Bergenia Ciliata Research Articles

Exploration of Genetic Variation and Population Structure in Bergenia ciliata for its Conservation Implications.

Bergenia ciliata (Haw.)Sternb. is a perennial medicinal herb distributed in Indian Himalayan Region(IHR). A total of eight populations of B.ciliata were collected from diverse locales of IHR, and 17 EST-SSR markers were used in this study. The present study revealed moderate genetic diversity at the locus level with the mean number of alleles (Na = 7.823), mean number effective of alleles (Ne = 3.375), mean expected heterozygosity (He = 0.570), and meanShannon's diversity index (I = 1.264). The MSR (He = 0.543, I = 1.067) and DRJ populations (He = 0.309, I = 0.519) revealed the highest and lowest genetic diversity at the population level, respectively. AMOVA analysis showed that 81.76% of genetic variation was within populations, 10.55% was among populations, and 7.69% was among the regions. In addition, a moderate to high level of differentiation was found among the populations (FST = 0.182), which could be indicative of low to moderate gene flow (Nm = 0.669) in the B. ciliata populations. UPGMA and PCoA analysis revealed that eight populations could be differentiated into two groups, while the structure analysis of the 96 individuals differentiated into three groups. The Mantel test showed a positive relationship between genetic and geographical distance. The findings of this study will provide the development of conservation and germplasm management strategies for this valuable medicinal species.

Unveiling the Potential of Bergenia Phenolics: Vitexin's Role in Allosteric Modulation of PBP2a as a Strategy against MRSA Resistance.

For cell wall biosynthesis, drug-resistant S. aureus uses a special protein called PBP2a, even when antibiotics are present and stop its natural processes from working. To combat this, novel therapies are required to specifically target PBP2a with greater efficacy. Using computational approaches, we screened nine phenolic compounds from other Bergenia species, including Bergenia ciliata, Begenia ligulata, Bergenia purpurascens, and Ber-genia stracheyi, against the PBP2a allosteric site to explore the potential interaction between phe-nolic compounds and a specific region of PBP2a known as the allosteric site. Based on interaction patterns and estimated affinity, vitexin has been found to be the most prominent phenolic compound. We performed MD simulations on vitexin and ceftazidime as control molecules based on the docking results. The binding free energy estimates of vitexin (-94.48 +/- 17.92 kJ/mol) using MM/PBSA were lower than those of the control (-67.61 +/- 12.29 kJ/mol), which suggests that vitexin may be able to inhibit PBP2a activity in MRSA. It has been intriguing to observe a correlation between the affinity of the lead com-pounds at the allosteric site and the modification of Tyr446, the active site gatekeeper residue in PBP2a. Our findings have implied that lead compounds can either directly or indirectly decrease PBP2a activity by inducing allosteric site change in conventional medicine.

Implications of White Light-Emitting Diode-Based Photoirradiation on Green Synthesis of Silver Nanoparticles by Methanol- and Aqueous-Based Extracts of Bergenia ciliata Leaves.

Bergenia ciliata (BC) is a perennial herb that is frequently used as a traditional medicine. Its leaves and rhizomes are reported to have significant antioxidant, metal-reducing, and chelating properties. Although the rhizomes have the potential to synthesize silver nanoparticles (AgNPs), the leaves are yet to be studied for the green synthesis of metal nanoparticles. Likewise, photoirradiation also plays a significant role in the green synthesis of metal nanoparticles. In the current study, we intended to demonstrate the implications of photoirradiation by white light-emitting diode (LED) on the aqueous and methanol extracts (AE and ME, respectively) of BC leaf-mediated green synthesis of AgNPs. In this regard, the AgNP synthesis of the two extracts was performed in the dark and under 250-lumen (lm) and 825 lm LED bulbs. The physicochemical characterization of the synthesized nanoparticles was also performed, wherein percent nanoparticles yield, morphology of the nanoparticles, shape, size, percent elemental composition, crystallinity, and nanoparticle stability were studied. The nanoparticle-synthesizing potential of the two extracts contradicted significantly in the presence and absence of light, while the AE produced a significantly high number of nanoparticles in the dark (17.26%), and increasing light intensities only attenuated the nanoparticle synthesis, whereas ME synthesized comparatively negligible silver nanoparticles in the dark (1.23%). However, increasing light intensities significantly enhanced the number of nanoparticles synthesized in 825 lms (7.41%). The GCMS analysis further gave a comparative insight into the phytochemical composition of both extracts, wherein catechol and pyrogallol were identified as major reducing agents for nanoparticle synthesis. The influence of light intensities on the physiochemical characterization of AgNPs was predominant. While the size of both the AE- and ME-mediated AgNPs increased considerably (20-50 nm diameter) with increasing light intensities, the percent of silver atoms decreased significantly with increasing light intensities in both the AE- and ME-mediated AgNPs with ranges of 13-18% and 14-24%, respectively. The nanoparticle stability studies suggested that both the AE- and ME-mediated AgNPs were stable for up to 15 days when stored at 4 °C. The stability of both nanoparticles was attributed to the presence of a wide range of phytochemicals. In conclusion, the AE of BC leaves was reported to have significantly higher AgNP-synthesizing potential as compared to the ME. However, AE-mediated AgNP synthesis is attenuated by photoirradiation, whereas ME-mediated AgNP synthesis is enhanced by photoirradiation. The photoirradiation by white LED light increases the size of the AgNPs, while the percent silver composition declines, irrespective of the extract type. Both extracts, however, have nanoparticle stabilizing potential, thereby producing stable nanoparticles.

Studies on viability and efficacy of various invigoration techniques to improve germination parameters of Bergenia ciliata (Haw.) Sternb.

Bergenia ciliata, a small perennial herb with lithotriptic properties, belongs to the family Saxifragaceae. The rhizome, which is also the most significant commercial part of this plant, is typically used for propagation since the seeds are very tiny with poor viability and germination capacity. Seed invigoration is a well-recognized and effective technique to improve seed germination potential, ensure establishment, and enhance yield under varying environments. Thus, the present investigation aimed to study the seed viability as well as the effect of various invigoration techniques on germination parameters and seedling vigor of B. ciliata. Seeds were primed with 14 distinct conventional treatments varied either with concentrations or duration of exposures. Standardized method was followed for seed germination test, and the emerged seedlings were allowed to grow until day 15 when the various seedling parameters were analyzed. Seed soaking in TZ solution followed by bleaching with 4% NaOCl for 20 min recorded 88.5–95.8% viability. Results also indicated that germination and seedling growth parameters were greater under all priming treatments as compared to control. The maximum germination rate (93.75%) was observed under GA3@25 ppm. Total seedling length, dry weight and SVI were found to be higher under pre-sowing seed treatment with GA3@25 ppm in comparison with control or other treatments. Better activation of ‘pre-germinative metabolisms’ in primed seeds might result in improved germination and other indices. Moreover, the PCA and cluster analysis revealed that various pre-sowing treatments particularly GA3 would be recommended for improved seed germination of B. ciliata.

Bridging Tradition and Modern Pharmacology of Bergenia ciliata (Haw.) Sternb: A Review

Bergenia ciliata, a perennial rhizomatous herb holds a special place in the traditional herbal healthcare system due to its diverse therapeutic uses and potentials. Validation of its efficacy with scientific investigation is a prerequisite of any prospective herbal resource. The plant is a rich source of various bioactive chemical compounds. The present review is an attempt to consolidates comprehensive information sourced from 100 different literatures, exploring the plant's distribution, phytochemistry, traditional medicinal uses, and pharmacological activities specially focusing on some prevalent diseases of present day. The herb’s antimicrobial, anticancer, antiulcer and antidiabetic properties signify its potential in modern pharmacology. The review underscores B. ciliata's relevance in drug development and nutraceutical formulations, bridging age-old wisdom with contemporary healthcare solutions. Further exploration into its bioactive compounds and clinical applications promises innovative avenues in therapeutic intervention.
 Keywords: Bergenia ciliata, perennial rhizomatous herb, traditional herbal healthcare, age-old wisdom

Smart multifaceted potential microbial inoculant isolated from rhizospheric soils of Bergenia ciliata and possible role in developing green biosynthesized nanoparticles

Nanotechnology employs miniscule yet potential nanoparticles and has immense applications in various fields of scientific research. This has revolutionized technological advancements in multiple spheres and recently touched the field of plant biology and sustainable agriculture. Beneficial rhizobacteria isolated from plants may prove efficacious as they are able to impart plant growth. From the medicinal plant Bergenia ciliata, one isolate BC-I-15 was characterized in this study and displayed growth promoting traits. 16s rDNA sequencing and molecular characterization confirmed the isolate as Pseudomonas sp. (NCBI accession number- OQ891764) which showed similarity with other Pseudomonads in phylogenetic tree. The isolate exhibited oxidative stress tolerance assay, nitrogen fixing ability, IAA, calcite and phosphate solubilization etc. But such microbial bioinoculants suffers from few limitations and can be enriched when their nanoparticle counterparts are developed for efficient function. The citation network analysis showed good and encouraging relationships between terms like ‘Nanoparticles, Microbes, Sustainable agriculture’. So, when such beneficial microbes in bulk form, or biofilm and exopolysaccharides (EPS) secreting, secondary metabolites etc. parts thereof are used as starting material for nanoparticle formation, then such nanoparticles possess intrinsic and enriched capacity to impart stress tolerance to plants and impart qualities in sustainable agriculture. The results of the present study, further aids in the efficient utilization of the selected beneficial BC-I-15 rhizobacteria and their future exploration in developing biogenic nanoparticles for active agents in sustainable agriculture.

Development of EST-SSR markers in Bergenia ciliata using de novo transcriptome sequencing.

Bergenia ciliata (Haw.) Sternb. is an important herb predominantly found in the Indian Himalayan Region. It is widely used in medicines, healthcare systems, cosmetics, fodder, and ornamental purposes. The Illumina sequencing and de novo transcriptome assembly were carried out in B. ciliata to develop and identify simple sequence repeat markers. A total of 18 226 simple sequence repeats (SSRs) were identified wherein di-nucleotides were found to be abundant (47.88%), followed by mono-nucleotide (35.03%) and tri-nucleotide (15.88%) repeats. A total of 11 839 EST-SSR primers were designed, of which 96 primer pairs were commercially synthesized. Finally, 17 primer pairs revealed clear, distinct polymorphic bands, and these primers were validated with 40 diverse B. ciliata accessions. The present study revealed moderate level of genetic diversity (Ho=0.389, He=0.542, and PIC=0.513). Furthermore, the transcriptome data and EST-SSR markers generated during the present investigation could be an important genetic resource for functional genomics, population studies, and conservation genetics of the genus Bergenia.

Evaluation and chemical characterization of bioactive secondary metabolites from endophytic fungi associated with the ethnomedicinal plantBergenia ciliata

AbstractThe objective of this work was to assess the bioactive potential of endophytic fungi,Colletotrichum brevisporum(JPSK3),Pestalotiopsis microspora(JPSK19), andGuignardia mangiferae(JPSK25), fromBergenia ciliata. The antibacterial effects were determined by the well diffusion technique against human pathogens (Staphylococcus aureus,Escherichia coli,Bacillus cereus, andSalmonella typhi) and they showed good activities. In the antioxidant assay, the fungal extractP. microsporashows higher free radical scavenging effects in 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (82.48%), hydrogen peroxide (84.91%), superoxide (78.85%), and reducing power absorbance of 0.125 at a dosage of 125 g/mL than other two fungi. The fungal extract was also subjected to phenol and flavonoid quantifications. The fungusP. microsporashows the highest phenol (89.56 0.03 mg of GAE/g of extract) and flavonoid (51.52 0.69 mg of quercetin equivalents/g of extract), respectively. The chemical composition of abundant biologically active compounds was determined by gas chromatography-mass spectrophotometry (GC-MS). Furthermore, it was confirmed through spectral and analytical analysis (thin layer chromatography, ultraviolet, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, high-performance liquid chromatography, GC-MS, and nuclear magnetic spectroscopy). InP. microspora, the compound phenol,p-tert-butyl (C10H14O), was confirmed for the first time. This fungal compound could be a potential alternative medicine in the future. This is the first work on endophytic fungal studies of ethnomedicinal plantBergenia ciliata.

Ethno-Dentistry of Medicinal Plants Used in North Waziristan, Pakistan

ObjectiveThis study aimed at recording therapeutic plant species used by inhabitants to treat dental disorders in the district of North Waziristan, Pakistan. The indigenous people of the studied area are dependent on medicinal plants for their basic health care needs including dental care. MethodsEthnomedicinal data were collected using a semi-structured questionnaires, and in addition 130 local informants were interviewed. The collected data were evaluated using various quantitative indices, including use value (UV), relative frequency of citation (RFC), fidelity level (FL%), and Jaccard Index (JI). ResultsA total of 69 plants belonging to 48 plant families used in dental disorders were identified. The Lamiaceae was the leading family that shared 7 species, followed by Solanaceae (4 spp).The dominant life form used was herbs (47.83%), folowed by leaves (43.90%) in preparing remedies for different dental disorders. Decoction was the most common mode of preparation (34.21%), followed by pastes (21.05%). The highest RFC (0.36) was reported for Bergenia ciliata, followed by Salvadora oleoides (0.35). The majority of the plants (36 spp) were utilised as herbal medicine to treat toothache, followed by 13 species for periodontal (gum) infections, 11 species used for teeth cleaning, and 9 species for halitosis (bad breath). ConclusionsThis study is the first-ever record of ethnomedicinal applications for the treatment of dental diseases from Pakistan. Some of the forgeoing hebal medications should be further evalauted for the development of pahrmaceutical bio-products for the treatment of dental disorders.

Preparation and study of fermentation kinetics, antioxidant, antimicrobial, α-amylase inhibitory activity and quality analysis of Bergenia ciliata added metheglin

Herbs can be used to enhance the quality of beverages therapeutically and organoleptically. This study explored the potential for creating medicinal mead by incorporating local and indigenous herbs into fermentation. Specifically, the effects of adding Bergenia ciliata rhizome to honey must at 5 concentrations, i.e., 0, 0.25, 0.5, 0.75, and 1% w/v during fermentation on the physicochemical composition, antioxidant, antimicrobial, and α-amylase inhibitory activity, and organoleptic quality of the resulting metheglins were explored at 5% level of significance. The study found that concentrations of rhizome at or above 0.5% decreased fermentation rate, and the optimal concentration for the best overall properties was 0.5% or less. The incorporation of B. ciliata rhizome significantly increased the therapeutic properties of the metheglins, as indicated by increased total phenolic content, DPPH radical scavenging activity, antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli, and α-amylase inhibitory activity. Minor changes were observed in volatile acidity and higher alcohol content at higher rhizome concentrations, but overall, the physicochemical properties of the metheglins were largely unaffected. These findings have important implications for promoting the commercial cultivation of precarious Nepalese medicinal plants and honey production.

Characterization of seed micro-morphometry and optimization of germination assay conditions of Bergenia ciliata - a highly valued medicinal plant

Bergenia ciliata, a valuable medicinal perennial herb, belongs to the family Saxifragaceae. It bears very minute seeds which exhibit poor viability, germination potential and storability. Thus, the present study aimed to analyze the seed characters and germination biology of this medicinal herb. The study revealed that seeds were irregular shaped and dark brown coloured with average length ∼0.93 mm and width ∼0.31 mm. Test weight of seeds ranged between 42.6 and 56.4 mg, and moisture content varied from 7.05 to 10.46%. To standardize the conditions required for germination, the experiment was conducted under different regimes of temperature either in the light or in the dark. Results revealed that mean germination time was shortest and germination percentage highest (94%) when seeds were incubated at 20 °C with light. Seed imbibition pattern was studied at 24 h intervals starting from day zero, and it was found that changes in seed dimensions were small during the first 24 h but were greatest between 24 and 48 h. The experiment also revealed that average length of 8-day old seedling was 4.71 mm whereas it was 5.92 mm with better proportion of root length in 10-day old seedlings.

Biochemical Analysis and Human Aldose Reductase Inhibition Activity of Selected Medicinal Plants of Nepal

Aldose reductase has received extensive research as a key enzyme in the development of long-term problems linked to diabetes mellitus. Overexpression of this enzyme or with exceeded glucose concentration in the blood increases sorbitol on the retina leading to retinopathy, which is the adverse effect of type II diabetes. Approximately 100 million people are suffering from diabetic retinopathy globally. This research is focused on studying the total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), antioxidant potential, and aldose reductase inhibiting properties of selected medicinal plants such as Anacyclus pyrethrum, Bergenia ciliata, Rhododendron arboreum, and Swertia chirayita. In addition, ADMET analysis and molecular docking of seven previously identified compounds from the chosen medicinal plants were carried out against human aldose reductase (PDB ID: 4JIR). The ethanol extract of S. chirayita exhibited the highest TPC (4.63 ± 0.16 mg GAE/g) and TFC (0.90 ± 0.06 mg QE/g). Analysis of 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH)-based antioxidant assay showed that IC50 of the ethanolic extract of B. cilata and R. arboreum showed a significant antioxidant activity with IC50 value of 0.05 mg/mL. The percentage inhibition of AR by extract of B. ciliata (94.74 ± 0.01%) was higher than other plant extracts. A molecular docking study showed that morin isolated from B. ciliata showed a good binding interaction with AR. This study showed that the extracts of A. pyrethrum, B. ciliata, and R. arboreum could be potential sources of inhibitors against AR to treat retinopathy.

Economic Gains Obtained by the Collectors from Non-Timber Forest Products in the Jammu Region of Jammu and Kashmir

Non-timber forest products (NTFP) income played a vital role in the household economy of forest-dwelling communities. This study used the data from 150 sample households in the three forest divisions of the Jammu region of Jammu and Kashmir State to analyze the significance of economic gains obtained from NTFPs. Data collection was carried out through face-to-face interviews. This study found that NTFP income contributed 29 per cent, and on-farm and off-farm income contribute 16 and 55 per cent to the total household income, respectively. Major NTFPs included Gucchi (Morchella esculenta), Patis (Aconitum chasmanthum), Nag chhatri (Trillium govanianum), Muskbala (Valeriana hardwickii), Banafsaha (Viola canescence), Dhoop (Jurinea macrocephala), Kaurd (Picorhiza kurroa), Zakham-e-Hayat (Bergenia ciliata), Kasrot (Diplazium esculentum), wild honey and Jungli thome (Allium sativum) were collected. Regression analyses showed that NTFP availability, agriculture as the main occupation, NTFP collection experience, and on-farm income positively contributed to the dependent variable. In contrast, the regression coefficient of off-farm income and source of information were negative contributors to the NTFPs' income. The study further suggested that providing education and other skill development training to local people in the collection, storage, and scientific grading of the NTFPs should be conducted.

Floristic composition, life history traits and phytogeographic distribution of forest vegetation in the Western Himalaya

IntroductionScientific documentation of the qualitative forest vegetation parameters of a biogeographical area provides baseline information to guide conservation strategies and design policies for biodiversity management regulations.MethodsWe present one of the most comprehensive qualitative vegetation analyses to evaluate the entire structure and function of an ecosystem in the remote northern part of the Kashmir Himalaya, India. Several multivariate ecological community analyses were conducted after determining the presence of plant species in the various habitats using a random sampling technique.ResultsIn total, 155 plant species belonging to 120 genera and 49 families occurred in the area. Asteraceae was the largest family (12% of plant species) followed by Rosaceae (11%). The patterns of species distribution across families were uneven, with 50% of the species belonging to only 7 families, and 23 families being monotypic. In terms of functional groups, the herbaceous growth form dominated. Therophytes were the dominant life form, indicating that the vegetation was disturbed. According to the phytogeographical research, 65% of the species documented in the study area were native, 15% were invasive, 14% naturalized, and 5% being casual. The majority (30%) of exotic species were reported along roadsides. Of all the species found, 39% grew in their natural habitats, such as forests, and 11% were scattered along roadsides. Plant species were grouped in five different clusters based on their floristic similarity. According to the estimated diversity indices, natural forest has the greatest values for Shannon’s and Simpson’s index. We found that the study area serves as the natural habitat for several significant, endangered medicinal plants, including Arnebia benthamii, Bergenia ciliata, Delphinium roylei, Gentiana kurroo, Phytolacca acinosa, Saussurea costus, and Trillium govanianum. Therefore, we recommend that human intervention in natural regeneration efforts be prioritized in these habitats to increase the population of these species.ConclusionExamining species features from the perspective of functional groups contributes to our understanding of the ecological aspects of the flora. It may also be useful in developing management plans to ensure long-term management of forest landscapes in this remote Himalayan region.

Genomics assisted characterization of plant growth-promoting and metabolite producing psychrotolerant Himalayan Chryseobacterium cucumeris PCH239.

Here, we report the first complete genome of a psychrotolerant and yellow-pigmented rhizobacteria Chryseobacterium cucumeris PCH239. It was obtained from the rhizospheric soil of the Himalayan plant Bergenia ciliata. The genome consists of a single contig (5.098Mb), 36.3% G + C content, and 4899 genes. The cold adaptation, stress response, and DNA repair genes promote survivability in a high-altitude environment. PCH239 grows in temperature (10-37°C), pH (6.0-8.0), and NaCl (2.0%). The genome derived plant growth-promoting activities of siderophore production (siderophore units 53 ± 0.6), phosphate metabolism (PSI 5.0 ± 0.8), protease, indole acetic acid production (17.3 ± 0.5µg/ml), and ammonia (2.89 ± 0.4 µmoles) were experimentally validated. Interestingly, PCH239 treatment of Arabidopsis seeds significantly enhances germination, primary, and hairy root growth. In contrast, Vigna radiata and Cicer arietinum seeds had healthy radicle and plumule elongation, suggesting varied plant growth-promotion effects. Our findings suggested the potential of PCH239 as a bio-fertilizer and biocontrol agent in the challenging conditions of cold and hilly regions.

Unveiling the Anti-cancer Potential of Bergenia ciliata (haw.) Sternb: A Mechanistic Study on UPR Modulation and ROS Generation

Bergenia ciliata (haw.) Sternb, a well-known medicinal plant, has traditionally been used to treat various ailments, such as diabetes, microbial infections, and kidney stones, owing to its anti-inflammatory and anti-tussive properties. Here we aimed to evaluate the anti-cancer potential of the plant extract and deduce the molecular pathways involved. To investigate this, we used the MTT assay to determine the IC50 values of the methanolic extract of B. ciliata (BcME) in MDA-MB-231 and C6-Glioma cell lines. After treating the cancer cell lines with BcME for 18 hours, we evaluated the UPR signalling markers, including pIRE1, Xbp1, ATF6, eIF2α, ATF4, and CHOP, using Immunoblotting. We also used RT-PCR to determine the mRNA levels of ATF4 and performed enzyme assays using Spectrophotometric techniques to measure ROS levels. Our results indicate that B. ciliata has potent anti-cancer properties due to its ability to modulate UPR and ROS pathways. Specifically, the plant extract effectively repressed the cytoprotective UPR by blocking IRE1-Xbp1 and ATF6 pathways while enhancing the PERK-ATF4-CHOP pathway, which is known to switch UPR towards apoptosis. Furthermore, our study revealed that B. ciliata significantly caused the accumulation of ROS in cancer cells and inhibited the antioxidant enzymes catalase and superoxide dismutase. These results conclusively suggest that BcME works synergistically on both UPR and ROS pathways to promote apoptosis and eliminate cancerous cells and thus serves as a potential primary source for bioactive molecules, selectively targeting cancer cells.

Distribution of important medicinal plant species in Nepal under past, present, and future climatic conditions

Climate change is causing shifts in the habitat, distribution, ecology, and phenology of Himalayan plants. These changes are predicted to continue, jeopardizing the survival of medicinal plant species and local livelihoods that rely on them. We analyzed the present and future diversity and distribution of medicinal plant species influenced by different climate change scenarios, and calculated the climatic niche of the species using ensemble species distribution modeling (eSDM). We compiled 1041 (N) geospatial data of seven high-value medicinal plant species of Nepal: Aconitum spicatum (n = 100), Allium wallichii (n = 151), Bergenia ciliata (n = 48), Nardostachys jatamansi (n = 121), Neopicrorhiza scrophulariiflora (n = 94), Paris polyphylla (n = 310) and Valeriana jatamansi (n = 217) including over 85 % from field surveys and the rest from literature and online database. We used bioclimatic variables from Models for Interdisciplinary Research on Climate (MIROC) of version MIROC6, and selected Shared Socioeconomic Pathways (SSP)2-4.5 and SSP5-8.5 for the year of 2050 and 2070 for modeling. We found elevation, mean diurnal and annual temperature ranges (BIO2 and BIO7), and precipitation of warmest and coldest quarters (BIO18 and BIO19) to be the most high weight cofactors for projecting the future potential distribution of high-value medicinal plants in Nepal. Results showed that the suitable range of distribution for high-value medicinal plants would increase and concentrate in mountainous areas of central Nepal, but decline in (sub)tropical and temperate areas, suggesting both in-situ and ex-situ conservation practices, respectively.

Phytochemicals, Antioxidant and Antimicrobial Potential of Ethnomedicinal Plants of Sikkim Himalaya

In the present study, four important ethnomedicinal plants of Sikkim Himalaya viz., Astilbe rivularis Buch- Ham ex. D. Don, Eupatorium adenophorum Spreng., Bergenia ciliata (Haw.) Sternb and Artemisia vulgaris L. were investigated to ensure its ethno pharmacological potency. The methanolic root extracts of the selected plants were investigated for total phenolic content, total flavonoid content, antioxidant and antimicrobial activities. Among the tested extracts, the root methanolic extract of Bergenia ciliata contained the highest total phenolic content (911.4±0.124 mg gallic acid equivalents/g extract) and showed exceptional activity in 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl and 2,2-azinobis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid assays with halfmaximal inhibitory concentration value of 10 μg/ml and 1.0 μg/ml, respectively. The minimum inhibitory concentration of Bergenia ciliata root methanolic extract was also found to be the lowest for gram-negative bacteria Escherichia coli (600 μg/ml) and actinomycetes Streptomyces sp. (800 μg/ml), suggesting high and effective potency against microbes. Bergenia ciliata and Astilbe rivularis root extracts were further investigated for phenolic compounds using high performance liquid chromatography. The extracts of Bergenia ciliata and Astilbe rivularis were found to contain substantial amount of bergenin, gallic acid, chlorogenic acid, catechin, p-coumeric and m-coumeric acid. In conclusion, this study gives scientific evidence on the biological activities of the selected plant species and recommends Bergenia ciliata and Astilbe rivularis as candidate plants for pharmaceutical drug development.

Comparative appraisal of in vitro biological profile and in vivo wound healing attributes of bergenin and Bergenia ciliata (Haw.) Sternb

Ethnopharmacological relevancePeople of all ages experience injuries, whether mild or severe. The most available option to treat wounds as an alternative to allopathic care in both urban and rural populations is traditional medicine, which is mostly target inflammation. Bergenia ciliata (Haw.) Sternb rhizome and leaf powder are used in Ayurveda and local communities for various ailments including healing of wounds and burns. Owing to this property it is traditionally known as “Zakham-e-hayat” (wound healer). Aim of the studyIn the present study, we compared biological activity and wound healing potential of B. ciliata rhizome (R) extract and bergenin, a glycoside isolated from B. ciliata. Materials and methodsReverse-phase high performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC) was performed to analyze polyphenols and bergenin in B. ciliata R extract. Samples were subjected to in vitro antioxidant assays including free radical scavenging, ferric chloride reducing power and total antioxidant capacity. Micro-broth dilution method, brine shrimp lethality assay and isolated RBC hemolysis assay were conducted to assess in vitro antibacterial and cytotoxic activities. Moreover, in vivo wound healing potential was determined by an excision wound model in mice. ResultsRP-HPLC showed significant content of polyphenols and bergenin (6.05 ± 0.12 μg/mg) in B. ciliata R extract. Crude extract possesses higher overall antioxidant and antibacterial capacities than bergenin due to presence of multiple phytoconstituents in extract. Both samples showed low hemolytic activity indicating their safe profile. Furthermore, mice treated with B. ciliata R extract depicted substantial decrease in wound area (99.3%; p < 0.05) as compared to bergenin, which showed 88.8% of wound closure after 12 days of treatment. Additionally, both treatments reduced epithelization duration by 1.6- and 1.4-fold in B. ciliata R extract (12.0 ± 0.6 days) and bergenin (14.2 ± 0.8 days) treated mice, respectively. This was supported by histopathological examination that showed greater epithelization, fibroblast proliferation, collagen synthesis, and revascularization in mice treated with B. ciliata R. ConclusionConcisely, it is evident that B. ciliata R contains phytoconstituents in addition to bergenin, which potentiated wound healing activity of the extract. Hence, B. ciliata R is good source of compounds for treating wounds.

Phytogenic Fabrication of Copper Oxide Nanoparticles for Antibacterial and Antioxidant Screening: Physico-Chemical Study

Bergenia ciliata (B. ciliate) leaf extract was used as a capping and stabilizing agent to synthesize copper oxide nanoparticles (CuO NPs). The selection of B. ciliate is purely based on its rich phytochemical composition and less utilization in green chemistry. The X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis showed that the CuO NPs were found to be highly crystalline, while the irregular morphology and other structural properties were investigated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and the average particle size was found to be 50.05 nm. Energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) spectroscopy was used to determine the percentage composition and purity, whereas Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy was utilized to examine the surface functional groups. CuO NPs were tested for their antibacterial properties against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, and the activity was found to increase with an increasing concentration of CuO NPs in the wells. The dose-dependent antioxidant potential is slightly higher than ascorbic acid.