Elephant Foot Yam Research Articles

Evaluation of Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Activities, and Metabolite Profiling of Selected Medicinal Plants of Nepal

This study aimed to evaluate the antioxidant, antiarthritic, and anti-inflammatory properties of extracts from the leaves of twelve different medicinal plants in Nepal. We then evaluated the total phenolic, flavonoid, and tannin contents of the extract using in-vitro assays and characterized it using GC-MS analysis. Results revealed that most of the leaf extracts contained phenolic compounds, flavonoids, tannins, alkaloids, and saponins. Few plants also showed the presence of glycosides, phytate, and vitamin C. Among the studied plants, Neolamarckia cadamba exhibited the highest total phenolic and tannin contents, as 241.53 ± 0.20 µg of gallic acid equivalent/mg and 74.48 ± 1.081 µg of tannic acid equivalent/mg, respectively. Ipomoea batatas exhibited the highest total flavonoid content, as 53.051 ± 1.11 µg of quercetin equivalent/mg. Moreover, Raphanus sativus demonstrated significant ferrous ion chelating, 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl, hydrogen peroxide scavenging, and total antioxidant activities with IC50 value of 4.76 ± 0.68 µg/mL, 5.84 ± 0.14 µg/mL, 6.89 ± 0.16 µg/mL, and 8.99 ± 0.20 µg/mL, respectively. Similarly, Colocasia esculenta and Cicer arietinum exhibited the highest hydroxyl radical and nitric oxide scavenging activities, measuring IC50 value of 7.22 ± 0.56 µg/mL and 9.06 ± 0.10 µg/mL, respectively. Among all the extracts, Amorphophallus paeoniifolius displayed significant human red blood cell (HRBC) membrane stabilization activity (IC50 = 6.22 ± 0.78 µg/mL). Furthermore, Raphanus sativus, Chenopodium album, Cicer arietinum, and Murraya koenigii exhibited the highest inhibitory activities against protein denaturation with bovine serum albumin, antiarthritic, lipoxygenase inhibitory, and proteinase inhibitory, measuring IC50 of 7.48 ± 0.48 µg/mL, 9.44 ± 1.62 µg/mL, 14.67 ± 1.94 µg/mL, and 28.57 ± 2.39 µg/mL, respectively. In conclusion, this study demonstrated the twelve leaf extracts’ significant antioxidant, antiarthritic, and anti-inflammatory activities.

Crop–weed dynamics, nutrient uptake, and soil microclimate in elephant foot yam under conservation agriculture

Conservation agriculture (CA) is a sustainable option to adapt to climate change. Weed management is one of the most important challenges faced by CA. Information on CA in cropping systems involving elephant foot yam (Amorphophallus paeoniifolius (Dennst.) Nicolson), an important tuber crop, is lacking. Hence, this study aimed to determine the effect of CA in elephant foot yam on crop–weed dynamics, nutrient uptake, and soil microclimate. Field experiments were conducted in randomized block design over two seasons at ICAR-Central Tuber Crops Research Institute, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India, in elephant foot yam (var. Gajendra) intercropped with banana (var. Robusta) with five treatments viz., conservation organic, conservation chemical, conventional chemical, existing conventional [package of practices (POP) as control], and existing organic package. The weed flora was dominated by broad-leaved weeds. By the fourth month, conservation chemical practice reduced the weed density by 58.8% and weed biomass by 55% over existing POP. The total biomass production and its partitioning to corms, uptake of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K), crop growth rate, corm bulking rate, and harvest index of elephant foot yam did not differ significantly under conservation or conventional practices but were higher in conservation chemical practice. The N, P, and K physiological efficiencies were higher in conventional chemical treatment. The soil microclimate was improved, with higher soil CO2 flux and soil moisture in conservation organic or organic plots. The study proved that conservation practices involving reduced tillage, residue retention, and use of herbicides was a viable alternative in banana + elephant foot yam system.

Plant diversity and its potential in Sumenep, East Java, Indonesia

It is well known that biological and cultural diversity in Indonesia is quite high, as well as the potential of plants as food, medicine, cosmetics, and dyes. This diversity gives rise to local knowledge in its interaction with the environment and the utilization of plant resources to the daily needs of local communities. The Local knowledge from a fairly diverse community still has much to be revealed. Similarly, Sumenep geographically consists of the mainland (54.79%) and the islands (45.21%) with 126 islands. Several field surveys in Sumenep have been conducted on several islands such as in Sepanjang, Gili Iyang, Poteran, Kangean, and Madura mainland, with interview methods to the majority of Madurese ethnic people. From the data collection so far, approximately 173 potential species of plants for food, medicinal ingredients, cosmetic ingredients, and coloring materials have been recorded. Food materials include Amorphophallus paeoniifolius, Moringa oleifera, Dioscorea alata, and Borassus flabellifer, as well as medicinal ingredients include Azadirachta indica, Curcuma aeruginosa, and Paederia foetida, whereas for natural dye is Ceriops tagal.

Palynology of Philippine Amorphophallus Blume ex Decne. (Araceae) and its taxonomic implications

Abstract. Fontarum-Bulawin NF, Medecilo-Guiang MMP, Calaramo MA, Alejandro GJD. 2023. Palynology of Philippine Amorphophallus Blume ex Decne. (Araceae) and its taxonomic implications. Biodiversitas 24: 4095-4109. Amorphophallus is one of the genera of Araceae with diverse pollen characters. This study aimed to investigate the pollen morphological characters of Amorphophallus in the Philippines for inferring taxonomical relationships. Light microscopy (LM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) were employed to investigate pollen morphology of 14 accessions of Amorphophallus. Both acetolyzed and unacetolyzed pollens were studied to compare the outward aspect of pollens and the pollen characters were subjected to cluster analysis. Results revealed that pollen grains were mostly spheroidal, prolate-spheroidal, and subspheroidal in shape. The pollen sizes vary from 3.0 to 50 µm and exhibit very small to medium sizes. The ornamentations of unacetolyzed pollens were psilate and striate, whereas ornamentations in acetolyzed pollens are varied from psilate, rugulate, rugulate hamulate, reticulate, scabrate, striateto verrucate ornamentations. All pollens were inaperturate and monad. Cluster analysis using Euclidean generated 2 major clusters, namely Cluster I consists of Amorphophallus adamsensis Magtoto, Mones, Ballada, Austria, R.M.Dizon, Alangui, Regina, Amorphophallus sp.3 (Samar), Amorphophallus yaoi A.Galloway, Hett. & Medecilo, Amorphophallus flammeus Calaramo, Batuyong, Bulawin & Alejandro, Amorphophallus urceolatus Hett. et al. (Ilocos), Amorphophallus rayongii Hett. & Medecilo, Amorphophallus sp.2 (Romblon), and Amorphophallus urceolatus Hett., A.Galloway & Medecilo (Cavite); and cluster 2 consists of Amorphophallus paeoniifolius (Dennst.) Nicolson, Amorphophallus fontarumii Bulawin, Medecilo & Alejandro, Amorphophallus rostratus Hett., Amorphophallus longispathaceus Engl.& Gehrm., and Amorphophallus sp.1 Based on this study, pollen shape, size, and ornamentation can be used as supplemental characters for the taxonomic identification of Amorphophallus in the Philippines.

Utilization of elephant foot yam (<em>Amorphophallus paeoniifolius</em>) and Lasia stem (<em>Lasia spinosa</em>) replacers in burger patties

Many meat-based processed foods have been developed with plant-based fat replacers due to the adverse effects of cholesterol and unsaturated fatty acids in meat. Many underutilized plants have the potential to be used as fat replacers in processed meat-based products. In this study, different amounts of elephant foot yam (Amorphophallus paeoniifolius) flour and lasia (Lasia spinosa) stem flour were used as replacements for the chicken burger patty. The treatments were developed with the composition of elephant foot yam flour, lasia stem flour and chicken meat as T1 (30 %, 30 %, 40%), T2 (25 %, 25 %, 50 %), T3 (25 %, 15 %, 60 %), T4 (15 %, 25 %, 60 %) respectively, and T5 (100 % chicken) as a control treatment. The physico-chemical, cooking, and sensorial properties of the triplicated samples were then compared to those of a control group made with 100% chicken. Cooking properties such as cooking loss, cooking yield, water holding capacity, fat retention, moisture retention, and shrinkage have shown significant differences (p<0.05) among the treatments. Overall, 25% elephant foot yam flour and 15% lasia stem flour incorporated patties have shown optimum values for water holding capacity, cooking yield, fat retention, moisture retention, and cooking loss compared to control except shrinkage. The proximate analysis, such as moisture content, protein, fat, fiber content, and ash content had significant differences (p<0.05) among the treatments and 25 % elephant foot yam flour and 15 % lasia stem flour incorporated patties showed favorable values. Compared to the control, patties incorporated with elephant foot yam and lasia stem flour replacements have shown lower fat content and higher fiber content. However, the sensory attributes of the replaced burger patties were not different compared to 100% chicken meat burger patty except for colour and taste.

Physical and Nutritional Properties of Analog Rice Based on Modified Cassava Flour and Modified Suweg Flour

Analog rice can be developed from modified cassava flour (MOCAF) and modified Suweg (Amorphophallus campanulatus) flour (MSF). This research aims to study the physical and nutritional characteristics of analog rice made from a combination of MOCAF and MSF. Analog rice was formulated from both flour with MOCAF: MSF ratios (w/w), among others (100: 0), (90: 10), (80:20), (70:30), (60:40), and (50:50). The dough was printed in an extruder and dried so that it becomes analog rice. The results showed that changes in the MOCAF: MSF ratio cause significant changes to the physical characteristics and nutrients of analog rice. Interestingly, the increasing amount of MSF in the formulation causes the weight of one hundred grains, bulk density, protein, water, ash, and crude fiber in analog rice to rise. However, water absorption, color brightness, fat, and carbohydrates in analog rice was fell 54%, 17%, 23%, 4%, respectively. Therefore, analog rice produced from MOCAF and MSF can be a source of food to maintain the nation's food security.

A Novel Non-Intrusive Imaging Technique to Quantify Shrinkage of Elephant Foot Yam During Convective Drying

AbstractThe current work discusses the design and development of a novel convective drying system which predicts both the drying and the shrinkage characteristics of any food material simultaneously at different drying air velocities and temperatures. In the present work, the shrinkage characteristics of a cylindrical-shaped Elephant Foot Yam (EFY) food sample are determined by a non-intrusive imaging method. The top- and side-view images of the EFY sample at drying air velocities of 2, 4, and 6 m/s and at air temperatures of 313, 323, and 333 K are captured and processed using an in-house image processing code. The shrinkage characteristics reveal the nature of the transient variation of the bulk volume and the bulk density of the EFY with its moisture content. Suitable correlations developed for the bulk volume of the EFY suggest that it varies quadratically with moisture content, whereas the bulk density varies exponentially with moisture content for all drying conditions. It was also found that the developed methodology can predict the transient volume and density of the drying EFY sample for different cases of air velocities and temperature with significant accuracies.

Optimization of starch extraction from Amorphophallus paeoniifolius corms using response surface methodology (RSM) and artificial neural network (ANN) for improving yield with tenable chemical attributes

The development of the extraction process for improving the starch yield from unconventional plants is emerging as a topic of interest. In this respect, the present work aimed to optimize the starch extraction from the corms of elephant foot yam (Amorphophallus paeoniifolius) with the help of response surface methodology (RSM) and artificial neural network (ANN). The RSM model performed better than the ANN in predicting the starch yield with higher precision. In this connection, this study for the first time reports the significant improvement of starch yield from A. paeoniifolius (51.76 g/100 g of the corm dry weight). The extracted starch samples based on yield – high (APHS), medium (APMS), and low (APLS) exhibited a variable granule size (7.17–14.14 μm) along with low ash content, moisture content, protein, and free amino acid indicating purity and desirability. The FTIR analysis also confirmed the chemical composition and purity of the starch samples. Moreover, the XRD analysis showed the prevalence of C-type starch (2θ = 14.303°). Based on other physicochemical, biochemical, functional, and pasting properties, the three starch samples showed more or less similar characteristics thereby indicating the sustentation of beneficial attributes of starch molecules irrespective of the variation in extraction parameters.

Modifikasi fisik tepung suweg (Amorphophallus campanulatus) dengan iradiasi sinar ultraviolet C (UV-C) dan heat moisture treatment (HMT)

Suweg (Amorphophallus campanulatus) is a tuber that has not to explored widely for its use. This study aimed to determine the effect of physical modification of UV-C and HMT on the characteristics of suweg flour. This study used a factorial design with two factors. The first factor is the type of modification which consists of Ultraviolet-C Irradiation (UV-C) and Heat Moisture Treatment (HMT). The second factor is the length of modification time. The UV-C modification uses 10 min, 20 min, and 30 min. Simultaneously, the HMT modification uses four, five, and six hours. The control used unmodified suweg flour. The result showed that the modified UV-C and HMT methods with different time-process variations affect the suweg flour characteristics. UV-C and HMT modification was increased solubility and yellowness (b*). In contrast, it decreased yield, moisture content, lightness (L*), and redness (a*). HMT modification had a most significant effect than UV-C modification in suweg flour modification.

The local knowledge and potential of suweg (Amorphophallus paeoniifolius) in the Citanduy and Cimanuk watersheds of West Java, Indonesia

Abstract. Mutaqin AZ, Iskandar J, Irawan B, Suryana, Kurnadie D, Nurzaman M, Shanida SS. 2023. The local knowledge and potential of suweg (Amorphophallus paeoniifolius) in the Citanduy and Cimanuk watersheds of West Java, Indonesia. Biodiversitas 24: 370-378. The Indonesian archipelago is rich in natural resources and ethnic diversity. Each ethnic group interacts with the surrounding environment in ways that often differ. Interaction with the environment creates local knowledge that is complex in terms of language, practical understanding, beliefs, and social interaction. One useful natural resource that grows in many areas of Indonesia, especially in watershed ecosystems, is Suweg (the elephant foot yam) which has the scientific name Amorphophallus paeoniifolius (Dennst.) Nicolson. Local communities, such as in the Citanduy and Cimanuk watersheds of West Java, use suweg for various purposes in their lives. The study reported here aimed to document the local knowledge and development potential for suweg in the Citanduy and Cimanuk watersheds, West Java, Indonesia. The research used mixed observation methods, predominantly qualitative. The data collection technique was purposive, based on interviews (structured, semi-structured, and in-depth interviews) with several informants or community groups who were considered competent to know suweg. Data were analyzed through emic and ethical approaches. Data analysis was conducted by cross-checking, summarizing, and synthesizing. The results of the research showed that suweg grows in a range of environmental conditions on managed agroecosystem lands. The corms of suweg are peeled, cooked and eaten in a variety of side dishes. The leaves of suweg have been used as food for fish in pond-system aquaculture. The results of this study suggest that suweg has the potential for expanded development, based on sociological and ecological evidence.

Carbon Accumulation, Soil Microbial and Enzyme Activities in Elephant Foot Yam-Based Intercropping System

Intercropping is a sustainable, eco-friendly, and economically beneficial cropping system. Elephant foot yam (EFY), a multifarious long-duration vegetable, takes 60 days or more to spread its canopy. Hence, this research assessed the impact of intercropping short duration vegetables, viz., cluster bean, radish, Amaranthus, and fenugreek, in elephant foot yam for two seasons (2021 and 2021/22). It included the analysis of parameters such as carbon accumulation, soil chemical properties, nutrient, enzyme, and microbial activities. The findings revealed that for both the seasons there was a significant (p < 0.01) rise in all the parameters examined in the intercropping patterns. Cluster bean (legume) outperformed the other intercrops utilised. Overall, carbon accumulation was improved by 54.40% when cluster beans were intercropped in EFY. Cluster bean intercropping increased the microbial and enzyme activities in the soil rhizosphere and improved soil organic carbon, microbial biomass carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium by 31, 42, 28, 37, and 11%, respectively, compared to the sole crop. A positive correlation was observed between the soil microbes and enzyme activity with the soil chemical properties. As a result, the research concludes that intercropping cluster bean in EFY promotes carbon accumulation, soil nutrients, enzymes, and microbial community, which, in turn, favour the productivity of the elephant foot yam.

The ecology of suweg (Amorphophallus paeoniifolius) in the Citanduy and Cimanuk Watersheds, West Java, Indonesia

Abstract. Mutaqin AZ, Husodo T, Kendarto DR, Wulandari I, Shanida SS, Megantara EN, Kurniadie D, Iskandar J, Nurzaman M. 2022. The ecology of suweg (Amorphophallus paeoniifolius) in the Citanduy and Cimanuk Watershed, West Java, Indonesia. Biodiversitas 23: 6520-6529. Suweg (Amorphophallus paeoniifolius (Dennst.) Nicolson) is one of the plants distributed in Indonesia, including in the Citanduy and Cimanuk Watershed. Amorphophallus grows in various land cover types. This species exhibits wide agroecological adaptation to dry and moist lands. Citanduy Watershed passes through the Leuwikeris Dam, and the Cimanuk watershed passes through the Kertajati International Airport. These projects can affect the condition of the surrounding environment, including biodiversity. This study was conducted to observe the distribution, population, and habitat characteristics of the suweg in the Citanduy and Cimanuk watersheds. Exploratory surveys and intensive studies were applied in this study. An exploratory survey was conducted randomly through direct observation. An intensive study was carried out to determine the ecological description of suweg in several areas, namely Kuta Subvillage, Ciangir Subvillage, and Pasiripis Village, with existing projects, still have strong local cultures, and the discovery of suweg growing. Suweg is growing in several sites, including the Citanduy and Cimanuk Watersheds, with certain elevations and environmental conditions. The Summed Dominant Ratio (SDR) of suweg in Kuta Subvillage, Ciangir Subvillage, and Pasiripis Village in the home garden and garden, respectively, are 8.50 and 13.77; 10.07 and 19.25; and 0 and 22.92, which indicate the population or density of suweg is low. The abiotic and biotic environmental parameters observed at each site varied.

A study on dehydration of elephant foot yam (Amorphophallus paeoniifolius (Roxb.) under hot air oven drying systems

A study on dehydration of elephant foot yam (Amorphophallus paeoniifolius (Roxb.) under hot air oven drying systems

Yield and quality attributes of elephant foot yam [Amorphophallus paeoniifolius (Dennst) nicolson] as influenced by corm size and integrated nutrient management practices

Yield and quality attributes of elephant foot yam [Amorphophallus paeoniifolius (Dennst) nicolson] as influenced by corm size and integrated nutrient management practices

Modelling the growth, yield, and future climate suitability of underutilized tropical tuber crops-‘aroids’: A review

Elephantfoot yam and taro are important aroids of tropical tuber crops and considered as underutilized in the context of climate change and food security. This study focuses on the existing modelling studies on growth, yield, and future climate suitability of elephantfoot yam and taro. Among different crop models, SUBSTOR-Aroids, AquaCrop, and WOFOST are tested internationally to simulate the crop growth and yield of aroids. The QUEFTS model is tested in India for aroids in estimating crop yield based on site-specific nutrient management. EcoCrop is used to predict the future climate suitability of aroids. This review indicates very limited studies are available for aroids compared to other tropical tuber crops. This shows the necessity to focus more on these underutilized aroids as they are superior in per hectare production to that of major foodgrain crops. This review also recommends modelling studies on aroids to identify or develop a better model structure irrespective of the agro climatic conditions.

Determination and comparison of antimicrobial activity of aqueous and ethanolic extracts of Amorphophallus paeoniifolius on periodontal pathogens: An in vitro study.

People globally are turning to herbal products to reconnect with nature. Cost efficacy and minimal side effects are the reasons for this changeover. This study assessed the effect of Amorphophallus paeoniifolius as an antimicrobial agent against Porphyromonas gingivalis, Prevotella intermedia, and Fusobacterium nucleatum. To determine and compare the antimicrobial activity of aqueous and ethanolic extracts of A. paeoniifolius on periodontal pathogens. Aqueous and ethanolic extracts of A. paeoniifolius were tested against the standard strains of the selected bacteria. Minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) were used. These tests assessed the lowest concentrations of test agent, either by showing a lack of turbidity or by no or few bacterial growth colonies, respectively. In this study, tetracycline hydrochloride was used as the control group. Aqueous and ethanolic extracts of A. paeoniifolius showed antibacterial activity at various concentrations against the selected organisms. While assessing the MBC, the aqueous and ethanolic extracts of A. paeoniifolius and tetracycline hydrochloride exhibited bactericidal activity against F. nucleatum at all concentrations. The ethanolic extract of Amorphophallus paeoniifolius and tetracycline hydrochloride showed bactericidal action, whereas the aqueous extract exhibited bacteriostatic action against P. gingivalis. The aqueous and ethanolic extracts of A. paeoniifolius showed bacteriostatic action, whereas tetracycline hydrochloride showed bactericidal action against P. intermedia. Both aqueous and ethanolic extracts of A. paeoniifolius showed antibacterial activity against standard strains of P. gingivalis, P. intermedia, and F. nucleatum. The ethanolic extract showed a significant antibacterial effect against the selected microorganisms when compared to the aqueous extract of A. paeoniifolius.

Comparative Assessment of Three Medicinal Plants against Diabetes and Oxidative Stress Using Experimental and Computational Approaches.

The hilly and rural areas' people of Bangladesh have a great history of putting into use numerous traditional medicinal plants to cure diseases. Therefore, with ethanol extract of Molineria capitulata (EEMC), methanol extract of Trichosanthes tricuspidata (METT), and methanol extract of Amorphophallus campanulatus (MEAC), we mandate evaluation of in vitro α-amylase inhibition, antioxidants, and molecular docking, and ADMET/T analysis. According to iodine starch methods, α-amylase inhibition was performed, and quantitative total phenolic and flavonoid content was determined by established methods, whereas DPPH free radical scavenging and reducing power assays were performed in previously established protocols, respectively. A comparative study among three plants (EEMC, METT, and MEAC) possessed a significant (p < 0.01) effect but EEMC showed the highest impact on enzyme inhibition. Plants in the measuring phenolic content METT and flavonoid measurement MEAC displayed most potent in the same way in the DPPH test was METT, and in reducing power capability MEAC has showed the highest effect between three extracts. Docking's study also reveals the compounds of METT (Cyclotricuspidoside A and Cyclotricuspidoside C) exhibit the superior score among all the compounds. This finding indicates that EEMC, METT, and MEAC substantially impact α-amylase inhibition along with antioxidants. In silico study also reveals the potency of these plants, but further in-depth, precise molecular studies are needed.

COMPARATIVE STUDY OF AQUEOUS AND ETHANOLIC EXTRACT OF AMORPHOPHALLUS PAEONIIFOLIUS TUBER ON CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM ACTIVITY IN MICE

Objective: The objective of the present study was to perform phytochemical screening and to carry out a comparative study on aqueous and ethanolic extract of Amorphophallus paeoniifolius tuber on central nervous system (CNS) activity in Swiss albino mice. Methods: A. paeoniifolius tuber was collected, shed dried, and powdered. Extracts of the powder were prepared separately using ethanol and water. Phytochemical screening was also done from the extract. The animals were divided in six groups. Group 1 received DMSO solution (Control). Group 2 animals received Diazepam (1.5 mg/kg, standard). Groups 3 and 4 received A. paeoniifolius aqueous extract (200 mg/kg and 400 mg/kg, respectively). Groups 5 and 6 received A. paeoniifolius ethanolic extract (200 mg/kg and 400 mg/kg, respectively). In vivo CNS activities of the extracts were checked by actophotometer, rotarod, and forced swim test. Results: The extracts show presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, steroids, terpenoids, reducing sugar, carbohydrate, and tannin. The aqueous and ethanolic extract of A. paeoniifolius tuber showed significant decrease in locomotor activity when compared to control. Among the extracts, the 400 mg/kg ethanolic extract shows maximum CNS depression. All the extracts showed significant muscle relaxant similar to the standard drug. The extracts also exhibited significant increase in immobility time in a dose-dependent manner in forced swim test. Conclusion: The aqueous and ethanolic extract of A. paeoniifolius tuber (200 mg/kg, 400 mg/kg) shows significant CNS depressant and muscles relaxant and anxiolytic properties.

Impact of Maa-Bamleshwari NGO on Empowering the Rural Women Beneficiaries in Terms of Income and Employment Generation through Elephant Foot Yam

The present communication is concerned with analysis the empowerment of women through Non Governmental Organization (Maa Bamleshwari) for generating income and employment through Elephant Foot Yam crop (Amorphophallus Paeoniifolius) in Chhattisgarh. A sample of 120 women beneficiaries from Maa Bamleshwari NGO were selected from Khairagarh block of Rajnandgaon district. Ex- post facto research design was used in the study, we employed absolute changes and mean score of Paired t-test for assessing the impact of NGO on income and employment generation among women beneficiaries. According to the findings, Maa Bamleshwari NGO has significant and positive impact on income and employment generation among rural women beneficiaries.

Feasibility of the crude extracts of Amorphophallus paeoniifolius and Colocasia esculenta as intracanal medicaments in endodontic therapy in comparison to the 940 nm diode laser: An in vitro antimicrobial study

Background/purposeThe elimination and debridement of intracanal bacteria are credited with long-term effectiveness in endodontic therapy. This study aimed to compare the antimicrobial efficacies of Amorphophallus paeoniifolius (Suran), Colocasia esculenta (Aravi) crude extracts as intracanal medicaments with calcium hydroxide (CH), 2% chlorhexidine (CHX) gel, and 940 nm diode laser. Materials and methodsFifty-eight intact, single-root, extracted human mandibular premolar teeth were prepared. The samples were sterilized, transferred into microcentrifuge tubes, and inoculated with E. faecalis. The samples were placed in an incubator for three weeks to allow the biofilm to grow. Then the samples were randomly divided into five experimental groups (n = 10), disinfected with Suran, Aravi crude extracts, CH, 2% CHX gel, and a 940 nm diode laser. The negative control group (n = 4) and the positive control group (n = 4). Then the samples were observed under light and scanning electron microscopy to monitor the E. faecalis biofilm. The sampling method was carried out in paper point (intracanal) and Peeso bur (intradentinal). Later the number of colony-forming units was counted and analyzed. ResultsColony-forming units were significantly reduced in the 2% CHX gel in both sampling methods, while Suran showed lower colony-forming units compared to Aravi and CH. The differences between experimental groups were not statistically significant (P > 0.05) in both sampling methods. ConclusionThis study showed that the application of Suran and Aravi crude extracts as intracanal medicaments leads to a significant reduction in the number of bacterial colonies compared to CH, 2% CHX gel, and 940 nm diode laser.