 mm) and large (<62> 12mm) by passing through mesh square sieves of size 9 and 12 mm. The pre-sowing treatments included soaking in cold and hot water and acid scarification. The highest germination (74%) was obtained for the medium class seeds kept as control (T2) followed by acid scarified small (T10) and medium (T11) class seeds. Neither soaking in water nor hot water treatment increased the germination percentage of the C. sappan seeds over control. The treatments T10 and T11 emerged as the best with a higher germination value and germination index. However, the seedling parameters did not show any significant variation due to size grading and pre-sowing treatments.

6 tables, 23 ref

022353   Singh M;Sardesai M M (Archaeological Survey of India, Science Branch, Western Zone, Aurangabad-431 004, Email: sardesaimm@gmail.com) : Cannabis sativa (Cannabaceae) in ancient clay plaster of Ellora Caves, India. Curr Sci 2016, 110(5), 884-91.

The present research trend is to explore sustainable construction materials having least environmental impact that also encapsulate in terms of our natural resources. The present communication discusses the use of raw hemp as an organic additive in the clay plaster of the 6th century AD Buddhist Caves of Ellora, a World Heritage Site. Cannabis sativa L. admixed in the clay plaster has been identified using scanning electron microscope, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and stereomicroscopic studies and the results are compared with fresh specimens. The study indicates that many valuable properties of hemp were known to the ancient Indians in the 6th century AD.

7 illus, 11 ref

022352   Shiracko N;Owuor B O;Gakuubi M M;Wanzala W (Natural Sciences Dep, Faculty of Science, The Catholic Univ of Eastern Africa, P.O. Box 62157-00200, Neirobi, Kenya, Email: shirakotony@yahoo.com) : Survey of ethnobotany of the AbaWanga people in Kakamega county, Western Province of Kenya. Indian J Tradl Knowledge 2016, 15(1), 93-102.

AbaWanga people of western Kenya are known to have a rich history of ethnobotanical knowledge, probably due to their long interactive history of migration from North Africa to West Africa and then to Central and finally to East Africa. Their collective and accumulative ethnobotanical knowledge largely remains unknown and is likely to be just as rich and worth documenting, hence the current study. Non-alienating, dialogic, participatory action research (PAR) and participatory rural appraisal (PRA) approaches involving 100 women and men aged over 30 yrs old were utilized. A set of triangulation approach involving snowball and purposive sampling methods were used to select 100 key respondents. A total of 66 plant species distributed in 31 families were documented with Fabaceae family having the highest number of species (16.67%), followed by Euphorbiacea (9.09%) and Asteraceae (6.06%). The study showed extensive ethnic-based and varied ethnobotanical uses. There were 54 human diseases/ill-health conditions treated, controlled and managed together with those plants offering nutritional, socio-cultural/economic and veterinary values. This showed an ethnobotanical system that was practically developed and could confidently supplement and complement conventional medicine, where appropriate following an in-depth scientific research.

1 table, 25 ref

022351   Sharma R K (Botany Dep, Govt. College for Women, Gandhi Nagar, Jammu (J&K), Email: raj66a@gmail.com) : Callus formation in Ferula jaeschkeana Vatke. Int J Pl Sci 2015, 10(1), 97-101.

Callus was initiated from the petiole explants of Ferula jaeschakeana on a medium containing 2,4-D. The highest percentage of explants forming callus (92.5) and callus index (258) were obtained on medium supplemented with 1 mgl^-l 2,4-D. Among explants sizes and type tested for callus initiation, 10 mm long petiole gave maximum callus index. Small and large explants initiated a slight amount of callus. Addition of Kn in combination with 2,4-D enhanced the callus formation from the explants.

1 illus, 2 tables, 23 ref

022350   Sakander H;Akhilesh B;Koteswara A R (Studies in Botany Dep, Centre for Innovative Studies in Herbal Drug Technology, Mysore Univ, Manasagangotri, Mysore, Karnataka, Email: karaveesha@gmail.com) : Evaluation of antifungal potential of selected medicinal plants against human pathogenic fungi. Int J Green Pharm 2015, 9(2), 110-17.

The aim was to screen selected medicinal plants for antifungal activity against three important human pathogenic fungi and to identify the broad group of phytochemicals responsible for the activity. A total of 8 medicinal plants were screened for antifungal activity against three human pathogenic fungi. Aqueous and the solvent extracts of the plant materials were prepared by polarity based solvent extraction. Antifungal activity was tested by well and disc diffusion methods. Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of the active extract was determined by micro-broth dilution technique. Phytochemical analysis of the active extract was done. The results were statistically analysed by One-Way analysis of variance with Post-hoc Tukey's B test at P <60> 0.05 using the Software SPSS version 20 (IBM Corp. Armonk, NY Released 2011). Significant antifungal activity was observed in the aqueous extracts of the fruits of Terminalia chebula (47.75 mm) against Microsporum gypseum and the mesocarp of Persea americana (40.5 mm) against Microsporum canis. Candida albicans was inhibited by the ethyl acetate (20 mm) and aqueous extracts (16 mm) of T. chebula fruits and aqueous extract of the seeds of Syzygium jambos (16 mm). The aqueous extract of mesocarp of P. americana showed lowest MIC value (312.5 μg/ml) against M. canis and M. gypseum. Phytochemical analysis of the active extracts revealed the presence of phenols, tannins, alkaloids and flavonoids. The study validates the use of theplants in the treatment of fungal infections and has provided important leads for the discovery of new plant-based antifungal agents.

2 tables, 33 ref

022349   Sahu P K;Sahu P;Patel T S;Singh S;Mishra H; Sharma D (Genetics and Plant Breeding Dep, Indira Gandhi Krishi Vishwavidyalaya, Raipur-492 012, Email: parmeshwarsahu1210@gmail.com) : Genetic purity assessment and genetic relatedness of rice hybrids and their parents using micro-satellite (SSR) markers. J Envir Biosci 2015, 29(1), 143-50.

In order to identify pure hybrid and pollen shedders/off-types an investigation was performed using ideal SSR marker (Microsatellite markers). Microsatellite markers are useful in fingerprinting, for assessing variation within parental lines and testing the genetic purity of hybrid seed in rice. The present investigation was conducted using nine SSR markers on 21 rice hybrids and their corresponding 10 parental lines i.e., three CMS lines and seven testers The two polymorphic markers i.e., RM 206 and RM 517 were clearly distinguished all the parental lines used in the study while only RM 206, alone precisely distinguished between pure hybrids and mixture/off type. All of the hybrids were found to be pure but highest purity was found in hybrid, CRMS-32A/Suraksha for RM 206 under the investigation. Cluster analysis was used to group the genotypes and to construct a dendrogram. The UPGMA based dendrogram obtained from the binary data deduced from the DNA profiles of the samples analyzed adds new dimensions to the genetic similarity perspectives generated. The parental lines were grouped in to two major clusters (Cluster 'A' and Cluster 'B') resulted out of analysis of pooled SSR marker data (Fig.-5). Similarity coefficient ranged from 0.26 to 0.82 with an average similarity index of 0.54 for molecular based diversity.

5 illus, 3 tables, 15 ref

022348   Ranjini T N;Bhanuprakash K;Suryanarayana M A (Section of Medicinal Plants, Indian Institute of Horticultural Research, Hessaraghatta, Bengaluru-560 089, Email: ranjini.tantry@gmail.com) : Assessment of genetic variability using esterase polymorphism in Indian myrobalan (Terminalia chebula retz.) accessions. J Envir Biosci 2015, 29(1), 189-91.

An experiment was conducted to identify genetic variability among twelve medicinally important Terminalia chebula accessions using esterase profile. The seed samples were homogenized with 0.5μL of extraction buffer in a chilled condition. The supernatant was subjected to poly acrylamide gel electrophoresis. Detected esterase bands using suitable staining solution. A total of 46 bands at 8 different positions with different molecular weight/ R_f values were observed in the esterase profile of T. chebula. One band (EST5) with R_f value 0.5 is common to all the twelve accessions but in the accessions IIHRTc7 and IIHRTc8 light intensity bands were observed. EST7 band was noticed only in three accessions (IIHRTc10, IIHRTc11 and IIHRTc12) at R_f value 0.957 and one distinct band has been observed individually in IIHRTc3 (R_f. 0.592). Thus it can be concluded that esterase profile can be used as a biochemical tool to distinguish T. chebula accessions.

1 illus, 1 table, 6 ref

022347   Randrianarivony T;Randrianasolo A; Andriamihajarivo T;Ramarosandratana A V;Jeannoda V H;Rakotoarivony F; Bussmann R W (Missouri Botanical Garden (MBG), Research and Conservaion Program Madagascar, B.P. 3391, 101, Antananarivo, Madagascar) : Useful plants and tradition for pregnancy, child delivery and for post-partum care used by people living around Analavelona forest in South West Madagascar. Indian J Tradl Knowledge 2016, 15(1), 68-78.

Free listing and semi-structured interviews were undertaken in order to get a list of plant used during pregnancy, child delivery and post-partum care in Sakaraha district, South-western Madagascar. Use of Anthropac and XLstat software were performed for plant lists analysis. One hundred twelve plant species belonging to 90 genera and 46 families are cited as useful for the care of women during pregnancy period, childbirth and post-partum. Those species are mentioned by 46% of the 259 informants interviewed. Jatropha curcas L., Cedrelopsis grevei Baill., Ficus brachyclada Baker, Flacourtia ramontchi L'Her. and Henonia scoparia Moq are the most used plant species as they are cited by more than 30 informants. Women from our site study are entirely dependent on plants during pregnancy, child delivery and post-partum period. This study will contribute to preventing loss of traditional knowledge from the southern part of Madagascar.

7 illus, 3 tables, 51 ref

022346   Rana U;Meena Kumari (Biology & Environmental Sciences Dep, College of Basic Sciences, CSKHPKV, Palampur-176 062) : Evaluation of interaction effect of drought stress with ABA, calcium and potassium on physiological parameters in common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) genotypes. J Envir Biosci 2015, 29(1), 125-7.

An investigation was conducted to assess the drought-tolerance in two common bean Phaseolus vulgaris genotypes with foliar application of ABA, calcium and potassium on the basis of inherent stress tolerance characters viz. plant dry weight (g/plant), root length (cm), relative water content (%), chlorophyll fluorescence (fv/fm) and drought susceptibility index (DSI) when stress was induced at flower initiation stage. Seeds of fifty common bean genotypes were evaluated for drought tolerance in laboratory by simulation with two PEG-6000 osmotic potential levels (-0.3 MPa and -0.5 MPa) and reduction in germination percentage, plumule and radicle length was observed in KR 84, KR 257 genotypes. These two were selected for further study and subjected to pot trial. The results revealed that drought stress at flower initiation stage significantly reduced plant root length, plant dry weight, relative leaf water content and chlorophyll fluorescence (fv/fm). Foliar application of ABA, calcium and potassium effectively ameliorated the negative effects of drought stress in both genotypes. Reduction in drought susceptibility index was also observed under these treatments as compared to stressed non treated plants. KCl (1%) was found to be most effective and surpasses other treatments.

23 ref

022345   Prithviraj H S;Jagannath S;Prakasha (Studies in Botany Dep, Mysore Univ, Manasagangotri, Mysore, Karnataka) : Establishment of long term proliferating shoot cultures of Commelina benghalensis L. a medicinal plant. Int J pharm chem biol Sci 2015, 5(3), 599-603.

Regeneration of Plantlets through nodal explants has been achieved in medicinal plant Commelina benghalensis of commelinaceae, belongs to monocot. Green house grown explants were used to control browning due to phenolic exudation. Plantlets obtained by nodal explants on Murashige and Skoog's (MS) medium fortified with 1.0 mg l^-1 BAP (6, Benzyl amino purine) produced 06-10 multiple shoots. Cut ends of nodal stem segments rapidly turned brown and cultures failed to establish. When 50 mg l^-1 ascorbic acid and 25 mg l^-1 Polyvinyl pyrrolidone (PVP) were added to the medium, explants remained healthy, and cultures were established. Rooting of micro shoots was achieved on half or full strength MS medium with 0.5-2.0 mg l^-1 NAA (naphthalene acetic acid) for 15 days. Regenerated plantlets acclimatized showed normal morphological characteristics when transferred to soil. Survival of transplants was 95-99% under green house condition.

21 ref

022344   Pradheep K;Soyimchiten;Pandey A;Bhatt K C (Division of Plant Exploration and Germplasm Collection, ICAR-National Bureau of Plant Genetics Resources, Pusa Campus, New Delhi-110 012, Email: K.Pradheep@icar.gov.in) : Wild edible plants used by Konyak tribe in Mon district of Nagaland: Survey and inventorisation. Indian J nat Prod Resour 2016, 7(1), 74-81.

This paper deals with 41 species of wild edible plants (WEPs) used by Konyak tribe in Mon district of Nagaland, recorded in two survey-cum-exploration trips undertaken during 2013 and 2014. The scientific and vernacular names of the plants, trends in domestication, period of availability, part(s) used and related notes are provided. Investigation for ethnobotanical studies and nutritive analysis has been emphasised. Fifteen WEPs were prioritised for germplasm collection and conservation.

2 tables, 14 ref

022343   Mukemre M;Behcet L;Cakilcioglu U (Biology Dep, Yuzuncu Yil Univ, Van-65000, Turkey, Email: ucakilcioglu@yahoo.com) : Survey of wild food plants for human consumption in villages of Catak (Van-Turkey). Indian J Tradl Knowledge 2016, 15(2), 183-91.

This study aims to record accumulation of knowledge on plants which are used as food by native people of Catak (Van, Turkey) that has a rich culture and a very natural environment. In addition, the medical uses of these plants were compiled from the literature. Study area was located on the East of Anatolian diagonal, in the Eastern Anatolia Region. Field study was carried out over a period of approximately two years (2010-2012). During this period, 82 vascular plant taxa were collected. The plants were pressed in the field and prepared for identification. A total of 82 food plants belonging to 28 families were identified in the region. In the study being conducted, use of wild plants as food points out interest of people in Catak in wild plants. The fact that a large proportion of edible plants are also being used for medicinal purposes indicates that the use of wild plants has a high potential in the region. The present study shows that further ethnobotanical investigations are worthy to be carried out in Turkey, where most of knowledge on popular food plants are still to discover. In Turkey, the number of ethnobotanic studies is ever-increasing. However, traditional uses of many wild plants have not been recorded yet. In terms of food safety, the adverse effects that may arise due to the use of wild plants without sufficient knowledge must be reported to the native people.

2 illus, 1 table, 22 ref

022342   Mishra N;Panda T;Pradhan B K;Rout S D;Mohanty R B;Kishor A;Singh R R (Zoology Dep, Chandbali College, Chandbali, Bhadrak-756 133, Email: taranisenpanda@yahoo.co.in) : Indigenous knowledge in utilization of wetland plants of Bhadrak district, Odisha, India. Indian J nat Prod Resour 2016, 7(1), 82-9.

The objective of the study was to determine the utilization of wetland plant resources for livelihood in Bhadrak district of Odisha, India. Information was gathered from 73 informants of various ages in different villages of the district by using participant observation, open-ended conversations and semi-structured questionnaires. A total of 42 wetland plant species, belonging to 36 genera and 27 families were found to have been used traditionally for edible purposes. The dominant families were Araceae, Nymphyaceae and Poaceae. The most frequently used plant species were Amorphophallus paeoniifolius Dennst. (Nicolson), Colocasia esculenta (L.) Schott., Ipomoea aquatica Forssk., Marsilea minuta L. and Trapa natans L. Proper documentation of traditional knowledge related to these plants and identification of potential species for prioritization of conservation through sustainable management is essential for socioeconomic development of the rural people.

1 illus, 1 table, 50 ref

022341   Mekbib Y;Deressa T (Ethiopian Biodiversity Institute (EBO), PO Box-30726, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, Email: yeshi.mekb@gmail.com) : Exploration and collection of root and tuber crops in East Wollega and Ilu ababora zones: Rescuing declining genetic resources. Indian J Tradl Knowledge 2016, 15(1), 86-92.

Root and tuber crops play significant role in the food security of the local people. Especially, in South and Southwestern parts of Ethiopia, there is a long history of cultivation and use of the crops. Exploration and collection of root and tuber crops were undertaken in East Wollega and Ilu Ababora zones. A total of 76 root and tuber crops germplasm were collected in the present study. The production of these crops depended mainly on few declining local varieties. Farmers have identified two distinct local varieties for root yam (buri adii & buri deema) and Ethiopian potato (green leaved & dark green leaved), respectively. The highest collection (34%) was for yams. The altitudinal ranges of the collections were between 1597 m and 2453 m. The collected germplasm were conserved in cold room and field gene bank of the Ethiopian Biodiversity Institute. Interviewed farmers reported that the production and the number of local varieties of root and tuber crops maintained on individual farms have been declining since the past decade. The major factors limiting the production and sustainable use of root and tuber crops are displacement by other crops, little research attention, drought, short shelf life, shortage of planting materials, limited knowledge of youth and pests.

5 illus, 1 table, 25 ref

022340   Limenih Y;Umer S;Wolde-Mariam M (Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Pharmacognosy Dep, Addis Ababa Univ, College of Health Sciences, School of Pharmacy, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia) : Ethnobotanical study on traditional medicinal plants in DEGA DAMOT woreda, Amhara region, North Ethiopia. Int J Res Pharm Chem 2015, 5(2), 258-73.

The study was done to identify major medicinal plants, and also to document the traditional medicinal plants and their medicinal uses in Dega Damot Woreda, Amhara Region, Ethiopia. A community based cross-sectional descriptive study is conducted on a total of 70 informants, among which 20 were traditional healers and the rest were heterogeneous groups of study participants to survey the usage customs of traditional medicinal plants. In this study, 50 participants were included of which 62% of them were illiterates. 20 well recognized traditional healers were also included, among which 18 were males and 2 females. Most of the traditional healers indicated that their sources of knowledge was from their fathers. In the study area Croton macrostachyus and Ranunculus multifidus were ranked first which were most effective for the treatment of malaria and the treatment of visceral leishimaniasis (Chinkur) respectively. Also, 54 plant species were reported for their medicinal values. Euphorbiaceae are the dominant family, followed by Solanaceae. The 54 plant species were used for 38 types of ailments. Roots and leaves were the most frequently used plant parts. Chopping, pounding and crushing are the most frequently used ways of preparing drugs in the study area and the drugs were administered orally. The people in the study area are knowledgeable about the plants, their distribution, parts of the plants and its use. Different medicinal plants are used to treat various illnesses and herbal medicine remains the most important component of public health care. It is important to create awareness about the conservation of medicinal plant and the importance of maintaining the knowledge about herbal medicine.

12 tables, 25 ref

022339   Lakra N;Tomar P C;Mishra S N (Stress Physiology and Molecular Biology Lab, School of Life Sciences, Jawaharlal Nehru Univ, New Delhi, Email: anitaslsjnu@gmail.com) : Growth response modulation by putrescine in Indian mustard Brassica juncea L. under multiple stress. Indian J expl Biol 2016, 54(4), 162-70.

Plants, in general, are put to various kinds of stress, biotic and abiotic, both natural and manmade. Infestation by insect pests and diseases, and extreme conditions such as salinity, temperature, etc., as well as heavy metal contamination affect their growth performance. Here, we studied the impact of salinity and heavy metal pollution on the growth performance of Indian Mustard Brassica juncea L. and its amelioration by the diamine, putrescine, a known media supplement. We evaluated the putrescine (Put) modulation potential on multiple stress effect in 7-day old Indian mustard. The germination, seedlings length and photosynthetic pigments decline under salinity and metal (Cd/Pb) stress condition, alone or in combination, were checked by putrescine. The stress induced increase in root-shoot ratio, RNA and total amino acids content, as well as Na⁺/K⁺ ratio in leaf tissues were also comparatively less. The increased endogenous Cd/Pb accumulation in plants exposed to either metal further elevated under salinity was also found decelerated. However, the multiple stressed seedlings showed increase in glutathione content, which was further elevated with putrescine application. The increase in protein contents in leaf under single or combined stresses in the presence of putrescine could be a qualitative change. The differential changes in parameters examined here resulted in improved growth (<62>10%) suggests stress mitigation by the putrescine up to an extent.

9 illus, 61 ref

022338   Kumar P (Pharmacology Dep, Faculty of Pharmacy, Jamia Hamdard, New Delhi-110 062, Email: pkrathee@gmail.com) : Common medicinal plants with antiobesity potential: A special emphasis on fenugreek. Ancient Sci Life 2015, 35(1), 58-63.

3 tables, 51 ref

022337   Kuldeep Kumar;Madhu Rani;Srivastava A K (Botany Dep, C.C.S. Univ, Meerut, Uttar Pradesh, Email: kkbalyan1@gmail.com) : Study of genotype dependent response against treatment of As+Se in barley. Int J Pl Sci 2015, 10(1), 64-9.

The present paper deals with the genotoxicity assessment of five partially tolerant and five non-tolerant accessions of Hordeum vulgare (barley) for the heavy metals arsenic and selenium in combination. The genotype dependent response was studied using root meristem cytology. These two heavy metals in combination influenced mitotic division inducing various kinds of anomalies.

1 illus, 2 tables, 24 ref

022336   Korkmaz M;Karakus S;Ozcelik H;Selvi S (Biology Dep, Faculty of Sciences and Arts, Erzincan Univ, Erzincan, Turkey, Email: korkmazmustafa67@yahoo.com.tr) : Ethnobotanical study on medicinal plants in Erzincan, Turkey. Indian J Tradl Knowledge 2016, 15(2), 192-202.

Indigenous people living in eastern regions of Turkey are, still using traditional treatment methods with medicinal plants. The region is important both in terms of plant diversity and traditional uses of medicinal plants.Traditional use is decreasing day to day, but traditional treatment methods still comes before modern treatment methods. The present study carried out during April to September 2010 in Erzincan (Turkey) by interviewing medicinal plant holders and the people to determine the most used medicinal plants reveals. Latin names, local names, used parts and preparation methods of 49 species from 29 families. The largest families are: Asteraceae (8 taxa), Lamiaceae and Rosaceae (6 taxa) and Fabaceae, Lauraceae and Zingiberaceae (2 taxa). The number of medicinal plant taxa that were used to treat the diseases are diuretic (11), sedative (11), liver (9), stomach (8), skin (7), gastrointestinal (7), cardiovascular (6), blood pressure (5), diabetics (4) and cholesterol (4). Single uses of the medicinal plants are generally preferred for treatments.

4 illus, 3 tables, 36 ref

022335   Kapoor P;Sharma B M;Thakur R;Sharma (Plant Pathology Dep, College of Agriculture, CSKHPKV, Palampur-176 062, Email: poojakapoor1237@gmail.com) : Effect of different light photoperiods on growth of Ganoderma lucidum. J Envir Biosci 2015, 29(1), 207-9.

Light plays very important role in the primordial initiation and fruit body formation of mushrooms, which seriously affects their productivities in both quality and quantity. The effect of light intensity at different photoperiods was studied on yield and morphological characters of strain OE-53 of G. lucidum using different sawdust of Mango, Popular and Eucalyptus supplemented with wheat bran. The following lighting periods were used: 6 hr light + 18 hr dark, 6 hr Dark + 18 hr Light, 12 hr Dark + 12 hr Light and continuous light -500-800 lux (control) and the applied lighting intensity was between 500-800 lux. Lighting exerted a significant impact on yielding. The results revealed that Mango sawdust supplemented with Wheat bran at light intensity 500-800 lux for the period of 6 hr Dark + 18 hr Light, was found to be best in terms of primordial initiation, number of primordia, fruit body expansion and development, yield and biological efficiency. Also, exposure to continuous light intensity of 800 lux during vegetative growth of mycelial stage in Ganoderma lucidum brought lower productivity of fruiting bodies.

2 tables, 12 ref

022334   Goni R;Sharma N (Botany Dep, Univ of Jammu, Jammu-180 006, Email: phyllanthus@rediffmail.com) : Schismatomma galactinum (lichenized ascomycota), a lichen species new to India. Curr Sci 2016, 110(5), 770-1.

1 illus, 6 ref

022333   Gokhale M;Wadhwani M (Botany & Microbiology Dep, St. Aloysius (autonomous) College, Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh, Email: mamtashrirang@gmail.com) : Antimicrobial activity of secondary metabolites from plants. Int J Pharm 2015, 2(2), 60-5.

Plants are a valuable sources of natural products. Despite the availability of different approaches for the discovery of therapeutically, natural products still remain as one of the best reservoir of new structural types. They play a major role in cure of various diseases from ancient time. Role of plant metabolites to inhibit the growth and activity of pathogenic bacteria is cherished. Research towards the invention of sources of plant metabolites gives sustenance against the problem of development of resistant pathogen. Review presents information about some new sources of phytometabolites against pathogens.

^iia1 table, 52 ref

022332   Gohil T G;Thakor A B (Biology Dep, B.K.M. Science College, Valsad, Gujarat) : Ex situ conservation of rare plants of south Gujarat in the botanical garden of Valsad Science College. Int J Pl Sci 2015, 10(1), 95-7.

Botanical garden of Valsad Science College is one of the best garden in Gujarat state that actively participate in the conservation of rare species by maintaining live specimens in their collections, studying wild plants at risk, banking seeds of rare plants and introducing rare plants to the horticultural trade. During last five years we could adorn it successfully conserving 37 species of rare plants belonging to 36 genera and 24 families in our botanical garden.

1 table, 15 ref

022331   George M;Britto S J (The Rapinat Herbarium and Centre for Molecular systematic, St. Joseph's College (Autonomous), Triruchirappalli, Tamil Nadu, Email: smk262010@gmail.com) : Comparative pharmacognostic and phytochemical evaluation of Curcuma amada and Curcuma aeruginosa. Int J Pharm 2015, 2(2), 83-7.

Curcuma amada and Curcuma aeruginosa are economically and medicinally very important species in India. Both of the species look similar in morphological nature. In the present study an effort has been made to work out the identifying characters and detailed comparative account of both species for ready identification of entire plant, live or in herbarium and also the discrimination of drugs made from rhizome of both species. The studies of both species revealed the presence of entire major compounds like alkaloids, flavanoids, glycosides, phenols and tannins, saponins etc. The macroscopic and microscopic studies of both species expressed difference. The activities of the powder with different chemicals and fluorescent studies showed characteristic colourations.

2 illus, 2 tables, 9 ref

022330   Elkhoudri N;Baali A;Amor H (Lab of Human Ecology, Faculty of Science Semalalia, Cadi Ayyad Univ Marrakesh Avenue Prince Moulay Abdellah, BP 2390 Marrakech, Morocco, Email: neoureddinebio@hotmail.com) : Maternal morbidity and the use of medicinal herbs in the city of Marrakech, Morocco. Indian J Tradl Knowledge 2016, 15(1), 79-85.

This study is conducted to examine maternal morbidity and the use of medicinal herbs. A total of 181 women, aged 17-45 yrs gave birth in the last 5 yrs preceding the survey, were enrolled. The study was conducted in Marrakech city, Morocco. The rate of maternal morbidity was 38.1%, while 42% of women used medicinal herbs, 48.3% of them after the delivery. Medicinal plants are mostly used by women and consumed as infusion decoction seeking postpartum recovery and getting back in shape. The results show statistical associations between some socio-demographic and health variables and the medicinal herbs utilization. Woman's educational level (illiteracy), primiparous women and the postpartum period were associated with the use of medicinal herbs.

1 illus, 6 tables, 15 ref

022329   Borborah K;Borthakur S K;Tanti B (Botany Dep, Gauhati Univ, Guwahati-781 014, Email: bt53@rediffmail.com) : Musa balbisiana colla-taxonomy, Traditional knowledge and economic potentialities of the plant in Assam, India. Indian J Tradl Knowledge 2016, 15(1), 116-20.

The traditional use of herbs as potential source of food and medicine is well observed among the ethnic groups in different zones of the world. Musa balbisiana Colla, is a robust herb, commonly known as Bhimkol or Athiyakol in Assamese and not a single part of the plant is wasted in the state of Assam, India. Here, this plant is regarded as an asset of household garden and people use various parts of the plant in their daily life as well as in every rites and rituals. As such, this plant has an immense economic potentiality in this region of North East India. A brief summary of the taxonomy, traditional uses of the plant/plant parts and products, based on extensive field observation from different parts of Assam has been documented in the present paper.

2 illus, 16 ref

022328   Bhakshu L M;Venkata Ratnam K;Venkata Raju R R (Botany Dep, Govt. College for MEn (Autonomous), Kadapa, Andhra Pradesh-516 004, Email: rrvenkataraju@yahoo.com) : Anticandidal activity and phytochemical analysis of certain medicinal plants from Eastern Ghats, India. Indian J nat Prod Resour 2016, 7(1), 25-31.

The ethno-medico-botanical studies in Eastern Ghats provided an evidence for the tribal claims on the usage of medicinal plants for various human infectious diseases. The present investigation focused on the anticandidal activity of certain medicinal plants used for infectious diseases. The plant samples were extracted with solvents initially with petroleum ether followed by ethyl acetate and ethyl alcohol and the extracts were tested for anticandidal activity. The results indicated that, the extracts of twenty three medicinal plants significantly inhibited the growth of the test pathogen. The details of anticandidal activity, Minimum Inhibition Concentration (MIC) of active extracts and their phytochemical analysis with respect to alkaloids, flavonoids, glycosides, terpenes, saponins and essential oils were provided. The plants namely Andrographis nallamalayana Ellis, Boswellia ovalifoliolata Bal. et Henry, Crotalaria madurensis var. kurnoolica Ellis et Swaminathan, Hedychium coronarium Koeing, Pterocarpus santalinus L.f., Shorea tumbuggaia Roxb., Tylophora fasciculata Buch.-Ham. ex Wight were endemic and their extracts exhibited significant anticandidal activity.

3 tables, 35 ref

022327   Bakkialakshmi S;Jayaranjani G (Physics Dep, Annamalai Univ, Annamalainagar, Tamilnadu-608 002) : Characterization of B-cyclodextrin complexes with natural dye. Int J pharm chem biol Sci 2015, 5(1), 93-7.

Many recent reports on curcumin, a polyphenol from Curcuma longa, provide mounting evidence on the pharmacological activity of this natural product. However, the pharmaceutical use of this molecule is hampered due to its poor solubility in the aqueous media, inclusion complex formation with cyclodextrins has been reported as a means to enhance its aqueous solubility. Most of the studies provide Infrared (IR) spectroscopic data as an evidence to support inclusion complex formation. In this study, fully water soluble complexes of curcumin with two β-cyclodextrins were isolated and characterized.

18 ref

022326   Akgiil G;Yilmaz N;Celep A;Celep F;Cakilcioglu U (Biology Dep, Faculty of Arts and Sciences, Nevsehir Haci Bektas Veli Univ, 50300 Nevsehir, Turkey, Email: ucakilcioglu@yahoo.com) : Ethnobotanical purposes of plants sold by herbalists and folk bazaars in the center of Cappadocica (Nevsehir, Turkey). Indian J Tradl Knowledge 2016, 15(1), 103-8.

This study was carried out between the years of 2008-2012 in the herbalists and folk bazaars located in Nevsehir and its districts, Turkey. During the study, total 67 plant taxa belonging to 35 families were determined frequently using for various purposes by the local people. According to the results, the largest 5 plants families are used by the local people as Asteraceae, Apiaceae, Rosaceae, Lamiaceae, and Brassicaceae. The scientific and vernacular names, preparation, used plant parts, medicinal indication and administration of the plants were given. According to their purpose of use, the plants are mostly used for medicinal purposes, than spices, ornamental, etc. (paint, incense, amulet and such). The traditional medicinal plants were mostly used for the appetizing, expectorant, rheumatism, liver disease and diuretic.

2 illus, 3 tables, 16 ref

021531   Zaghloul F A E R (Marine Environmental Div, National Institute of Oceanography & Fisheries, Alexandria, Egypt, Email: dr.zaghlou89@yahoo.com) : Short-term eutrophication in the eastern harbor of Alexandria, Egypt. Asian J Adv Basic Sci 2015, 3(2), 91-8.

The phytoplankton community was studied in historically and ecologically important area of the Egyptian Mediterranean coast at Alexandria. Once a week sample was collected from a semi-closed basin;Eastern Harbor,(EH) from June 2011 to May 2012 and twice a week over other one year started from March 2013 till February 2014 at fixed station. The results indicated that a total of 116 phytoplankton species were identified during the first year and 156 species during the second one, with the predominance of diatoms in both two periods (64&100 species respectively) with a percentage frequency 84.23% and 76.10% in two periods respectively, followed with dinoflagellates (15.34% & 23.67% respectively). The phytoplankton standing crop amounted to an annual average of 1.84 x 10⁶ cell/1 during 2011-2012 and 2.48X10⁶ at 2013 - 2014. C lean differences were observed between the roles of diatoms and dinoflagellates as well as the abundance cycle of total phytoplankton in the two periods. Generally, during the second period high counts of dinoflagellates particularly in 12 of August 2013 cause fish mortality. Eutrophication in the study area was accompanied by more frequent algal blooms, which were sometimes dominated by toxic species. Correlation coefficient of biological factors with some physicochemical parameters are provided and discussed.

3 illus, 3 tables, 30 ref

021530   Vivitha P;Vijayalakshmi D (Crop Physiology Dep, Tamil Nadu Agricultural Univ, Coimbatore-641 003) : Minor millets as model system to study C₄ photosynthesis. Agric Rev 2015, 36(4), 296-304.

C₄ photosynthesis is the primary mode of carbon capture and drives productivity in several major food crops and bioenergy grasses. Gains in productivity associated with C₄ photosynthesis include improved water and nitrogen use efficiencies. Within grasses rice and brachypodium are used as model species. Since these two crops are using C₃ photosynthesis for their growth and development, it cannot be used as model for to study C₄ photosynthesis. In order to characterize the evolutionary innovations and to provide genomic insight into crop improvement for the many important crop species, a new genomic and genetic model species is required. Minor millets have small diploid genomes, shorter life cycles, self pollinationandprolific seed production. Due to thesecharacteristics it gains importance overmajor C₄ species which lack all of these traits. Within Minor millets, Setaria italica and Setaria viridis are used as model systems since these crops fulfils all the traits responsible to be a model species. Importantly, Setaria species uses NADP-Malic enzyme subtype C₄ photosynthetic systemto fix carbonand therefore isa potential powerful model system fordissecting C₄ photosynthesis. C₄ grasses have a shorter distance between longitudinal veins in the leaves than C₃ grasses. The C₄ grasses have denser transverse and small longitudinal veins than the C₃ grasses. It indicates that C₄ grasses have a structurally superior photosynthate translocation and water distribution system by developing denser networks of small longitudinal and transverse veins. Setaria has high vein density and kranz anatomy that helps to concentrate CO₂ in the bundle sheath cells. This minimizes photorespiration thereby prevents the loss of energy.

^iia52 ref

021529   Vaidya M (Botany Dep, SVKM'S Mithibai College, Vile-Parle West, Mumbai-400 056) : Anatomy- An important tool for identification of some species of Dieffenbachia and Colocasia of family Araceae, Juss. Asian J biochem pharm Res 2015, 5(4), 156-62.

Araceae is distributed mainly in Assam, Eastern Himalayas and Western Ghats. 91 species and 26 genera of Araceae are found in India. The rootstock of Colocasia provides starchy food. Colocasia leaves are used as vegetable. Leaves of Dieffenbachia are used to relieve rheumatic pains. But it is morphologically difficult to identify these genera and their species and so this study was undertaken. It deals with the types of stomata found in the six species of genus Dieffenbachia and four species of genus Colocasia are paracytic and brachyparatetracytic.

10 illus, 26 ref

021528   Thorat A K;Mishra D N (Biotechnology Research Centre, Biotechnology Dep, College of Computer Science and IT, Ambajogai Road, Latur, Maharashtra) : Medicinal plants for the treatment of Mutrakrcchra in the Brhattrayi and Madhava Cikitsa treatises of ayurveda. Int J herb Med 2016, 4(4), 1-8.

Madhava is one of the Ayurvedic practitioners (ca 9th Century CE) after the Caraka - Susruta era, who had made a great compilation called Madhava Nidana. In a later stage, another unique treatise was composed by the same author Madhava, named Madhava Cikitsa in the line of diseases referred to in Madhava Nidana. Madhava Cikitsa composition is not well known to the world due to the absence of a proper critical edition on the basis of available manuscripts. A study of the medicinal plants used for the treatment of Mutrakrcchra disease (painful urination) given in Madhava Cikitsa was compared to that of the Brhattrayi (Caraka Samhita, Susruta Samhita and Astangahrdayam) texts. It is found in the study that a single Sanskrit name of a plant has also been described for other plant species having different botanical identity in the literature. The ambiguity in plant names and botanical identity has been assigned to non-availability of suitable ancient taxonomic or pharmacognostic records for the correct botanical identifications of the Sanskrit as well as the vernacular names of medicinal plants of the same period. An attempt is made here to find the most probable correct botanical identification of each plant described for Mutrakrcchra Cikitsa in the texts, through a critical survey of the literature and by analysing and comparing all possible identifications. The study of the texts and matching of the medicinal plant names made the list to contain 38 identified plant species for the treatment of Mutrakrcchra as common in these four treatises of Ayurveda. There are 09 different plants identified in the description of Madhava Cikitsa only which are not mentioned in the Brhattrayi. However, a majority of the plant species (43%) belong to herbaceous habit and to family Poaceae, Zingiberacea (4-4 plants each) followed by family Apiaceae, Fabaceae, Solanaceae (2-2 Plants each) and one-one plants are represented by family Cucurbitaceae, Cyperaceae, Marsileaceae, Musaceae, Saxifragaceae, Zygophyllaceae. The present discussion of the taxonomically most appropriate plant names contributes to the relevant domain of knowledge about these medicinal plants and their variations, which turn contributes to the exploration of their curative and therapeutic value in Mutrakrcchra Cikitsa.

1 illus, 3 tables, 79 ref

021527   Sujatha G;Ranjitha Kumari B D (Botany Dep, Periyar E.V.R. College (Autonomous), Tiruchirappalli-620 023) : Somatic organogenesis and plant regeneration in Artemisia vulgaris L. Asian J biochem pharm Res 2015, 5(4), 230-43.

An in vitro propagation system was developed for mugwort (Artemisia vulgaris) through leaf-derived callus cultures. The impact of different concentrations of auxins, cytokinins, amino acids and sugars were evaluated for callus induction and shoot proliferation. Green compact organogenic callus was obtained on the medium fortified with Murashige and Skoog (MS) salts, B₅ vitamins, 1.0 mg dm^-3 6-benzyladenine (BA) and 1.0 mg dm^-3 2,4-dichlorophenoxy acetic acid (2,4-D). A maximum of 93.7% callusing response was established. Multiple shoot proliferation from the callus cultures was achieved on the medium containing MS salts, B₅ vitamins, 2.0 mg dm^-3 thidiazuron (TDZ) and 15 mg dm^-3 glutamine. The maximum of 64.2 shoots production was achieved. The proliferated shoots were elongated on the same medium comprising MS salts, B₅ vitamins, 2.0 mg dm^-3 TDZ. The elongated shoots were rooted on the medium containing MS salts, B₅ vitamins and 1.5 mg dm^-3 indole-3-acetic acid (IAA). The plantlets were transferred to garden soil: farmyard soil: sand (2:1:1) mixture for acclimatization, which was successful and subsequent maturity was achieved under greenhouse conditions. This study can serve as a tool for mass multiplication and ex situ conservation of this elite medicinal plant.

3 illus, 4 tables, 36 ref

021526   Sujatha G;Mariya Selvam S (Botany Dep, Periyar E.V.R. College, Tiruchirappalli-620 023) : Ethonomedicinal survey of flora used by Chettipatti inhabitants, Manapparai. Asian J biochem pharm Res 2015, 5(4), 16-31.

The study of local knowledge about natural resources is becoming increasingly important in defining strategies and actions for conservation. In recent years, work in ethnobotanical knowledge worldwide has increased especially in some parts of Europe, Asia, and Africa. India, a country with a rich culture and traditional knowledge, has contributed a major share of the world's ethnobotanical work. The main objective behind this study was to record the plants for medicinal purposes in Chettiapatti through regular field visits. There are no previous reports on the documentation of Botanical Survey of medicinal plants from Chettiapatti, Manapparai, Tiruchirappalli district of Tamil Nadu State, India. The study carried out during November 2014 to March 2015 resulted in the identification of 25 elite medicinal plants belonging to 20 different families. Their vernacular names, active principle, medicinal uses were identified and documented. The representing plants are mostly used to cure skin diseases, cancer, jaundice, cough, inflammation, rheumatism, wounds, anthelminthic, urinary problems and as antidote for poison bites. Leaves and whole plants are the most widely (29% and 24%) used plant part of the reported medicinal plants, followed by flowers (14%), root and seed (10% each), fruit (7%) and rhizome, inflorescence and cladode (2% each). This study therefore concludes, it is necessary that suitability requirements are needed in order to protect the traditional knowledge in a particular area with reference to medicinal plant utilization. The plants need to be evaluated through phytochemical investigation to discover potentiality as drugs.

6 illus, 1 table, 20 ref

021525   Singh S (Botany Dep, Amrit Campus, Kathmandu, Nepal) : Ethnobotanical study of some climbers of Parsa district forest of Nepal. J med Pl Stud 2016, 4(4), 6-10.

In the traditional health care practices medicinal plants play great role. Impotence of medicinal plants provides clues to new areas of research and biodiversity conservation. However, information on the uses of plants for medicines and other purposes by the tribal' s of the parsa district is lacking among the people of the district and other areas. Keeping this view in mind present study was carried out. The information presented in this paper was gathered by field visit, participatory observation, group discussion and interviews with questionnaires in the year 2013 from March ton November after frequent field visit in the forest and adjoining villages. A total of 18 ethno-medicinal climber species belonging to 12 families and 17 genera are documented in this study. The plants used for different purpose are listed with scientific name, common name, family; ethno-botanical importance and parts used. Mode of use of plant parts has been also mentioned. Out of the total studied plants 50% plants are used only for medicinal purpose, 40% are used for both medicine and other purpose and rest 10% are used for making soap and detergent.

1 table, 21 ref

021524   Shakya A K (Discipline of Biochemistry, School of Sciences, IGNOU, New Delhi) : Medicinal plants: Future source of new drugs. Int J herb Med 2016, 4(4), 59-64.

India has a long history and strong base for Ayurveda, which is the traditional herbal medical system. Herbal plants play an important role in preventing and treating of human diseases. People have been using plants as a traditional medicine for thousand years ago. Plants have been associated with the development of human civilization around the whole world. However, plants are considered as rich sources of phytochemical ingredients which enable to have medicinal value. Medicinal plants are a potential source for the development of new herbal drugs. In the 21st century, the pharmacological effects of medicinal plants have been considered as a promising future drug/medicine for the management of health care. In recent years, there has been a resurgence of interest to rediscover medicinal plants as a source of potential drug candidate. Therefore, the aim of the present review is to understand the knowledge of the medicinal plants as a future source of herbal drugs.

2 illus, 2 tables, 51 ref

021523   Raghavendra M P;Devi Prasad A G;Shyma T B (Microbiology Dep, Maharani's Science College for Women, JLB Road, Mysore-570 005, Email: mpraghavendra@gmail.com) : Investigations on anti-diabetic medicinal plants used by tribes of Wayanad district, Kerala. Int J pharm Sci Res 2015, 6(8), 3617-25.

The present study aims to explore the ethnomedicinal knowledge of the plants and their preparations used to cure diabetes by the tribes of Mananthavady, Bathery and Vythiri taluks of Wayanad district, Kerala. Preparation of ethnomedicine using various plant parts and other information related to tribes associated; habitat, habit and status of medicinal plants recorded are highlighted. Documentation of indigenous knowledge related to cure diabetes was made by interaction with traditional healers. A total of 23 species belonging to 17 families possessing antidiabetic property were recorded. The review of literature revealed that 16 species have already been proven to be antidiabetic through scientific analysis. However reports on antidiabetic properties of Andrographis wightiana T. Anderson & Thwaites, Psilotrichum elliotii Baker & Clarke, Solanum violaceum Ortega ssp. multiflorum (Clarke), Justicia trinervia L., Dracaena terniflora Roxb., Elaeagnus conferta Roxb. and Kydia calycina Roxb. are lacking. The present study is successful in identifying seven medicinal plants used by the tribes for possessing antidiabetic activity. Most of the herbal preparations for curing diabetes were prepared from the fruits followed by leaves and bark.

91 ref

021522   Panigrahy J;Behera S K;Venugopal A;Leelaveni A (Plant Biochemistry, P.G. Botany Dep, Berhampur Univ, Odisha) : Ethnomedicinal study of some medicinal plants from Kandhamal district, Odisha. Int J herb Med 2016, 4(5), 36-40.

Ethnomedicinal study was carried out during 2014-15 in the tribal village of Kandhamal district is dominated by two tribal groups such as dongria and desia (kui language), documented the medicinal activity of plant for cure of various diseases in the locality. The present paper deals with traditional uses of 40 ethnomedicinal plant species 37 genera and 28 families along with correct botanical identification. Local names, parts used and mode of administration in respect to different diseases. The documented ethno medicinal plants are mostly used in skin disease, gastrointestinal disease, cold and cough and dysuria etc.

3 illus, 1 table, 32 ref

021521   Pal K;Rahaman C H (Botany Dep, Visva-Bharati Univ, Santiniketan-731 235, Email: habibur_cr@rediffmail.com ) : Phytochemical and antioxidant studies of Justicia gendaruss burm. F. An ethnomedicinal plant. Int J pharm Sci Res 2015, 6(8), 3454-62.

Present investigation deals with the phytochemical and antioxidant studies of Justicia gendarussa Burm.f. (family Acanthaceae), a medicinally important herb. Biochemical studies highlighted that in leaf tissue, quantities of soluble carbohydrate, amino acid and ascorbic acid are of 307 mg/g, 34.93 mg/g and 619μg/g, respectively. In stem bark, quantities of soluble carbohydrate, amino acid and ascorbic acid are of 185 mg/g, 26.86 mg/g and 330.33μg/g, respectively. Pigment content in dried leaf has been estimated as chlorophyll a 46μg/g, chlorophyll b 16.1μg/g and total carotenoids 16.7μg/g. In bark, amounts of chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b and total carotenoids are of 23.9μg/g, 21 μg/g and 14.6μg /g, respectively. Enzyme content in fresh leaf showed that amount of the catalase is 4.89 EU/ g fresh tissue and in bark it is 2.39 EU/ g. Peroxide is 3.4 EU/g for fresh leaf and 2.21 EU/g in stem bark DPPH radical scavenging activity was considerably high for methanolic extract of leaf that is 31.36% and in case of bark the activity was 23.74%. The IC₅₀ value of the leaf extract was 75μg/mL and for bark it was 119μg/mL. The total phenolic content in leaf was 33.96 mg/g and in bark it was 31.4 mg/g. The medicinal properties of this plant nicely correlate with its phytochemical content and antioxidant activities. Further scientific investigation of the plant has to be carried out to standardize the bioactive compounds.

37 ref

021520   Onoja O J (Pharmacognosy Dep, Faculty of Pharmacy, Univ of Ibadan, Nigeria) : Morpho-anatomical study on Cleome viscosa L. (Cleomaceae). J Pharmac Phytochem 2016, 5(4), 13-6.

About 80% of world populations still use herbal drugs, for treatment of various diseases. Now a day's misidentification of plants, lack of standardization, contamination, substitution and adulteration of herb is very common which has given rise to many reports describing adverse health effects and variable quality, efficacy and contents of herbal products. Evaluation of herbal drug is an important tool in the formulation of high quality herbal products. The aim of this research is to understand the method for analysis and to apply the method in evaluating crude drugs and their products as well as take part in the standardization of herbal medicine. Morphological studies were determined by using simple microscope. The shape of leaf, fruit, odor and type of flower were determined. Microscopic studies were done by preparing thin hand section of upper and lower epidermis of leaf, T.S of Stem and Powder of Cleome viscosa Linn. The prepared slides were observed for microscopical characters at X4, X10 and X40 objective. In the microscopic studies, the lower epidermis (Abaxial) and upper epidermis (Adaxial) contains anomocytic stomatas (45 μm at X40 objective) and glandular trichomes (480μm at X10 objective) as the main observable features. The powder microscopy contains calcium oxalate crystals, phloem parenchyma, fibres. The pharmacognostic characteristics of this plant and the numerical standards reported in this work could be useful for the compilation of a suitable monograph for its proper identification and determination of its quality and purity and detection of nature of adulteration.

1 illus, 18 ref

021519   Mishra T (Botany Dep, St. Joseph's College for Women, Civil Lines, Gorakhpur, Uttar Pradesh) : Climate change and production of secondary metabolites in medicinal plants. Int J herb Med 2016, 4(4), 27-30.

Plant secondary metabolites are unique source for pharmaceuticals, food additives, flavours, and industrially important bio-chemicals. Environmental factors viz., temperature, humidity, light intensity, water, minerals and CO₂ influence the growth of a plant and secondary metabolite production. Climate change is causing noticeable effects on the life cycles and distribution of the world's vegetation, including wild medicinal plants. These metabolites have shown potential in treating various ailments as these plants based drugs would be cost effective due to its abundance and temperamentally quite suiting to millions of our masses, as these plants and their remedies are in use from ancient times. A need for research to improve our understanding of climatic effects on medicinal plants is stressed in the present article. An attempt is being made here to review the influence of abiotic factors and future strategies for research on secondary metabolite production. The research on medicinal plants with respect to climate change is very sporadic and insignificant in comparison with other commercial crops. These groups of plants should not be left as they are potential sources of bio-molecules and neutraceuticals.

^iia2 illus, 1 table, 25 ref

021518   Khandare M S (Botany Dep, Dnyanopasak College, Jintur Dist. Parbhani-431 509) : Mango (Mangifera indica Linn) A medicinal and holy plant. J med Pl Stud 2016, 4(4), 44-6.

Mango (Mangifera indica Linn) commonly called as A Am or Amba. This plant naturally grows in India it is also recorded in South East Asia and in Indo- Malayan region. It is used in the worship by Hindu. The fruit, root, bark and leaves used by tribal and all Indian to cure various diseases and disorders, it is also used as holy plant it is also used as fuel and for furniture making. Mango plant kills the entire pathogenic microorganism. It is specially use in control of diarrhoea, syphilis, ulcer, diabetes, kidney stone, sunstroke, tuberculosis, intestinal disorder, blood purification, nasal bleeding, ameobiosis, in piles and in heart diseases. Mango contain chemical like Gallic acid, Mangeferin, ellagic acid, soluble sugar, protein and oil. Tribal peoples throughout India fully depend on the plant for furnish their all basic and other needs which are essential for their life. In remote area villagers depend upon the folk medicine and house hold remedies. Mango is one of wild plants growing naturally on west land which is very important to cure several diseases of rural peoples and domesticated animals. The observations were confirmed with that of the standard literature.

1 illus, 10 ref