Endangered Medicinal Herb Research Articles

Correction to: Conserving industrially important endangered medicinal herb Trillium govanianum (Himalayan Trillium) through biotechnological based interventions

Correction to: Conserving industrially important endangered medicinal herb Trillium govanianum (Himalayan Trillium) through biotechnological based interventions

Conserving industrially important endangered medicinal herb Trillium govanianum (Himalayan Trillium) through biotechnological based interventions

Conserving industrially important endangered medicinal herb Trillium govanianum (Himalayan Trillium) through biotechnological based interventions

Chitosan (CTS) induced secondary metabolite production in Canscora decussata Schult. - An endangered medicinal plant

Bioengineering has excellent potential in plant-based in vitro cultures for efficiently synthesizing desired plant products. Due to the rapid destruction of natural habitats, in vitro methods might save endangered species. Winged-Stem Canscora is an endangered medicinal herb used in traditional medicine for brain disorders. This study investigates the induction of in-vitro metabolite production using chitosan. Among the various concentrations of auxins tested, 82% of callus was obtained from Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium with 3 mg L−1 Kinetin (KIN) + 1 mg L−1 1-Naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA). The highest callus content was after the 3rd subculture at 200 mg L−1 chitosan treatment. On the 70th day of culture, levels of total phenolics and flavonoids are increased in the elicited and normal callus. However, antioxidant activity was higher in elicited callus compared to normal callus and wild plants. Higher secondary metabolite concentrations of elicited callus have superior anti-bacterial and anti-fungal activity. Secondary metabolites from elicited callus have a lower inhibitory concentration than those from wild plant and normal callus. High-performance thin layer chromatography (HPTLC) analysis showed that the elicited callus had higher amounts of mangiferin (0.178 μg mL−1) and scopoletin (0.133 μg mL−1). An efficient approach was employed to ensure that sufficient amounts of the widely used plant secondary metabolites from medicinal plants, such as mangiferin and scopoletin, were accessible to meet demand.

Effects of Drying Methods on Morphological Characteristics, Metabolite Content, and Antioxidant Capacity of Cordyceps sinensis.

Cordyceps sinensis is a rare and endangered medicinal herb in China and a typical medicinal and food plant. Most of the research related to Cordyceps sinensis focuses on its pharmacological effects, artificial cultivation and clinical applications. However, there are few comprehensive evaluations on the quality of Cordyceps sinensis under different drying methods. In this study, the effects of vacuum freeze-drying (DG), oven-drying (HG) and air-drying (YG) on the morphological characteristics, microstructure, antioxidant activity and metabolites of Cordyceps sinensis were investigated using wild Cordyceps sinensis as the research object. The results showed that in their appearance and morphology, the YG- and HG-method Cordyceps sinensis samples were darker in color and wilted, while the DG- method Cordyceps sinensis samples were golden yellow in color and had better fullness. In terms of microstructure, the stomata of the YG and HG method Cordyceps sinensis samples were relatively small and irregularly shaped, whereas those of the DG method Cordyceps sinensis samples were larger and neat. In terms of antioxidant capacity, the HG-method samples were the lowest, followed by the YG group, and the DG group had the highest total antioxidant capacity. A correlation analysis revealed a significant relationship between antioxidant capacity and lipids, lipid molecules, nucleosides, nucleotides, and analogs. A metabolomics analysis identified 1937 metabolites from 18 superclasses, with lipids, lipid-like molecules, organic acids and derivatives, organoheterocyclic compounds, and organic oxygen compounds being the predominant metabolites in Cordyceps sinensis. Differentially accumulated metabolites (DAMs) in DG samples showed higher levels of lipids and lipid molecules, organic oxygen compounds, organic acids and derivatives, and organoheterocyclic compounds compared to the other drying methods, suggesting DG as the optimal preservation method for Cordyceps sinensis. These findings offer insights for selecting appropriate drying methods and maintaining the post-drying quality of Cordyceps sinensis.

In vitro Establishment of Saussurea costus - An Endangered Medicinal Herb

In vitro Establishment of Saussurea costus - An Endangered Medicinal Herb

Meta-topolin mediated improved micropropagation, phytochemical profiling, and assessment of genetic fidelity in Chlorophytum borivilianum Sant. et Fernand., an endangered medicinal herb

A highly effective method has been developed to examine the impact of different combination of meta-topolin and various cytokinins on Chlorophytum borivilianum Sant. et Fernand. using apical bud explants. The effects of benzyl adenine purine (BAP), kinetin (Kin), meta-topolin (mT), and thidiazuron (TDZ) were explored separately and in different concentrations (ranging from 0.5 to 3.0 mg L−1) on shoot proliferation, as well as the influence of auxins like Indole -3- acetic acid (IAA), α-Naphthalene acetic acid (NAA) and Indole-3-butyric acid (IBA) on rooting. When grown on MS medium supplemented with mT, highest growth rates were observed followed by BAP. Within the permutations tested, 2.0 mg L−1 of mT and 1.0 mg L−1 of BAP produced the best results with 96.3% success rate and average of 19.2 ± 1.92 shoots measuring 6.72 ± 0.49 cm in length after 8 weeks of culture. Among the various auxins used for in vitro root formation, 95.5% of multiple shoots effectively established roots on MS medium supplemented with 1.0 mg L−1 of IBA resulting in an average of 14.0 ± 1.39 root numbers and 3.36 ± 0.27 cm in length after 4 weeks of culture. Furthmore, 94% of the acclimated plants not only survived but also thrived when grown in a mixture of loam, sand and fym (in 1:2:1 ratio) with an average weight of 16 g. High-performance thin layer chromatography (HPTLC) analysis revealed the presence of diosgenin and stigmasterol in both in vitro regenerants and mother plant, although there were variations in their content. To ensure genetic fidelity among regenerants, ISSR and SCOT markers were used, but no somatic differences were detected. Therefore, the established procedure seems to be easy and consistent for large scale development of genetically identical clones with a greater content of bioactive compounds.

Functional trait correlation network and proteomic analysis reveal multifactorial adaptation mechanisms to a climatic gradient associated with high altitude in the Himalayan region.

Globally occurring changes in environmental conditions necessitate extending our knowledge of the system-level mechanisms underlying plant adaptation to multifactorial stress conditions or stress combinations. This is crucial for designing new strategies to maintain plant performance under simultaneous abiotic pressure. Here, we conducted our study at Rohtang Pass and sampled Picrorhiza kurroa leaves along high-altitude gradient (3400, 3800 and 4100 metersabove sea level) in the western Himalayas. The results showed the functional traits associated with morpho-anatomical structures and eco-physiological performances are highly variable. The air temperature and relative humidity represent dominant environmental factors among others that significantly regulate plant's physiological performance by adjusting the functional traits in altitude-specific manner. A trait coordination network is developed among significantly altered plant functional traits, which reveals high-altitude associated trait-based adaptation. Moreover, it reveals leaf area shows the highest degree, while photochemical quenching reflects the weighted degree of centrality in the network. Proteomic analysis reveals various stress-responsive proteins, including antioxidants were accumulated to deal with combined stress factors. Furthermore, a high-altitudinal protein interaction network unravels key players of alpine plant adaptation processes. Altogether, these systems demonstrate a complex molecular interaction web extending the current knowledge of high-altitudinal alpine plant adaptation, particularly in an endangered medicinal herb, P. kurroa.

Establishment of In Vitro Cultures and Genetic Fidelity Analysis in Valeriana jatamansi -a High Value Endangered Medicinal Herb

The present study was conducted in the Department of Biotechnology, College of Horticulture and Forestry, Neri, Hamirpur, Himachal Pradesh, India during 2018–2020 for 18 months to develop an efficient, rapid and reproducible protocol for in vitro establishment along with analysing antioxidant activity. In the present study, surface sterilization protocol was standardized using Sodium hypochlorite and mercuric chloride as sterilant. Maximum direct shoot induction frequency from nodal explant was achieved on Murashige and Skoog medium enriched with BAP (5.0 mg l-l), TDZ (3.0 mg l-l) and NAA (1.0 mg l-l) for 18 days. Microshoots inoculated on MS media supplemented with 4.0 mg l-l BAP, 2.0 mg l-l TDZ, 1.0 mg l-l NAA and 0.5 mg l-l GA3) showed maximum frequency of shoot multiplication with average shoot length (4.36±0.08 cm) and average shoot number (14.00±0.57). A 75.00±1.15% rooting with significantly high mean root number (8.00±0.57) and root length was achieved in full strength MS medium, supplemented with same concentration i.e. 4.0 mg l-l BAP, 2.0 mg l-l TDZ, 1.0 mg l-l NAA and 0.5 mg l-l GA3) combination. Maximum plantlets survive after 1 year of acclimatization. RAPD and ISSR markers were used to confirmed genetic stability of in vitro raised plants by showing 100% monomorphism. High multiplication rate associated with genetic stability ensure the efficacy of the present in vitro clonal propagation protocol of this important medicinal plant.

Sustainable production ofSaussurea costus under different levels of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium fertilizers in cold desert region of Western Himalaya.

Saussurea costus, an important critically endangered medicinal herb native to the Himalayan region, is commonly used in various ailments, viz. asthma, ulcer, inflammation, and stomach problems. In the international market, the dry roots and essential oil of S. costus has become an important drug. The lack of appropriate fertilizer dose recommendations is one of the limiting factors for its ex-situ conservation and large-scale cultivation, as plant nutrition is vital in determining crop growth and productivity. The study aimed to understand the comparative impact of different levels of fertilizer nutrients on growth, dry root and essential oil yield, and essential oil profile of S. costus. A field experiment was conducted in Himachal Pradesh, India's cold desert region (Lahaul valley), during 2020-21. The experiment comprised three levels of nitrogen (60, 90, and 120 kg ha-1), three levels of phosphorus (20, 40, 60 kg ha-1), and two levels of potassium (20 and 40 kg ha-1) in a factorial randomized block design. The fertilizer application had an immense effect on growth attributes, root yield attributes, dry root yield, and essential oil yield over control. The treatment combination N120, P60, and K40 had the largest effect on the plant height, number of leaves per plant, leaf length and width, root length and diameter, dry matter per plant, dry root yield, and essential oil yield. However, the results were at par with the treatment comprising N90, P40, and K20. Dry root yield increased by 108.9%, and essential oil yield increased by 210.3% with fertilizer applications over unfertilized plots. The regression curve shows an increasing trend in dry root yield till N90, P40, and K20; after that, it nearly stabilized. The heat map showed that applying fertilizer significantly affected the chemical constituents of S. costus essential oil. Similarly, the plots fertilized with the highest level of NPK recorded the utmost value of available N, P, and K, as compared to unfertilized plots. The results emphasize that for sustainable cultivation of S. costus, the application of N90, P40, and K20 combinations is the most suitable one.

Comparison of plastid genomes and ITS of two sister species in Gentiana and a discussion on potential threats for the endangered species from hybridization

BackgroundGentiana rigescens Franchet is an endangered medicinal herb from the family Gentianaceae with medicinal values. Gentiana cephalantha Franchet is a sister species to G. rigescens possessing similar morphology and wider distribution. To explore the phylogeny of the two species and reveal potential hybridization, we adopted next-generation sequencing technology to acquire their complete chloroplast genomes from sympatric and allopatric distributions, as along with Sanger sequencing to produce the nrDNA ITS sequences.ResultsThe plastid genomes were highly similar between G. rigescens and G. cephalantha. The lengths of the genomes ranged from 146,795 to 147,001 bp in G. rigescens and from 146,856 to 147,016 bp in G. cephalantha. All genomes consisted of 116 genes, including 78 protein-coding genes, 30 tRNA genes, four rRNA genes and four pseudogenes. The total length of the ITS sequence was 626 bp, including six informative sites. Heterozygotes occurred intensively in individuals from sympatric distribution. Phylogenetic analysis was performed based on chloroplast genomes, coding sequences (CDS), hypervariable sequences (HVR), and nrDNA ITS. Analysis based on all the datasets showed that G. rigescens and G. cephalantha formed a monophyly. The two species were well separated in phylogenetic trees using ITS, except for potential hybrids, but were mixed based on plastid genomes. This study supports that G. rigescens and G. cephalantha are closely related, but independent species. However, hybridization was confirmed to occur frequently between G. rigescens and G. cephalantha in sympatric distribution owing to the lack of stable reproductive barriers. Asymmetric introgression, along with hybridization and backcrossing, may probably lead to genetic swamping and even extinction of G. rigescens.ConclusionG. rigescens and G. cephalantha are recently diverged species which might not have undergone stable post-zygotic isolation. Though plastid genome shows obvious advantage in exploring phylogenetic relationships of some complicated genera, the intrinsic phylogeny was not revealed because of matrilineal inheritance here; nuclear genomes or regions are hence crucial for uncovering the truth. As an endangered species, G. rigescens faces serious threats from both natural hybridization and human activities; therefore, a balance between conservation and utilization of the species is extremely critical in formulating conservation strategies.

Production of podophyllotoxin, kaempferol and quercetin in callogenesis of Dysosma versipellis — an endangered medicinal plant

• Dysosma versipellis is an endangered medicinal herb found in southwest regions of China. • Callus initiation was achieved in B5 salts with 2 mg/L 2,4-D, and 0.2 mg/L kinetin under complete darkness. • The maximum callus biomass proliferation was obtained on B5 basal salts supplemented with 2 mg/L 2,4-D. • Leaf callus showed maximum production of podophyllotoxin, kaempferol and quercetin than that of control. • UPLC analysis revealed that roots and rhizomes were the primary source of secondary compounds accumulation. Dysosma versipellis is an endangered medicinal herb found in southwest regions of China. It has long been used in Traditional Chinese Medicine for general remedies in China. This herb is commonly used as an alternative to Podophyllum species. The large-scale removal of D. versipellis rhizomes from natural habitat continues at higher rates than natural regeneration. This study reports the callus induction from D. versipellis explants, callus proliferation and production of tumor inhibitory compounds such as podophyllotoxin, kaempferol and quercetin. The results revealed that tender leaves of D. versipellis exhibited the highest callus induction efficiency of 86% than other explants tested. The best callus initiation was obtained in Gamborg's medium (B5) augmented with 2 mg/L 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D), 0.2 mg/L kinetin, 3% sucrose, 0.1% activated charcoal and 0.7% agar and incubated under complete darkness. The maximum callus biomass proliferation was obtained on B5 basal salts supplemented with 2 mg/L 2, 4-D. The UPLC analysis of leaf callus showed maximum production of podophyllotoxin, kaempferol and quercetin than that of control callus. Furthermore, analysis of whole plant parts for their secondary compounds found roots and rhizomes were the primary source of secondary compounds accumulation. Therefore, this bioactive-enriched callus biomass protocol may be used as a possible technique for sustainable production of podophyllotoxin, kaempferol and quercetin at commercial scale.

Phytochemical Diversity in Relation to Cytogenetic Variability in Inula racemosa Hook.f., an Endangered Medicinal Plant of Himalayas.

Inula racemosa, a resourceful critically endangered medicinal herb in the Himalayas is traditionally utilized to cure various human disorders. The species is a wealthy source of sesquiterpene lactones has many pharmacological properties. To quantify and identify the best genetic stocks for a maximum build-up of desired metabolites (isoalantolactone and alantolactone) among existent cytotypes in the species, LC-MS/MS analysis was made. The other comprehensive experiments carried out at present included detailed meiotic examinations of different populations collected from different areas of Kashmir Himalayas. The results presented the occurrence of variable chromosome numbers as n=10 and n=20 in different populations, but the tetraploid cytotype (n=20) is new for the species. The LC-MS/MS investigation revealed significant variability in the content of sesquiterpene lactones in different plant tissues (stem, leaf, and root). An upsurge in the quantity of isoalantolactone and alantolactone was noticed with increasing ploidy levels along the increasing altitudes. Therefore, a habit to accumulate abundant quantities of secondary metabolites and increased adaptability by species/cytotypes thriving at higher altitudes is seen among tetraploid cytotypes during the present investigation. Also, the chromosomal variations seem to enhance the flexibility of polyploid species primarily at upper elevations. Thus, the present study strongly provides quantification of elite cytotypes/chemotypes with optimum concentration of secondary metabolites.

Spatial Genomic Resource Reveals Molecular Insights into Key Bioactive-Metabolite Biosynthesis in Endangered Angelica glauca Edgew.

Angelica glauca Edgew, which is an endangered medicinal and aromatic herb, is a rich source of numerous industrially important bioactive metabolites, including terpenoids, phenolics, and phthalides. Nevertheless, genomic interventions for the sustainable utilization and restoration of its genetic resources are greatly offset due to the scarcity of the genomic resources and key regulators of the underlying specialized metabolism. To unravel the global atlas of the specialized metabolism, the first spatial transcriptome sequencing of the leaf, stem, and root generated 109 million high-quality paired-end reads, assembled de novo into 81,162 unigenes, which exhibit a 61.53% significant homology with the six public protein databases. The organ-specific clustering grouped 1136 differentially expressed unigenes into four subclusters differentially enriched in the leaf, stem, and root tissues. The prediction of the transcriptional-interactome network by integrating enriched gene ontology (GO) and the KEGG metabolic pathways identified the key regulatory unigenes that correspond to terpenoid, flavonoid, and carotenoid biosynthesis in the leaf tissue, followed by the stem and root tissues. Furthermore, the stem and root-specific significant enrichments of phenylalanine ammonia lyase (PAL), cinnamate-4-hydroxylase (C4H), and caffeic acid 3-O-methyltransferase (COMT) indicate that phenylalanine mediated the ferulic acid biosynthesis in the stem and root. However, the root-specific expressions of NADPH-dependent alkenal/one oxidoreductase (NADPH-AOR), S-adenosyl-L-methionine-dependent methyltransferases (SDMs), polyketide cyclase (PKC), and CYP72A15 suggest the “root” as the primary site of phthalide biosynthesis. Additionally, the GC-MS and UPLC analyses corresponded to the organ-specific gene expressions, with higher contents of limonene and phthalide compounds in the roots, while there was a higher accumulation of ferulic acid in the stem, followed by in the root and leaf tissues. The first comprehensive genomic resource with an array of candidate genes of the key metabolic pathways can be potentially utilized for the targeted upscaling of aromatic and pharmaceutically important bioactive metabolites. This will also expedite genomic-assisted conservation and breeding strategies for the revival of the endangered A. glauca.

Effect of pH and gelling agents in nutrient medium on in vitro shoot multiplication of Swertia chirata Buch.-Ham ex Wall: An endangered medicinal herb

Swertia chirata is a medicinal plant indigenous to the Himalaya, and widely known for its curative properties against chronic fever, blood, lung, skin, liver and many other disorders. The plant is very popular in medicinal preparations in domestic and international markets. However, unscientific collection practices, poor seed germination, loss of habitat, etc. have caused the plant to become critically endangered. Biotechnological applications like tissue culture technology hold potential for mass propagation and germplasm conservation. While propagating the species through tissue culture, several factors need to be standardized to enable optimal plantlet production under laboratory conditions. The present study was conducted to examine the role of pH in the nutrient medium and media type on in vitro propagation of S. chirata. MS medium with BAP, IAA and Ads were used to test the efficiency of pH in a range of 2.8–7.8 and of media type (liquid or semisolid; and varying concentrations of gelling agents). pH 5.8 and agarified media were most favourable for in vitro axillary shoot proliferation. The shoot number, shoot length and health of in vitro-grown shoots were found to vary significantly with alterations in these factors. The standardized conditions encourage the growth of robust shoots, which will aid in the development of roots and survival of tissue-culture-grown plantlets following transplanting in the field.

Artificial Seed Production and Cryopreservation by Encapsulation Dehydration for Medicinal Herb of Himalayan Region, Swertia Chirayita

BACKGROUND: Cryopreservation of germplasm in liquid nitrogen is an ideal technique for the longer term storage of plant genetic material, including medicinal species. OBJECTIVE: To develop a somatic embryo production system for the medicinal species Swertia chirayita and to evaluate their potential for storage in liquid nitrogen (- 196˚C). MATERIALS AND METHODS: An efficient protocol of somatic embryogenesis was developed for the first time using leaves of in-vitro grown shoots of S. chirayita . Somatic embryos were then encapsulated in 3% sodium alginate, 0.85 M sucrose and 100 mM calcium chloride for synthetic seed production and subjected to cryopreservation. Marker medicinal compounds were determined by RP-HPLC analysis. RESULTS: A medium containing 1 mg/L 2,4-D+ 0.5 mg/L BAP+ 0.5 mg/L TDZ was found to stimulate the highest callus induction. Somatic embryos were recovered after 5 weeks, when cultured on the same media. Synthetic seeds were dehydrated and immersed in liquid nitrogen for 1 h. Cryopreserved synthetic seeds were successfully revived and germinated on MS media supplemented with 1 mg/L IBA+ 2 mg/L KN + 3 mg/L GA3 in which 93.3% somatic embryos differentiated into shoots. One month old in-vitro grown shoots from cryopreserved somatic embryos had similar marker medicinal compounds, such as amarogentin (4.72 ± 0.11 μg/mg) and mangiferin (14.54 ± 0.05 μg/mg), as control material. CONCLUSION: This protocol offers vast scope for multiplying material of an endangered medicinal herb and subsequent cryopreservation.

Seedling performance, phenotypic traits and growing media for domestication of Lilium polyphyllum

Societal Impact StatementMedicinal plants are a key component of primary health care for much of the world's population. However, overharvesting and indiscriminate collection from the wild threatens medicinal plant populations with extinction. One conservation solution to preserve biodiversity is to domesticate and cultivate threatened medicinal plants, in order to provide a sustainable source close to the local populations who use the species. Here, we present work to cultivate the critically endangered (CR) medicinal herb, Lilium polyphyllum. To reduce unsustainable wild harvesting, we identify different climatic zones, habitats and growing media, which will aid domestication of this endangered species and help local populations to cultivate the plant near its natural habitat.Summary Lilium polyphyllum (Liliaceae) is a perennial, bulbous medicinal herb, used in more than 30 Ayurvedic medicinal formulations as an aphrodisiac, galactagogue and anti‐ageing agent. The species is categorized as critically endangered on the IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature) Red List due to habitat degradation and unregulated collection. To alleviate the pressure on wild populations and increase conservation, the IUCN Red List recommends its domestication in suitable habitats. The present study was carried out over three consecutive years to evaluate the performance and survival of the species in two agro‐climatic zones in Garhwal Himalaya, Uttarakhand, India. L. polyphyllum seedlings were raised and transplanted into different growing mediums and treatments (control, manure, litter and polyhouse) in both temperate (Pothivasa, 2200 m a.s.l.) and alpine (Tungnath, 3600 m a.s.l.) regions to identify a suitable site and or habitat for future mass production. Experiments revealed yield and performance in polyhouse beds were greatest in the temperate region. Plant survival was also high in polyhouse beds in both the temperate (81%) and alpine (40%) sites. Phenotypic and growth traits of plants grown from bulbs collected from the wild population of the temperate site performed better in both morphology and in yield than those in the alpine site after one growing season. Cocopeat and sand may be responsible for the improved growth of plants. In conclusion, plant survival rate, growth performance and yield under polyhouse conditions were higher in lower altitudes (temperate regions), which may provide a production centre for seedlings to interested farmers in other regions.

Metabolite fingerprinting of phytoconstituents from Fritillaria cirrhosa D. Don and molecular docking analysis of bioactive peonidin with microbial drug target proteins

Fritillaria cirrhosa D. Don (Liliaceae), a valuable and critically endangered medicinal herb of northwest India, including Jammu and Kashmir, grows in temperate to alpine regions of the Himalaya. It is known as the traditional herb for cardiovascular diseases, respiratory diseases, and metabolic disorders. The plant bulbs are precious and are used to cure many other health complications. The current study analysed the phytoconstituents by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC–MS) of different crude extracts (methanolic, petroleum ether, and ethyl acetate) of F. cirrhosa. The LC–MS analysis from the bulbs of F. cirrhosa yielded 88 bioactive compounds, with the vast majority having therapeutic applications. Further, determination of minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) by broth microdilution method of F. cirrhosa against tested bacterial and fungal pathogens showed remarkable results with MICs ranging between 6.25–200 µg/mL and 50–400 µg/mL, respectively. Subsequently, these 88 identified phytocompounds were tested for their bioactivity through ADMET prediction by SwissADME and in silico molecular docking studies. Results revealed that Peonidin might have maximum antibacterial and antifungal activity against various microbial protein drug targets among the phytochemical compounds identified. Furthermore, the highest binding affinity complex was subjected to molecular dynamic simulation (MDS) analysis using Desmond Schrodinger v3.8. The root-mean-square deviation (RMSD) graphs obtained through the molecular dynamic simulations indicated the true bonding interactions, further validated using the root-mean-square fluctuation (RMSF) graphs which provided a better understanding of the amino acids present in the proteins responsible for the molecular motions and fluctuations. To our best knowledge, this is the first description of the phytochemical constituents of the bulbs of F.cirrhosa analyzed through LC–MS, which show pharmacological significance. The in silico molecular docking and molecular dynamics study of peonidin was also performed to confirm its broad-spectrum activities based on the binding interactions with the antibacterial and antifungal target proteins. The present study results will create a way for the invention of herbal medicines for several ailments by using F. cirrhosa plants, which may lead to the development of novel drugs.

An Analytical Study of Kalmegh (Andrographis Paniculata) and Kiratikta (Swertia Chirayita): An Economic Substitution for Metro Cities in Global Pandemic with Healthcare 4.0

An Analytical Study of Kalmegh (Andrographis Paniculata) and Kiratikta (Swertia Chirayita): An Economic Substitution for Metro Cities in Global Pandemic with Healthcare 4.0

Assessment of genetic diversity, population structure and phytochemical variations in Polygonatum cirrhifolium (Wall.) Royle: an endangered medicinal herb

Polygonatum cirrhifolium (Wall.) Royle is an important medicinal herb of the family Asparagaceae used to cure several ailments. The rhizome of the species forms an important ingredient of “Chyavanprash” which is identified for its rejuvenating properties. However, P. cirrhifolium is least explored scientifically and systematically till date. Therefore, in this study genetic diversity and phytochemical variations along with antimutagenic activity of P. cirrhifolium populations were evaluated. Antimutagenic activity varied remarkably (p < 0.05) among population and Gagar population with significantly (p < 0.05) higher DNA recovery (84.95%) percentage. Higher genetic diversity (He) was recorded among populations using RAPD (He, 0.30–0.36) and ISSR (0.25–0.38) markers. High intra and low inter population variations were recorded in the species using both kinds of markers. Phenolics (p < 0.05; r = 0.924); tannins (p < 0.05; r = 0.897) and DNA damage inhibition efficiency displayed a highly positive correlation with genetic diversity (estimated using ISSR markers). The population structure analysis of P. cirrhifolium revealed that the greatest value of the K was 3 for studied populations. Gene flow among studied populations was found sufficient to encounter genetic erosion in the species. Therefore, it is recommended that the populations with higher ingredient and genetic diversity can be utilized for conservation priority and management plan of this species.

Modeling of Valeriana wallichii Habitat Suitability and Niche Dynamics in the Himalayan Region under Anticipated Climate Change.

Simple SummaryIn the modern era of the anthropocene, an increase in the accumulation of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere has resulted in the global rise of the Earth’s temperature. This has resulted in the habitat shift of various plant and animal species. Plant species that are endemic show a narrow distribution range and inhabit higher elevations are highly susceptible to the impacts of global warming. The present study discusses the habitat distribution of Valeriana wallichi, an endangered medicinal herb. We also predicted the impact of climate change on its distribution range and niche dynamics. Results reveal significant contraction in the possible habitats of this herb under future climatic scenarios, with RCP 8.5 for 2070 showing the highest habitat loss. Niche equivalency and similarity tests describe that the habitats could be compared but not identical between current and future climatic scenarios. From the current study, we conclude that the habitats of Valeriana wallichii are highly vulnerable to climate shifts. This study can not only be used to alleviate the threat to this plant by documenting the unexplored populations, restoring the degraded habitats through rewilding and launching species recovery plans in the natural habitats but could also be used by various conservation biologists to recover the declining status of various highly valued species across the globe.An increase in atmospheric greenhouse gases necessitates the use of species distribution models (SDMs) in modeling suitable habitats and projecting the impact of climate change on the future range shifts of the species. The present study is based on the BIOMOD ensemble approach to map the currently suitable habitats and predict the impact of climate change on the niche shift of Valeriana wallichii. We also studied its niche dynamics using the ecospat package in R software. Values of the area under curve (AUC) and true skill statistics (TSS) were highly significant (>0.9), which shows that the model has run better. From 19 different bioclimatic variables, only 8 were retained after correlation, among which bio_17 (precipitation of driest quarter), bio_1 (annual mean temperature), and bio_12 (annual mean precipitation) received the highest gain. Under future climate change, the suitable habitats will be significantly contracted by −94% (under representative concentration pathway RCP 8.5 for 2070) and −80.22% (under RCP 8.5 for 2050). There is a slight increase in habitat suitability by +16.69% (RCP 4.5 for 2050) and +8.9% (RCP 8.5 for 2050) under future climate change scenarios. The equivalency and similarity tests of niche dynamics show that the habitat suitability for current and future climatic scenarios is comparable but not identical. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) analysis shows that climatic conditions will be severely affected between current and future scenarios. From this study, we conclude that the habitats of Valeriana wallichii are highly vulnerable to climate shifts. This study can be used to alleviate the threat to this plant by documenting the unexplored populations, restoring the degraded habitats through rewilding, and launching species recovery plans in the natural habitats.