Parviflora Roxb Research Articles

Studies on pollen micro-morphology, pollen storage methods, and cross-compatibility among grape (Vitis spp.) genotypes.

The knowledge of pollen morphology, suitable storage condition, and species compatibility is vital for a successful grapevine improvement programme. Ten grape genotypes from three different species, viz., Vitis vinifera L., Vitis parviflora Roxb., and Vitis champini Planc., were studied for their pollen structure and pollen storage with the objective of determining their utilization in grape rootstock improvement programs. Pollen morphology was examined through the use of a scanning electron microscope (SEM). The viability of the pollen was assessed using 2,3,5-triphenyltetrazolium chloride (TTC). In vitro pollen germination was investigated using the semi-solid medium with 10 % sucrose, 100 mg/L boric acid, and 300 mg/L calcium nitrate. The results revealed variations in pollen micro-morphology in 10 genotypes, with distinct pollen dimensions, shapes, and exine ornamentation. However, species-wise, no clear difference was found for these parameters. Pollen of V. parviflora Roxb. and Dogridge was acolporated and did not germinate. The remaining eight genotypes exhibited tricolporated pollen and showed satisfactory in vitro pollen germination. Storage temperature and duration interactions showed that, at room temperature, pollen of most of the grape genotypes can be stored for up to 1 day only with an acceptable pollen germination rate (>30 %). However, storage for up to 7 days was successfully achieved at 4 °C, except for 'Pearl of Csaba'. The most effective storage conditions were found to be at -20 °C and -196 °C (in liquid N2), enabling pollen storage for a period of up to 30 days, and can be used for pollination to overcome the challenge of asynchronous flowering. Four interspecific combinations were studied for their compatibility, among which V. parviflora Roxb. × V. vinifera L. (Pusa Navrang) and V. parviflora Roxb. × V. champini Planc. (Salt Creek) showed high cross-compatibility, offering their potential use for grape rootstock breeding. However, V. parviflora Roxb. × V. vinifera L. (Male Hybrid) recorded the lowest compatibility index among studied crosses. In the case of self-pollinated flowers from V. parviflora Roxb. and V. parviflora Roxb. × V. champini Planc. (Dogridge), pollen failed to germinate on the stigma due to male sterility caused by acolporated pollen. As a result, the flowers of these genotypes functioned as females, which means they are ideal female parents for grape breeding without the need for the tedious process of emasculation.

Cajanin Suppresses Melanin Synthesis through Modulating MITF in Human Melanin-Producing Cells.

Despite its classification as a non-life-threatening disease, increased skin pigmentation adversely affects quality of life and leads to loss of self-confidence. Until now, there are no recommended remedies with high efficacy and human safety for hyperpigmentation. This study aimed to investigate anti-melanogenic activity and underlying mechanism of cajanin, an isoflavonoid extracted from Dalbergia parviflora Roxb. (Leguminosae) in human melanin-producing cells. Culture with 50 μM cajanin for 48–72 h significantly suppressed proliferation in human melanoma MNT1 cells assessed via MTT viability assay. Interestingly, cajanin also efficiently diminished melanin content in MNT1 cells with the half maximum inhibitory concentration (IC50) at 77.47 ± 9.28 μM. Instead of direct inactivating enzymatic function of human tyrosinase, down-regulated mRNA and protein expression levels of MITF and downstream melanogenic enzymes, including tyrosinase, TRP-1 and Dct (TRP-2) were observed in MNT1 cells treated with 50 μM cajanin for 24–72 h. Correspondingly, treatment with cajanin modulated the signaling pathway of CREB and ERK which both regulate MITF expression level. Targeted suppression on MITF-related proteins in human melanin-producing cells strengthens the potential development of cajanin as an effective treatment for human hyperpigmented disorders.

Qualitative and quantitative determination of secondary metabolites of Lagerstroemia parviflora roxb leaves

Herbal medicines as the major remedy in traditional system of medicine have been used in medical practices since antiquity. In addition to its ancient historical uses, Lagerstroemia parviflora Roxb (L. parviflora) is used in several systems of medicine for a variety of ailments. The bioactive compounds that are produced by plants are collectively called as Phytochemicals. The phytochemical ingredients are plant derived compounds which protect the plants from environmental stresses, including insects, bacteria and fungus and weather changes. Though phytochemicals are not considered essential nutrients, it has become apparent that they offer many health benefits to the plants. The aim of the present study is to examine L. parviflora leaves for phytochemical profile. Qualitative analysis of various phytochemical constituents and quantitative analysis of total flavonoids were determined by the well-known test protocol available in the literature. TLC analysis of the methanolic fraction of the leaves was carried out using the solvent system Toluene: Ethyl acetate: Formic acid (in 5:4:1 ratio). Phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of phenols, flavonoids, tannins, saponins, alkaloids, fixed oil and fats. It is expected that the important phytochemical properties recognized by our study in the indigenous medicinal plants will be very useful in the curing of various diseases when taken along with our food.

In Vitro Antioxidant Activity, Total Phenolic and Flavonoid Contents of Hydroalcoholic Extract of Leaves of Lagerstroemia Parviflora Roxb

Plants have served human beings as a natural source for treatments and therapies from ancient times, amongst them medicinal herbs have gain attention because of its wide use and less side effects. In the recent years plant research has increased throughout the world and a huge amount of evidences have been collected to show immense potential of medicinal plants used in various traditional systems. Lagerstroemia parviflora Roxb (L. parviflora, Lythraceae) is a medium-sized deciduous plant indigenous to India and available even up to a height of 900m in the Himalayas. The plant is used for the treatment of syphilis, sores, and carbuncles. The aim of the present study was to determine qualitative and quantitative phytochemical and in vitro antioxidant activity of leaf of L. Parviflora. Qualitative analysis of various phytochemical constituents and quantitative analysis of total phenol and flavonoids were determined by the well-known test protocol available in the literature. Quantitative analysis of phenolic and flavonoids was carried out by Folins Ciocalteau reagent method and aluminium chloride method respectively. The in vitro antioxidant activity of hydroalcoholic extract of the leaf was assessed against DPPH assay method using standard protocols. Phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of phenols, flavonoids, saponins glycosides etc. The total phenolic and flavonoids content of L. Parviflora leaves of hydroalcoholic extract was 3.541 and 0.927mg/100mg respectively. The activities of hydroalcoholic leaves extract against DPPH assay method were concentration dependent with IC 50 values of ascorbic acid and extracts 17.681and 62.669μg/ml respectively. These studies provided information for correct identification of this plant material. The diverse array of phytochemicals present in the plant thus suggests its therapeutic potentials which may be explored in drug manufacturing industry as well as in traditional medicine. Keywords: Lagerstroemia parviflora Roxb, Qualitative, Quantitative phytochemical, Antioxidant.

Lagerstroemia L. fossil wood from the Indus molasse sediments (possibly late Miocene) of Trans-Himalayan region and its phytogeographic and climatic significance

The collision of the Indian and Eurasian plates led to the formation of Himalaya. The uplift of Himalaya had a direct impact on the intensification of South Asian monsoon which has influenced the evolution of many Asian biotas. The plant fossil records from the Indus-Tsangpo-Yarlung Suture Zone are exceptionally significant for the reconstruction of palaeoclimate during the collision and uplift of the Himalaya. However, these records from the Himalayan region are poorly known. Here we report a fossil wood from the Trans-Himalayan region unearthed from the possibly late Miocene Indus molasse sedimentary succession (Karit Formation) of the Kargil district, Jammu and Kashmir. The anatomical features of the fossil wood such as semi-ring porosity, simple perforation plates, vestured intervessel pits, vasicentric to confluent axial parenchyma, exclusively uniseriate, homocellular rays, septate fibres and crystalliferous parenchyma strands suggest its close affinity with Lagerstroemia L. and particularly with Lagerstroemia parviflora Roxb. of the family Lythraceae. The climatic tolerance and anatomical details of the nearest living relative of the fossil indicate that during the late Miocene the climate of the Trans-Himalayan region was warmer and the area was lower in comparison to the modern day elevation of ~3559 m.

English

Artemisia parviflora Roxb.(Asteraceae) has medicinal properties. This study evaluates the gastroprotective potential of A. parviflora seeds against aspirin induced ulcers in albino rabbits.Thirty-six rabbits were randomly divided into 6 equal groups (n = 6). Group 1 was control; group 2 received aspirin for 14 days; group 3 received omeprazole + aspirin for 14 days; groups 4, 5, and 6 received A. parviflora seed powder 250, 500, and 750 mg/kg, respectively along with aspirin, for 14 days. Total oxidant status (TOS), totalantioxidant capacity (TAC), malondialdehyde (MDA), and catalase (CAT) were determined to check the gastric damage. Ulcer score, gastric volume, gastric pH, and total acid output was also measured to determine gastroprotective potential of A. parviflora. A. parviflora seed powder exhibit gastroprotective potential with significant reduction in the ulcer score, acid output, and gastric volume while the pH of gastric mucosa increases significantly at the dose of 750 mg/kg when compared to aspirin treated group. Biochemical analysis showed a significant increase in TAC and CAT activity while it showed significant decrease in the levels of TOS and MDA which indicate reduction in gastric damage.A. parviflora seed powder proved to be gastroprotective at 250, 500 and 750 mg/kg with gastric protection of 47.5, 58.1, and 73.5%, respectively. It also has potent antioxidant properties. Key words: Antiulcer, ulcer score, gastric volume, gastric pH.

Weeding the nettles VI: Taxonomic and phylogenetic studies of the Southeast Asian Urtica fissa-clade (Urticaceae)

Urtica L. (Urticaceae) is a subcosmopolitan genus common throughout temperate Asia. Species delimitation is very difficult and the present study investigates a group of taxa associated with Urtica fissa from East-Southeast Asia and based mainly on herbarium collections, including most of the type specimens and cultivated plants. Species limits especially of U. mairei, U. fissa and U. himalayensis have been consistently confused in both herbaria and floristic treatments. As part of a taxonomic revision we produced a molecular phylogeny of the group based on ITS1-5.8S-ITS2, psbA–trnH, trnL–trnF and trnS–trnG markers. Our revision recovers a total of five species and two subspecies: U. fissa E.Pritz. ex Diels, U. grandidentata Miq. subsp. grandidentata, U. grandidentata Miq. subsp. lombok K.Becker & Weigend, U. himalayensis Kunth & C.D.Boché, U. mairei Lév. and U. parviflora Roxb. We provide type information, diagnostic characters, a key to species identification, species conservation assessments and a list of exsiccatae for each taxon.

Host Plant Suitability and Altitudinal Variation in Cocoon Size of the Indian Tarsar Silk Moth Antheraea mylitta Drury (Lepidoptera: Saturniidae)

ABSTRACT. An experimental rearing of Antheraea mylitta Drury was carried out in the rearing fields at Similipal Biosphere Reserve, Mayurbhanj, Odisha, India, during the rainy season under somewhat natural conditions on live host plants. Female larvae were reared at three elevations utilizing the same eight host plant species, viz. Asan (Terminalia alataW. & A.) in family Combretaceae, Arjun (Terminalia arjuna W. & A.) (Combretaceae), Sal (Shorea robusta Gaertn) (Dipterocarpaceae), Ber (Ziziphus jujuba Gaertn) (Rhamnaceae), Sidha (Lagerstroemia parviflora Roxb.) (Lythraceae), Dha (Anogeissus latifolia Wall.) (Combretaceae), Bahada (Terminalia belerica (Gaertn) Roxb.) (Combretaceae) and Jamun (Syzygium cumini (L.) Skeels) (Myrtaceae) at each location. The larval growth on various host plants was evaluated in terms of the size, weight, and volume of the resulting cocoons. The host plant that produced the highest quality cocoons at all the elevations is Sal (Shorea robusta). The least suitable host plant at a...

Antimicrobial Potential of Acetone and Methanol extracts of Rhus parviflora Roxb.

Rhus parviflora Roxb. (Anacardiaceae) is commonly known as “small flowered poison sumac”. It is found in Nepal, India, Bhutan and Sri Lanka at an altitude of 700–1100 masl. R. parviflora is recorded in Ayurvedic pharmacopoeia as having therapeutic uses for Vata vikara, which are the complications related to neurological disorders including anxiety, insomnia, epilepsy and rheumatoid arthritis. In present piece of work an effort is made to investigate the antimicrobial potential of acetone and methanol extracts were tested against various bacterial species viz., Bacillus cereus, Listeria monocytogenes, Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella pullorum by using Agar well diffusion methods and against the fungal species (Rhizoctonia. solani, Alternaria alternata, Fusarium. solani, Aspergillus humicola, Aspergillus ochraceus, Penicillium. canadense) by Poisoned food technique. Results highlighted antimicrobial potential of R. parviflora extracts against the range of microbes, gram positive bacteria as well as gram negative bacterial species and fungal species, so that the extract from these plants can be used as broad spectrum antibiotic in near future.

English

Generally, weeds are considered as nuisances in the garden and enemies to the farmer, as there is a misconception that they are useless. Many of the herbs used in Indian traditional medicine and tribal medicine are considered weeds by agriculturists and field botanists (for example, Phyllanthus amarus L., Eclipta alba L.,Centella asiatica (L.) etc.). Even though many of these weeds have high ethnopharmacological importance, they are being destroyed and there is a lack of scientific knowledge and guidance. In the Nilgiris many medicinally valuable weeds like Achyranthes bidentata Blume., Artemisia nilagirica Clarke., Centella asiaticaL., are very prominent having good therapeutic values like diuretic, antimalarial and brain tonic. The main aim of this review is to expose the important pharmacodynamic and ethnomedicinal values of 50 prominent weeds belongs to 26 different families that grow wild in the Nilgiris. It is possible that some of these weeds could provide an additional income to farmers. There is increasing evidence to support that weeds are relatively high in bioactive molecules thus very important for new drug discovery. Innovative research should be encouraged and scientific workshops conducted by government bodies to communicate the medicinal value of weeds, make weeds economically important and to fill the gap between weeds, farmers and the economy.   Key words: Weeds, pharmacological importance, pharmacodynamic uses, Silybum marianum L., Artemisia parviflora Roxb.

Anti-HIV-1 activity, protease inhibition and safety profile of extracts prepared from Rhus parviflora

BackgroundIn the present study, extracts prepared from the leaves of Rhus parviflora Roxb. (Anacardiaceae) were evaluated for their anti-HIV activity, which have been traditionally used for the treatment of neurological disorders such as anxiety, insomnia and epilepsy.MethodsAqueous and 50% ethanolic extracts prepared from leaves of the plant were tested for their cytotoxicity and anti-HIV property using reporter gene based assays as well as human peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBLs). Further these extracts were evaluated for their ability to inhibit HIV-1 reverse transcriptase (RT) and protease activity. Safety profile of the extracts was determined on viability of Lactobacillus sp., secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines by vaginal keratinocytes and transepithelial resistance.ResultsBoth aqueous (IC50 = 15 μg/ml) and 50% ethanolic (IC50 = 26 μg/ml) extracts prepared from leaves of R. parviflora showed anti-HIV activity in TZM-bl cells wherein the virus was treated with the extracts prior to infection. Further, both the extracts also inhibited virus load in HIV infected CEM-GFP cells and human PBLs. The anti-HIV activity is mediated through inhibition of HIV-1 protease activity. Both the extracts did not disturb the integrity of monolayer formed by intestinal epithelial Caco-2 cells. The extracts when tested up to 100 μg/ml did not significantly reduce the viability of L. plantarum, L. fermentum, L. rhamnosus and L. casei. The extracts (100 μg/ml) did not reveal any cytotoxic effect on vaginal keratinocytes (Vk2/E6E7). Levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines secreted by Vk2/E6E7 cells treated with both the plant extracts were within the non-inflammatory range.ConclusionsThe studies reported herein showed in vitro anti-HIV activity and preliminary safety profile of the extracts prepared from the leaves of R. parviflora.

Cardioprotective effect of ethanolic extract of Urtica parviflora Roxb. against isoproterenol induced myocardial infarction in rats

Objective:The objective of this study is to evaluate the effect of ethanolic extract of Urtica parviflora Roxb. in isoproterenol (ISO) induced myocardial infarction (MI) in rats.Materials and Methods:U. parviflora Roxb. (350 mg/kg and 500 mg/kg, p.o) was administered for 15 days in rats. MI was induced with a single dose of ISO (200 mg/kg, s.c.) on the 14th and 15th day. At the end of the experimental period (i.e., on the day 16), serum and heart tissues were collected and total cholesterol (TC), high density lipoprotein, triglyceride and malondialdehyde, superoxide dismutase, catalase (CAT), reduced glutathione (GSH) and body weight were determined.Results:Administration of ISO in control rats showed a significant (P < 0.001) increase serum cholesterol alanine transaminase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and low density lipoprotein (LDL). There was a significant increase (P < 0.01) in the levels of heart tissues as compared with respective control groups. Rats treated with U. parviflora significantly (P < 0.01) decreased ALT, AST, ALP, LDL and TC. Moreover, there was an increased CAT and GSH levels in rat treated with U. parviflora Roxb. as compared with the control group.Conclusion:U. parviflora (350 and 500 mg/kg p.o.) is effective in controlling serum LDL levels and reduced cardiac complication in experimentally induced MI in rats.

An Ethnomedical, Phytochemical and Pharmacological Profile of Artemisia parviflora Roxb

Artemisia parviflora Roxb. (Asteraceae) is commonly known as Himalayan wormwood, is a member of Indian tarragon family. It commonly found in Himalayas, Nepal, Uttarakhand, Western Ghats and in southern part of India. The plant is used in traditional system of Indian medicine and is considered as digestive, febrifuge, anthelmintic, pain reliever, in treatment of abdominal pain, high blood pressure, diabetes and skin diseases. In the past few decades the plant is explored for its various activities like, antioxidant, antimalarial, insecticidal, antimicrobial, antisporulant, cytotoxic and osteoinductive activities. The essential oil is reported to contain β-caryophyllene, germacrene D, camphor, artemisia ketone, 1, 8-cineole, α-copaene, artemisia alcohol, terpinene-4-ol, caryophyllene oxide, α-pinene and α-humulene. The oil possesses antifungal activity against Candida and Cryptococcus species. The wide variety of uses makes it an important herb medically and economically which can be exploited commercially for human and veterinary use. The antioxidant and anticomplement activity of the plant makes it a perfect candidate for further bioassay guided fractionation studies.

Germination and storage of seeds ofLagerstroemia parvifloraRoxb.

Lagerstroemia parviflora Roxb. is an important timber species generally occurring at poor sites. The wood is very hard and durable and can be used as building timber and also for agricultural implements. It is excellent firewood as well. It is a good copier, which makes it, difficult to eliminate from the natural forests, but is extremely difficult to propagate artificially on account of very low germination. Difficulties encountered in germination have been a great obstacle in its large-scale plantation. In the present paper observations on the germination of seed of this species collected in India from different provenances have been reported.

In vivo antitussive potentiality of Lagerstroemia parviflora flower extract using a cough model induced by sulfur dioxide in mice

The methanol extract of the flowers of Lagerstroemia parviflora Roxb (Family: Lythraceae) was investigated for its effect on a cough model induced by sulphur dioxide gas in mice. It exhibited significant antitussive activity when compared with the control in a dose-dependent manner. The extract (100, 200, 300 mg kg−1) showed maximum inhibition of cough reflex at 90 min after drug administration and the antitussive activity was comparable to that of codeine phosphate, a standard antitussive agent.

Communication: A comparison of &lt;i&gt;in vitro&lt;/i&gt; antifungal activity of the methanol extract of various parts of &lt;i&gt;Lagerstroemia parviflora&lt;/i&gt; (Roxb)

The Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) of the methanol extract of various parts of Lagerstroemia parviflora Roxb were determined against different fungi belonging to Candida, Aspergillus and Penicillium species. Further, zones of inhibition produced by the crude extracts against the fungal strains were measured and compared with those produced by a standard antifungal agent, griseofulvin. The leaf extract was proved to have the maximum activity followed by the flower and the bark extracts against the tested strains. All extracts were found to be fungistatic in their action. Keywords : Lagerstroemia parviflora , methanol extracts, in vitro tests, antifungal, minimum inhibitory concentration Ethiopian Pharmaceutical Journal , vol. 22 (2004): 61-65

Evaluation of antitussive activity of Lagerstroemia parviflora leaf extract.

The methanol extract of the leaves of Lagerstroemia parviflora Roxb was investigated for its effect on a cough model induced by sulfur dioxide gas in mice. It exhibited significant antitussive activity when compared with the control in a dose-dependent manner. The L. parviflora extract (100, 200, 300 mg/kg) showed maximum inhibition of cough reflex at 90 min after drug administration and the antitussive activity was comparable to that of codeine phosphate, a standard antitussive agent.

Effect of micro-herbicides on weed dynamics, yield and economics of transplanted rice (Oryza sativa)

The efficacy of some potent micro-herbicides in conjunction with other herbicide for control of various weed flora in transplanted rice (Oryza sativa L.) was studied during the rainy season of 2001 and 2002 at Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh. The major weeds found were Echinochloa colonum L., Echinochloa cruss galli Beauv., Cyperus .. rotundus L., Cyperus difformis L., Fimbristylis millacea (L.) Vahl and Ludwigia parviflora Roxb. Almix + 2, 4-DEE (1 5 + 500 glha) applied 8 days after transplanting was found most effective in controlling weeds and maximizing rice grain yield (58.3 qlha). This was on a par with hand-weeding done thrice at 20,40 and 60 days stage. This treatment recorded highest net return (Rs 46,392) and benefit : cost ratio (3.9). Hand-weeding treatments though significantly reduced the weed biomass and improved the grain yield, owing to higher labour cost reduced the benefit : cost ratio.

The effect of different foodplants on cocoon crop performance in the Indian tasar silkworm Antheraea mylitta Drury (Lepidoptera: Saturniidae)

Cocoon crop performance through seasonal rearings of Antheraea Mylitta Drury larva on three primary foodplants Asan (Terminalia tomentosa W. & A.), Arjun (Terminalia arjuna W. & A.), Sal (Shorea robusta Gaertn.) and three secondary foodplants, Ber (Ziziphus jujuba Gaertn.), Sidha (Lagerstroemia parviflora Roxb.) and Dha (Anoegeissus latifolia Wall.) indicate better performance in winter crops than those of a rainy and autumn season. Sal, among primary foodplants, appeared uneconomical in terms of total cocoon shell (raw silk) production in spite of a superior cocoon formation Overall performance was superior in Asan than all other foodplants during all the seasons. Performance on Ber was higher than Sal and other secondary foodplants, a situation not heretofore documented. The grada- tion of foodplant with regard to performance (total raw silk production) was, in decreasing order of productivity: Asan, Arjun, Ber, Sal, Sidha, Dha. At the State Tasar Research Farm (Area 20 ha) Durgapur, Orissa, a number of foodplants were selected at random for rearing of A. mylitta larva. The three Combretaceae foodplants chosen were Asan (T. tomentosa), Arjun (T. arjuna), and Dha (Anoegeissus latifolia Wall.). One foodplant from the Dipterocarpaceae, Sal (S. robusta) was selected as well as one Melostomaceae, Ber (Ziziphus jujuba Gaertn.), and one Lythraceae, Sidha (Lagerstroemia parviflora Roxb.). For each foodplant species, 10000 freshly hatched healthy hatchlings were separated into five groups of equal size and brushed onto a number of plants for each of three seasons. The cocoon crop performance was evaluated by effective rate of rearing (ERR% = 100 total cocoons yielded / total larvae brushed), cocoon weight, pupa weight, and shell weight. These