Ficus Semicordata Research Articles

The Effect of Ficus semicordata Fig Quality on the Sex Ratio of Its Pollinating Wasp Ceratosolen gravelyi

The interaction between fig wasps and their host fig trees (Ficus spp.) is a striking example of an obligate pollination mutualism. Male and female fig wasps are confined within their natal patch instead of panmictic; under this circumstance, mating only occurs between individuals of the same patch. This is known as a local mate competition (LMC). It pays foundresses to invest mainly in daughters and to only produce enough sons to ensure that all female offspring can be fertilized, but in nature, pollinating fig wasps may face many problems with host quality, such as limitation of oviposition sites and the nutrition deficiency of the host fig. The sex ratio of wasps can determine the stability of fig–fig wasp mutualistic system and, thus, the stability of other species associated with it. In this study, we controlled the quality of host figs in three ways. The results showed that the host fig age can influence the sex ratio of pollinator offspring, while the foundress numbers and the presence of pollen have no significant effect on it. A compelling explanation for this result is that the sex-dependent mortality occurs. This is a novel finding of how host quality influences the interaction of fig and fig wasps, which can also help us understand the evolution and stability mechanism of this symbiotic system.

Wild edible Ficus fruits of Uttarakhand, India: a natural remedy towards malnutrition and human health enrichment

Wild fruits play a vital role in the diets and economic well-being of tribal communities of Uttarakhand, India. Despite their significance, there is limited information on some of the wild Ficus species such as Ficus drupacea, Ficus rumphii, Ficus semicordata, Ficus subincisa and Ficus hispida. This research aimed to analyse the nutritional potential, anti-nutritional compositions, mineral composition, antioxidant and finally the phytochemical properties of Ficus fruits to ascertain their medicinal and nutritional significance. The proximate analysis results of all the five wild Ficus species displayed varying percentages of protein, moisture, fat, ash, crude fibre, carbohydrates. Ficus species exhibited superior nutritional and mineral parameters along with a significant amount of vitamin C. Additionally, these fruits significantly showed lower levels of anti-nutritional and good amount of antioxidant parameters. Thus, adequate consumption of these wild Ficus fruits could potentially contribute to human nutritional needs and may serve as sources for dietary enhancements.

Sexual dimorphism and seasonal variations in cuticular hydrocarbons of the pollinating fig wasp in <i>Ficus semicordata</i>

Sexual dimorphism and seasonal variations in cuticular hydrocarbons of the pollinating fig wasp in <i>Ficus semicordata</i>

Assessment of economically important tree-based NTFPs in Indo-Burma region, Manipur, India

ABSTRACT The present study was undertaken to identify economically important NTFPs yielding tree species. Surveys were conducted in 15 local markets in 7 districts of the state and assessment of value-added forest products were also conducted in Van Dhan Vikas Kendra (VDVK), a nationalized minor forest products market. During the survey, a total of 33 NTFPs yielding tree species with varied uses were recorded. Among those, edible fruit species were found to be the most important category with the most profitable items. Some species like, Baccaurea sapida, Docynia indica, Elaeocarpus floribundus, Phyllanthus emblica, Ficus semicordata, Prunus napaulensis, Rhus semialata, Spondias pinnata and Ziziphus mauritiana were utilised in value addition for making different items like candies, pickles, jams, beverages, etc, which have price range of 400–1200 INR per kg having a far higher market value than the raw form, and eventually improve the income of the locals. Poor transportation and unestablished market channels were some of the constraints faced by the people in the trade of NTFPs. Establishing proper market channels would help in improving livelihood of the locals.

Penicillium digitatum as a Model Fungus for Detecting Antifungal Activity of Botanicals: An Evaluation on Vietnamese Medicinal Plant Extracts.

Medicinal plants play important roles in traditional medicine, and numerous compounds among them have been recognized for their antimicrobial activity. However, little is known about the potential of Vietnamese medicinal plants for antifungal activity. In this study, we examined the antagonistic activity of twelve medicinal plant species collected in Northern Vietnam against Penicillium digitatum, Aspergillus flavus, Aspergillus fumigatus, and Candida albicans. The results showed that the antifungal activities of the crude extracts from Mahonia bealei, Ficus semicordata, and Gnetum montanum were clearly detected with the citrus postharvest pathogen P. digitatum. These extracts could fully inhibit the growth of P. digitatum on the agar medium, and on the infected citrus fruits at concentrations of 300–1000 µg/mL. Meanwhile, the other tested fungi were less sensitive to the antagonistic activity of the plant extracts. In particular, we found that the ethanolic extract of M. bealei displayed a broad-spectrum antifungal activity against all four pathogenic fungi. Analysis of this crude extract by enrichment coupled with high-performance liquid chromatography revealed that berberine and palmatine are major metabolites. Additional inspections indicated berberine as the key compound responsible for the antifungal activity of the M. bealei ethanolic extract. Our study provides a better understanding of the potential of Vietnamese medicinal plant resources for combating fungal pathogens. This work also highlights that the citrus pathogen P. digitatum can be employed as a model fungus for screening the antifungal activity of botanicals.

Allelopathic potential of Ficus auriculata and Ficus semicordata on growth of four traditional food crops of Garhwal Himalaya

The present investigation was conducted to evaluate the phytotoxic effects of Ficus auriculata Lour. and Ficus semicordata Buch.-Ham. ex Sm.on growth and dry matter production of Eleusine coracana L. , Echinochloa frumentacea L. , Amaranthus caudatus L. and Vigna umbellata Thunb. These two Ficus tree species grow naturally in the traditional agroforestry systems of Garhwal Himalaya and the evaluation of allelopathic potential of these promising trees is required to monitor sustainable and efficient production of food crops under the canopy of both tree species to small and marginal farmers. On an average, the leaves and bark extracts of both analysed tree species had stimulated the seedling growth of A. caudatus (+20.48 & +16.79%) and V. umbellata (+0.10 & +4.64%) and for E. frumentacea (−28.31 & −50.0%) and E. coracana (−8.19 & −19.65%) reduction of seedling growth was observed. The maximum reduction in biomass was recorded in E. frumentacea (−158.67%) and least reduction was recorded in V. umbellata (−27.12%) under the leaves and bark extracts . The allelopathic effects of both extracts were resulted in decreased with increasing the soaking time of extracts, i.e. 24hrs >48hrs > 72hrs. The results also indicated that the allelopathic effects are species specific and extracts can have different influences on seedling growth of studied test crops. The tolerance of the test crops was in the order of A. caudatus > V. umbellata > E. frumentacea > E. coracana, while the toxicity of tree species was in the order of F. auriculata > F. semicordata . The study recommends that the A. caudatus and V. umbellata should be grown under canopy of both species and E. frumentacea and E. coracana could be grown in open field condition. Both Ficus species are economically important and are suitable for agroforestry systems of Garhwal Himalaya for sustainable agriculture of the region. • Ficus semicordata and Ficus auriculata are the agroforestry trees of Garhwal Himalaya. • E.coracana , E.frumentacea, A.caudatus and V.umbellata are the agricultural crops grown under agroforestry systems. • Leaves and bark extracts of F.auriculata and F.semicordata adversely affect the growth of all the target crops. • F.auriculata reduced the growth and dry weight with increasing the concentrations of extracts. • F.semicordata stimulated the seedling growth in lower concentrations and inhibited at higher concentrations.

Pharmacognostical and phytochemical screening of root and fruit of Ficus semicordata Buch.-Ham. Ex Sm. – An extra pharmacopoeial drug

Abstract Introduction: Root and fruits of Bhumi Udumbara (Ficus semicordata Buch.-Ham. ex Sm.) are traditionally used in the treatment of aphthous complaints, leprosy, headache, abdominal diseases, bladder ailments, visceral obstruction, and various disorders. Aim: Present study reports the microscopic including powder microscopy, physiochemical and preliminary phytochemical characters of root and fruit of F. semicordata. Materials and methods: Root and fruit of the plant, after proper authentication, were evaluated following standard pharmacopoeial recommended procedures. Results: Striking characters of the F. semicordata root is the presence of profusely branched root-like structures, nearer to the trunk, and reaches the ground as a supporting root (aerial root or false root). The diagrammatic section of the root, circular in outline, made up of an outer cork, followed by cortex, vascular bundle, and central pseudo pith. Fruit is shortly peduncled, in pairs or clusters, globose in shape, hispid and warted surface, reddish brown in color. Loss on drying at 110°C was found to be 10.54% and 11.73% of root and fruit respectively. High-performance thin-layer chromatography results showed 2 peaks at 254 and 366 nm of root and 3 peaks at 254 and 1 peak at 366 nm of fruit respectively. Conclusion: F. semicordata is a small or medium-sized evergreen tree, bears a supporting root (aerial root or false root) nearer to the trunk region. Root reddish brown in color with smooth surface, prominent nodes, and internodes, presence of fruits over nodes and internodes is the key identifying character. Stone cells found in root and the presence of pollen grains, simple starch grains, and compound starch grains in fruit are the diagnostic characteristics of F. semicordata.

Comparison of Fodder Species with or without Nutrient Supplementation for Paddy Straw-based Dairy Cattle Production in Hills of Nepal

Productivity of crossbred dairy cattle in the milk production pockets of Nepali hills are considerably low due to their severe undernourishment in the paddy straw-based feeding regimes. An experiment was carried out at on-farm of Tanahun district in order to compare popular fodders (Ficus semicordata cv. Montana S.M. Amatya and Pennisetum purpureum K. Schumach. cv Mott) with and without nutrient supplementation via the urea-molasses-mineral block (UMMB) for milk yield, milk fat content and lactometer reading. The experiment was conducted in a 2×2 factorial arrangement of Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with 10 replications. The milking cattle of Jersey crossbred from third to fifth parities with similar milk yields and stages of lactation were taken as the experimental animals. The results of the study showed that Rai khanayo (F. semicordata) fodder performed better (p<0.01) than Napier (P. purpureum) for milk yield, milk fat content, and lactometer reading. Likely, significantly enhanced (p<0.05) milk yield with better fat content and lactometer reading were obtained for the UMMB supplemented group. Feeding 10 kg of F. semicordata fodder with 300 g of UMMB supplementation, 10 kg of rice straw and 2 kg of wheat bran as the daily ration improved the milk yield, milk fat content, and lactometer reading considerably (p<0.05) than other treatment combinations in the farmers’ field. These simple and practical technologies can rigorously be used for the substantial improvement of the milk yield and its constituents of crossbred dairy cattle, and also for their health in the hills of Nepal.

Anticoagulant potential and total phenolic content of six species of the genus Ficus from Azad Kashmir, Pakistan

Purpose: To investigate the total phenolic and flavonoid contents of Ficus benghalensis, Ficus elasticaa, Ficus palmata, Ficus religiosa, Ficus semicordata and Ficus auriculata, and to determine their anticoagulant potential.
 Methods: Crude methanol extracts were prepared from the plant leaves, and fractionated using liquidliquid partition with n-hexane, chloroform and ethyl acetate. The total flavonoid and total phenolic contents of the extracts and their fractions were determined. The anticoagulant potential of the six Ficus species were evaluated in healthy human plasma, using activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) and prothrombin time (PT) methods.
 Results: Phytochemical analysis showed the presence of considerable amounts of flavonoids ranging from 5.3 ± 0.7 to 11.8 ± 0.3 mg rutin equivalents (RE)/g, and phenolic compounds ranging from 8.0 ± 0.7 to 86.5 ± 1.5 mg gallic acid equivalents (GAE)/g in each fraction of the six species. Results from in vitro anticoagulant potential assays showed significant anticoagulant properties, with prothrombin time (PT) ranging from 17.7 ± 0.7 to 26.7 ± 2.2 s, and activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) varying from 47.7 ± 3.3 to 72.3 ± 5.4 s.
 Conclusion: The results indicate that F. semicordata and F. Religiosa have higher anticoagulant potential than the other Ficus species studied.

Phytochemical screening, Free radical scavenging, and In-vitro Anti-bacterial activity study of Chloroform, Acetone and Methanol extracts of selected medicinal plants of Nepal

Bacteria are unique prokaryotic agents which carry genetic information in double stranded DNA matrix and even reside in the normal flora of human. Such bacteria sometime become the cause of human infection and disease by evading bodies protective mechanisms. Antibacterial agents are the group of materials that fight against such pathogenic bacteria, killing or reducing their metabolic activity. Meanwhile, naturally occurring plant phytochemicals are being used as antimicrobial and antibacterial agents by various group of indigenous and ethnic populations. This study was carried out to extra plot the safety, efficacy and therapeutic potency of the selected medicinal plants which are used traditionally as a source of anti-microbial, anti-bacterial and free radical scavenger. Quantitative phytochemical screening revealed that methanolic extract of Crassocephalum cripidiodes showed maximum Total Phenolic Content (TPC) of 322.16±0.01 μg GAE/mg of extract and acetone extract of Ficus. semicordata showed maximum Total Flavonoid Content (TFC) of 500.35±0.048 μg QE/mg of extract. Among the selected plant extracts, the most potent antioxidant activity was revealed by methanolic extract of Crassocephalum crepidiodes with IC50 of 6.95µg which is close to that of standard ascorbic acid having IC50 4.21µg. Bacterial susceptibility assay was carried out against Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumonia and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Among the selected plants, greater zone of inhibition was shown by acetone extract of Ficus semicordata against Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Finally, the study revealed that Ficus semicordata, Cirsium argyracanthum and Ficus hispida have anti-bacterial property against the selected bacterial strain which provide evidence-based scientific proof towards the traditional use of these plant sample in curing bacterial diseases.

Quantitative analysis of tannins, alkaloids, phenols, and flavonoids in Ficus semicordata leaf, stem, stem bark, root, and fruit powder

Introduction: Ficus semicordata Buch.-Ham. ex Sm. (Syn. Ficus cunia Buch.- Ham. ex Roxb.) of familyMoraceae, is one of the plants used by the folklore of Odisha for medicinal purposes. Traditional healers use the plant’s leaf, stem, stem bark, root, and fruit to treat jaundice, stomach disorders, skin diseases, and other ailments. The present research article explores the quantitative estimation of tannins, alkaloids, phenols, and flavonoids of leaf, stem, stem bark, root, and fruit powder of Ficus semicordata, as these are responsible for antioxidant, hepatoprotective, and other activities. Materials and Methods: The plant and its various useful parts, after through identification and authentication, were collected from the Gandhamardana hills in Paikamal, Odisha. Quantitative estimation of different parts was performed following standard procedures. Results: Quantitative estimation revealed the presence of maximum tannin in stem bark followed by leaf; maximum alkaloid in fruit followed by leaf; maximum phenol in stem followed by root; and maximum flavonoid content in stem followed by root. Quantitative analysis revealed the presence of tannin and alkaloid in all the samples, which plays a significant role oxidative defence, antimalarial, anticancer, cholinomimetic, vasodilatory, analgesic, antibacterial, and antihyperglycemic activities. Conclusion: Quantitative estimation revealed the presence of tannin and alkaloid in all the parts of F. semicordata.

Detailed pharmacognostical, phytochemical screening and DNA barcoding of leaves of Ficus semicordata Buch.-ham. ex Sm.(Bhumi Udumbara)- An extra pharmacopoeial drug of ayurveda

Detailed pharmacognostical, phytochemical screening and DNA barcoding of leaves of Ficus semicordata Buch.-ham. ex Sm.(Bhumi Udumbara)- An extra pharmacopoeial drug of ayurveda

Reliable Physical Parameters for Determining Fruit/Seed Maturity Timing of Ficus semicordata Buch. in Kumaun Region of Central Himalaya

Wild edible plants play an important role as food supplements during scarcity for local inhabitants. Ficus semicordata is commonly known as drooping fig. Plant parts are used for medicinal purposes. It is a common agroforestry tree in the Himalayan region growing from 750 to 1500 m elevation. The present study was carried out to assess the exact time of seed and fruit maturation and germination of F. semicordata in Nainital district of Kumaun Himalaya across 3 sites during two consecutive years 2017 and 2018. Fruit of F. semicordata were collected from the marked trees from all the sites till the availability of the fruits. Across all the sites the mean fruit size varied between 190.24 ± 0.46 and 395.14 ±3.56.14 mm² in Yr-1 and 135.56 ±3.69 to 516.86 ±1.26 mm² in Yr-2. Across both the sites the colour change from green to pinkish brown appears as one of the indicator of maturity. In addition to the colour fruit moisture content between 50.25±0.58% and 62.73±2.30% coincided with maximum germination (48.0±0.06% and 85± 4.61%).

Qualitative, quantitative screening and antifungal study of ficus semicordata buch. -HAM. EX SM

Objective Ficus semicordata is an ethnomedicinal plant which has a numerous number of medicinal claims and it hasn’t been explored thoroughly. Various parts of plant used medicinally such as used in skin disorder, leprosy, etc.To explore different qualitative, quantitative and antifungal aspect of Ficus semicordata . Materials and methods Different test were carried out to determine qualitative as well as quantitative parameter such as for the presence of protein, glycosides, alkaloids, carbohydrates, terpenoids, etc. Result & Discussion The three extracts were taken for examination such as water, methanolic and hydroalcoholic. The study was carried out on Ficus bark, leaves and fruit and for every sample three extract were prepared. And every extract shows different results. Also study revels ficus semicordata shows antifungal activity Conclusion The Ficus semicordata plant extracts could be used as an antifungal after comprehensive in vitro biological studies.

Participatory ranking of fodders in the western hills of Nepal

Fodder is an important source of feed of the ruminants in Nepal. In the mid hills of Nepal, farmers generally practice integrated farming system that combines crop cultivation with livestock husbandry and agroforestry. Tree fodders are good sources of protein during the forage and green grass scarcity periods especially in dry season. Local communities possess indigenous knowledge for the selection of grasses and tree fodders at different seasons in mid hills of western Nepal. A study was conducted on the perception of farmers with respect to selection of fodder species in eight clusters in Kaski and Lumjung districts that range 900-2000 meter above sea level and receive average precipitation of 2000- 4500mm per annum. During the fodder preference ranking, farmers prepared the inventory of fodders found around the villages and nearby forests and selected top ten most important fodders in terms of their availability, palatability, fodder yield, milk yield and milk fat yield. In total, 23 top ranking fodders species were selected from the eight clusters. These fodder species were also ranked using pairwise ranking and weighted scoring methods and ranking was done on the basis of merit numbers obtained from weighted scores. The analysis revealed Artocarpus lakoocha as best tree fodder followed by Ficus semicordata, Thysanolena maxima and Ficus calvata. Similarly, the calendar of fodders trees for lopping season and the best feeding time was prepared on the basis of farmers’ local knowledge. This study suggests strategies for promotion of locally preferred tree fodder species and supplementing tree fodder with feed in different seasons depending on their availability and local preferences.

Nutritive values of fodders at different seasons and altitudes in Gandaki River Basin of Nepal

This study aimed to assess the seasonal and ecological variation of chemical and nutritional values of locally preferred fodders in Gandaki River Basin (GRB) areas. The study was conducted in four altitudinal gradients viz. <400m, 400-800m, 800-1200m and 1200–1600m altitude above sea level in different looping seasons: rainy, spring and winter seasons. The most important five species of fodder trees Artocarpus lakoocha, Ficus roxburghii, Thysanolaena maxima, Ficus semicordata and Bauhinia purpurea were selected based on farmers’ preferences in nutritional values. Fodder samples comprised young leaves, old leaves and young twigs that were taken in July, September and December. It was revealed that nutritive value is not very much influenced by altitude but it is strongly influenced by lopping seasons. Among Thysanolaena maxima, Artocarpus lakoocha, Ficus roxburghii and Bauhinia purpurea the cellulose contents were significantly different (p<0.001) with seasons but there was no significant variation with altitudes. Similarly, Acid Detergent Fibre (ADF) contents in Thysanolaena maxima, Ficus roxburghii and Bauhinia purpurea were found significantly different with seasons. Ficus roxburghii fodder tree was found significantly different in Neutral Detergent Fibre (NDF), ADF, Cellulose and Potassium content with seasons. Similarly, fodder tree Bauhinia purpurea was found significant on Dry matter (DM), Crude fibre (CF), NDF, ADF, cellulose, tannin and potassium with seasons. The study hinted how careful planning of species selection and prudent decision in scheduling looping and feeding fodder trees can help improve animal metabolism, health, growth and productivity.

Detailed Pharmacognostical and Phytochemical Screening of Stem and Stem Bark of Ficus semicordata Buch.-Ham. Ex sm. - An Extra Pharmacopoeial Drug of Ayurveda

Introduction: Stem bark of Bhumi udumbara (Ficus semicordata Buch.-Ham. ex Sm.) is used traditionally in the treatment of leprosy, ulcer, dysentery, wound, pregnancy, complaints of gastric, liver, bladder and various disorders. In present study, stem and stem bark of F. semicordata are explored for their microscopic including powder microscopy, physiochemical and preliminary phytochemical aspects. Materials and Methods: Stem and stem bark of the plant, after proper authentication by BSI Kolkata, were evaluated following standard procedures. Results: Stem is hard, cylindrical, cut pieces measures about 10 - 25cm in length and 0.4 – 0.8 cm in diameter. Diagrammatic transverse section of stem shows outer cork followed by wide parenchymatous cortex with prismatic and rhomboidal crystals, starch grains and tannin content. Powder light brown in colour; odour woody; taste tasteless to astringent; texture fibrous. Stem bark is hard, single quilled after drying, outer dark reddish brown in colour with presence of lenticels, longitudinal cut fibres, rough in surface. Diagrammatic section, of the bark, shows outer several layered cork followed by cortical region along with medullary rays. Powder tortilla(brown) in colour; odour slightly aromatic; taste astringent; texture fibrous. Loss on drying at 110°C was found to be 7.41% and 8.60% of stem and stem bark respectively. HPTLC results shows 3 peaks and 0 peak at 254 and 366 nm of stem and 3 peaks at 254 and 366 nm of stem bark respectively. Discussion and Conclusion: Woody stem and presence of brown content, tannin, rhomboidal and prismatic crystals in stem and stem bark are the diagnostic characters.

Wild edible fruits of Meghalaya, North-East India: an unexplored potential for nutritional security and economic prosperity

The northeastern region of India, being one of the mega hot spots of plant biodiversity in the world is considered as one of the richest reservoirs of genetic variability and diversity of various horticultural crops including fruits. This region contains more than one third of the country's total fruit diversity. In addition to commercial fruits, the region is also known for its rich genetic resources of underutilized and underexploited fruits. These fruits are neither grown commercially on large scale nor traded widely. They are scattered only in wild forest or semi-wild in homestead gardens and remained uncared for albeit with large variability and are traded and consumed locally. Considerable diversity exists among these species in plant type, morphological and physiological characteristics, adaptability and distribution. They can be grown under stress and adverse conditions and are also known for their medicinal, therapeutic and nutritive values. These fruits, from time immemorial are known to play an important role in food and nutritional supplement of rural community. Most of them are very rich sources of vitamins, minerals along with carbohydrates, proteins and fats. This region harbors a good number of underutilized and under exploited species viz., Aegle marmelos, Artocarpus heterophyllus, Artocarpus lackoocha, Averrhoea carambola, Baccaurea ramiflora, Citrus medica, Citrus macroptera, Citrus grandis, Dillenia indica, Elaegnus latifolia, Elaeocarpus floribundus, Emblica officinalis, Ficus semicordata, Garcinia cowa, Passiflora edulis, Phylanthus acidus, Spondias pinnata, Syzigium jambos, Tamarindus indica, Terminalia chebula and many more. Although these fruits contain almost all vitamins and minerals, most of them remained underexploited due to the lack of awareness of their potential, market demand and knowledge of bio-prospecting and value addition. But of now, the genetic resources of such fruits are facing a great threat of extinction due to climate change, large-scale urbanization, changing attitude and taste of peoples and developmental projects. To safeguard the existing diversity of underutilized fruits, systematic exploitation, collection, characterization, multiplication, and conservation of these valuable resources are urgently needed to ensure food and nutritional security of rural populations and to achieve sustainable development of the NE region of India.

Antennae and the role of olfaction and contact stimulation in mate recognition by males of the pollinating fig wasp Ceratosolen gravelyi (Hymenoptera: Agaonidae)

ABSTRACTFinding a mate is a crucial step in sexual reproduction. The mutualism between figs and their pollinators is exploited by many figwasps that develop within their galls and attain sexual maturity simultaneously. Male pollinators carry the specific burden of detecting and opening mating holes in galls containing conspecific females before mating with them. The mating behaviourand antennal sensilla of male pollinators associated with Ficus semicordata was investigated to understand mate recognition. Male Ceratosolen gravelyi located female-containing galls from a distance, but only attempted to chew a mating hole after antennal contact with the gall surface was made. They showed similar responses to females and body extracts but failed to respond to washed female bodies. This behaviour indicates that unidentified chemicals present on the body surfaces of females are sufficient to elicit olfactory attraction and tactile confirmation. Multiporous plate sensilla are candidates for olfactory reception from a distance while basiconic sensilla may be involved in contact chemoreceptor. All of the sensilla are highly localised, on the distal part of the terminal flagellomere, suggesting a response to selection for strong directionality in the complex odour environment of the fig in which messages produced by hundreds of females may confuse precise mate localisation.

Antioxidant and nutritional evaluation of Bhu Udumbara (Ficus semicordata Buch.-Ham. ex Sm.) leaves and fruits: An extra pharmacopoeial drug of Ayurveda.

Background:Ficus semicordata Buch.-Ham. ex Sm. (Moraceae) has been attributed with copious therapeutic claims in Indian traditional medical systems, especially for its ethnomedicinal and economical uses.Aims:The present study was carried out to evaluate the heavy metal, pesticide, aflatoxin content, antioxidant and nutritional value of leaves and fruits of F. semicordata.Materials and Methods:Heavy metal content; pesticide residues; aflatoxin content; antioxidant potential; and different nutritional parameters such as total carbohydrate, true protein, protein, total fat, energy, Vitamin C, Vitamin A, iron, zinc, manganese, phosphorus, calcium of the leaves, and fruits were evaluated following the standard guidelines.Results:Fruit powder shows the presence of 72.94 ppm Pb while <0.01 ppm Pb in leaf powder whereas Cd, Hg, and as were <0.01 ppm in both leaf and fruit powders. Pesticide residue and aflatoxin cotent in both leaves and fruit were below the limit of quantification. Antioxidant activities of both leaves and fruits increased with increasing concentrations in the dose-dependent manner by Diphenylpicrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay, ferric-reducing antioxidant power assay and phosphomolybdenum assay. Fruits are found more nutritious with highest content of true protein, total fat, energy, Vitamin A, iron, zinc and phosphorus whereas the leaves are having highest content of total carbohydrate, protein, Vitamin C, manganese and calcium.Conclusion:The results of this study shows that in the leaves and fruits of F. semicordata mercury, cadmium, arsenic, pesticides residues and aflatoxin content are below the limit of quantification and possess mild antioxidant properties. Fruits are found more nutritious with the highest content of true protein, total fat, energy, Vitamin A, iron, zinc and phosphorus. Being wild, it is easily accessible and cheaper source of nutrition.