Clerodendrum Viscosum Research Articles

Evaluation of soil arsenic pollution and phytoaccumulation capabilities of 24 indigenous plant species in Barak Valley, South Assam, India

AbstractThis study investigated the concentrations of arsenic (As) in soil and plant biomass from the Barak Valley in South Assam, India. Soil samples showed concentrations ranging from 6.06 ± 0.84 mg/kg to 18.61 ± 1.52 mg/kg, with an average of 10.60 ± 3.15 mg/kg, 41.67% of the sample exceeding uncontaminated ranges (0.1–10 mg/kg). Ecological risk assessments such as contamination factors, pollutant load index, geo‐accumulation index, and anthropogenicity identified varying contamination levels across sampling points. A total of 24 plant species were collected, ferns (two species), shrubs (five species), grass (six species), and herb (11 species). The concentration of As in different plants types decreased in the order of fern (393.45 ± 159.63 mg/kg) > shrub (20.48 ± 7.25 mg/kg) > herb (17.92 ± 13.75 mg/kg) > grass (14.98 ± 13.80 mg/kg). Plant species, namely Pityrogramma calomelanos, Christella dentata, Mimosa pudica, Chromolaena odorata, Leucas aspera, Persicaria decipiens, Melastoma malabathricum, and Clerodendrum infortunatum, accumulated higher concentrations of As in their above‐ground parts compared to roots and were categorized as tolerant accumulators (TF > 1). By incorporating these plant species into phytoextraction strategies, the region can benefit from their unique properties and abilities to effectively remediate arsenic‐contaminated sites, ultimately improving the affected areas' environmental and human health conditions.

ANALYTICAL STUDY OF SOUTH INDIA MARKET SAMPLES OF BHARANGI (CLERODENDRUM SERRATUM LINN.)

Bharangi (Clerodendrum serratum Linn. Family - Verbenaceae) root is one of the most common herbs in Ayurvedic formulations used to treat respiratory disorders. It is identified with different names in different places. The issue in the present era is the roots of Bharangi are being adulterated with Clerodendrum infortunatum Linn. Clerodendrum phlomodies Linn, and Quassia bark in the market. Hence, a humble effort has been made to identify and evaluate a genuine market sample of Bharangi root. Bharangi root samples were collected from different markets in South India: Chennai, Vijayawada, Hubli, Pune and Thiruvananthapuram. The qualitative and quantitative evaluation was done using physicochemical analysis, phytochemical tests, TLC and HPTLC to know the genuine samples of Bharangi root in different markets, followed by comparing these samples with the standards of API. Among the five samples, four were genuine since their analytical values were nearer to the standards of API and one sample was found adulterated since it differed from the standard analytical values.

Phytochemical Studies and Toxicity Evaluation of Selected Medicinal Plants from Sarlahi District, Nepal

Medicinal plants play a vital role in primary health care and the development of herbal drugs at low prices and with fewer side effects. The aim of the present work is focused on the study of antioxidant activity, cytotoxicity, phytochemical screening, and estimation of total phenolic and flavonoid contents of Achyranthes aspera, Azadirachta indica, Cascabela thevetia, Catharanthus roseus, Clerodendrum indicum, C. infortunatum, Oxalis latifolia, Paederia foetida and Tinospora cordifolia from Sarlahi district, Nepal. Total phenolics and flavonoids were estimated by Folin-Ciocalteu and aluminum chloride methods respectively. The antioxidant activity and toxicity were evaluated by 2, 2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) method and brine shrimp lethality method respectively. Among the plants studied, A. indica contained the highest phenolic content (250.08 ± 0.319 mg GAE.g-1 of dry extract) and O. latifolia showed the highest flavonoid content (112.47 ± 0.07 mg QE.g-1 dry extract). Methanolic extract of the bark of A. indica, the root of Clerodendrum infortunatum, and the stem of C. indicum showed potent in vitro antioxidant activity with IC50 values of 14.84 ± 2.250 µg.mL-1, 23.94 ± 2.245 µg.mL-1, and 29.93 ± 0.993 µg.mL-1 respectively as compared to the standard ascorbic acid with an IC50 value of 9.44 ± 0.902 µg.mL-1. All nine selected medicinal plants showed low toxicity towards the larvae of Artemia salina in dose dependent pattern. The results of this study approve the traditional use of the medicinal plants by the local people.

CLERODENDRUM INFORTUNATUM ATTENUATES PANCREATIC OXIDATIVE STRESS AND DYSREGULATED CARBOHYDRATE METABOLISM IN STREPTOZOTOCIN-INDUCED EXPERIMENTAL DIABETES

The prevalence of diabetes mellitus is increasing at an alarming rate and is gravely troubling human health and quality of life. Side effects of synthetic hypoglycemic agents have led to investigations on alternative sources such as herbal drugs in treating diabetes. Anti-diabetic properties of Clerodendrum infortunatum in streptozotocin-induced experimental diabetes were evaluated and compared with the standard anti-diabetic drug glibenclamide. Aqueous extract of C. infortunatum on carbohydrate metabolism revealed its hypoglycemic effect in diabetic conditions. Furthermore, it could significantly modulate insulin secretion, glycolysis, gluconeogenesis and glycogen metabolism for effective glucose homeostasis. Notably, the drug could accelerate the activities of major antioxidant enzymes and reduce the content of lipid peroxidation products in the pancreas. The study proves the efficacy of C. infortunatum as a potent source of phytochemicals in ameliorating diabetic complications and suggests the medicinal plant as a nutraceutical agent.

Natural Clerodendrum-derived tick repellent: learning from Nepali culture

Ticks attaching to ear canals of humans and animals are the cause of otoacariasis, common in rural areas of Nepal. The plant Clerodendrum viscosum is used in multiple indigenous systems of medicine by ethnic communities in the Indo-Nepali-Malaysian region. Visiting the Chitwan National Park, we learned that in indigenous medicine, flower extract of C. viscosum is utilized to treat digestive disorders and extracts from leaves as tick repellent to prevent ticks from invading or to remove them from the ear canal. The objective of our study was to provide support to indigenous medicine by characterizing the in vivo effect of leave extracts on ticks under laboratory conditions and its phytochemical composition. We collected plant parts of C. viscosum (leaves and flowers) and mango (Mangifera indica) leaves at the Chitwan National Park, previously associated with repellent activity to characterize their effect on Ixodes ricinus ticks by in vivo bioassays. A Q-ToF high-resolution analysis (HPLC-ESI-QToF) was conducted to elucidate phenolic compounds with potential repellent activity. Clerodendrum viscosum and M. indica leaf extracts had the highest tick repellent efficacy (%E = 80–100%) with significant differences when compared to C. viscosum flowers extracts (%E = 20–60%) and phosphate-buffered saline. Phytochemicals with tick repellent function as caffeic acid, fumaric acid and p-coumaric acid glucoside were identified in C. viscosum leaf extracts by HPLC-ESI-QToF, but not in non-repellent flower extracts. These results support the Nepali indigenous medicine application of C. viscosum leaf extracts to repel ticks. Additional research is needed for the development of natural and green repellent formulations to reduce the risks associated with ticks resistant to acaricides.

Biosynthesis, characterization and anthelmintic activity of silver nanoparticles of Clerodendrum infortunatum isolate

Over the past few decades, the green synthesis of nanoparticles has gained importance for their therapeutic efficacy and eco-friendly nature. Integrating green chemistry principles into multidisciplinary nanoscience research has paved the way for developing environmentally benign and sustainable methods for synthesizing gold and silver nanoparticles. In the present study, the flowers obtained from Clerodendrum infortunatum (L.), belonging to the family Verbenaceae, have been used for biosynthesizing silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) to evaluate the anthelmintic potential. UV–Vis spectroscopy, XRD, FTIR, SEM and TEM analyses were performed to ascertain the formation of AgNPs. Clerodendrum-derived AgNP (CLE-AgNP) has significantly affected the normal physiological functions of the poultry parasite Raillietina spp., a menace to the livestock industry. Our study manifests that CLE-AgNPs cause considerable distortion of the surface tegument of this cestode parasite leading to changes in the host-parasite interface. The histochemical localization studies of the tegument-associated enzymes viz. AcPase, AlkPase, ATPase and 5’-Nu, exposed to the drug, showed a substantial activity decline, thus establishing the anthelmintic potential of the CLE-AgNPs.

Acute Anti-Hyperglycaemic Activity of Five Traditional Medicinal Plants in High Fat Diet Induced Obese Rats.

Diabetes mellitus (DM), a prevalent non-communicable disease, is a metabolic condition involving defective pancreatic β-cells and/or insulin resistance. Researchers are presently exploring traditional medicinal plants to identify alternatives for treating diabetes due to the various disadvantage of current anti-diabetic medicines. The present study evaluated the anti-hyperglycaemic effects of ethanol extracts of five medicinal plants (EEMPs) (Gynura nepalensis, Glochidion thomsonii, Clerodendrum splendens, Clerodendrum infortunatum and Xanthium strumarium) which are traditionally used as an ethnomedicine to treat diabetes and numerous other health problems. High-fat fed (HFF) obese rats were used to perform acute in vivo tests, including oral glucose tolerance, feeding test, metabolic studies, and gastrointestinal motility using BaSO4 milk solution. Priliminary phytochemical screening were performed to discover the presence or absence of alkaloids, tannins, saponins, steroids, glycosides, flavonoids, and reducing sugars in extracts. Oral administration of ethanol extracts (250 mg/kg, body weight), along with glucose (18 mmoL/kg body weight), ameliorated glucose tolerance (p < 0.05-0.01). In addition, the extracts improved gut motility (250 mg/kg; p < 0.05-0.001), as well as reduced food intake during the feeding test (250 mg/kg; p < 0.05-0.001). Phytochemical screening of these medicinal plants depicted the presence of flavonoids, alkaloids, tannins, saponins, steroids and reducing sugars. Phytochemicals such as flavonoids, tannins and saponins may be responsible for the glucose-lowering properties for these plants. Additional research is warranted to fully identify the bioactive phytomolecules and mechanistic pathways that might lead to the development of a viable, cost-effective type 2 diabetes therapy.

Exploring the Phytochemical Profile and Biological Activities of Clerodendrum infortunatum.

Clerodendrum infortunatum (C. infortunatum), the hill glory bower, is reputed as the prodigious treasure for Indian folk medicine. The study has focused on exploring the phytochemistry and antitumor potential of the C. infortunatum root extract in vitro and in vivo. The ethyl acetate root extract has demonstrated the highest cytotoxicity in a series of nine human tumor cell lines. Further fractionation of the same has yielded seven compounds. The structures of these compounds were confirmed with spectroscopic techniques. Considering the toxicity observed with the crude extract, cytotoxicity of these compounds was further assessed in two breast carcinoma cell lines (MCF-7[ER/PR-positive HER2-negative] and MDA-MB-231 [ER/PR/HER2-negative]) and in two cervical cancer [human papilloma virus (HPV)-negative C33A and HPV-positive SiHa] cell lines. Betulinic acid (BA) was found as the active principle contributing the cytotoxic activity, and cervical cancer cell lines documented the minimum IC50 value in 24 h. In order to validate the in vitro experimental data, we have established a xenograft model of HPV-positive cervical cancer in female NOD/SCID mice treated with BA using doxorubicin as the positive control. BA treatment gradually reduced the tumor size, maintaining healthy hematological and biochemical parameters, and improved the survival rate of tumor-bearing mice considerably. Thus, our findings suggest that the C. infortunatum root extract has a promising anticancer property against HPV-positive cervical cancer and supports its usage by traditional healers for treating cervical cancer.

Effect of Bhandira (Clerodendrum Viscosum) in Cervical Intraepithelial Neoplasia

Cervical Intraepithelial Neoplasia is precursor or pre-invasive lesions of cervical squamous cell cancers. These are classified based on the degree of disruption in epithelial differentiation. Sexually transmitted HPV are the most important risk factor for CIN and Invasive cervical cancers. A pre-post interventional study was conducted in Govt. Ayurveda College Hospital for Women and Children, Poojappura, Thiruvananthapuram, to assess the effect of Bhandira in CIN. Objectives were, to evaluate the effect of Bhandira churna pancake and Bhandira churna yoni pratisarana on CIN, and also to study its effect on HPV infection and associated complaints like discharge per vaginum, vulval itching, burning sensation, lower abdominal pain and dyspareunia. Females of age group 20-50 years with CIN, confirmed by Pap smear and Colposcopy were included. The patients received treatment with Bhandira churna pancake internally and Bhandira churna as Yoni pratisarana for 3 months and follow up was done after 3 months. Outcome variables were changes in Pap smear and Colposcopy findings- regression, persistence or progression and changes in associated symptoms. Data were analyzed by Wilcoxon’s signed rank test and McNemar’s test. The treatment was effective with high statistical significance in making changes in Pap smear and Colposcopy findings (p&lt;0.01) and also in reducing the associated symptoms.

Computational modelling and correlation of physical parameters of 1-heptatriacotanol, phytol and 3, 7, 11, 15-tetra methyl-2-hexadecen-1-ol with the corrosion inhibition efficiency of CIW for mild steel in HCl

ABSTRACT Aqueous leaves extract of Clerodendrum infortunatum (CIW) was used as inhibitor for mild steel corrosion in 0.5 N HCl. Inhibition efficiency decreases with temperature. The presence of 1-heptatriacotanol, the diterpene alcohols like phytol and 3, 7, 11, 15 tetramethyl-2-hexadecen-1-ol are identified as major constituents through GC-MS analysis of CIW. The electronic properties and inhibition efficiency of these compounds were evaluated using DFT and material studio software. The donor–acceptor type interactions resulting from the migration of lone pair of electrons of the ‘O’ atom of these molecules to the vacant ‘d’ orbital of the metal is evident from these calculations. The reduction in the double-layer capacitance with the incremental addition of CIW is noticed. CIW offers mixed inhibition with anodic predominance. CIW forms a multimolecular layer on the metal surface obeying the Temkin isotherm model. Surface perturbations were followed qualitatively by SEM, stereomicroscope and XPS.

Determination of Phenolic and Flavonoid Content, Antioxidant and α-Amylase Inhibitory Activity of Leaf and Flower Extracts of Clerodendrum infortunatum and Hibiscus rosa sinensis Growing in Bara Nepal

In the human body, oxidative stress imposed due to the increase in the concentration of free radicals such as reactive oxygen species (ROS) contributes to the initiation and progression of different diseases. The synthetic antioxidants have low efficacy with side effects, for that plant-derived natural antioxidant can prevent oxidative stress by reducing the risk of having these diseases. In the present study, the methanolic extracts of two traditionally used medicinal plants (leaf and flower) have tested for their antioxidant capacity, α-amylase enzyme inhibitory activity and determination of total phenolic and flavonoid content in the plant extracts. The antioxidant activity was evaluated by a 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging assay. The highest DPPH radical scavenging was shown by Clerodendrum infortunatum (IC50 = 71.95±0.51μg/mL) whereas leaf and flower of Hibiscus rosa sinensis showed moderate antioxidant activity (IC50 = 98.74±1.91 and 117.23±7.72 μg/mL) respectively. Among the tested plant extracts, the highest amount of total phenolic and flavonoid content was found in the methanolic extract of C. infortunatum with TPC of 87.07±9.22 mg GAE/g and TFC 34.40±2.00 mg QE/g. The antidiabetic activity of plant extracts was evaluated by the α-amylase enzyme inhibition assay. The leaf extract of C. infortunatum showed moderate α-amylase inhibition activity (IC50 = 118±4.80 μg/mL) whereas the standard acarbose has (IC50 = 12.96±0.22 μg/mL).

Clerodendrum viscosum leaves attenuate lead-induced neurotoxicity through upregulation of BDNF-Akt-Nrf2 pathway in mice

Ethnopharmacological relevanceClerodendrum viscosum is an important medicinal plant in Ayurveda in Bangladesh and its leaves are used as a remedy for various diseases such as anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, hyperglycemic, hepatoprotective effects. Aim of the studyThe present study aimed to evaluate the protective effect of aqueous extract of C. viscosum leaves against Pb-induced neurobehavioral and biochemical changes in mice. Materials and methodsSwiss albino mice were divided as a) control, b) lead treated (Pb) and c) C. viscosum leaves (Cle) d) Pb plus Cle groups. Pb-acetate (10 mg/kg body weight) was given to Pb and Pb + Cle groups mice, and water extract of leaves (50 mg/kg body weight) was provided as supplementation to Cle and Pb + Cle groups mice for 30 days. Elevated plus maze and Morris water maze tests were used for evaluating anxiety, spatial memory and learning, respectively. Status of cholinesterase, SOD, GSH enzyme activity and neurotoxicity markers such BDNF and Nrf2 levels were analyzed in the brain tissue of experimental mice. ResultsPoorer learning, inferior spatial memory, and increased anxiety-like behavior in Pb-exposure mice were noted when compared to control mice in Morris water maze and elevated plus maze test, respectively. In addition, expression of BDNF and Nrf2, cholinesterase activity along with antioxidant activity were significantly reduced compared to control group (p < 0.01). Interestingly, C. viscosum leaves’ aqueous extract supplementation in Pb-exposed mice provide a significant improved neurochemical and antioxidant properties through the augmentation of activity of cholinergic enzymes, and upregulation of BDNF and Nrf2 levels in the brain tissue compared to Pb-exposed mice. ConclusionsThis study suggested that C. viscosum leaves restore the cognitive dysfunction and reduce anxiety-like behavior through upregulation of BDNF mediated Akt-Nrf2 pathway in Pb-exposure mice.

Bioinformatics and Network Pharmacology of the First Crystal Structured Clerodin: Anticancer and Antioxidant Potential against Human Breast Carcinoma Cell.

Clerodin was isolated from the medicinal plant Clerodendrum infortunatum, and CSD search showed the first crystal structure of clerodin by a single-crystal X-ray diffraction study. We checked its binding potential with target proteins by docking and conducted network pharmacology analysis, ADMET analysis, in silico pathway analysis, normal mode analysis (NMA), and cytotoxic activity studies to evaluate clerodin as a potential anticancer agent. The cell viability studies of clerodin on the human breast carcinoma cell line (MCF-7) showed toxicity on MCF-7 cells but no toxicity toward normal human lymphocyte cells (HLCs). The anticancer mechanism of clerodin was validated by its enhanced capacity to produce intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) and to lower the reduced glutathione content in MCF-7 cells.

Phytochemical Screening and Evaluation of Protective Effect of Methanolic Extract of Cleodendrum viscosum Leaves in Rat Model of Vincristine Induced Peripheral Neuropathy

Chemotherapy induced peripheral neuropathy is a disabling pain condition resulting from cancer therapy. However, no scientific data available for many herbal drugs which are locally used and evaluating these drugs would be worth to have scientific approach of using them. In this study an indigenous plant called Clerodendrum viscosum leaves have been used to evaluate the effect of plant in vincristine induced peripheral neuropathy in rat model. Vincristine sulfate was administered to Male sprague dawley rats to induce neuropathy. Pain behavior was assessed by Hot plate, Cold plate, sciatic function index and formalin test were also estimated. Animals were sacrificed and the sciatic nerve excised for histopathological studies. The whole preclinical studies revealed that the aforementioned plant extract exhibited less neuronal damage. The study concluded that methanolic extract of Cleodendrum Viscosum leaves can used against chemotherapy induced peripheral neuropathy.

Pollen storage, viability and effect of growth hormones on in vitro pollen germination in two medicinal plants (Clerodendrum colebrookianum Walp. and Clerodendrum infortunatum L.) of the tropical moist forest of North-east India

Clerodendrum colebrookianum Walp. and Clerodendrum infortunatum L. are well known for their medicinal uses in treating various human ailments traditionally. Pollen biology study was done in both plant species to decipher pollen viability, in vitro pollen germination, and pollen storage in varied temperature conditions. Pollen viability tests was done by 2, 3, 5-triphenyl tetrazolium chloride (TTC test) for which pollen grains were collected at the anthesis stage that ascertained high viability, ranged between 71.97%±4.30 % in C. colebrookianum and 81.63%±3.23 in C. infortunatum. In vitro pollen germination was conducted under different hormones (IBA, IAA, GA3, and Kinetin) with concentrations of 100 mg L-1, 200 mg L-1 and 300 mg L-1. Highest germination percentage of 52.10±5.30% and 61.91±1.76% in GA3 (200 mg L-1) was the most suitable growth hormone concentration for inducing in vitro pollen germination in both Clerodendrum species. Statistically, the response of all the concentrations of treatments, sucrose, and hormones, with their time on in vitro pollen germination of C. colebrookianum and C. infortunatum was found significantly different (p&lt;0.05). In contrast, non-significant differences were recorded for in vitro pollen germination between the medicinal plant species. Pollen storage under temperature gradient conditions exhibited a similar trend in the viability for both C. colebrookianum, and C. infortunatum, i.e., the pollen remained viable up to 28 days at -20°C and 6°C, respectively. This study will be helpful in future breeding, hybridization, and conservation efforts for both the Clerodendrum species.

GC-MS analysis of bioactive compounds in methanolic extract of bhat (Clerodendrum viscosum) leaves in Bangladesh

Clerodendrum viscosum (local name bhat), a medicinal plant, is widely found in Bangladesh and India. This species is enriched with various medicinal compounds reported in previous studies. However, there is a scarcity of information about the bioactive compounds of this plant on GC-MS analysis in Bangladesh. For instance, this study aims to determine the bioactive […]

STUDIES ON THE TOXICITY AND RELATIVE TOXICITY OF DIFFERENT PLANT EXTRACTS TO DIFFERENT LEAF FEEDING INSECTS OF TELANGANA FOREST INDIA

Relative toxicity of (07) seven plant extracts (Azima tetracantha, Chloroxylon sweietenia, Clerodendrum viscosum, Cleistanthus collinus, Lippia javanica, Ocimum americanum and Sphearanthus indicus) to (04) four test insects (Hyblea purea Tinolius eburneigutta, Eutectona machearalis, and Atteva fabricella) at different concentrations of was done and toxicity was observed in all the plant extracts based on the feeding behavior of the test insect and arranged in the descending order is 1.0%&gt;0.8%&gt;0.6%&gt;0.4%&gt;0.2%&gt;0.1% concentrations and uncontrol. All insect cultures were maintained in a growth chamber in the laboratory at a temperature of 27 ± 2° C, 12: 12 L:D and with 70 ± 5 % RH during the experiments. Among all plant extracts O. americanum (LC50-0.3169 and LC50-0.3115 against H. purea and E. machaeralis) followed by C viscosum (LC50-0.4316 and LC50-0.5253 against T. eburguneita and A. fabricella) were found to be effective and more toxic against selected major insect pests that tested.

Anti-microbial and anti-cancer activity of gold nanoparticles phytofabricated using clerodin enriched clerodendrum ethanolic leaf extract

BackgroundSearch for options that can overcome microorganism’s resistance to traditional drugs, has shifted the focus towards plant-based molecules and extracts. Latest developments in plant-based nanomaterials have further expanded the role of plant extracts since nano particle - plant extract combinations are shown to possess enhanced biological activity and reduced toxicity to human cells. In the present study, facile, one-pot synthesis of nearly monodispersed gold nanoparticles was developed using Clerodin enriched Clerodendrum infortunatum ethanolic leaf extract under ambient conditions. The synthesized gold nanoparticles were evaluated for broad spectrum anti-microbial activity as well as compatibility with human peripheral blood mononuclear cells. MethodsClerodin enriched fraction from C. infortunatum leaves ethanol extract was used to synthesize gold nanoparticle from chloroauric acid. Synthesized gold nanoparticles were characterized and tested for broad spectrum anti-microbial activity against Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus cereus, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa using the standard broth dilution method. Cytotoxicity of the gold nanoparticles was evaluated against human monocyte leukemic cells (THP-I) and healthy peripheral blood mononuclear cells. MTT and FACS based Annexin V/FITC-PI assays were used to study its cytotoxic effect. ResultsTEM analysis showed an average diameter of 33 ± 5 nm for the synthesized nanoparticles. EDX validated the presence of elemental Au (98.8%) and confirmed its nano form. Antimicrobial assay of gold nanoparticles showed significant inhibitory effect in all the tested pathogens. Additionally, MTT and Annexin-V/ PI assay demonstrated the cytotoxic activity of the nanoparticles against THP-I cells. Interestingly, nanoparticles did not show cytotoxicity against healthy human peripheral blood mononuclear cells. ConclusionGold nanoparticles generated in an eco-friendlyprocess using Clerodin enriched fractions showed promising broad spectrum antibacterial activity. Simultaneously, they proved themselves to be benign against healthy human cells indicating potential therapeutic applications. Added benefit for the nanoparticles was, they had anti-proliferative effects against human leukemic monocyte cancer (THP-I) cells.

Fine‐tuned spatiotemporal dynamics of sporophylls in movement‐assisted dichogamy: A study on Clerodendrum infortunatum

AbstractHermaphroditism is cost‐effective because a common investment in reward and attractive structures yields benefits through both male and female reproductive success. However, the advantage is accompanied by an increased risk of self‐pollen deposition, which is generally disadvantageous. Hermaphroditic plants reduce self‐pollen deposition by separating sporophylls (a term applied to the stamens and carpels) either spatially (herkogamy) or temporally (dichogamy). In movement‐assisted dichogamy, both sporophylls show coordinated motion in opposite directions. However, the effectiveness of this movement in reducing self‐pollen deposition may be compromised at the point when the sporophylls cross each other and are close enough to interfere, resulting in a transition phase problem. The solution to this problem lies in the details of the spatiotemporal dynamics of the sporophylls in relation to their reproductive maturity. We studied these details across the floral lifetime of a protandrous shrub, Clerodendrum infortunatum (Lamiaceae), in rainforest fragments of the Western Ghats, India. We took photos of flowers at regular time intervals and measured sporophyll angles from the images. We also carried out a field experiment to determine stigma receptivity. We found that the stigma lobes remained narrowly opened at transition, and the stigma surfaces remained non‐receptive. Our findings suggest that the effectiveness of dichogamy is maximized through two properties of the transition phase: physical resistance to self‐pollen deposition by narrow stigma lobe opening and chemical non‐receptivity of the stigma during this phase. This study emphasizes the importance of accessory adaptations in movement‐assisted dichogamy to tackle the transition phase problem.

A cleaner goatskin preservation with leaf paste and powder: An approach for salinity remediation in tannery wastewater

In this study, a new skin preservation method using Clerodendrum viscosum leaf has been explored to find out an efficient alternative to the most popular salted preservation in leather processing. The effectiveness of the preservation systems was evaluated on a regular interval by measuring parameters like organoleptic properties, moisture content, bacterial count, and hydrothermal stability of preserved skins. After preservation, the goatskins were processed into crust leather and compared with different strength properties of corresponding conventionally preserved skins. The cross-sectional fiber structure was found undamaged by assessing scanning electron microscopy images. The salt-free preservation method in this study could reduce the total dissolved solids and chloride in the soaking liquor by 74% and 98% respectively. In contrast, the less-salt preservation method could reduce the total dissolved solids and chloride by 57% and 59%respectively. The overall results of this study revealed that the leaf of Clerodendrum viscosum plant can be used to preserve skin. The strength properties of the produced leathers also fulfilled the requirements of shoe upper leather. The proposed Eco-friendly preservation techniques are found comparable to a great extent with the traditional salt curing approaches. So, these can be used as viable alternative options for skin preservation in the leather processing industries.