Aconitum Heterophyllum Research Articles

Molecular characterization of 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-CoA reductase (HMGR) in relation to aconite biosynthesis in Aconitum heterophyllum Wall ex Royle

Aconitum heterophyllum (Rananculaceae) is the only nonpoisonous aconite acclaimed for its production of high-value diterpene alkaloids commonly known as aconites. These compounds are synthesized in the plant through two independent pathways: 2-C-methyl-d-erythritol-4-phosphate or non-mevalonate pathway and mevalonate pathway. It is reported that 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-CoA reductase (HMGR) is a key enzyme involved in the biosynthesis of diversity of terpenoids. Only a handful of enzymes implicated in the biosynthesis of terpenoids have been characterized and sequenced until now from the plant species. From the current study, HMGR from A. heterophyllum was isolated for the first time along with its tissue-specific expression. The isolated gene was nominated as AhHMGR with 1647 bps of ORF. The sequence was submitted to NCBI data base with accession submission ID 2088147. The 3-domain architecture of class I type of HMGR was obtained after modelling. Like other HMGRs, an active site with a cofactor along with the substrate-binding motifs was obtained. The real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction results revealed differential expression levels in different plant parts. The transcript level was higher in rhizome, followed by stem, leaf and flower which were in corroboration with the accumulation of aconites as depicted through HPLC analysis. The results from our study can be exploited for future molecular intervention to alter the metabolic flux towards improvement of key active ingredient in this important medicinal plant.

Population and vulnerability assessment of high value medicinal plants in the Alpine regions of western Himalaya

Declining population of medicinal plants in the wild is a major conservation issue. Researchers across the globe have advocated assessments of their populations for effective management prioritization. We, therefore, assessed populations of 15 high valued medicinal plant species of the Himalaya and carried out their rapid vulnerability assessment (RVA). Seven different habitats viz., gentle slopes (GS), moist areas (MA), rocky areas (RA), scree slopes (SS), shrub gaps (SG), under canopy (UC) and undulating meadows (UM) identified based on their physiognomy and landform were surveyed and sampled across six alpine sites in the state of Himachal Pradesh using quadrats. We found that distribution and population of different species varied significantly across habitats. Overall, Trillium govanianum reported the highest density (3.83 individuals/m2) and frequency (58.33%) while the lowest frequency (11.86%) was noted for Picrorhiza kurrooa. Amongst the 7 habitats, the highest species richness (13) and diversity (H′=2.118) were recorded in the GS and UM, respectively. As opposed to other species which occurred in multiple habitats, T. govanianum was restricted to UC only. The RVA score of the species ranged between 20 (reported by Heracleum candicans) to 33 (observed for Aconitum heterophyllum and Fritillaria roylei, each). Based on the conservation status, habitats of occurrence and RVA, A. heterophyllum, Dactylorhiza hatagirea, F. roylei, P. kurrooa, Sinopodophyllum hexandrum and T. govanianum have been identified as the reddest of the red. Since medicinal plants are habitat specific, thus heterogeneous landscape are key to in-situ medicinal plant conservation.

Aconitum heterophyllum-An Overview

Aconitum heterophyllum also known as aruna, family Ranunculaceae is used in ayurvedic formulations for the treatment of diarrhoea, hepatic issues etc. The phytochemicals in this plant consists of alkaloids, proteins, carbohydrates, saponins, amino acids, quinones, flavonoids, glycosides, terpenoids, etc. In the present paper, not only are the various therapeutic properties of this plant has been discussed but the profiling of its toxicological studies done on rats have also been elaborated upon. Unlike other species of Aconitum, Aconitum heterophyllum has shown beneficial activity on a rat model of toxicity. Firstly, the ethanolic extract of the plant was evaluated for its oral toxicity but it came out be safe. The ethanolic extract of the plant reversed the activity of castor oil. Moreover, this plant has shown good anti-bacterial activity. After summing up of all the pharmaceutical features of this plant, it could turn out to be valuable source of knowledge for the academia, practioners of traditional medicines & for the pharma industry.

Development and Evaluation of Polyherbal Formulation for Diabetes

Objective: Treatment of diabetes without any adverse effects is a big challenge to the medical fraternity. There is need for alternative drugs with no side effects. The present study is aimed to develop a polyherbal formulation for effective management of diabetes using some of the indigenous plants taking lead from ethnobotanical information. Ajuga parviflora, Saraca asoca, Potentilla fulgens and Aconitum heterophyllum were selected for the development of antidiabetic formulation. Materials and Methods: Preliminary phytochemical screening of selected plants were performed. In-vitro antidiabetic activity of plants and standard drug acarbose was evaluated by α-amylase inhibition assay. The polyherbal suspension prepared and its antidiabetic activity was evaluated in a streptozotocin-induced diabetic rat model. Results: Preliminary phytochemical screening revealed the presence of alkaloids, terpenoids, flavonoids, phenolics and tannins in the plants. The prepared formulation was brown, easily pourable from the container and have redispersibility property with optimum particle size distribution. Sedimentation studies showed that the sedimentation volume of a formulation is in-between a range of 1. Administration of polyherbal formulation at 200 mg/kg and 400 mg/kg dose for 21 days to diabetic rats decreased fasting blood sugar 159 ± 2.81 mg/dL and 147.74 ± 2.03 mg/dL respectively as compared to the diabetic control group 361 ± 3.89 mg/dL. Conclusion: The present findings indicated that developed polyherbal formulation at a dose of 200 mg/kg and 400 mg/kg showed significant antihyperglycemic activity (***p<0.001) in streptozotocin induced diabetic rat model.

The dual role of phytochemicals on SARS-CoV-2 inhibition by targeting host and viral proteins

BackgroundThe severe acute respiratory syndrome-2019 has affected more than 190 million people around the world and caused severe crises throughout the globe. Due to rapid mutation in the viral genome, its became important to simultaneously improvise the host immunity while targeting viral proteins to reduce the severity of infection. AimThe current computational work focuses on multi-level rigorous screening of 47 medicinal plant-based phytochemicals for discovering effective phytochemical inhibitors against the host and viral targets. Experimental procedureA total of 586 phytochemicals were analyzed in detail based on their drug-likeness, pharmacological properties, and structure-based activity against the viral proteins (Spike glycoprotein, Papain-like protease, and Main protease) and host proteins (ACE2, Importin-subunit α-5, and β-1). Phytochemicals showing higher binding affinity with the dual capacity to target both the categories of proteins were further analyzed by profiling of their chemical reactivity using Density-Functional Theory (DFT) based quantum chemical methods. Finally, detailed molecular dynamics simulations were performed to analyze the interactions of the complexes. Results and conclusionThe results revealed that the selected phytochemicals from Andrographis paniculata, Aconitum heterophyllum, Costus speciosus and Inula racemosa may have the capacity to act with prominent affinity towards the host and viral proteins. Therefore, the combination of active phytochemicals of these plants may prove to be more beneficial and can be used for developing the potential phytotherapeutic intervention.

RbcL, a potential candidate DNA barcode loci for aconites: conservation of himalayan aconites.

Aconitum heterophyllum Wall. ex Royle and Aconitum balfourii Stapf, are two highly important, threatened medicinal plants of the Indian Himalayan Region. Root-tubers of Aconites have occupied an important place in Indian pharmacopoeia from very ancient times. India is a hub of the wild-collected medicinal herbs industry in Asia and these two aconites are known to have been heavily traded from the region in illicit manner. Prosecution of these illegal trading crimes is hampered by lack of pharma-forensic expertise and tools. Present study was conducted to evaluate the discriminatory potential of rbcL, a Chloroplast based DNA barcode marker for the authentication of these two Himalayan Aconites. Fresh plant samples were collected from their natural distributional range as well as raw materials were procured from herbal market and a total of 32 sequences were generated for the rbcL region. Analysis demonstrated that rbcL region can successfully be used for authentication and importantly, both the aconites, were successfully discriminated by rbcL locus with high bootstrap support (> 50%). Molecular markers could certainly be relied upon morphological and chemical markers being tissue specific, having a higher discriminatory power and not age dependent. Phylogenetic analysis using Maximum Likelihood Method revealed that the rbcL gene could successfully discriminate Himalayan Aconites to species level and have potential to be used in pharma-forensic applications as well as to curb illicit trade of these invaluable medicinal plants.

Ecological status of Alpine Medicinal and Aromatic Plants of Western Himalaya

ABSTRACT The ecological status of medicinal and aromatic plants species (MAPs) in the alpine region of the Western Himalaya was assessed to identify the current threats on these MAPs. Of the 400 MAPs reported from the alpine region of Uttarakhand, 50 highly used and commercially exploited MAPs were prioritized for assessment. A semistructured questionnaire survey was used in the representative sites (50) of the alpine landscape based on the information, parts used, locality of occurrence, and socioeconomic status. Field surveys were conducted using Rapid Mapping Exercise (RME) (4 plots of 1 × 1 m at every 50 m distance, total 40 plots in one transect) along the elevation and habitat gradient to assess the population status of species. The intensity of threat was evaluated using a rapid threat assessment (RTA) approach using eight criteria viz., plant parts used, life forms, habitat, endemism, population size, use pattern, trade, and threat status. The recorded magnitude of threats revealed that Angelica glauca, Nardostachys jatamansi, Aconitum heterophyllum, and Rheum australe were the most vulnerable. Roots/rhizomes (68%) were the most frequently used plant parts of MAPs, followed by inflorescence/fruit (19%).

Inventorization of traditional ethnobotanical uses of wild plants of Dawarian and Ratti Gali areas of District Neelum, Azad Jammu and Kashmir Pakistan.

BackgroundAn ethnobotanical expedition was conducted to document the traditional ethnobotanical (TEB) uses of wild flora of Dawarian and Ratti Gali villages of District Neelam, Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) Pakistan. District Neelam has rich plant diversity and is hub of many endemic plant species while the study areas are not yet explored. The research area: Dawarian and Rati Gali (DRG) area is mountaineous terrain and villages are located on far and farther distances. DRG area has rich biocultural and plant diversity comprising of different ethnic groups of Kashmir state. The current research was aimed to explore and document traditional medicines (TEMs) and other domestic and commercial uses of wild plants. This study will assist to evaluate conservation and commercial worth of wild flora which can be potential candidate for drug discovery through ethnopharmacological analysis.MethodsThe current quantitative ethnobotanical research was carried out in 2018 by interviewing 150 indigenous informants (90 male and 60 female) of DRG area using questionnaire applying structured and semi structured interview methodology. Data analysis was analyzed by using quantitative ethnobotanical statistical tools such as fidelity level (FL), informant consensus factor (ICF), Spearman’s rank correlation (SRC) and data matrix ranking (DMR).ResultsThe indigenous people of DRG area use wild plants in their daily life to cope life necessities i.e. food, vegetables, fodder, fuel, shelter, timber and herbal medicines. TEMs are primarily used to cure different infirmities like diabetics, asthma, dysentery, constipation, cold, fever, joint pain, wound healing, cancer, cardiovascular disorders, epilepsy, kidney infections and many types of skin diseases. Current study revealed the data of 103 wild plants species belonging to 46 plant families from selected areas of District Neelum, AJK. Results depicted that Asteraceae ranked 1st (12 plants spp). Among plant parts used leaf ranked 1st (18%), followed by seed (17%) and root (13%). While prevalent form recipe mode was decoction (20%), followed by powder (17%) and extract (14%) and fodder was highest (37%) EB use-form fodder, followed by food (32%) and fuel (17%). Quantitative ethnobotanical analysis (QEA) was carried to find the reliability and novelty of the study. Five plant species including Berberis lyceum (FL = 97.78%), Isodon rugosus (FL = 95.71%), Saussurea lappa (FL = 94.74%), Aconitum heterophyllum (FL = 92.71%) and Taxus baccata (91.58%) had shown high fidelity level which confirmed that these plants have high medicinal worth in study area. The highest value (0.94) of ICF was for diseases group “tuberculosis and leucorrhea”, followed by stomachache and flatulence (0.93), diabetics and blood pressure (0.92) and asthma and chest infections (0.88). For other uses fuel with ICF (0.83) ranked first and second was hedging and thatching (ICF = 0.82) where people use plants or their parts for construction. Spearman’s rank correlation (SRC) test indicated that number of TEB uses increases if number of species is increased. Jaccard index (JI) analysis depicted that 56.31% plants are being used as TEMs which are first time explored from the study area. While 26.21% plants are being used in different TEB uses which are different from past cited literature. These novel findings of research indicate that wild flora of the study area has great potential for novel drug discovery and provision of materialist services for the indigenous communities.ConclusionThe present research revealed that TEMs uses of 58 plants are novel being first time reported from the study area (DRG) of District Neelam of AJK. The results showed that plants like Acer cappadocicum, Ajuga bracteosa and Swertia paniculata are used to cure diabetes, Viscum album, Viola canescens, Taxus baccata are used for cure of cancer, Isodon rugosus, Polygala chinensis are used in TEMs for treating cardiovascular disorders and Anaphalis triplinervis is used for epilepsy. Berberis lyceum, Ajuga bracteosa, Aconitum heterophyllum, Bistorta amplexicaule, Saussurea lapa and Jurinea dolomiaea are severely threatened and there is urgent need to do conservation measures for available of valuable MPs to the indigenous communities for life necessities and for future research. The current study will also be useful addition in ethnobotanical database, preservation of traditional culture and drug discovery and drug development through future ethnopharmacological research.

Pharmacognostical and Phytochemical Evaluation of Aconitum heterophyllum Root

The present work aims to study the pharmacognostical and phytochemical characteristics of the roots of Aconitum heterophyllum. The study deals with the macroscopy, microscopy, powder analysis, physicochemical standardization, and preliminary phytochemical screening of Aconitum heterophyllum roots. Anatomical studies of the tuberous roots of Aconitum heterophyllum showed distinct endodermis, a wide zone of secondary phloem, and a ring of 4 to 9 vascular strands. The powder analysis revealed the presence of suberized cells of metaderm, reticulate xylem vessels, and starch grains. Physicochemical standardization such as moisture content, ash values, and extractive values of Aconitum heterophylluym was determined. For the identification of various chemical constituents, preliminary phytochemical screening was also studied.

Formulation, Evaluation and Comparison of the Poly Herbal Anti-Diabetic Tablet with the Commercial Tablets

Objective: To formulate a poly herbal anti-diabetic tablet and to evaluate and compare its physicochemical properties with the marketed herbal tablets.
 Materials and Methods: The poly herbal anti-diabetic tablet was formulated by adding the powder of extract of Enicostemma littorale in powder of roots of Aconitum heterophyllum rhizomes of Picrorhiza kurroa and fruits of Piper longum in different proportions to an aqueous 5 % Starch solution and Several tests such as visual inspection, ash values, moisture content, Water soluble extractive value and Alcohol soluble extractive value, disintegration time, Uniformity of weight of tablets, Determination of hardness of tablets, Determination of friability of tablets etc and Preliminary phytochemical screening and qualitative chemical examination were performed and compare Laboratory formulated tablets with commercial tablets.
 Results: The study showed that Laboratory formulated poly herbal anti-diabetic tablet has good flow property and compressibility. The moisture content of laboratory formulations was found to be 4.8%. Water extractive value was found to be 28.14% W/V result shows that laboratory formulation consisted of higher amount of water soluble substances like carbohydrates. Alcohol extractive value was found to be 20.08% W/V denotes the amount of alcohol soluble constituents present in the formulation. Disintegration of tablet was found to be 3 mins results shows laboratory formulation was within the limit as it was prepared with starch paste (5%w/v) as a binding and disintegrating agent. Disintegration of tablet is not more than 30 minutes. The laboratory formulation was found to have 3 (Kg/Cm2) hardness, 0.38 % Friability and weight variation within pharmaceutical limits. However, further research and development is required to improve its quality and safety.
 Conclusion: The aim of this study was to formulate a completely poly herbal antidiabetic tablet. Our Laboratory formulated tablets showed comparable good results as compare to that of marketed tablets but further research and development is required to improve its overall quality.

PRELIMINARY COMPARATIVE PHARMACOGNOSTIC STUDY OF GENUINE AND ADULTERANT RAW MATERIAL IN ATIVISHA (ACONITUMHETEROPHYLLUM WALL. EX ROYLE)

Ativisha consists of the dried tuberous root of the aconitum heterophyllum wall. ex royle of ranunculaceae family. a perennial herb native and endemic to western himalayas. it is popular drug that is extensively used in ayurvedic pediatric medicine, specially used in respiratory disorders, fever, diarrhoea and vomiting in children. the fact that the suppliers of crude herbal materials are mostly traders having limited knowledge of their true identity. due to unavailability and high cost, they use their substitutes and adulterants in order to get more and more benefits. children's being more vulnerable, special care has to be taken in selecting the drugs. this paper includes preliminary pharmacognostical but very important aspects to ensure the standard and quality assurance of the raw drug of ativisha. preliminary comparative pharmacognostic study of genuine and adulterant raw material in ativisha. here the sample genuine ativisha with both small and big sized starch grains and taste is bitter followed by salivation in the mouth it may official ativisha. where the other sample with big starch grains with sweet taste may be an adulterated market sample sold under the name of ativisha.

A Comparative Study to Evaluate the Efficacy of Lekhana Basti and Modified Vachadi Gana Basti in Combination with Navaka Guggulu in Sthaulya (Obesity) -A Study Protocol

Background: Sthoulya described as Obesity occurs due to the vitiation of Kapha & Vata. The signs and symptoms of Sthoulya can be correlated with Obesity. This has been said in Ayurveda and Sthaulya purusha (Obese person) is considered one of the nindita Purusha. Lekhaniya gana contains the drugs like Triphala, Shatpushpa, Madhu (Honey), Ushaka, Kasis, Tuttha, Shilajit, Saindhava (Salt), Yavakshar, Gomutra (Cow Urine) which are having specially lekhaniya (Scraping) properties, Kapha and Meda (fat) hara property, in sthaulya increased kapha and meda (fat) is seen, the medicine having these lekhaniya property helps to scrap the excess fat from the body so this medicine is helpful to reduce fat. While Modified Vachadi Gana (Group of herbs) contains Devdaru (Cedrus Deodara), Shunthi (Zingiber Officinale), Vacha (Acorus Calamus), Haritaki (Terminalia Chebula), Ativisha (Aconitum Heterophyllum), Nagarmotha (Cyperus Rotundus), Ushaka, Kasis (Ferrous Sulfate), Tuttha (Blue Vitriol), Shilajit (Asphaltum), Saindhava (salt), Yavakshar (Hordeum Vulgare), Modified Vachadi gana having vata and kapha hara property & Lekhaniya (Scraping) property both. So it is used in vata kaphaja vikara like sthaulya so to treat it vata kapha reducing medicine is to use. Modified Vachadi Gana having those above properties apart from that also having lekhaniya property. Hence, it also helps to scrap the excess fat from the body, so this medicine is helpful to reduce fat.
 Aim: To study the effect of Lekhana Basti & Modified Vachadi Gana Basti along with Navak Guguulu in sthoulya (Obesity).
 Objectives: To study the impact of Lekhana Basti on body mass index, body circumference measurements, skinfold thickness, lipid profile, To study the impact of Vachadi gana yoga basti (Modified) on body mass index, body circumference measurements, skinfold thickness & lipid profile, To compare the efficacy of Lekhana Basti and Modified Vachadi Gana basti on body mass Index, body circumference measurements, skinfold thickness & lipid profile.
 Materials and Methods: A total of 35 patients will be selected in each group from the outpatient department of Panchakarma MGACH & RC. Basti will be done in Yog basti pattern. In Group A, Lekhana Basti & In Group B, Modified Vachadi Basti will be used. After Basti Krama 16 Days, Parihara Kala is to be given.
 Conclusion: Based on the result conclusion will be drawn.

ATIVISA (ACONITUM HETEROPHYLLUM WALL EX. ROYLE): A COMPREHENSIVE REVIEW ON PROPAGATION, TRADITIONAL USES AND PHARMACOLOGY

Aconitum heterophyllum Wall ex. Royle is considered an important medicinal plant in traditional system of medicine as the tuberous roots are used for curing different ailments. But over grazing, prolong seed dormancy and many other reasons have led to the exploitation of this plant, so conservation through various modes is the need of the hour. Aims: The present review aims for accounting extensive information on different methods of propagation, traditional uses and pharmacological activities of Aconitum heterophyllum. Review Methods: A literature search was done on Aconitum heterophyllum using relevant Ayurvedic and contemporary texts. Different scientific databases such as Pubmed, Scopus, EBSCO, Google Scholar Information were used to collect all information regarding propagation and pharmacology of this plant. Results: Available data has reported that this endangered plant can be propagated through various methods such as raising propagules from seeds and daughter tubers, and other plant tissue culture techniques. Plant has reported to have 0.79% of total alkaloids in roots, out of which Atisine (0.4%), Heteratisine (0.3%), histisine, heterophyllisine, heterophylline, heterophyllidine are some major alkaloids. It also possesses important pharmacological activities like anti-bacterial activity, anti-diarrhoeal activity, enzyme-inhibition activity, anti-inflammatory activity, hepato-protective activity and anti-spasmodic activity. Conclusion: The results of this review clearly suggests about the valuable traditional use of Aconitum heterophyllum in curing various ailments like diarrhoea, dysentery, bilious complaints, intermittent fever and diseases of children. Further research: Different traditional uses mentioned in Āyurveda texts need further validation through different experimental and clinical studies which is a recommendation of this review.

Evaluation of antimitotic activity of herbal extracts using plant-based model systems and their cytotoxic potential against human colon carcinoma cells.

The aim of this study was to screen plant extracts for antimitotic activity using Vigna radiata germination inhibition assay, followed by Allium cepa root tip assay and evaluation of their cytotoxic potential on colon carcinoma (HCT-116) cell lines. Aqueous extracts of Aconitum heterophyllum, Terminalia bellirica, Bauhinia variegata, Vanda roxburghii, and Cassia angustifolia were prepared by maceration method, and preliminary screening studies to check their antimitotic activity were done by V. radiata germination inhibition assay, followed by A. cepa root tip assay. Furthermore, cytotoxic actions were evaluated by cell proliferation assay. Effect of T. bellirica aqueous extract was analyzed to induce morphological changes, cell death, lactate dehydrogenase release, and cell survival of HCT-116 cells. The data represented were analyzed by Student's t-test using SigmaStat 2.0 statistical analysis software. The normality of data was tested by the Shapiro-Wilk test before the Student's t-test. P values *P ≤ 0.05, **P ≤ 0.01, and ***P ≤ 0.001 were considered as statistically significant. All the plant extracts showed promising antimitotic activity. Out of all, T. bellirica was highly effective on HCT-116 cells and promising effect on cell proliferation assay and Annexin-propidium iodide staining revealed that T. bellirica efficiently induces apoptosis. T. bellirica inhibits cancer cell growth and induces apoptotic cell death. Collectively, it may hold potential for cancer therapeutics.

Threat Assessment and Prioritization of High-Value Medicinal Plants in Pindari Valley, Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve, India

The communication assesses the high-value medicinal plants reported in Pindari Valley, Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve, Uttarakhand, using a score-based method for prioritization and conservation. A total of 42 high-value medicinal plants were assessed, prioritized and scored on the basis of rapid threat assessment. Maximum threat was recorded for Aconitum heterophyllum followed by Picrorhiza kurrooa and Nardostachys jatamansi given their limited number of individuals observed in the study area as well as high utilization patterns. Minimum threat status was recorded for Epilobium angustifolium, where the species was found in higher density in its natural habitat. Among the recorded species, 64% were observed growing in grassland/alpine pastures and open/alpine slopes. 55% of species were native/endemic to Himalaya and 48% were extracted by the inhabitants. Underground portions (roots/rhizomes/tubers) of 40% of the species were utilized leading to destruction in natural habitat. Out of 42 medicinal plants, 16 species have been prioritized for conservation and recognized in different threat categories and most of these species are collected from natural habitat without scientific knowledge. Conclusion of the study might helpful for identifying threatened plants in the region so as to initiate sustainable use and conservation practices of high-value medicinal plant resources.

Niche width analyses facilitate identification of high-risk endemic species at high altitudes in western Himalayas

High-elevation mountain communities are progressively threatened by habitat fragmentation and climate change resulting in habitat shift and biodiversity loss. Despite it, very few studies have focussed on niche distribution and diversity pattern of non-native and native plant species in high mountain communities, and their role in identifying endemic species with high extinction risk in Himalayas. To determine niche width and diversity pattern of species based on the nativity, and ascertain the role of niche width in conservation prioritization of endemic/native species, four sites were selected in western Himalayas. We analysed diversity indices (based on native, non-native, and total species) such as Species richness, Simpson index, Chao-1 index, Whittaker index (βw), and species niche width across the elevational gradient in study sites. Non-native species were found to thrive in lower elevations. The niche width of non-native species declined with increase in elevation, but a few non-native species had a broad niche width (habitat generalist). Such habitat generalist species may lead to the displacement of endemic or native habitat specialist species (having narrow niche width). Species like Aconitum heterophyllum, Aconitum violaceum, Bergenia stracheyi, Dactylorhiza hatagirea, Jurinea dolomiaea, Sinopodophyllum hexandrum, Morina longifolia, and Roscoea alpina etc. were found to have a narrow niche width. Such species will face an extinction risk due to the upward shift of non-native species. The high elevational plant communities are more susceptible to extinction risk due to the accelerated spread of non-native species influenced by climate change. This study emphasizes the crucial need to implement strategies for the control of non-native species, describing species compositional changes at higher elevations, and aids to efficiently identify and conserve native species under high extinction risk.

Ethnopharmacology and pharmacology of ayurvedic plant Ativisha

Living a healthy life and increasing immunity is a trend in the year 2020. A low immunity gives rise to several types of diseases including gastroenteritis. This short review discusses the pharmacological and ethnopharmacological scope of Ayurvedic plant Ativisha (Aconitum heterophyllum) from the family Ranunculaceae with special focus to Jwaratisara (diarrhea with fever) in children.

Indigenous wild plants and fungi traditionally used in folk medicine and functional food in District Neelum Azad Kashmir

Western Himalaya where District Neelum is situated is the most important source of flora and fauna, which provides handy species for the local people. The purpose of the present study was to document indigenous wild plants and fungi along with traditional uses, this combined study was conducted for the first time in District Neelum. The field study was completed during three years 2017–2019 continuous observation; information on ethnobotanical uses of plants and fungi was gathered through questionnaires, group discussion and semi-structured interviews with knowledgeable local informants. Plants were identified with the help of authentic taxonomic literature floras and online plant list database. Calculations were made using different indices fidelity level (FL), informant consensus factor and use value. For this purpose, 100 informants were selected randomly. In this study, 66 wild taxa (59 higher plants and seven fungi) belonging to 35 families (30 tracheophytes families and five fungi families) were reported in the research area, in which 51 were found herbs, seven mushrooms, five shrubs, one tree and one epiphyte. All 66 reported taxa are medicinally important used in 17 disease categories, of them 32 taxa 48% were used for food purposes, nine taxa have been exploited commercially who have a significant role in the local economy. Root and leaves parts are used regularly in folk medicine, respectively, but the selection of leaves and aerial parts in food was common. The decoction was a common method of drug preparation, and the majority of drugs were administered orally. The area was conquered by herbs (77%) most exploited plants. The Compositae (8 species) Lamiaceae (5 species) Polygonaceae (4 species) were leading families in the study area. The prime time of collection, consumption and preservation was recorded from April to August. Some taxa with high FL value were Morchella esculenta (96), Aconitum heterophyllum (94), Aucklandia costus (94), Bergenia stracheyi (94), Geranium wallichianum (94), Ajuga bracteosa (92), Impatiens glandulifera (92), Mentha longifolia (92), Berberis lycium (88), Senecio analogus (84), Pleurotus ostreatus (82), Swertia ciliata (80), Taraxacum oblongatum (80), Arnebia benthamii (74), Dolomiaea megacephala (74) and Lavatera cachemiriana (70). The people of District Neelum used folk medicine for health care on priority basis than cure. The native people of District Neelum are rich in understanding traditional knowledge. The current study highlights important medicinal plants and fungi by validating their traditional uses. Many taxa can improve local economies through perfect harvesting, adequate management, sustainable uses, and development of modern techniques to maximize their use.

Present Status Of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants of Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh region of Himalayas

The conservation and cultivation of medicinal and aromatic plants (MAP) are getting more importance. MAPs in India are being collected/cultivated in diverse climatic conditions starting from seacoast to high Himalayas in varied soil conditions. Among them temperate, alpine and cold arid regions of country have vital importance for MAPS. The Northern region Himalayas viz. Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh which represents temperate, alpine and cold arid region zone finds first place in medicinal and aromatic plants conservation/cultivation. It has more than 300 MAP and out of them around 16 very important and prioritized medicinal plants viz., Aconitum heterophyllum, Artemesia absinthium, Picrorhiza kurroa, Swertia chirayita, Saussurea costus, Withania somnifera, Acorus calamus, Atropa acuminata, Berberis aristata, Cathranthus roseus, Dioscorea deltoidea, Taxus wallichiana. Podophyllum hexandrum, Hippophae rhamnoides, Dactylorhiza hatagirea and Arnebia benthamii and aromatic plants viz. Levandula officinalis, Rosmarinus officinalis, Organium vulgare . Thymus serpyllum are exclusive aromatic crops of temperate region with potential to be commercialized. Most of these plants are extracted from wild and have very high demand.

Anti-obesity efficacy of the selected high altitude Himalayan herbs: in vitro studies.

Obesity is a serious health problem for all age groups and it also promotes Type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, cancer and hypertension. Herbs are used for the weight reduction from ancient times, therefore, 12 herbs viz. Betula utilis, Bunium periscum, Angelica glauce, Saussurea lappa, Podophyllum hexandrum, Bergenia ciliate, Rumex acetosa, Aconitum heterophyllum, Centella asiatica, Andrographis paniculata, Dactylorhiza hatagirea and Bauhina variegate were selected as per literature. Rumex acetosa roots showed the highest extraction rate (39.5%), while C. asiatica leaf showed lowest extraction rate (1.25%) as compared to other herbs. As well, S. lappa leaf extract (396.52mg GAE/g), R. acetosa root extract (181.5mg QE/g), and B. ciliate leaf extract (79.19%) showed significantly higher Total Phenolic Content, Total Flavonoid Content and antioxidant activity, respectively. Furthermore, lipase and amylase inhibition activity and IC50 value of herb extract were higher in S. lappa root extract (75.75%, 75.41% and 62.47, 61.37, respectively). Bauhina variegate leaf extract showed a significantly higher glucose level, percentage of glucose movement (1.446mg/dL and 63.85%) and (0.938mg/dL and 76.55%). Based upon these experiments, 5 herbs were selected and different formulations were prepared and out of these, F3 herb formulation showed higher lipase and amylase inhibition activity (81.75% and 70.66%) and therefore, F3 herbal formulation was selected for treatment of obesity.