Oxalidaceae Research Articles

Taxonomic and Nomenclatural notes on Biophytum madurense, B. intermedium and B. intermedium var. pulneyense (Oxalidaceae) from South India

While revising the family Oxalidaceae for the Western Ghats (SW India), missing typification and nomenclatural issues about several species of Biophytum were noticed. In this contribution, Biophytum intermedium var. pulneyense is reduced to a synonym of B. madurense and neotypes for the names B. madurense and B. intermedium are designated. A brief description, photographs, and taxonomic note on these species are provided to facilitate their identification.

Comparative metatranscriptomics reveals effect of host plant on microbiota gene expression of Anastrepha obliqua (Diptera: Tephritidae) larvae.

The microbiota associated with phytophagous insects perform several functions that help insects exploit plant resources. Thus, microorganisms contribute to the dispersal of phytophagous species to new host plants, thereby promoting diversification. In this study, metatranscriptomic analysis was used to compare the gene expression of the microbiome of Anastrepha obliqua Macquart larvae feeding on 3 of its host plants: Spondias purpurea L (red mombin), Mangifera indica L (mango), and Averrhoa carambola L (starfruit). To identify differential gene expression in relation to the host plant, transcript abundance was compared. The results of the taxonomic and functional beta-diversity analysis showed that there were significant differences in the structures and activities of the microbial communities depending on the infested plant. Among the microorganisms, bacteria and fungi were active components of the microbiota. Differential expression analyses showed that the different active genes in each of the plants analyzed were mainly grouped into categories related to carbohydrate and amino acid metabolism, with some of these genes coding for cytochrome o ubiquinol oxidase, cytochrome c, and the enzyme isocitrate dehydrogenase. The microbiota of A. carambola larvae differed more at the level of community structure and gene function, possibly due to the different nutritional composition of the A. carambola and the presence of a set of secondary metabolites specific to the family Oxalidaceae. In conclusion, the transcriptional activity of the microbiota of A. obliqua larvae is influenced by diet, which is important because it could influence the performance of the insect on each of its different host plants.

First report of Cephalerous virescens causing Algal leaf spot of Averrhoa carambola in India.

Averrhoa carambola (Star fruit) is a drought resistant edible fruit belongs to family Oxalidaceae. It is native of Malaysia and further cultivation is extended to China, Southeast Asia, India and Northern South America. Star fruit has juicy texture and used in salads, beverages and traditionally it has been used for ayurvedic medicines in India, Brazil and China (Abduh et al. 2023). In early January 2023, we observed the symptoms of raised, more or less circular, orange to dark brown, velvet textured, scattered algal leaf spots (1-4 mm) on the upper surface of A. carambola leaves at College farm, Agricultural College, Aswaraopet (17.252039 latitude, 81.109573 longitude) (Supplementary Fig 1). The disease was observed in 2 hectare model orchard with incidence of 45% causing leaf defoliation and thereby reducing the yield and quality of fruits. Transverse section cutting of algal spots revealed the algal thalli at subcuticular region and causing necrosis of epidermal cells. Sporangiophores (n=20) raised from algal leaf spot were cylindrical, 4 to 5 celled, 200-450 µm long x 8-20 µm wide, and forming a head cell with suffultory cells and sporangia on the top. Sporangia (n=20) were spherical to elliptical, rusty brown and 17.5-29 µm long × 18-23.6 µm wide and the total number of sporangia produced by each sporangiophores varies from 1 to 6. Setae (n=20) were filamentous with three to six celled, 17.5-50 µm long × 2.5-7.5 µm wide (Supplementary Figure 2). In our collection, mature gametangia were not observed. Morphological characters were studied on 20 diseased leaf samples collected from randomly selected five plants. To isolate pathogen, fresh algal thalli (n=5) were scraped from host tissue, surface sterilized (70% alcohol (30 s), 1% sodium hypochlorite (30 s) and sterile distilled water (3 × 60 s), inoculated to trebouxia liquid media and incubated at 25 ± 2 °C with a 12 hours photoperiod for 72 hours (Vasconcelos et al. 2018). The resultant five algal filaments were subjected to PCR amplification. The primer pair PNS1/NS41 was used in a PCR to amplify a fragment of 18S rRNA (Davis and Kaur 2019). The 18S rRNA gene sequences of the algae were compared using the Basic Local Alignment Search Tool (BLAST; http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/Blast/Blast.cgi) showed that our partial sequence had 99.5% similarity to C. virescens (KM020142.1). Hence, it was classified as C. virescens and sequences was deposited in NCBI-GenBank with accession numbers (OR053653, OR243777, OR429406, OR429407 and OR243779). For proving pathogenicity, algal filaments obtained from trebouxia liquid media were inoculated to 6 months old healthy A. carambola plant. Pathogenicity test was negative and typical symptoms could not be produced even up to 150 days of inoculation. In previous studies also, due to difficulty with production of zoospores in synthetic media, Koch's postulates of C. virescens as a plant pathogen has not been demonstrated experimentally (Sunpapao et al. 2017; Sanahuja et al. 2018; Kumar et al. 2019). In the second experiment, zoosporangia spore suspension were prepared from small pieces of algal leaf spot tissue processed in a sterile pestle and mortar and filtered through sterile cheesecloth (Sunpapao et al. 2017). A total of five isolates of zoosporangia spore suspension (1 x 102 to 1 x 104/ml of water) was sprayed on healthy, surface sterilized leaves of A. carambola plants (n=5) until runoff with a handheld airpump sprayer and incubated in green house (T: 25 oC, H: 80%). During the experiment leaves were remain attached to plant (5 days old) and plants were 6 months old grown in plastic pots under controlled conditions. Two plants were inoculated with each isolate and three non inoculated control plants were included. Non inoculated controls were sprayed with sterile distilled water. The pathogenicity experiment was repeated. The initial symptoms were produced 60 days after inoculation and complete algal thalli was observed on 90 days after inoculation, control plants were without any symptoms upto 150 days. Reisolated algal thalli from symptomatic plants were morphologically similar to original algal thalli and molecularly identified as C. virescens (accession number OR067193 and OR243810). Red rust caused by C. virescens is a major algal disease in the world and causing severe leaf defoliation in various horticultural crops viz., Mangifera indica (Vasconcelos et al. 2018), Manilkara zapota (Sunpapao et al. 2017), Psidium guajava (Rajbongshi et al. 2022), Ziziphus mauritiana (Shareefa et al. 2022) and Anacardium occidentale (Dooh et al. 2022). The available literature suggest that, this is the first report of algal leaf spot on A. carambola caused by C. virescens in India. This report extends the range of known pathogens associated with A. carambola plant and serves as a basis for development and implementing disease management strategies.

Authentication of Averrhoa carambola L. Using DNA Barcoding: Detection of SNPs and Evaluation of Phylogenetic Relationship

Abstract: Background: Averrhoa carambola L. (star fruit) is an underutilized plant in the family Oxalidaceae. The plant has various pharmacological activities and has fleshy juicy fruit with high nutritional value and is rich in vitamins. Objectives: This study aims to authenticate and examine the evolutionary relationships between various Averrhoa taxa. Materials and Methods: The species identification was verified using the well-established DNA barcoding method. For this, a few predetermined loci including rpoB, matK, atpF-atpH, and rbcL were employed. Results: Amplicons were observed with a molecular weight of 450bp, 950bp, 800bp, and 650bp respectively as reported earlier. The sequences of these loci were submitted to NCBI. The sequences were approved with accession numbers MN447319, MN733917, MT195537, and MT195538 respectively. The amplified loci of the species and related taxa of the genus were compared using bioinformatics tools. 204 numbers of SNPs/indels were identified out of which some are unique for the species. K2P analysis showed that the maximum intraspecific distance (1.3%) was lower than the minimum interspecific distance (2.6%). Conclusion: Among the different universal barcoding loci, matK was found to be most informative in terms of the occurrence of SNPs and genetic distance. So, the information can be utilized for species authentication in the family Oxalidaceae. Keywords: Averrhoa carambola, DNA Barcoding, atpF–atpH, matK, rpoB.

A Critical Review On Alambusha ( Biophytum Sensitivum Linn)

Alambusha (Biophytum sensitivum) belonging to the family oxalidaceae, commonly known as Mukkutti, is mostly found in marshy regions of south India, abundantly seen during rainy season. It is known as the “Small Tree Plant” with sensitive leaflets and bright yellow circular small flowers resembles like a tree in its texture and looks. The phytochemistry of B.sensitivum showed a wide range of chemical compounds, such as, two biflavones, three flavonoids and two acids. The plant is described in Ayurvedic classics, by Nighantu Acharyas, as Krimighna herb. The plant, is traditionally believed to exhibit antioxidants, anti-inflammatory and anti-tumor activity, radioprotection, immune-modulation, antibacterial, wound-healing, hypoglycemic actions. B.sensitivum has been used as traditional medicine for several purposes such as expectorant, stimulant, and tonic. It is recommended to be used in the treatment of stomach ache, asthma, treating insomnia, convulsions, cramps, chest complaints, inflammations, wound infections, tumors, and remedying chronic skin diseases. In the present review, all the available sources regarding the plant B. sensitivum was highlighted in a bird eye view

First Report of Colletotrichum truncatum Causing Anthracnose on Oxalis corniculata in China.

Oxalis corniculata L., which belongs to the family Oxalidaceae R. Br., is a very common perennial herb. It is usually planted on bare land or under the forest as landscaping plants, and the whole plant can be used for its medicinal values of clearing heat, detoxification and detumescence. In August 2019, typical symptoms of anthracnose on O. corniculata leaves were observed in the green belt on the campus of Shandong University of Technology (36.81°N, 117.99°E), Shandong Province, China. The disease incidence was above 40% by investigating more than 300 m2 of planting area. Most of O. corniculata are planted under the forest where the disease is found, mainly in the environment with high relative humidity and less ventilation. The infected leaves appeared initially as tawny oval or irregular spots, and then the lesions enlarged gradually until the leaves became dieback or wholly withered, which greatly reduced the landscape effect of O. corniculata. Diseased leaves were collected by cutting into small pieces and sterilized with 75% ethanol for 30 s and 2% sodium hypochlorite (NaClO) for 60 s, rinsed with sterile deionized water for three times. Each air-dried tissue segment was cultured on potato dextrose agar (PDA) and incubated at 25℃ for 5 to 7 days in the dark (Zhu et al. 2013). Fifteen isolates were obtained from 20 symptomatic leaves and the cultures were initially gray white, subsequently became grayish to dark green after 7 days, with copious gray aerial mycelium and black microsclerotia. Three isolates were verified by the amplification of DNA sequences of glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH), actin (ACT), histone H3 (H3) and chitin synthase (CHS1) genes, using the primer pairs GDF1/GDR1, ACT-512F/ACT-783R, CYLH3F/CYLH3R, and CHS-79F/CHS-234R (Damn et al. 2019, Fu et al. 2019, Liu et al. 2013), respectively. The sequenced genes (GenBank accession no. OK017473, OK159078, OK159076, OK159077) shared 99.62 to 100.00% nucleotide identity with the corresponding genes of Colletotrichum truncatum strain UASB-Cc-10 (GenBank accession no. KF322064.1, KF322055.1, KF322073.1, KF319059.1), respectively, which was consistent with the morphological identification (Sawant et al. 2012). Pathogenicity test was performed with six healthy O. corniculata plants infected with mycelial plugs (about 3 mm in diameter) of three C. truncatum isolates from a 5-day-old culture, while the negative controls on the same leaves were inoculated with sterile PDA plugs. All plants were placed in a greenhouse at 25 to 30℃ with 90% relative humidity. The experiment was conducted three times. Five days later, all inoculated leaves appeared brown sunken spots, whereas no symptoms appeared on negative controls. The same pathogens, C. truncatum, were identified from the inoculated leaves on the basis of morphological and molecular characteristics as described above, confirming Koch's postulates. To our knowledge, anthracnose caused by C. truncatum on O. corniculata is the first report in China. The discovery of this new disease is beneficial to the application and protection of O. corniculata, a popular landscape and medicinal plant.

PHYTOCHEMICAL STUDIES OF STAR FRUIT AVERRHOA CARAMBOLA L.

The paper deals with a phytochemical investigation on the fruit of Averrhoa carambola L. belonging to the family Oxalidaceae. Commonly known as “star fruit”. Fruits and leaves are used widely in Ayurveda preparations to pacify impaired Kapha, pitta, skin diseases, pruritis, worm infestations, diarrhea, vomiting, hemorrhoids, intermittent fever, over-perspiration, and general debility. In the present study fruits of Averrhoa carambola L. were screened for their phytochemical constituents following hot continuous and successive extraction by Soxhlet apparatus. A qualitative assay was done using a range of solvents. The extraction process was carried using different solvents successively in the order of increasing polarity. Qualitative analysis of the extracts using standard procedures revealed the presence of alkaloids, avonoids, tannins, saponins, glycosides, steroids&terpenoids, phenols, coumarins, and phytosterols. Preliminary screening of phytochemicals is a valuable step, in the detection of the bioactive principles present in medicinal plants and subsequently, may lead to drug discovery and development.

Antidiabetic bioactive compounds from Tetrastigma angustifolia (Roxb.) Deb and Oxalis debilis Kunth.: Validation of ethnomedicinal claim by in vitro and in silico studies

Tetrastigma angustifolia (Roxb.) Deb is an evergreen shrub belonging to the family Vitaceae. This plant species has been used for thousand years in Ayurvedic medicine. Ethnomedicinal study also documents the use of T. angustifolia leaves in the management of diabetes. On the other hand, Oxalis debilis Kunth. is a tristylous plant commonly known as pink woodsorrel belong to the family Oxalidaceae. This plant has been used traditionally for the treatment of dysentery and diarrhea. Ethnobotanical study also reports the use of leaf decoction of O. debilis in the treatment of diabetes. In our earlier work, the antidiabetic activity of hydro-alcoholic leaf extracts of T. angustifolia and O. debilis have been reported. In spite of ethnomedicinal implications and several scientific studies in the recent past, phytochemical investigations in support of the antidiabetic potential of these plant species are yet to be explored. Therefore, the present study was aimed at the isolation of bioactive phytoconstituents as antidiabetic principle(s) from T. angustifolia and O. debilis leaves. In this paper, two bioactive compounds, namely apigenin derivative (AGD) and stigmasterol (STM) were isolated from the methanolic leaf extracts of T. angustifolia and O. debilis, respectively by column chromatographic technique. The structures of the isolated compounds were established by spectroscopic/ spectrometric techniques including FT-IR, 1H NMR and 13C NMR and Mass. The isolated flavonoids were identified as 8-hydroxyapigenin 7-O-β-D-glucopyranoside, a derivative of apigenin (AGD) and stigmasta-5,22-dien-3β-ol i.e., stigmasterol (STM). The antidiabetic potential of AGD and STM was evaluated by in vitro α-glucosidase and α-amylase inhibitory assays. To validate the antidiabetic efficacy, molecular docking and dynamics studies were performed using AutoDock Vina and GROMACS software. In vitro assays revealed the antidiabetic potential of AGD and STM with α-glucosidase and α-amylase inhibitory activities. From docking and MD simulation studies, promising binding affinity of AGD and STM for human lysosomal α-glucosidase (5NN8) and human pancreatic α-amylase enzymes (1B2Y) with favorable binding modes, stable protein-ligand complexes and well defined protein-ligand interactions were observed. Based on in vitro and in silico studies, our study reports the antidiabetic potential of the isolated apigenin derivative, AGD (a new flavonoid molecule) and stigmasterol, STM (an existing plant sterol) with α-glucosidase and α-amylase inhibitory activities. However, the flavonoid molecule, AGD possesses better antidiabetic profile than the steroid molecule, STM particularly against human α-amylase enzyme. Our present investigation successfully validates the traditional as well as ethnomedicinal claims of T. angustifolia and O. debilis as antidiabetic medicines.

EVALUATION OF PHYSICOCHEMICAL STANDARDS OF VIPARIT LAJJALU (BIOPHYTUMSENSITIVUM LINN.) AND IT’S EFFECT ON SPERM AND QUALITY OF SPERM IN ADULT MALE WISTAR RAT

The present study was undertaken to evaluate physicochemical standards of viparit lajjalu (biophytumsensitivum linn.) And its effect on sperm and quality of sperm in adult male wistar rat. In our daily activities, medicinal plants are widely used by traditional medical practitioners to treat various diseases. One of those used as traditional folk medicine is in various conditions such as stomach ache and burning sensation, inflammation, arthritis, wounds, gonorrhea, amenorrhea and dysmenorrhea, asthma, cough, degenerative joint disease, urinary calculus, diabetes, snake bite, viparitlajjalu (biophytumsensitivum linn) of the family oxalidaceae. It has ethanobotanical articles that explain the aphrodisiac activity and sterility activity of the same plant. Due to different opinions on the activity on sperm of b. Sensitivum linn, the proper scientific study should be done for an accurate conclusion of the effect on sperm. Thus, there is a requirement to study the effect of b. Sensitivum linn. And as positive control erandamoola(the root of ricinuscommunis linn.) On quantity and quality of sperms serum testosterone, serum fsh, lh, prolactin levels and testicular cells in adult male wistar rat. Reference standard randomized animal experimental study of 18 (3x 6 group) adult male wistar rats will be done as an animal model. The adult male wistar rats will be kept under observation for 4 to 5 days in a normal diet and environment before the intervention. Evaluation of physicochemical standards of viparitlajjalu (biophytumsensitivumlinn.) And its effect on sperm and quality of sperm in adult male wistar rat.according to the observation and results, an appropriate discussion and conclusion will be formulated.

Morphological and Microscopical Characteristics of Oxalis corniculata L.

Morphological and microscopical characteristics of “Chua me dat hoa vang” collected in Ha Tinh province were studied. Results have identified the scientific name of the plant as Oxalis corniculata L. (family Oxalidaceae). Besides, the morphological characteristics and powder microscopy of leaf and stem of Oxalis corniculata L. species were established. Morphological characteristics of leaf and stem are pale yellow corolla, slightly pointed bracts and cube calcium oxalate crystals scattered in the soft tissue of the leaf. characteristics of herbal powder are twisted vascular grafts, hairs unicellular.
 Keywords
 Oxalis corniculata, Oxalis corniculata L., Oxalis, Oxalidaceae, morphological characteristics, microscopical characteristics.
 References
 [1] D.H. Bich, D.Q. Chung, B.X. Chuong, N.T. Dong, D.T. Dam, P.V. Hien, V.N. Lo, P.D. Mai, P.K. Man, D.T. Nhu, N. Tap, T. Toan, Medicinal plants and animals in Vietnam, Volume I, Science and Technology Publishing House, Hanoi, 2004. (in Vietnamese)[2] M. Ibrahim, I. Hussain, M. Imran, N. Hussain, A. Hussain, T. Mahboob, Corniculatin A, a new flavonoidal glucoside from Oxalis corniculata, Revista Brasileira de Farmacognosia 23(4) (2013) 630-634. https://doi.org/10.1590/S0102- https://doi.org/10.1590/S0102695X2013005000059.[3] K.C. Oberlander, E. Emshwiller, D.U. Bellstedt, L.L. Dreyer, A model of bulb evolution in the eudicot genus Oxalis (Oxalidaceae), Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution 51(1) (2009) 54–63. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ympev.2008.11.022.[4] J. Zietsman, L.L. Dreyer, B. Jansen, V. Vuuren, Genetic differentiation in Oxalis (Oxalidaceae): A tale of rarity and abundance in the Cape Floristic Region, South African Journal of Botany, 75(1) (2009) 27–33. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sajb.2008.06.003[5] L.D. Bich, Good folk remedies, Ethnic Culture Publishing House, Hanoi, 2000 (in Vietnamese).[6] L.D. Bich, T.V. On, Botany, Medical Publishing House, Hanoi, 2007 (in Vietnamese).[7] D.T. Loi, Vietnamese medicinal plants and herbs, Medical Publishing House, Hanoi, 2005 (in Vietnamese).[8] N.V. Than, Laboratory of Medicinal Materials by microscopic method, Science and Technology Publishing House, Hanoi, 2003 (in Vietnamese).
 
 

Characterization of the complete chloroplast genome of Oxalis corymbosa DC. (Oxalidaceae), a medicinal plant from Zhejiang Province

Oxalis corymbosa DC. is an important medicinal and edible perennial herb belonging to the wood-sorrel family Oxalidaceae. In this study, we report the complete chloroplast (cp) genome sequence of O. corymbosa. The assembled chloroplast genome was 151,351 bp in length, containing two inverted repeated (IR) regions of 24,587 bp each, a large single copy (LSC) region of 85,476 bp, and a small single copy (SSC) region of 16,701 bp. The genome encodes 128 genes, consisting of 82 protein-coding genes, 37 tRNA genes, eight rRNA genes, and one pseudogene (ycf1). The 82 protein-coding genes encode 25,751 amino acids in total, most of which use the initiation codon ATG, except rps19 and psbC genes start with GTG. The lengths of the tRNA genes range from 71 bp to 93 bp, with the highest GC content of 62.16% in tRNA-Arg (ACG). The overall GC content of O. corymbosa is 36.47%, with the highest GC content of 42.64% in IR region. In addition, a total of 74 simple sequence repeats were identified in the cp genome of O. corymbosa. Phylogenetic analysis indicated a sister relationship between O. corymbosa and O. drummondii, suggesting a close genetic relationship between the two Oxalis species. This work provides basic genetic resources for investigating the evolutionary status and population genetics diversities for this medicinal species.

Complete Chloroplast Genome Characterization of Oxalis Corniculata and Its Comparison with Related Species from Family Oxalidaceae.

Oxalis corniculata L. (family Oxalidaceae) is a small creeper wood sorrel plant that grows well in moist climates. Despite being medicinally important, little is known about the genomics of this species. Here, we determined the complete chloroplast genome sequence of O. corniculata for the first time and compared it with other members of family Oxalidaceae. The genome was 152,189 bp in size and comprised of a pair of 25,387 bp inverted repeats (IR) that separated a large 83,427 bp single copy region (LSC) and a small 16,990 bp single copy region (SSC). The chloroplast genome of O. corniculata contains 131 genes with 83 protein coding genes, 40 tRNA genes, and 8 rRNA genes. The analysis revealed 46 microsatellites, of which 6 were present in coding sequences (CDS) regions, 34 in the LSC, 8 in the SSC, and 2 in the single IR region. Twelve palindromic repeats, 30 forward repeats, and 32 tandem repeats were also detected. Chloroplast genome comparisons revealed an overall high degree of sequence similarity between O. corniculata and O. drummondii and some divergence in the intergenic spacers of related species in Oxalidaceae. Furthermore, the seven most divergent genes (ccsA, clpP, rps8, rps15, rpl22, matK, and ycf1) among genomes were observed. Phylogenomic characterization on the basis of 60 shared genes revealed that O. corniculata is closely related to O. drummondii. The complete O. corniculata genome sequenced in the present study is a valuable resource for investigating the population and evolutionary genetics of family Oxalidaceae and can be used to identify related species.

Oxalis corniculata Linn. (Oxalidaceae): A brief review

Oxalis corniculata Linn. is a highly useful and important traditionally used medicinal herbaceous plant which is found in tropical and subtropical areas of the world. The plant is commonly called creeping wood sorrel and it is belonging to the family Oxalidaceae. The plant has been used in different system of traditional medication for the treatment of diseases and ailments of human beings. The present review reveals the diverse ranges of phytomolecules which was previously isolated such as flavonoids, alkaloids, tannins, steroids, polyphenols, glycosidic compounds, lipids and volatile oil. The leaves of the plant contain medicinal substances like isovitexine, flavonoids, and vitexine-2-O-beta-D- glucopyrunoside. It is a rich source of essential fatty acids like palmitic acid, oleic, linolenic and stearic acids. It possesses various important pharmacological activities like antioxidant, anti-cancer, anthelmintic, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, astringent, diuretic, febrifuge, cardio-relaxant and stomachic properties. These reports are very encouraging and indicated that the herb should be studied more details for its future therapeutic benefits. The current review article briefly describes the botanical features, ethnomedicinal uses, pharmacological properties and phytochemical composition of this medicinal herb. The present study is an attempt to combine and document the necessary information on different aspects of Oxalis corniculata and highlights the need for research and development.

Karyotype inconsistencies in the taxonomy of the genus Oxalis (Oxalidaceae)

The family Oxalidaceae consists of six genera, of which Oxalis is the most representative. This genus is subdivided into four subgenera, and its species present great morphological variation, which makes it difficult to identify them. The aim of this study was to make a survey of scientific publications which presented chromosome numbers of species of Oxalis , and to compare the chromosome numbers to the taxonomic classification proposed by Alicia Lourteig. Published chromosome counts were found for 112 species. We infered that there is apparently no relation between the chromosome numbers of the species of Oxalis and the taxonomic classification proposed by Lourteig, as species belonging to a same subgenus did not present a coherent pattern in chromosome numbers.

(71) Request for a binding decision on whether the names Oxalis kuhlmannii Lourteig and O. kollmannii Fiaschi (Oxalidaceae) are sufficiently alike to be confused

(71) Request for a binding decision on whether the names <i>Oxalis kuhlmannii</i> Lourteig and <i>O. kollmannii</i> Fiaschi (<i>Oxalidaceae</i>) are sufficiently alike to be confused

Phytochemical profile and free radical nitric oxide (NO) scavenging activity of Averrhoa bilimbi L. fruit extract.

Averrhoa bilimbi L. belongs to family Oxalidaceae. Traditionally, people use this plant (root, bark, leaves and fruits) for treating several illnesses include itches, boils, syphilis, whooping cough, hypertension, fever and inflammation. The aim of the study was to evaluate the nitric oxide (NO) scavenging activity and GC-MS analysis of A. bilimbi L. fruit extract. Averrhoa bilimbi L. fruits were collected for the preliminary phytochemical analysis, antioxidant scavenging activity and biologically important compounds were identified by GC-MS analysis. The preliminary phytochemicals, GC-MS, total phenolic content and NO scavenging activity of the plant were analysed. In the present investigation, the A. bilimbi L. fruit extract has major phytochemicals. Among the 151 compounds identified in GC-MS, 15 compounds are found to have diverse biological activity. We also observed that the A. bilimbi L. fruit extract has high level of total phenolic compounds at a concentration of 209.25 GAE mg/g. Presence of phenolic compound apparently explains the antioxidant activity of the plant. Antioxidant activity of A. bilimbi L. fruit extract is proven from its high level of NO scavenging activity of potent IC50 value of 108.10. From the above study, it is apparent that the A. bilimbi L. fruit extract is a rich source of phytochemicals (natural products) with biological activity. The GC-MS report on this fruit proves that natural products have pharmacologically and biologically active compounds. A high phenolic content is observed in our study. A. bilimbi L. fruit extract is also found to have NO scavenging activity in our study.

Pharmacognostical and phytochemical studies on leaves of Oxalis corniculata Linn

Oxalis corniculata Linn is an annual herb commonly known as Indian horrel belonging to the family Oxalidaceae. It is found to uses as, anthelminitic, astringent, diuretic, emmenagogue, febrifuge, cardiac disorders, diarrheoa, dysmenorrhoea, hepatic disorders, eye disease, scurvy and toxicity. This research work deals with the Pharmacognostical and Phytochemical studies on leaves of Oxalis corniculata Linn microscopic photographs of transverse section (T.S) of Oxalis corniculata should distinct presentation of epidermal trichomes, calcium oxalate crystals and stomata. Standardization of the plant were done with the help of extractive values [ alcohol soluble extractive (16%w/w), water soluble extractive (24%w/w)], total ash (15%w/w), acid insoluble ash (1.7%w/w), water soluble ash (1.8%w/w), sulphated ash (0.9%w/w). Pytochemical analysis showed the presence of carbohydrates, glycosides, flavanoids, phenols, tannins, volatile oils, aminoacids and proteins. The dried coarsely powdered Oxalis corniculata plant was extracted with ethanol 600C in soxhlet apparatus for 24 hours. Another extract is prepared in cold maceration method for 7 days using water. The both extract was collected and preserved in a vaccum desicator. Fluorescence analysis was carried out for the plant powder and extract. This study various Pharmacognostical and physiochemical parameters for the identification and standardization of the plant material and Phytochemical screening for determination of active constituents.

VARIATIONS IN PHYTOCONSTITUENTS AND ANTIMICROBIAL ACTIVITIES IN ECOTYPES OF OXALIS CORNICULATA L. AND OXALIS DEBILIS KUNTH

&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Objective: &lt;/strong&gt;The present study aims at the comparative analysis of phytoconstituents and antimicrobial activities of four ecotypes of Odisha, India, each of &lt;em&gt;Oxalis corniculata &lt;/em&gt;L. (OC-Eco-1, OC-Eco-2, OC-Eco-3, OC-Eco-4) and &lt;em&gt;Oxalis debilis&lt;/em&gt; Kunth. (OD-Eco-1, OD-Eco-2, OD-Eco-3, OD-Eco-4) of the family Oxalidaceae.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Methods: &lt;/strong&gt;The ecotypes were collected from four districts (Balasore, Bhadrak, Jajpur, Khurda) of Odisha, India. The qualitative phytochemical screening was done to test glycosides, saponins, tannins and terpenoids. Further analysis of phytochemicals was also screened through TLC and HPTLC. Antimicrobial potentiality of leaf extract of various ecotypes was studied against &lt;em&gt;Bacillus subtilis&lt;/em&gt;, &lt;em&gt;Pseudomonas aeruginosa&lt;/em&gt; and &lt;em&gt;Streptococcus epidermis&lt;/em&gt; by disc diffusion method.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Results: &lt;/strong&gt;Tannin and terpenoids estimation revealed that significantly high amount of phytoconstituents were present in OD-Eco-3 of &lt;em&gt;O. debilis&lt;/em&gt;. The methanolic leaf extracts of each ecotype were screened for qualitative analysis of phytochemical through TLC and HPTLC that showed maximum 16 compounds in &lt;em&gt;O. debilis &lt;/em&gt;(OD-Eco-3)&lt;em&gt; &lt;/em&gt;a new report, as compared to &lt;em&gt;O. corniculata. &lt;/em&gt;All the four ecotypes of &lt;em&gt;O. debilis&lt;/em&gt;&lt;em&gt; &lt;/em&gt;showed some new HPTLC bands (Rf 0.96, 0.90, 0.90, 0.81) as compared to &lt;em&gt;O. corniculata &lt;/em&gt;that occupied 7.70%, 22.38%, 23.79% and 34.42% of peak area respectively. Cluster analysis on the basis of HPTLC banding pattern showed a close affinity among ecotypes of each species. Crude extracts showed antibacterial activity against &lt;em&gt;B. subtilis&lt;/em&gt;, &lt;em&gt;P. aeruginosa&lt;/em&gt; and &lt;em&gt;S. epidermis&lt;/em&gt;. Leaf extracts of ecotypes of &lt;em&gt;O. corniculata&lt;/em&gt; showed zones of inhibition and MIC better than that of &lt;em&gt;O. debilis &lt;/em&gt;against &lt;em&gt;S. epidermis&lt;/em&gt;.&lt;strong&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Conclusion: &lt;/strong&gt;The findings significantly reported some new compounds for the first time in &lt;em&gt;O. debilis. &lt;/em&gt;The study also indicated a promising potential of antimicrobial activity of &lt;em&gt;O. debilis&lt;/em&gt; which was the first report.&lt;/p&gt;

Analgesic and anti-inflammatory activity of ?-sitosterol isolated from leaves of Oxalis corniculata

Oxalis corniculata Linn. (Oxalidaceae) is one of the important medicinal plants used traditionally for the treatment of fever, pain and inflammation. To validate folk use of Oxalis corniculata as analgesic and anti-inflammatory remedy. The leaves of Oxalis corniculata was used for successive extraction with increasing polarity solvents. Petroleum ether extract was selected for activity guided fractionation to isolate ?-sitosterol due to its better efficacy than other extracts. Analgesic activity was done by hot plate test and acetic acid-induced writhings, while anti-inflammatory activity by carrageenan-induced paw edema method. All the extracts were screened at the dose of 100 mg/kg, i.p. and isolated ?-sitosterol was screened at the doses of 5, 10 and 20 mg/kg, i.p. Naloxone (1 mg/kg, s.c.) was used to understand the mechanism of nociception. In hot plate test, Petroleum ether extract was found most active with reaction time of 8.4 0.4 sec after 60 min while isolated ?-sitosterol at dose of 20 mg/kg showed 11.1 0.3 sec after 90 min. The number of writings in 30 min was compared with paracetamol. Petroleum ether extract and ?-sitosterol (20 mg/kg) showed 43.14 1.9 and 34.21 1.4 writhings respectively. Isolated ?-sitosterol (20 mg/kg) inhibited rat paw edema to 0.32 0.06 ml after 120 min. Naloxone reversed antinociceptive effects of extracts and isolated ?-sitosterol. It can be concluded that isolated ?-sitosterol is responsible for analgesic and anti-inflammatory activity of Oxalis corniculata leaves and it works through central mechanism.

A Study on Antimicrobial and Antioxidant Potential of &lt;I&gt;Biophytum sensitivum&lt;/I&gt; in Three Different Solvents

Biophytum sensitivum , a very small flowering plant is belongs to the family Oxalidaceae. It is a perennial herb of Indian origin. It used for chest complaints, convulsions, cramps and inflammatory tumours. The objective of the study is to screen phytochemicals, antibacterial, antifungal and antioxidant activity of the plant. The crude plant material ethanolic and chloroformic extract was prepared by using in a soxhlet apparatus. Percentage yield of ethanolic, chloroformic and aqueous extract of the plant extract is 8.35%, 4.25% and 3.9% respectively. Phytochemical screening revealed the presence of tannin, saponin, phenol, flavonoid, alkaloid and steroid in the ethanolic extract. Chloroformic extract contain tannin, phenol, alkaloid and steroid. Aqueous extract showed the presence of tannin, anthraquinone, phenol, flavonoid and alkaloid. Optical density method and well diffusion method are used for the analysis of antibacterial activity. Ethanolic extract of Biophytum sensitivum was found to be effective against Bacillus thuringiensis, Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomoas aeruginosa, Salmonella typhi and Escherichia coli . The antifungal activity of the extract was checked by well diffusion method and growth inhibitory assay. The results showed inhibition of the growth of Aspergillus niger . The three extracts of B. sensitivum showed strong hydroxy radical scavenging, reducing power, total antioxidant capacity and DPPH activities. Thus they can be used in the treatment of infectious diseases caused by resistant microbes.