Litsea Polyantha Research Articles

Evaluation of antioxidant, antibacterial and antidiabetic activities of different parts of Litsea polyantha extracts

Evaluation of antioxidant, antibacterial and antidiabetic activities of different parts of Litsea polyantha extracts

Goat Feed Resources and Feeding Management in Mid-Hill of Nepal

This study was commissioned to assess studies on feeding resources and feeding management of goat in mid hills of Nepal. During the study, 162 goat farms located in Ghiring and Baradi of Tanahun districts in Nepal were surveyed, and a semi-structured questionnaire was administered to each farm. Farmers in this region prefer integrating livestock raising with crop production. The majority of the farms surveyed kept indigenous Khari goats, either in pure flocks or through crossbreeding. The types of goat farming were commercial (8.02%), semi-commercial (29.01%) and subsistence (62.96%). The nature of management practices for goat farmers was intensive (70.99%), semi-intensive (14.81%) and free range (14.20%). Farmers grazed their livestock in different locations, including their own land (48.77%), forests (22.22%), and other places (29.01%). The selection of fodder species by farmers varied depending on the availability of different species in the mid hills, reflecting differences in their perception and preference. Among the top fodder species highly preferred by the farmer in summer season are Ficus cunia followed by Bauhinia longifolia, Ficus hispida, Castanopsis indica and Ficus auriculata. Fodder species highly preferred by the farmers in winter season are Litsea polyantha followed by Drepanostachyum khasianum, Shorea robusta, Terminalia elliptica and Mangifera indica. Goat production is an essential aspect of subsistence farming, providing both meat and cash income. Consequently, this study recommends promoting locally preferred tree fodder species and supplementing them with feed during different seasons, based on their availability and local preferences. Such strategies can help to improve goat production and support sustainable livelihoods for farmers in the region.
 Int. J. Appl. Sci. Biotechnol. Vol 11(1): 15-24

Morphological Variation of Antheraea assamensis Helfer upon Semi-domestication: A Study on Rearing, Disease Incidence and Seed Production Performance

Muga silkworm is multivoltine and primarily feeds on two primary food plants Som (Persea bombycina King. syn. Machilus bombycina) and Soalu (Litsea polyantha Kost. syn. Litsea monopetala). Muga silkworm Antheraea assamensis (n=15) is a semi-domesticated silk moth mentioned in literature as early 1662 BC. In its annual life cycle there are six crops of cultivated muga silk worm whose nomenclature is based on the local Assamese names of month. By virtue of the narrow ecological distribution of host food plant Antheraea assamensis is confined to only Assam and North East state of India. Empirical observations show that the population is declining due to depletion of natural habitat and lack of genetic variability among population. The wild muga silkworm which is tri or tetra voltine in nature is also found nearby forest area of human habitat in different host plant in N E state of India. A stock of wild muga silkworm collected from the nearby area of Nongpoh and Mendipathar Meghalaya. reared and maintained in muga farm and grainage activities of both wild and cultivated muga were conducted for comparative study. Details of morphology, economic characters and disease occurrence of wild and cultivated muga was studied for future improvement and breed development and also for future strategy of muga silkworm. The morphology of wild muga silkworm are little variant than cultivated muga and economic characters i.e. fecundity of wild muga was recorded 220 - 227 nos. in against the fecundity of cultivated muga observed 120-170 nos. and one gram total numbers of egg contain 120 -135 nos in wild muga in against 134 -145 nos.in cultivated muga. Average cocoon weight wild muga cocoon is ♂= 5.80 g & ♀= 6.60 g in against average cocoon weight ♂= 5.10 g & ♀= 5.54 g in cultivated muga silkworm. Average shell weight ♂= 0.51 g & ♀= 0.60 g in wild muga silkworm and average shell weight ♂= 0.43 g & ♀= 0.51 g in cultivated muga silkworm were recorded. Study revealed that the fecundity, weight of eggs, cocoon weight and shell weight are higher in wild muga silkworm than cultivated muga silkworm. Thereafter it is found that only protozoon disease was reported in wild muga silkworm and other disease i.e. Flacherie, Grasserie, Muscardine was not reported in wild muga silkworm. The mono race muga have no high yielding breed or hybrid and hence breeding programme between wild and cultivated muga may be carried out to get more heterosis, vigourity and yield enhancement.

Comparative Study of Traditional Muga Silkworm Host Plants' Natural Bioactive Metabolites for Antibacterial and Antioxidant Activities against Swine Diseases

In this study, the natural bioactive compounds, antioxidants, and antibacterial properties found in the plants that serve as host plants for the muga silkworm were investigated. These plants include Machilus bombycina (som), Litsea salicifolia (dighloti), Litsea polyantha (sualu), and Litsea citrata (mejankari). The researchers conducted phytochemical analysis and tested the free radical scavenging capacity of methanolic extracts from the plants' leaves using the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl free radical. The 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl scavenging activity data showed that Litsea polyantha had the highest antioxidant effectiveness among the studied plants. The antibacterial evaluation of the plant extracts was also examined against four types of bacteria commonly found in pigs, including Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus suis, Pasteurella multocida, and Escherichia coli. The results indicated that all plant extracts had varying degrees of antibacterial activity. Litsea citrata showed the most efficient extract for slowing the development of both positive and negative gram bacteria. These findings imply that the plants that the muga silkworm consumes are rich in antibacterial and antioxidant characteristics, which may result in the creation of novel herbal pharmaceuticals for the treatment of swine diseases.

Comparative Analysis of Natural Bioactive Metabolites of the Indigenous Host Plants of Muga Silkworm for Antioxidant and Antibacterial Properties against Swine Diseases

The present study explores the natural bioactive metabolites, antioxidant and antibacterial activities present in the host plants of Antheraea assamensis (muga silkworm) viz. Machilus bombycina (som), Litsea polyantha (sualu), Litsea salicifolia (dighloti) and Litsea citrata (mejankari). The methanolic extracts of leaves of these plants were screened for their phytochemical analysis and free radical scavenging activity using 2,2-diphenyl- 1-picrylhydrazyl as the free radical. Phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of flavonoids, phenolic compounds, carotenoids, saponins, coumarins, terpenoids, tanins, cardiac glucosides and xanthoproteins in the said plants. The results of 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl scavenging activity revealed Litsea polyantha to exhibit stronger antioxidant efficiency compared to the rest. Besides these, the plant extracts were investigated for their antibacterial assessment against Gram-positive Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus suis and Gram-negative Pasteurella multocida and Escherichia coli bacteria found in pig. All the plant extracts were validated to possess antibacterial activity with variable potency. Litsea citrata was the most effective extract retarding microbial growth of both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, followed by Litsea salicifolia, Litsea polyantha and Machilus bombycina. The present findings underscore the fact that indigenous food plants of muga silkworm are fortified with antioxidant and antibacterial efficiency, which might pave to the development of novel herbal pharmacological compounds for the medication of pig diseases.

Litsea polyantha Extracts Ameliorate Diabetes and Oxidative Stress in Streptozocin-induced Diabetic Rats

Published on:August 2022Journal of Young Pharmacists, 2022; 14(3):289-294Original Article | doi:10.5530/jyp.2022.14.57 Authors:Waseem Khan1, Jaya Sharma1, Sanjay Singh2, Pankaj Sharma11School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Department of Pharmacy, Apex University, Rajasthan, INDIA.2Siddhartha Institute of Pharmacy, Dehradun, Uttarakhand, INDIA. Abstract: Objectives: Litsea polyantha (LP) is a traditional medicinal plant in India. As the bark is mildly astringent, it is traditionally used to treat diarrhoea. Powdered bark and roots are used for pain, bruises, contusions, and fractures in animals. Litsea polyantha was evaluated for its blood glucose lowering abilities as well as for its ability to curb oxidative stress. Methods: In Wistar rats, diabetes was induced by intraperitoneal administration of Streptozocin (STZ) (60 mg/kg, b.w) for four weeks. After clipping the rats’ tails, blood glucose levels were determined. Body weight and urine volume were also measured. In addition, oxidative stress markers such as thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and glutathione (GSH) were measured. Biochemical estimations were further strengthened by histological evaluation. The statistical analysis of results was carried out using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), followed by Tukey’s post hoc with GraphPad Prism software package. Results: Compared to untreated diabetic rats, LP extracts significantly decreased blood glucose levels in diabetic rats for 4 weeks. As evidenced by the glucose levels and biochemical markers, diabetes has significantly improved. LP treated diabetic rats had significantly higher levels of antioxidant defence enzymes and lower levels of TBARS. STZ-induced elevation of glucose levels in diabetic rats was prevented by LP. Conclusion: The results of this study demonstrated that LP had antioxidative and anti-inflammatory properties that might contribute to its therapeutic effects on diabetic rats.Keywords: Litsea polyantha, Diabetes, Oxidative stress, Inflammation, Antioxidant.

English

English

Restricted diet breadth of the larvae ofAntheraea assamensisand the role of the labrum-epipharynx and galeal sensilla

The silkworm, Antheraea assamensis Helfer (Lepidoptera: Saturniidae), grows primarily on Persea bombycina and Litsea polyantha. To understand if the restricted diet breadth is due to the specific role of gustatory sensilla of the larvae of A. assamensis, the same fifth instar larvae retaining only labrum‐epipharynx or galeal sensilla were subjected to food choice tests. The foods used were leaves of two host‐plant and two non‐host‐plant species. Mean per cent consumption and per cent of choosing larvae were used as parameters for drawing conclusions. The finding indicated involvement of the labrum‐epipharynx for acceptance and galeal sensilla for rejection of a non‐host‐plant species. Scanning electron microscope studies revealed the presence of two sensilla on the galea, one lateral and one medial sensilla styloconicum and two gustatory sensilla in the epipharynx of A. assamensis. The study revealed the key role of galeal sensilla in the restrictive diet‐breadth of A. assamensis.

Host Plant Selection by Larvae of the Muga Silk Moth,Antheraea assamensis, and the Role of the Antenna and Maxillary Palp

The importance of olfactory senses in food preference in fifth instar larvae of Antheraea assamensis Helfer (Lepidoptera: Saturniidae) was examined by subjecting larvae with only antennae or maxillary palpi after microsurgery to food and odor choice tests. Mean percent consumption, total consumption, and choice indices were used as parameters for drawing conclusions. The foods used were two hosts, two non-hosts, and a neutral medium (water). Both antennae and maxillary palpi were fully competent in preference for host plants, Persea bombycina Kostermans (Laurales: Lauraceae) and Litsea polyantha Juss, over the non-hosts, Litsea grandifolia Teschner and Ziziphus jujuba Miller (Rosales: Rhamnaceae). Both were competent in rejecting the non-hosts, L. grandifolia and Z. jujuba. The odor choice test was carried out using a Y-tube olfactometer and showed similar results to the ingestive tests. The results indicate the necessity of functional integration of a combination of olfactory and gustatory sensilla present in different peripheral organs in food acceptance by A. assamensis larvae.

Response of Exorista sorbillans to Volatiles of Host Plants of Antheraea assama, Westwood

Plants release green leaf volatiles as constitutive or induced defense and that parasitoids might use these chemicals as cues for searching their herbivorous host has become a subject of intense research in the recent years. In addition to its contribution to enhance knowledge regarding tritrophic interactions, identification of the chemical cues are likely to give leads in development of chemical traps for management of parasitoids. Antheraea assama, the producer of golden yellow muga silk is parasitized by a dipteran fly, Exorista sorbillans and the seed broods of the silk worm suffer a great loss due to the parasitization. This work was carried out to study the response of the endoparasitoid E. sorbillans (Diptera: Tachinidae) to fed sualo (Litsea polyantha) leaves and certain pure green leaf volatile compounds. The study was done by subjecting adult female flies to different odour sources using olfactometer. Parameters considered were latency, rest, walking, grooming and proboscis extension period. Sualo leaves fed for different period of time, C6 aldehydes, monoterpene hydrocarbons, oxygenated monoterpenes and certain sesquiterpenes enhanced fly activity significantly. Certain compounds showed increased activity of the flies with increase in concentration of the compounds. The potential candidate compounds for E. sorbillans management are highlighted.

Anti-diarrheal activity of methanol extract of Litsea polyantha bark in mice

The anti-diarrheal activity of methanol extract of dried bark and aerial parts of Litsea polyantha (MELP) has been evaluated in mice using different models (castor oil-induced diarrhea and propulsive gut motility in mice). MELP (50, 75, 100 mg/kg, p.o.) significantly ( P < 0.01) reduced the onset of diarrhea, fecal excretion and also showed a significant ( P < 0.001) reduction in gastrointestinal motility on charcoal meal test in mice. The results of the study support the folklore use of the plant for diarrheal remedies.

Ficus auriculata: its relative importance in Bhutan, farmers' preference and fodder quality

Tree leaves are important traditional fodder sources in many parts of the Himalaya, particularly during the dry winter season. Households interviewed in different regions of Bhutan used 1–13 different tree species for fodder, with Ficus auriculata standing out as the preferred and most widely used species across a range of conditions. It is preferred because of the wide range of adaptation, good nutritional qualities and palatability, and its good productivity. Ficus auriculata is also an important tree fodder in the Himalayan region of Nepal and India. Its fodder quality is far superior to paddy straw, the main winter fodder in the rice growing regions of the Himalayas. Parameters recorded in the literature for crude protein, neutral detergent fibre and acid detergent fiber are 9.5–17.3, 46.2–58.4 and 36.1–45.8%, respectively. Farmers consider it to be better than rice straw and the fodder from the tree fodder species Celtis tetrandra, Brassaiopsis hainla, Stereospermum suaveolens, Bauhinia purpurea and Litsea polyantha. Average annual fresh yield per tree was reported as 200, 120, 112, 108, 108 and 96 kg for F. auriculata, Artocarpus lakoocha, Gmelina arborea, F. cunia, Litsea monopetala and Stereospermum suaveolens, respectively. Considering the current importance of F. auriculata it is imperative to carry out research exploring its potential in evolving production systems and to quantify the opportunities of improving its nutritional quality and productivity through selection.

Interspecies differences and variability with time of protein precipitation activity of extractable tannins, crude protein, ash, and dry matter content of leaves from 13 species of Nepalese fodder trees

Dry matter, ash, crude protein, and protein precipitation activity (PPA) of 13 Nepalese tree fodder species were monitored in dried samples prepared monthly between November 1990 and May 1991, and additionally in November 1991, covering the season when they are particularly important as fodder. Monthly levels of dry matter, ash, and crude protein were fairly stable except when there was new leaf growth, although year to year differences in dry matter were found inBrassaiopsis hainla (Bh),Dendrocalamus strictus (Ds),Ficus roxburghii (Fr), andQuercus semecarpifolia (Qs). Tannin PPA fluctuated considerably inArtocarpus lakoocha (Al),Ficus glaberrima (Fg),F. nerrifolia (Fn), Fr,F. semicordata (Fs),Litsea polyantha (Lp), andPrunus cerasoides (Pc), and to a lesser extent in Bh,Castanopsis indica (Ci),C. tribuloides (Ct),Quercus lamellosa (Ql), and Qs. Similar fluctuations in PPA were observed in fresh leaf samples taken weekly. Ds did not have any detectable PPA. Trends in PPA fluctuation were generally similar for trees located at similar altitudes. Fr, Pc, Al, Fn, Ql, and Ci had falling PPAs before shedding leaves. Some of the fluctuations in Fr, Fs, Fg, Pc, and Lp were apparently due to changes in the extractability and quantity of condensed tannins. These fluctuations in PPA may affect the nutritive value of the fodders.

An arabinoxylan from the mucilage of the leaves of Litsea polyantha

An arabinoxylan from the mucilage of the leaves of Litsea polyantha

Some structural aspects of the mucilage isolated from the leaves of Litsea polyantha

The purified polysaccharide from the mucilage of the leaves of Litsea polyantha was found to contain d-xylose and l-arabinose in the molar ratio of 1:4. A homogeneous, degraded polysaccharide consisting of l-arabinose and d-xylose in the molar ratio of 2:3 was obtained on mild hydrolysis of the native polysaccharide. Permethylation studies were conducted on both the native and degraded polysaccharides, and the results were in good agreement with those obtained from periodate oxidation followed by Smith degradation. Graded-hydrolysis studies established the presence of some of the sugar groupings in the polysaccharide. All of these data indicated that the polysaccharide is a heavily branched arabinoxylan.