Immense Medicinal Value Research Articles

Changes in Ginkgo biloba L.’s Habitat Due to Climate Change in China

Ginkgo biloba L. was named by Carl Linnaeus in 1771; a “living fossil” with immense medicinal and conservation value, it is a nationally first-class protected wild plant. However, many Ginkgo populations are under threat from habitat destruction, human exploitation, and over-harvesting, which have limited their numbers and range. Using an optimized MaxEnt model in R, this study analyzed Ginkgo distribution points and 22 ecological factors in China to explore the key environmental factors affecting its geographical distribution. The study also predicted the spatial distribution patterns and centroid changes of potential suitable areas under three different carbon emission pathways: current conditions, 2021–2040 (2030s), 2041–2060 (2050s), and 2061–2080 (2070s). The findings are as follows: (1) The optimal combination of model parameters (RM = 3.2, FC = LPH) reduced model complexity and overfitting and achieved very high prediction accuracy with an optimized AUC value of 0.928. (2) The key environmental factors influencing Ginkgo growth include precipitation in the driest month (20–175 mm), minimum temperature in the coldest month (−4 to 3 °C), precipitation in the hottest quarter (450–2500 mm), and a temperature seasonal variation deviation greater than 580. (3) Under the three future climate scenarios (SSP126, SSP245, and SSP585), the potential suitable habitat area for Ginkgo in China was increased, with the distribution range migrating to higher latitudes, Under the three different development models, the total suitable area followed this order: SSP126 > SSP245 > SSP585. Highly and moderately suitable areas are concentrated in the Yangtze River Basin. This study is highly significant for the ecological protection of Ginkgo, aiding in the rational planning of potential suitable areas, enhancing the monitoring of key conservation areas, and developing effective protection strategies in a timely manner.

Prunella vulgaris and Tussilago farfara demonstrate anti-inflammatory activity in rabbits and protect human adipose stem cells against thermal stress in vitro

Ethnopharmacological relevancePrunella vulgaris L.(PV) and Tussilago farfara (TF) are perennial herbs rich in flavonoids and phenolic compounds with immense medicinal value. PV extract (PV-E) possesses potent antipyretic, anti-inflammtory, antioxidant, antiseptic, anti-cancer and immune stimulatory properties and have been traditionally known for the treatment of wounds, ulcers and sores. TF extract (TF-E) has been known for antibacterial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-viral, anti-diabetic, anti-cancer, anti-obesity and wound healing effects. Additionally, TF-E infusions have been used for asthma, cough, and bronchopneumonia treatments. Aim of the studyThe therapeutic efficacy of transplanted human adipose stem cells (hASCs) is abrogated under the deteriorating effects of heat stress offered by burn wounds. Earlier researches has documented antioxidant priming as an effective strategy to enhance stem cell performance. As both PV-E and TF-E are known for their potent antioxidant effects. The present study aims to examine the cryoprotective effects of PV-E and TF-E priming on hASCs against in-vitro heat-induced thermal stress. Moreover, we determined the anti-inflammatory potential of both PV-E and TF-E on rabbits. MethodsAntioxidant capacity of both PV-E and TF-E is examined via DPPH assay and anti-inflammatory activity is assessed in rabbits using carrageen-induced paw edema model of inflammation. Next, we investigate the efficacy of different doses (1.25–100 μg/ml) of PV-E and TF-E on hASCs; MTT, LDH, calcein AM staining, and wound scratch assay were used to assess cell viability, cytotoxicity, proliferation ability and cell migration potential in the cells. Then, hASCs were pretreated for 24 h with optimum doses of PV-E and TF-E determined from MTT assay results and were subsequently exposed to in-vitro thermal injury (51 °C,10 min). The cytoprotective effects of both PV-E and TF-E priming under thermal stress were investigated via MTT, LDH, annexin-V staining and gene expression analysis. ResultsBoth PV-E and TF-E extracts demonstrated potent antioxidant and effective anti-inflammatory activities, with a clear reduction in inflammation. Study on hASCs exhibited improved cell viabilities, enhanced cell proliferation and migration abilities of both extracts. While heat stress data revealed that PV-E (2.5 μg/ml) and TF-E (5 μg/ml) pretreatment significantly ameliorated effects of thermal-injuries in hASCs as depicted by significantly enhanced cell viabilities, low LDH release profile, and lower annexin-V expression and regulated gene expression of the pretreated cells. ConclusionPV-E and TF-E priming effectively enabled hASCs to combat thermal injury by significantly promoting cell survival than untreated cells. Hence, these findings suggest that PV-E and TF-E priming could be used to attain improved cellular responses and enhanced therapeutic efficacy in burnt tissue.

Illuminating Cannabis sativa L.: The Power of Light in Enhancing C. sativa Growth and Secondary Metabolite Production.

Light is crucial for higher plants, driving photosynthesis and serving as a powerful sensory signal that profoundly modulates growth, development, physiological functions, hormone activation, and biochemical pathways. Various light parameters-quality, intensity, composition, and photoperiod-exert a tremendous influence on plant growth and development, particularly in industrial hemp (Cannabis sativa L.). C. sativa, a crop of historical significance and unparalleled versatility, holds immense value in the food, fiber, and medicinal industries. The cultivation of medicinal cannabis is burgeoning in controlled environments due to evolving healthcare regulations. Optimal light conditions significantly enhance both yield and harvest quality, notably increasing the density of apical inflorescences and the ratio of inflorescence to total aboveground biomass. C. sativa metabolites, especially phenolic and terpene compounds and Phytocannabinoids like CBD (cannabidiol), THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), and CBG (cannabigerol), possess immense medicinal value. Secondary metabolites in C. sativa predominantly accumulate in the trichomes of female flowers and surrounding sugar leaves, underscoring the critical need to boost inflorescence weight and metabolite concentrations while ensuring product consistency. Different light parameters distinctly impact C. sativa's metabolic profile, providing a robust foundation for understanding the optimal conditions for synthesizing specific secondary metabolites. While the effects of light measurement on various crops are well-established, scientific evidence specifically relating to light quality effects on C. sativa morphology and secondary metabolite accumulation remains scarce. In this review, we critically summarized how different light properties can alter cannabis growth (vegetative and reproductive), physiology and metabolism. Furthermore, the mechanisms by which specific wavelengths influence growth, development, and secondary metabolite biosynthesis in C. sativa are not fully elucidated, which could be a prospective task for future researchers. Our review paves the way for a profound understanding of light's influence on C. sativa growth and advancements in greenhouse settings to maximize metabolite production for commercial use.

Studies on Bioresource based Seed Production Modules in Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum graecum L.)

Background: Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum L.) family: fabaceae, locally known as ‘Methi’ is a self pollinated leguminous spice crop. The plant originated in India and Northern Africa. In India, it is commonly consumed a condiment and used medicinally as a lactation stimulant. There are numerous other folkloric uses of fenugreek, for example, in the treatment of indigestion and baldness. The crop has immense medicinal value and is a good source of vitamins, protein and essential oils. The leaves are used as a vegetable and the seeds as spice for adding medicinal value and flavor to the human food and also forage for cattle. Methods: The present investigation was conducted during 2017-18 and 2018-2019 under laboratory and field conditions in the Department of Seed Science and Technology, Dr. YS Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry, Nauni, Solan (HP). In both the years, ten bioresources based seed production modules were tested under field conditions. The field experiment comparised of 10 bioresource based seed production modules with one untreated control was laid out in Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replications. Result: It can be concluded from the present investigation that bioresource based seed production Module-5 consist of seed treatment with Rhizobium strain-B2@ 100 ml/kg seeds, soil application of Trichoderma viride mixed with FYM @ 2 L/20 kg and arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi @ 2 kg of soil inoculum/m2 and foliar application of water extracts of garlic (Allium sativum) and drake (Melia azedarach) @ 5% is an effective treatment module which improved plant growth, pod yield, seed yield and reduced the incidence of downy mildew as compared to untreated control.

The Liquid-Fermentation Formulation of Sanghuangporus sanghuang Optimized by Response Surface Methodology and Evaluation of Biological Activity of Extracellular Polysaccharides.

Sanghuangporus sanghuang is a rare fungus growing on mulberry trees that has immense medicinal value. This study aimed to optimize the liquid-fermentation-media formulation and culture conditions for large-scale culturing of S. sanghuang by performing one-way testing and response surface methodology. The antioxidant and anticancer activities of the extracellular polysaccharides from S. sanghuang were also analyzed. The optimal formulation and growth conditions for S. sanghuang were as follows: glucose, 30.2 ± 0.37 g/L; yeast extract, 14.60 ± 0.05 g/L; dandelion powder, 1.24 ± 0.01 g/L; shaker speed, 150 r/min; and temperature, 25 °C. We obtained 13.99 ± 0.42 g/L of mycelium biomass by culturing S. sanghuang for 15 days with the optimized formulation. This was 2-fold higher than the mycelial mass obtained with the sub-optimal formulation. The extracellular fungal polysaccharides showed significant antioxidant activity against ABTS and DPPH free radicals, and significantly reduced the in vitro growth and survival of several cancer cell lines. The anticancer activity of the extracellular fungal polysaccharides was significantly higher in the human glioma cells than in other cancer cell lines. In summary, this study optimized the liquid media formulation and conditions for the large-scale culturing of S. sanghuang. Furthermore, the extracellular polysaccharides from S. sanghuang showed significant antioxidant and anticancer activities.

High-quality Momordica balsamina genome elucidates its potential use in improving stress resilience and therapeutic properties of bitter gourd

IntroductionMomordica balsamina is the closest wild species that can be crossed with an important fruit vegetable crop, Momordica charantia, has immense medicinal value, and placed under II subclass of primary gene pool of bitter gourd. M. balsamina is tolerant to major biotic and abiotic stresses. Genome characterization of Momordica balsamina as a wild relative of bitter gourd will contribute to the knowledge of the gene pool available for improvement in bitter gourd. There is potential to transfer gene/s related to biotic resistance and medicinal importance from M. balsamina to M. charantia to produce high-quality, better yielding and stress tolerant bitter gourd genotypes.MethodsThe present study provides the first and high-quality chromosome-level genome assembly of M. balsamina with size 384.90 Mb and N50 30.96 Mb using sequence data from 10x Genomics, Nanopore, and Hi-C platforms.ResultsA total of 6,32,098 transposons elements; 2,15,379 simple sequence repeats; 5,67,483 transcription factor binding sites; 3,376 noncoding RNA genes; and 41,652 protein-coding genes were identified, and 4,347 disease resistance, 67 heat stress–related, 05 carotenoid-related, 15 salt stress–related, 229 cucurbitacin-related, 19 terpenes-related, 37 antioxidant activity, and 06 sex determination–related genes were characterized.ConclusionGenome sequencing of M. balsamina will facilitate interspecific introgression of desirable traits. This information is cataloged in the form of webgenomic resource available at http://webtom.cabgrid.res.in/mbger/. Our finding of comparative genome analysis will be useful to get insights into the patterns and processes associated with genome evolution and to uncover functional regions of cucurbit genomes.

Application of microscopy and spectroscopy in investigating anti-cancer potential of Achyranthes aspera L. leaves.

The genus Achyranthes belong to the family Amaranthaceae which constitutes an important group of herbs and shrubs with immense medicinal value. The present research work was conducted to investigate the anticancer potential of Achyranthes aspera L. leaves by focusing on the antioxidant, aniproliferative and antimitotic activities of leaf extracts. Plant extraction was carried out by soxhelt method with different solvents. Phytochemical characterization of the plants extracts using chemical methods identified the presence of cardiac glycosides, saponins, coumarins, proteins, tannins, flavonoids and triterpenes. Alkaloid was present in methanolic and ethanolic extract. High performance liquid chromatography showed presence of different concentration of myricetin, quercetin and kaempferol in different extracts with the highest concentration of myricetin (84.53 μg/mL) in n-butanolic extract. The extracts were then tested for antioxidant activity using 2,2-diphenylpicrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging assay by spectrophotometric method. In DPPH radical scavenging assay, antioxidant activity of A. aspera ranged between 79.78 ± 0.034% and 58.63 ± 0.069%. Highest antioxidant activity was observed for methanolic extract and lowest for acetone. Antimitotic activity was determined by using Allium cepa assay in which microscopic investigation was carried out to observe normal and abnormal phases of mitosis. In this assay, n-butanolic extract had highest antimitotic activity with minimum mitotic index at 2 mg/mL (57 ± 0.0351%). The plant extracts also caused chromosomal and mitotic aberrations which were clearly observed under 40× and 100× magnification of compound microscope. Antiproliferative activity was determined by using yeast cell model in which light microscope with hemocytometer was used for cell counting. In case of Antiproliferative activity, the ethyl acetate extract of A. aspera had highest antiproliferative activity with lowest cell viability (22.14 ± 0.076%) at highest extract concentration (2 mg/mL) while methanol extract of A. aspera had highest antiproliferative activity with lower cell viability (24.24 ± 0.057%) at lowest extract concentration (0.25 mg/mL). The results of the study indicated that the leaves extract of A. aspera have strong potential to be used as a source of anti-cancer agent. RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS: Achyranthes aspera L. leaves have various phytochemicals which contribute to its medicinal properties Various extracts of the leaves of A. aspera L. possess antioxidant, antimitotic and antiproliferative potential The results of the study indicated that the leaves extract of A. aspera have strong potential to be used as a source of anti-cancer agent.

Synthesis, characterization and DFT studies of novel Schiff base derivatives of curcumin as potential antibacterial agents

Curcumin has immense medicinal value in traditional medicine and is known to have anti-tumor, anti-microbial and anti-oxidant properties. Molecular structure of curcumin has a very interesting functionality profile that permits novel modifications. This work specifically focuses on the synthesis of a series of schiff base derivatives of curcumin (3a–3h) which were primarily characterized by FT-IR, 1HNMR , 13CNMR and HR-MS. In a bid to study the biocidal activity of these compounds, the studies were performed on S. aureus ATCC 25923 and E. Coli ATCC 25922. MIC for these compounds were found in the range of 250 µg/mL to 500 µg/ml. Anti-oxidant property was determined using the DPPH radical scavenging method. Further, radical scavenging activity was extended to nitric oxide and hydroxyl radicals. DFT calculations were carried out for theoretical understanding and energy analysis to support the experimental data. In silico studies were carried out using ADMET to predict in vivo interactions and toxicity.

Phytochemical Composition and Antioxidant Activity Screening of Chloroform Leaves Extract of Man-To-Man (Peperomia pellucida) Harvested from Umunomo Ihitteafoukwu in Imo State, South Eastern Nigeria

Peperomia pellucida commonly called man-to-man or pepper elder is a plant of immense medicinal value and used in the treatment of different ailments such as abdominal pain, abscess, acne, boils colic rhematic joint pain and also consumed as vegetable. This study was conducted to investigate the preliminary and quantitative phytochemical properties of Peperomia pellucida. The results obtained revealed the presence of alkaloids (2.49±0.02), phenols (0.05±0.01), flavonoids (0.59±0.01), saponins (0.64 ± 0.02), tannins (0.08± 0.01) with alkaloid registering the highest presence. Peperomia pellucida leaves extract exhibited significant antioxidant activity at minimum and maximum concentrations of 2.0 and 12.0mg/ml respectively (compared to the ascorbic acid used as the free scavenger). The antibacterial result also showed that P. pellucida extract inhibited the growth of the test organisms, with the highest growth inhibition against Escherichia Coli and the lowest growth inhibition against Bacillus Cereus. The antimicrobial properties indicate the potential usefulness of this plant in the treatment of various pathogenic diseases which in future can be developed as a potential antimicrobial agent used in the treatment of infectious diseases.

A novel role of Tinospora cordifolia in amelioration of cancer-induced systemic deterioration by taming neutrophil infiltration and hyperactivation

BackgroundCancer has emerged as a systemic disease which targets various organs thus challenging the overall physiology of the host. Recently, we have shown that hyperactive neutrophils infiltrate various organs of tumor bearing host and contribute to gradual systemic deterioration. Therefore, taming neutrophils via potent immunomodulators could be an appropriate therapeutic approach in regulating systemic damage. Tinospora cordifolia (TC), an Ayurvedic panacea, is known for its immense medicinal values in traditional literature and recent reports have also documented its immunomodulatory potential. However, whether TC can regulate neutrophils to exert its therapeutic effectiveness has not been deciphered so far. MethodsFor the in vivo study, we utilized murine model of Dalton's Lymphoma (DL). T. cordifolia extract (TCE) treatment was scheduled at early, mid and advanced stages of tumor growth at a dose of 400 mg/kg b.w for 30 consecutive days. Effect of TCE on neutrophil infiltration was examined by immunostaining. Neutrophil elastase (NE) level in serum, ascitic fluid and various tissues was monitored by ELISA. Further, qPCR was performed to assess transcripts levels of NE, myeloperoxidase (MPO), metalloproteinases (MMP-8, MMP-9) and cathepsin G (CSTG) in various tissues. ROS level in tissue was assessed by DHE staining and organ function was assessed by histology post TCE treatment. ResultsOur findings showed that TC treatment significantly reduced neutrophil count in peripheral blood and their infiltration in vital organs of tumor-bearing host. Further, it ameliorated neutrophil hyperactivation by down regulating the expression of its key cargoes including NE, MPO, MMP-8, MMP-9 and CSTG at early and mid stage of tumor growth. In addition, TC treatment prevented histopathological alterations and restored the normal serum enzyme levels at different stages of tumor growth. Importantly, TC treatment also showed significant reduction in tumor burden which was accompanied by a remarkable increase in survival of the tumor-bearing mice. ConclusionsWe conclude that T. cordifolia could limit systemic damage via regulating neutrophil infiltration and hyperactivation which can further lead to cancer control at both prophylactic and therapeutic level.

Quassia amara L.: A Comprehensive Review of its Ethnomedicinal Uses, Phytochemistry, Pharmacology and Toxicity

Quassia amara Linn., is a shrub and world widely known as ‘bitter-wood’ belongs to Simaroubaceae family. The plant grows in sandy soils of lowland & highland forests, wet forests along riverbanks and, is native to Central Mexico to Southern tropical America and Guadalupe. A Surinamese man named Quassia which gained attention for treating fevers with a secret remedy based on this herb in 18th century, which Rolande took to Sweden in 1756 and disseminated its medicinal reputation across Europe. This species consists of various constituents namely β-carbonite, indole alkaloids & primarily, the bitter compounds known as quassinoids. Various studies indicate that Q. amara possess different biological properties namely anti-diabetic, anti-inflammatory, anti-hyperglycemic, anti-leishmanial, antimalarial, anti-nociceptive, anti-ulcer, anti-fertility and sedative. Fresh bark, leaves or wood extracts are used to treat digestive problems, malaria and hepatic disorders. In-depth literature analysis revealed that the plant is least explored and possess immense medicinal values. These studies pass the new ways to explore biological potential of this plant.

Scope of Horse Gram and Bambara Groundnut as Source of Food and Feed Legume: A Review

Underutilized legumes are nutritionally important group of crops with immense medicinal values and contribute significantly as a resource of profit to the poor farmers. Horse gram (Macrotyloma uniflorum) and Bambara groundnut (Vigna subterranean) are two such underutilized legumes largely grown in India and other South Asian countries contribute significantly to the diet of poor people during adverse climatic condition particularly to them who cannot afford to grow pulses that require balanced nutrition. They are fit for diversification, green manuring and may be used as cover crops and also thrive well under stressful dry environment. Changing lifestyle and climate variability bring enough scope for their cultivation and profitability. Horse gram is medicinally superior to other traditionally consumed pulses and can fight against Bacillus subtilis, Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Besides its use as fodder crop, it cures urinary stones, gastritis, excessive post-partum bleeding, rheumatism, coronary heart disease, diabetes, etc. Bambara groundnut has distinctive drought adaptations and is suitable under semi-arid climate. Extract of Bambara groundnut is used as weaning food in African countries. The present review focuses on origin, morphology, genetic diversity, traditional uses, nutritional and medicinal importance, potential as food and fodder crop and constraints to higher productivity of both horse gram and Bambara groundnut.

Exogenous Strigolactone (GR24) Positively Regulates Growth, Photosynthesis, and Improves Glandular Trichome Attributes for Enhanced Artemisinin Production in Artemisia annua.

Artemisia annua is a medicinal plant particularly known for the production of a sesquiterpene lactone artemisinin; a specialty metabolite known for its efficacy in the treatment of malaria by killing different strains of Plasmodium falciparum due to radicals released upon the cleavage of its endoperoxide motif. Considering these facts and the immense medicinal value of artemisinin, the enhancement of in planta production of artemisinin is highly desirable. As strigolactones are known to regulate various aspects of plant growth and development, the effects of foliar spray of different concentrations of synthetic strigolactone analog GR24 (0, 0.5, 1, 2, 4, and 8 µM) on A. annua were studied. As compared to the control group, the foliar application of GR24 had a positive impact on general growth, photosynthesis, and other physiological indices with 4 µM GR24 showing the best results. The results indicate that GR24 application increased the plant biomass and various attributes related to photosynthesis, like total chlorophyll content, chlorophyll fluorescence, stomatal conductance, internal CO2, and net photosynthetic rate. Moreover, the activity of various enzymes related to photosynthesis like carbonic anhydrase, nitrate reductase, and RuBisCO was escalated. The GR24 also improved certain attributes related to glandular trichomes, with a significant enhancement in content and yield of artemisinin as compared to untreated plants.

Quantification of phytochemicals in Muli bamboo [<em>Melocanna baccifera</em> (Roxb.) Kurz] leaf and shoot extracts and immunomodulatory effect of dietary ethanolic leaves extract on <em>Labeo rohita</em> (Hamilton)

Traditionally, bamboo has immense medicinal values owing to their rich bioactive compounds. On the other hand, scientific developments in global aquaculture have revealed the significance of dietary nutraceuticals in aquaculture. In this study, efforts have been made to evaluate the properties of shoot and leaf extracts of Melocanna baccifera (Roxb.) Kurz (Muli bamboo) and demonstrated its immunomodulatory potential. At first, four different extracts of bamboo leaf and shoot were prepared through water and ethanolic solvents followed by phytochemical profiling, antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of extracts. Based on the in vitro evaluation, BLAL (bamboo leaf alcoholic) extract was chosen for further in vivo evaluation. Second experiment was carried to assess the toxicity of BLAL extract on the Indian major carp, Labeo rohita (Hamilton), locally called ‘rohu’. No mortality was observed up to 20 g of extract kg-1 body weight. Additionally, haemolytic assay was also conducted to ascertain the cellular toxicity of extract. Third experiment was conducted to find out the effect of dietary BLAL extract [doses: control (0.0%), T1 (0.01%), T2 (0.1%) and T3 (1%) of extract kg-1 feed] on immune related genes (HSP70, IL-1β and TNF-α) expression in L. rohita. The present study confirms the presence of vital phytochemicals in bamboo extracts and immunomodulatory potential of ethanolic leaf extract in rohu

Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) profiling reveals substantial metabolome diversity in seabuckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides L.) berries originating from different geographical regions in the Indian Himalayas.

Seabuckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides L.) is a high-altitude plant with immense medicinal, nutritional, and therapeutic value. Earlier studies have documented the presence of various useful bioactive substances in this species; however, comprehensive metabolome profiling of seabuckthorn berries originating from different regions of the Indian Himalayas has not been undertaken. Metabolomic profiling of seabuckthorn berries originating from different geographical sites in the Himachal Pradesh and Jammu & Kashmir regions of the Indian Himalayas was performed by using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. The GC-MS metabolome profiles of seabuckthorn berries collected from different sites (altitude 1,400-4,270 m; average temperature 8°C-27°C) were subjected to multivariate analysis following principal component analysis and hierarchical clustering analysis. The GC-MS results showed substantial variability for berry metabolites, including fatty acids, alkyl ethers, and alkyl esters. Fatty acids and their esters were mainly responsible for the variation in the berry metabolome. The metabolite expression profile heat map revealed two distinct groups of seabuckthorn berries originating from Himachal Pradesh (Lahaul and Spiti) and Jammu & Kashmir (Leh, Nubra, and Kargil), the former showing higher expression of metabolites. Interestingly, a strong negative association existed between altitude and the amounts of metabolites such as amides, alkyl esters, alcohols, sugars, and sugar esters. In contrast, temperature showed a strong positive association with ketone and alkyl ether levels. GC-MS profiling provides important phytochemical indicators to distinguish between seabuckthorn berries from different geographical sites. Our metabolome profiling analysis generated valuable information that will be useful in the formulation of various seabuckthorn products, benefiting farmers and industries.

Unravelling the therapeutic potential of marine drugs as SARS-CoV-2 inhibitors: An insight from essential dynamics and free energy landscape

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is an ongoing pandemic. The virus that causes the disease, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2), predominantly infects the respiratory tract, which may lead to pneumonia and death in severe cases. Many marine compounds have been found to have immense medicinal value and have gained approval from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and some are being tested in clinical trials. In the current investigation, we redirected a number of marine compounds toward SARS-CoV-2 by targeting the main protease (Mpro, PDB ID: 6Y2F), subjecting them to several advanced computational techniques using co-crystallised ligand as the reference compound. The results of the binding affinity studies showed that two compounds, eribulin mesylate (eri) and soblidotin (sob), displayed higher docking scores than did the reference compound. When these compounds were assessed using molecular dynamics simulation, it was evident that they demonstrated stable binding at the binding pocket of the target protein. The systems demonstrated stable root mean square deviation and radius of gyration values, while occupying the binding pocket during the simulation run. Furthermore, the essential dynamics and free energy landscape exploration revealed that the protein had navigated through a minimal energy basin and demonstrated favourable conformation while binding to the proposed inhibitors. Collectively, our findings suggest that two marine compounds, namely eri and sob, show potential as SARS-CoV-2 main protease inhibitors.

Gum Guggulu - Oleogum Resin from Commiphora wightii (Arnot.) Bhandari: Source, Medicinal Importance and Biosynthesis

One of the Divyaushidhi in Ayurveda, Gum Guggulu, contains two principal components, Guggulsterone-E and Guggulsterone-Z, with immense medicinal values. Guggulsterones are the phytosterols found in the oleo-gum-resin of Commiphora wightii (Guggul), a critically endangered medicinal plant of the arid region. Studies have found that guggulsterones are helpful in the treatment of obesity, cancer, arthritis, hyperlipidaemia, hypercholesterolemia and so on. In this review, the plant and its distribution around the globe, the source of gum guggulu, guggulsterones, their role in clinical biology and possible pathways of phytosterol biosynthesis leading to the deciphering of the not yet known biosynthesis pathway for guggulsterones are discussed.

DNA barcoding coupled with secondary structure information enhances Achyranthes species resolution

Species of the genus Achyranthes are known to possess immense medicinal value leading to its inclusion in Ayurveda. A. aspera has been widely used in all the traditional Indian systems of medicine, while A. bidentata is mentioned in Chinese, Japanese and Korean pharmacopoeias. Molecular authentication of any medicinal plant species is a prerequisite for the success of its herbal business. Presently, DNA barcoding provides a successful tool for controlling the quality of medicinal plant materials in the trade. Here, we have evaluated four different barcode loci and their efficiency in delineating the Achyranthes species. The internal transcribed spacer 2 (ITS2) barcode proved to be the best performing marker analyzed through barcode gap estimation, BOLD and Bayesian analysis. The inter- and intra-specific genetic divergence observed among and within the Achyranthes species was validated through the Wilcoxon signed-rank test. Further secondary structure modeling of the ITS2 region was performed for better resolution at the species level. The secondary structure was generated based on the lowest free energy state deduced through the mfold web server followed by structure alignment through LocARNA web server. Analysis showed that the helix III and IV possess the maximum variability along with the central ring in differentiating the species. A total of fourteen single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) identified in the 200 aligned ITS2 dataset could be useful for the development of species-specific marker(s) in future. Through this study we recommend the use of a combination of secondary structure information with DNA barcoding for significantly improving the species identification resolution.

Studies on Pellitorine Production and Antioxidant Activity of Explant Specific Calli of Anacyclus pyrethrum

Anacyclus pyrethrum is a perennial and procumbent herb of immense medicinal value, largely due to the presence of an array of therapeutically active alkaloids such as Pellitorine. In this study, cotyledon, hypocotyl and root explants of A. pyrethrum were tested for their callogenic response and subsequent pellitorine accumulation on MS medium supplemented with 2, 4-D. At elevated concentrations of 2,4-D cotyledonary explants showed higher callogenic response than root and hypocotyl but at lower concentrations of 2,4-D, the results were observed the opposite. The calli of all the treatments were harvested after 30, 45, 60 and 75 days of inoculation. In this study, it was observed that a linear increase in the fresh and dry weight of the callus was recorded towards the end of the treatment. The calli of all the three explants were tested for pellitorine content after 30d, 45d, 60d, and 75d of the culture. The results showed that there was a significant increase in the accumulation of pellitorine from 30d to 75d of harvesting. Interestingly, calli of cotyledons harvested at 75d of inoculation accumulated maximum pellitorine content of 94.50 μg/g dry weight indicating that the old callus is harvested for maximum economic benefit and large scale production of pellitorine. Antioxidant activity of calli raised from different explants and harvested after different time intervals were examined using DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) method. Thus, this study reports an efficient and reproducible protocol for successful callus induction from various explants of A. pyrethrum for large scale production of pellitorine and evaluation of antioxidant activities.

Elevated CO2 and temperature influence key proteins and metabolites associated with photosynthesis, antioxidant and carbon metabolism in Picrorhiza kurroa

Global warming is currently one of the most serious issues in ecology. Rising CO2 level and temperature have begun to impact life cycles, distribution and yield of various plants yet, how medicinal plants will respond to changing environment is largely unknown. Picrorhiza kurroa Royle ex Benth. (Plantaginaceae) is a medicinal plant species that has been used for treatment of various diseases, particularly hepatic disease. Here, we have performed leaf and rhizome specific proteomic and metabolomic analysis to investigate the effect of elevated CO2 and temperature on adaptive responses of P. kurroa. We observed differentially abundant proteins related to photosynthesis and carbon metabolism under free air carbon dioxide enhancement, whereas cytoskeleton proteins in free air temperature increase besides signaling, antioxidant, stress-responsive and chromatin remodeling proteins in both conditions. We also found an increased accumulation of metabolites, particularly picroside-I and picroside-II, sugars and sugar alcohol in rhizomes, whereas, decrease in picroside-I and increase in picroside-II content in leaves at FACE condition. Biochemical indices like total protein, phenolics, flavonoids and antioxidant activity were altered in a tissue-specific manner to elevated CO2 and temperature. The results would provide new insights into possible adaptive mechanism, particularly in P. kurroa and medicinal plants in general. SignificancePicrorhiza kurroa is an endangered medicinal plant of Himalayan region having immense medicinal values due to the presence of iridoid glycosides. This endangered plant species is particularly, more vulnerable to climate change. P. kurroa provides an opportunity to investigate the interaction between high altitude plant and their environment. Therefore, it will be essential to elucidate the adaptation mechanism at molecular level under e[CO2] and e[t] conditions. The e[CO2] and e[t] will likely alter the proteome and metabolite composition of plant and thereby, enhance plant adaptation. Proteomic and metabolomic studies would facilitate to explore the adaptive mechanism of P. kurroa which is poorly understood. Collectively, the findings will be helpful for better understanding of plant response to future CO2 and temperature enriched environment and are of key importance to agriculture and ecosystem.