Adhatoda Vasica Research Articles

Green synthesis of silver nanoparticles using Justicia adhatoda leaves extract and its anticancer effect on human lung carcinoma via induced apoptosis mechanism

In this study, Justicia adhatoda leaves extract was used to synthesize silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) and assess its anticancer attributes against human lung carcinoma (A549) cell line via induction of apoptosis mechanism. Initially, the biosynthesis of AgNPs was evident by observing the appearance of dark brown colour solution. UV–Vis spectrum showed characteristic surface plasmon resonance peak at 420 nm. FT-IR spectroscopy demonstrated the presence of distinct functional groups in both the extract and AgNPs. The peaks in XRD pattern corresponded to 101, 111, 200, and 220 crystal planes, thereby representing face-centred cubic silver. The EDX analysis confirmed the reduction of silver ions. The HR-SEM revealed spherical-shaped nanoparticles with an average size of 8–13 nm. In vitro cytotoxicity of extract and AgNPs was determined against A549 cell lines using MTT assay. The AgNPs revealed higher cytotoxity (59.25 ± 1.3–5.55 ± 1.3 %) than the extract (81.48 ± 1.3–16.66 ± 1.6 %) with reduced viabilities of cells at different concentrations. The IC50 values of the extract and AgNPs were calculated as 95.36 and 15.1 µg/mL, respectively. Apoptosis of AgNPs was analyzed using varied techniques as per the standard protocols. Acridine orange staining showed reduced green fluorescence of A549 cells due to the action of AgNPs. DNA fragmentation assay revealed the breakage of DNA double strands of cells and yielded laddered pattern. Flow cytometry analysis depicted increment in the cells count in S phase and concomitant decrement in Go/G1 phase. Quantitative real-time PCR demonstrated the upregulation and downregulation of Bax and Bcl-2 genes, respectively. Additionally, the exposure of A549 cells with AgNPs induced cytochrome C production from depolarized mitochondrial membrane into cytosol, which further upregulated caspase-9 and caspase-3 genes. In conclusion, J. adhatoda leaves-mediated AgNPs induced the apoptosis mechanism in A549 lung adenocarcinoma cells and indicated its paramount role as an effectual anticancer agent in future nanomedicine.

Molecular identification using DNA barcoding and pharmacognostical evaluation of Justicia beddomei (C. B. Clarke) Bennet

Justicia beddomei (C.B. Clarke) Bennet has been utilized for many years in the traditional medical system. This study aimed to facilitate the identification of J. beddomei (C.B. Clarke) Bennet using trnH–psbA DNA barcode region, NCBI database, and pharmacognostical features of the plant parts. Genomic DNA was extracted from plant leaf samples and polymerase chain reaction amplification and DNA sequence determination were performed. The contigs DNA sequence 319 bp was analyzed using the similarity basic search method BLASTn. The trnH– psbA barcode region of 319 bp contigs sequence showed 100% similarity with the standard sequence of J. beddomei with the Accession No. MK347214.1 from the NCBI database. Microscopical studies of the different parts of the plant facilitate the identification and differentiation of J. beddomei from its morphologically similar and confusing plant Justicia adhatoda L. Justicia beddomei can be easily identified by the flower and its inflorescence arrangement. The other identification features are the presence of cystoliths in the mesophyll region of the leaf, and the presence of colored content and crystals in the powder microscopic analysis. The outcome of the present detailed microscopic study of the stem, leaf, and flower of J. beddomei is of great value in the identification of the powdered samples and their adulterants.

In Vitro Control of Pathogenic Fungi Associated with Selected Brri Rice Varieties

The present study evaluated the efficacy of five chemical fungicides, viz., Capvit 50 WP, Cynil 72 WP, Kochi 80 WDG, Sinozim 50 WP and Ridomil Gold MZ 68 WG along with five plant extracts, specifically Azadirachta indica A. Juss., Adhatoda vasica Nees., Psidium guajava L., Cassia alata L. and Citrus limon on the radial mycelial growth of two pathogenic fungi, Curvularia lunata and Drechslera oryzae associated with newly released BRRI rice varieties at varying concentrations. Capvit 50 WP exhibited complete inhibition of C. lunata at 300, 400 and 500 ppm concentrations as well as D. oryzae at 200, 300, 400 and 500 ppm concentrations leading the selected fungicides, followed by Cynil 72 WP and Ridomil Gold MZ 68 WG. Out of the five plant extracts, P. guajava demonstrated maximum radial growth inhibition (72.2%) against C. lunata at 20% concentration followed by A. indica. (56%), A. vasica. (52.3%), C. alata (24%) and C. limon (18.1%). Capvit 50 WP and Cynil 72 WP, among the fungicides, are potential in vivo controls for the tested pathogens associated with rice varieties. Additionally, out of the five plant extracts, Psidium guajava L. can be effective against C. lunata, while Azadirachta indica A. Juss. is a promising botanical fungicide against D. oryzae. Bioresearch Commu. 10(1): 1393-1397, 2024 (January)

THE IMPACT OF VASAKA (JUSTICIA ADHATODA) LEAF EXTRACT ON THE GROWTH AND IMMUNE RESPONSE OF SHRIMP (PENAEUS MONODON)

Justicia adhatoda, also known as "Vasaka plant," is employed in Ayurvedic medicine to treat a wide range of human diseases. This study aimed to explore the potential application of Vasaka leaf extract (VLE) as a viable option for enhancing the growth and immune response of Penaeus monodon. Three diets containing varying amounts of Vasaka leaves (0 g [Control], 0.5 g/kg feed [VLE0.5], and 1 g/kg feed [VLE1.0]) were consumed to replicate groups of shrimp in 60 L aquarium tanks for 28 days. The assessment of growth was conducted by the evaluation of many parameters, including weight gain, specific growth rate, feed conversion ratio, protein efficiency ratio and survival rate. The results of the experiment indicate that there were no statistically significant differences in the growth performance and survival rate of the shrimp across the various experimental groups. The introduction of Vasaka leaf as a dietary supplement resulted in a significant enhancement of shrimp immunity through the upregulation of total haemocyte count, prophenoloxidase activity, and superoxide dismutase activity, accompanied by a concurrent decrease in haemolymph clotting time. These results propose that nutritional supplementation with Vasaka leaf took no negative effect on the growth of P. monodon but did increase its non-specific immune response and can be considered as safe in shrimp culture.

Adhatoda vasica and Tinospora cordifolia extracts ameliorate clinical and molecular markers in mild COVID-19 patients: a randomized open-label three-armed study

BackgroundSARS-CoV-2 infections caused mild-to-moderate illness. However, a sizable portion of infected people experience a rapid progression of hyper-inflammatory and hypoxic respiratory illness that necessitates an effective and safer remedy to combat COVID-19.MethodsA total of 150 COVID-19-positive patients with no to mild symptoms, between the age groups 19–65 years were enrolled in this randomized, open-labeled three-armed clinical trial. Among them, 136 patients completed the study with RT-PCR negative reports. The patients received herbal drugs orally (Group A (Adhatoda vasica; AV; 500 mg; n = 50); Group B (Tinospora cordifolia; TC; 500 mg; n = 43), and Group C (AV + TC; 250 mg each; n = 43)) for 14 days. Clinical symptoms, vital parameters, and viral clearance were taken as primary outcomes, and biochemical, hematological parameters, cytokines, and biomarkers were evaluated at three time points as secondary outcomes.ResultsWe found that the mean viral clearance time was 13.92 days (95% confidence interval [CI] 12.85–14.99) in Group A, 13.44 days (95% confidence interval [CI] 12.14–14.74) in Group B, and 11.86 days (95% confidence interval [CI] 10.62–13.11) days in Group C. Over a period of 14 days, the mean temperature in Groups A, and B significantly decreased linearly. In Group A, during the trial period, eosinophils, and PT/INR increased significantly, while monocytes, SGOT, globulin, serum ferritin, and HIF-1α, a marker of hypoxia reduced significantly. On the other hand, in Group B hsCRP decreased at mid-treatment. Eosinophil levels increased in Group C during the treatment, while MCP-3 levels were significantly reduced.ConclusionsAll the patients of the three-armed interventions recovered from COVID-19 and none of them reported any adverse effects from the drugs. Group C patients (AV + TC) resulted in a quicker viral clearance as compared to the other two groups. We provide the first clinical report of AV herbal extract acting as a modifier of HIF-1α in COVID-19 patients along with a reduction in levels of ferritin, VEGF, and PT/INR as the markers of hypoxia, inflammation, and thrombosis highlighting the potential use in progression stages, whereas the TC group showed immunomodulatory effects.Trial registration Clinical Trials Database -India (ICMR-NIMS), CTRI/2020/09/028043. Registered 24th September 2020, https://www.ctri.nic.in/Clinicaltrials/pdf_generate.php?trialid=47443&EncHid=&modid=&compid=%27,%2747443det%27Graphical

Tailoring the rheological properties of biosynthesized Copper oxide nanoparticles decorated Carboxymethyl cellulose hydrogels for biomedical applications

Nanoparticle-decorated hydrogels have seized substantial momentum in recent years, exclusively in biomedical research. In this investigation, Copper oxide nanoparticles decorated carboxymethyl cellulose hydrogels were prepared in an eco-friendly approach without using toxic cross-linkers. Initially, Copper oxide nanoparticles were prepared by biosynthesis approach to diminish the harmful effects of chemicals and to improve the biological activities using the leaf extract of Justicia adhatoda. The prepared nanoparticles were incorporated into the Carboxymethyl solution and carbopol to form a hydrogel by non-covalent interactions. X-ray diffraction analysis of CuO nanoparticles revealed a monoclinic crystalline structure without impurity. Rheological investigation of the pure hydrogel and CuO-decorated hydrogels revealed that CuO contributed to the enhancement of the hydrogel's mechanical performance. All the hydrogels demonstrated shear thinning behavior and better flow behavior index with the addition of CuO nanoparticles. The yield stress of the hydrogels was improved and found to be in the range of 61–79 Pa, which matches the ideal yield stress values in transdermal drug delivery. Storage moduli of hydrogels as a function of frequency was doubled (14–47.5 Pa), endorsing the involvement of CuO nanoparticles in crosslinking the polymeric matrix. Temperature and time sweep measurements revealed that the stability of the hydrogels also improved with the addition of CuO nanoparticles. The antibacterial activity of the hydrogels was evaluated using biofilm inhibition and showed better inhibition of 70 ± 0.5%, 75 ± 0.9%, 86 ± 0.8%, and 83 ± 0.8% against Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumonia, Staphylococcus aureus, and Enterococcus faecalis, respectively with increased concentration of CuO nanoparticles. The cell viability of the CuO-decorated hydrogels against MCF-7 and A431 was found to be 39% and 42%, respectively. Therefore, the eco-friendly biosynthesized CuO nanoparticles decorated hydrogels with improved mechanical properties can be employed in injectable and transdermal drug delivery systems.

Antiviral Activities of Some Traditional Medicinal Plants of Sri Lanka

Abstract: The aim of this article is to review the antiviral activity of plants traditionally used in indigenous medicine in Sri Lanka, their therapeutic potential, chemistry, and botany. Viral infections represent an increasing threat to humans worldwide. Conventional antiviral drugs are available against respiratory viruses. Naturally occurring antiviral activity of medicinal plants was used for centuries in the country’s rich traditional medicine system consisting of Ayurveda, Siddha, Unani, and Deshiya Chikitsa. Traditional physicians cure diseases, including those that originate from viruses, through herbal medicine. To complement this, about 1430 species representing 838 genera, equivalent to 45% of the entire flowering plant community, are considered medicinal. The present article attempts to review the essence of decades of discoveries on antiviral and related properties of 21 medicinal plants, Allium sativum L., Annona muricata L., Ardisia elliptica Thunb., Azadirachta indica A. Juss., Caesalpinia pulcherrima (L.) Sw., Coriandrum sativum L., Coscinium fenestratum (Gaertn.) Colebr., Hedyotis corymbosa (L.) Lam., Hemidesmus indicus (L.) R. Br., Justicia adhatoda L., Ocimum tenuiflorum L., Phyllanthus embilica L., Phyllanthus debilis Klein ex Willd., Piper longum L., Piper nigrum L., Solanum xanthocarpum Schrad & Wendl., Terminalia bellirica (Gaertn.) Roxb., Terminalia chebula Retz., Tinospora cordifolia (Wild) Miers., Vitex negundo L., Zingiber officinale Roscoe. Among the medicinal plants commonly used in Sri Lankan traditional medicine, Justicia adhatoda showed stronger anti-influenza virus activity, inhibiting virus attachment and replication, while Terminalia chebula consisting of chebulagic and chebulinic acids, demonstrated direct antiviral activity against sexually transmitted herpes simplex virus-2 (HSV-2).

Pharmacokinetics, dynamics, toxicology and molecular docking of bioactive alkaloid vasicine from Adhatoda vasica: a promising toxin binder against aflatoxin B1 and ochratoxin A

Vasicine form Adhatoda vasica was investigated in the management of aflatoxicosis and ochratoxicosis by in silico molecular docking approach. The computational analysis was carried out using Discovery Studio Autodock 4.0 tool. ADME (Absorption, Distribution, Metabolism and Excretion), pharmacodynamic and toxicity studies were also carried out using Swiss ADME and PASS online server respectively. The standard drug compound used was silymarin and the structure were retrieved from the protein data bank for both the test compound vasicine and the standard drug. Vasicine interacted with Aflatoxin B1 at 10 different poses and the maximum dock score was found to be 83.04 and the binding energy was -37.54kcal/mol. Silymarin interacted with Aflatoxin B1 at 10 different poses and the maximum dock score was found to be 143.578 binding energy was -67.32 kcal/mol. Vasicine interacted with Ochratoxin A at 10 different poses and the maximum dock score was found to be 73.75 and the binding energy was -56.20 kcal/mol. Silymarin interacted with Ochratoxin A at 10 different poses and the maximum dock score was found to be 89.23 binding energy was -98.86kcal/mol. The compounds possess good gastro intestinal absorption with antioxidant property and exhibits minimum adverse effects. The obtained results support the toxin mitigating potential of the test compound with minimum adverse effects and hence vasicine can be regarded as a potential toxin binder of aflatoxin B1 and ochratoxin A wherein it can be implemented for alleviating aflatoxicosis and ochratoxicosis.

Use of Botanicals Plant for Stored Grain Pest Management: A Critical Review

The current paper has been studied to understand the significance of various plant products (botanicals) against storage insect pests of seeds and grains. Grain storage is critical in agriculture for the next generation and food security. Insect pests are economically relevant among the several biotic and abiotic elements that impact the fate of grains during storage because they cause significant loss. The expanding demands of the world's growing population can be met by lowering or eradicating the insect pest population while storing. The most damaging storage insect pests are Sitotroga cerealella, Sitophilus sp., Rhyzopertha Dominica, Trogoderma granarium, Tribolium sp., Callosobruchus sp., and others. Insect damage includes the ingestion of seed, exuviae debris, webbing, and cadavers, rendering the grain unfit for human consumption and reducing both quality and quantity. They manipulated the storage environment, resulting in the formation of hotspots that are conducive to the spread of storage fungi and other dangerous microflora. Conventionally, we use synthetic pesticides to manage various insect pests that are hazardous to the environment and ecosystem in a variety of ways, including the elimination of natural enemies, insect resistance and resurgence, making soil, water, and air sick, and having residual effects that cause various disorders or diseases in animals and humans. Botanicals such as neem (Azadirachta indica), Bach (Acorus calamus), phoolakri (Lantana camara), draik (Melia azadarach), kali mirch (Piper nigrum), and basuti (Adhatoda zeylanica) are biodegradable, non-residual, equally effective, and widely available etc. may show to be a superior solution for controlling insect pests, particularly storage pests, without impacting grain or seed quality or harming our ecology or environment. Thus, botanicals can be used alone or in conjunction with IPM to manage insect pests.

Green synthesis of silver nanoparticles using Adhatoda vasica leaf extract and its application in photocatalytic degradation of dyes

The paper describes biogenic synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using Adhatoda vasica leaf extracts at room temperature. The prepared AgNPs were characterized by UV–visible spectroscopy, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, powder X-ray diffraction, Energy dispersive X-ray (EDX), High Resolution Transmission Electron Microscope, Scanning Electron Microscopy and Thermogravimetric analyser. The bio reduction method is devoid of any toxic chemicals, organic solvents, and external reducing, capping and stabilizing agent. The synthesized AgNPs had spherical shape with particle size ranging between 3.88 and 23.97 nm and had face centered cubic structure. UV–visible spectral analysis confirmed the formation of AgNPs with a characteristic surface plasmon resonance band at 419 nm. The EDX pattern revealed the presence of elemental Ag in AgNPs. The prepared AgNPs were used for degradation of Amaranth, Allura red and Fast green in aqueous medium, with ≥ 92.6% efficiency within 15 min using 5 mg of AgNPs. The optical bandgap, Eg value of 2.26 eV for AgNPs was found to be effective for rapid photocatalytic degradation of all the three dyes. The degradation process was observed to follow pseudo first order kinetics.

Delineating the calling pattern of Oecanthus indicus from native and non-native plant species.

The study attempted to understand the effect of the host plants on the call parameters of native tree cricket, Oecanthus indicus (Order: Orthoptera, Sub-order: Ensifera, Family: Gryllidae) while calling from native (Justicia adhatoda) and non-native host plant species (Lantana camara and Hyptis suaveolens). The study was conducted at four locations across India. Calls of O. indicus were recorded on these host plants in the field and spectral and temporal parameters of calls were analysed. The results suggested that the peak frequency varied among the two non-native plant species while the difference in temporal pattern between the native and non-native host plants was observed only in the syllable period. The study also quantified the choice of calling positions of insects from the three-host species. The native O. indicus chose non-native H. suaveolens leaves extensively as a preferable site to baffle (37%). Differences in the call parameters and choice of the host plant by insects may ultimately affect the preference and performance of insects on invasive plants. The study would aid in exploring the underlying evolutionary and ecological processes of adaptive success of insects on non-native plants.

Effects of auxins on the stem cuttings of Justicia Adhatoda L.

Effects of auxins on the stem cuttings of Justicia Adhatoda L.

Clinical Study and Assessment of Efficacy of Polyherbal Combination (KNDBHU) in COVID 19 Patients

Even three years after the COVID-19 pandemic initially appeared in December of the year 2019, it is still raging over the globe. There have been numerous attempts to use well-known medications in new ways to treat COVID-19 infection. Many nations, including India, implemented a series of lock downs in an effort to limit the pandemic. Sanitation practices, social seclusion, routine mask wearing, testing, and quarantining of suspected carriers were among the recommended methods for limiting the illness. Numerous treatment strategies have also been used to prevent and treat the illness, but no formal studies using well-known Ayurvedic formulations or any polyherbal combinations have been conducted. A clinical study was planned to test the noble polyherbal combination containing Withania somnifera, Tinospora cordifolia, Moringa oleifera, Adhatoda vasica, Piper longum, Glycyrrhiza glabra, Ocimum sanctum and Curcuma longa. The study checked the rate of symptom remission in individuals receiving the polyherbal combination in addition to standard of care (SoC) to that in patients with mild and moderate symptoms of COVID-19 infections receiving SoC alone. A prospective randomized interventional clinical study was planned comparing outcomes in 2 cohorts with mild to moderate COVID-19 as under. Cohort-1 was trialled with conventional treatment as per government advisory. Cohort-2 was trialled with polyherbal combination and with conventional treatment as per government advisory. With the current add-on Polyherbal regimen, an early clinical improvement in breathlessness was seen along with early ageusia and cough reduction when compared with conventional treatment. The polyherbal combination (KNDBHU) enhanced recovery in COVID-19 Patients. Given the lack of hospital beds in India, the median length of hospital stays was shortened; this development is significant. Keywords: Covid­19, Add on polyherbal combinationregimen for Corona virus, Early Clinical Improvement, Shortened hospital stays

In-Silico Screening of Phytocompounds of Justicia Adhatoda for Thrombolytic Activity

Background: The risk of thrombosis and its associated mortality is becoming a greater public health concern in both industrialized and developing nations. Clinical condition that is myocardial infarction, ischemic stroke, unstable angina, peripheral vascular diseases like deep vein thrombosis prioritise top in the list of thrombotic disorders. Conventional thrombolytic medications including alteplase, anistreplase, streptokinase and urokinase offer life risking adverse effects like haemorrhage, stroke, vascular dysfunction, hypertension, internal bleeding and so on. In order to overcome the undesirable side effects caused by the conventional thrombolytic therapy, there is ominous need of alternate complementary treatment from traditional medicine. Majority of the Siddha formulations comprise of some potential medicinal herbs which are found to be biocompatible and also have a wide safety window. Justicia adhatoda is one such novel herb which is investigated broadly by researchers till date, aspired by its unique pharmacological property rendered by the bioactive components present in it. Methods: Hence, the present research is aimed at in-silico screening of certain classes of alkaloids and flavonoids retrieved from J. adhatoda to explore the possible anti-thrombotic activity against the target human plasminogen activation loop peptide using AutoDock screening tool. Results and Conclusion: The computational analysis’s findings led to the conclusion that the bioactive compounds present in Justicia adhatoda like Astragalin, Kaempferol, Vitexin, Vasicolinone and Adhatodine reveals significant binding affinity against target plasminogen. Thereby it was determined that these compounds may have promising anti-thrombotic efficacy due to their considerable binding affinity towards the target plasminogen.

Introduction pages, Notulae Scientia Biologicae 15(3), 2023

Notulae Scientia Biologicae (http://www.notulaebiologicae.ro), Issue 3, Volume 15, 2023: The papers published in this issue represent interesting novelties in different topics of life science. Among the exciting research or reviews, we invite readers to find news about: Acute oral toxicity of Cannabis sativa L. co-products in mice; Modulation of antioxidant activities, markers of hepatic and renal dysfunctions in alloxan-induced diabetic rats by Combretum dolichopetalum; Phytochemical screening, total phenolic content and antioxidant activities of Marrubium vulgare L. collected in three development stages; Comparison of different drying methods for phytochemical quality of stevia (Stevia rebaudiana Bert.); Evaluation of reproduction biology of Prunus cerasoides; Edible mushrooms – perspectives and considerations; Production of an important antidiabetic compound mangiferin through elicitation in Salacia chinensis under in vivo condition; Analysis of the antibacterial potentials of the leaf extracts of selected medicinal plants against pathogenic bacterial strains; Phytochemical fingerprinting and evaluation of in silico anti-thrombotic properties of Justicia adhatoda L. and Cordia dichotoma Frost.; Extraction of nutrients from Rumex vesicarius, a wild indigenous edible plant from United Arab Emirates; Effects of pre-harvest chitosan application on growth parameters and total phenolic - antioxidant contents of bitter gourd (Momordica charantia L.).

Sacred Groves as the Source of Local Medicinal Plants and Sites of Biodiversity Conservation in North 24 Parganas, West Bengal

A Sacred Grove (SG) is any grove of trees, shrubs and even herbs of special religious importance to a particular culture. SGs are consideredas distinct patches of vegetation (ranging in size from a small cluster of a few trees to a large forest stand spanning several hundredacres) which are venerated in the name of local deities or ancestral spirits, promoting conservation. Conservation of biodiversity insacred groves is a consequence of the sacred physical space of the sacred grove which is communally shared as commons and used toobserve crucial social ceremonies in indigenous societies. While documenting the sacred groves in the district of North 24 Parganas ofWest Bengal through a detailed field survey, plants of local medicinal importance were identified in these patches in which the localpeople traditionally conserved the medicinal plants since time immemorial. An extensive field survey to potential district areas anddocumentation of major flora, including their correct identification and their related Traditional Knowledge (TK) in each SG was done.More than 120 local medicinal plants were found and traditional knowledge associated with these plants was documented whichincluded Adhatoda vasica, Abroma agustum, Andrographis paniculata, Bacopa monnieri, Centella asiatica, Cocculus hirsutus, Gloriosasuperba, Tinospora cordifolia to name very few. Out of these purified aqueous extract of Cocculus hirsutus has also been reported inCOVID-19 treatment in many research papers. Traditional knowledge associated with these plants found in the sacred groves is a hiddentreasure from where further research, learning and dissemination of potential information can ensue. These SGs are examples of in-situconservation traditionally by local people and gene pool for various medicinal plants.

A liquid culture system for plantlet conversion and slow growth storage of encapsulated shoot tips of Justicia adhatoda L.

The present article demonstrates the applicability of liquid medium in propagation and short-term storage of synthetic seed of Justicia adhatoda L., a medicinally important plant used in many ayurvedic drugs. Shoot tips and nodal segments excised from shoots regenerated on meta-topolin (mT) containing medium were encapsulated in 3% Na-alginate and 100 mM CaCl2.2 H2O for the preparation of artificial seeds. Irrespective of media composition, shoot tips performed better than nodal segments with respect to shoot emergence from alginate beads and further conversion into plantlets in a single step. Morphogenic responses of encapsulated shoot tips in liquid as well as on agar-solidified medium were evaluated and maximum plantlet conversion was observed on PGR-free MS liquid medium. Encapsulated shoot tips were stored for 60 days using slow-growth storage approaches which were induced by a reduction of sucrose concentration (1%) in the medium and reducing MS medium strength to half. After storage, more than 50% synthetic seeds were converted into plantlets when transferred to a regrowth medium. This slow-growth approach may be applied for the short-term storage of synthetic seeds for a reasonable period that is sufficient for the exchange of germplasm for distant places.

Bias-switchable photoconductance in surface-modified graphene oxide by green synthesized ZnO nanoparticles

This study provides an environmentally friendly method for synthesizing Zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles through Adhatoda vasica extracts as plant-mediated reducing agents. ZnO-GO nanostructures are prepared using microwave irradiation, while a modified Hummer's method was employed for graphene oxide (GO) synthesis. The thorough characterization establishes the purity, phase and structural conformation of the synthesized ZnO-GO NCs. The observation of ZnO nanoparticles accumulating over the GO surface through High-Resolution Transmission Electron Microscopy and Scanning Electron Microscopy validates the formation of nanocomposites. The resulting ZnO-GO nanocomposites displayed remarkable and broad photoresponsivity across various wavelengths. Notably, at 480 nm, photoresponsivity is found to be a maximum of 0.47 mA/W, whereas it is 0.29 mA/W and 0.21 mA/W at 520 nm and 670 nm respectively. We have achieved responsiveness of 0.48 µA/W and detectivity of 13.9 × 106 Jones at 480 nm with biasing voltage of 1 nV which reflects their potential for self-biased optoelectronic devices. Thus, the photodetector demonstrates a positive photoresponse within the voltage range of 5–30 volts while exhibiting a negative photoresponse in the range of 1–100 nanovolts. This aspect introduces a novel and unprecedented characteristic to the device's behavior. Overall, the integration of eco-friendly synthesis methods, comprehensive characterization, and device performance puts this work with promising implications for sustainable and advanced technology development.

Phytochemical fingerprinting and evaluation of in silico anti-thrombotic properties of Justicia adhatoda L. and Cordia dichotoma Frost.

The study aimed to characterize hydro-methanolic (25%) extracts of Justicia adhatoda L. (stem and flower) and Cordia dichotoma Frost. (Stem and fruit) and evaluate the in silico thrombolytic properties of the major phytocompounds present in the plants. In the preliminary fluorescence imaging through treatment by different reagents, both plants were found to be pharmacologically active. Further qualitative screening of phytochemicals, spectroscopy-based techniques, namely, UV-Vis Spectroscopy and FTIR, revealed various classes of compounds such as polyacetylenes, aglycones, quercetin, anthocyanins, anthraquinones, alkaloids, chalcones and aurones, flavanols, carotenoids, and flavanones. Further, by the application of Thin Layer Chromatography, phenols and flavonoids, namely Catechol, Kaempferol, Quercetin, and Lutein, along with other compounds like Chlorophyll b, Glutamic Acid, and Tryptophan were identified from the extracts. Finally, in the molecular docking study, three compounds, Datiscoside and Robinin of C. dichotoma and Daucosterol of J. adhatoda showed high binding energies (-10.224, -9.547 and -9.262 kcal mol-1 respectively) towards the G-protein coupled thrombotic platelet aggregation receptor P2Y1 when compared to that of the control MRS2500 (-7.148 kcal mol-1).

Justicia adhatoda L. vasicin and vasicinone as bioactive phytochemical compounds: Isolation, characterization, and computational studies

Justicia adhatoda L. has wide applications in traditional and modern medicine. Its major potency is due to the presence of two alkaloids viz. Vasicine and Vasicinone. In industry, the demand for both marker compounds as well as quality Justicia adhatoda L. material is very high. The isolation of bioactive phytochemical compounds for the development of an in-house phytochemical reference standard library to verify quality control is of prime demand for an analytical chemist. For these reasons, the objective of the present study was to isolate two members of the alkaloids Vasicine and Vasicinone marker compounds from Justicia adhatoda L. Extraction was carried out by using a cold percolation method in a successive manner by increasing the order of polarity of the solvents from petroleum-ether to ethanol. Isolation was achieved for the above said two maker compounds by using separation, purification though column chromatography on silica-gel using mobile phase chloroform, and ethanol. Characterization of the isolated compounds was carried out by UV–VIS, IR, 1H NMR, 13C NMR and mass spectroscopy techniques. The isolated and purified solid compounds were confirmed as Vasicine and Vasicinone by comparison and co-relating with observed spectroscopy data and literature data. The compounds had a good to high amount of yield (0.4 % to 0.63 %) with high purity (98–100 %) through HPL. Lastly, frontier molecular orbital analysis (HOMO and LUMO), and global descriptive parameters (such as chemical potential, electronegativity, hardness, softness, etc.) were analyzed using computational approaches. Results revealed a good correlation with experimental data except for a few alternations in 1H NMR data.