Medicinal Crops Research Articles

Influence of storage period on the quality indicators of Astragalus falcatus Lam. seed

Seed storage is the final stage of the technological process of its production, the purpose of which is to ensure the preservation of seed quality from its collection to use. At the same time, the loss of seeds in the process of storage of sowing conditions can cause significant losses both to the direct subjects of seed production of medicinal crops and to producers of medicinal raw materials. At the same time, questions regarding the storage terms of the seeds of sickle-leaved astragalus (Astragalus falcatus Lam.) and the rates of their loss of sowing conditions during storage remain insufficiently defined. The aim of our research was to establish the objective terms of storage of astragalus seeds with maximum preservation of their sowing qualities. The research was conducted for nine years. It was found that the surface gloss is a stable feature for the seeds of astragalus, which was not lost during storage, while the color of the seeds is a relatively unstable feature. During the first two years, no noticeable changes in the color of the seeds were noted. During storage for more than 9 years, the seeds gradually acquired a uniform reddish-brown color from greenish-yellow. The rate of loss of sowing conditions of the seeds of astragalus was determined. Freshly collected seeds were characterized by the maximum germination and hard seed rate, respectively — 84 and 14%. At the same time, the germination energy was 72%. The highest rate of germination energy of few seeds of the second year of storage is 78%. At the same time, the content of hard seeds decreased to 10%, germination decreased to 83%. Therefore, the effect of hard seed on the germination energy indicator is clearly observed, which was 7% lower immediately after harvesting and finishing the seeds compared to the seeds after a year of storage. During four years of storage, the seed germination rate decreased by only 21%, which indicates its gradual loss. The general regularity of the decrease in germination energy is also gradual. Starting from the fifth year of storage, the seeds of the studied sample began to rapidly lose their sowing qualities. Its similarity to the ninth year of storage was only 3%. It was found that the hard seed indicator was completely lost after five years of storage. It was determined that the economic durability of the seeds of the sickle-leaved astragalus is at least four years, and the biological durability lasts for nine years.

Revisiting In vitro Micropropagation Protocols of Mimosa pudica for Enhanced Seed Germination, Shoot Multiplication, and Root Initiation

Mimosa pudica is a medicinal plant worthy of therapeutic properties. It is often overlooked as one of the weed species, and the potential was underappreciated despite its abundance in nature, particularly in tropical climate countries. Considering the aptitude of this species, the micropropagation protocol of M. pudica was revisited and enhanced. The seed surface sterilization and germination were assessed, followed by shoot multiplication rate and root initiation efficiency. Seeds of M. pudica were best surface sterilized with 35% of Clorox and recorded the highest germination rate at 65.55% in media of three-quarter strength Murashige and Skoog (MS) combined with 30 g of sucrose. The explants were harvested and subcultured into multiplication media fortified with 6-benzylaminopurine, kinetin, and coconut water. The highest number of new shoots and leaves were obtained at 3 shoots and 3.27 cm in media of MS combined with 17.6 μm kinetin. Half-strength MS media devoid of hormone was recommended for root induction, resulting in the 5 healthy roots at 2.06 cm after 4 weeks of culture. Overall, the developed micropropagation protocol of M. pudica could facilitate its large-scale cultivation, indicating its potential as a medicinal crop for the extraction of bioactive compounds.

Efficient Micropropagation of Genetically Stable Panax ginseng Meyer by Somatic Embryogenesis

Panax ginseng Meyer is a valuable medicinal crop. However, the species’ propagation is limited by its long reproductive cycle and low seed yield. The present study focused on P. ginseng plant regeneration via somatic embryogenesis and evaluated the genetic stability of regenerated plantlets. We assessed the effects of carbon source type and concentration on somatic embryo induction, maturation, and germination. Somatic embryogenesis was optimal in Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium supplemented with 5% sucrose; however, maturation peaked in 1/2 MS containing low concentrations of sucrose ranging from 1 to 2%. Germination and plant regeneration were optimal in germination medium supplemented with 2% sucrose based on high germination rates, efficient plantlet production, and balanced growth characteristics. Molecular marker analysis suggested that the genetic fidelity of the regenerated plants was comparable with that of the control. High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis showed that in vitro-grown roots (IGRs) accumulated more ginsenoside than those of the control, but the ginsenoside content of 2 year old IGRs was similar to that of the controls after acclimatization. Our study provides valuable insights into the optimization of genetically stable micropropagation and could promote the distribution of superior P. ginseng cultivars with high product yields and quality.

An assessment of economic profitability of black rice (Oryza sativa L. indica) production in Assam, India

Medicinal plants play a prominent role in the health sector of an emerging economy like India. Apart from providing healthcare, medicinal plants are hugely responsible for providing livelihood and employment opportunities for the people who cultivate those. Being a hotspot for different medicinal and aromatic plants, the farmers of North East India, particularly in Assam, in recent years have started cultivating a new medicinal crop, black rice, owing to its medicinal value and high consumer demand. This study was conducted to examine the profitability scenario of black rice in Assam and to understand its different costs and returns. Primary data were collected from 150 respondents of Assam adopting the cultivation with the help of a semi-structured interview schedule during the month of November 2020 to January 2021. The study is based on qualitative and quantitative data, and a cost-benefit analysis was used to measure the profitability of the cultivation. The return over cost results shows that INR one invested in black rice will give a return of INR 2.15. The net returns indicate that the projected returns are much higher than the anticipated costs. The present study suggests that the government should encourage farmers and train those interested in starting cultivation. At the same time, different development agencies should take measures to provide credit and good quality seeds to the farmers and educate them regarding the importance and demand of the crop in the market.

Research on ESG management in the medicinal crop industry

Research on ESG management in the medicinal crop industry

Characterization of China aster (Callistephus chinensis) genotypes by using DUS guidelines

China aster [Callistephus chinensis (L.) Nees] is commercially grown as annual flower crop for cut flower and loose flower. It is used for flower decoration, preparation of bouquets and garlands. It belongs to the family Asteraceae and is native of China. Morphological characterization of China aster genotypes was carried out in the division of Floriculture and Medicinal Crops, ICAR-IIHR, Bengaluru during 2015-16 and 2016-17 by adopting DUS guidelines developed by Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmers Rights Authority, New Delhi. A total of 42 genotypes were characterized for 21 traits belonging to vegetative and floral traits. Among these 21 traits, two were monomorphic, four dimorphic and 15 were polymorphic indicating their potential for varietal characterization. This characterization clearly established distinctness among the different genotypes for various traits. This study will be useful for breeders/farmers to identify and differentiate China aster genotypes and to pursue protection under PPV and FR Authority, New Delhi. The characterizations of genotypes will also results trait specific information which can be used in the development of superior genotypes in China aster.

In Vitro Micropropagation of Commercial Ginseng Cultivars (Panax ginseng Meyer) via Somatic Embryogenesis Compared to Traditional Seed Production

Panax ginseng Meyer is an important medicinal crop; however, most ginseng farmers cultivate native species that are not genetically fixed. Although several cultivars have been developed in Korea, distribution to farmers remains insufficient given their low propagation characteristics. This study compared the efficiency of seed production and micropropagation via somatic embryogenesis. Seeds were collected from cultivars, and zygotic embryo-derived explants were inoculated and cultured in a series of media for micropropagation. Seed production and characteristics of commercial cultivars were evaluated. The number of seeds from a 4-year-old individual cultivar was 23.1–58.8, and seed characteristics varied with cultivars. The genotype had a notable effect on somatic embryogenesis and plant regeneration. The number of somatic embryos and shoots obtained from a single seed of cultivars was 71.3–100.2 and 50.7–61.3, respectively. The number of in vitro grown roots (IGRs) per a single seed was 37.1–41.1 in one year. IGRs were successfully acclimatized and sprouted normally in the field. Flow cytometry analysis suggested that micropropagated plants had no ploidy variations. The results demonstrated the utility of somatic embryogenesis in the in vitro micropropagation of P. ginseng cultivars. Our findings can enhance the distribution of cultivars among farmers in the future.

Global experience in the commercial cultivation of peony flowers: 30 years of research and development

Herbaceous peony is an ancient ornamental and medicinal crop, cultivated for thousands of years in China and Japan. Numerous varieties are popular garden plants in different continents and countries, and recently peony has gained a new reputation as cut flowers. Only in Europe, in last 30 years, trade in cut peony has increased 50-fold. This demand has led to biological research and the development of production technologies. Today, more than 25 countries produce cut peony flowers, with primary markets in Europe, Asia and the USA. However, several factors still restrict peony production - challenges in mass propagation, a complicated flowering physiology, and postharvest handling. Here we summarize the contribution of research in plant physiology to the development of new technologies of peony production and flowering. Further research of molecular and biochemical mechanisms, breeding of new cultivars will contribute to the further development of peony industry. Biotechnological applications and long-term postharvest technologies will facilitate creation of Global Peony Chain for successful marketing of this flower.

Phytochemical analysis and in vitro and in vivo antioxidant properties of Plagiorhegma dubia Maxim as a medicinal crop for diabetes treatment

In traditional medicine, Plagiorhegma dubia Maxim (PD) is used to treat diabetes, irritability, insomnia, high fever, and coma. In this study, to identify the components in PD, we first performed three preliminary phytochemical tests, which were all positive for the presence of alkaloids. Next, we evaluated the total alkaloid content and performed 13 different in vitro antioxidant experiments for three solvent extracts of PD. According to the results, the methanol extract was selected for further research. Ultra-performance liquid chromatography with electrospray ionization Orbitrap mass spectrometry was used to identify 41 compounds in the methanol extract. Thirty-eight of these compounds were alkaloids, and the main components were magnoflorine, berberrubine, and betaine. Addition of the methanol extract to cooking oil increased the stability against oxidation and greatly reduced the peroxide value. Cell viability and oral acute toxicity studies in mice indicated that the methanol extract was relatively non-toxic. Histopathological examination and biochemical analysis showed that the methanol extract was protective against liver damage in rats induced by d-galactosamine. The methanol extract also showed a good antidiabetic effect for streptozotocin-induced diabetes in rats, where it lowered blood sugar levels and protected vital organs against damage. Lipid profile parameters and oxidative stress parameters also improved. The therapeutic effects towards diabetes and liver damage were attributed to the ability of the three main components in the methanol extract to resist oxidative stress. Our results show that the alkaloid-rich methanol extract of PD is potential candidate for treatment of diseases associated with oxidative imbalances. This understanding of the hepatoprotective effect and antidiabetic activity of PD provides new insight for its use as a substitute for Coptis chinensis and establishes a foundation for development of PD as an economic crop.

Soil Phosphorus Dynamics and P Uptake by Medicinal Crops as Influenced by Locally Available Organic Amendments in Light-Textured Soil of Semi-arid Western India

Soil Phosphorus Dynamics and P Uptake by Medicinal Crops as Influenced by Locally Available Organic Amendments in Light-Textured Soil of Semi-arid Western India

Metabolic engineering of the anthocyanin biosynthetic pathway in Artemisia annua and relation to the expression of the artemisinin biosynthetic pathway

Four types of cells were engineered from Artemisia annua to produce approximately 17 anthocyanins, four of which were elucidated structurally. All of them expressed the artemisinin pathway. Artemisia annua is the only medicinal crop to produce artemisinin for the treatment of malignant malaria. Unfortunately, hundreds of thousands of people still lose their life every year due to the lack of sufficient artemisinin. Artemisinin is considered to result from the spontaneous autoxidation of dihydroartemisinic acid in the presence of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in an oxidative condition of glandular trichomes (GTs); however, whether increasing antioxidative compounds can inhibit artemisinin biosynthesis in plant cells is unknown. Anthocyanins are potent antioxidants that can remove ROS in plant cells. To date, no anthocyanins have been structurally elucidated from A. annua. In this study, we had two goals: (1) to engineer anthocyanins in A. annua cells and (2) to understand the artemisinin biosynthesis in anthocyanin-producing cells. Arabidopsis Production of Anthocyanin Pigment 1 was used to engineer four types of transgenic anthocyanin-producing A. annua (TAPA1-4) cells. Three wild-type cell types were developed as controls. TAPA1 cells produced the highest contents of total anthocyanins. LC-MS analysis detected 17 anthocyanin or anthocyanidin compounds. Crystallization, LC/MS/MS, and NMR analyses identified cyanidin, pelargonidin, one cyanin, and one pelargonin. An integrative analysis characterized that four types of TAPA cells expressed the artemisinin pathway and TAPA1 cells produced the highest artemisinin and artemisinic acid. The contents of arteannuin B were similar in seven cell types. These data showed that the engineering of anthocyanins does not eliminate the biosynthesis of artemisinin in cells. These data allow us to propose a new hypothesis that enzymes catalyze the formation of artemisinin from dihydroartemisinic acid in non-GT cells. These findings show a new platform to increase artemisinin production via non-GT cells of A. annua.

Protocol for efficient ginseng transformation

Panax ginseng is a major medicinal crop with pharmaceutical efficacy derived from ginsenoside metabolites. Despite its genome information, the inefficiency of ginseng transformation hinders the study of the molecular mechanism of ginseng plant metabolism. Thus, this protocol aimed to develop an easy and efficient system for ginseng transformation. We established a transformation system using ginseng callus cultured in a liquid medium, which has a higher rate compared with cotyledon explant. In addition, Agrobacterium tumefaciens has been used for plant transformation. Compared with the LBA4404 strain, C58C1 was inappropriate for ginseng transformation using ginseng callus. We induced and maintained calli in liquid medium and cut them into small pieces before infection. After infection, we selected calli that survived from the selection media until identification of newly growing cells. In β-glucuronidase (GUS) assay, the expression of the GUS gene was observed in cells that were newly generated from explants. We treated calli with 0.05 M of MgSO4 before infection. After MgSO4 pre-treatment, the transformation efficiency of growing cells around infected callus was increased than non-treated control. Moreover, we constructed and introduced a visible reporter RUBY system to easily identify transformed cells. Using this system, we could identify the cells by a red color with naked eyes. Based on our transformation protocol, the success rate has increased to 77.27% in surviving lines during selection culture. This stable ginseng transformation could facilitate the overexpression and knockout of ginseng lines for functional or synthetic biological studies. We re-designed the ginseng transformation protocol using ginseng calli for explant material, and MgSO4 pretreatment was conducted before Agrobacterium infection. RUBY reporter was successfully introduced in ginseng.

Response of Indian Cultivar of Isabgol on Halopriming under the Saline Condition

Soil salinity is one of the major abiotic stresses that strongly affect seed germination in agriculture. In order to fulfill the need of demand in agriculture, seed priming is one of the promising techniques that enhance seed germination and uniformity. Isabgol, one of India’s important medicinal crops, has a low germination rate. In Gujarat state, Isabgol has considered a cash crop, serving as a source of income to the farmers. Gujarat state faces many challenges, and seawater ingress is one of the major issues creating salinity in the soil, affecting seed germination. This research was carried out to study the effects of seed priming on seed germination behavior of Gujarat Isabgol variety 4. The method where KNO3 was used for priming with two different salinity levels, 0 dS/m, and 5.3 dS/m. The experiment was a completely randomized design. In this experiment, germination traits like germination percentage, Mean Germination Time, plumule length, radicle length, seed vigour, and fresh weight were measured. Data were analyzed by using SPSS software. The present study shows that halopriming with KNO3 at a lower concentration was quite an effective treatment since it significantly increased some of the germination traits of Gujarat Isabgol variety 4.

Biochar-fertilizer mixture: does plant life history trait determine fertilizer application rate?

ABSTRACT The annual cumin and perennial fennel are economically important medicinal crops of cold dry regions of Pakistan. We hypothesized that the cumin, which produces 2–3 times less biomass, will respond to lower rates of mixture of biochar with synthetic NPK fertilizer or manure, compared to fennel. The NPK, poultry manure and their mixture with wood-derived or cow manure-derived biochars were applied for three consecutive years. No positive relation between application rate of biochar-mixed fertilizers and yield of both crops was observed over three years of study, except that manure-derived biochar-NPK mixture had a positive relation (R2 = 0.99, P = 0.01) with the yield of fennel only during the third year. Significant positive influences of biochar-based fertilizers compared to control were observed for cumin and fennel of third year cropping. The co-amendment of NPK (0.14 kg ha−1) with manure-derived biochar (6.6 t ha−1) consistently increased the yield of cumin during the first two years of cropping, as opposed to NPK fertilizer. Cumin had a greater seed:stover biomass ratio when it received the co-amendment of wood-derived biochar with NPK or poultry manure. Our findings indicate that there is some potential for biochar-fertilizer amendments to improve the growth of these high-value medicinal crops.

Anatomical and phytochemical studies and ethnomedicinal uses of Colchicum autumnale L.

Background: In the world, great importance is attached to the intensification of plants. To date, most medicinal plants are only partially used. In case of Colchicum autumnale L. currently mainly the corms are used for the extraction of alkaloids. The purpose of this study was to investigate the intensification of the use of this perspective plant reported from the study area. This article examines the anatomy and phytochemistry of leaf and corm of C. autumnale, which is grown as a medicinal crop in Uzbekistan. Methods: The leaves were fixed in 70% ethanol according to the generally accepted method; transverse and paradermal sections were examined on the fixed material. When studying the anatomical features of the leaf, preparations was formed by manually cutting a transverse section of the leaf were observed by a MOTIC V1 microscope. The slides were stained with glycerin jelly having safranin. Cells and tissues were measured using a micrometer MOB-15. To determine the amount of alkaloids contained in the leaves and in corms, a chemical analysis was carried out in the laboratory of alkaloids of the Institute of Chemistry of Plant Substances. Results: On the transverse section of the stomata of the leaves of Colchicum autumnale anomocytic type, 2-3 rows of parenchyma and palisade cells, the characteristic size of the stomata. The root structure of C. autumnale consists of 4-5 rows of corolla, 4 protoxylems and 1 metaxylem, and the presence of rhomboid calcium oxalate crystals in its parenchyma is a characteristic feature of the species. As a result of studying the chemical composition of the plant in the conditions of the Tashkent region, it was observed that the amount of alkaloids in the aerial part of the colchicum, in the leaves was 0.4% and in the corm 0.14%. Conclusion: The current work sought to resolve taxonomic issues involving species that share the majority of their physical characteristics and to clarify relationships between important taxa by utilizing leaf epidermal characteristics. As a result of chemical analysis, it was revealed that the amount of alkaloids in the leaves of Colchicum autumnale, introduced in the conditions of the Tashkent region (Uzbekistan), is higher than in natural regions. This proves that in the conditions of Uzbekistan it is possible to grow Colchicum and obtain high-quality raw materials. Key words: autumn crocus, meadow saffron, anatomy, phytochemistry, ethnomedicine.

Characterization of a Group of 2,3-Oxidosqualene Cyclase Genes Involved in the Biosynthesis of Diverse Triterpenoids of Perilla frutescens.

Perilla frutescens (L.), a traditional edible and medicinal crop, contains diverse triterpenes with multiple pharmacological properties. However, the biosynthesis of triterpenes in perilla remains rarely revelation. In this study, nine putative 2,3-oxidosqualene cyclase (OSC) genes (PfOSC1-9) were screened from the P. frutescens genome and functionally characterized by heterologous expression. Camelliol C, a triterpenol with pharmacological effect, was first identified as abundant in perilla seeds, and the camelliol C synthase (PfOSC7) was first identified in P. frutescens utilizing a yeast system. In addition, PfOSC2, PfOSC4, and PfOSC9 were identified as cycloartenol, lupeol, and β-amyrin synthase, respectively. Molecular docking and site-directed mutagenesis revealed that changes in Leu253 of PfOSC4, Ala480 of PfOSC7, and Trp257 of PfOSC9 might lead to variations of catalytic specificity or efficiency. These results will provide key insights into the biosynthetic pathways of triterpenoids and have great significance for germplasm breeding in P. frutescens.

Studies on Am Fungi Associated With Andrographis Paniculata (Burm.F.) Nees From Tapowan, Amravati

The current day emphasis is on sustainable agriculture, which uses less of chemical inputs like fertilizers and pesticides having adverse effect on soil health, fertility and environment. Thus, use of microbial inoculants plays an important role in sustainable agriculture. AM fungi are known to improve the nutritional status, growth and development of plants. Asian countries are very rich in medicinal plant species and are the major exporters of these plants and their products. These medicinal plants can be popularized and used to improve the economy of low-income countries of Asia and create livelihoods for its people. Kalmegh (Andrographis paniculata Nees.) is such a wonder plant which has numerous medicinal properties. Hence, the purpose of this research was to isolate and identify Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi (AMF) associated with the rhizosphere soils of Andrographis paniculata and mass propagate the native dominant species for further studies. The soil samples were collected from Tapowan area of Amravati, Maharashtra. These samples from rhizosphere area of Andrographis paniculata were wet sieved, and AMF spores were isolated and identified morphotaxonomically. In all five species of Glomus were observed e.g., Glomus leptotichum, Glomus aggregatum, Glomus fasciculatum, Glomus maculosum. The most dominant were of Glomus aggregatum. This dominant species will be mass multiplied and applied in further studies to study growth parameters of Kalmegh. The authors believe that, as this technology being simple can easily be adapted by farmers cultivating this medicinal crop.

Isolation of high-purity and high-stability exosomes from ginseng.

Exosomes are nano-sized extracellular vesicles that regulate cell growth and defense by delivering bioactive cellular constituents. They are a promising material for biomedical and cosmetic utilization, especially in medicinal crops such as ginseng. One main hurdle to their usage is the need for a method to isolate stable exosomes with high purity. In this study, we first tested two methods to isolate exosomes from ginseng: ultracentrifugation, the most widely used method; and the ExoQuick system, a polymer-based exosome precipitation approach. We also designed and tested a third method in which we combined ultracentrifugation and ExoQuick methods. Size distribution analysis revealed that the exosome isolation purity by the ultracentrifugation and ExoQuick methods alone were 34.1% and 59.7%, respectively, while the combination method greatly improved exosome isolation purity (83.3%). Furthermore, we found that the combination method also increases the colloidal stability of isolated ginseng exosomes, and the increase was almost double that of the ultracentrifugation method. Lastly, we showed that the combination method can also be used to isolate high-purity and high-stability exosomes from the model plant Arabidopsis. Overall, our findings indicate that the combination method is suitable to isolate high-purity and high-stability exosomes from plants including ginseng.

Study of integrated optical and synthetic aperture radar-based temporal indices database for specific crop mapping using fuzzy machine learning model

For specific crop mapping, temporal data is used to handle the spectral overlap between classes. But a number of times, availability of temporal optical remote sensing data is not consistent with the requirements. In this study, a medicinal crop, psyllium husk, was mapped in Jalore district of Rajasthan, India while trying to integrate optical temporal data with synthetic aperture radar (SAR) data. Vegetation indices derived from optical and SAR data, i.e., modified soil adjusted vegetation index 2 (MSAVI2) and radar vegetation index (RVI), respectively, were used to prepare temporal indices databases. Three different temporal layer combinations of MSAVI2 and RVI layers, corresponding to different phenological stages of the target crop, were studied to determine the efficacy of different sensors for crop mapping. The outputs were assessed on the basis of classification efficiency with mean membership difference and variance for determining the effect of heterogeneity in the mapped fields. The results were compared with those obtained using only optical temporal data. From the results obtained, it was observed that the introduction of SAR-based vegetation index as a temporal layer gave good results for fully vegetated and harvest stages of the target crop. The variance within mapped fields was observed as low as 0.0003.

Garcinia lanceifolia Roxb.: An under-utilized endemic horticultural and medicinal crop

This review attempts to present an account of documented utilities vis-à-vis prospective applications of Garcinia lanceifolia, a hitherto under-utilized and less abundant plant species. This plant is a prospective candidate for the pharmaceutical researchers who aim to bridge the gap between traditional knowledge and modern scientific breakthroughs.