Diospyros Melanoxylon Roxb Research Articles

Green Synthesis of Poly(vinyl alcohol)‐Silver Nanoparticles Composite Using Kendu (Diospyros melanoxylon Roxb) Fruit Peel Extract and Its Antibacterial Activity

AbstractGreenly synthesized silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) are gaining attention as potential antimicrobials. We report on the green method for the synthesis of poly (vinyl alcohol) (PVA) – silver nanoparticles (PVA‐AgNPs) composite 1 using Kendu (Diospyros melanoxylon Roxb) fruit peel (KFP) aqueous extract. The use of KFP extract for the synthesis of AgNPs in the composite has been investigated for the first time. UV−visible spectroscopy and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) are employed to characterize the prepared AgNPs. The FTIR and 1H NMR spectral analyses reveal the involvement of phytochemicals of the KFP extract in the composite synthesis. The composite exhibits strong antibacterial activity against both Gram‐ negative Escherichia coli and Gram‐positive Staphylococcus aureus bacterial pathogens and action increases with AgNPs content.

Collection and Marketing of Tendu Leaves in Rajasthan, India

Tendu (Diospyros melanoxylon Roxb.) belong to the Family Ebenaceae, which is endemic to the Indian subcontinent. Locally, it is known as temburini. The leaves obtained from Diospyros melanoxylon, vernacularly known as ‘tendu’, ‘kendu’, ‘abnus’ or ‘bidi’ are the most extensively collected both for local consumption and for export. Tribal people in the nation have the right to gather, protect, and promote forest resources under the Forest Rights Act. As tendu leaves are the main source of money for a sizable population that depends on collecting forest food, it is also known as "green gold" in tribal areas. The harvesting of tendu leaves provides work for 75 lakh (7.5 million) individuals nationwide for around three months, according to data from the Tribal Cooperative Marketing Development Federation of India. The State Government determines the collection fees per typical bag of 1000 bundles (50 leaves/bundle), or 50,000 leaves/ bag, which are to be given to tendu leaves collecting labour. Tendu Patta collection & trade is controlled by the Rajasthan Tendu Leaves (Regulation of Trade) Act, 1974 and rules made there under called Rajasthan Tendu Leaves (Regulation of Trade) Rules, 1974. In the districts of Pratapgarh, Banswara, Udaipur, Dungarpur, Pali, Baran, Bhilwara, Jhalawar, and Dholpur, among others, tendu leaves are mostly harvested. In the summer, both locals and tribal members gather these leaves. Aside from this, over 30 lakh (3 million) people rely on creating bidis from these leaves for their living. In the year 2021–2022, 317206 bags were sold, generating a total of ₹4069 lakhs in revenue. The analysis showed a stagnant but significant growth both in production and revenue generated from tendu leaves. Assured reserve prices and bonuses for labourers will help in increasing the revenue from tendu leaves as it will give impetus to labourers.

A detailed insight into the adsorption efficiency of Cr(VI) by a novel polypyrrole modified kendu (Diospyros melanoxylon Roxb) seed biochar

The occurrence of heavy metals in drinking water is a foremost health concern in today’s world. The use of naturally occurring biomass for the removal of toxic pollutants from water is a proficient and inexpensive treatment method. Based on a comprehensive study of the pyrolysis features, pore configuration, chemical functionality, and carbon framework, we report a cost-effective polypyrrole-modified kendu (Diospyros melanoxylon Roxb) seed-derived biochar (PPY-KSC) via oxidative polymerization. The potentiality of hexavalent chromium decontamination from an aqueous solution was assessed by applying PPY-KSC as a bio-adsorbent. Synthetic steps were designed and the reusability of biomass was investigated by taking the minimum toxicity of the environment into account. The 1:1 V/W (volume/weight) ratio of pyrrole and KSC was optimized for the production of PPY-KSC considering the effectiveness of Cr(VI) removal. All the synthesized biochar were characterized following several techniques such as TEM, SEM, FTIR, XRD, Raman, Zeta potential, BET, and TGA analysis. SEM, TEM, and BET analysis proposes that PPY-KSC exhibited a spherical polypyrrole chain with an uneven microporous structure having an elevated surface area (81.55 m2/g) than KSC. PPY-KSC showed efficient Cr(VI) adsorption (98.8%) for 30 mg adsorbent dose in 100 mL of 10 ppm of Cr(VI) solution in 70 min at room temperature. Cr(VI) adsorption was following the pseudo-second-order kinetic model besides obeying the Langmuir isotherm model with R2 = 0.99 and a Langmuir adsorption capacity of 81.96 mg/g. Furthermore, a simultaneous physio-chemical process along with microporous capture governs adsorption. The Intraparticle diffusion model demonstrates the chemical interaction between polypyrrole and chromium through the electrostatic force of attraction. The thermodynamic parameters signify the remediation of Cr(VI) was irreversible, spontaneous, feasible and endothermic. The present approach allows reusability and studies showed that PPY-KSC owes the sorption property being 81.5% efficient up to five consecutive cycles.

Phytochemical screening and anti-oxidant property of Diospyros melanoxylon used by Gothi Koya and Konda Reddi Tribes of Kinnerasani Wildlife Sanctury, Paloncha, Bhadradri Kothagudem district, Telangana

The Present study emphasizes that the preliminary phytochemical screening and the anti-oxidant activity of an important medicinal plant which was often used by primitive tribal groups of Gothi Koya and Konda Reddi located at Kinnerasani wildlife Sanctuary, Paloncha, Bhadradri Kothagudem district, Telangana state, India. Based on the uses of whole plant, phytochemical constituents, anti-oxidant property Diospyros melanoxylon Roxb was considering an important medicinal plant. Diospyros melanoxylon Roxb leaf extracts were screened for phytochemical components and for anti-oxidant activity. DPPH, Nitric Oxide, Superoxide, Hydrogen peroxide scavenging activity of methanol leaf extracts at different concentrations were studied (ascorbic acid used as standard). The present study revealed the presence of phytochemical compounds and anti-oxidant activity of the extracts of Diospyros melanoxylon Roxb at all concentrations tested.

Characterization and Optimization of Process Parameters for Enzyme Assisted Extraction of Kendu (Diospyros Melanoxylon Roxb.) Fruit Juice

ABSTRACT Kendu (Diospyros melanoxylon Roxb.), an underutilized seasonal fruit of India, is a rich source of many medicinal and nutritional properties. However, due to lack of proper postharvest practices, the fruit remains unutilized. The present work is aimed at the optimization of enzyme assisted juice extraction process based on selected quality characteristics of the final product. Pectinase enzyme was used to extract the juice. Box-Behnken design in response surface methodology (RSM) was adopted to optimize the three process variables viz. incubation time (30–90 min), incubation temperature (30–45 °C), and enzyme concentration (0.01–0.1%, w/w). Various quality parameters of the product, such as juice yield, clarity, pH, viscosity, titratable acidity, and total soluble solids were characterized, and the process was optimized. An acceptable quality juice was obtained at the optimal conditions of 30 min incubation time, 30 oC incubation temperature, and 0.053%, w/w enzyme concentration.

Physical Characterization and Mass Modeling of Kendu (Diospyros melanoxylon Roxb.) Fruit

ABSTRACT Kendu (Diospyros melanoxylon Roxb.) is an underutilized nutritious fruit found in most of the Asian countries. The proper design and development of a grading system would help in improving the utilization of the fruit. Mass-based grading is more economical than the size-based grading of fruits. The present study determines the best-suited models for predicting the Kendu mass using various physical attributes. The physical attributes like linear dimensions, diameters, areas, volumes, aspect ratio, sphericity, and frictional properties of Kendu fruit were measured. The true volume, surface area, and porosity of the fruit were 21,840 mm3, 3522.77 mm2, and 54.72%, respectively. The fruit was spherical with a sphericity value of 1. Four different models viz. linear, quadratic, power, and s-curve were used to correlate the mass of fruit with its physical attributes. The quadratic and linear models were found to be the best models for predicting the mass of Kendu using different physical attributes. The best fit of the model was selected according to the high coefficient of determination (R2) values. The results obtained from this work would contribute to the scientific knowledge base for designing grading, sorting, and processing equipment.

Impact of pruning of Diospyros melanoxylon Roxb. (Tendu) bushes on yield and quality of leaves in Maharashtra

Studies were conducted in SFD controlled pruned tendu bushes dominating forests and CFR controlled non-pruned poles bearing forests in Gondia and Gadchiroli forest divisions of Maharashtra to assess the impact of pruning of tendu bushes on the yield and quality of its leaves. This tree species has attained great economic importance due to its leaves being used as wrappers in the bidi (Indian cigarette) industry and is the good source ofrevenue generation to the states like M.P., Maharashtra, Odisha and U.P. Pruned bushes contributed more than five times healthy leaves (60.33%) than non-pruned poles (11.90%). Gall infested, diseased and defoliated leaves in pruned bushes were recorded less (7.98%, 2.47% and 29.21% respectively), when compared with non-pruned poles (15.37%, 4.97% and 67.76% respectively). The Specific Leaf Area (SLA), which shows the quality of leaves, was found higher (7.46 mm2/mg) in pruned bushes than non-pruned poles (6.39 mm2/mg) exhibiting the better quality of leaves collected from the pruned bushes. Leaf gall in tendu was caused by insect Trioza obsolete, leaf blight disease by Pestalotia diospyri and defoliation by Hypocala rostrata insect. Healthy tendu leaves exhibited maximum carbohydrates and phenols content, while maximum proline was found in diseased leaves and maximum ascorbic acid in insect attacked leaves.

Kendu – a promising underutilized forest fruit species for poverty alleviation of tribals

Kendu (Diospyros melanoxylon Roxb.), an underexploited fruit species, is grown as natural wild in the forests and marginal lands of West Bengal, Orissa, Madhya Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh and Andhra Pradesh. In West Bengal, it is commonly found in plateau districts of Bankura, Purulia and Paschim Midnapur. Being a highly economical species for the local inhabitants and tribals, it is naturally being protected by them. All the plant parts like bark, leaves, fruits and seeds can be used for different commercial purposes. Fruits are a good source of carbohydrates, calcium, phosphorus and carotene and can prevent malnutrition of tribals. Dried powdered fruit is used as carminative and dried flowers are reported to be useful in urinary, skin and blood diseases. Seeds are prescribed for curing mental disorders, palpitation of heart and nervous breakdown. Leaves are used as raw material of the 'Bidi' industry and West Bengal Tribal Development Co-operative Corporation Limited (WBTDCC) has given top priority in this regard. Due to its immense importance, this crop should be given priority so that it can provide the nutritional security and uplift the socio-economic condition of the poor tribal peoples. Hence, a review of this crop on different aspects of nutritional, medicinal, etc., has been done with a view to exploit this underexploited fruit tree to a maximum extent.

ANTIOXIDANT AND ANTICANCER ACTIVITY OF EXTRACT AND FRACTIONS OBTAINED FROM DIOSPYROS MELANOXYLON ROXB. LEAVES AND CORRELATION WITH THEIR POLYPHENOLIC PROFILES

Objective: The current study evaluates the antioxidant and cytotoxic prospective of the leaves from Diospyros melanoxylon Roxb. (D. melanoxylon).Methods: Qualitative phytochemical analysis of the samples from D. melanoxylon was carried out for the detection of secondary metabolites. Total content of flavonoids, phenolics, triterpenoids, and tannins in D. melanoxylon was evaluated using colorimetric assay. Qualitative analysis of polyphenolic compounds was performed using HPLC method. The antioxidant activity was examined by assessing the various free radical scavenging assays. Five human cancerous cell lines (HeLa, MCF-7, HCT-116, PC-3, and HEK293), one rat colon cancer cell line (RCC 45) and two normal cell lines (NKE and WI-38) were used for evaluating the anticancer activity through methylene blue assay.Results: The results indicated that ethyl acetate fraction (EAF) and aqueous fraction (AQF) exhibited the remarkable content of flavonoids, phenolics, triterpenoids, and tannins. Both EAF and AQF have cytotoxic activity with significant IC50 values but not showed significant antioxidant activity. However, the most powerful anticancer activity was recorded by EAF followed by AQF in a dose-dependent manner. It was also revealed that EAF and AQF were biocompatible with the normal cell lines.Conclusion: Our principal finding exhibited a potent anticancer activity. Furthermore, it was also indicated that samples contain secondary metabolites like flavonoids, phenolics, triterpenoids, and tannins. We suggest that the further investigation on this herb is effective against various types of ailments including cancer.Keywords: Diospyros melanoxylon Roxb., Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), High-Pressure Liquid Chromatography (HPLC), Polyphenols, Antioxidant, Anticancer

In search of suitable extraction technique for large scale commercial production of bioactive fraction for the treatment of diabetes: The case Diospyros melanoxylon Roxb.

Diospyros melanoxylon Roxb. (D. melanoxylon) belongs to the family Ebenaceae and its leaves are very well known for making beedi throughout the World. The current study estimated the comparative extraction technique and its in-vitro antidiabetic prospective of the leaves of D. melanoxylon. Qualitative phytochemicals analysis of the samples from D. melanoxylon was carried out for the detection of secondary metabolites. Total phenolics, flavonoids, triterpenoids and tannins content of D. melanoxylon were estimated using colorimetric assay. Microwave-assisted extraction (MAE) technique with a low carbon output was observed for the speedy extraction of bioactive compounds obtained from Diospyros melanoxylon leaf extract. MAE produced a maximum yield of bioactive compounds which was found to be more efficient than ultrasound, soxhlet and maceration extraction. Qualitative HPLC analysis was performed for bioactive compounds. The in-vitro antidiabetic assay was performed using α-amylase and α-glucosidase inhibitory activity. In conclusion, the fractions exhibited the concentration-dependent inhibitory effect with significant (P < 0.0001) result. So the above performance might be accountable for the antidiabetic activity of D. Melanoxylon leaf extract due to presence of bioactive compounds.

A novel compound Lup-20 (29)-ene-3α,6β-diol identified in petroleum ether extract of diospyros melanoxylon Roxb. leaves and to reveal its antidiabetic activity in rats

Background: Diospyros melanoxylon Roxb. belongs to the family Ebenaceae and its leaves show diuretic, carminative, laxative, and styptic bioactivities. Objective: The objective of this study was to give a direction for future investigators to carry out research on phytochemistry and develop a potent antidiabetic agent. Materials and Methods: Petroleum ether extract of D. melanoxylon Roxb. leaves was chromatographed over silica gel column. Isolated compounds were elucidated on the basis of different spectroscopic techniques (mass spectrometry, infrared, 1H, 13C nuclear magnetic resonance, and distortionless enhancement by polarization transfer). Antidiabetic activity of lup-20 (29)-ene-3α,6 β-diol was evaluated in streptozotocin diabetic rats. Results: A novel compound, lup-20 (29)-ene-3α,6 β-diol (6), was identified along with 11 known natural compounds, namely, lupeol (1), ceryl alcohol (2), octacosanol-1 (3), hentriacontanol-1 (4), β-sitosterol (5), diospyrin (7), 3α-methoxydiospyrin (8), betulin (9), ursolic acid (10), betulinic acid (11), and oleanolic acid (12). Further administration of lup-20 (29)-ene-3α,6 β-diol significantly improved the diabetes-induced oxidative stress. Conclusion: Investigation of this novel compound plays an important role in the field of drug development. Abbreviations used: STZ: (Streptozotocin); LPO: (Lipid Peroxidation); SOD: (Superoxide Dismutase); CAT: (Catalase); GSH: (Reduced Glutathione).

Physico-Chemical, Mechanical and Antioxidant Properties of Kendu (Diospyros melanoxylon Roxb.)

Kendu (Diospyros melanoxylon Roxb.) is considered to be a minor forest produce (MFP) in India. The Kendu plant is grown in plenty all over the eastern parts of India for commercialization of its leaves for making bidi, a traditional cigarette. However, most of the harvest goes waste as the fruit has never been explored for its nutritional aspects. Proper processing techniques need to be developed for value-addition of Kendu. The physico-chemical, mechanical, antioxidant properties and, mineral composition of the Kendu fruit were investigated. The fruit is of spherical shape with average sphericity, volume and surface area values of 0.97±0.02, 25.25± 1.37 cm3, and 40.30±1.55 cm2, respectively. The average moisture content of pulp was 66.17±1.84 % (db.). The energy value of the pulp was 491.75±2.0 KJ. Hardness of the fruit in axial direction was 9.5±1.85 N. Total phenolic content (TPC), 2, 2-diphenil-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) activity and ferric reducing ability in plasma (FRAP) values of fruit were high. Mineral such as potassium, calcium and phosphorus were present in high concentration. Various physico-chemical and mechanical properties found can be used in designing proper equipment for value-addition of the fruit. The data on antioxidant properties suggests the nutritional importance of Kendu fruit.

Design, fabrication, and testing of a pulper for Kendu (Diospyros melanoxylon Roxb.)

AbstractKendu (Diospyros melanoxylon Roxb.) is a minor forest produce commercially grown in India for its leaves for traditional cigarette‐making. Though the fruit has high nutritive value, it is not used for diet purpose. This may be due to the difficulty in extracting the pulp. To address this issue, a brush type pulping machine was developed for Kendu. The pulper consists of the feed hopper, feed rollers, barrel housing, stainless steel cylinder, and a shaft with two nylon brushes. The feed rollers are provided with conical spikes to compress and shear the hardcover of the fruit. The pulper has an overall dimension of 1.2 m × 0.75 m × 0.40 m and a throughput of 50 kg/hr. The housing field area of the machine is 1.130 m2. The overall extraction efficiency of the pulper is 78.36% at an optimized speed and feed rate of 260 rpm and 2.5 kg/min, respectively.Practical applicationsA small‐scale pulper has been designed and fabricated for Kendu fruit, an underutilized minor forest produce. As such, there is no machine to extract pulp from Kendu. Manual removal of hardcover and seeds and separation of the pulp are labor intensive and time consuming. This problem limits the potential use of the fruit. The designed machine will serve as a milling cum pulping machine and would address the issue of underutilization of the fruit. The highly nutritious pulp thus extracted by the pulper can be further processed to various value‐added products. This would certainly increase the commercial use of the fruit and boost income generation to support the livelihood of the people. The designed pulper can also be used for other fruits of similar structure.

Physico-chemical and sensory analysis of Kendu (Diospyros melaxoxylon Roxb.) jam using fuzzy logic

Minor forest products (MFPs) are vital source of livelihood for the tribals living in and around forest. MFPs are important among the tribals living in the forest, especially as a source of food. Kendu (Diospyros melanoxylon Roxb.) is one such MFP which has never been explored to its full potential. The plant is plentily grown in India as a source for its leaves which is used commercially for making bidi, a traditional form of cigarette. Kendu fruit is a wild fruit with high nutritional and medicinal value. However, it has never been explored for its food value. The fruit can be utilised to its maximum potential if proper value-addition techniques and processing facilities are developed. The Kendu pulp was extracted and was processed to jam following standard protocol with varied compositions. The physico-chemical properties of the jam over a span of 30 days were measured. Similarly, sensory parameters were analysed using fuzzy logic to rank them according to sensory quality attributes for consumer acceptance. pH, non-reducing sugar and ascorbic acid content of the jam decreased whereas total soluble solids, titrable acidity and reducing sugar increased over a period. Kendu jam prepared from strained pulp had higher acceptability than the jam prepared with whole pulp. Statistical analysis showed that storage intervals and preparation had a significant (p < 0.05) effect on sensory quality and characteristics of Kendu jam. The results suggest that Kendu jam has higher consumer acceptability scores and can be a promising new food product in the market.

Carbon sequestration by different tree species in tropical dry deciduous forest of Panchmahal District (Gujarat) in India

Trees act as a sink for CO2 by fixing carbon during photosynthesis and storing surplus carbon as biomass which alter through time as trees grow, die and decay. There is uncertainty about the extent of carbon stored in forests by trees. 28 species belonging to 20 families were studied to demonstrate relationship among carbon sequestration which was half the tree biomass. Total carbon sequestration was 448.044 tonnes dominated byTectona grandis L.F., Butea monosperma (Lam) Taub and Diospyrosmelanoxylon Roxb. The deviation in carbon sequestration was observed due to girth, height, biomass, native place and economic importance of species. Statistically a positive correlation of 0.966 was found between the total number of trees and total carbon sequestration.

Effect of tendu (Diospyros melanoxylon RoxB.) leaf vermicompost on growth and yield of French bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.)

Background Tendu (Diospyros melanoxylon RoxB.) leaf is widely used in India in the form of wrapper for making a crude smoking stick popularly known as ‘‘Beedi’’. Solapur city of Maharashtra state has large number of small beedi making units. Large quantity waste from these industries in the form of trimmed leaf residues is available as feed material for preparation of vermicompost. The present investigations were aimed to study effect of vermicompost prepared from such novel leaf residues as the tendu leaves on the growth and yield of Phaseolus vulgaris under greenhouse conditions. The seeds of French bean were sown in cement pots containing soil alone (control), soil with various concentrations of vermicompost alone, soil with various concentrations of urea only and different admixtures of vermicompost and urea. Results The study revealed that the seed germination, shoot and root length, shoot and root fresh weights, shoot and root dry weights, thousand grain weight and grain weight per plant increased significantly (p B 0.05) compared to control due to application of vermicompost when used at proper proportions. Thus, the growth and yield parameters were significantly (p B 0.05) greater in T2 (75 % N through vermicompost) than in T1 (100 % N through vermicompost) and T3 (50 % N through vermicompost). Many growth parameters of T1 were lower than those in the control indicating some deleterious effect of vermicompost at higher concentrations. The combined application of tendu leaf vermicompost and urea increased the growth and yield of Phaseolus vulgaris significantly (p B 0.05). The maximum grain yield was due to combined application of vermicompost at 25 % N through vermicompost plus 75 % N through urea. Conclusions The pot trial experiments suggested that the quantity of chemical fertilizer for French bean could be reduced by 25–50 % due to combined application of vermicompost and chemical fertilizer. However, application of tendu leaf vermicompost alone at higher concentrations may reduce growth parameters and yield of P. vulgaris.

Nutrient Use Pattern of Diospyros Melanoxylon in Comparison to Shorea Robusta in Fragmented Dry Tropical Forest in West Bengal, India

The present study deals with the nutrient concentrations and its use by the dominant tree species of sal (Shorea robusta Roxb.) in comparison to one of the predominating tree species namely kendu (Diospyros melanoxylon Roxb.). The study was carried out in a highly encroached tropical dry deciduous forest known as Matha Protected Forest (MPF) of Purulia district, West Bengal, India. MPF is broadly fragmented into two parts viz. Plot A and Plot B. The main objective of the study is to define the distribution of major nutrient concentrations in green leaf, leaf litter and soil as well as the proficient use and resorption of nutrients by dominant plant species Shorea robusta Roxb. and one of the pre-dominant plant species Diospyros melanoxylon Roxb. To improve the understanding of flow of nutrients and their losses within the ecosystem, that will give information for effective forest management strategies. From analysis, it is depicted that nutrient use efficiency is in the order P>K>N for Shorea robusta Roxb. while the pattern is K>P>N in Diospyros melanoxylon Roxb. We found differences of nutrient concentration between the species and the variation in nutrient concentration depends on the site characteristics. Similarly variation in nutrient remobilization also occurs. Above all, nutrient limitation occurs at the smaller fragmented Plot B, as Plot A shows decreased Nutrient Use Efficiency (NUE) and Nutrient Retranslocation Efficiency (NRE) than Plot B.

Anticandidal activity of Diospyros melanoxylon Roxb. Bark from Similipal Biosphere Reserve, Orissa, India

The anticandidal activity and phytochemicals of bark of Diospyros melanoxylon Roxb. (Ebenaceae) was evaluated against four species of Candida viz. C. albicans, C. krusei, C. parapsilosis and C. tropicalis. Both polar and nonpolar extracts viz. petroleum ether, ethyl acetate, ethanol, methanol and aqueous were prepared and studied for anticandidal activity using agar cup and broth dilution methods. Although all five extracts showed promising anticandidal activity against all tested Candida species, yet maximum activity was observed in ethanol extract. Minimum inhibitory concentration values for most of the extracts ranged from 0.375 to 6.0 mg/ ml, while the least minimum fungicidal concentration value was observed at 3.0-6.0 mg/ml. Phytochemical analysis exhibited the presence of carbohydrates, protein and amino acids, tannin and phenolic compound, glycoside, steroid and sterols and flavonoids in different extracts. Thin layer chromatography bio-autography showed zones of inhibition 22 mm (C. parapsilosis) and 21 mm (C. tropicalis) with Rf value 0.72 for ethanol extract. These results exhibit the anticandidal activity of D. melanoxylon bark extracts, which may be useful in treatment of candidiasis. However, the active components responsible for antifungal activity need to be evaluated. Key words: Candidiasis, Diospyros melanoxylon, MIC, plant extract, Similipal Biosphere Reserve.

Antimicrobial activity of Diospyros melanoxylon bark from Similipal Biosphere Reserve, Orissa, India

The antimicrobial activity of five extracts of Diospyros melanoxylon Roxb. bark collected from Similipal Biosphere Reserve, Orissa was evaluated against human pathogenic bacteria and fungi. The extracts including both polar and non polar solvents; petroleum ether, chloroform, ethanol, methanol and aqueous were evaluated for their antimicrobial activity against three gram positive and five gram negative bacteria as well as three fungal strains. Although, all the five extracts exhibited promising antibacterial activities, yet maximum activity was observed in ethanol extract. In case of antifungal activity, except petroleum ether extract none of the extracts were found to be active against the fungal strains. MIC values for most of the extracts ranged from 1.5 to 6 mg/ml, while MBC values varied from 3 mg/ml to values greater than 12 mg/ml. Phytochemical analysis exhibited the presence of steroids, alkaloids, glycoside, proteins, tannins, phenolic compounds, carbohydrates, gums and mucilage in acetone, methanol and ethanol extracts with maximum phytochemicals in ethanol extract. Least phytochemicals was observed in case of petroleum ether. These results, so obtained, demonstrate the broad spectrum activity of D. melanoxylon bark extracts which may be useful in treatment of various microbial infections. However, the active components responsible for antimicrobial activity need to be evaluated.

Tendu (Diospyros melanoxylon) leaves, bidi cigarettes, and resource management

The design and management of tropical forests, as sources of nontimber products, is a major economic issue for tropical nations. The exploitation of leaves of the tendu tree,Diospyros melanoxylon Roxb. (Ebenaceae), in the Madhya Pradesh Province of India, for wrappers of bidi cigarettes, is a good example of such a system. It is shown that a whole culture depends upon the harvests of these leaves as a source of income as the demand for bidis is very high. Yet revenues generated by the industry do not filter back in any appreciable amounts to the tribes harvesting the tendu leaves, nor is there an effort to manage the tendu forests as a continuous resource. Because the forest is a resource for other products beyond tendu leaves, the absence of sound forest conservation and protection programs means the almost certain destruction of the ecosystem. The development of an effective forest management program and the improvement of the economic state of Madhya Pradesh Province must be undertaken if India is to continue to develop itself in terms of replenishable natural resources.