Aconitum Heterophyllum Research Articles

Airways Relaxant and Antiasthmatic Activity of Aconitum heterophyllum Wall ex Royle. Roots: A Mechanistic Insight.

Aconitum heterophyllum Wall ex Royle. (Ranunculaceae) is a traditional medicinal herb that has shown extensive pharmacological potential to treat cough, diarrhea, and infectious diseases but no scientific evidence is available to validate its antiasthmatic potential. In this study, we have investigated the tracheal relaxation and antiasthmatic activity of the selected bioactive fraction of A. heterophyllum. Chemical profiling of the most effective fraction obtained via bioassay-guided fractionation was done using LC-MS (Liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry, a technique utilized in the identification, separation, and quantification of known and unknown compounds). Molecular docking analysis of characterized constituents was performed to recognize the binding receptors, followed by an evaluation of the tracheal relaxation ability of active fraction. An acute oral toxicity study of the most effective fraction was done using OECD guidelines 423. Further, the therapeutic efficacy of the fraction was validated in asthma using a guinea pig model of ovalbumin (OVA) induced allergic asthma. The bio-guided activity revealed that hydro-methanolic extract of A. heterophyllum roots (F-1) was the most active fraction. LC-MS analysis of F-1 showed the presence of six major bioactive compounds in F-1. Molecular docking studies revealed strong binding affinities of identified constituents with histaminic receptor (H1) and muscarinic receptor (M3). The ex vivo study demonstrated smooth muscle relaxant activity of F-1 via dysregulating diverse signal transduction pathways viz. histaminic and muscarinic receptors antagonism (non-competitive), stimulation of β2-adrenergic receptor pathway, and soluble guanylyl cyclase activation. The findings of acute oral toxicity studies revealed that F-1 had no toxicity up to the dose of 2000 mg/Kg. The anti-asthmatic therapeutic efficacy of F-1 was further confirmed by the amelioration of respiratory hyperresponsiveness in asthmatic guinea pigs. This is the first evidence-based study showing the antiasthmatic therapeutic potential of the traditionally used herb A. heterophyllum through, computational and animal studies.

UHPLC-PDA-ELSD-MS-based simultaneous determination of diterpenoid alkaloids in commercially important Himalayan medicinal plant Aconitum heterophyllum Wall. and network pharmacology-based target prediction

Aconitum heterophyllum Wall., a commercially important Himalayan medicinal plant, is used in various herbal formulations and has high market demand. Given its esteemed medicinal properties, considerable demand, and prioritized status, there’s a pressing requirement for thorough quality assessment methods to ensure high throughput. Genus Aconitum is also well known for its toxicity owing to the presence of diester diterpenoid alkaloids. Hence it is essential to develop a UHPLC-PDA-ELSD-MS based quantification method enabling simultaneous quantification of primary marker compounds alongside toxic diterpenoid alkaloids. The method showcased strong linearity, with detection and quantification limits covering a broad range. Precision was evident with consistently low relative standard deviations both within and across days. Furthermore, accuracy was demonstrated within acceptable bounds. Quantification results revealed the maximum content of atisinium and hetisine in hydroethanolic root extract [atisinium (≅78.88 mg/g) and hetisine (≅50.17 mg/g)] In addition, a network pharmacology-based approach has been applied to predict potential biological targets. The network pharmacology approach suggests the plant’s potential in treating neuralgia, renal fibrosis, diabetes mellitus, lung diseases, cancer, and more, emphasizing the need for scientific validation and indicating future research directions. Overall, the developed method represents a reliable and efficient quality assessment method for the simultaneous quantification of marker compounds and toxic diterpenoid alkaloids in the roots of A. heterophyllum. Network pharmacology predicts pharmacological potentials that require scientific validation highlighting future scope.

Insights into Metabolites Profiling and Pharmacological Investigation of Aconitum heterophyllum wall ex. Royle Stem through Experimental and Bioinformatics Techniques.

The Aconitum genus is a leading source of a wide range of structurally diverse metabolites with significant pharmacological implications. The present study investigated metabolite profiling, pharmacological investigation, anticancer potential, and molecular docking analysis of the stem part of Aconitum heterophyllum (AHS). The metabolite profiling of the AHS extract was experimentally examined using LC-MS/MS-orbitrap in both modes (ESI+/ESI-) and GC-MS in EI mode. The in vitro MTT model was used to study the anticancer potential, while the in vivo animal model was used to study the anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive activities. The MOE software was used for the molecular docking study. A total of 118 novel and previously known metabolites, among 44 metabolites (26 in ESI+ positive mode and 18 in ESI- negative mode) in the MeOH extract, while 74 metabolites (46 in ESI+ and 28 in ESI- mode) were identified in the n-hexane extract via LCMS/MS. The identified metabolites include 24 phenolic compounds, 18 alkaloids, 10 flavonoids, 24 terpenoids, 2 coumarins, 2 lignans, and 38 other fatty acids and organic compounds. The major bioactive metabolites identified were hordenine, hernagine, formononetin, chrysin, N-methylhernagine, guineesine, shogaol, kauralexin, colneleate, zerumbone, medicarpin, boldine, miraxinthin-v, and lariciresinol-4-O-glucoside. Furthermore, the GC-MS study helped in the identification of volatile and nonvolatile chemical constituents based on the mass spectrum and retention indices. The methanol extract significantly inhibited tumor progression in H9c2 and MDCK cancer cells with IC50 values of 186.39 and 199.63 μg/mL. In comparison, the positive control aconitine exhibited potent IC50 values (132.32 and 141.58 μg/mL) against H9c2 and MDCK cell lines. The anti-inflammatory (carrageenan-induced hind paw edema) and antinociceptive (acetic acid-induced writhing) effects were significantly dose-dependent, (p < 0.001) and (p < 0.05), respectively. In addition, a molecular docking study was conducted on identified ligands against the anti-inflammatory enzyme (COX-2) (PDB ID: 5JVZ) and the cancer enzyme ADAM10 (PDB ID: 6BDZ) which confirmed the anti-inflammatory and anticancer effects in an in silico model. Among all ligands, L2, L3, and L7 exhibit the most potent potential for inhibiting COX-2 inflammation with binding energies of -7.3424, -7.0427, and -8.3562 kcal/mol. Conversely, against ADAM10 cancer protein, ligands L1, L4, L6, and L7, with binding energies of -8.0650, -7.7276, -7.0454, and -7.2080 kcal/mol, demonstrated notable effectiveness. Overall, the identified metabolites revealed in this AHS research study hold promise for discovering novel possibilities in the disciplines of chemotaxonomy and pharmacology.

Raising Farmers Income through the Cultivation of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants

The present study was conducted during October, 2022 to April, 2023 in the Shimla district of Himachal Pradesh which is predominated by the cultivation of apple. Medicinal and aromatic plants are playing an important role in Homeopathy, Ayurveda and Unani medicines. Local inhabitants have been using these plants for various ethno pharmaceutical uses. Stratified Random Sampling was used for conducting the survey. Both Primary and Secondary information (data) were collected through schedules, questionnaires, face to face talks, personal interviews and group discussions. Societies and Self Help Groups (SHGs) were created for the cultivation of Saussurea costus (Kuth) and Aconitum heterophyllum (Patish). Local trader has purchased Kuth at the rate of ` 200 per Kilogram and Aconitum heterophyllum (Patish) at the rate of ` Rs. 2000 per Kilogram. In Delhi market, the farmers have received higher rates (`Rs. 300 per Kilogram for Saussurea costus (Kuth) and ` Rs. 2100 per Kilogram for the Aconitum heterophyllum (Patish)). On an average, a farmer was reported to earn `Rs. 50,000 to ` Rs. 100,000 per bigha per annum from the cultivation of these medicinal plants.

Patfern of Morphological Diversity within &lt;i&gt;Aconitum heterophyllum&lt;/i&gt; Wall. Ex Royle (Ranunculaceae) in India

Aconitum heterophyllum exhibits a wide range of inter and intra population variability throughout its natural range of distribution. Three distinct geographical and ecological groups have been recognised within the species which constitute 3 varieties. These are A. heterophyllurn var. heterophyllum, A. heterophyllum var. bracteatum and A. heterophyllum var. roylei. An exhaustive account of the morphologicd variation within the species and a diagnostic key to the varieties with an enumeration have been presented. Each species has been provided with correct name and citation, synonyms, type specimen, distribution, list of specimens examined and notes.

Metabolomics integration with chemometrics for the quality assessment: A case study with commercially important Himalayan medicinal plant Aconitum heterophyllum Wall.

Herein, targeted and non-targeted metabolomics was coupled with chemometrics tools for easy and reliable quality assessment of commercially important Himalayan medicinal plant Aconitum heterophyllum Wall. having annual demand of 100–200 metric tons in India. Seventeen root (tubers) (sixteen from different geographical locations and one marketed sample) of this plant were evaluated for the quality assessment using ultra-high performance liquid chromatography. Targeted metabolomics involves quantification of specialized metabolites of A. heterophyllum, revealing phytochemical variation among different locations. The root sample from Chitkul (Himachal Pradesh) was found to have a high content of major metabolites atisinium and aconitic acid. Non-targeted metabolomics includes chemical profiling followed by MZmine-based data processing and chemometrics tools for the quality evaluation. Chemometrics tools such as principal component analysis (PCA), orthogonal partial least square-discriminant analysis (OPLS-DA), and variable importance plot (VIP) serve as excellent tools facilitating quality evaluation revealing samples with chemical similarity, compounds responsible for phytochemical similarity/dissimilarity and identifying samples with high content of desired compounds. Fingerprint chromatograms authenticate all samples to be of A. heterophyllum indicating hetisine and atisinium to be the major constituents however, similarity/dissimilarity was observed in term of presence/absence or high/low mass intensity. Hence developed method can be easily implemented to authenticate plant material and quality assessment with respect to desired marker compounds. Further, chemical profiling suggests the presence of high-intensity unidentified compounds which underscores the potential for further research to uncover unique and previously unknown metabolites in the plant.

Pharmacological Investigation of Anti-inflammatory and Hepatoprotective Activity of Leaves Extract of Aconitum heterophyllum

Pharmacological Investigation of Anti-inflammatory and Hepatoprotective Activity of Leaves Extract of Aconitum heterophyllum

Preparation, Characterisation and Antifungal activity of Silver Nanoparticles prepared with Fresh Extract of Aconitum heterophyllum leaves

A Silver nanoparticles of the green approach for the synthesis of well – stabilized silver nanoparticles is described the nanoparticles will be biosynthesized by adding Silver nitrate with extract in deionized water, silver nitrate and extract of Aconitum heterophyllum with different concentrations. The phytochemical extract from this plant is more suitablefor large-scale biosynthesis of silver nanoparticles. Nanoparticles (NPs) prepared with plant extract are more stable, suitable and fastertherapeutic efficacyagainstfungal infection. Moreover, the preparations of silver nanoparticles with plant extract are more uniform in shape and size. The advantages of using plant and plant-derived materials for biosynthesis of silver nanoparticles have attract the interest ofresearchers due to its better mechanisms in successful formation ofsilver nanoparticles.Themetallic structurer were characterized using various methods. The AgNPs exhibit a maximum absorption at 430nm in Ultraviolet Spectroscopy, while the X-Ray diffraction indicates that they were crystalline in nature, including high resolution transmission electron microscopy, energy dispersive X-Ray Diffraction. It was confirmed by the electronic microscopic analysis that the spheres prepared with silvermetal and plant extract are uniform nanoparticle shape and size.

A comprehensive review of Aconitum heterophyllum

Aconitum heterophyllum, commonly known as Ativisha or Indian Atees, is a perennial herbaceous plant with a rich history of use in traditional medicine systems across Asia, particularly in Ayurveda and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). Traditional medicine systems have utilized Aconitum heterophyllum for centuries to treat various health conditions, including fever, digestive disorders, respiratory ailments, and pain-related conditions. It is also known for its antipyretic, analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and sedative properties, among others. The pharmacological activities of Aconitum heterophyllum are attributed to its bioactive compounds. Studies have demonstrated its analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects, along with antipyretic and immunomodulatory properties. It has also shown promising antimicrobial activity and potential as an anticancer agent. However, safety concerns arise due to the presence of toxic alkaloids, particularly aconitine, which can be harmful if not properly processed or used in excessive amounts. Traditional preparation methods, such as boiling and purification, are employed to reduce toxicity and enhance safety. This review emphasizes the importance of cautious and responsible use of Aconitum heterophyllum in medicinal practices. While its therapeutic potential holds promise for various health conditions, further research is required to validate its efficacy and safety for modern medical applications. By bridging traditional knowledge with modern scientific investigations, this review aims to contribute to the understanding of Aconitum heterophyllum's medicinal properties and its potential role in modern medicine. The synthesis of traditional wisdom and contemporary research findings underscores the significance of this ancient medicinal plant as a valuable resource for natural medicine and drug development.

Ethno-medicinal plants used by Jadh Bhotiya Community of District Uttarakashi, Uttarakhand, India

In the present study, our aim was to document the traditional knowledge regarding ethno-medicinal plants used by the Jadh-Bhotiya community in the Uttarakashi district (Uttarakhand, India). A total of 54 taxa, belonging to 49 genera and 31 families, were recorded with medicinal properties. Lamiaceae, Liliaceae and Orchidaceae were the dominant families (in terms of number of species), while the top genera included Berberis, Habenaria, Malaxis and Polygonatum. Herbs constituted the dominant life form (82%), followed by shrubs and trees (9% each). Roots (20%) and the whole plant (13%) showed a higher proportion of use for medication. Powder (33%) and paste (20%) were the most frequently used drug preparation methods. Regional conservation assessment analysis revealed that 76% of the species were recorded under the 'Least Concern' (LC) category, followed by 'Vulnerable' (VU) with 13% of the species, and 11% of the species were recorded under the 'Near Threatened' (NT) category. Aconitum heterophyllum, Arnebia benthamii, Nardostachys jatamansi, Rheum australe, Saussurea obvallata and Taxus wallichiana were recorded under the ‘Near Threatened’ (NT) category. Angelica glauca, Carduus edelbergii, Dactylorhiza hatagirea, Ephedra gerardiana, Lilium polyphyllum, Malaxis acuminata, and Malaxis muscifera were recorded under the ‘Vulnerable’ (VU) category, while the remaining species were recorded under the ‘Least Concern’ (LC) category. The knowledge about therapeutic information concerning plants in the study area and elsewhere is diminishing day by day. Regional-level conservation status of plant species can be helpful in the global conservation status assessment. It is recommended that conservation measures be applied for the betterment of those species falling under various conservation categories, especially the threatened ones. Additionally, more ethno-medicinal studies are recommended in such remote regions to further enhance our understanding of traditional medicinal practices and contribute to the conservation of indigenous plant knowledge.

NADES-based selective extraction of bioactive molecules: A case study with commercially important Himalayan medicinal plant Aconitum heterophyllum

Natural deep eutectic solvents (NADESs) are recognized as sustainable green media for extracting bioactive compounds from biomass. Herein, NADES-based green media was employed to extract bioactives from the Himalayan medicinal herb Aconitum heterophyllum Wall. Bioactive compounds such as aconitic acid (insecticidal, anti-bacterial, anti-fungal), atisinium (anti-plasmodial, anti-cancer, insecticidal), lappaconitine (analgesic, anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory), and 2-O-cinnamoyl hetisine (anti-plasmodial) were extracted by ultrasound-assisted methodology from the roots of A. heterophyllum. Twenty NADES-based solvent systems and four conventional solvents were screened to extract targeted bioactives. After performing the initial small-scale extraction, NADES-15 [lactic acid: glycerol (1:1)] was found to be the most effective extraction media compared to conventional solvents. The extraction efficiency of NADES-15 was further optimized by varying different parameters such as S: L (solid: liquid) ratio, extraction time, extraction temperature, and water content. The large-scale extraction was performed to validate the best-optimized parameters, and finally, solid-liquid extraction was utilized to recover NADES-15. Approximately 77.5% of NADES-15 was successfully recovered and reused. The extraction efficiency of recovered NADES-15 was found to be relatively lower than that of its fresh counterpart. DFT-based molecular mechanism studies revealed that higher exergonic stability and the presence of more hydrogen bond donor/acceptor species (which contributes to intermolecular hydrogen bond interactions) might be responsible for enhanced extraction efficiency of NADESs compared to conventional solvents.

Assessment of antibacterial potential and phytochemical screening of Aconitum heterophyllum from Astore valley, northern Himalayas

Assessment of antibacterial potential and phytochemical screening of Aconitum heterophyllum from Astore valley, northern Himalayas

Evaluation of the acute basic biological effects of herbal formulation to control obesity: a preliminary study

SummaryObjectivesObesity is the accumulation of excessive visceral and subcutaneous fat in the body. The herbal formulation can help treat obesity, and our study aims to evaluate the acute basic biological effects of herbal formulation to control obesity.MethodsAntiobesity herbal formulation, prepared by the combination of Saussurea lappa root, Betula utilis bark, Aconitum heterophyllum root, Bunium periscum seed, and Bauhinia variegate leaf (4:3:1:1:1), was carried out on Wistar male and female rats. Obesity was induced in the rats by feeding the Chow diet, and the effect of herbal formulation on obesity was studied. The effect on obesity was measured by analysing variables like weight, water intake, pellet count, haematological parameters, renal function test, liver function test, and lipid profile test.ResultsIn the study, it was observed that the female rats treated at the highest dose showed a significantly (P &lt; 0.005) higher decrease in weight compared to male rats after 10 days. The food intake, haemoglobin, renal, liver function, and lipid profile showed significant improvement after the intake of herbal formulation.ConclusionsFrom the above results, it was inferred that herbal formulation increased the activity of metabolism, which is helpful in weight reduction; moreover, it has some beneficial biological effects.

A New Annulenol from Aconitum heterophyllum with Bioactivity and Cytotoxicity against Vero and Lung Cell Line

In this research work, a detailed phytochemical and biological investigation of Aconitum heterophyllum was accomplished. The cold methanolic root extract of A. heterophyllum was subjected to VLC for fractionation over silica gel, which led to the isolation of two compounds 1,1,8,8-trimethyl-4-methylene-decahydro- 1H-cyclopenta-[8]-annulen-1-ol (1) and β-stigmasterol (2). The compounds were characterized by analysis of their 1D and 2D NMR spectral data. Compound 1 is first reported from this plant. The crude extract was screened for antimicrobial activity against several gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria, and fungi using disk diffusion method where significant inhibitory activity was observed. The extract was also tested for cytotoxic property using brine shrimp lethality bioassay, which revealed moderate activity in comparison with the standard anticancer drug, vincristine sulphate. Antioxidant property of the crude methanol extract of A. heterophyllum was determined by the scavenging of the DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) free radical and found moderate antioxidant activity (IC50 = 53.25 μg/mL) when compared to standard antioxidant. Total phenolic and flavonoid content and polyphenolic compound content of the crude extract were determined by HPLC. The isolated compounds 1 and 2 showed dosedependent antiproliferation activity against the vero and lung A549 cells. Dhaka Univ. J. Pharm. Sci. 22(1): 1-10, 2023 (June)

Medicinal plants traditionally used in the health care practices by the indigenous communities of the Trans-Himalayan region of Ladakh, India

Ethnopharmacological relevanceLadakh, “the land of high-rising passes,” is a cold arid desert located in the India's northernmost part of the Trans-Himalayan region. Traditional knowledge of medicinal plants in this fragile ecosystem is an important part of the primary healthcare system, particularly in remote areas where modern medical facilities are not fully operational. There is a need to update the traditional information on medicinal plants from time to time to understand any addition of plants or uses to assist in developing new drugs through pharmacological and phytochemical studies. Aim of the studyThe study was conducted to document the traditional knowledge and current therapeutic practices of the indigenous communities of Ladakh. Besides, the study strives to evaluate previous studies from Ladakh to identify plants that have not been previously reported for medicinal use. Material and methodsEthnomedicinal information was collected from 350 local informants through open and semi-structured questionnaires and field surveys in 35 villages of 8 regions of Ladakh. The primary data were analyzed for use reports (UR) and the informant consensus factor (ICF). The reported diseases were classified according to the International Classification of Primary Care-2 (ICPC-2). New reported medicinal plants and unreported medicinal uses in this study were identified and compared to 36 prior studies conducted in Ladakh. ResultsIn the study, 176 medicinal plants belonging to 45 families and 131 genera were reported to treat 116 diseases of 16 (ICPC-2) groups with a total of 4841 use reports. Based on the highest use reports (UR), the most utilized species were Thymus linearis Benth. (134), followed by Aconitum heterophyllum Wall. (127) The highest informant consensus factor (ICF) was reported for Pregnancy, Childbearing, and Family Planning (ICF = 1) followed by respiratory (ICF = 0.91), and digestive (ICF = 0.90) disorders. Based on the comparative literature review, a total of 518 plant species (502 previously reported plus 16 newly cited) are being used in the Ladakh region. A total of 133 use reports for 16 newly cited plants using 30 diseases were recorded. The highest degree of overlapping of medicinal plants and uses for medicines was recorded in regions with comparable ethnicity, and shorter geographical distances. Based on the IUCN Red List, recorded medicinal plants include 7 critically endangered, 9 endangered, and 13 vulnerable species. ConclusionLadakh's indigenous populations use a diverse range of medicinal plants to treat a variety of illnesses. The introduction of species and medicinal uses not previously cited in the primary health care system demonstrates that shared knowledge of traditional medicine among Ladakhi is still rich. The medicinal value of preferred medicinal plants has already been validated, but some medicinal plants lack scientific validation. We recommend further scientific studies on Aconitum violaceum Jacquem. ex Stapf,Anaphalis nepalensis var. monocephala (DC.) Hand.-Mazz., Allardia nivea Hook. f. & Thomson ex C.B. Clarke, Atriplex hortensis L., Eriophyton tibeticum (Vatke) Ryding, Iris lactea Pall. and Rheum webbianum Royle.

Anti-proliferative potentials of Aconitum heterophyllum Root Extract in Human Breast cancer (MDA-MB-231) cell lines-Genetic and Antioxidant enzyme approach.

One of the most important research activities around the world is the screening of various plant components for novel anticancer medicines. The anticancer activities of Aconitum heterophyllum were studied in human breast cancer MDA-MB-231 cells in this study. Since tumorigenesis is thought to be the result of a series of progressive gene alterations, including oncogene activation and tumour suppressor gene inactivation, the expression of genes like p53, p21, STAT, and Bcl-2, which are thought to be important in tumorigenesis and cell death, was determined. In the present study there was an upregulation in the level expression of p53and p21 and down regulation in the expression of BCL2 and STAT. However, there is increase and decrease level of gene expression in Aconitum heterophyllum roots loaded Phyto-Niosomes (nEEAH), when compared to ethanolic root extract of Aconitum heterophyllum EEAH extract treated MDA-MB-231 cell lines. The enzymatic antioxidants such as CAT, SOD, GR, GST, and GPX as well as non-enzymatic antioxidants such as glutathione, Vitamin E and Vitamin C were estimated in the treated MDA-MB-231 cells at the end of incubation. The RT-PCR technique was performed to study the expression patterns of apoptotic genes such as p53 and p21 and anti-apoptotic genes BCL2 and STAT in the drug treated MDA-MB-231 cells. In the present study there was a significant (p<0.05) increase in CAT and glutathione levels and a decrease in Vit C, Vit E and SOD, GR, GST, GPX levels in the untreated MDA-MB-231 cells. Increased apoptotic gene expression and decreased anti-apoptotic gene expression suggest the anti-proliferative nature of the drug extract was comparable to the doxorubicin the positive drug used in the present study. It can be concluded that the ethanolic extract of Aconitum heterophyllum roots loaded Phyto-Niosomes (nEEAH), when compared to ethanolic root extract of Aconitum heterophyllum EEAH extract treated MDA-MB-231 cell lines exert its anti-cancer activity by activating the apoptotic genes, suppressing anti-apoptotic genes as well as modulating the antioxidant enzymes.

Herb stratum diversity and community structure in Gurez valley of Kashmir Himalaya: application of multivariate techniques in community analyses

ABSTRACT In temperate forests, herbs comprise up to 90% of species richness yet received less attention, and their community structure, diversity patterns, and driving mechanisms still remain understudied. We provide a phytosociological overview of herb stratum to develop a vegetation model to characterize and designate vegetation groups and interpret their diversity and species distribution patterns. Multivariate analyses – classification (TWINSPAN) and ordination (indicator species analysis [ISA], non-metric multidimensional scaling [NMDS], and Canonical Correspondence Analysis [CCA]) were applied to data set collected from 32 plots across Gurez valley, Kashmir Himalaya to recognize the understory plant communities, determine the environmental predictors and highlight their significance. Altogether, 131 herbs from 38 families were recorded. TWINSPAN classified understory vegetation into three communities: Tanacetum multicule – Pedicularis pectinata – Aconitum heterophyllum (TPA), Taraxacum officinale – Trifolium repens – Plantago major (TTP), and Impatiens brachycentra – Tussilago farfara – Galium boreale (ITG). Diversity indices and species richness vary significantly, following the trend TTP>TPA>ITG. CCA revealed that disturbances, canopy, altitude, and moisture were the strongest parameters determining species differentiation. The study outlines a methodological workflow based on analytical methods and vegetation-plot data that describe vegetation groups and might be helpful in further in-depth vegetation classification syntheses and decision-making in conservation, global change issues, and management.

A cross-cultural study of high-altitude botanical resources among diverse ethnic groups in Kashmir Himalaya, India

BackgroundIn the Himalayas, traditional knowledge and biodiversity are strongly linked due to the symbiotic interaction between plant and cultural diversity, as well as the support provided by cultural memories, ecological awareness, and social norms. Our study was focused on documenting the vanishing knowledge in the Kashmir Himalaya with the following main objectives: 1) to document the ethnomedical and cultural knowledge of the local flora, 2) to evaluate the cross-cultural use of the flora in the region, and, finally, 3) to identify the key indicator species utilized by each ethnic group using multivariate statistical analysis.MethodsWe used semi-structured questionnaires to conduct interviews with people of different ethnicity, gender, age, and occupational categories. The intercultural relationships of species utilization among ethnic groups were examined using a Venn diagram. The overall trends between the indicator values and the plant species used by diverse ethnic groups were illustrated using the linear regression model.ResultsWe recorded 46 species belonging to 25 different families used by the local people of the Kashmir Valley belonging to four ethnic groups (Gujjar, Bakarwal, Pahari, and Kashmiri). The dominant families recorded were Asteraceae and Ranunculaceae followed by Caprifoliaceae. Rhizomes were the most utilized plant part, followed by leaves. A total of 33 ailments were treated with plants, and gastrointestinal disorders were treated with most species followed by musculoskeletal diseases and dermatological problems. Across cultural relationships, the Gujjar and Pahari showed greater similarity (17%). This may be due to the fact that both ethnic groups share a common geographical landscape and are exogamous to each other. We identified key indicator species used by different ethnic groups with significant (p ≤ 0.05) values. For instance, in the Gujjar ethnic group, Aconitum heterophyllum and Phytolacca acinosa had significant indicator value, which was due to the fact that these plants were easily accessible and also had a wide range of uses. In contrast, the Bakarwal ethnic group showed different indicator species, with Rheum spiciforme and Rhododendron campanulatum being highly significant (p ≤ 0.05), because this ethnic group spends the majority of their time in high-altitude pastures, using a particularly wide variety of plant species for medicine, food, and fuelwood. While indicator values and plant usage were positively correlated for the Gujjar, Kashmiri, and Pahari ethnic groups, they were negatively correlated for the Bakarwal. The positive correlation indicates cultural preferences for certain plant use and underlines the cultural significance of each species. The current study reported new uses for the following species: raw roots of Jurinea dolomiaea used for tooth cleaning, seeds of Verbascum thapsus applied for respiratory diseases, and flowers of Saussurea simpsoniana given to anyone as a good luck wish.ConclusionThe current study highlights historical ethnic group stratifications and cultural standing while comparing reported taxa across cultures. Each ethnic group made extensive ethnomedical use of plants, and knowledge, originally transmitted verbally, is now available in writing for reference. This could pave the way for providing incentives to local communities to showcase their talents, celebrate them, and gain from potential development initiatives.

GC-MS Analysis and Antioxidant Evaluation of Ativisa Root Extract

Plants provide an unlimited source of bioactive metabolites that have been utilized in the pharmaceutical industry as a source of diet and medication. Free radicals are known to be the major aspect of oxidative stress that creates damage to the cell. The natural sources of antioxidants which preventing and repairing the damage caused by the free radicals to the cells. Aconitum heterophyllum (Ativisa) belongs to family Ranunculaceae is traditionally utilized externally as well as internally for treating various human diseases such as rheumatic fever, painful joints, gastroenteritis, diarrhoea, oedema, Bronchial asthma. In the present study ethanolic and ethyl acetate extract of the roots of Acontium heterophyllum was investigated for its antioxidant activity and phytochemical composition using GC-MS. GC-MS studies exhibited the existence of 24 phytochemical compounds in ethanol root extract and 31 phytochemical compounds in ethyl acetate root extract. The major phytochemicals detected in ethanolic and ethyl acetate roots extracts of Acontium heterophyllum were Alpha-D-Glucopyranoside beta-D-Fructofuranosyl, Benzophenone semicarbazone, Dodecanoic acid ethyl ester, Ethyl iso-allocholate, l-(+)-Ascorbic acid 2,6 dihexadecanoate, Phytol, Methyl ricinoleate, 13-docosenamide(z), 1,2,4-Triazol-3-amine5-(1,3,5-trimethyl-4-pyrazolyl)amino. The antioxidant potency of ethanol and ethyl acetate root extracts of Acontium heterophyllum on DPPH (23.05% and 21.05 %) and NO radicals (48.58% and 46.70%) at the highest concentration (500 μg/ml) compared to standard ascorbic acid. These findings suggest Acontium heterophyllum could be used as an alternative source for the investigation of new antioxidant agents.

Molecular characterization of fungal endophyte diversity isolated from Aconitum heterophyllum: a critically endangered medicinal plant of Kashmir Himalaya.

Aconitum heterophyllum is a rare perennial herb from Kashmir Himalayas. Due to its threatened status and dependence on its environment, the plant was examined for any potential endophytes, which is of utmost importance for bioprospection. In the current study, endophytic fungal diversity associated with A. heterophyllum was examined, and 328 fungal isolates were found in the plant's leaf, stem, and root tissues. Twelve (12) endophytic fungal species were identified utilizing, molecular analysis of the nuclear ribosomal DNA Internal Transcribes Spacer (ITS), rLSU, and rSSU sequences. Maximum likelihood analysis was used to determine the phylogenetic connection between each isolate. The genera Arthrinium, Chaetomium, Purpureocillium, Alternaria, Penicillium, Aspergillus, Cladosporium, and Bjerkandera species dominated the ascomycete and basidiomycete fungal endophytes.