009063   Sandhya Rani D (Environmental Sciences Dep, Andhra Univ, Visakhapatnam-530 003) : Reproductive ecology of some tropical herbaceous weeds. J Palynol 2015, 51(Jan-Dec), 97-164.

Six weed species, namely, Sida acuta, S. cordata, S. cordifolia (Malvaceae), Triumfetta rhomboidea (Tiliaceae), Cleome gynandra and C. viscosa (Capparaceae) were studied with reference to their floral biology, sexual systems, pollination and reproductive success. Sida species exhibit almost the same flowering phenology, floral morphology, floral biology, sexual system, breeding system, pollination system, fruiting behavior and seed dispersal. They attract bees, wasps and butterflies to their flowers. The bees use these plants as principal pollen source while wasps and butterflies as nectar source during which they contact the anthers and stigmas and pollinate the flowers. Sida species are hymenopterophilous and psychophilous. In all Sida species, the flowers facilitate delayed autogamy. Rain-assisted autogamy may also occur. Fruits mature quickly, split apart and disperse seeds into the air. The seeds possess the characteristics that are adapted to dispersal by wind, humans, animals and rain water. Triumfetta rhomboidea exhibits modified steady flowering strategy with a long flowering season (five months) and a high number of flowers opening every day. It is facultative autogamous with the option kept open for allogamy. Further, rain-assisted autogamy may also occur. It is both hymenopterophilous and psychophilous. Mature and dry indehiscent fruits with hooked bristles disperse effectively by animals and humans during dry season. C. gynandra is polygamodioecious while C. gynandra is hermaphroditic. Both the species are self-compatible and autogamous. C. gynandra is pollinated principally by bees during dusk hours and again during the forenoon period of the next day. Wind also pollinates the flowers especially on clear sunny days due to freely dispersed dry, powdery pollen grains from the anthers. C. viscosa is pollinated principally by bees and butterflies. Wind has no role in the pollination of this species. In both, the seeds release from the pods a bit explosively and disperse by wind due to their light weight.

22 illus, 23 tables, 111 ref

009062   Samuel A D;Shaari K;Kassim N K;Rukayadi Y; Akhtar M T (Laboratory of Natural Products, Institute of Bioscience, Univ Putra Malaysia, Email: khozirah@yahoo.com.my) : Bioassay guided isolation of anticandidal constituents from the stem and bark woods of Albizia myriophylla benth. Med Pl 2015, 7(4), 284-91.

Aqueous methanolic extract of the stem wood of the Albizia myriophylla was evaluated for its effect against four Candida species viz Candida albicans, C. krussei, C. parapsilosis and C. glabrata. The anticandidal activity was strongest in the chloroform fraction of the extract. Using direct TLC bioautography-guided assay, syringaldehyde was shown to be the active bioactive constituent. Candida parapsilosis was the most susceptible to syringaldehyde which showed an MIC value of 0.03 mg/L and MFC value of 0.20 mg/L, respectively. Chromatographic analysis of the moderately bioactive ethyl acetate fraction yielded flavan-3, 4-diols, flavanone and flavone as the main constituents. The individual flavonoid, however, did not inhibit any of the tested Candida strains.

3 illus, 3 tables, 18 ref

009061   Rawat K K;Sahu V;Verma P K;Asthana A K (NO, CSIR-National Botanical Research Institute, Rana Pratap Marg, Lucknow-226 001, Email: drkkrawat@rediffmail.com) : Horikawaella s. hatt. and amakawa (Marchantiophyta: solenostomataceae) from Sikkim, India. Geophytology 2015, 45(1), 67-70.

Genus Horikawaella S. Hatt. & Amakawa, a rare taxon of Indian bryoflora, is endemic to Himalaya and is represented in India by single species H. subacuta (Herzog) S. Hatt. & Amakawa. It can easily be recognized by large, reddish-purple plants, leaves cordate to ovate, subtransversely arranged with large bulging-nodulose trigones and presence of dense verrucose-striolate cuticle on leaves as well as on stem. A detailed description of Horikawaelld subacuta, based on fresh collection from Sikkim, is provided here.

1 illus, 11 ref

009060   Rao S S (Botany Dep, Sri Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy College, Bhongir-508 116) : Medicinal flora of Sri Parvathi Jadala Rama Lingeshwara Swamy sacred grove, Nalgonda Dist; Telangana. J med Pl Stud 2016, 4(1), 39-46.

Natural resources arernan integral part of diverse culture in different ways. The traditional worshiprnpractices show the symbiotic relation of human beings and nature. Due to rapidrnindustrialization and basic needs of the people, the structure and function ofrnecosystems are altered all over the world. Disappearance of species due tornhabitat alternation, over exploitation many valuable taxa may vanish evenrnbefore they are identified and their scientific value is discovered. Many areasrnhave been declared as protected areas. There were many traditional conservationrnpractices of indigenous communities in many parts of the world which contributernto the conservation and protection of biodiversity. The protection of smallrnforest patches by dedicating them to the local deities by various indigenousrncommunities of the world. Such forest patches are called sacred grove. Thernpresent study focus on the medicinal plants of Sri Parvathi Jadala RamarnLingeshwara Swamy Sacred Grove of Nalgonda District. This paper deals with thern168 species of medicinal potential belonging to 139 genera and 54 families.

16 ref

009059   Rajesh B;Sulakshana M;Mallikarjuna Rao M; Dileep Kumar B (Environmental Sciences Dep, Andhra Univ, Visakhapatnam-530 003) : Pollination ecology of Acanthus ilicifolius (acanthaceae). J Palynol 2015, 51(Jan-Dec), 81-96.

Acanthus ilicifolius is an evergreen mangrove associate with shrubby habit. It is a landward plant and occurs in oligohaline zone and occasionally in mesohaline zone also where true mangrove plants were cleared. It flowers during April-November. It is hermaphroditic, nectariferous, self-compatible and exhibit mixed breeding system which is primarily adapted for cross-pollination. The plant is strongly protandrous and exhibits temporal dioecy by being staminatc on the day of anthesis and subsequently pistillate on the second day of anthesis. Within the flower, there is no possibility of autogamy or self-pollination in the first flowers due to unreceptive stigma but geitonogamy is possible due to the simultaneous display of staminate and pistillate phase flowers at plant level. Hand-pollination tests indicate that the plant does not fruit through autogamy but fruits through geitonogamy and xenogamy. The natural fruit set rate does not exceed 30% and this appears to be dependent upon the intensity of pollinator activity and the state of the nutrient environment of the habit. The flowers are nectariferous and available during the day. The floral mechanism is complex, highly specialized and adapted for pollination by the large-bodied bees of the genus Xylocopa. The fruits mature in a month time and each contains mostly four seeds. The mature fruit is a capsule and splits explosively in the dorsi-ventral plane ejecting the seeds away and hence it is anemochorous. The gregarious occurrence of the plant at the study site is considered to be due to propagation by both seed and vegetative means.

2 illus, 4 tables, 25 ref

009058   Prashanth Kumar G M;Shiddamallayya N (Medicinal Plants Unit, National Ayurveda Dietetics Research Institute, G.C.P. Annexe, Ashoka Pillar, Jayanagar Ist Block, Bangalore-560 011, Email: snmathapati@gmail.com) : Wild edible plants of Hassan district, Karnataka: a role in ayurvedic formulation. Int J herb Med 2016, 4(1), 16-24.

The traditional knowledge system has gained a major consequence in perspective with conservation, utilization and sustainable development of plant resources. The traditional herbal medicines play a major role amongst the tribal and rural people in their traditional healthcare system of India. Ayurveda, supposed to be the oldest medical system in the world, provides potential leads to find active and therapeutically useful compounds from plants. The people of Hassan district mainly rural population depend on wild edible plants as food supplements and their assumed health benefits. A total of 66 species belonging to 65 genera and 45 families, were enlisted from Hassan district, Karnataka with the use in the preparations of Ayurvedic formulations.

1 table, 44 ref

009057   Prasad G;Barde S R (Pharmacology Dep, School of Pharmacy, Swami Ramanand Teerth Marathwada Univ, Nanded, Maharashtra, Email: pjamkhande@gmail.com) : Evaluation of anthelmintic activity and in silico pass assisted prediction of Cordia dichotoma (Forst.) root extract. Ancient Sci Life 2014, 34(1), 39-43.

Study begun with an aim to explore plant-based natural anthelmintic agents against Pheretima posthuma, an Indian earthworm. Methanol extract of the drug was obtained by successive soxhlet extraction. The extract was tested for different phytochemicals. Worms were exposed to 10 mg/ml, 25 mg/ml, 50 mg/ml, and 75 mg/ml concentrations of extract and standard drug, albendazole. A software-based tool, prediction of activity spectra for substances was used to estimate anthelmintic efficacy of plant metabolites. The phytochemical analysis revealed presence of alkaloids, tannins, glycosides, saponins, flavonoids, and phenols. The extract showed dose-dependent effects, affecting worm motility, viability, and mortality. It was also found that the biological activity spectrum of the plant phytoconstituents such as octacosanol, lupeol, caffeic acid, and hentricontanol were <62>0.5 (probable activity <62> 0.5). The findings of the present work suggest that the extract of C. dichotoma significantly interferes with motility pattern of P. posthuma. The paralysis and mortality of P. posthuma might be due to the combined effects different phytoconstituents. The extract of C. dichotoma promises natural sources to control worm infection.

3 tables, 28 ref

009056   Pramanick D D (NO, Botanical Survey of India, Headquarter, CGO Complex, 3rd MSO Building, Sector-1, Salt Lake City, Kolkata-700 064) : Anatomical studies on the leaf of Gymnema sylvestre (Retz.) R.Br. ex Schult. (apocynaceae): a magical herbal medicine for diabetes. Int J herb Med 2016, 4(1), 70-2.

Gymnema sylvestre (Retz.) R.Br. ex Schult., belongs to the family Apocynaceae, is a potent antidiabetic herb which has a reputation in Indian Proprietary medicine since the time immemorial. The plant is documented as having beneficiary effects in diabetes due to presence of gymnemic acid. In addition, the plant is also reputed in traditional system of medicine for treatment of various ailments. The present paper deals with morphological and anatomical evaluation of Gymnema sylvestre (Retz.) R.Br. ex Schult. along with its traditional uses.

2 illus, 18 ref

009055   Prabhakar R;Ramakrishna H (Botany Dep, Univ college of Science, Osmania Univ, Saifabad, Hyderabad-500 004, Email: prabhakar.rathna@gmail.com) : Pollen diversity in medicinal shrubs of Adilabad district, Telangana, India. Geophytology 2015, 45(1), 31-40.

Present paper deals with pollen diversity in thirty-nine medicinal shrubs from forest and irrigated localities of Adilabad district, Telangana. These shrubs, belonging to Acanthaceae, Annonaceae, Apocynaceae, Asclepiadaceae, Asteraceae, Caesalpiniaceae, Cactaceae. Caricaceae, Celastraceae, Euphorbiaceae, Fabaceae, Liliaceae, Lythraceae, Malvaceae, Mimosaceae, Nyctaginaceae, Nyctanthaceae, Pedaliaceae, Rubiaceae, Solanaceae, Tiliaceae and Verbenaceae, are used by the inhabitant tribes for medicinal purposes to cure various ailments. The pollen of these shrubs have diversity in apertural pattern, viz. inaperturate, monosulcate, dizonocolporate, tricolpate, trizonocolpate, tricolporate, trizonocolporate, parasyncolpate, pantocolpate, polyporate and pollinia, and other morphological characters.

4 illus, 2 table, 4 ref

009054   Pathak S;Singh P;Pal P K (Botanical Survey of India, CGO Complex, Salt Lake City, Kolkata-700 064, Email: spathak.bsi@gmail.com) : Diversity of Aristida L. Poaceae] and its extensive geographical distribution in India. J funct envir Bot 2015, 5(2), 128-31.

Aristida, a graminaceous member of the family Poaceae, is primarily native to America. In India it is found constrained in some scattered areas. Regular survey and documentation in the states of Northeast India, it is collected for the first time from this area and forms an extensive distribution of the genus to this precinct. This article embodies a vivid description, phenology, distribution, current taxonomic status along with illustration of the species, provided to alleviate proper identification.

1 illus, 14 ref

009053   Patel D K (Rural Technology Dep, Guru Ghasidas Vishwavidyalaya, (A Central Univ), Bilaspur-495 009) : Mass vegetative propagation of Cissus quadrangularis L. in herbal garden. Pharma Innovation 2015, 4(10), 09-12.

Vegetative propagation is a remarkable characteristic of certain plant species to multiply their number like its parental ones. Mass propagation of Medicinal and Aromatic plants is carried out by following seeds germination as well as by using their suitable plant parts to fulfill the basic aim of mass multiplication to protect their existence in nature. Cissus quadrangularis L.is a tetrangular, climber, herbaceous Medicinal plant of family vitaceae. The plant is marked for its rapid propagation using by their mature stem. Mature stem easily cut from main plant body and are found to be much efficient for further propagation in large scale. Primarily it was mass propagated in prepared poly bags in Herbal Garden than transferred to suitable/selected fields for further growth. Porous soil with well water drainage system is suitable for its mass vegetative propagation by stems in presence of favourable environmental condition.

20 ref

009052   Patel D K (Rural Technology Dep, Guru Ghasidas Vishwavidyalaya, (A Central Univ), Bilaspur-495 009) : Mass multiplication of Mentha piperita L. using stem cutting in herbal garden for ex-situ conservation. J Pharmac Phytochem 2015, 4(4), 32-5.

Every one species of the medicinal and aromatic plants are unique due to presence of certain chemical compounds. Multiplication of the varied plants is followed by many modes like by their seeds as well as by their vegetative parts including the various modified plant parts such as bulb, tuber, rhizome, corm etc. Mentha piperita L. is a aromatic plant of medicinal values after its pharmacological preparations. The plant is not capable to reproduce seeds but well adapted to multiply using their stem cuttings. Older stem cuttings are showing much efficiency in term of their mass multiplication using stem cuttings. Collected stem cuttings were introduced in Herbal Garden and applied for their rapid multiplication by using small parts of the mature stem cuttings. Soil with nutrients, well water facilities is supporting its reproduction vegetatively. Fifty poly bags were used for developing the new individuals of the Mentha piperita L. individually followed by fulfilling the requirements of developing stem cutting parts.

18 ref

009051   Parisara N;Kiran B R (Environmental Science Dep, Sahyadri Science College, Shivamogga-577 201) : Preliminary survey of fiber yielding plants in and around Bhadra reservoir project area, Karnataka. J med Pl Stud 2016, 4(1), 47-9.

The present communication pertains to fiberrnyielding plants recorded in and around Bhadra reservoir Project area, Karnatakarnduring 2009-2010. The study was based on extensive and intensive field surveysrnconducted in the study area to document traditional knowledge on fiber yieldingrnplants. The botanical names of the reported plants with their family names havernbeen documented in the present work. During this study period a total of 25rnfiber yielding plants belonging to 14 families were reported. The study wouldrnnot only help in documenting the traditional knowledge, it would also help inrnmanagement of plant resources.

3 illus, 1 table, 8 ref

009050   Panwar G S;Srivastava S K;Uniyal P L (Botanical Survey of India, Northern Regional Centre, Dehradun-248 195, Email: panwar_giriraj@rediffmail.com) : In vitro propagation of Eremostachys superba royle ex benth- an endangered, medicinal and ornamental herb of North West Himalaya. Med Pl 2015, 7(4), 264-71.

Eremostachys superba is one of the most threatened species of the North-West sub-Himalaya with potential medicinal and ornamental values. Efficient in vitro protocol has been developed for the propagation of E. superba from shoot tip explants of seedlings raised in vitro from seeds. Shoot organogenesis in shoot tip explants was promoted by inoculating these explants on Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium fortified with cytokinins (BAP, TDZ & Kinetin) and auxin (NAA). The best morphogenetic response (number of shoots per explant, shoot length and frequency of shoot regeneration) was observed when explants were incubated on half-strength MS medium containing BAP (6.6 μM) and NAA (0.53 μM). Multiple shoots were also observed in the full strength MS medium fortified with BAP (6.6 μM) and NAA (0.53 μM), but callusing was also reported in addition to multiple shoots. Well developed in vitro raised shoots were shifted to rooting mediums fortified with different concentration of auxins (IAA, IBA & NAA). Best morphogenetic response (100%) was observed in quarter strength MS medium containing IBA (7.36 μM) and 16.4 roots per shoots was reported. In addition to rooting, callusing was also reported at cut ends of shoots in full and half-strength MS medium. Plantlets regenerated in vitro were acclimatized in the green house under shade net and were successfully transferred to the open environment.

2 ilius, 2 table, 35 ref

009049   Pandya D;Dhanani P;Khan M Y;Kumar V (Institute of Pharmacy, Nirma Univ, Ahmedabad) : Herbal cosmetics- unlimited scope and opportunity in India. Pharma Rev 2015, 13(76), 40-6.

Herbs have been used in maintaining and enhancing human beauty since time immemorial. Indian women have long used herbs such as Sandalwood, Turmeric, Aloe vera, Neem etc., for skin care; Henna to color the hair, palms and soles; and natural oils to perfume their bodies. A large number of cosmetic and toiletry formulations have been developed based on Indian Herbs recently. Apart from traditionally documented applications, some modern trials have also established the utility of Indian herbs in Personal Care Products. There has been a recent advancement, is 'Phytosomes' as a novel cosmoceutical carrier, which enhances the absorption of the herbal constituent thereby increasing bioavailability. This article also throws light upon the various herbs along with their uses and contribution towards the Cosmetic industry. The herbal cosmetics industry is experiencing a rising graph for its market and products which are being sold the world over. Herbal beauty products were first introduced to the world way back in the seventies; today, however, there are a plethora of brands in the herbal cosmetics Indian market. Yet, the market is still growing and there is scope for new entrants who can deliver quality natural based products that will satisfy the consumer's requirements.

1 illus, 3 tables, 11 ref

009048   Muthuswamy R;Senthamarai R (Pharmacology Dep, M G R Medical Univ, Guindy, Chennai, Email: ragunathranilmonica@gmail.com) : Anatomical investigation of flower of Butea monosperma lam.. Ancient Sci Life 2014, 34(2), 73-9.

Present study was aimed at establishing the microscopic characteristics of flower B. monosperma Lam. Histological evaluation of flowers was done using standard procedures. Images of microscopic characters were taken at different magnifications using Nikon Labphoto 2 microscopic Unit. Perkin Elmer 5000 an atomic absorption spectrophotometer was employed for elemental analysis. In the study, microscopic characters of floral parts were investigated in transverse section and the flower powder. The current study reveals the presence of pollen grains, ovary (OV), and trichomes in their flower powder. Different cell components were studied, and their sizes were measured. Elemental analysis showed the presence of Zn 52.2 μg/g and Cu 36.3 μg/g were major contents, whereas Cr, Mn, and Pd were minor contents in dried flower powder. The current study paves the way to provide standard information related to the presence of essential elements in the flower. Microscopic characters of the flower and its quantitative measurement of cell components will help to identify the plant and also help to improvise the existing monograph of B. monosperma in the Ayurvedic pharmacopoeia.

7 illus, 1 table, 21 ref

009047   Mudi M D;Mondal S (Botany Dep, Visva-Bharati, Santiniketan-731 235) : Studies on the effect of some heavy metals on in vitro pollen germination and pollen tube growth of Ricinus communis. J Palynol 2015, 51(Jan-Dec), 59-65.

Environment contamination with heavy metals has increased drastically, causing hazardous effects on both animals and plants. Among the plant cells, pollen is considered to be extremely sensitive to various pollutants. The present study determines the effect of heavy metals like Cadmium, Cobalt and Lead on in vitro pollen germination and tube growth of Ricinus communis (Euphorbiaceae). The study demonstrated that heavy metals led to a significant decrease in pollen germination as well as tube growth. There was a reduction in pollen germination and tube elongation as metal concentrations increased; in 120 μM CoCl₂ and Pb(NO₃)₂ solution 3% and 5% germination along with 26 μm and 39 μm pollen tube length were observed respectively. The highest toxicity was found in CdCl₂ solution where germination totally inhibited in 120 μM solution. Hence, the pollen germination and tube growth was adversely affected by Cd^{2+, Co2+and Pb2+.}

6 illus, 3 tables, 31 ref

009046   Mohabe S;Nayaka S;Reddy A M;Devi B A (Botany Dep, Yogi Vemana Univ, Vemanapuram, Kadapa-526 003, Email: satish.nbri09@gmail.com) : Diorygma kurnoolensis (Graphidaceae), a new saxicolous lichen species from Andhra Pradesh, India. Geophytology 2015, 45(1), 47-50.

New species of saxicolous lichenized fungal genus Diorygma Eschweiler (family Graphidaceae) is described here as D. kurnoolensis. It is found growing on rocks in moist places of the forest in Kurnool district of Andhra Pradesh at an elevation of 337 m. D. kurnoolensis differs from already known saxicolous species of Diorygma, viz. D. rupicola and D. saxicola, in having stictic acid complex and slightly smaller ascospores (50-105 x 15-25 μm).

1 illus, 16 ref

009045   Mishra G K;Upreti D K (NO, CSIR National Botanical Research Insititute, Rana Pratap Marg, Lucknow-226 001, Email: gmishrak@gmail.com) : Altitudinal distribution of cetrarioid lichens in govind wildlife sancturay, Garhwal Himalaya, Uttarakhand, India. Geophytology 2015, 45(1), 9-19.

Present study records distribution of eight genera and thirteen species of cetrarioid lichens from seven localities, situated at different altitudes, in Govind Wildlife Sanctuary, Uttarkashi district, Uttarakhand. Cetraria nigricans Nyl., is a new addition to the lichen flora of Uttarakhand. A key to the genera and species together with short descriptions, synonyms and basionyms of each taxon are also provided. The cetrarioid lichen genus Cetrelia is dominant in altitude ranges of 2001-3500 m, whereas Cetraria and Flavocetraria are dominant in higher altitude range of 3501-4000 m. The altitude range 3501-4000 m exhibits maximum diversity of cetrarioid lichens in the area. The corticolous cetrarioid lichens exhibit dominance at 1501-3500 m altitude whereas terricolous species at 3501-4000 m. Among the different localities situated in lower altitudes, Sankari and Taluka have the poor diversity of cetrarioid lichens, whereas Har-ki-Doon and Morinda Tal areas show their luxuriant growth. The probable reason for poor diversity in the Sankari and Taluka areas may be heavy anthropogenic pressure as the inhabitants of the villages largely depend for their fuel and fodder needs on the nearby forest area which resulted into destruction of forest.

4 illus, 2 table, 25 ref

009044   Manju C N;Majula K M;Deepa K M;Rajesh K P; Chandini V K (Botany Dep, The Zamorin's Guruvayurappan College, Calicut, Kozhikode-673 014, Email: manjucali@gmail.com) : Aulacopilum beccarii (Erpodiaceae: Bryophyta) from chinnar wildlife sanctuary in Idukki district, Kerala, India. Geophytology 2015, 45(1), 63-6.

Aulacopilum (family Erpodiaceae) is described from the Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary in Idukki District, Kerala. The genus Aulacopilum is described here as a new addition to the moss flora of Kerala, along with its species A. beccarii.

1 illus, 8 ref

009043   Lakshminarayana G (Environmental Sciences Dep, Gayathri Vidya Parishad Degree College, M.V.P. Colony, Visakhapatnam-530 017) : Ecological study of sexual reproduction in some tropical herbaceous species. J Palynol 2015, 51(Jan-Dec), 165-211.

Four herbaceous species, namely, Indigofera linnae (Fabaceae: Faboideae), Evolvulus alsinoides, Evolvulus nummularius and Merremia tridentata (Convolvulaceae: Convolvuloideae) were studied with reference to their phenology, floral biology, sexual system, pollination, fruiting behavior and seed dispersal. I. linnae is monostylous, bisexual, weakly protandrous and self-compatible. The flowers are characterized by papilionaceous corolla with stamens and stigma concealed by its keel petals and escorted laterally by wing petals and above by standard petal. They possess explosive pollination mechanism in which the keel petals require tripping to expose the sex organs and achieve pollination. The abiotic and biotic agents trip the keel petals; the former category affects only self-pollination while the latter category affects both self- and cross-pollination. The abiotic agents include high winds, heavy rain and high temperature while biotic agents are bees and lycaenid butterflies of which bees are efficient to trip the pollination mechanism. Thrips use the flower buds for breeding and emerge during anthesis; then they pollinate the flowers by feeding on pollen and nectar due to which the availability of floral rewards is reduced after anthesis. The plant is facultatively autogamous". The fruit is a pod which dehisces explosively to disperse seeds; long distance dispersal is facilitated by their irregular shape and oily nature and carried away by wind and rain water. E. alsinoides and E. nummularius are monomorphic, distylous, bisexual, weakly protandrous and self-compatible. They are facultatively xenogamous. Both the species during open state of flowers are pollinated by honey bees and lycaenid butterflies; E. alsinoides is additionally pollinated by small carpenter bee while E. nummularius is also pollinated by stingless bees. Ballistichory, anemochory and hydrochory arc the functional modes of seed dispersal. M. tridentata is bimorphic, monostylous, bisexual, weakly protandrous and self-compatible. The plant is highly self-compatible and obligately autogamous. The flowers are pollinated by honey bees, stingless bees and lycaenid butterflies. A neogastropod snail, Euplecta subdecussata feeds on the corolla, stamens and stigma tips of this plant, the feeding which has negative effect on the sexual reproduction of the plant. Ballistichory, anemochory and hydrochory are the functional modes of seed dispersal.

8 illus, 14 tables, 73 ref

009042   Khyade V B (Zoology Dep, Shardabai Pawar Mahila Mahavidyalaya, Shardanagar, Pune-413 115) : Antioxidant activity and phenolic compounds of mulberry, Morus alba (L.) (variety: Baramatiwali). J med Pl Stud 2016, 4(1), 4-7.

Mulberry, Morus alba (L) is the significant plant at the Malegaon Sheti Farm of Agricultural Development Trust, Baramati. The mulberry leaves are mainly utilized for feeding the larval instars of silkworm, Bombyx mori (L). They are also commonly used to prepare traditional dessert among peoples of Baramati for a long time. Water was used as an extraction agent by the peoples in this area. This extracted leaves were used by the peoples of Baramati because it has natural color, flavor and fragrance properties. In the present attempt, the leaves of mulberry, Morus alba (L) (Variety: Baramatiwali) were extracted by using 80% methanol in the laboratory. The extracted content was analyzed and found to be high in antioxidant activity of phenolic compound. The result shows that the extracted content of the leaves of mulberry, Morus alba (L) (Variety: Baramatiwali) had high amount of total phenolic compound (44.66μg of GAE/mg of fresh weight). The plants secondary metabolites normally play role in cancer treatment. Cytotoxicity activity of the extracted leaves of mulberry, Morus alba (L) (Variety: Baramatiwali) was evaluated on MCF-7 (Breast cancer cell line), HT-29 (colorectal cancer cell line), and WRL-68 (normal liver cell line), and the results show that, cytotoxicity activity (IC50 values 78.87μg/ml, 77.50μg/ml, and 78.29μg/ml, respectively). Methanolic extract of the leaves of mulberry, Morus alba (L) (Variety: Baramatiwali) mulberry leaf had antioxidant effects, which may suggest its use as food supplement for cancer patients.

1 table, 25 ref

009041   Kannan R;Kannan V (Centre for Advanced Studies in Botany, Madras Univ, Guindy Campus, Chennai-600 025, Email: rajukan@gmail.com) : Nickel resistant bacterial population in the inner shelf of bay of bengal off Chennai. J Mar Biol Ass India 2014, 56(2), 48-55.

Diffused inputs into the marine environment are now recognized as highly significant for some heavy metals. An attempt has been made in the present study to understand the seasonal variation of nickel resistant bacteria diversity in the coastal zone of Chennai, India. A reduction in nickel resistant population was observed with increase in depth when compared to samples collected near the shore. The trend of Nickel resistant bacterial population was found to be Fishing Harbor Traverses <62> Chennai Harbor Traverses <62> Cooum River Traverses = Ennore Traverses <62> Adyar River Traverses. The results of the present study clearly showed the increase in the development of metal resistance among the bacterial population during the study period. The nickel resistant bacterial population in the surface sediment samples studied off Chennai in Bay of Bengal during the three consecutive years varied between 3.3 and 5.3 log10 CFU/g with an average of 4.4 log10 CFU/g of sediment.

1 illus, 4 tables, 42 ref

009040   Kannan M;Senthil Kumar T;Rao M V (Botany Dep, Directorate of Distance Education, Vinayaka Missions Univ, Salem-636 308) : Utilization of plant resources for non-medicinal purposes by Malayali tribes of kalrayan hills of Salem district, Tamil Nadu, India. Int J herb Med 2016, 4(1), 47-58.

This paper focuses on multipurpose uses of forest resources for non-medicinal purposes (NMPs) by the Malayali tribes, the native people of Kalrayan Hills, Salem District, Tamil Nadu. Use of 146 plant species for various non-medicinal purposes, belonging to 115 genera under 53 families has been recorded. In the present study, we observed the traditional knowledge on the use of forest resources by the tribes is essential for their day-to-day life.

16 tables, 79 ref

009039   Kala C P (Ecosystem and Environment Management, Indian Institute of Forest Management P B No. 357, Nehru Nagar, Bhopal-462 003, Email: *cpkala@yahoo.com) : Herbal treatment for snakebites in Uttarakhand state of India. Indian J nat Prod Resour 2015, 6(1), 56-61.

Plants used in the treatment of snakebites were surveyed in the Uttarakhand state of India, using a questionnaire. The herbal practitioners were interviewed and information on snakebite treatments, using medicinal plants were collected from the traditional healers, locally called as vish vaidyas. The study documents 56 medicinal plant species, of which most of the species (93%) are used for the treatment of snakebites and some species are used to cure dog and scorpion bite, traditionally. The use of herbs was highest, followed by trees and shrubs for this purpose. Before treatment the vish vaidya makes sure the identity of poisonous or non-poisonous type of snakebites on the basis of claims made by the patient over the taste of plants given. The taste of plant (mainly neem, Azadirachta indica A. Juss.) if claimed other than its normal taste by the patient then it is considered the bite of venomous snake. Thorough clinical testing of plants as used by vish vaidyas may help to standardize the efficacy of herbal drugs in curing venomous snake bites, which result into loss of thousands of human life in India.

1 illus, 31 ref

009038   Jayalakshmi M;Sreekala A K;Theresa M (Conservation Biology Div, Jawaharlal Nehru Tropical Botanic Garden and Research Institute, Palode, Trivandrum-695 562) : Phenology and floral biology of Humboldtia decurrens (fabaceae) - an endemic legume of southern western ghats. J Palynol 2015, 51(Jan-Dec), 1-11.

A study on phenology and floral biology of Humboldtia decurrens, an endemic plant of Southern Western Ghats was carried out in wild conditions. The plant starts flowering in the month of November and extends up to May and reaches a peak during March. The flowers are pink or white coloured and open in the early morning between 0530-0630h. Stigma remains receptive at the time of anthesis and extends up to 8 hrs after anthesis. Different pollen viability tests indicated that 75-80% pollen grains are viable on the day of anthesis and its viability gradually decreased on successive days after anthesis. Honey bees, stingless bees, butterflies and ants are the major floral visitors of Humboldtia decurrens. Habitat degradation, scarcity of pollinators, low insect visitation rate, poor fruit set could be the reasons for its narrow distribution in the natural habitat.

3 illus, 3 tables, 22 ref

009037   Jalili S;Safiallah S (Biology Dep, Islamic Azad Univ, Garmsar, Iran, Email: sarajalilil60@yahoo.com) : Micromorpholoy and taxonomic signification of Lonicera microphylla from Iran. J funct envir Bot 2015, 5(2), 137-40.

Lonicera microphylla is one of many spieces of Lonicera genus that are recently reported in Iran. The present study describes the micromorphology of L. microphylla by employing light microscopy (LM) and scaning electron microscopy (SEM) for taxonomical significance. Important micromorpholoical traits such as pollen micromorphology and leaf epidermis were used. The micromorpholoical results clearly support the micromorphology characteristics of L. microphylla with the genus Lonicera species. The results might provide a scientific basis for the taxonomic study of the genus Lonicera.

4 illus, 2 table, 16 ref

009036   Jaganathan G K;Hoa T H T;Liu B L (Institute of Biothermal Technology, Univ of Shanghai for Science and Technology, Shanghai-200 093, Email: jganeshcbe@gmail.com) : Ethnobotanical survey of irular tribes in Pillur valley, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu (India). Int J herb Med 2016, 4(1), 1-11.

An ethnobotanical survey was conducted to secure information available on the use of medicinal plants by the Irular tribes inhabiting Pillar Valley, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu (India) during March 2011 to May 2013. Ethno medicinal information was gathered through interviews and group discussions with 7 randomly selected informants and field trips. Informant consensus factor (ICF) and Use Value (UV) were determined. The study revealed an extensive use of 85 species distributed in 39 families for treating more than 65 ailments. These ailments were grouped in to a total of 14 categories. Herbs were the most commonly used. More than half of the formulations were prepared from leaves. The results of the ICF analysis showed that there was a great consensus in the use of plants for treatment of various ailments, least agreement was witnessed for animal/poisonous bite (PB) and Ear, nose, throat (ENT) category and a high agreement was seen for liver problems (LP) and cooling agent (CA). A total of 33 species were found to have use value of at least 1 or above. This study emphasized the importance of plant remedies still being utilized by the Irular community residing in Pillar Valley, Coimbatore, and Tamil Nadu. Unfortunately, the traditional healers are decreasing sharply in the study area. Nevertheless, many of the remedies reported here are new claims with high use values, stressing the urgent need for in-depth future studies of many unnoticed cultures, as the knowledge once lost will be lost forever.

4 illus, 2 tables, 60 ref

009035   Ibrahim S;Kiran A;Rashid M;Yamin S;Zarlish A; Munir S;Tehreem R (Botany Dep, Jinnah Univ of women, Nazimabad, Karachi, Pakistan) : Efficacy of chlorinated water used for irrigation purpose on plant initial growth. J Pharmac Phytochem 2015, 4(4), 11-15.

Recycled irrigation water is one of the major sources of inoculum and may spread plant pathogens in agricultural land or nurseries. Although the recycling of irrigation water has both environmental and ecological benefits, but if not disinfected, it can result in serious disease epidemics and crop losses. Chlorination is the most economical method of disinfecting water and has been adopted by commercial growers in modern age. The given research was carried out in the department of botany, Jinnah University for women, Karachi, for evaluating the disinfecting ability of Chlorine in irrigation water. The growing plants were irrigated with water containing 0, 50, 100, 150, 200 ppm of free chlorine for 2 weeks. The following physical measurements were used to assess the treatments: Shoot length, Root length, Fresh weigh, Dry weight. The observed data indicated the efficiency of free chlorine present in irrigation water for promoting the initial growth level of plant in account of its disinfection capability that suppressed pathogen activity and promotes growth.

1 table, 14 ref

009034   Gupta S;Bhat G (Microbiology Dep, SMS Medical College, Jaipur) : Antibacterial effect of neem oil on methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus. J med Pl Stud 2016, 4(1), 1-3.

Methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is an important hospital acquired pathogen, usually resistant to many antibiotics. This study was aimed at determination of antibacterial effect of Neem oil (Azadirachta indica, N.O. Meliaceae) on MRSA. Antibacterial effect of Neem oil (Medinova chemicals, Bangalore) was studied using 107 strains of MRSA isolated from different clinical specimens. Time kill assay (undiluted Neem oil & 10^{6 bacteria/ml) was performed and the surviving bacteria were detected by culture on blood agar. Minimum Inhibitory Concentration was determined by agar dilution method (10% to 50% concentration of Neem oil in 20 ml of molten nutrient agar by inoculation of 104 CFU /spot on MHA. Out of 107 strains of MRSA, 56 (52.33%) were killed after 1hr exposure to Neem oil, 22(20.56%) were killed after 2 hr exposure, 19(17.75%) were killed after 4 hr & remaining 10(9.34%) were killed after 12 hr exposure to Neem oil. All MRSA strains were killed by Neem oil. On agar dilution, 90 (84.11%) of strains were inhibited at 10% concentration of Neem oil, 14 (13.08%) at 20% and remaining 3(2.80%) were inhibited at 30% concentration of Neem oil. The results are suggestive of antibacterial effect of Neem oil on multidrug resistant MRSA. Since Neem oil exhibited bactericidal effect on MSA, it may find clinical application as a topical antibiotic for MRSA infections.}

2 table, 20 ref

009033   Gupta P;Sinha G P (Botanical Survey of India, Central Regional Centre, Allahabad-211 002, Email: poojaguptafri09@gmail.com) : Additions to the lichen flora of Sikkim, India. Geophytology 2015, 45(1), 95-100.

Twenty lichen taxa are reported as additions to the lichen flora of Sikkim. One of these, Lecanora horiza (Ach.) Rohl, has been recollected after 1905. Their characteristic features and distribution are briefly discussed.

27 ref

009032   Fall A D;Dieng S I M;Ndiaye-Sy A;Sarr A;Dieng M;Bassene E (NO, Laboratoire de Pharmacognosie et Botanique, Univ Cheikh Anta Diop. BP, Dakar, Senegal) : Phytochemical screening and antioxidant activity of ethanol leaf extract of Aphania senegalensis (Juss. ex Poir.) Radlk. J Pharmac Phytochem 2015, 4(4), 20-3.

Aphania senegalensis (Juss. ex Poir.) Redelk is a plant commonly used in Senegalese traditional medicine to treat different affections. The aims of this study were to investigate the phytochemical composition and the antioxidant potential of the ethanol leaf extract of Aphania senegalensis. Phytochemical investigation done with standard reactions had revealed that flavonoids, tannins, sterols and triterpenoids were the main constituents of the leaf extract. The phenol content was 151.63ñ10.92 mg equivalent tannic acid/g of ethanol dried extract. The extract exhibited ability to reduce ferric ion. From 1.95 to 31.25 æg/ml the absorbance values of the extract varied respectively from 0.024ñ0.009 to 0.36ñ0.31. On ABTS, nitric oxide and DPPH radicals reducing assays, the IC₅₀ values of the extract were respectively 4.12ñ 0.11- 190.51ñ6.7- 2.77 ñ 0.03 æg/ml.

2 illus, 1 table, 16 ref

009031   Chandra K;Purohit V K;Andola H C (High Altitude Plant Physiology Research Centre, H N B Garhwal Univ, Srinagar, Garhwal-246 174, Email: vijaykantpurohit@rediffmail.com) : Paris polyphylla smith: a medicinally important plant species is in high risk in Himalayan region. Med Pl 2015, 7(4), 292-5.

Paris polyphylla, locally called Satuwa is one of the high demand medicinal plant of the Himalayan region is facing serious threats because of its uncontrolled and unscientific exploitation from natural pockets, because of this the plant comes under the rare category of plants of IUCN. During the last few years the local peoples of the naturally growing areas of the P. polyphylla know about its economic importance due to the huge demands from across the borders, especially from China. At present the plant is extensively using in Traditional Chinese Medicine System (TCMS) and they have been using this herb as traditional medicine for the treatment of cancer. Unhealthy competition between the collectors has led to the overharvesting of P. polyphylla without the consideration of its sustainable regeneration. Seeds and rhizomes are the medium of the propagation of this plant and if the plant is collected before the maturation of seeds, the regeneration and survival of this valuable plant will be definitely in risk in near future. Therefore, this article is highlighted and suggested the immediate need of conservation of Paris polyphylla for future generation.

1 illus, 12 ref

009030   Chand D;Malik Z A;Nautiyal M C (High Altitude Plant Physiology Research Centre (HAPPRC), HNB Garhwal Univ, Srinagar, Garhwal-246 174, Email: malikmzubair081@gmail.com) : Conservation of Picrorhiza kurrooa through cultivation in Garhwal himalaya. Int J herb Med 2016, 4(1), 64-9.

State of Uttarakhand, located in the foothills of Himalaya, is a home to various rare, threatened and endangered species of medicinal plants, Picrorhiza kurrooa being one of them. Drugs like Picroliv, Picroside-I, II, III, V and Kutkoside extracted from dried stolons and roots of Picrorhiza kurrooa are responsible for its vast medicinal properties. Due to large demand in national and international markets, exploitation of this species in wild is going on. In Western Himalaya (India), the conservation status of this species is either rare or threatened. The studies on genetic diversity and conservation of this species have become a priority in recent years. The main goal is to protect and maintain the evolutionary viability of this species and to maximize the chances of its survival and persistence in the changing environment. This paper gives an overview of the conservation of this species through cultivation in Garhwal Himalaya.

^iia2 illus, 1 table, 34 ref

009029   Boruah G S;Gupta S (Botany Dep, Gargaon College, Simaluguri, Assam) : Assessment of ecosystem health of two ponds in district Cachar, Assam, India using aquatic insects. J Ent Zool Stud 2016, 4(1), 21-6.

Investigation was carried out to compare the insect diversity and ecosystem health of one man made and one natural pond of Cachar District, Assam. Physico-chemical properties of water in the two systems also have been studied. Dissolved oxygen in site 1 which is a man-made pond, was found very low and showed significant positive correlation with pH. Nitrate concentration of site 1 ranged from 0.26 mg/L to 0.54 mg/L and in site 2 (natural shallow water pond) it ranged from 0.14 mg/L to 0.50 mg/L. All total thirteen species were recorded from these two ponds, nine species from site 1 and twelve species from site 2. Five orders, nine families from site 1 and seven orders, twelve families from site 2 were recorded. Shannon H' less than 1 for each site indicated disturbed condition of water of both the ponds. Shannon H' showed very high significant positive correlation with transparency. Both the sites were found to be dominated by pollution tolerant species. Different biomonitoring scores like BMWP and SIGNAL also revealed stressed condition of these two water bodies. Ecology and anthropogenic impact on the water quality of both the ponds have been discussed in the paper.

5 illus, 5 tables, 22 ref

009028   Bora S;Borah P;Rajkumari R G (Botany Dep, J B College, Jorhat-785 001, Email: simbora94@rediffmail.com) : Traditional food plant resources and bioactivities of product as dye from fruits of Basella alba L.(Ceylon Spinach) plant. Indian J nat Prod Resour 2015, 6(1), 38-41.

Basella alba L. commonly known as Ceylon Spinach and Puroi in Assam is used as pot herb in N E Region of India. Its dark blue fruits having deep red-violet flesh are a potential source of natural colorants. It is a potent natural antioxidant and stable at 60° and beyond 60 ° it goes to be gradually unstable. Its fruits have great potentialities for application in the cosmetics, food dye, official ink and fabric industry. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the economical cultivation of the plant and selection of part of plant species useful for dye extraction. The colour pigment from fruits can be extracted (40.5%) with water by constant stirring for 1-2 h at room temperature. Thermal stability of dye solution and dyeing of beaten rice with this dye was studied.

5 illus, 9 ref

009027   Bharati A J;Bansal Y K (Bioscience Dep, Plant Tissue Culture Laboratory, Rani Durgavati Univ, Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh, Email: yogendrakbansal@rediffmail.com) : Phytochemical investigation of natural and in vitro raised vrddhadaruka plants. Ancient Sci Life 2014, 34(2), 80-4.

To give an account of information on in vitro regeneration and phytochemical analysis of the plant. Nodal explants were selected for in vitro regeneration. Different aerial parts viz., seeds, natural and in vitro leaf, stem and callus were dried and extracted with different solvents and were subjected to various phytochemical analyses. Different concentrations of 6-benzylaminopurine showed shoot and root initiation. The study of phytochemical screening of different extracts showed the presence of bioactive substances like flavonoids, alkaloids, terpenoids, etc. The study will provide an efficient in vitro protocol for micropropagation as an alternative method to conserve the plant and shows the presence of some important secondary metabolites in the nature grown and in vitro raised plants which can be useful for treatment of various diseases.

1 illus, 3 tables, 31 ref

009026   Bhagat R B;Chambhare M;Mate S;Dudhale A; Zaware B N (Botany Dep, Anantrao Pawar College, Pirangut, Tal-Mulshi, Pune-413 115) : Prospective wild edible fruit plants from part of Northern Western Ghats (NWG), Mulshi (MS), India. J med Pl Stud 2016, 4(1), 15-19.

Survey was carried out to document traditional religious information of prospective wild edible fruits consumed by tribal and non tribal communities in Mulshi, a part of Northern Western Ghats (NWG). Forests represent an integral part of the social life of tribal groups and are home to the people who are completely or partly dependent on forests for their livelihood. The communities in Mulshi include "Marathas", "Katkari" "Mahadeo koli" and "Dhangars". The study area is rich in genetic and species diversity including rare, endemic, endangered and threatened (RET) category species. The wild edible fruits plays fundamental role in human diet and are enriched with macronutrients, microelements, secondary metabolites and have high nutritional value. The fruits are eaten either as a raw in ripe or unripe condition. The total of 109 wild edible fruit plant species belonging to 85 genera and 57 families has been investigated in present research work. The potentialities of these fruits could be explored and utilized for pharmaceutical industry or as an additional fruit crop source in agriculture with high food value and with exceptional medicinal properties.

1 illus, 1 table, 14 ref

009025   Bansal P;Nath V (NO, CSIR-National Botanical Research Institute, Rana Pratap Marg, Lucknow-226 001, Email: pooja07_ag@gmail.com) : Status of Bryum pseudotriquetrum var. subrotundum (Brid.) gangulee in India. Geophytology 2015, 45(1), 51-5.

Present paper deals with the current taxonomic status of Bryum pseudotriquetrum var. subrotundum (Brid.) Gangulee and its distribution in India. The occurrence of this taxon in Mount Abu, Rajasthan, reported for the first time, is an addition to bryoflora of western India.

24 illus, 1 table, 10 ref

009024   Asthana A K;Sahu V (NO, CSIR-National Botanical Research Institute, Rana Pratap Marg, Lucknow-226 001, Email: drakasthana@rediffmail.com) : Occurrence of Tetralophozia filiformis (Steph.) urmi in Uttarakhand, India. Geophytology 2015, 45(1), 81-5.

Govind Wild Life Sanctuary (GWLS), established in 1955, is situated in Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand. The whole area of the Sanctuary is covered with light to heavy snow and is very rich in biodiversity. During the course of extensive bryological exploration of this area, specimens of Tetralophozia filiformis (Steph.) Urmi have been collected from Taluka area of GWLS. Remarkably, this species is rediscovered from India after a gap of 53 years. Earlier, this species was reported from eastern Himalaya but it is being reported here, for the first time, from western Himalaya. The species is considered as rare in Iberian Peninsula in "Red List of Bryophytes of the Iberian Peninsula" and it is also rare in Indian region.

1 illus, 10 ref

009023   AShrafudoulla M;Bellah S F;Alam F;Faisal S S; Kafi A H;Fuad F (Pharmacy Dep, Manarat international Univ, Mirpur-1, Dhaka-1216, Bangladesh) : Phytichemical screening of Solanum nigrum L, S. myriacanthus Dunal, Solanum melongena and Averrhoa bilimbi in Bangladesh. J med Pl Stud 2016, 4(1), 35-8.

Main purpose of this study was to evaluate the phytochemical screening on leaf extract of Solanum nigrum L, S. myriacanthus Dunal, Solanum melongena and Averrhoa bilimbi which were from 3 districts in Bangladesh. Three districts were selected such as Khulna, Jessore and Satkhira. The phytochemical constituents like tannins, proteins, alkaloids, flavonoides and saponins of these species in dry and shady areas were investigated qualitatively. The results reveal that the proteins and alkaloids are more abundant on Solanum melongena and Solanum nigrum L respectively of shady areas. Tannins and Alkaloids are also abundant on S. myriacanthus Dunal of dry areas. Other phytochemical constituents such as saponins, flavonoides are more or less presence in these species of the study areas with proteins, alkaloids and tannins.

4 tables, 32 ref

009022   Apurva P;Jaiswal M L;Rajesh Kumari (Dravya Guna Vigyan Dep, Shamme Gausia Minority Ayurvedic & Unani Medical college, Saheri, Ghazipur, Uttar Pradesh) : Bhangari (Blepharis sindica T. Anders). J Pharmac Phytochem 2015, 4(4), 28-31.

Blepharis sindica T. Anders of family Acanthaceae is an important medicinal plant which is mainly used as an invigorating tonic, given to cattle to increase milk production and its roots are used for urinary discharge & dysmenorrhoea. It is commonly known as "Bhangari" It is extensively used traditionally as Vajikaraka and Vrishya (Aphrodisiac) by local Vaidyas of Rajasthan and Gujarat. The seeds of Blepharis sindica T. Anders are the official part of the plant for its medicinal values and also as the promise of its future. A little work is done on this medicinal plant till date. The present article provides review on Bhangari and pharmacological studies conducted till date.

1 table, 26 ref

009021   Anuroopa N;Bagyaraj D J (NO, Centre for Natural Biological Resources and Community Development, CNBRCD, <35>41, RBI Colony, Anand Nagar, Bangalore-560 024, Email: abanusri@gmail.com) : Influence of different AM fungi on the growth, nutrition and withanolide concentration of Withania somnifera. Med Pl 2015, 7(4), 272-6.

Withania somnifera (Ashwagandha) is an important medicinal plant whose roots containing the alkaloid withanolide have been used in the Indian traditional system of medicine for the cure of many ailments. A polyhouse study was conducted to screen and select the efficient arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi for inoculating W. somnifera. Screening was done with eleven different species of AM fungi viz.Acaulospora laevis, Gigaspora margarita, Glomus bagyarajii, Glomus etunicatum, Glomus fasciculatum, Glomus intraradices, Glomus leptotichum, Glomus macrocarpum, Glomus monosporum, Glomus mosseae and Scutellospora calospora. Plants were raised in polybags containing sand soil mix inoculated with different AM fungi. Plant parameters like height, stem girth, biovolume index, biomass of shoot and root, NPK concentration, root withanolide concentration, and mycorrhizal parameters like root colonization, spore number in the root zone soil were determined following standard procedures. Based on the improved plant parameters, especially root biomass and withanolide concentration, it is concluded that Acaulospora laevis is the best AM fungus for inoculating W. somnifera, the next best being Glomus etunicatum.

5 tables, 25 ref

008197   Tripathi V;Tripathi V;Kavitha Sarumathi S; Singh C B (NO, Kamala Nehru institute of Physical and Social Sciences, Sultanpur-222 218, Email: vinswa@gmail.com) : Estimation of neurotoxin BOAA/ODAP contents in Lathyrus sativus cultivar biol-212 (a somaclonal variety with very low neurotoxic BOAA content) subjected to mutagenic treatments. Biochem Cell Archs 2015, 15(1), 277-85.

Otherwise wonder crop Lathyrus sativus causes neurolathyrism disease due to presence of a toxic compound BOAA. Various efforts have taken place to eliminate /reduce the BOAA. IARI has released a somaclonal variety with low BOAA content namely Lathyrus sativus var.BioL-212. an attempt was made to to further reduce the BOAA content using mutagenic treatments viz. Gamma rays treatment and EMS treatment. Results have been presented.

2 illus, 4 tables, 111 ref

008196   Srivastava P K;Pandey A K (NO, National Bureau of Fish Genetic Resources, Road Canal RingLucknow-226 002) : Natural products and derivatives: biological and pharmacological activities. Biochem Cell Archs 2015, 15(1), 1-38.

Natural products are known to play important role in pharmaceutical biology and have been important source of medicine for thousands of years. Even today, the World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that up to 80 percent of people still rely mainly on traditional medicines. As plants are one of the most important sources of medicines, a large numbers of drugs are derived such as morphine from Papaver somniferum, Aswagandha from Withania somnifera, Ephedrine from Ephedra vulgaris, Atropine from Atropa belladonna, Reserpine from Roulphia serpentina etc. These herbal plants are used as immunostimulants as an alternative to the drugs, chemicals and antibiotics currently being used to control diseases. In this context, the use of medicinal plants and their originated products as potential therapeutic measures for modulating the immune response, biological and pharmacological activities to prevent and control diseases. The possible use of naturally available herbal plant such as Aloe vera, Acalypha indica, Acanthopanax senticosus, Aconitum heterophyllum, Alternanthera tenella, Achyranthes aspera, Astragalus membranaceus, Azadirachta indica,Buchanania lanzan, Camellia sinensis, Coriolus versicolor, Curculigo orchioides, Clausena excavate, Echinacea purpurea, Eriobotrya japonica, Ganoderma lucidum, Gynura bicolour Hemidesmus indicus, Lophophora williamsii, Magnifera indica, Melissa officinalis, Ocimum species, Panax ginseng, Phoenix dactylifera, Piper longum, Pleioblastus amarus, Phyllanthus niruni, Picrorhiza kurroa, Sargassum, Sophora flavescens, Tinospora cordifolia, Toona sinensis, Tinospora cordifolia, Urtica dioica and Zingiber officinale etc have been discussed.

^iia1 table, 508 ref

008195   Singh L K;Maheshwari D K;Bajpai V K (Botany and Microbiology Dep, Gurukul Kangri Univ, Haridwar-249 404) : Isolation of bioactive marker component, butyryl alkannin from Arnebia euchroma roots and its efficacy against multidrug-resistant pathogens. Natn Acad Sci Lett 2015, 38(1), 87-90.

This study was carried out to investigate the biomedicinal efficacy of a bioactive marker component, butyryl alkannin isolated from n-hexane root extract of Arnebia euchroma against vancomycin-intermediate Staphylococcus aureus (VISA) and methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) pathogens. As a result, butyryl alkannin showed significant antibacterial activity against multidrug-resistant pathogens of VISA and MRSA as minimum inhibitory concentration values which were found to be 1.56 and 1.56 μg/ml, respectively. These findings justify the biomedicinal efficacy of butyryl alkannin compound.

15 ref

008194   Shah A;Karim A;Ahmad J;Sharma M P (Botany Dep, Jamia Hamdard, Hamdard Nagar, New Delhi, Email: mps_2k@hotmail.com) : Medicinal shrubs used by Gujjar-Bakerwal tribes against various non-communicable diseases in Rajouri district, (J&K), India. Indian J Tradl Knowledge 2015, 14(3), 466-73.

Present paper is based on the documentation of indigenous knowledge of medicinal shrubs used by the Gujjar-Bakerwal communities of Rajouri distrigct of Jammu and Kashmir state in the treatment of various non-communicable diseases. The study led to interesting use of 42 plant species. The present study describes the botanical identity, vernacular name (in Gojri), part (s) of the plants, mode of preparation and administration, and name of the diseases for which the given plants are used.

2 illus, 2 tables, 17 ref

008193   Selvakumari P A S (NO, St. John's College, Palayamkottai, Tamil Nadu-627 002, Email: anniesspsjc@gmail.com) : Pharmacognostical standardization of Arisaema leschenaultii blume. Indian J nat Prod Resour 2015, 6(2), 143-52.

Arisaema leschenaultii Blume is endemic to South India and Sri Lanka. It grows in shades, especially on shola floor of 1200 - 2000 m altitude, it is rare and threatened in silent valley. The corms and tender leaves are cooked with tamarind paste and eaten as a vegetable by Kanis tribe in Tirunelveli hills. It is employed medicinally by Singhalese as a substitute to Arisaema jacquemontii Blume, whose juice is good for ringworm infection and the paste is applied as ointment in skin diseases. The corms are used to cure piles. This paper focuses on the pharmacognosy of A. leschenaultii Blume because pharmacognosy is an important link between pharmacology and medicinal chemistry. Morphological and anatomical description of plant, pharmacognostical and analytical standards and physical constants were obtained by employing standard methods of analysis as described in Pharmacopoeia of India. The results of the present investigation provide dependable diagnostic features of the vegetative organs of the plants for the identity of the drug in entire and in fragmentary conditions.

7 tables, 30 ref

008192   Sanjeev Kumar (Botany Dep, D.A.V. (PG) College, Muzaffarnagar-251 001, Email: tyagi.sanjeev792@gmail.com) : Response of enzyme activities and levels of protein N, soluble n in seeds of Triticum aestivum cvs to heavy metals. Biochem Cell Archs 2015, 15(1), 131-3.

Seeds of Triticum aestivum cv HP 1209 and sonalika treated with 5 x 10^{-4 M dose of each heavy metals Cd, Pb, Ni, Hg, and 1x10-3 M Zn, Protease activity raised, maximally by Zn. Amylase activity response varied and maximum reduction caused by Hg, Peroxidase activity inhibited, but stimulated by Cd and Zn. Content of Protein N and Soluble N raised and reduced by Zn.}

1 table, 19 ref

008191   Sanjeev K R;Dodamani B M;Patil V B (Agronomy Dep, College of Agriculture, Raichur Univ of Agricultural Sciences, Raichur-584 104, Email: vin231989@gmail.com) : Effect of weed management through different herbicides on growth and yield of chickpea. Biochem Cell Archs 2015, 15(1), 325-8.

Field experiment was conducted to study the "Bioefficacy of herbicides for weed management in irrigated chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.)" at the Agricultural Research Station, Gulbarga during rabi 2013-14. The results revealed that application of Pendimethalin @1 kg a.i./ha (Pre) followed by one hand weeding at 25-30 days after sowing (DAS) resulted in higher yield. It was followed by tank mix of Imazethapyr @ 25 g a.i./ha + Quizalofop-p-ethyl @ 25g a.i./ha (Post) at 20-25 DAS which resulted in higher seed yield, net returns and BC ratio besides giving broad spectrum weed control.

3 tables, 9 ref