Indian Varieties Research Articles

How Product Standards Influence Tea Exports? Empirical Evidence from India

India has witnessed a declining trend in tea exports in the recent period, which can partly be attributed to competition from exporters (e.g., Kenya and Sri Lanka) enjoying price advantages over the Indian varieties. However, although after the inception of the World Trade Organization (WTO) in 1995, the tariff barriers on Indian tea exports have come down across developed partners, the incidence of non-tariff barriers (NTBs) has emerged as a challenge in many destinations, with a possible dampening effect on exports. The present analysis attempts to analyse whether the imposition of product standard related measures, particularly sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) and Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) interventions, may have negatively influenced Indian tea exports over the period 1996–2021. Rather than considering the mere presence of SPS–TBT standards in major partner countries, their potential impacts on Indian tea exports have been determined by analysing the stringency levels of the corresponding notifications submitted to the WTO. The constructed stringency patterns are then incorporated into the Poisson pseudo maximum likelihood estimation models. The observed negative influence of standard-related measures in partner countries on Indian tea exports calls for policy interventions to enable the sector to better ensure compliance in the future.

Physicochemical, functional, pasting, and amino acid compositions of milled rice, and extrusion behavior of milled rice from basmati and nonbasmati varieties

AbstractBackground and ObjectivesThis study was carried out to evaluate the difference in physiochemical, functional, cooking, textural, and pasting properties along with amino acid profile of nine basmati and nine nonbasmati rice varieties. Principle component statistical analysis was done to analyse the relationships among different properties of these varieties. Some verities containing high amylose content and good amino acid profile were selected for further development of extruded products (rice extrudates).FindingsVariations were observed in the physicochemical and functional properties of basmati and nonbasmati varieties. Low amylose rice varieties had higher cooking time, firmness, pasting temperature, and lower pasting viscosity. Selected high amylose‐containing varieties were showed higher bulk density but lower expansion ratio and hardness of rice extrudates. Result of this study will help industry for selection of rice for development of gluten‐free rice‐based breakfast cereals, puffed rice snacks, and so forth.ConclusionsAmong all varieties, PR122, PR128, PB3, PB4, and PB1121 exhibited higher levels of ash content, amylose content and protein content. Consequently, these varieties demonstrated longer CT, greater GSL, higher cooked grain firmness, and higher pasting PT, although they exhibited lower PV. PB1637, PB1509, PB1121, and PB4 displayed higher levels of essential AAs and sweet taste attributing amino acids, such as serine, glycine, and alanine, when compared to the other varieties. The results showed that rice containing higher amylose had lower expansion ratio of the extrudates, while higher bulk density and hardness. PR126 and CSR30 had the highest expansion ratio among the varieties that have been evaluated. Based on these results, PR126 and CSR30 could be used to make gluten‐free rice‐based breakfast cereals, rice snacks, and instant products.Significance and NoveltyPhysiochemical, functional, cooking, texture, pasting properties as well as amino acid profile were evaluated of different basmati and non‐basmati Indian (Punjab) varieties. Principle component (Relationship) analysis between various properties and different rice varieties was carried out. Extrusion is the most versatile processing technology used in the food industry to develop the product having better functional and sensory characteristics. The findings highlight the necessity of taking amylose content and amino acid composition into account when selecting rice types for preparation of extruded rice food.

Antidiabetic, antioxidant, and phytochemical profile of Pennisetum glaucum cultivated in central-southern Morocco and imported from India

Alternative methods of producing food sustainably are being considered due to rapid expanding population, increasing food needs, declining agricultural soils fertility, and ongoing drought. To achieve that, we examined the pharmacological, functional, and nutritional characteristics of two cultivars of pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum), which are distinguished by their ability to tolerate a variety of climates compared to other cereal grains. In this study, we evaluated the antioxidant and antidiabetic effects of two seeds cultivars: one cultivated in Morocco and the other grown in India. In addition to having a higher energy value (403.91 Kcal), higher protein (9.13 %) and lipid content (7.11 %), and a lower capacity for self-oxidation than the Indian variety due to its fatty acid composition, the content of phenolic compounds of Moroccan millet is well concentrated in its seeds, making it more powerful as an antioxidant and hypoglycemic plant. The ethanolic extract of Moroccan pearl millet showed the greatest total phenolic content (36.278 mg GAE/g extract), DPPH and ABTS radical scavenging activity (IC50 = 152.286 and 252.480 μg/mL respectively), α-amylase and α-glucosidase inhibitory activity (IC50 = 84.439 μg/mL and 224.103 μg/mL respectively). The evidence gathered in this study indicates that P.glaucum possesses characteristics that qualify it as a food, medicinal, and productive plant.

Pea G-protein γ subunits: Unlocking their potential in physiological stress and mycorrhizal mediated nutrient sensing

Heterotrimeric GTP-binding proteins or G-proteins are pivotal players in the intricate signaling cascades of plant cells, operating through their binding to guanine nucleotides. These G-proteins primarily consist of three essential subunits: Gα, Gβ, and Gγ. Among these subunits, Gγ stands out for its remarkable genetic diversity. In the present investigation, six Gγ subunits were identified in the Indian variety T-163 of the pea plant (Pisum sativum). Notably, two of these novel Gγ subunits, named PsGγ1 and PsGγ2, belong to type A, while PsGγ3 falls within the type B category. The remaining three subunits, namely PsGγ4, PsGγ5, and PsGγ6, are classified under type C. An in-depth comparison of the amino acid sequences of these pea Gγ subunits with their counterparts in other plants, including Arabidopsis thaliana and Oryza sativa, has unveiled significant variations. This research explores the impact of different treatments on PsGγ genes (PsGγ1 to PsGγ6) in plants. Noteworthy discoveries include a 4-fold increase in the expression of PsGγ1, PsGγ4, PsGγ5, and PsGγ6 in the presence of nitrogen. PsGγ2 and PsGγ3, however, show no response. Phosphorus induces a 3-fold upregulation in PsGγ2 and PsGγ4, and a 4-fold increase in PsGγ5. Conversely, the absence of phosphorus triggers a 4-fold upregulation in PsGγ4 and PsGγ5. Heat stress leads to a 3-fold upregulation in PsGγ2, PsGγ4, and PsGγ5, while cold stress results in a 3-fold upregulation of PsGγ1 and PsGγ6. Under high salt conditions, PsGγ1, PsGγ3, PsGγ4, and PsGγ6 exhibit a 4-fold upregulation, with PsGγ2 showing a 2-fold increase. PsGγ4 and PsGγ5 display a 4-fold upregulation in response to ABA, while PsGγ2 and PsGγ3 show a 3-fold increase while MeJA induces a 4-fold upregulation in PsGγ5. Notably, this study unveils, for the first time, the significant role of Gγ subunits during endosymbiotic associations with phosphorus-acquiring AMF with AMF triggering a 4-fold upregulation in PsGγ4 and PsGγ6. The presence of multiple Gγ subunits in pea underscores their critical participation in governing plant development, stress responses, nutrient sensing, and interactions with mycorrhizal fungi.

Pelargonium graveolens L., (Geranium) essential oil from Northeast India: chemical composition, pharmacology and genotoxicity study

Pelargonium graveolens L., essential oil (EO) has various therapeutic properties, including aromatherapy. The present experiment was designed to investigate chemical makeup of the P. graveolens (Geranium) EO from Northeast India using gas chromatography-mass spectroscopy (GC-MS) and gas chromatography-flame ionization detection (GC-FID), and the pharmacological potential was determined using a range of assays along with Allium cepa assay for genotoxicity study. GC-MS analysis of the EO revealed the presence of 11 compounds with a total 97.43% identified area, with citronellol (32.84%), geraniol (23.62%), and citronellyl formate (12.14%) as the major compounds. The essential oil exhibited type-II anti-diabetic properties with an IC50 6.66 μL/mL and skin whitening potential IC50 of 1.89 μL/mL. P. graveolens EO (IC50 26.16 μL/mL) was found to possess comparatively weaker anti-inflammatory agent than the standard diclofenac (IC50 9.24 μL/mL) in the protease inhibitory test. The EO demonstrated moderate antioxidant activity with an IC50 value of 22.68 μL/mL than ascorbic acid IC50 12.53 μL/mL in the ABTS assay. The EO was found to moderately affect the mitotic index (15.32%) and induce chromosomal aberrations (11.40%) at a concentration of 1 μL/mL after 72 h of exposure. Based on the findings the Northeast Indian variety of P. graveolens EO exhibits promising type-II anti-diabetic and skin whitening properties, which could be further utilized in the formulation of anti-diabetic and skin whitening agents after validation through clinical trials.

A multivariate analysis of the structural variability of existential noun phrases

The literature on there-existential construction (e.g. ‘there are no graves, son’) is extensive, especially those showing the complexity involved in its internal structure, meaning and interpretation. Whereas very little is known about its internal structure variability, and how that might provide important contributions to the question of complexity. The present study takes on this task by providing a corpus-based structural variability account of the internal structure of English there-existential construction, showing that the complexity involved in the processing of meaning of there-existential construction is related to the variability of its internal structure. Drawing on empirical evidence from a lesser known variety of English representing Indian variety of English, the study shows that the complexity underlying the meaning and interpretation of there-existential is related to its internal structure. With a focus on the varying degree of its noun phrase (NP), the study finds that the structural complexity of the NP is related to the semantic complexity of the overall clause structure. Also, it is shown that quite a number of linguistic factors interact in influencing the internal structure and meaning of there-existential construction.

Biochemical Analysis and DNA Barcoding of Millet Echinochloa frumentacea

Background: Millets are small grains that are rich in nutrients. In recent times, millet-based foods have been increasingly recommended for a healthy diet. Many millets are not annotated or DNA barcoded yet. Methods: In this study, comparative biochemical analyses especially that of starch and total protein of Echinochloa frumentacea, called as Indian barnyard white millet (Varai), from geographically different locations like Tamil Nadu and Maharashtra have been done. Their DNA barcoding has also been done to identify them on the basis of molecular data. Result: It was observed that starch granules were more abundant in Tamil Nadu variety as compared to Maharashtra variety. Blue value, indicative of amylose: amylopectin ratio was found to be low in Varai, indicating that Varai has low starch digestibility and its starch releases glucose slowly, thus making it a low glycaemic index food. Protein content was higher in Tamil Nadu variety, but overall Varai had a lower protein content as compared to other millets. Ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase large subunit (rbcL) gene from plastid was isolated, amplified by PCR, sequenced and the sequence was submitted to GenBank, NCBI. The gene was identified to be that of Echinochloa frumentacea and was given the accession numbers by GenBank as OR027010 (Varai, Maharashtra) and OR027011 (Varai, Tamil Nadu). This study indicated a distinct biochemical difference related to the geographical location of millets. This study helped barcoding of Echinochloa frumentacea Indian varieties using rbcL gene. This will further help in studies of phylogeny and evolution and also that of the relatedness of Echinochloa sp within and as compared to other millets.

A study of the Chemical Composition, Vitamins and Minerals of Four Varieties of Raisins

This study aimed to use four varieties of raisins (Iraqi, Turkish, Indian, and American). The chemical analysis showed that the American variety had a higher percentage of moisture and protein than the other two (26.30 and 16.68 percent, respectively), while the Indian variety had a higher percentage of ash and fiber (2.1 and 4.6 percent, respectively). The Turkish variety stood out for its higher fat content (1.2 percent), and the Iraqi variety had a higher carbohydrate content (67.86 percent). As for estimating the percentage of total vitamins (vitamin C and water-soluble vitamins group B), the results of estimating vitamin C in raisins showed the following results for the four varieties (2.99 mg / 100 g; 5.48 mg / 100 g; 7.60 mg / 100 g; 7.15 mg / 100 g), respectively, and the values of vitamin B group (B1 -- B2 - B3) in the four types of raisins, which were estimated using the HPLC device. 0.47 mg/100 g and 0.42 mg/100 g, respectively. The results of estimating the mineral elements (K, Na, Ca, Mg, Cu, Mn, Zn, and Fe) in the four raisin varieties showed that the potassium element K was recorded at the level of Potential 5% high ratios compared to the rest of the other elements, where the highest value was recorded for the Turkish variety (235 mg per 100 g) and the lowest value for the Iraqi variety (218 mg per 100 g). It was the highest value in the American variety and the lowest value in the Iraqi variety. As for calcium Ca, we note that it had the highest value in the American variety (46.02 mg per 100 g) and the lowest value in the Iraqi variety (39.05 mg per 100 g). While we find that the Iraqi and Turkish varieties recorded consecutive values for the Iraqi Mg element (19.05 mg/100 g), the Turkish (20.04 mg/100 g), as well as the Indian (22.09 mg/100 g), and the American (23.06 mg/100 g), As for the copper element Cu, we find that its value for the American variety (2.25 mg/100 g) recorded the highest values, and the Iraqi variety (1.22 mg/100 g) recorded the lowest values. As for the element manganese, Mn, it recorded low percentages in all varieties compared to the rest of the other elements. And for the iron element Fe, we note that the Indian variety (2.72 mg/100 g) has outperformed the other three varieties. As for the element Zn, we find its value in the Iraqi, Turkish, Indian, and American varieties. Significant differences were recorded between the varieties, as the highest value was recorded for the American variety (2.42 mg/100 g) and the lowest value for the Iraqi variety (1.17 mg/100 g).

Assessment of Yield and Yield Attributes of Tossa Jute as Affected by Variety and Field Duration

A study was conducted at the Jute Research Sub-Station (JRSS), Tarabo, Narayanganj in 2022 to find out the suitable varieties and field duration for tossa jute (Corcorus olitorius) harvesting for better fibre and stick yield production. The treatment was assigned of tossa jute varieties (3) viz., BJRI Tossa pat-7, Robi-1 (BJRI Tossa pat-8) and Indian variety JRO-524 and four field durations viz. 90, 100, 110, and 120 days, respectively. A factorial RCBD design with three replications was used. Results showed that varieties and field duration significantly affected plant height, base diameter, fibre yield and stick yield. The var. JRO-524 had the highest fibre yield (2.30 tha−1) than BJRI Tossa Pat-7 and Robi-1(2.10 tha−1 and 2.25 tha−1 respectively) when harvested at 90 days after sowing (DAS). On the other hand, BJRI Tossa pat-7 and Robi-1 produced significantly higher fibre yields (3.20 tha−1 and 3.55 tha−1; 3.45 tha−1 and 3.80 tha−1 respectively) and stick yields (6.15 tha−1, and 6.25 tha−1; 6.67 tha−1, and 6.84 tha−1 respectively) at harvesting 110 and 120 DAS. The results showed that var. BJRI Tossa pat-7 and BJRI Tossa pat-8 could be a better fibre yield and stick yield production when it could be harvested at 120 DAS.
 Bangladesh Agron. J. 2023, 26(1): 18-27

Acaricidal Toxicity of Four Essential Oils, Their Predominant Constituents, Their Mixtures against Varroa Mite, and Their Selectivity to Honey Bees (Apis cerana and A. mellifera).

The honey bee (Apis mellifera) faces a significant threat from Varroa destructor, causing the losses of millions of colonies worldwide. While synthetic acaricides are widely used to control Varroa infestations, excessive application has led to resistant strains and poses side effects on the host. Consequently, there is an urgent need for a new acaricide that is both effective and affordable, yet safe to use on bees. One potential source of these acaricides is essential oils (EOs) and their constituents. This study evaluated the acaricidal properties of four essential oils (Eucalyptus globulus, Rosemary officinalis, Trachyspermum ammi (Ethiopian and Indian varieties), their constituents and mixture of constituents against V. destructor through the complete exposure method. Our finding showed that a 1:1 mixture of thymol and carvacrol (4 h-LC50 = 42 μg/mL), thymol (4 h-LC50 = 71 μg/mL), and T. ammi oil (4 h-LC50 = 81-98 μg/mL) were the most toxic test samples against V. destructor. Honey bee behavior and selectivity were also assessed with one additional EO Thymus schimperi, indicating that T. schimperi, T. ammi, and their components were selective and did not affect the learning and memory of bees. In conclusion, the thymol and carvacrol (1:1) mixture was shown to be a promising replacement for synthetic acaricides, being three times more toxic than a commercial acaricide, fluvalinate (4 h-LC50 = 143 μg/mL).

Morphomolecular identification and pathogenicity of Colletotrichum species associated with avocado anthracnose in northern Thailand

AbstractAvocado production is restricted globally by the anthracnose disease caused by Colletotrichum species. In Thailand, anthracnose symptoms can be found on avocado leaves and fruits, and it is an important postharvest disease, reducing the shelf life of the fruits and causing huge economic losses. Avocado leaves and fruits showing anthracnose disease were collected from Chiang Rai province, located in northern Thailand, and the Colletotrichum species isolated from the samples were identified based on morphological examination and multigene phylogenetic analyses. Phylogenetic analyses using five loci (ITS, ACT, CHS‐1, GAPDH and TUB2) coupled with the morphology of 11 isolates showed that they belonged to four known species of Colletotrichum. Colletotrichum endophytica, C. fructicola and C. siamense are illustrated as new geographical records, and C. henanense is characterized as a new host record. Furthermore, the pathogenicity of these species in avocado fruits and leaves (West Indian variety) has been proven. In addition, this study provides further evidence for the synonymization of C. pandanicola and C. parvisporum with C. siamense.

Resequencing of white jute (Corchorus capsularis L.) provides insights into genome diversity, population historical dynamics, and improvement

Jute is an important natural fibre crop which provides most of the global bast fibre production annually. However, little progress has been made regarding its genomic diversity, historical population dynamics, origins, and improvement. In this study, we re-sequenced 150 accessions of white jute from 9 countries, further studied the genetic diversity, population dynamics, and improvement, and obtained a total of 3269,808 single nucleotide polymorphisms(SNPs) and 1179,601 insertions/deletions(InDels). Based on these markers, 150 accessions were classified into 2 clades: landraces and modern cultivars. Notably, the modern cultivars were partly classified into two offspring groups: one group developed from “D154,” an important Indian variety, and another from “Xin Xuan 1 hao,” a Chinese cultivar. The genetic diversity (π) was estimated for landrace and cultivars at 0.334 × 10−3 and 0.279 × 10−3, which was considerably lower than that for Corchorus olitorius, suggesting that C. capsularis is subject to a stronger breeding selection during improvement than C. olitorius. A total of 12 candidate genes related to improvement were identified by analyzing π and fixation index(FST). Three of the 12 genes may be involved in the methylation and demethylation processes, which can be integrated into an environmentally sensitive molecular engine that promotes rapid improvement. Analysis of population historical dynamics for C. capsularis showed that the population sizes for landraces and modern cultivars went through 3 bottlenecks. The first bottleneck may be due to climate change whereas the last two may be affected by human activities and war. Our results provide new insights into C. capsularis genome variation, phylogenetic relationships, and improvement, helping understand the genetic basis of crucial agronomic traits and facilitating future molecular breeding for jute.

Dynamics of physico-chemical properties towards understanding the optimum ageing of basmati and non-basmati rice (Oryza sativa L.) for consumer preferences

Ageing is a complex and useful method of post-harvest improvement in rice grain quality. Till date, limited information is available for longer period (up to 24 months) of rice ageing. This is the first comprehensive study to provide optimum period of rice ageing based on dynamics of nutritional, textural, cooking, pasting, and sensory properties of highly consumed and exported mega Indian varieties of basmati (PB-1121, PB-1509) as compared to non-basmati (BPT-5204, Swarna) rice. No significant differences in starch, protein, and lipid contents were observed, whereas amylose content and resistant starch showed an increasing trend during ageing in all varieties. Hardness and stickiness showed a negative correlation with the significant coefficient (R2) of −0.73, −0.74, −0.71 and −0.54 for PB-1121, PB-1509, BPT-5204 and Swarna respectively. Regression analysis between elongation ratio and water use efficiency for all varieties was found highly significant (0.89–0.99). Based on pasting profiles, eating-cooking quality traits, amylose content, and resistant starch content, 12–18 months aged basmati rice is recommended for rice eaters depending on their choice of fluffiness and grain length and 18–24 months aged non-basmati rice is good for food industries to use them for crispiness of products. Future research is needed to study the effect of storage on rice digestibility for a better understanding of ageing phenomenon.

Looking for Indian Variety of English in Indian Writing in English

The present paper explores how the Indian writing in English has gone through various phases to be what it is today. It was difficult for the non-native writers to present the Indian culture and context into a language which was not their own. In this process, there emerged various expressions which were linguistically awkward from the point of the native users Standard English. Nevertheless, the Indian writers over the years achieved a level where their language began to be not only accepted but also admired even by the native users of English. One can feel the Indian Variety of English in these texts, yet in the absence of any norms or a regulatory body, it cannot be officially declared the Standard Indian Variety of English.

Delta plus: A New Variant of Corona Virus

The Delta plus variant, often known as the K417N mutation, is a Covid-19 viralariant. K417N was initially discovered in India in April 2021 and was first announced in the public health England bulletin on June 11th. The report was released in order to continue sharing detailed Delta surveillance information (VOC-21APR-02, B.1.617.2). Delta plus has also been discovered in nine other nations, including the United States, the United Kingdom, Portugal, Switzerland, Japan, Poland, Nepal, Russia, and China. On the Coronavirus spike, the Delta plus variation has an extra mutation termed K417N, which has been detected in South Africa and Brazil also. Delta plus may have a modest advantage in infecting and propagating among those who have already been infected. The Indian variety of SARS CoV-2, also known as B.1.617, is a Coronavirus variant that had a key role in India's second wave of infection. B.1.617 has three noteworthy sub variants. B.1.617.2, which was detected in India in December 2020, is the most concerning. In December 2020, a new sub-variant known as B.1.617.1 was discovered for the first time in India. B.1.617.1 was found in 50% of all reported sequences by late March, but the proportion dropped in April. B.1.617.1 is known as the "Indian double mutant," although this label is misleading because it has about 15 mutations when compared to older variants." The term "double mutant" refers to the presence of two mutations in the outer spike protein of the bacterium.

A Comprehensive review on COVID-19 Variant: Delta plus and Omicron Variant

The Delta plus variant, often known as the K417N mutation and B.1.1.529 is known as Omicron, K417N was initially discovered in India in April 2021 and was first announced in the public health England bulletin on June 11th 2021, and the report was released in order to continue sharing detailed Delta surveillance information (VOC-21APR-02, B.1.617.2). On November the 1st Omicron case was reported by South Africa. Delta plus has also been discovered in nine other nations, including the United States, the United Kingdom, Portugal, Switzerland, Japan, Poland, Nepal, Russia, and China. Delta plus may have a modest advantage in infecting and propagating among those who have already been infected. The Indian variety of SARS CoV-2, also known as B.1.617, is a Coronavirus variant that had a key role in India's second wave of infection. B.1.617 has three noteworthy sub-variants. B.1.617.2, which was detected in India in December 2020, is the most concerning. In December 2020, a new sub-variant known as B.1.617.1 was discovered for the first time in India. B.1.617.1 was found in 50% of all reported sequences by late March, but the proportion dropped in April. B.1.617.1 is known as the "Indian double mutant," although this label is misleading because it has about 15 mutations when compared to older variants." The term "double mutant" refers to the presence of two mutations in the outer spike protein of the bacterium. Omicron is the 3rd wave of mutated variant stated by W.H.O during November.

A mis-splicing early flowering 3 (elf3) allele of lentil is associated with yield enhancement under terminal heat stress.

There is a vast scope of area expansion of lentils after harvesting wet rice in South Asia. However, due to the photoperiod effect and terminal heat, the existing short-duration varieties failed to minimize yield loss under late-sown conditions. A mis-splicing causing A/G SNP present in the last nucleotide of exon 3 of early flowering 3 (ELF3) gene (elf3 allele) in a lentil line, L4710, is associated with the photoperiod insensitive flowering and the fast absolute growth rate (AGR). None of the Indian cultivars tested in this study, either early or late, possesses the non-functional elf3 allele. However, the A to G transition in ELF3-exon2 replaces glycine with aspartic acid at the 403rd amino acid in all the Indian varieties tested, compared to the reference sequence of Mediterranean accession, ILL5588. Therefore, targeting A/G SNP of exon 3, a PCR-based codominant marker is developed. The elf3 allele is correlated with the fast AGR and early flowering, but low yield and biomass, in an L4710 × LL56-derived RIL-population, compared to ELF3 carrying alleles when sown on 15th November. However, in a month of delayed sowing (20th December), the same elf3-RILs revealed a higher yield and biomass with slower AGR Moreover, three elf3-carrying lines, grown in delayed condition (20 December) for two consecutive years in three locations, outyielded three popular high-yielding cultivars that carry functional ELF3. Thus, elf3-carrying high-yielding lines could be the breeder's choice to expand and enhance lentil yield in short-season environments and in vast rice fallows of south Asia, where delayed rice harvest occurs frequently.

Manjari Medika Grape Seed Extract Protects Methotrexate-Induced Hepatic Inflammation: Involvement of NF-κB/NLRP3 and Nrf2/HO-1 Signaling System.

Grape Seed Extract is a natural source of various polyphenols, which have been shown to possess potent antioxidant and free radical-scavenging activities. The earlier studies have reported that grape seed extract exhibits broad-spectrum pharmacological activities. Therefore, studying the hepatoprotective effects and elucidation of mechanisms of action of the Indian Variety, Manjari Medika grape seed extract (GSE), may give an insight into therapeutic benefits. Methotrexate (MTX) is the first-line pharmacological therapy for different rheumatic diseases. The major adverse events such as hepatotoxicity are evident even in the low doses used for the treatment. The present study investigated the role of MTX on hepatic damage in murine liver and the plausible protective effects of the Indian grape variety, Manjari Medika grape seed extract, in ameliorating it. To assess the hepatological modulation, mice were divided into eight groups to investigate the ameliorative potential of this GSE (75 and 125 mg/kg) and correlate the experimental findings. The active components of the extract were assessed through UPLC-(ESI)-QToF-MS analysis. On the other hand, various biochemical and immunological indices were carried out to correlate the experimental data. The result demonstrated that the prophylactic administration of GSE reduced MTX-induced hepatic toxicity indices, which subsequently restored the hepatic morphological architecture. Moreover, the application of GSE in a dual dosage (75 and 125 mg/kg) suppressed MTX-induced reactive oxygen species generation, followed by lipid peroxidation and cellular nitrite formation. MTX-induced inflammasome activation through the redox-assisted cascade of TLR4/NF-κB signaling was further reduced by applying the GSE. The results showed that the activation of cytoprotective transcription factor Nrf2 enhanced the level of endogenous antioxidants. Furthermore, through the regulation of TLR4/NF-κB and Nrf2/HO-1 axis, this extract could reduce the MTX-mediated hepatic damage. Our findings suggest that Manjari Medika seed extract could be used as a therapeutic agent to relieve the side effects of MTX and other hepatic disorders.

Extension of Shelf Life of Paneer-An Indian Variety of Soft Cheese: A Review

Conventional dairy products constitute a vital role in the human diet in India. Paneer, an indigenous soft cheese, is a versatile nutrient-dense food used as a pedestal substance in various culinary preparations. It contains a good amount of high-quality animal protein, fat and minerals. However, relatively short shelf life of paneer, up to 5-6 days, creates a significant obstacle for commercial manufacturers. Conventional techniques like drying, freezing or chilling are not considered proficient in extending paneer’s keeping quality. This review summarizes different techniques used for the shelf life extension of paneer. The main focus was apprehended on research that contributes to increasing nutritional content and keeping the quality of paneer. Based on the perceptions of various researchers available in the shape of literature, it was concluded that edible coating incorporated with active compounds could be a pioneer preservation technique for Paneer. Moreover, some novel food techniques (Non-thermal techniques, hurdle technology, smart packaging) have also shown considerable potential to enhance keeping quality of paneer without jeopardizing flavour and texture. However, these technologies are at their nascent stage and require extensive research.

Evaluation of antibacterial efficacy of garlic (Allium sativum) and ginger (Zingiber officinale) crude extract against multidrug-resistant (MDR) poultry pathogen.

The study is aimed to understand the antibacterial sensitivity of native and Indian varieties of garlic (Allium sativum) and ginger (Zingiber officinale) crude extracts against multidrug-resistant (MDR) poultry pathogen (Escherichia coli and Salmonella sp.). Thin layer chromatography (TLC) is used to identify the target spices' bioactive antibacterial compounds. MDR E. coli and Salmonella sp. were isolated from poultry. The TLC-Bioautography technique was applied to explore the antibacterial potentiality of garlic and ginger. Inhibitory activities of garlic were Zone of inhibition (ZI) = 14.03 ± 0.15 mm and 19.70 ± 0.36 mm, Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC): 0.625 and 0.325 mg/ml, and ginger were ZI = 14.63 ± 0.30 mm and 11.56 ± 0.51mm, MIC: 9.0 mg/ml against E. coli and Salmonella sp., respectively. Two bands of garlic (Rf value = 0.31 and 0.50) and one band of ginger (Rf value = 0.71) showed inhibitory potential in TLC-Bioautography against both MDR isolates. Garlic and ginger were effective against MDR E. coli and Salmonella sp. These spices could be a suitable alternative during the antibiotic void.