012647   Gairola S;Sharma J;Semwal D P;Bahuguna Y M (Biodiversity and Applied Botany Div, Herbarium and Plant Systematics Section, CSIR Indian Institute of Inte, Jammu- 180 001, Email: sumeetgairola@iiim.ac.in) : Medicinal plants used for treatment of liver disorders by indigenous communities of Jammu & Kashmir, India. Med Pl 2014, 6(4), 213-46.

Liver is the largest organ inside human body and its diseases are some of the major causes of morbidity and mortality all across the globe. Traditional medicines are very important part of rural healthcare in the developing counties and may provide important clue for development of new drugs. Jammu & Kashmir (J&K), a predominantly Himalayan state in the north-western part of India is bestowed with a variety of natural resources including various important medicinal plants and is home to large numbers of indigenous communities. Aim of the present review is to provide a comprehensive list ofhepatoprotective medicinal plants used by indigenous communities of J&K for treatment of liver ailments. Scientific literature on ethno-medicinal field studies conducted in J&K state of India was searched to record the hepatoprotective plants used by the indigenous communities of the region. Review of literature revealed that, a total of 103 plant species belonging to 94 genera and 52 families were used by indigenous communities of J&K to treat various liver diseases. Maximum number of species used to treat liver diseases belonged to family Asteraceae (13 spp.) followed by Apiaceae (9 spp.), Ranunculaceae (5 spp.), Lamiaceae (5 spp.), Leguminoseae (4 spp.) and Amaranthaceae (4 spp.). Whole plant (57) was used in maximum number of preparations followed by root (56), leaf (28), flower (20), fruit (19), seed (12) and stem (10). Bupleurum was the most preferred genus for treatment of liver related ailments with maximum number of four species used, whereas 2 species each of genus Delphinium, Adiantum, Iris, Viola, Berberis and Saussurea were used. Some of the listed plants have also showed antioxidant as well as hepatoprotective properties in the earlier studies. The presented information will serve as a baseline data to initiate further research for discovery of new hepatoprotective compounds from these potential plants.

1 table, 79 ref

012646   Firdousi S A (Botany Dep, H. J. Thim College of Arts and Science, Jalgaon, Maharashtra) : New species of stigmina from India. Flora Fauna 2014, 20(1), 28-30.

A new species of Stigmina Lannae commandelica (Houtt.) Morr is described here. lt was compared with known species of the host family' Anacardiaceae. lt was identified by CABInternation Mycological Reseach. Kew' England.

3 illus, 1 table, 3 ref

012645   Chauhan R S;Tiwari D;Bisht A S;Shukla A (Veer Chandra Garhwali College of Horticulture, Uttarakhand Horticulture & Forestry Univ, Bharsar-246 123, Email: rchauhanua@gmail.com ) : Ex Situ conservation of medicinal and aromatic plants in Bharsar, Uttarakhand, India. Med Pl 2014, 6(4), 282-92.

Medicinal and aromatic plants (MAPs) are vital substrate for human health. Commercialization of MAPs threatened their status in natural habitat including Himalayan regionand conservation along with sustainable use of such resources is a challenge. To overcome this challenge in situ and ex situ conservation techniques are underway. Establishment of gene banks is an effective technique to conserve such important MAPs. Therefore, a field gene bank established to conserve temperate MAPs in Bharsar, Pauri Garhwal, Uttarakhand. We could conserve <62> 50 species here, many of them belongs to RET categories. The germplasm conserved here is being used for characterization and formulations of crop descriptors especially in RET species. Potential species for income generation are being multiplied for large scale cultivation and information are being collected for rapid multiplication behavior, seed maturation time, harvesting period, germination behavior. Such gene bank will be helpful to conserve threatened MAPs diversity of the region, awareness among the peoples, and augment the supply of quality planting material of potential species to interested growers.

1 illus, 2 tables, 9 ref

012644   Chauhan R S (Biodiversity and Applied Botany Div, Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine (CSIR), Canal Road, Jammu-180 001, Email: rchauhanua@gmail.com) : Anthropogenic pressure mediated reduction in population size of medicinal and aromatic plant species in western Himalaya, India. Med Pl 2014, 6(2), 94-9.

Population survey was carried out on few medicinal and aromatic plant species (MAPs) in their natural habitats in western Himalaya, India. Vegetation sampling was conducted through vertical belt transect method in the areas of occurrence of the selected species using quadrat method. Anthropogenic factors e.g. grazing and destructive harvesting are major threat for population reduction in most of the selected species in study sites. Factors responsible for population reduction and methods for their conservation were discussed. Such rare, endangered and threatened MAPs should be conserved through both in situ and ex situ methods.

2 illus, 2 tables, 28 ref

012643   Chaube S;Mall S;Upadhaya P P;Rao G P (Botany Dep, DDU Gorakhpur Univ, Gorakhpur-273 001, Email: gprao_gor@rediffmail.com) : Natural occurrence of 16SrI group phytoplasmas on purslane (Portulaca oleracea L.), a medicinal weed species in India. Med Pl 2014, 6(2), 150-3.

Portulaca oleracea L., an exotic weed with high medicinal value displaying typical phytoplasma associated symptoms, such as little leaf and yellowing were observed in sugarcane fields at Gorakhpur located in the state of Uttar Pradesh, India during 2013. Molecular analysis using nested-PCR with primer pairs P1/P7 and R16F2n/ R16R2, evidenced that the phytoplasma found in all symptomatic plants. The nested PCR amplified product was sequenced. The approximately 1.2 kb PCR products that were observed in symptomatic Portulaca leaves had the highest nucleotide sequence similarity (99%) with members of 'Ca. P. asteris' group phytoplasma. Based on the BLAST analysis, the phytoplasma was classified as a member of the group 16SrI. Phylogenetic analysis also showed this phytoplasma as closely related to the reference strain for the group 16SrI. The P. oleracea phytoplasma was therefore assigned as 16SrI group and is the first report in India. Representatives of 16SrI phytoplasmas have been described in several cultivated and weed species in India and P. oleracea is an additional host species for this phytoplasma.

^ssc2 illus, 20 ref

012642   Bisht A S;Chauhan R S (Plantation Spices Dep, Medicinal and Aromatic Crops, VCSG College of Horticulture, Uttarakhan, Bharsar-246 123, Email: drbishtas@gmail.com) : Acorus calamus L: a valuable medicinal plant from Himalaya. Med Pl 2014, 6(4), 247-253.

This review deals with the different phytochemical activities of Acorus calamus alongwith propagation technique for mass multiplication. It is believed to stimulate the power of intelligence and self-expression in humans. It is used in Indian system of traditional medicine in various Ayurvedic formulations. It is widely used in the pharmaceutical and biotechnological sector due to great potency to improve immune system. Acorus possesses anti-inflammatory, anti-spasmodic, anti-protective and anti-hepatotoxic activities. Therefore species has been recommended for in-situ as well as ex-situ conservation devising appropriate management plans.

1 illus, 1 table, 54 ref

012641   Bhatnagar M;Bhardwaj N (Botany Dep, Govt. P.G. College, Kota, Rajasthan) : Biodiversity of algal flora in river chambal of Kota, Rajasthan. Nat Envir Pollut Technol 2013, 12(3), 547-9.

Phytoplankton, represented mainly by algae, form a significant part of the food web and, therefore, information on their population is important in wetland management. Phytoplankton are very sensitive to any environmental change since they quickly response to any alteration or changes in the environment. The plankton population observation or biological analysis is reliable tool for biomonitoring to assess the status and quality of aquatic bodies. The present study is aimed to determine the algal diversity and quality of water in Chambal river at Kota, Rajasthan. The algal and water samples were collected at monthly intervals from different areas located in upstream and downstream of the River Chambal. In the present study Palmer's biotic index has been used to assess the quality of water. The algal flora of four sites of river revealed 70 species belonging to four classes.

1 illus, 3 tables, 8 ref

012640   Bhale U N (Research Laboratory, Botany Dep, Arts, Science and Commerce College, Naldurg, TQ-Tuljapur, Dist-Osmanabad-413 602, Email: unbhale2007@rediffmail.com) : Prospective of leaf extracts against pathogenic fungi of sorrel (Rumex acetosa L.). Flora Fauna 2014, 20(1), 44-8.

The present study was designed to evaluate in vitro antifungal activity of plant extracts against three infected pathogens of sorrel. Rumex acetosa was infected by leaf spot (Alternaria tenuissima), wilt (Fusarium proliferatum) and damping off (Pythium sp.). Ten different plant leaf extracts were tested against three pathogenic fungi and determined their antifungal activity. Aqueous leaf extracts were prepared by soxhlet extraction method. Screening was done using poisoned food technique. Different concentrations of plant leaf extracts (25, 50, 75 and 100%) were tested against pathogenic fungi. Among tested leaf extracts, Adhatoda vassica showed significant reduction of radial growth of Alternaria tenuissima, (67.77%) at 100% conc., Santalum album showed considerable reduction of radial growth of Fusarium proliferatum (80.00%) at 100% conc. and Ocimum gratissimum extract proved significant reduction of radial growth of Pythium sp. (75.55%) at 50% conc. Among tested extracts, Adhatoda vassica, Santalum album and Ocimum gratissimum were suitable for management of infected pathogens.

1 table, 12 ref

012639   Ashok Kumar;Semwal D P;Bhatt K C;Raina A (Germplasm Evaluation Div, ICAR- National Bureau of Plant Genetic Resources, New Delhi-110 012, Email: ashok@nbpgr.ernet.in) : Characterization of indigenous germplasm of Andrographis paniculata (Burm. f.) Wall. ex nees for variability analysis. Med Pl 2014, 6(4), 277-81.

Andrographis paniculata (Burm.f.) Wall. ex Nees (family-Acanthaceae) popularly known as Kalmegh (Hindi), is an important medicinal herb used in different ayurvedic formulations in India. A total of 155 accessions have so far been collected by National Bureau of Plant Genetic Resources (NBPGR) mainly from parts of Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Odisha and Uttar Pradesh. Among these, forty four accessions were grown for characterization, evaluation and identification of trait-specific germplasm using nine important quantitative traits viz. plant height, number of primary and secondary branches, leaf length, leaf width, herbage yield and andrographolide content. Among the traits studied, the highest variability was observed for herbage yield on fresh weight basis (CV=16.95%) followed by herbage yield on dry weight basis (CV=15.98%) and andrographolide content (CV=13.34%). The promising accessions identified were TC471919 for herbage yield (fresh weight basis) collected from Bilaspur (Himachal Pradesh) and IC342138, IC471895 with high andrographolide content from Amarkantak (Madhya Pradesh). Passport data of collected germplasm were used for geo-referencing, diversity distribution and grid mapping along with other collateral data. DIVA-GIS-based grid mapping technique was used to know the diversity distribution pattern in promising accessions identified for different traits. In addition, priority areas identified for future collection have also been discussed in the present communication.

2 illus, 2 tables, 16 ref

012638   Aryal H P;Budhathoki U (NO, Bhairahawa Multiple Campus, Siddarthanagar, Nepal, Email: hahariprasadarya106@gmail.com) : Ethnomycology of Termitomyces spp. R. Heim for its medicinal importance in Nepal. Med Pl 2014, 6(2), 128-37.

This paper highlights the knowledge on the uses of the Termitomyces spp. by the different ethnic castes and community inhabiting in the tarai, siwalik and mid-hills of Nepal. Samples were collected from the forest of different ecological zones, between 2010-2012 with their edibility, seasonal availability and nutraceutical relevance. Ninteen taxa species of Termitomyces spp. were discussed with food and medicinal significance. Its documentation in different social, cultural and ethno medicinal practices in different parts of the nation would be very important to sensitize the communities.

3 illus, 1 table, 79 ref

012637   Ahirwar J R (Botany Dep, Govt. P.G. College Niwari, Distt. Tikamgarh, Madhya Pradesh) : Tetrazolium for testing the seed viability of Akola. J trop For 2014, 30(2), 17-22.

Attempt has been made to estimate the viability of Alangium lamarckii seeds by using Tetrazolium staining. The results reveal the seven categories of tetrazolium staining in the seeds of Alangium lamarckii. The percentage of seeds with embryo and cotyledons fully stained were 52.5%, embryo and cotyledons lightly stained 22.5%, embryo fully stained and cotyledons stained in patches 13.75%, embryo and cotyledons stained in small patches 7.5%, embryo unstained and cotyledons fully stained 2.50%, embryo unstained and cotyledons stained in patches 1.50% and completely unstained seeds 0.0% in all seed lots. The percentage of stained seeds (viable seeds) was 100 percent and completely unstained seeds (non viable) 0.0 percent.

1 table, 18 ref

011674   Tutunoglu B;Aksoy O (Plant Biology Laboratory, Faculty of Science and Literature, Biology D, Kocaeli Univ, Umuttepe Campus, 41380, Kocaeli, Turkey, Email: odalgic@yahoo.com) : Morphological and anatomical effects of the herbicide roundup of Zea mays (poaceae). J funct envir Bot 2014, 4(2), 71-6.

The toxicity of a widely used herbicide Roundup, which contains the active ingredient glyphosate, on sweet corn (Zea mays) was investigated. After the determination of EC50 value for root growth, three different concentrations as low (4 ml/L), medium (8 ml/L) and high dose (16 ml/L) were applied to plant samples for 48 and 72 h. At the end of the application period, samples were comparatively studied in terms of their root and leaf anatomy, the upper and lower surface of leaf stomata indexes as well as chlorophyll contents to obtain morphological and anatomical information. Each concentration of glyphosate caused severe toxic effects on Zea mays cells and the strongest toxic effect was observed at the concentration level of 16 ml/L. At the end of the application procedure, the measurements of the parts of the Z.mays root treated with Roundup, the upper and lower surface of leaf stomata indexes, chlorophyll and total carotenoid concentrations were determined in root apical meristematic cells by using squashing techniques.

3 illus, 3 tables, 11 ref

011673   Tahkur S;Harsh N S K (Forest Pathology Div, Forest Research Institute, Dehradun Uttarakhand) : New record of leaf spot disease caused by Fusarium solani on Chlorophytum tuberosum. Indian For 2013, 139(5), 469-70.

^ssc5 illus, 8 ref

011672   Sharma S;Thokchom R (Floriculture Dep, Medicinal and Aromatic Plants, Faculty of Horticulture, Uttar Banga K, Pundibari-736-165, Email: rockythokchomaau@gmail.com) : A review on endangered medicinal plants of India and their conservation. J Crop Weed 2014, 10(2), 205-15.

India has a very rich plant biodiversity, many of which are medicinally useful. The rich resource is disappearing at an alarming rate as a result of over-exploitation. Therefore, the management of traditional medicinal plant resources has become a matter of urgency. An ever increasing demand of uniform medicinal plants based medicines warrants their mass propagation through plant tissue culture strategy. Tissue culture technology is potent and has opened extensive areas of research for biodiversity conservation. Plant in vitro regeneration is a biotechnological tool that offers a tremendous potential solution for the propagation of endangered and superior genotypes of medicinal plants which could be released to their natural habitat or cultivated on a large scale for the pharmaceutical product of interest. Tissue culture protocols have been developed for a wide range of medicinal plants, which includes endangered, rare and threatened plant species. Some of these endangered medicinal plants are Saussaurea lappa, Picorrhiza kurroa, Ginkgo biloba, Swertia chirata, Gynmema sylvestre, Tinospora cordifolia, Salaca oblonga, Holostemma, Celastrus paniculata, Oroxylum indicum, Glycyrrhiza glabra, Tylophora indica, Bacopa monnieri, Rauwolfia serpentina. The conventional means of propagation takes a long time for multiplication and also clonal non uniform. Conventionally, there are two methods of conservation: in situ and ex situ conservation, both are complementary to each other. In situ methods allow conservation to occur with ongoing natural evolutionary processes ex situ conservation via in vitro propagation also acts as a viable alternative for increase and conservation of populations of existing bioresources in the wild and to meet the commercial requirements. A review highlighting various in vitro protocols developed for selected rare and threatened plant species of India has been done to highlight the significance of ex situ conservation in cases where regeneration through conventional methods is difficult to undertake and species are left with low population in the wild. Thus in vitro cell and tissue culture methodology is envisaged as a mean for germplasm conservation to ensure the survival of endangered plant species, rapid mass propagation for large scale re-vegetation and for genetic manipulation studies.

2 tables, 90 ref

011671   Sehrawat N;Sangwan A;Yadav M (Centre for Biotechnology, Maharshi Dayanand Univ, Rohtak-124 001, Email: mukeshyadav7@gmail.com) : Psoralea corylifolia L. an endangered medicinal plant with broad spectrum properties. Med Pl 2014, 6(1), 13-20.

Psoralea corylifolia Linn. (Babchi) is a rare and endangered herbaceous medicinal plant, distributed throughout V the tropical and subtropical regions of the world. Its various parts (seeds, roots) are source of valuable alkaloids having pharmaceutical importance. Recently, fetal toxicity of this plant extract has been reported. The plant is conventionally propagated by seeds which are inadequate because of very short viability and presence of hard seed coat which require acid treatment. Usually the plant materials are procured from naturally occurring stands of P. corylifolia which are being depleted rapidly, raising concern about possible extinction and provide justification for in vitro propagation of this species. The present review enumerates some important medicinal properties of this plant and provide information regarding optimization of pharmaceutical compound's extraction, in vitro micro-propagation and suggestions for Agrobacterium mediated transformation for higher production of medicinal compounds from root hairs.

^iia1 illus, 44 ref

011670   Sarvalingam A;Rajendran A;Sivalingam R (Botany Dep, School of Life Sciences, Bharathiar Univ, Coimbatore-641 046, Email: drivar@gmail.com) : Wild edible plant resources used by the Irulas of the maruthamalai hills, southern western ghats, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu. Indian J nat Prod Resour 2014, 5(2), 198-201.

A survey of wild edible and food plants was undertaken and identified various species used by the ethnic tribe Irulas and local inhabitants of Maruthamalai hills, located in the Coimbatore district, Southern Western Ghats of Tamil Nadu, India. Among the species used by these people many are commonly found and eaten throughout India. The local tribal community depends for their dietary requirements since a long time using these plants. Plant species with their family names, vernacular names, habit and plant parts used are tabulated.

^ssc1 table, 27 ref

011669   Rongsensashi;Mozhui R;Changkija S;Limasenla (Botany Dep, Nagaland Univ, Lumami-798 627, Email: sashiozzies@yahoo.com) : Wild edible fruits of Fakim Wildlife Sanctuary, Nagaland, North-East India. Indian For 2013, 139(5), 440-7.

Fakim wildlife sanctuary is situated in the eastern part of Nagaland under Kipheri district bordering Myanmar. The sanctuary harbours rich floristic wealth of which many are fruit and medicinal plants. The present paper deals with wild edible fruits of Fakim wildlife sanctuary, Nagaland. A total of 45 wild edible fruits belonging to 26 families and 36 genera are documented in the present survey.

6 illus, 2 tables, 14 ref

011668   Pradheep K;Pani D R;Bhandari D C (Plant Exploration and Germplasm Collection Div, National Bureau of Plant Genetic Resources (NBPGR) Pusa Campus, New Delhi-110 012, Email: hort_pradheep@yahoo.co.in) : Addition of Gymnopetalum chinense (Lour.) Merr. to the flora of Odisha. Indian For 2013, 139(5), 465-6.

^ssc2 illus, 7 ref

011667   Prabhu Kumar K M;George S;Sreedhar S; Balachandran I (Centre for Medicinal Plant Research (CMPR), Kottakkal Arya Vaidya Sala, Kottakkal, Malappuram, Kerala, India-676 503, Email: prabhumkrishna@gmail.com) : Caralluma diffusa (Wright) N.E. BR. (Apocynaceae) a new distribution record for Kerala from chinnar Wild Life Sanctuary, India. Indian For 2013, 139(5), 425-8.

Caralluma diffuse (Wright) N. E. Br. is reported for the first time from Kerala, Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary. The current paper provides the description and a detailed key of Indian Carallumas along with colour plate of this species.

1 illus, 22 ref

011666   Phurailtapam A;Kawane A;Maiti S;Maiti G G (College of Horticulture and Forestry, Central Agricultural Univ, Pasighat, Arunachal Pradesh, Email: arunkumarph@gmail.com) : Variation in bioactive content in Andrographis paniculata Nees at different growth stages. Med Pl 2014, 6(1), 53-61.

Investigation was carried out to study the effect of plant age on different morphological characters and the corresponding changes in the bioactive compound (andrographolide) in the three accessions of Andrographis paniculata. The results have shown significant differences and changes in the andrographolide content and yield at various growth stages of the plant. The three accessions with no morphological differences were characterized using RAPD and ISSR profiles and the variation in andrographolide content was estimated by HPLC. A plant age of 80-105 DAT (days after transplantation) may be recommended for harvesting to get a good andrographolide yield though the highest herbage yield may be obtained at 120 DAT.

8 illus, 4 tables, 13 ref

011665   Naithani H B (Botany Div, Forest Research Institute, Dehran dun) : Occurrence of ginseng (Panax pseudoginseng) in Western Himalaya. Indian For 2013, 139(5), 473-4.

13 ref

011664   Muzammil M S;Manikandan M;Jafar A;Sakthivel P;Geetha S;Malarkodi R (PG & Research Dep of Biochemistry, Islamiah College (Autonomous), Vaniyambadi-635 752, Email: syed_bio2004@yahoo.co.in ) : Anti-inflammatory studies on Acalpha indica L. leaves by membrane stabilization. Indian J nat Prod Resour 2014, 5(2), 195-7.

The study was designed to evaluate the phytochemical screening and anti-inflammatory activity of methanolic extract of Acalypha indica L. leaves in HRBC membrane stabilization. The methanolic extract showed significant inhibition by using Diclofenac sodium as a standard drug at doses of 125, 250, 500 and 1000mg/mL and showed a dose dependent inhibition hemolysis of erythrocyte induced by hypotonic solution.

1 table, 19 ref

011663   Murugeswaran R;Venkatesan K;Ahmed J;Aminuddin (NO, Regional Research Institute of Unani Medicine (CCRUM), 1 West Madha Church Street, Royapuram, Chennai-600 013) : Ethnomedicinal uses of plants by Malayali tribal community in Kolli hills of Namakkal district, Tamil Nadu. Hippocratic J Unani med 2013, 8(4), 137-48.

Ethno-pharmacological survey was carried out in 2012 to document the status and uses of the folk medicinal plants of Kollihills and adjacent areas of Namakkal district, Tamil Nadu. The information on folk medicinal plants and their uses for treating various ailments have been gathered from the Malayali tribal people, inhabitant of Kolli hills and adjacent areas are presented. The study mainly focused on the wild plants used by the tribal and local peoples to cure various ailments. The Kollihills is mainly occupied by the tribal community called Malayalis. The present study provides information on 41 plant species belonging to 37 genera and 26 families used by the Malayali tribal community of Kollimalai or Kolli hills and adjacent areas of Namakkal district, Tamil Nadu. Moreover the knowledge on the folklore uses of the medicinal plants used by the Malayali tribes may provide lead for the discovery of new drugs of plant origin.

6 illus, 1 table, 12 ref

011662   Mukesh Kumar;Butt T A;Hussaini S A;Kishore Kumar;Qamaruddin;Khan H;Aminuddin;Samiulla L (NO, Regional Research Institute of Unani Medicine (CCRUM), Bhadrak-756 100) : Ethnomedicines in the Khordha forest division, Odisha. Hippocratic J Unani med 2013, 8(4), 171-80.

Based on an ethnopharmacological survey of Khordha forest division of Khordha district in Odisha, conducted during September-October 2012, the paper presents some 54 contemporary folk recipes comprising 43 taxa of folk medicinal plants used by Kondh, Sabra, Naik tribes of the study area, for treatment of various common and chronic diseases and conditions. Botanical name, family in bracket, locality with field book number, local name, Unani name, part(s) used, name of the disease against which used, mode of administration are given for each recipe discussed in the text. The need for their phytochemical and pharmacological investigations in the context of claims reported has been re-stressed in an effort to discover Therapeutic agents of natural origin for many of the diseases and conditions for which there are no satisfactory cure in modern medicine, thus far.

1 illus, 18 ref

011661   Mostafa M;Hossain H;Hasan M M;Hossain M A; Parveen S (Analytical Research Div, BCSIR Laboratories, BCSIR, Dhanmondi, Dhaka-1205, Bangladesh, Email: drmostafabcsir@yahoo.com) : Antibacterial activity of six medicinal plants used in traditional medicine growing in bangladesh. Int J pharm Sci Res 2014, 5(6), 2210-12.

Antibacterial activity of the hexane, methanol, and water extracts of Tamarindus indica, Azadirachta indica, Cucumis sativus, Eucalyptus camaldulensis, Switenia mahagoni, and Psidium guajava extensively used in traditional medicine were investigated. The disc diffusion assay method was used for the evaluation of the antibacterial activity of these extracts against 11 bacteria species. Kanamycin (30 μg /disc) was used as a standard antibacterial agent. The results indicated that all the six plant species (not all extracts) showed a moderate antibacterial activity against a wide variety of gram positive and gram negative bacteria at a concentration of 500 μg/disc. The hexane extract of Eucalyptus camaldulensis and Switenia mahagoni revealed the moderate antibacterial activity against 10 and 6 bacteria respectively with zone of inhibition of 10-19 mm. The methanol extract of Eucalyptus camaldulensis, Psidium guajava, and Switenia mahagoni also exhibited antibacterial activity against 6, 4 and 5 bacteria respectively with a zone of inhibition of 9-15 mm whereas the water extract of Azadirachta indica and Cucumis sativus was only active against only two bacterial strains with zone of inhibition of 9-12 mm at the concentration of 500 μg/disc. The results of this study support the traditional uses of these medicinal plants as antibacterial agents.

35 ref

011660   Mishra P;Gupta S (Zoology Dep, Government Nagarjun Post Graduate College of Science, Raipur Chhattisgarh, Email: pmishra26463@gmail.com) : Phyto-chemical screening of Eclipta alba. Asian J Anim Sci 2013, 8(2), 112-4.

Eclipta alba is one of higher value herbs with long histoy of traditional and folk medicine for treatment of various ailments in many tropical and sub tropical countries. Priliminary qualitative phytochemical analysis of alcoholic and aqueous extracts of different plant parts i.e. leaf, stem and root were carried out by standard methods. Presence of alkaloid, saponin, tannin and phenol compound was observed in both the extracts of all plant parts. Flavonoid was noticed only in aqueous and alcoholic extracts of leaf and root. Terpenoid was present in aqueous extracts of leaf and stem whereas in alcoholic extracts of stem and root. Quinone was present only in aqueous leaf and alcoholic extracts of leaf, stem and root. Positive test for cardiac glycosides was noticed in aqueous extract of stem and root whereas only in alcoholic extract of root.

1 table, 16 ref

011659   Meera Devi Sri P;Meena R;Ramasamy D;Mageswari S;Arfin S;Aminuddin;Mehmooda R (NO, Regional Research Institute of Unani Medicine, No. 1 West Madha Church Street, Royapuram, Chennai600 013) : Pharmaco-botanical studies on Piper longum L.. Hippocratic J Unani med 2013, 8(4), 149.

Piper longum L. is used as drug in Unani, Ayurvedic and Siddha System of medicine. The drug (dried fruit) is aromatic, stomachic, carminative, expectorant, digestive and antiseptic and also used as spice in commerce. Very few, clinical studies have been conducted on this drug. The present studies deal with detailed pharmacognostic studies and reviews related information on this drug.

1 illus, 7 tables, 21 ref

011658   Maurya R;Madhupriya;Chaturvedi Y;Upadhyaya P P;Rao G P (Botany Dep, D.D.U. Gorakpur Univ, Gorakhpur-223 009, Email: gprao_gor@rediffmail.com) : Association of 'Candidatus phytoplasma asteris' (16SrI group) with chlorosis and little leaf disease of Streblus asper. Med Pl 2014, 6(1), 68-70.

During survey in the year 2010, chlorosis and little leaf symptoms were observed on Streblus asper plants growing in different gardens and nurseries of Gorakhpur, Eastern U.P., India. The phytoplasma suspected symptomatic sample was collected and analyzed for phytoplasma association through PCR assays. The DNA extracted from symptomatic Strebulus asper sample produced amplicon of <126>1.2 kb in nested PCR assay expected for the presence of phytoplasmas. The amplicon of <126>1.2 kb was sequenced and the consensus sequence obtained was submitted to GenBank Acc. no. HM230687. BLAST analysis of 16Sr DNA sequence of S. asper revealed the highest identity (99%) with identified members of 16SrI 'Ca. Phytoplasma asteris' group. Phylogenetic analysis further identified that 5. asper phytoplasma clustered with members of 'Ca. P. asteris' group. Hence, it was confirmed that the chlorosis and little leaf disease of S. asper plant in the study belonged to 16Sr I group. To our knowledge this is the first report of a 'Ca. Phytoplasma asteris' isolate associated with chlorosis and little leaf disease of Streblus asper plant in the world.

^ssc2 illus, 14 ref

011657   Karangutkar S;Yengal B;Walmiki N;Killedar A; Pillai R (NO, , ECO ECHO, D/85, Meghwadi, Dr S.S. Rao Road, Lalbaug, Mumbai-400 012, Email: siddesh.karangutkar@gmail.com) : Diversity of seaweeds in Mumbai metropolitan region (MMR), India. J funct envir Bot 2014, 4(2), 87-91.

Seaweeds are found in the coastal area region with about 0.01% permeability of sunlight. The intertidal region of high and low tides is the areas where they grow. Every region has different variety of seaweeds (macroalgae) depending upon the environmental factors involved. Seaweeds are under threat in developing countries, where they are being disturbed by a variety of human activities. Mumbai being an industrial region, the concern of algal destruction makes it necessary to understand the taxonomy and species diversity in order to maintain the marine environment. Mumbai region shows great diversity of Marine algae; a total of 51 species were recorded in the area. Most of the species were recorded from rocky intertidal area of Colaba and Madh.

1 illus, 12 ref

011656   John J (NO, Inter Instrumentation Centre and Mahatma Gandhi Univ, P.D. Hills, Kottayam, Kerala, India-686 560, Email: jinujohn21@gmail.com) : Therapeutic potential of Withania somnifera: a report phyto-pharmacological properties. Int J pharm Sci Res 2014, 5(6), 2131-48.

Withania somnifera belongs to the Solanaceaefamily, commonly known as Ashwagandha, Indian ginseng or Winter cherry. It is an important commercial medicinal crop, considered as similar to Panax ginseng in Chinese medicine. Different parts of this plant are used in traditional medicine for the treatment of various ailments. It provides defense against diseases, adverse environmental factors and helps to retard the aging process. Ashwagandha exhibits a wide range of therapeutic properties by tuning the endocrine, cardiopulmonary, central nervous system and sexual behavior without any toxicity. The root has been used most frequently for therapeutic uses and is a constituent of over 200 formulations in Ayurveda, Siddha and Unani medicines. There are several reports to establish its immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory, antistress, memory enhancing, antiparkinsonian, hypolipidemic, antibacterial, cardiovascular, antioxidant, antitumor and adaptogenic properties. These properties stem from the characteristic bioactive phytochemicals such as alkaloids and phytosterols present in the plant. This review presents a detailed survey on various traditional uses, phytochemical composition and pharmacological properties of Withania somnifera.

114 ref

011655   Gunaga R P;Wange S S;Mirgal A B;Rane A D; Narkhede S S;Bhave and S G (NO, College of Forestry, Dr. B.S.K.K.V., Dapoli-415 712, Email: rpgunaga@gmail.com) : Note on albinism of Saraca asoca (Roxb.) De wild.. Indian For 2013, 139(5), 471-2.

^ssc1 illus, 6 ref

011654   Ghosh A;Joshi P K;Garg R D;Mukherjee S (Natural Resources Dep, TERI Univ, Vasant Kunj, New Delhi-110 070, Email: pkjoshi@teri.res.in) : Identification of invasive plant species using field spectro-radiometer and simulated hyperion spectra-a rapid mapping of invasiveness. Curr Sci 2013, 104(9), 1148-51.

2 illus, 1 table, 17 ref

011653   Gangopadhyay S;Patel M A;Mistry J G;Sushil Kumar (Medicinal and Aromatic Plant Unit, Anand Agricultural Univ, Anand 388 110, Email: sushil254386@yahoo.com) : RAPD based genetic variability assessment in Andrographis paniculata (Burm. f.) Wall. ex Nees (kalmegh): an important hepatoprotective herb. Med Pl 2014, 6(1), 47-52.

Andrographis paniculata, a popular hepatoprotective plant used in traditional medicine in India and has an immense therapeutic value. In this study, genetic diversity of 31 accessions was evaluated using random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD). Sixteen primers generated 156 (92.3%) polymorphic bands with an average of 9.75 polymorphic bands per primer. Polymorphic information content (PIC) ranged from 0.83 to 0.91 with an average of 0.880. Jaccard's similarity coefficients for RAPD primers ranged from 0.23 (AS-19/IC 260035) to 0.89 (AL-1/ AS-36) with a mean genetic similarity of 0.59. The UPGMA based dendrogram grouped the genotypes in 11 different clusters at a cut off value of 0.60. The results indicated that RAPD could be effectively used for genetic diversity analysis in A. paniculata as it is reliable, rapid and superior to those based on pedigree information.

1 illus, 2 tables, 17 ref

011652   Gaddeyya G;Ratna Kumar P K (Botany Dep, Centre of Advanced Study, Andhra Univ, Visakhapatnam-530 003, Email: mycology.au@gmail.com) : Weed infestation of some agricultural fields at Visakhapatnam district, Andhra Pradesh. J Crop Weed 2014, 10(2), 419-29.

Systematic field study was conducted in crop fields such as food crops, pulses, vegetable crops, oil crops and commercial crops at Visakhapatnam District. A total of 120 weed species belonging to 40 families were carefully studied and recorded. The weed species were grouped as sedges, grasses and broad laved weeds. The weed species belonging to the family Asteraceae (12 species) and Fabaceae (12 species) were more dominant fallowed by Euphorbiaceae (11 species), Amaranthaceae (10 species) and Poaceae (7 species), respectively. The species of Cyperus rotundus, Cyperus difformis, Cyperus iria, Cyperus diffuses, Echinochloa colona and Echinochloa crusgalli were recorded as more common and dominant weeds in all cereals crops and broad leaved weeds belonging to Asteraceae, Fabaceae, Euphorbiaceae and Amaranthaceae were recorded in vegetable and other field crops.

3 tables, 34 ref

011651   Duhan P;Kajla S;Poonia A K;Kharb P;Chaudhury A (NO, Centre for Plant Biotechnology, CCSAU New Campus, Hisar-125 004, Email: ksubhash73@hotmail.com) : Comparative studies on effect of different media on in vitro propagation of Lawsonia inermis. Ann Biol 2014, 30(2), 207-11.

Study was conducted to investigate the effect of six media on in vitro establishment of Lawsonia inermis. The survival percentage of explants was 100%, when shoot tips were treated with HgCl₂(0.1%) for 5 min along with streptocyclin (0.2%)+bavistin (0.2%) for 60 min. Amongst six media employed, MS medium was found to be best for establishment of aseptic culture of L. inermis. A maximum of 2.0 buds/explant were recorded on MS medium on 21st day of inoculation. MS medium was found to be most effective for establishment of aseptic cultures of L. inermis amongst other media employed. The regenerated shoots were transferred on rooting media supplemented with different concentrations of auxins. A 100% rooting was recorded on half strength MS medium supplemented with 0.5 mg/1 NAA. Rooted shoots were separated individually and transferred in green house in plastic bags containing sand, soil and vermicompost in the ratio of 1 : 1 : 1 with 100% survival. Hardened plants were successfully transferred to field.

4 illus, 4 tables, 18 ref

011650   Dhungana P;Purnima Devi;Borthakur S K (Botonay Dep, Cotton College, Guwahati, Assam, Email: priyadhungana@gmail.com) : Pharmaceutical properties of Indian species of Ficus linn. Int J Pharm Life Sci 2013, 4(1), 2314-9.

The paper deals with the review of pharmaceutical properties of species of Ficus L. occurring in India.

41 ref

011649   Devendra Kumar;Neeraj Kumar;Pabbi S;Walia S; Dhar D W (Centre for Conservation and Utilization of Blue Green Algae, Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi-110 012, Email: devendra2228@gmail.com) : Morphological parameters and selected growth attributes in Spirulina strains. Ann Biol 2014, 30(2), 400-8.

Spirulina strains were studied for morphological parameters and growth attributes. Most of the strains exhibited uniform suspension in liquid medium and the remaining were planktonic/free floating. In solid medium almost all the strains showed spreading growth. Variation in the colour ranged from blue green to pale green. Microscopic examination of these strains showed spirals which were regular and/or irregular and the size of the vegetative cells varied. These strains were also subjected to some physiological parameters, namely, pigments (chlorophyll, carotenoids and phycobilins) and selected metabolites like total soluble proteins, carbohydrates, nitrate reductase and glutamine synthetase.

9 illus, 1 table, 33 ref

011648   Datta S K;Baishya R A;Singh B (NO, , ) : Potential tradable medicinal and aromatic plants of Meghalya, India. Indian For 2013, 139(5), 467-8.

5 ref

011647   Das P;Joshi S (School of Human Ecology, Ambedkar Univ Delhi, Lothian Road, Kashmere Gate, Delhi-110 006, Email: pulakdas.ecology@gmail.com) : Homegarden lichens-a prospective for ethnolichenology in barak valley, Assam. J funct envir Bot 2014, 4(2), 77-86.

The study explores the lichen flora in traditional homegardens in Panchgram area of Barak valley, southern Assam. Homegardens are important component of rural socioeconomy in northeast India and are preserved through traditional wisdom of local communities. Homegardens mimic forest structures and harbour rich diversity of cultivated as well as natural floral composition helping in conservation of important lichens of the region which hold in it tremendous potential of ethnolichenological use for present and future. The present work enumerates 68 lichens representing 22 genera and 11 families found in randomly selected homegardens in an area of about 28 km^{2 around Panchgram. Out of these 68 lichens, 10 exhibit foliose growth form and remaining 58 lichens exhibit crustose growth form. Graphidaceae is the dominant family representing 22 species followed by Pyrenulaceae (17 species) and Arthoniaceae (10 species). Pyrenula (17 species) is the dominant genus in the region followed by Arthonia with 8 species and Phaeographis and Graphis with 7 species each. The common homegarden lichens Parmotrema tinctorium, Parmotrema saccatilobum and Graphis scripta which are found during the study have ethnolichenological uses recorded in various literature studies. Ethnolichenological studies are very scarce in northeast India. Owing to rich ethnic and floristic diversity in the region, present study suggests the role of homegardens in conserving lichens which might have unexplored traditional use by indigenous communities and needs proper documentation.}

4 illus, 1 table, 46 ref

011646   Chauhan S;Chauhan S V S (NO, Academy of Life Sciences, 8/13 I Kaushalpur, Bye Pass Road, Agra-282 005, Email: semchau@gmail.com) : Medicinal importance of orchids. Med Pl 2014, 6(1), 1-12.

Family orchidaceae is one of the largest families of Angiosperms. It is cosmopolitan in distribution. Apart from being highly ornamental for it's colourful and fragrant flowers and varied economic importance, the members of the family commonly called as orchids are of great medicinal importance. They have been used as a source of herbal remedies in China since 2800 BC. With increasing uses of herbal drugs, the demand for medicinal plants has increased many folds. Large number of orchids from north-eastern states of India is pirated to other parts not only for ornamental but for medicinal uses. This has caused great threat for extinction of orchids. Both in-situ and ex-situ conservation of orchids needs urgent attention. In the present review, medicinal properties of 24 genera and 56 species have been described.

^iia2 illus, 115 ref

011645   Chanda S;Mukherjee A (Botany CAS Dep, Burdwan Univ, Burdwan-713 104, Email: somac10@gmail.com) : Taxonomic census of magnoliophytes associated with forest abodes of tribals in Ayodhya hill region of Purulia district, West Bengal. Indian For 2013, 139(5), 429-34.

Inventory of the Magnoliophyta (angiosperms) in the forest abodes of the tribes (Paharias, Birhors, Sardars and santhals) in Ayodhya hill shows the community to be composed of 132 species, of which 98 species are dicotyledonous and 16 monocotyledonous. At specific, generic, family and class level, dicots scored high percentages over monocots. The ratios of trees, shrubs, herbs and climbers associated with the forest abodes of tribes of Ayodhya Hill were found to be 44:31:38:19 respectively. Value of Jacard Generic Coefficient of the forest flora was 86.36 which speaks of appreciable taxonomic potential to render stability to the ecosystem. This value is expected in course of time to be progressively reduced to 1. Since the difference between the observed and expected values of generic coefficients is low (13.64), there is a possibility of successful revegetation and restoration of the forests studied.

2 illus, 1 table, 18 ref

011644   Chakraborty B K (Fisheries Dep, Project Directorate, Dhaka Bangladesh, Email: bborty@gmail.com) : Status of diversity of medicinal plants in floodplain basin of Northern Bangladesh. J Crop Weed 2014, 10(2), 196-204.

Status of macrophyte diversity of floodplain basin, under Netrokona and Sunamgonj haor basin of Bangladesh was conducted and a total number of 30 species of aquatic weeds were identified from the surveyed area. These macrophytes provide medicinal importance of direct human benefit and shelter to the periphyton and other aquatic insects, and act as a source of feed to the fish. Due to increasing pressure of agriculture, aquaculture and global affect, important 01 species were extinct, 04 species were endangered, 05 species were vulnerable status, 09 species were in lower risk and 11 species were not threatened position from biodiversity view point. Initiation of new technology for growth of aquatic weeds in the flood plain through community based co-management policy, would be helped to expand growth level in the survey area.

2 illus, 1 table, 27 ref

011643   Billore K V (NO, Regional Research Institute (Ay.), Jawahar Lal Nehru Ayurvedic Medicinal Plants Garden & Herbarium (JNAMP & H), Kothrud, Pune-411 038) : Revitalizing medicinal plants sector in India - opportunities and challenges. Hippocratic J Unani med 2013, 8(4), 47-102.

India is bestowed with unique diversity of ethnic culture, natural resources and bioedaphic and topographical features. Owing to the rich plant biodiversity, particularly the medicinal plants and ancient cultural background, India ranks one of the few countries in the world which is utilizing the enormous indigenous medicinal plant wealth in a big way since vedic era. The importance of herbals both as medicine, cosmetics, dye etc. and as food supplements, has been overlooked for quite sometime. However, in the recent past, with the advent of herbal revolution, the medicinal plants are looked upon not only as a source of affordable health care but also as a source of income developing in to an industry itself. The extensive use of medicinal plants from wild has brought about its serious depletion in nature. Medicinal plants sector in India is vast and complex because of the rich plant biodiversity, multidimensional usage, large number of stakeholders from various fields in GOs. and NGOs. etc. The continuous use of medicinal plants through illicit harvesting and trade from the wild, shortage, volatile prices, lack of regulations, quality control etc. has further complicated the problem. As such the medicinal plants sector though developing day by day is totally unorganized and needs urgent attention of all the major stakeholders including the GOs. and NGOs., before it is too late. In the present communication, based on information procured from multiple sources, an attempt has been made to putforth a glimpse of the vast Medicinal Plants Sector in the country and discuss some important aspects. While presenting a brief background, data on domestic and global scenario, source, conservation/cultivation, the users, trade (including export/import), herbal heist, constraints and government initiatives, remedial measures etc. have been discussed briefly.

78 ref

011642   Bhardwaj A;Rani S;Rana J C (NO, National Bureau of Plant Genetic Resources, Regional Station, Phagli, Shimla-171 004, Email: savitarana3@gmail.com) : Traditionally used common fibre plants in outer Siraj area, Himachal Pradesh. Indian J nat Prod Resour 2014, 5(2), 190-4.

An ethonobotanical study was conducted to document the traditional use of fibre yielding plants used by the indigenous people of Outer Siraj area of district Kullu of Himachal Pradesh. Personal interviews and group discussions were conducted to gather information on the indigenous knowledge. A checklist of 'categories of plant use' was developed and used to identify, categorize and document fibre plant species in the area. The ethnobotanical fabrics/ articles, viz. Pula, Mandri of this region are rich in traditional practices and people living in the Outr Siraj area of Himachal Pradesh, India use natural fibre plants in various ways for their subsistence. Fifteen plants were identified as most commonly used fibre plants belonging to 10 families of which family Poaceae and Urticaceae are most important. 67.00% of fibre is obtained from stem and bark. Cannabis sativa L. is used by 92.19% people followed by Grewia optiva Drumm. (76.56%). Euphorbia royleana Boiss. is the least used fibre plant (1.56%). New ethnobotanical uses of Agave cantula Roxb. and Urtica dioica L. are reported for the first time.

4 illus, 1 table, 20 ref

011641   Adesh Kumar;Singh A;Arun Kumar (Plant Molecular Biology & Genetic Engineering Dep, N.D. Univ of Agriculture & Technology, Kumarganj, Faizabad-224 229, Email: adesh.kumar88@yahoo.com) : Characterization of plant growth promoting traits in Bacillus spp. associated with wheat rhizosphere. Ann Pl Soil Res 2014, 16(2), 102-6.

In search of efficient PGPR strains with multiple activities, a total of 21 isolates belonging to Bacillus spp. were isolated from different rhizospheric soils collected from various districts of Uttar Pradesh. These test isolates were biochemically characterized and screened for their plant growth promoting traits like production of indole acetic acid (1AA), ammonia production, siderophore production, phosphate solubilization, salt tolerance and antibiotic sensitivity test. These isolates evaluated for their quantitative IAA production, the isolates ABN-I and ABN-3 produced IAA in highest amount (120 mg/l). Out of these, sixteen and twelve isolates produced ammonia and siderophore, respectively while five isolates solubilized phosphate on the pikovskaya's agar medium. Only five isolates showed tolerance against 7% NaCl concentration. Isolate ABN-1 showed resistance against tetracycline at the concentration of 20 μg /ml in the medium. This study has pointed out 9 isolates could exhibit six PGP traits, which may promote plant growth directly and indirectly. Thus, these isolates may be applicable as bio-inoculants according to each supporting characters as plant growth promoter rhizobacteria.

3 tables, 21 ref

010676   Singh S;Harsh N S K;Gupta P K (NO, Lab No. 34 Forest Pathology Div, Forest Research Institute, Dehradun-248 006, Email: sona.singh13@gmail.com) : Novel method of economical cultivation of medicinally important mushroom, Ganoderma lucidum. Int J pharm Sci Res 2014, 5(5), 2033-7.

Ganoderma lucidum has been widely used as a herbal medicine in many pacific countries. Ithas been worshipped as a kind of herbal medicine, the emperors of the great Japanese and Chinese dynasties drank with their special teas and mushroom concoctions to achieve greater vitality and longer life. A protocol has been developed for the cultivation of G. lucidum on billets of Poplar (Populus deltoides). The advantage of the present method of cultivation is that the side branch piece obtained after pruning and lopping of poplar trees used which is an easily available material in poplar growing areas of north India. The economics and profitability of G. lucidum cultivationhas been also worked out.

21 ref

010675   Singh A K (AICRP (Honey Bees & Pollinators), Entomology Dep, Nagaland University, SASRD, Medziphema, Nagaland-797 106, Email: dr.akhileshento@rediffmail.com) : Traditional beekeeping shows great promises for endangered indigenous bee Apis cerana. Indian J Tradl Knowledge 2014, 13(3), 582-8.

Nagaland dwellings plentiful bee flora is as a natural endowment. Indigenous techniques, equipments and traditional beekeeping knowledge are goldsmith due to simplicity and low cost input, shows great promise to visionaries for their envisage. The suitable agro-climate, plenty bee flora and immemorial practice with rich traditional knowledge offers enormous potential for development and success of apiculture in this state. The outfit survey accomplished in six districts of Nagaland revealed that 26% beekeepers were rearing both species (Apis cerana and Tetragonula iridipennis) and rest only A. cerana. The 74.67% peasantry indulged in apiculture and average number of beehive/ beekeeper was 3.78 where as highest beehive/ beekeeper was observed in Kohima. The 65.33% beekeepers were interested to rear in indigenous box and 34.67% beekeepers were interested to scientific beehive. A keywords: majority of beekeepers responded, the wax moth attack is higher in scientific box, while literate new generation, and trend beekeepers were interested with scientific beehive. The Naga tribes know different indigenous methods of colony capture, different types of traditional bee hives and indigenous methods of pest management. Simultaneously gruesome traditional honey harvesting method and jhoom cultivation direct threaten to bees which require scientific intervention for conservation to A. cerana. Honey bee role as a pollinator to enhance the crop productivity and conserve the plant biodiversity are more valuable than bee hive products.

10 illus, 17 ref

010674   Shriram V;Nanekar V;Vinay Kumar;Kavi Kishor P B (Botany Dep, Prof. Ramkrishna More College (Univ of Pune), Akurdi, Pune-411 044, Email: svash_in@yahoo.com) : In vitro regeneration and ploidy level analysis of Eulophia ochreata Lindl. Indian J expl Biol 2014, 52(11), 1112-21.

Various parameters including explant-type, medium compositions, use of phytohormones and additives were optimized for direct and indirect regeneration of E. ochreata, a medicinal orchid under threat. Protocorm-like-bodies (PLBs) proved to be the best explants for shoot initiation, proliferation and callus induction. Murashige and Skoog's (MS) medium containing 2.5 mg L^{-1 6-benzylaminopurine (BAP), 1.0 mg L-1 kinetin (Kin) and additives (adenine sulfate, arginine, citric acid, 30 mg L-1 each and 50 mg L-1 ascorbic acid) was optimal for shoot multiplication (12.1 shoots and 7.1 PLBs per explant with synchronized growth), which also produced callus. Shoot number was further increased with three successive subcultures on same media and <126>40 shoots per explant were achieved after 3 cycles of 30 days each. Additives and casein hydrolysate (CH) showed advantageous effects on indirect shoot regeneration via protocorm-derived callus. Optimum indirect regeneration was achieved on MS containing additives, 500 mg L-1 CH, 2.5 mg L-1 BAP and 1.0 mg L-1 Kin with 30 PLBs and 6 shoots per callus mass (<126>5 mm size). The shoots were rooted (70% frequency) on one by fourth-MS medium containing 2.0 mg L-1 indole-3-butyric acid, 200 mg L-1 activated charcoal and additives. The rooted plantlets were hardened and transferred to greenhouse with 63% survival rate. Flow-cytometry based DNA content analysis revealed that the ploidy levels were maintained in in vitro regenerated plants. This is the first report for in vitro plant regeneration in E. ochreata.}

2 illus, 3 tables, 17 ref

010673   Saha M R;Sarker D D;Sen A (Botany Dep, University of North Bengal, Raja rammohanpur, Siliguri-734 013, Email: senarnab_nbu@hotmail.com) : Ethnoveterinary practices among the tribal community of Malda district of West Bengal. Indian J Tradl Knowledge 2014, 13(2), 359-67.

Present study aimed at documenting and analyzing the ethnoveterinary practices of domesticated animals and birds oKMalda district of West Bengal in India. Successive field surveys were conducted to assemble data from tribal practitioners by means of semi-structured individual interviews, open ended questionnaires, informal interviews, group discussion, etc. Present study recorded 70 phytotherapeutic practices involving 60 plants which were used to treat 34 types of disease and disorders of livestock. Out of 34 livestock disease and disorders, mostly treated ailment was agalactia with 7 different therapeutic uses followed by fever, treated with 5 different prepardtions. Leaves were most frequently used plant parts in preparing medicinal formulations. However, five new ethnoveterinary formulations were documented during this survey for the first time. The informants' consensus factor (F_IC) was found very high (0.88 - 1) establishing the study more authentic. This is the first detailed documentation of ethnoveterinary knowledge as well as first report of determining F_IC among the tribal communities of this region.

2 tables, 34 ref

010672   Rizwan M;Khan A A (HSZH Government Unani Medical College, , Bhopal-462 003, Email: mohddr@gmail.com) : Assessment of efficacy of Sankhahuli (Convolvulus pluricaulis Chois) and gokhru (Tribulus terrestris L) in the management of hypertension. Indian J Tradl Knowledge 2014, 13(2), 313-18.

Although, the allopathic drugs are very useful to control hypertension and prevent cardiovascular morbidity and mortality; the adverse metabolic effects of antihypertensive drugs have raised questions that challenge the traditional approaches for the management of hypertension. This was the main aim behind this study that prompted us to look for a safe and effective antihypertensive drug. Randomized, active control, single blind trial was carried out on 40 subjects. Experimental group was subjected to dried aqueous extract of Sankhahuli (Convolvulus prostratus Forssk syn. C. microphyllus Sieb. ex Spreng.; C. pluricaulis Chois.) and Gokhru (Tribulus terrestris L.). Control group was subjected to Benzthiazide and,. Triamterene. Blood pressure levels were measured by using sphygmomanometer at 0, 14th and 28th day. For safety evaluation liver function test, kidney function test, Serum electrolyte and ECG (Electrocardiogram) were obtained before and after treatment. After 28th day of therapy a significant difference (P <60> 0.0001) was noticed in both experimental and control group. The results in this preliminary study suggested that the drugs are effective and safe. However, the power of this study was limited because of low number of patients to draw a valid conclusion. Further studies are warranted with large number of patients before this drug could be recommended for therapy.

5 tables, 26 ref