Cordia Dichotoma Research Articles

Estimation of Metals in Different Medicinal Plants from Marathwada region

The present study was conducted to determine the concentration of heavy metals in some selected medicinal plants taken from Mahadeo dara, District Beed, India. Essential heavy metals such as Fe, Cu, Ni and Cr were investigated in leaves of Feronia limonia, Bauhinia racemosa, Pongamia pinnata, Dalbeagia sissoo, Terminalia arjuna, Ailanthus excelsa, Morinda tinctoria, Moringa oleifera, Cordia dichotoma by using inductive coupling plasma spectroscopy. Plants showed different metal concentration in the range of: 721.5–14481.4 ppm for Fe, 26.5–300 ppm for Cu, 6.7–638.9 ppm for Ni, 0.6–10 ppm for Co. High contents of Fe and Cu were found in all nine plants. Other heavy metals were present in low quantity. The purpose of this study was to identify each type of metal associated with a given plants and also to highlight the heavy metals present in these plants.

Development and validation of an high-performance liquid chromatography-diode array detector method for the simultaneous determination of six phenolic compounds in abnormal savda munziq decoction.

Aims:Given the high-effectiveness and low-toxicity of abnormal savda munziq (ASMQ), its herbal formulation has long been used in traditional Uyghur medicine to treat complex diseases, such as cancer, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases.Settings and Design:ASMQ decoction by reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with a diode array detector was successfully developed for the simultaneous quality assessment of gallic acid, protocatechuic acid, caffeic acid, rutin, rosmarinic acid, and luteolin. The six phenolic compounds were separated on an Agilent TC-C18 reversed-phase analytical column (4.6 × 250 mm, 5 μm) by gradient elution using 0.3% aqueous formic acid (v/v) and 0.3% methanol formic acid (v/v) at 1.0 mL/min.Materials and Methods:The plant material was separately ground and mixed at the following ratios (10): Cordia dichotoma (10.6), Anchusa italic (10.6), Euphorbia humifusa (4.9), Adiantum capillus-veneris (4.9), Ziziphus jujube (4.9), Glycyrrhiza uralensis (7.1), Foeniculum vulgare (4.9), Lavandula angustifolia (4.9), Dracocephalum moldavica L. (4.9), and Alhagi pseudoalhagi (42.3).Statistical Analysis Used:The precisions of all six compounds were <0.60%, and the average recoveries ranged from 99.39% to 104.85%. Highly significant linear correlations were found between component concentrations and specific chromatographic peak areas (R2 > 0.999).Results:The proposed method was successfully applied to determine the levels of six active components in ASMQ.Conclusions:Given the simplicity, precision, specificity, and sensitivity of the method, it can be utilized as a quality control approach to simultaneously determining the six phenolic compounds in AMSQ.

Phytochemical and analytical evaluation of Cordia dichotoma Linn. leaves

Background: An ethnomedicinally important plant, Cordia dichotoma Linn is practiced in various indigenous systems of medicine and popular among the various ethnic groups in India for the cure of variety of ailments as an astringent, anthelmentic, diuretic, demulcent, anti-diabetic and expectorant. Because of the increasing demand, maintaining quality standards is the need of the day. Aims and Objectives: The present study was designed to set standard pharmacognostical, physicochemical, phytochemical, fluorescence and HPTLC chromatographic profile of the leaves of Cordia dichotoma Linn (CD). Materials and Methods: CD, which was previously authenticated, was subjected to pharmacognostical, physicochemical, fluorescence and high performance thin-layer chromatography (HPTLC) analysis as per standard protocol. Results and Conclusion: The final observations were recorded. The loss on drying at 105oC was found to be 8.5% w/w, total ash value 13% w/w, acid-insoluble ash 5.07% w/w, water-soluble ash 5.49% w/w, water-soluble extractive 9.2% w/w, alcohol-soluble extractive 5.81% w/w and pH (1% aqueous extract) 6.88. Phytochemical screening showed the presence of steroid, carbohydrate, alkaloid, saponin, cardiac glycosides, flavonoid and phenolic compounds in methanolic extract. The CD fluorescence was seen in UV light and it was of different colour in different solvents. HPTLC analysis revealed 5 peaks at wavelength 366 nm with max R f values in the range of 0.3 to 0.93. The purity and quality of the leaves of Cordia dichotoma or pharmaceutical preparations prepared from it can be tested by pharmacognostical, physicochemical, fluorescence and HPTLC observations of the present study.

In vitro evaluation of Antioxidant, Cytoprotective and Antiulcer properties of Cordia Dichotoma fruit extracts

The present study is to evaluate the biopotency of Cordia dichotoma. The fruit extracts was examined for antioxidant, cytoprotective and antiulcer properties. Total polyphenolics content in Aqueous and methanolic extracts were found to be 5.81 and 3.56 Tannic acid equivalents (TAE) mg/g respectively. The phenolic contents were examined for radical scavenging activity by DPPH method. The antioxidant potential of these extracts was determined by reducing power assay and IC 50 was calculated. The cytoprotective studies were carried out using RBCs by biochemical and microscopic methods. Finally, antiulcer activity is evaluated by using H + K + -ATPase inhibition. During antiulcer studies the aqueous extract exhibited almost equal potential with respect to omeprezole (proton potassium ATPase inhibitor) drug. Whereas methanolic extract exhibited more potential than that of aqueous extract. The potentiality was based on IC 50 values.

Development and Evaluation of Mucoadhesive Patch Using a Natural Polysaccharide Isolated from Cordia dichotoma Fruit

Mucoadhesive formulations have been developed for oral, buccal, nasal, ocular, rectal and vaginal routes for either systemic or local effects. This drug delivery system is suitable for drugs undergoing high first pass metabolism. It improves bioavailability, reduces dosing frequency and thereby minimizes the side effects and also makes the dosage forms more cost effective. In the present study, polysaccharide derived from the fruits of Cordia dichotoma (Family- Boraginaceae) was investigated as a mucoadhesive polymer in oral (Buccal or sublingual) patch formulation. Ramipril, an antihypertensive drug, was selected as a model drug. The patches of Ramipril were prepared separately using different concentrations (2.5%, 5%, 7.5% and 10%) of isolated Cordia dichotoma fruit polysaccharide (Natural) by solvent casting method. The prepared patches were evaluated for various parameters. The drug excipient interactions were characterized by FTIR studies. The formulation F4 showed good swelling index with excellent mucoadhesive strength and convenient residence time as well as slow and sustained drug release.

Evaluation of anthelmintic activity and in silico PASS assisted prediction of Cordia dichotoma (Forst.) root extract.

Background:Worm infection and associated complications are severe problems that afflict a large population worldwide. Failure of synthetic drugs in worm infections because of drug resistance has made alternative drug therapy desirable. Cordia dichotoma (Forst.) is an ethnomedicinal plant which is rich in several secondary metabolites. Traditionally, the plant has been claimed to have high medicinal properties including antimicrobial activity and cytotoxicity.Materials and Methods:The study begun with an aim to explore plant-based natural anthelmintic agents against Pheretima posthuma, an Indian earthworm. Methanol extract of the drug was obtained by successive soxhlet extraction. The extract was tested for different phytochemicals. Worms were exposed to 10 mg/ml, 25 mg/ml, 50 mg/ml, and 75 mg/ml concentrations of extract and standard drug, albendazole. A software-based tool, prediction of activity spectra for substances was used to estimate anthelmintic efficacy of plant metabolites.Result:The phytochemical analysis revealed presence of alkaloids, tannins, glycosides, saponins, flavonoids, and phenols. The extract showed dose-dependent effects, affecting worm motility, viability, and mortality. It was also found that the biological activity spectrum of the plant phytoconstituents such as octacosanol, lupeol, caffeic acid, and hentricontanol were >0.5 (probable activity > 0.5).Conclusion:The findings of the present work suggest that the extract of C. dichotoma significantly interferes with motility pattern of P. posthuma. The paralysis and mortality of P. posthuma might be due to the combined effects different phytoconstituents. The extract of C. dichotoma promises natural sources to control worm infection.

REVIEW ON ETHNOBOTANY AND PHYTOPHARMACOLOGY OF CORDIA DICHOTOMA

Cordia dichotoma is a tree of tropical and subtropical regions.It grows in sub-Himalayan tract and outer ranges, ascending up to about 1500 m elevation. Native: India, Nepal. As a qualitative assay, for the presence of the plant phytoconstituents such as carbohydrates, alkaloids,  glycosides,flavonoids, tannins and saponins. Various parts of this plant such as leaves,root as, seed, bark and fruit, possess  immunomodulator, antidiabetic, anthelmintic, antiulcer and as a,antilarvicidal and hepatoprotective activities. Various phytopharmacological evaluations have been reported in this literature for the important potential of the Cordia dichotoma. Keywords: Cordia Dichotoma, Phytochemicals, Pharmacological properties

马尾松人工林近自然化改造对植物自然更新及物种多样性的影响

中国人工林面积居世界第一位,而马尾松是中国人工林面积较大的树种之一,广泛分布于中国的亚热带区域。马尾松适应能力强,耐干旱、瘠薄,是南方低山丘陵区群落演替的先锋树种,也是荒山绿化造林的主要树种,马尾松人工林对生态防护、生态治理有着重大的意义。但是,绝大部分马尾松人工林为人工纯林,生态系统比较脆弱,生态服务功能较差。人工林的近自然改造对于增加林地生物多样性,提升人工林的生态服务功能具有重要意义。2005年,对中国林业科学院热带林业试验中心1993年造林的马尾松人工林进行4种不同强度(50%、40%、30%、20%)间伐后,套种大叶栎(<em>Castanopsis fissa</em>)、米老排(<em>Mytilaria laosensis</em>)、润楠(<em>Machilus pingii</em>)、红锥(<em>C. hystrix</em>)4个乡土阔叶树种,各种套种密度皆为120株/hm²。分别于间伐前(2004年)及2010年对群落生物多样性及人工套种树种生态情况进行调查,结果表明:(1)间伐处理后,自然更新至乔木层的物种种类和数量都有显著的增加,600 m²的样方中,物种数由(2.75±2.56)种增加到(11.17±4.32)种,个体数由(5.75±4.31)株增加到(32.17±19.09)株,群落中乔木亚层的优势种变化不大,主要有南酸枣(<em>Choerospondias axillaris</em>)、水锦树(<em>Wendlandia uvariifolia</em>),枫香(<em>Liquidambar formosana</em>)、破布木(<em>Cordia dichotoma</em>)、白背桐(<em>Mallotus paniculatus</em>)等。新增加到乔木层的物种大都为之前群落中灌木层的种类,主要有三桠苦(<em>Evodia lepta</em>)、鸭脚木(<em>Schefflera minutistellata</em>)、白花龙(<em>Styrax faberi</em>)、中平树(<em>Macaranga denticulata</em>)、黄毛榕(<em>Ficus esquiroliana</em>)、华南毛柃(<em>Eurya ciliata</em>)、罗浮柿(<em>Diospyros morrisiana</em>)、猴耳环(<em>Pithecellobium clypearia</em>)、木姜子(<em>Litsea pungens</em>)、毛黄肉楠(<em>Actinodaphne pilosa</em>)等。(2)间伐处理前,600 m²样方中出现的灌草种类数量为(24.63±4.24)种,间伐处理后,600 m²样方中出现的灌草种类数量为(27.58±3.80)种,不同间伐强度处理后林下灌草的优势种与间伐前大致相同,灌木层优势种为三桠苦,草本层优势种为弓果黍(<em>Cyrtococcum patens</em>)。不同间伐强度处理林分间,灌木层和草本层的物种丰富度指数、Shannon-Wiener指数、Simpson指数和Pielou指数均无显著差异,且与间伐前林分也无显著差异。(3)间伐促进了4个乡土树种幼树的生长,随着间伐强度的增加,大叶栎、红锥幼树的高度和胸径显著增长;50%的间伐强度的林分中,阔叶树种幼树的长势要显著好于其他间伐强度,50%的间伐强度最有利于马尾松林下套种的阔叶树种生长。(4)在马尾松林下套种的4个阔叶树种幼树的初期生长有明显差异。总体而言,大叶栎与米老排幼树的早期生长速率要明显高于红锥和润楠。;China has the world's largest total area of plantation resource, among which the most common species is masson pine (<em>Pinus massoniana</em> Lamb). As a pioneer tree species in hill areas of southern China, masson pine is highly resistant to drought and infertile soils and thus plays an important role in the ecological restoration. However, as most masson pine plantations are monocultures, consisting of a single dominant tree species, their ecosystem services are often poor. Close-to-nature management is of great significance for the increase of species diversity and the improvement of ecological service in plantations. In 2005, a thinning experiment was conducted in a 12-year-old masson pine plantation in the Experiment Center of Tropical Forestry of Chinese Academy of Forestry, with four different levels of thinning density (i.e. 50%, 40%, 30%, and 20%). Then, four native broad-leaved tree species, ie. <em>Castanopsis fissa</em>, <em>Mytilaria laosensis</em>, <em>Machilus pingii</em> and <em>C. hystrix</em>, were interplanted with a density of 120 trees/hm² in the thinned masson pine plantation. We investigated the community species diversity and growth conditions before the thinning experiment. Five years later, a re-investigation of the plots showed that: (1) the number of tree layer species were significant increased, with the species richness per plot (600 m²) from 2.75±2.56 to 11.17±4.32 and individual number from 5.75±2.56 to 32.17.17±19.09. In addition to the original dominant species before the experiment, nearly 10 species in original shrub layer grew into tree layer, including <em>Evodia lepta</em>,<em>Schefflera minutistellata</em>,<em>Styrax faberi</em>,<em>Macaranga denticulata</em>,<em>Ficus esquiroliana</em>,<em>Eurya ciliata</em>,<em>Diospyros morrisiana</em>,<em>Pithecellobium clypearia</em>,<em>Litsea pungens</em> and <em>Actinodaphne pilosa</em>. (2) the number of shrub and herb layer species increased only slightly from 24.63±4.24 to 27.58±3.80 per plot (600 m²). Different thinning density treatments had no significant effect on shrub-herb species in terms of Species richness index, Shannon-Wiener index, Simpson index, and Pielou index. The dominant species in shrub and herb layer were <em>Evodia lepta</em> and <em>Cyrtococcum patens</em>, respectively, which are similar with those before the thinning experiment. (3) The saplings of broad-leaved tree species benefited greatly from thinning management. The height and DBH increased significantly with the thinning intensity in <em>Castanopsis fissa</em> and <em>C. hystrix</em>. In the 50% thinning intensity stands, the broad-leaves tree saplings had significantly better performance than those in other stands, suggesting that the 50% thinning management was optimal for the growth of broad-leaves tree species. (4) There were significantly differences in early growth among the four broad-leave tree species in masson pine plantation. Overall, the early growth rates of <em>C. fissa</em> and <em>Mytilaria laosensis</em> were obviously higher than the other two species. Our results highlight the significant effects of close-to-nature management, i.e. thinning of dominant masson pine and interplanting of native tree species, on the increase of species diversity in plantations even in a relative short experimental period. As higher levels of species diversity are essential for community stability (e.g. the resistance of forest to variable disturbances), the close-to-nature management will benefit the supply of high-quality timbers and ecological services in masson pine plantations.

In vitro evaluation of antioxidant activity of Cordia dichotoma (Forst f.) bark

Cordia dichotoma Forst. f. bark, identified as botanical source of Shleshmataka in Ayurvedic pharmacopoeia. Present investigation was undertaken to evaluate possible antioxidant potential of methanolic and butanol extract of C. dichotoma bark. In vitro antioxidant activity of methanolic and butanol extract was determined by 1,1, diphenyl–2, picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radical scavenging assay. The extracts were also evaluated for their phenolic contents and antioxidant activity. Phenolic content was measured using Folin–Ciocalteu reagent and was calculated as Gallic acid equivalents. Antiradical activity of methanolic extract was measured by DPPH assay and was compared to ascorbic acid and ferric reducing power of the extract was evaluated by Oyaizu method. In the present study three in vitro models were used to evaluate antioxidant activity. The first two methods were for direct measurement of radical scavenging activity and remaining one method evaluated the reducing power. The present study revealed that the C. dichotoma bark has significant radical scavenging activity.

Structure and properties of new natural cellulose fabrics from Cordia dichotoma

Natural cellulose fabrics were newly identified from the branches of the Cordia dichotoma. The structure of the fabrics was analysed by FTIR and X-ray diffraction. The net-like morphologies of the untreated, bleached and 5% NaOH (alkali) treated lignocellulose fabrics were observed by SEM and POM. The increase in thermal stability of alkali treated fabrics when compared to the untreated and bleached fabrics was confirmed by the TGA analyses. The effect of bleaching and alkali treatment on the properties of the fabrics was also studied. The alkali treated fabrics exhibited the highest tensile strength of 36.2MPa, elongation at break of 2% and Young's modulus of 3699.2MPa when compared to the untreated and bleached fabrics. The structure and properties of the fabrics indicated that they could be suitable for blending and processing with biodegradable polymers to make green composites for various types of applications.

Use of apigenin from Cordia dichotoma in the treatment of colitis

Cordia dichotoma f. (Boraginaceae) is a small deciduous tree from India. The bark of was used in the treatment of ulcerative colitis (UC) and colic pain traditionally hence present work was undertaken to identify the phytoconstituent responsible for this activity. Apigenin is isolated by column chromatography from methanol fraction of crude methanol extract of C. dichotoma bark. Structure of apigenin is established by various spectroscopic studies. Apigenin (5mg/kg, p.o.) showed significant healing and reduction in inflammatory enzymes when screened for UC. It can be concluded that apigenin from C. dichotoma bark may be responsible for the treatment of UC.

Use of Cordia dichotoma bark in the treatment of ulcerative colitis

Context: The plant Cordia dichotoma Forst. f. (Boraginaceae) is commonly known as “Bhokar” in Marathi. This tree species has been of interest to researchers because traditionally its bark is reported in the treatment of ulcer and colic pain.Objective: The present work was undertaken to validate its folk use in the treatment of ulcerative colitis (UC) by using scientific methods.Materials and methods: Dried bark powder was extracted with methanol and this crude methanol extract was fractionated using various solvents. These fractions were tested for effectiveness against UC. Macroscopical study and histopathology of the colon, level of myeloperoxidase (MPO) and malondialdehyde (MDA) in colon and blood were studied for the assessment of the activity. Antioxidant activity of these fractions was screened by using various methods.Results: Animals treated with the methanol fraction of the crude methanol extract showed lower pathological scores and good healing. This fraction reduced MPO and MDA levels significantly in blood and tissue. It showed antioxidant potential [in DPPH (1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl) assay IC50 value is 26.25; trolox equivalent (TE) antioxidant capacity µg/ml TE/g of plant material on dry basis in ABTS (2,2′-azinobis[3-ethylbenzthiazoline]-6-sulfonic acid) and FRAP (ferric reducing antioxidant potential) assay is 2.03 and 2.45, respectively]. The fraction contains a high level of phenolics.Discussion and conclusion: The methanol fraction of crude methanol extract of C. dichotoma bark is effective in the treatment of UC.

In vitro antimicrobial activity of ten medicinal plants against clinical isolates of oral cancer cases

BackgroundSuppression of immune system in treated cancer patients may lead to secondary infections that obviate the need of antibiotics. In the present study, an attempt was made to understand the occurrence of secondary infections in immuno-suppressed patients along with herbal control of these infections with the following objectives to: (a) isolate the microbial species from the treated oral cancer patients along with the estimation of absolute neutrophile counts of patients (b) assess the in vitro antimicrobial activity medicinal plants against the above clinical isolates.MethodsBlood and oral swab cultures were taken from 40 oral cancer patients undergoing treatment in the radiotherapy unit of Regional Cancer Institute, Pt. B.D.S. Health University,Rohtak, Haryana. Clinical isolates were identified by following general microbiological, staining and biochemical methods. The absolute neutrophile counts were done by following the standard methods. The medicinal plants selected for antimicrobial activity analysis were Asphodelus tenuifolius Cav., Asparagus racemosus Willd., Balanites aegyptiaca L., Cestrum diurnum L., Cordia dichotoma G. Forst, Eclipta alba L., Murraya koenigii (L.) Spreng. , Pedalium murex L., Ricinus communis L. and Trigonella foenum graecum L. The antimicrobial efficacy of medicinal plants was evaluated by modified Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion method. MIC and MFC were investigated by serial two fold microbroth dilution method.ResultsPrevalent bacterial pathogens isolated were Staphylococcus aureus (23.2%), Escherichia coli (15.62%), Staphylococcus epidermidis (12.5%), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (9.37%), Klebsiella pneumonia (7.81%), Proteus mirabilis (3.6%), Proteus vulgaris (4.2%) and the fungal pathogens were Candida albicans (14.6%), Aspergillus fumigatus (9.37%). Out of 40 cases, 35 (87.5%) were observed as neutropenic. Eight medicinal plants (A. tenuifolius, A. racemosus, B. aegyptiaca, E. alba, M. koenigii, P. murex R. communis and T. foenum graecum) showed significant antimicrobial activity (P < .05) against most of the isolates. The MIC and MFC values were ranged from 31 to 500 μg/ml. P. aeruginosa was observed highest susceptible bacteria (46.6%) on the basis of susceptible index.ConclusionIt can be concluded that treated oral cancer patients were neutropenic and prone to secondary infection of microbes. The medicinal plant can prove as effective antimicrobial agent to check the secondary infections in treated cancer patients.

Biochemical Changes in Relation to Growth and Ripening of Indian Cherry (Cordia dichotoma): An Underutilized Fruit

The underutilized fruit of Cordia dichotoma, which is popularly known as Indian cherry, was studied at its sequential stages of growth and ripening. The biochemical analysis of this fruit revealed that it is a climacteric type and is a rich source of sugars, proteins, and phenolic compounds, indicating its potential as a nutritious food. The change in the specific activities of enzymes, such as amylase, invertase, catalase, peroxidase, pectinmethylesterase, cellulase, and polygalacturonase, was correlated with the compositional changes of the fruit during growth and ripening.

Antimicrobial and antifungal activities of Cordia dichotoma (Forster F.) bark extracts

Cordia dichotoma Forst.f. bark, identified as botanical source of Shlesmataka in Ayurvedic pharmacopoeias. Present study was carried out with an objective to investigate the antibacterial and antifungal potentials of Cordia dichotoma bark. Antibacterial activity of methanol and butanol extracts of the bark was carried out against two gram negative bacteria (Escherichia coli, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa) and two Gram positive bacteria (St. pyogenes and Staphylococcus aureus). The antifungal activity of the extracts was carried out against three common pathogenic fungi (Aspergillus niger, A.clavatus, and Candida albicans). Zone of inhibition of extracts was compared with that of different standards like Amplicilline, Ciprofloxacin, Norfloxacin and Chloramphenicol for antibacterial activity and Nystain and Greseofulvin for antifungal activity. The extracts showed remarkable inhibition of zone of bacterial growth and fungal growth and the results obtained were comparable with that of standards drugs against the organisms tested. The activity of extracts increased linearly with increase in concentration of extract (mg/ml). The results showed the antibacterial and antifungal activity against the organisms tested.

Antimicrobial and free radical scavenging activity of extracts of some Indian medicinal plants

Antimicrobial and antioxidant potency of aqueous and organic solvent extracts of five Indian medicinal plants (Prosopis cineraria, Capparis decidua, Tinospora cordifolia, Carissa carandas and Cordia dichotoma) was investigated. The acetone and ethanol extracts exhibited highest antimicrobial activity (60 to 80% and 40 to 60%, respectively) againstStaphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Escherichia coli, Aspergillus niger andCandida albicans. Acetone extracts showed inhibitory zones ranging from 11.2 - 19.8 mm whereas no inhibitory effect was observed for aqueous extracts. During NBT assay of acetone and ethanol extracts of all the plants, maximum antioxidant activity was noticed in C. carandas (63.5 and 61.0% for acetone and ethanol extracts, respectively). The inhibitory potential when compared with known antioxidant (L-ascorbic acid), it was observed that IC50values of acetone extracts of C. carandas and T. cordifolia (93 and 97 µg/ml) were very close to L-ascorbic acid (81 µg/ml). The results suggest that C. carandas has promising antimicrobial and antioxidant activities. Key words: Antimicrobial activity, antioxidant activity, microbial susceptibility index, NBT, medicinal plants.

Nutrient content of important fruit trees from arid zone of Rajasthan

Forests have provided food and shelter to man since ages. About 20% of the plants occurring in the forests are reported to have direct utility to mankind. Around 600 plant species in Indian forests are ennumerated to have food value. Arid zone vegetation comprises a wide range of edible fruit bearing and food producing species viz. Capparis decidua (ker), Cordia dichotoma (lasora), Ziziphus mauritiana (ber), Z. nummularia (bordi), Salvadora oleoides (Jal), Balanites aegyptiaca (hingota), Prosopis cineraria (khejri) etc. which play an important role in the nutrition of children in rural and urban areas alike and are relished by them. Most of these fruits are rich sources of protein and energy. Ker is a rich source of fibre, vitamin A and vitamin C. Ber is richer than apple in protein, phosphorous, calcium, carotene and vitamin C. However they are often under valued and underutilized as more exotic fruits become accessible. Also most of these are not cultivated and there is only scant and dispersed knowledge about them. Their production and consumption provides a dietary supplement as well as commercial opportunity. Potential fruit species from arid region are reviewed in context with their nutrient contents. Key words: Fruits, nutrition, protein, vitamin A, energy.

Local perceptions of grassland change and priorities for conservation of natural resources of Banni, Gujarat, India

This study was conducted in the Banni region of the Gujarat State, India, which is located in the western-most end of the country. The main objective was to investigate the local perceptions of grassland change, regeneration potentiality, socio-economic status and factors that cause degradation of the vegetation resources in Banni. Participatory Rural Appraisal (PRA) was employed to generate the socio-economic profile of interviewed villages or hamlets. Information on vegetation deterioration and changes in species composition significant for sustainable management of grassland was obtained through interviews with 51 elderly maldharies (pastoralists) and local inhabitants living in 31 villages in Banni. Local people had observed a change in the local surrounding habitats from grassland to woodland (dominated by Prosopis juliflora, locally called Gando Bavar) during their lifetime and considered it primarily a result of frequent intensive drought, constructed dams on flooding rivers in Banni, and declining rainfall. The socio-economic survey showed that the Banni communities are highly dependent on the natural grassland for various purposes. In particular, nine woody species were useful for construction of the traditional house called Bhunga, four for medicine and 22 for livestock fodder. Highly preferred and declining species were characteristically large wild thorny trees with edible fruits, viz. Acacia nilotica subsp. indica (Bavar), Prosopis cineraria (Kandho), and Salvadora persica (Kharijar). Some of the locally highly preferred grass species were also considered to be declining in the local environs; they included Dichanthium annulatum (Jinjvo), Cenchrus ciliaris (Dhaman), Sporobolus fertilis (Khevai) and Chloris barbata (Siyarpuchha). The study furthermore identified a close coincidence between the interest in conserving tree species diversity nearby the natural water resources and priorities of local inhabitants, which included protection of plenty of large trees (including many fruit tress, viz. Mangifera indicia (Ambo), Cordia dichotoma (Gunda)and Pithecellobium dulce (Gorasamli)), improvement of woody fodder tree and grass species regeneration, and reduction of overgrazing pressure on grasslands. Focusing management strategies on increasing the populations of such declining and highly preferred tree and grass species, by active restoration and grazing policies, would enhance the natural resource value and biodiversity wealth considerably and thereby the quality of life for the local inhabitants. The implications of the results are discussed and recommendations are suggested for conservation, management, and sustainable utilization of the fragile grassland ecosystem of the Banni region.

Two new species of eriophyid mites (Acari: Eriophyidae) from India

Two new species of eriophyid mites (Acari: Prostigmata) viz. Cosetacus sharadi n. sp., collected from leaf erineum on Cordia dichotoma (Boraginaceae), and Acalitus delhiensis n. sp., collected from leaf erineum on Salvadora persica (Salvadoraceae), are described from India. Cosetacus sharadi has divided feather claw, each branch comprising of 4–5 rays, shield with median line present from rear to mid, admedian lines parallel to median line till mid, then bulging out meeting at the anterior end, submedian lines present from anterior to mid, epigynium ribbed in 2 ranks, accessory seta absent, antapical seta present. Acalitus delhiensis has 7 rayed simple feather claw, shield with median line present in rear to mid, admedian and submedian lines branched, epigynium coarsely granulated, accessory seta and antapical seta absent.

Successful Treatment with a Combination of Endoscopic Injection and Irrigation with Coca Cola for Gastric Bezoar-induced Gastric Outlet Obstruction

We report a case of gastric bezoar-induced gastric outlet obstruction that was successfully treated with a combination of endoscopic injection and irrigation with Coca Cola. A 73-year-old diabetic woman had a history of perforated peptic ulcer and had received pyloroplasty more than 20 years previously. She had been ingesting Pho Pu Zi (Cordia dichotoma Forst. f.) as an appetizer for 1 month. She presented with epigastric pain, nausea, and vomiting. Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy, performed at a local hospital, showed 2 gastric bezoars in the stomach, and 1 of them impacted at the pylorus. She was referred to our emergency department for removal of the gastric bezoars that were suspected to be causing gastric outlet obstruction. All attempts at endoscopic removal using a polypectomy snare, biopsy forceps and Dormia basket failed. We then injected Coca Cola directly into the bezoar mass, followed by irrigation with Coca Cola. Follow-up endoscopy was performed the next day, which revealed that the gastric bezoars had dissolved spontaneously.