Important Indian Medicinal Plant Research Articles

Pharmacognostic and Antimicrobial Evaluation of leaves of Nyctanthes arbour-tristis

Nyctanthes arbour-tristis belongs to the Oleaceae family and is known as Harsingar. Harsingar is an important Indian medicinal plant; traditionally, harsingar is used to treat skin diseases including piles and scalp itching infections, and used as a laxative, diaphoretic, and in chronic fever. N. arbour-tristis microscopic and powder microscopy revealed the presence of stomates, gland cells, vein islet, and trichome. Carbohydrates, amino acids, steroids, coumarin glycoside, flavonoids, alkaloids, and tannins were discovered in preliminary phytochemical analysis. All of the studies were carried out in accordance with WHO guidelines. Quantitative analysis of N. arbour-tristis was done through total phenolic content, total flavonoid content, and total tannin content. Leaves of N. arbortristis were screened for antimicrobial potential against S. typhi, S. aureus, B. subtilis, E. coli by using the MIC method, and chloramphenicol was taken as standard. Among all extract, N. arbour-tristis chloroform extract shows maximum antimicrobial potential.

Antibacterial Activities of Cassia angustifolia Leaf Ethanolic Extract against Various Multiple Drug Resistant Microorganisms

Cassia angustifolia (Indian Senna), a plant from the Fabaceae family, is an important medicinal plant of India and it is drought tolerant, hence it is cultivated under rain fed condition in marginal soils by small and marginal farmers of Gujarat, Rajasthan, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh and other Indian states. In this study, the antibacterial activities of ethanolic extract of Cassia angustifolia leaves were assessed against ATCC microorganisms - gram negative bacteria Escherichia coli (ATCC 25922) and gram positive bacteria Staphylococcus aureus(ATCC 25923). The result showed that C. angustifolia leaf extracts exhibited significant antimicrobial activity against both tested ATCC microorganisms. In this plant, Resin, Phenol, Coumarins, Alkaloids, Saponin, Steroid, etc, the phytochemical contents and the laxative principle Sennoside A and Sennoside B (two crystaline glucosides), which may be responsible for the observed antimicrobial activities. From these findings, we suggest that C. angustifolia (Indian senna) may be a possible source of natural antimicrobial agents, which could be used to develop new drugs for the treatment of resistant bacterial infections. Further studies on C. angustifolia on a large scale may open a new scope for other researchers to carry it.

Efficient shoot regeneration using leaf explant and simulated microgravity effect on shoot development in Solanum nigrum L.

Solanum nigrum L. is an important medicinal plant of India and in the present study, leaves were used as an explant to establish shoot cultures. Murashige and Skoog’s18 (MS) medium supplemented with 20 μM kinetin (Kn) regenerated optimum 93.80 ± 0.89 shoots (100% response) within eight weeks through indirect organogenesis. Further, leaves were placed under simulated microgravity conditions and shoot regeneration was achieved within 16th days in both horizontal and vertical conditions. But horizontal position was better as compared to vertical position and it formed 11.60 ± 0.46 shoots. The in vitro shoots were successfully rooted in ½MS static medium fortified with sucrose (1%) and indole-3-butyric acid (IBA, 2 μM) which induced 39.40 ± 1.08 roots (100% response) within four weeks. This study can be used for mass-propagation of the species, extraction of valuable metabolites and to observe the effect of microgravity on plants.

Chemical composition, Biological Activities and In Silico Evaluation of Essential Oils from the aerial, and root parts of Nepeta hindostana (B. Heyne ex Roth)-Haines Grown in North India

Nepeta hindostana, commonly known as the North Indian Catmint, is an important Indian aromatic and medicinal plant of family Lamiaceae. Its leaves are extensively used as cardiac tonic and gargle to cure sore throat in the form of extract or decoction. However, there are few reports on the chemical composition and biological activities of leaf essential oil, while the root essential oil has not yet been explored. In this context, the present study is aimed to characterize the chemical composition and to evaluate different biological activities of the essential oil (EO) from aerial and root part of the plant. Thus, the EOs were hydro-distilled from aerial parts (stem, leaf, flower) and roots of the plant and analyzed by GC-MS. Twenty-four and thirty-four compounds, contributing 95.5% and 90.7% of the total oil composition, were identified in aerial and root EOs, respectively. Both the oils appeared to be antioxidant via in-vitro methods. Aerial and root EOs showed albumin denaturation activity with relative IC50 values of 20.46 ± 0.21 μg/mL and 31.79 ± 0.28 μg/mL. Root EO exhibited higher α-amylase inhibition activity (IC50 = 10.86 ± 0.45 μg/mL) than aerial part EO (IC50 = 25.33 ± 0.24 μg/mL). Both the EOs exerted a prominent antifeedant activity against Spilosoma obliqua. The bioactivity of the main identified compounds in the EOs were predicted using PASS (prediction of activity spectra for substances) tools. Furthermore, molecular docking studies highlighted that β-sitosterol had the most efficient binding affinity with NADPH oxidase and alpha-amylase receptors.

Antiviral perspectives of economically important Indian medicinal plants and spices

Human respiratory diseases caused by viral infections leads to morbidity. Among infectious diseases, viral infections associated with the respiratory tract remain the primary reason for global deaths due to their transmissibility. Since immemorial, traditional Indian medicinal plants, their extracts, and several phytochemicals can treat various diseases. Sources for this review paper are data derived from a peer-reviewed journal that emphasizes the economic importance of medicinal plants. Several plant-based medicines have been reported to be effective against multiple viral infections, including the Human Adenovirus, Enterovirus, Influenza virus, Hepatitis virus, etc. This review emphasizes use of the Indian medicinal plants like as Withania somnifera (Ashwagandha, Winter Cherry), Moringa oleifera (Drumstick), Ocimum tenuiflorum (Tulsi), Azadirachta indica (Neem), Curcuma longa (Turmeric), Terminalia chebula (Chebulic Myrobalan), Punica granatum (Pomegranate) and the Indian household spices (ginger, garlic and black pepper). It further describes their secondary phytoconstituents extraction procedure, mode of action and the potential application to improve clinical outcomes of neutraceuticals against various viral infections.

New System for Nerium Odorum

Nerium Odorum is an important medicinal plant in India. It is a cardiac glycoside. All parts of the plant are poisonous. Recent studies have thrown light into the fact that it has pharmacological, antibacterial, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, antipyretic, anti-asthmatic and anticancer activities. This study envisages a new developing as well as identification method for Pink/white oleander by Thin Layer Chromatography.

Wheat Grass (Triticum aestivum L.) Benefits Health in a Pandemic Scenario

This review study focused on wheat grass; an important Indian medicinal plant that has long been utilised in Ayurvedic medicine. For its healing properties, wheat grass juice includes every mineral possible along with vitamins A and B-Complex (combined). For its healing properties, wheat grass juice includes every mineral possible along with vitamins A and B-Complex (combined) (K). It includes 17 amino acids, the building blocks of protein, making it a high-protein food source. Superoxide dismutation enzymes help break down superoxide radicals in tissues and organs. Grass fed wheat seems to lower blood glucose levels. According to study, wheat grass juice improves general health by increasing strength, endurance, and overall happiness. Wheat grass juice consumption is widespread in both urban and rural areas. Thus, it is vital to study the therapeutic advantages of these active components present in young wheat grass on both healthy and COVID-19 affected patients to cure diseases by boosting the immune system and preventing infection and disease.

Chemical Composition of Aegle marmelos: A Review

Aegle marmelos (Bilva) is being used in Ayurveda for the treatment of several inflammatory disorders. The plant is a member of a fixed dose combination of Dashamoola in Ayurveda. However, the usage of roots/root bark or stems is associated with sustainability concerns. Bael (Aegle marmelos (L.) Corr.) is an important medicinal plant of India. Leaves, fruits, stem and roots of A. marmelos have been used in ethno medicine to exploit its' medicinal properties including astringent, antidiarrheal antidysenteric, demulcent, antipyretic and anti-inflammatory activities. Compounds purified from bael have been proven to be biologically active against several major diseases including cancer, diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. Preclinical studies indicate the therapeutic potential of crude extracts of A. marmelos in the treatment of many microbial diseases, diabetes and gastric ulcer. This review covers the biological activities of some isolated chemical constituents of A. marmelos and preclinical studies on some crude extracts and pure compounds to explore novel bioactive compounds for therapeutic application. Aegle marmelos (L.) is a seasonal fruit that contains significant amounts of bioactives like, phenolic acids (gallic acids, 2,3-dihydroxy benzoic acid, chlorogenic acid, p-coumaric acid, vanillic acid), flavonoid (rutin), organic acids (oxalic acid, tartaric acid, malic acid, lactic acid, acetic acid, citric acid, propionic acid, succinic acid, fumaric acid), vitamin C, vitamin B group (thiamine, niacin, pyridoxine, pantothenic acid, biotin, cobalamins, riboflavin), tocopherols (α-tocopherol, β-tocopherol, γ-tocopherol, δ-tocopherol), carotenes (α-carotene, β-carotene, γ-carotene, δ-carotene) and also rich in essential minerals (potassium, calcium, phosphorus, sodium, iron, copper, manganese). Hence the use of aegle plays important role as anti-inflammatory.

Phytochemical and antioxidant screening of Cocculus hirsutus and Calycopteris floribunda

Cocculus hirsutus and Calycopteris floribunda are two important Indian medicinal plants that are having multiple health benefits in traditional medicine. The current research aims to investigate the qualitative and quantitative phytochemical screening of ethanolic extracts of the selected plants using standard protocols. The Total phenolic content and total flavonoid content were estimated by Folin–Ciocalteu & Aluminum chloride colorimetric methods respectively. Invitro antioxidant activity by DPPH and NO free radical scavenging assay. Results unveiled that the total phenolic content for the ethanolic extract of C. hirsutus and C. floribunda are 157.46±1.12 & 113.25±1.03 GAE per gram of sample in dry weight (mg/g) and total flavonoid content was 69±1.05 & 58±1.23 of RE per gram of sample in dry weight (mg/g) respectively. In the DPPH assay, ethanolic extract of C. hirsutus is effective to inhibit (71.02%) the DPPH free radicals with IC50 values 48.10µg/ml at higher doses that are comparable to standard ascorbic acid (79.26%, IC50 =38.39µg/ml) followed by C. floribunda (65.24%, IC50 =60.49µg/ml). Similarly, in the NO free radical scavenging assay, C. hirsutus (75.19%) exhibited the highest free radical scavenging activity with IC50 values of 44.43µg/ml followed by C. floribunda (71.02%, IC50 =52.14µg/ml).

Effect of Glomus fasciculatum on Biochemical Composition of Catharanthus roseus L.

Catharanthus roseus was selected for the present investigation because it is the most important medicinal plant in India. It consists of abortifacient effect, acid phosphatase inhibition, acid phosphatase stimulation anti-ascariasis activity, antibacterial activity, antidiuretic activity, antihyperglycemic activity, antihypertensive activity, anti-inflammatory activity, antimitotic activity, antispasmodic anti-viral activity, cardiotonic activity, cytotoxic activity, hyperglycemic activity, hypotensive activity, insect sterility induction activity, leucopenic activity, uterine stimulant effect, as well as, weight loss activity, etc. The purpose of this study was to observe the effect of mycorrhizae, like Glomus fasciculatum on C. roseus and its different biochemical composition. The leaves of Catharanthus showed good antioxidant activity (82.17%) and UV-visible spectra show a growth factor of plant. These observations are suggested that the use of mycorrhiza, like G. fasciculatum for the growth of the plant, is useful and also shows a positive effect on the biochemical composition of plant C. roseus.

First Report of Stem Rot Caused by Athelia rolfsii on Curry Leaf Tree (Murraya koenigii) in Tripura, India.

Murraya koenigii is an important medicinal plant of India and commonly known as curry leaf tree grown in tropical and subtropical regions. The leaves of curry tree are used as a herb due to the presence of following important active constituent bismahanine, murrayanine, murrayafoline-A, bi-koeniquinone-A, murrayazolidine etc. (Jain et al. 2017). During mid-July 2019, stem rot disease symptoms were observed on curry leaf trees at the College of Agriculture, Lembucherra, Tripura (India). The disease symptoms consisted of rotting, wilting and blighting with disease incidence ranging from 8 to 10%. Initially, infected plants gradually withered and white mycelia mats appeared on the surface of the lower stem at the soil line. Infected stem samples were collected and surface was sterilized with 0.25% sodium hypochlorite for 1 min, washed thrice with sterilized distilled water and placed in Petri plates containing 2% water agar. After three days of incubation at 26°C, hyphae produced from plant bits were transferred into Petri plates containing potato dextrose agar. Ten isolates were collected from the diseases samples. Pure cultures were obtained as abundant, aerial and white mycelia with round to irregular sclerotia of 0.8 to 1.5 mm in diam. The sclerotia were initially white in color but later turned into brown color. The pathogen was identified as Athelia rolfsii based on morphology (Aycock 1966). To confirm the identification, the genomic DNA was extracted from a mycelia mat of the isolates using ZR fungal/Bacterial DNA miniprep kit (Irvine, CA) and the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region of rDNA was amplified using the universal primers, ITS1 and ITS4 (White et al. 1990). A 550 bp PCR product was sequenced and showed 99% similarity with Athelia rolfsii isolate (GenBank accession MH854711).The generated sequence was submitted to GenBank (Accession MT535585). After identification of the pathogen a pot experiment was conducted to confirm the pathogenicity. Earthen pots (29 cm. diam.) were filled with sterilized soil and kept in a green house. Ten curry leaf plants (50 days old) were grown from seed in the separate pot were inoculated with 15-day old mycelia mats prepared in potato dextrose broth. The stem of each curry plant were artificially injured with the help of sterile blade and wrapped with moistened sterilized cotton containing the mycelial mat. Five curry leaf plants artificially injured and inoculated with sterilized distilled water were used as control. The Earthen pots with plants were individually covered with plastic bags and kept in the green house at 26°C for approximately 15 days. The inoculated plants started showing symptoms of stem rot six days after inoculation and started drying onward. The symptoms of stem rot on the inoculated plants were similar to those observed in the field. The fungus was re-isolated from the inoculated plants and A. rolfsii identification was confirmed based on morphology. No symptoms were observed on the control plants. The obtained culture was deposited in the Indian Type Culture Collection, Division of Plant Pathology, ICAR - Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi, India (ITC-8666). To the best of our knowledge this is the first report of stem rot disease of curry leaf plant caused by A. rolfsii in India and worldwide. Due to medicinal, flavour and aroma properties, it is regularly used in India. Curry leaf plant is regularly used as a medical herb in India and therefore this disease poses a significant risk to production.

Rapid Identification of Fatty Acids from <em>Leptadenia reticulata</em> Areal Parts by GC-MS

The investigation was carried out to identify the various fatty acids present in the areal parts of Leptadenia reticulata, one of the important medicinal plants of India. Non-polar (Petroleum Ether) extract of areal parts was used for this study. Saponification was carried out using dried extract to obtain fatty acids. Further esterification of saponifiable fraction was performed to obtain fatty acid methyl ester. Extracted fatty acid methyl esters were analyzed by gas chromatography and mass spectrometry (GC-MS) technique using NIST library. From GC-MS analysis, 14 components were identified in areal parts of Leptadenia reticulata. This study reveals that L. reticulata is a good source of fatty acids with medicinal properties. This methodology has the advantage of excellent identification of Non polar moiety of medicinal plant.

Virus-Induced Gene Silencing for Functional Genomics in Withania somnifera, an Important Indian Medicinal Plant.

Virus-induced gene silencing (VIGS) has emerged as a fast and efficient reverse and forward genetics tool to study gene function in model plants as well as in agriculturally important plants. In addition, VIGS approach has been successfully used to provide insights into the role of several genes and regulators involved in plant secondary metabolism. Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) is an important Indian medicinal plant that accumulates pharmacologically important triterpenoid steroidal lactones, which are collectively termed as withanolides. W. somnifera being a highly recalcitrant plant for genetic transformation, Tobacco rattle virus (TRV)-mediated VIGS was established by our group to facilitate understanding of withanolides' pathway. Here, we describe a detailed procedure to carry out VIGS for gene function studies in W. somnifera.

English

Tinospora cordifolia is a highly important medicinal plant in India, with a rich source of different secondary metabolites. In the present study, 12 samples of T. cordifolia (collected from different areas of Rayalseema region,Andhra Pradesh) were studied for genetic diversity using 15 random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) and eight inter-simple sequence repeats (ISSR) markers. Out of them, 10 RAPD and 5 ISSR primers showed 122 polymorphic reproducible bands across the selected 12 samples of T. cordifolia. The average polymorphic index content (PIC) of RAPD and ISSR values was 0.27 to 0.41 and 0.17 to 0.41, respectively. The PIC with RAPD markers was the highest for primers OPV 17 (0.41) and OPW 17(0.41) followed by the primer OPB 20 (0.40). The PIC with ISSR markers was the highest for the primer 824 (0.41) followed by primer 867 (0.36). Unweighted pair group method with arithmetic mean (UPGMA) cluster analysis of genetic similarity indices grouped all the samples into two major clusters. Jacquard’s coefficient of similarity varied from 0.51 to 0.77, indicating high levels of genetic variation across genotypes under study. The result of this study can be used for characterization of potential T. cordifolia genetic resources and their utilization as breeding materials, micropropagation and secondary metabolites screening and harvesting. T. cordifolia, being a medicinal plant, is very useful for discovery of new lead molecules from this plant for drug discovery and development studies. Key words: Tinospora cordifolia, genetic diversity, random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD), inter-simple sequence repeats (ISSR), unweighted pair group method with arithmetic mean (UPGMA).

English

Molecular identification of four endophytic fungi (Penicillium singorense, Curvularia geniculata, Aspergillus neoflavipes and Alternaria alternata) from two important medicinal plants, Calotropis procera (L.) R.Br. and Catharanthus roseus (L.) G.Don. was carried out by 18SrRNA sequencing. Genetic diversity using two RAPD primer viz. OPB-07 and OPC-06 showed good result with high polymorphism between the four strains. The sample DRC1 Accession No. MG322179 indicated strong homology with Penicillium singorense, strain DI16-118 (Accession No. LT558940), sample DRC2 Accession No. MG322180 with Curvularia geniculata strain F1 (Accession No. KX022497), sample DRC3 Accession No. MG322181 with Aspergillus neoflavipes strain AJR1 ribosomal gene (Accession No. KX218387), sample DRC4 Accession No. MH021686 with A. alternata strain AE1 18SrRNA gene, partial sequence, ITS1, 5.8S rRNA gene and ITS 2 complete sequence (Accession No. KY676196). Phylogenetic tree showing relatedness of sample DRC1 Accession No. MG322179 with 19 strains of Penicillium sp, DRC2 Accession No. MG322180 with 34 strains of Curvularia sp, DRC3 Accession No. MG322181 with 24 strains of Aspergillus sp and DRC4 Accession No. MH021686 with 16 strains of Alternaria sp of diverse origin. The present investigation thus gave an insight for the detection and genetic diversity study among the fungal endophytes isolated from two important Indian medicinal plants (C. procera and C. roseus) and it would probably the first report of its own kind from West Bengal, India. Key words: Calotropis procera, Catharanthus roseus, National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI), homology search, endophytic fungi, DNA marker, Random amplification of polymorphic DNA (RAPD) analysis, 18SrRNA sequencing.

Assessment of adulteration in raw herbal trade of important medicinal plants of India using DNA barcoding.

A number of studies have shown that there could be widespread substitution and/or adulteration (hereafter referred to as substitution) in raw herbal trade of medicinal plants. Substitution could potentially endanger the health and safety of the consumers. In this study, the extent of adulteration in raw herbal trade of 30 important medicinal plants in South India was analyzed. Biological reference material (BRM) consisting of taxonomically authenticated samples of each of the 30 species along with 14 other co-occurring and congeneric allied species that are likely to be used in adulteration was established. DNA barcode signatures of 124 BRM using two candidate regions, nr-ITS and psbA-trnH were identified. A total of 203 herbal trade samples representing the 30 medicinal plant species were collected from 34 locations in South India. Using the DNA barcode sequences of the BRM as reference, the analysis indicated that the substitution ranged from 20 to 100%. Overall, approximately 12% of the market samples were adulterated. Considering the potential health hazard that such adulteration can cause, the need for a national regulatory framework that can authenticate and regulate raw herbal trade in the country is discussed.

A Review on Ethnomedicinal, Phytochemical and Pharmacological Aspects of Myrica esculenta

Myrica esculenta (Myricaceae) commonly known as box berry or kaphal is an important Indian medicinal plant. It is found in foothill tracks of Eastern Himalayas, Meghalaya, Nepal, China and Pakistan. Local tribes mainly use its fruits to prepare pickle and refreshing drinks. Traditionally, the bark has been used for the treatment of cough, asthma, fever, chronic bronchitis, diarrhoea, rheumatism and inflammation; roots have been used in bronchitis, asthma, cholera and flowers claimed to treat earache, diarrhoea, paralysis. Phytochemical studies of the different parts of plant revealed the presence of various bioactive phytoconstituents such as phenolic compounds, alkaloids, glycosides, triterpenoids and volatile oils. The plant is also reported to have innumerable significant pharmacological activities like analgesic, anxiolytic, antiallergic, antidiabetic, antimicrobial, antihypertensive, antiulcer, antioxidant and antiinflammatory evaluated by using various animal models. The objective of the present review article is to compile all the relevant published information regarding traditional uses, phytochemistry and therapeutic potential of M. esculenta. For this purpose various databases and books were examined. The review clearly demonstrates the importance of this plant in ethnomedicine and its immense potential in modern medicine.

Regeneration and chemical profiling in Hemidesmus indicus (L.) R. Br.

Hemidesmus indicus (L.) R. Br. (Anantmoola) is an important medicinal plant of India, which is being used in many pharmaceutical as well as ayurvedic preparations. The present study deals with the development of an efficient rapid shoot regeneration along with their biosynthetic potential. Shoot cultures were established from nodes of H. indicus using Murashige and Skoog's (MS) medium fortified with sucrose (3%), different concentrations and combinations of cytokinins viz. benzyladenine (BA) and kinetin (Kn), auxins viz. indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) and naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA). Optimum number of shoots (11.00±0.24 shoots/explant) were observed in MS medium supplemented with combination of BA (10μM) and Kn (5μM). These shoots were subcultured to IAA (2μM) supplemented medium for another eight weeks, and shoots grown in cytokinin [BA (10μM) and Kn (5μM)] and auxin [IAA (2μM)] based media were analyzed for their biosynthetic potential using high performance thin layer chromatography (HPTLC). Chemical fingerprinting and lupeol quantification was carried out to check biosynthetic potential. The fingerprints of the wild and in vitro samples showed similar bands in cytokinin fortified medium whereas variation in chemical constituents was observed in terms of number of peaks and band on HPTLC plate in shoots from auxin fortified medium. Maximum lupeol content (0.187±0.01mg/g) was estimated in shoots regenerated in BA (10μM) and Kn (5μM) which was slightly higher than wild shoots (0.185±0.00mg/g). This protocol can be utilized for mass propagation, conservation and production of lupeol.

Detection and Quantitation of Gallic Acid in Alternanthera sessilis and Clerodendrum infortunatum by HPTLC

Objective: Gallic acid is an organic acid found in a variety of foods and medicinal plants that are well known as powerful antioxidants, and have along history of usage traditionally. Many Foods, herbs and tea all contain Gallic acid. Gallic acid is also found in gall nuts, sumac, witch hazel, watercress, oak bark, and a variety of other plants and herbs, also found in important Indian Medicinal Plants like Alternanthera sessilis and Clerodendrum infortunatum as mentioned in Ayurveda, in intellect enhancing preparations, later explored as part of tannins, which are astringent, bitter plant polyphenols. The age old Indian System of Medicine, i.e. Ayurveda is based on traditional way of maintaining a healthy lifestyle and living in sync with the nature, thereby reducing or delaying the onset of any degrading / diseased condition involving neurological disorders. Leaves of Alternanthera sessilis (Family Amaranthaceae) and Clerodendrum infortunatum (Family Verbenaceae) have been mentioned in Ayurveda but have not been fully explored scientifically. Materials and Methods: It was thought worthwhile to generate experimental data on the plant material so as to explore some markers present in these plants, like Gallic Acid, which may be useful for future ready reference and may also serve as a parameter in Standardization and Quality Control / Adulteration studies. Gallic Acid has already captured researchers interest due to its effect on nervous system. Results: The concentration of Gallic Acid in leaves of Alternanthera sessilis and Clerodendrum infortunatum was found to be 8.022μg/mL and 8.54μg/mL respectively. Conclusion: The Data thus generated in present research work may be of use in future studies involving development of standardization /adulteration / substitution parameters on Alternanthera sessilis & Clerodendrum infortunatum. It is known that the present day lifestyle invariably results in Oxidative stress which results in an imbalance between high consumption of oxygen and low levels of endogenous antioxidants. It is known that Gallic acid (GA) is a strong antioxidant. It is pertinent to state that Gallic Acid may be considered as a marker for future studies on medicinal plants, related to Neuropsychopharmacological investigations mainly involving oxidative stress.

Validation of a QuEChERS-based gas chromatographic method for analysis of pesticide residues in Cassia angustifolia (senna)

ABSTRACTA simple multi-residue method based on modified QuEChERS (Quick, Easy, Cheap, Effective, Rugged and Safe) approach was established for the determination of 17 organochlorine (OC), 15 organophosphorous (OP) and 7 synthetic pyrethroid (SP) pesticides in an economically important medicinal plant of India, Senna (Cassia angustifolia), by gas chromatography coupled to electron capture and flame thermionic detectors (GC/ECD/FTD) and confirmation of residues was done on gas chromatograph coupled with mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The developed method was validated by testing the following parameters: linearity, limit of detection (LOD), limit of quantification (LOQ), matrix effect, accuracy–precision and measurement uncertainty; the validation study clearly demonstrated the suitability of the method for its intended application. All pesticides showed good linearity in the range 0.01–1.0 μg mL−1 for OCs and OPs and 0.05–2.5 μg mL−1 for SPs with correlation coefficients higher than 0.98. The method gave good recoveries for most of the pesticides (70–120%) with intra-day and inter-day precision < 20% in most of the cases. The limits of detection varied from 0.003 to 0.03 mg kg−1, and the LOQs were determined as 0.01-0.049 mg kg−1. The expanded uncertainties were <30%, which was distinctively less than a maximum default value of ±50%. The proposed method was successfully applied to determine pesticide residues in 12 commercial market samples obtained from different locations in India.