Mitragyna Parvifolia Research Articles

Microwave-assisted green synthesis of silver nanoparticles using Mitragyna parvifolia bark extract and their biological activities: an economical and environment-friendly approach

ABSTRACT Nowadays, nanotechnology is extensively employed in the medical profession. In this study, we used the aqueous extract of the bark of Mitragyna parvifolia to synthesize silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) by microwave-assisted green synthesis. The synthesis of AgNPs was confirmed by visual color change to brown color and characteristic surface plasmon resonance peak at 432 nm. The hydrodynamic diameter of the AgNPs was 171.81 nm having a zeta potential of −24.14 mV; Fourier Transmission Infrared Spectroscopy confirmed the presence of different functional groups on the NP surface; Scanning Electron Microscope and High-Resolution Transmission Electron Microscopy indicated predominantly circular shape of nanoparticle; Selected Area Electron Diffraction and X-ray Diffraction analyses determined the crystalline structure of AgNPs. Energy-Dispersive X-ray indicated the elemental composition and formation of AgNPs. The AgNPs were screened at different concentrations for antioxidant activity, antimicrobial, and anticancer potential in breast cancer cells (MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231). The AgNPs exhibited remarkable antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anticancer activities. The sedative and antinociceptive activities were also tested on Swiss albino mice, which showed mild sedative and very potent antinociceptive activity. However, detailed mechanistic studies are warranted in the future for clinical application of the AgNPs as a biologically active agent as well as a carrier for drug delivery.

Mitragyna parvifolia as apotential therapeutic agent for lymphatic filariasis.

This study investigates the medicinal potential of Mitragyna parvifolia (M. parvifolia) leaves for the management of Lymphatic filariasis (LF). Phytochemical screening of the methanolic leaf extract revealed the presence of alkaloids, terpenoids, phenols, tannins, and flavonoids. The GC-MS analysis identified 24 phytoconstituents, including the major alkaloid "mitraphylline." Infrared spectroscopy confirmed the presence of various functional groups corresponding to the identified compounds. The extract exhibited significant antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus epidermidis, Bacillus cereus, and Salmonella typhi. In vitro macrofilaricidal screening demonstrated dose-dependent inhibition of worm motility and MTT reduction, indicating its potential as a macrofilaricidal agent. The larvicidal bioassay showed notable effectiveness against Culex quinquifasciatus larvae, with 1% concentration displaying the highest larvicidal activity. Concentration-dependent antioxidant activity was observed using the DPPH assay, with 100µg/ml showing the highest antioxidant potential. The findings suggest the potential of M. parvifolia leaves for LF management, supporting further research to identify active compounds and elucidate their mechanisms of action. The study highlights the plant's diverse bioactive compounds, antibacterial and macrofilaricidal activities, larvicidal efficacy, and significant antioxidant properties. Future investigations, including in vivo experiments and clinical trials, are warranted to validate the safety and efficacy of M. parvifolia as a potential therapeutic agent for LF.

Evaluation of Antibacterial, Antioxidant and Immunomodulatory Potential of Mitragyna parvifolia Leaves-Assisted Fe2O3 Nanoparticles

This work includes the use of leaves of Mitragyna parvifolia for green synthesis of [Formula: see text] nanoparticles ([Formula: see text] NPs), which offers a sustainable eco-friendly approach. Characterization of synthesized [Formula: see text] NPs was done by UV-visible, FTIR spectroscopy, XRD and FESEM studies. FTIR exhibited the existence of Fe-O, O–H and COO–Fe stretching owing to the occurrence of the carboxylic group. FESEM analysis revealed that the average size of [Formula: see text] NPs was 92 nm, which varies in their shape. The study also includes the determination of antibacterial, in vitro antioxidant and immunomodulatory efficacy of synthesized [Formula: see text] NPs. Results suggested that [Formula: see text] NPs exhibit potent antibacterial efficacy against B. subtilis and S. aureus, gram-positive as well as E. coli and P. aureginosa, gram-negative bacterial strains used in this study. The study exhibited significant ([Formula: see text] < 0.01) in vitro antioxidant and immunomodulatory potential of synthesized [Formula: see text] NPs against concanavalin-A activated Wistar albino rat’s splenocytes. The green synthesized [Formula: see text] NPs using M. parvifolia leaves may offer a novel approach in the medicinal and immunological field to overcome oxidative stress as well as enhance immune responses for potential health benefits of human beings.

Carbon storage, mitigation and sequestration potential of Haldina cordifolia and Mitragyna parvifolia in tropical dry deciduous environment of Chhattisgarh, India

The current research explored the storage, mitigation, and sequestration of carbon in two age groups of Haldina cordifolia and Mitragyna parvifolia grown on entisols of tropical dry deciduous environment of Chhattisgarh, India. The random sampling technique was used for measuring the various ecological attributes of the stands. The average girth increment for both the species was more in site-I (6 year old plantation). H. cordifolia and M. parvifolia reflected increment of 2.3–5 cm yr−1 and 2.5–5 cm yr−1, respectively. The NPP (net primary production) values for both the sites viz., site-I (6 year old plantation) and site-II (4 year old plantation) were 10.32 t ha−1 yr−1 and 8.92 t ha−1 yr−1, respectively for H. cordifolia plantation and 11.08 t ha−1 yr−1 and 9.63 t ha−1 yr−1 for M. parvifolia plantation. The carbon (C) storage, mitigation, and carbon sequestration (Cseq.) values for the two sites ranged from 19.22–24 t ha−1, 70.54–88.08 t ha−1, and 3.08–3.81 t ha−1 yr−1, respectively. It is evident that site-I (6 year old plantation) and M. parvifolia perform better than site-II (4 year old plantation) and H. cordifolia, respectively. Both the species belong to family Rubiaceae and among both the species M. parvifolia reflected comparatively better growth traits over H. cordifolia. Thus, M. parvifolia can be effectively utilized for afforestation, reforestation, and other plantation programs in this region as well as other places with similar environmental conditions.

An improved micropropagation protocol for the ex situ conservation of Mitragyna parvifolia (Roxb.) Korth. (Rubiaceae): an endangered tree of pharmaceutical importance.

Mitragyna parvifolia (Roxb.) Korth., commonly known as “Kadam,” is an endangered and pharmaceutically valued tree of the family Rubiaceae. The numerous medicinal properties are attributed to the various alkaloids of this plant. Poor seedling survival (due to very small size of seeds, approximately 10,000 per gm), overexploitation and habitat destruction are the major constraints in conserving the wild stocks of this species. This paper reports a significant, improved, and repeatable micropropagation protocol of M. parvifolia using nodal explants of a mature tree. Nodal explants harvested during spring season from the lopped tree differentiated the maximum number of axillary shoots (5.3 ± 0.82 per node) on full-strength Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium containing 3.0 mg L−1 6-benzylaminopurine (BAP) and additives (25 mg L−1 each of adenine sulfate, L-arginine, and citric acid and 50 mg L−1 ascorbic acid). Shoots were amplified in vitro through (1) recurrent transfer of mother explants and (2) subculturing on fresh nutrient medium. The greatest number of shoots (13.4 ± 1.26) with an average length of 6.2 ± 1.03 cm was produced after 4 wk on MS medium containing 0.5 mg L−1 BAP, 0.25 mg L−1 kinetin (Kin), 0.1 mg L−1 Indole-3-acetic acid (IAA), additives, 100 mg L−1 activated charcoal (AC), and 0.8% (w/v) agar. This is the first report of concurrent ex vitro rooting and acclimatization (CEVRA) in M. parvifolia. About 90% micropropagated shoots rooted ex vitro on pulse treatment of 500 mg L−1 Indole-3-butyric acid (IBA; for 5 min) and produced 8.5 ± 0.97 roots per shoot with an average length of 9.40 ± 1.06 cm, after 5 wk. Over 80% of CEVRA plantlets were successfully transplanted to the soil in field. The defined protocol can be employed for conservation ex situ and restoration/rehabilitation/reintroduction in situ of M. parvifolia.Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (10.1007/s11627-020-10089-6) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

FOLIAR BIOCHEMICAL CHANGES DURING GALL FORMATION IN MITRAGYNA PARVIFOLIA

Mitragyna parvifolia is a medicinally important plant which is native to India and Shrilanka. This plant is widely used by tribal people of Rajasthan and other Ayurvedic practitioners. Normal leaf and leaf gall of Mitragyna parvifolia were collected and categorized in normal (healthy leaf) and galled leaf. In the present investigation an attempt was made to study the changes of some metabolites during the gall formation on leaf of Mitragyna parvifolia attacked by gall insect. Total soluble sugar, total phenol and peroxidase activities were found high in gall leaves as compared to healthy leaves but chlorophyll contents and polyphenol oxidase activities were recorded high in normal leave and protein contents were slightly high in normal leaves as compared to infected or gall leaves.

Wood and Plywood Quality Characterization of New and Alternate Species Amenable for Composite Wood Production

India is one of the robust consumers of engineered wood products and the raw material demand for engineered wood production is increasing at an alarming rate. Currently the plywood industries in the country depends only on few species and demands screening of alternate and species amenable for plywood production. Therefore studies were conducted to characterize the physical and mechanical properties of eight different tree species viz., Toona ciliata, Chukrasia tabularis, Acacia hybrid, Neolamarckia cadamba, Acrocarpus fraxinifolius, Swietenia macrophylla, Casuarina equisetifolia and Mitragyna parvifolia which are potential tree components in Agroforestry system. The physical properties like density exhibited wider variation between the species. In general, all species exhibited medium to high density values. The studies on veneer recovery indicated that barring Mitragyna parvifolia, all other species exhibited more than 50% veneer recovery and extend greater scope of adoption. Similarly the veneer quality exhibited wide differences and several species registered face veneer quality. The analysis of mechanical properties of plywood made out of all eight species indicated that the Modulus of Elasticity (MOE) was well within the acceptable range and the Modulus of Rupture (MOR) was on higher side which indicated that these species could play a vital role in manufacture of medium to high density plywood.

Green Synthesis of Copper Nanoparticles Using Mitragyna Parvifolia Bark Extract and its Antimicrobial Study

In this study, Mitragyna parvifolia plant bark an aqueous extract which provides cost-effective, eco-friendly process, less time consuming, an environmentally benign, easy and proficient way for the synthesis of copper nanoparticles. Mitragyna parvifolia plant bark was collected from virpur hills forest area. The Mitragyna parvifolia plant bark extract was prepared in de-ionised water and used for the green synthesis of copper nanoparticles. The color change of the solution dark brown from pale yellow colored, this confirms that there is a formation of copper nanoparticles. The green synthesised copper nanoparticles were characterized by UV-Visible spectroscopy, FT-IR, XRD, SEM, TEM and their antimicrobial activity was investigated. From UV-Visible spectrophotometer result was confirmed the reduction of copper sulphate to copper nanoparticles. FTIR analysis was confirmed the bending vibrations and stretching bonds present in the sample. Spherical shape was finding out by XRD and the size of the particle was analyzed with the help of Scanning Electron Microscopy. The antibacterial activity experiment against Escherichia coli gram-negative and Bacillus subtilis gram-positive bacteria by agar well method and the maximum zone of inhibition was higher in gram-positive bacteria compared to gram-negative bacteria. The green synthesised copper nanoparticles proved to be potential candidates for medical application antimicrobial activity is highly essential.

Changes in vegetation cover and soil intrinsic properties influence the soil bacterial community composition and diversity across different climatic regions of India

Soil microbial community in forest ecosystems plays a significant role in carbon and nutrient cycling. Very little is known about the effect of vegetation cover on soil bacterial community composition and diversity across different climatic regions of India. Soil was sampled from the plant cover dominated by seasonal herbs and grasses (PAS), Pinus roxburghii Sarg (PIN), Abies pindrow L. (FIR), Quercus incana Roxb (OKF), Mitragyna parvifolia Roxb (MIK); Acacia nilotica L. and Salvadora spp. (MIA) in three different climatic regions (humid, moist sub-humid and semi-arid) of India. The soil physical, chemical and biological properties such as sand (SAN), silt (SIL), clay (CLY), bulk density (SBD), wilting point (SWP), field capacity (SFC), saturated hydraulic conductivity (SHC), pH (SpH), organic carbon (SOC), nitrogen (SN), C:N ratio, available phosphorous (SAP) and total microbial activity (SMA) were determined. Illumina sequencing of specific 16S rRNA gene was applied to identify bacterial community composition in the soils under different vegetation cover. Results showed that the soil properties varied under different vegetation cover across the different climatic regions. SOC, SN, SMA were highest in the moist sub-humid region sites (PAS, PIN) followed by humid region (OKF, FIR) and semi-arid region (MIK, MIA) sites. However, the Chao 1 (species richness), Shannon and Simpson index (diversity) were highest in OKF, followed by MIK, FIR, MIA, PIN and PAS. The predominant bacterial phyla and genera in the soils under different vegetation cover were Proteobacteria, Actinobacteria, Bacteroidetes, Firmicutes, Planctomycetes, Verrucomicrobia, Thermotogae and Geobacter, Methylocapsa, Sphingomonas, Pseudomonas, Erysipelotrichaceae_incertae_sedis, Sporotomaculum, Amorphus, Helicobacter, Paenibacillus, Bauldia, Skermanella, Methylosinus, Singulisphaera, Marinobacter and Lamprocystis. We also found the exclusive OTUs abundance of some bacterial phyla and genera in the soils, which were not correlated with any one of the studied soil variables. In our analysis, we found only the Firmicutes, Verrucomicrobia and Bacteroidetes are linearly correlated (P < 0.05) with CLY, SWP and SpH. Likewise, bacterial genera Methylocapsa, Methylosinus and Amorphus were linearly correlated (P < 0.05) with SIL, SpH, C:N ratio and SAP. Our results suggested that the type of vegetation cover has a significant impact on changes in soil properties, controlling the soil bacterial community composition and diversity across different climatic regions of India. The soil bacterial community composition and diversity may serve as a potential ecological indicator with respect to land use and land cover change on biogeochemical cycling processes across different climatic regions of India.

Green Synthesis of Copper Nanoparticles using Mitragyna parvifolia Plant Bark Extract and Its Antimicrobial Study

In this study, Mitragyna parvifolia plant bark used to prepare aqueous extract which provides cost-effective, eco-friendly process, less time consuming, an environmentally benign, easy and proficient way for the synthesis of copper nanoparticles. Mitragyna parvifolia plant bark was collected from Virpur hills forest area. The Mitragyna parvifolia plant bark extract was prepared with deionised water and used for the green synthesis of copper nanoparticles. The colour change of the solution dark brown from pale yellow colour confirms the formation of copper nanoparticles. The green synthesised copper nanoparticles were characterised by UV-visible spectroscopy, FT-IR, XRD, SEM, TEM and their antimicrobial activity was also investigated. UV-visible spectral result confirmed the reduction of copper sulphate to copper nanoparticles. FTIR analysis also supported for the formation of copper nanoparticles. Crystallinity of Cu NPs was find out by XRD study and the morphology of the particles was analysed with the help of scanning electron microscopy and found spherical in nature. The antibacterial activity experiment done against Escherichia coli, gram-negative and Bacillus subtilis, gram-positive bacteria by agar well method and the maximum zone of inhibition was higher in gram-positive bacteria compared to gram-negative bacteria. The green synthesised copper nanoparticles proved to be potential candidates for medical application where the antimicrobial activity is highly essential.

Invasive Prosopis juliflora replacing the Native Floral Community over three decades: a case study of a World Heritage Site, Keoladeo National Park, India

A biodiversity assessment of any region is a fundamental necessity towards implementing an efficient conservation action plan. The alteration of habitat and vegetation composition through the successful invasion of non-indigenous species can be a serious management issue. The most prominent threat resulting in a rapid decline of native plant communities is the competition and indirect effects of alien plant species. In this study, we aim to assess the spread of invasive Prosopis juliflora and its consequences on the native flora over a span of three decades in Keoladeo National Park, India. The community structure was assessed by gridding the entire park with quadrates laid systematically. We recorded a total of 7179 individual plants, of which 3667 individuals were woody trees representing 26 species and 3512 individuals were shrubs belonging to 25 species. The invasive P. juliflora represented a maximum number of individuals among both trees (n = 957) and shrubs (n = 1560), and appears to be the dominant shrub species (IVI-74.96; SDI-0.14). The spatial comparison of species dominance (1985–2015) showed a significant increase in the dominance of P. juliflora (Z = 5.14, p < 0.00), replacing the dominant native species, including Acacia nilotica, Mitragyna parvifolia, Prosopis cineraria, Salvadora oleoides, Salvadora persica and Ziziphus mauritiana. The classified images also confirm an increase in spatial extent of both pure stands of invasive P. juliflora (from 4.02 to 16.46%) and open scrub dominant with P. juliflora thickets (from 2.16 to 50.94%). The article also discusses possible reasons of the high invasibility of P. juliflora, particularly its high allelopathic (inhibition) effect and highlights conservation management issues in the region. These issues deserve careful consideration to help safeguard the entire ecosystem of this world heritage site.

Assessment of tolerances in Mitragyna parvifolia (Roxb.) Korth. and Syzygium cumini Keels. seedlings to waterlogging

Waterlogging is one of the critical factors controlling the distribution, regeneration, and survival of vegetation in wetlands. Here, we tested the hypothesis that Mitragyna parvifolia (Roxb.) Korth. and Syzygium cumini Keels, inhabiting the Keoladeo National Park, a Ramsar wetland (Bharatpur, India), are tolerant to waterlogging. The morphological and photosynthetic variables of four-month-old seedlings subjected to waterlogging, along with the concentrations of macroand micronutrients, were examined. After 35 days, treatment was halted due to high mortality of S. cumini seedlings in contrast to that of M. parvifolia seedlings. Significant declines in most of the studied variables were observed in both species when compared with their respective controls. In addition, M. parvifolia seedlings developed adventitious roots and lenticels and showed an increased root biomass. Based on the results, we concluded that adaptive traits displayed by M. parvifolia seedlings facilitate its tolerance to waterlogging in contrast to S. cumini seedlings.

Diet of the Four-horned Antelope Tetracerus quadricornis (De Blainville, 1816) in the Churia Hills of Nepal

The food composition of the Four-horned Antelope Tetracerus quadricornis was studied in the Churia Hills of Nepal during summer, monsoon and the winter seasons of 2012–2013. Microhistological technique was used to determine the diet. The Four-horned Antelope was found to be a mixed feeder feeding on trees, shrubs, forbs, grasses and climbers. Trees and shrubs contribute the major percentage of diet in all the three seasons. The Gramineae family is consumed in highest proportion. Mitragyna parvifolia, Bridelia retusa, Bambusa vulgaris, Hymenodictyon sp. and Ziziphus mauritiana are major tree species while Barleria cristata, Pogostemon benghalensis, Achyranthes sp., Clerodendrum viscosum are among shrubs. Ageratum conyzoides and Blumea virens are the main forbs Eulaliopsis binata and Imperata cylindrica are the principal grass species. Climber Trachelospermum lucidum is consumed in a small proportion. Grasses in monsoon were consumed distinctly at a higher percentage than during the other two seasons. The Four-horned Antelopes are concentrated feeders and browsers with a generalized feeding strategy. Similar studies need to be conducted in other landscapes and with sympatric and potential competitor species to understand its niche overlaps and degree of competition.

Tolerance of Mitragyna parvifolia (Roxb.) Korth. seedlings to NaCl salinity

Increase in salinity is predicted to affect plant growth and survival in most arid and semiarid regions worldwide. Mitragyna parvifolia (Roxb.) Korth. is an important medicinal tree species distributed throughout the semiarid regions of India; however, it is facing a threat of its extinction in its natural habitat. We examined the effects of increasing NaCl salinity on two-month-old M. parvifolia seedlings grown in an environment-controlled chamber and exposed to soils of different electrical conductivity (EC) caused by NaCl [0–5 (control), 5–10, 10–15, 15–20, and 20–25 dS m−1)] for 85 days. Seedlings transferred to soil of EC >15 dS m−1 did not survive beyond 1 week. Increase in the Na+ concentration negatively correlated with their height and positively correlated with their water-use efficiency (WUE). However, leaf area, net photosynthetic rate (P N), stomatal conductance, and transpiration rate showed varying correlations and an overall decrease in these parameters compared with the control. At EC of 10–15 dS m−1, the seedling height was reduced by 37% and P N was lowered by 50% compared with those of the control. An increase in the Na+/K+ ratio was observed with increasing salinity. The maximum quantum efficiency of PSII significantly decreased with increasing salinity compared with the control. Our results suggest that the increase in salinity reduced the overall performance of the M. parvifolia seedlings. However, the maintenance of WUE and maximum quantum efficiency of PSII might help M. parvifolia to tolerate NaCl salinity of 15 dS m−1.

Growth and yield of Vigna radiata L.) under Terminalia arjuna and Mitragyna parvifolia based agrisilvicultural system

The present investigation was carried out in an agrisilvicultural system with treatments involving silvicultural component of 20 years old Terminalia arjuna Bedd. (Arjun) and Mitragyna parvifolia Korth (Kalam) intercropped with agricultural component of four varieties of green gram (Vigna radiata L.) viz. Pusa Vishal, GM-3, GM-4 and K-851. All the varieties of green gram were compared for growth and yield parameters like plant height (cm), number of leaves, number of branches per plant, total grain yield per plant as well as per plot at harvestablestage under Arjuna and Kalam trees. All the varieties of green gram performed superior in terms of number of leaves, numbers of branches, grain yield (per plant and per plot basis) under open condition as compared to crops under Arjuna and Kalam. However, only the plant height was found to be highest under Arjun, followed by Kalam trees. Among all the varieties tested, K-851 variety showed superiority for number of leaves (12.31) and number of branches per plant (3.96) and grain yield (2.66 gm per plant and 0.80 kg per plot) as compared to other varieties (at P=0.05). Therefore, this variety is suggested to grow in south Gujarat condition. Further, comparatively lower yield of crop under tree cover could be due to shade effect, which can be managed by regular pruning of tree branches.

Vegetation and climatic variability in southeastern Madhya Pradesh, India since Mid-Holocene, based on pollen records

Pollen analysis of 1.75 m deep sediment core from Tula-Jalda (Amarkantak) in Anuppur district, Madhya Pradesh unravels that around 4500–3600 cal years BP, this region supported open mixed tropical deciduous forests comprising chiefly Madhuca indica followed by Terminalia, Mitragyna parvifolia, Haldina cordifolia, Emblica officinalis and Acacia, under a warm and relatively less humid climate. The retrieval of Cerealia and other cultural plants, viz. Artemisia, Cheno/Am and Caryophyllaceae signifies that the region was under cereal-based agricultural practice. The open mixed deciduous forests got enriched and dense around 3600–2761 cal years BP with the expansion of trees that already existed coupled with invasion of Symplocos, Diospyros, Lannea coromandelica and Radermachera with the inception of a warm and moderately humid climate in response to increased monsoon precipitation. Around 2761–2200 cal years BP, much expansion of the forests took place owing toinitiation of a warm and more humid climate, attributed to intensification of the southwest (SW) monsoon. The modern Sal (Shorea robusta) forests were established around 2200 cal years BP, as clearly deciphered by the steady presence of S. robusta along with close allies such as M. indica, Terminalia, H. cordifolia, E. officinalis, etc. This change in the vegetation scenario implies that a warm and relatively more humid climate prevailed with timely arrival of the more active SW monsoon.

Diuretic effects of Mitragyna parvifolia Korth. root extract and its therapeutic efficacy against experimental urolithiasis in rats

Aim: To evaluate the diuretic efficacy of alcohol extract of Mitragyna parvifolia root (a substitute of Kadamba) and determine its anti-urolithiatic activity in Wistar rats. Methods: Alcohol extract of M. parvifolia root was evaluated for diuretic activity at doses 200 and 400 mg/kg. Parameters such as volume, pH, sodium, potassium, chloride and creatinine content of urine were measured. Urolithiasis was induced in rats by administering 1% v/v ethylene glycol in drinking water for 28 d with ammonium chloride 1% w/v for the first 3 d. The alcohol extract at doses 200 and 400 mg/kg were administered from the 15th day onwards as curative regimen. Parameters evaluated were pH and content of oxalate, calcium, magnesium, phosphate and uric acid in urine. Serum parameters blood urea nitrogen, calcium and creatinine were also measured. GSH, MDA, SOD and catalase were estimated in kidney homogenates. Histopathological examination of the kidneys was also performed. Results: The alcohol extract of M. parvifolia root failed to show significant diuretic activity. However the extract significantly (P < 0.001) normalized the elevated levels of urine and serum parameters in lithiatic rats. There was a significant improvement in antioxidant status of the kidney as well. Conclusion: Results of this study indicate that M. parvifolia root is useful for the treatment of urinary calculi.

Modern pollen assemblages from teak (Tectona grandis Linn. F.) dominated tropical deciduous forest in southwestern Madhya Pradesh, India

This paper gives an account on the modern pollen rain–vegetation relationships, based on the pollen analysis of 12 surface samples, 2 samples each collected from the southern, northern, eastern and western flanks of Amjhera Swamp as well as 4 from the mixed tropical deciduous forests dominated by teak (Tectona grandis) in Hoshangabad District, southwestern Madhya Pradesh, India. The pollen assemblages demonstrate the dominance of arboreals (trees and shrubs) over non–arboreals (herbs). Among the tree taxa, Madhuca indica is constantly represented with average pollen frequency of 37.36% in most of the samples which could be attributed to the good preservation of its pollen in the sediments coupled with its high pollen dispersal efficiency. Terminalia (av. 5.1%) is also retrieved steadily. However, Tectona grandis is untraced in the samples despite being an enormous pollen producer and dominant forest component, which could be due to its low pollen dispersal efficiency and differential pollen preservation. Besides, Adina cordifolia, Mitragyna parvifolia, Schleichera oleosa and Emblica officinalis are present with average pollen frequencies of 8.1%, 7.8%, 6.69% and 1.126%, respectively, but only in a few samples. Syzygium, Maytenus, Lagerstroemia, Lannea coromandelica, etc. are also intermittently recovered in almost all the samples, but in varying frequencies (&lt; 0.5%–7.91%) despite their frequent presence in the forest. This erratic display of all these taxa could be inferred to their low pollen productivity, since majority of the tropical trees portray a strong tendency of entomophily. The partial preservation of their pollen in the sediments cannot also be denied. The relatively meagre representation of grasses, sedges, Malvaceae, Xanthium except Tubuliflorae and culture pollen taxa such as Cheno/Am, Caryophyllaceae, Brassicaceae and Cannabis sativa are suggestive of poor herbaceous cover around the swamp and also in the mixed tropical deciduous forest. However, the record of Cerealia and other culture pollen taxa stamps the proximity of cultivated land and human habitation in and around the investigation site. The abundance of trilete fern spore as well as Ceratopteris, monolete fern spore and trilete with perine, though in relatively low values envisages their origin from the local sources as ferns and their allies flourish well in moist and shady habitats.

Holocene vegetation and climatic variations in Central India: A study based on multiproxy evidences

Palynology, texture, mineralogy, geochemistry, and magnetic susceptibility analysis of a 2m deep sediment core from Padauna Swamp, southeastern Madhya Pradesh infers that between 8600 and 7500calyr BP a warm and relatively less-humid climate prevailed with open tree-savannahs dominated by grasses followed by sedges, Artemisia and members of Chenopodiaceae/Amaranthaceae with scanty trees viz., Schrebera, Aegle marmelos and Sterculia urens. This is well supported by lower organic to carbonate carbon ratio, coarser texture having relatively low CIA and magnetic susceptibility values and presence of some primary minerals. Between 7500 and 6250calyr BP the tree-savannahs were succeeded by open mixed deciduous forests with the invasion of a few more trees viz., Madhuca indica, Holoptelea, Emblica officinalis, Mitragyna parvifolia and members of Anacardiaceae in response to onset of a warm and humid climate. A considerable rise in organic carbon generated from the degradation of plentiful biomass along with increase in clay content with signs of kaolinite and increase in immobile over mobile elements with slightly higher CIA and magnetic susceptibility values also suggest climatic amelioration. The presence of ruderal plants such as Artemisia, Cannabis sativa and Cheno/Am further infers initiation of human activities in the region. Between 6250 and 2800calyr BP, the mixed deciduous forests became more diverse and dense, subduing grasses and other herbaceous elements. Sporadic incursion of Shorea robusta (Sal) in forest floristic was recorded around 5000calyr BP. The overall change in the vegetation mosaic reflects that a warm and more-humid climate prevailed in the region, probably on account of invigoration of southwest monsoon. This observation is further corroborated by other proxy data showing a spurt in organic/inorganic carbon ratio, increase in clay content with matured mineralogy, significantly higher CIA and magnetic susceptibility values. Since 2800calyr BP onwards, the modern Sal dominated deciduous forests were established indicating continuation of warm and more-humid climate including timely arrival of SW monsoon coinciding with the shedding of Sal seeds as they are viable for a very short period.

16,17-Dihydro-17b-hydroxy isomitraphylline alkaloid as an inhibitor of DPP-IV, and its effect on incretin hormone and β-cell proliferation in diabetic rat

Reduces levels of intact GLP-1 and inhibition of DPPIV augments levels of intact GLP-1 improves glycemic control in type 2 diabetes patients and diabetic animal model. Although, GLP-1 is known to stimulate insulin secretion, insulin biosynthesis and dose insulin gene transcription, augmented supplies of insulin for secretion. DHIM is an indole alkaloid, isolated from Mitragyna parvifolia. In the present in vitro study, we investigated the inhibitor activity of novel alkaloid on DPP IV. DHIM produced marked inhibition of DPP IV. Accordingly, we used 5, 10 and 20μg DHIM alkaloids in DPPIV assay, and then found 18%, 56%, and 68% inhibition activity.In the present in vivo study, we examined the 16,17-dihydro-17b-hydroxy (DHIM) effect on neonatal Wistar albino rats treated with streptozotocin, an established model of type 2 diabetes. Diabetic rats, 8weeks chronic administered with DHIM (100mg/kg) markedly reduced plasma glucose concentration, increased glucose tolerance in response to glucose loading. Consequently, GLP-1and IL-10 levels were also significantly increased in treated diabetic rats. Despite, body weight was not found changed significantly; the insulin content and β-cell mass at 2months were significantly increased by DHIM.Immunostaining and Confocal image of TUNEL assay showed that DHIM stimulates β-cell proliferation and reduced pancreatic cell apoptosis in diabetic treated rats. These results suggest that DHIM induces proliferation of pancreatic cells and increases the formation of β-cells.