Plant Commiphora Research Articles

Guggulsterone - a potent bioactive phytosteroid: synthesis, structural modification, and its improved bioactivities.

Guggulsterone is a phytosteroid derived from the oleo-gum resin of the critically endangered plant Commiphora wightii. This molecule has attracted increasing attention due to its excellent biochemistry potential and the compound has consequently been evaluated in clinical trials. With a low concentration in natural resources but wide medicinal and therapeutic value, chemists have developed several synthetic routes for guggulsterone starting from various steroid precursors. Moreover, numerous studies have attempted to modify its structure to improve the biological properties. Nowadays, green and sustainable chemistry has also attracted more attention for advanced chemical processes and reactions in steroid chemistry. The present review aimed to summarize the literature and provide an update about the improvements in the chemical synthesis and structural modification of guggulsterone from the view of green chemistry. Moreover, this review encompasses the improved activities of structurally modified guggulsterone derivatives. We expect that the information provided here will be useful to researchers working in this field and on this molecule.

Analysis of Genetic Diversity among Populations of an Endangered Medicinal Plant Commiphora wightii (Arn.) Bhandari (Guggul) using Molecular Markers

Commiphora wightii has massive economic value and a wide array of medicinal uses in both ancient and modern therapeutics. It has been observed that the number of C. wightii populations in Rajasthan are declining substantially because of anthropogenic activities in the form of over-exploitation for resin and fuel. Very limited molecular studies have been reported on the molecular characterization of Commiphora wightii at national and international level. The present investigation aims to assess the genetic diversity within and among different populations to determine the relationship of genetic variability with geographical distribution of Rajasthan and to offer genetic resource information for future meaningful implementation of conservation programs applicable for C. wightii. The present study comprised of 11 RAPD markers generated 37 loci of which two were polymorphic with an average 4.85% DNA polymorphism. The maximum polymorphism (33.33%) was detected for OPU-8 marker. Similarly, 9 ISSR markers generated 47 loci of which 10 were polymorphic with an average 22.11% DNA polymorphism. The maximum polymorphism (33.33%) was observed for ISSR marker 811P, 814P and UBC857. Jaccard’s similarity coefficient varied from 0.55-1.00 among the populations of Commiphora wightii using all the ISSR marker, while it ranges 0.20-0.95 for RAPD markers. The row dendrogram constructed using unweighted pair group method with arithmetic averages or UPGMA with a SAHN module of the NTSYS software which showed a phenetic representation of genetic relationships as revealed by the similarity coefficient for all the ISSR and RAPD profiles.

Insect-pest and diseases disturbances associated with an endangered plant Commiphora wightii (Arnott) Bhandari in Western Region, India

As the plant holds important medicinal value and is endangered due to poor tapping methods, over tapping and lack of insect pest and disease management strategy, present review tried to enlist insect pest and disease problems associated with the C. wightii to attract the researchers to look into its integrated management for saving this important asset of Rajasthan and Gujarat.

Analytical Profile of Kanchanara Guggulu Tablets Prepared as per References in Sharangadhara Samhita and Bhaishajya Ratnavali

Marketing of Guggulu, an exudate obtained from the plant Commiphora mukul and its preparations is a great concern of different ayurvedic pharmaceutical houses due to its adulteration, substitution and non-availability of genuine samples. Standardization of raw drugs and formulations with modern analytical tools increase their scope, acceptance and scientific validity. In the present study, an attempt was made for the physicochemical analysis of Kanchanara guggulu tablets (having Guggulu as the major ingredient) prepared as per references in Sharangadhara Samhita and Bhaishajya Ratnavali to develop an analytical profile of the formulation. The study was based on the standard analytical parameters proposed by API and PLIM. Six samples of tablets were prepared as per two references (three for each reference) which were available in market following the same manufacturing procedures. The study comprised of three stages- pharmacognosy of raw drugs, pharmaceutical work and analytical study. The analysis was done using the parameters like organoleptic evaluation, weight variation, hardness, friability, disintegration time, ash values, extractive values, loss on drying, pH, HPTLC and microbial contamination and an analytical profile was developed as per both references.

Acute toxicological study of folklore drug Commiphora Caudata (Wight & Arn.)

In Ayurvedic medical science medicinal plants are considered as the base for treating the illness. The wide uses of medicinal plants are seen since historical period where ancient Acharyas have documented many of them in various ailments. But recent studies shows that many of the drugs are exploited and it should be taken care immediately to avoid shortage, which can be done through either conservation or substitution. Here the plant Commiphora caudate (Wight & Arn.) is a folklore drug which is used in inflammatory conditions by traditional healers. Hence it is taken to assess the acute toxicity of the drug and the study shows that the oral administration of the Swarasa of the drug Commiphora caudata (Wight & Arn.) considered to be safe as it didn’t exhibit any adverse effect in acute toxicological study on albino rats.

A REVIEW ON PHYTOCONSTITUENTS AND THERAPEUTIC USES OF MUQIL (COMMIPHORA MUKUL)

Muqilis one of the best drugs in traditional system of medicine since ancient. It belongs to Burseraceae family, has 540 species and is found in dry area of India known as Indian bdellium. It is bushy plant 1.2-1.8 m can provide yellowish gum resin also called as gugulipid. Most commonly gum of this plant used for therapeutic and medicinal purpose. According to Unani system of medicine (USM) it has two types: 1. Muqil-e-Saqalibi, 2. Muqil-e-Arabi. The plant Commiphora mukul is also known as Balsamodendron mukul Stock. Muqil has active constituents producing number of biological activities such as Antiinflammatory effect (guggulsterones Z and E), Osteoprotective effect (guggulsterone), Anti- inflammatory, analgesic antiarthritic activities (Guggulsterone), Anti-diabetic effect (gum resin 900 mg daily), Antimicrobial, antibacterial, antiviral and antifungal activities (Eugenol, ellagic acid alpha-pinene, masumbinoic acid and masumbinone), Anti-hemorrhoid activity (Muqil resin), Anti-neoplastic activity (GS, gugulipid and Z-guggusterone), Cardioprotective effect (gugulipid and guggusterone), Nephroprotective effect, Nodulocystic Acne (Guggulipid), Neuroprotective effects (guggulipid), Immunomodulatory effect, Stimulate Thyroid gland activity (Commiphora mukul gum) Anti-asthmatic (300 mg of gum resin thrice daily), Inflammatory Bowel Disease (gum resin at a dose of 900 mg daily). It is also useful for systemic disease such as Osteoarthritis, Rheumatoid arthritis, Gout, Cadio-protective effect and thyro-protective effect, nervous diseases and urinarydiseases. Skin disorders are leprosy, pyorrhea, muscle spasm, demulcent, and depurative.

UNDERSTANDING THE THERAPEUTIC AND PHARMACOLOGICAL EFFECTS OF COMMI-PHORA MUKUL (GUGGULU): A CRITICAL REVIEW

Guggulu has been a key element in the ancient Indian Ayurvedic system of medication. It has been used extensively by Ayurvedic Acharya for thousands of years to treat a large variety of disorders, besides its use in the pharmaceutical and perfume industries. Guggulu is a gum or resin extracted from the plant Commiphora mukul or Guggulu tree. Guggulu is a shrub or small tree belonging to Burseraceae family. a small perennial tree or shrub up to 1.2-1.8 m high, occurring in rocky tracts of Rajasthan, Barar, Khandesh, Maisoor, Kathiyabad, Belari. Exudate is collected during the winter season by making the incisions in the bark or summer, falling from the bark itself1. Guggulu has 5 types that are- Mahishaksha, Mahaneel, Kumuda, Padma, Hiranya. Guggulu is Vishad (non- unctuous), Tikta (bitter), Ushna Virya (hot in potency), increases Pitta, Sara (laxative), Kashaya (astringent), Katu (pungent) in taste, Katu in Vipak (pungent after digestion), Ruksha (causes dryness) and Laghu (light). Chemical compositions of Guggulu are volatile oil, resins and gum, Guggul sterole, Z-guggul sterone, E-guggul sterol-I, II and III, Sesasmine, Cholesterol, Mukolol and other steroids. It has Shothhar, Vedanasthapan, Vranshothan, Vranaropan and Jantughna effects. It uses as an external application in Aamvata, Katishul and Sandhishul. Keywords: Aamvata, Commiphora mukul, Guggulu, Kushtharoga, Sopha, Medoroga

Comparative HPTLC fingerprinting profile and GC-MS analysis of raw and purified Guggulu (Commiphora wightii. Arn. Bhand) by Ayurvedic purification method.

Guggulu is an oleo gum resin obtained from the plant Commiphora wightii (Arn.) Bhand., used in Ayurved ic medicines for various ailments like anti-inflammatory conditions, hyperlipidemia, thyroid disorders etc. Guggulsterones E & Z are responsible for these broad ranges of pharmacological actions. It is recommended to do Shodhana (purification) before incorporating it into medicinal formulations. Sahasrayoga, an Ayurvedic text, emphasizes the purification of Guggulu in a particular media, which is a long run practice in Kerala. To compare the physicochemical and phytochemical parameters, quantitative estimation of Guggulsterone E & Z using high performance thin layer chromatography (HPTLC) and qualitative gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis of Guggulu before and after purification. Shodhana of Guggulu was performed in Water boiled with crushed fresh leaves of Neem (Azadirachta indica) and fresh rhizome of turmeric (Curcuma longa) using a special equipment (Dolayantra). Preliminary physicochemical and phytochemical evaluation, quantification of Guggulsterones E & Z using HPTLC and GC-MS analysis of raw and purified Guggulu were performed. Phytochemical evaluation of metabolites revealed marked variations. The mean concentrations of Guggulsterone E & Z showed significant differences before and after purification (p<0.01). On GC-MS analysis, it was found that few new compounds were added in the purified Guggulu. Therapeutic efficacy of Guggulu might have enhanced after traditional purification.

Narrative review of guggulu formulations of ayurveda reflecting their percentage of guggulu, pharmaceutics and pharmacology

Narrative review of guggulu formulations of ayurveda reflecting their percentage of guggulu, pharmaceutics and pharmacology - IJCAAP- Print ISSN No: - 2581-5555 Online ISSN No:- 2456-9542 Article DOI No:- 10.18231/j.ijcaap.2020.031, IP International Journal of Comprehensive and Advanced Pharmacology-IP Int J Compr Adv

Biogenic synthesis of gold nanoparticles using Commiphora wightii and their cytotoxic effects on breast cancer cell line (MCF-7)

The current study aimed at developing gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) using the aqueous extract of the medicinal plant Commiphora wightii. The phytosynthesized gold nanoparticles (Cw@AuNPs) were evaluated for their anticancer activity against MCF-7 breast cancer cell model. The formation of AuNPs by Commiphora wightii leaf extract was confirmed by UV–vis spectra where their surface plasmon resonance was found at 533 nm. Further characterization of Cw@AuNPs was done by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) analysis, and fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis. In vitro anticancer potential of thus obtained AuNPs was evaluated against MCF-7 and where the IC50 was found to be 66.11 μg/mL Further, apoptotic studies were carried out using ethidium bromide dual staining, DNA fragmentation, comet assay, and flow cytometry studies. Results revealed that Cw@AuNPs at higher concentration significantly increased the apoptotic cells when compared to control cells. Cell cycle analysis of MCF-7 cells confirmed the cell cycle arrest at G2/M phase. These results demonstrate that the biosynthesized Cw@AuNPs appear to be promising for therapeutical applications against breast cancer.

A review on Guggulu [&lt;em&gt;Commiphora wightii&lt;/em&gt; (Arn.) Bhand.]: &lt;em&gt;In vitro&lt;/em&gt; propagation of critical endangered ayurvedic plant

Guggulu has been a major component in the ancient Indian Ayurvedic system of medicine. Apart from its use in the medicinal and aromatic industries by Ayurvedic practitioners, it has been used extensively to treat many types of disorders. Guggulu is a gum or resin that is extracted from the plant Commiphora wightii (Arn.) Buffalo. (Syn. Commiphora mukul hook. Ex. Stocks) or Guggulu tree. Guggulu is a shrubby or small tree that belongs to the Bursaceae family. Guggulu contains volatile oils, gum resin, guggulipids, guggulsterones, guggulsterol, mucolol and other steroids. Guggulu is used extensively in Ayurvedic medicine as astringent, anti-septic, expectorant, aphrodisiac, carmenative, anti-spasmodic, emmenagogue. In Ayurveda, Guggulu is the best of the herbs used for Medorroga and Vata disorders. It is widely used for obesity and is also known as a fat burning agent throughout the world. It helps in lowering the levels of cholesterol and triglycerides. Guggulu is very effective in arthritis, gout and sciatica. It is one of the most important chemicals of Ayurveda. In addition it treats sluggish liver, stimulates libido, nervous diseases, bronchial congestion, cardiovascular and circulatory problems, weak digestion, bruises, boils, pimples, fractures, gynecological problems and various skin diseases. Guggulu is a very important and reliable herb in Ayurvedic medicine. Originally it is used in almost every type of disease due to its amazing healing power. This review is an attempt to describe the pharmacological activities of Guggulu and the variable uses of Guggulu.

Guggulipid ameliorates adjuvant-induced arthritis and liver oxidative damage by suppressing inflammatory and oxidative stress mediators

BackgroundArthritis is a common degenerative joint disease characterized by deterioration of articular cartilage, subchondral bone, and associated with immobility, pain and inflammation. The incessant action of reactive oxygen species (ROS) during progressive arthritis causes severe oxidative damage to vital organs and circulatory system. PurposeIn this study we investigated the ability of guggulipid (GL), a lipid rich extract from the gum resin of the plant Commiphora whighitii to suppress the progressive arthritis and associated liver oxidative stress both in vivo and in vitro. Study design/MethodsThe anti-arthritic ability of GL was demonstrated in vitro using IL-1β stimulated bovine nasal cartilage model and in vivo Freund's complete adjuvant-induced arthritic rat model. Collagen/proteoglycan degradation and pro-inflammatory mediators were monitored in the harvested culture medium of nasal cartilage by estimating the levels of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), hydroxy proline, glycosaminoglycans and inflammatory mediators. Further, anti-arthritic ability of GL was evaluated in vivo by measuring enzymatic and non-enzymatic mediators of cartilage degradation, inflammation and oxidative stress markers. ResultsGL significantly inhibited the IL-1β stimulated cartilage degradation in vitro by mitigating the MMPs activity, collagen degradation and secretion of pro-inflammatory mediators. Further, GL significantly reduced the adjuvant-induced paw swelling and body weight loss in vivo. GL remarkably reduced the MMPs and hyaluronidases activities in serum and bone homogenate along with altered hematological parameters. GL also mitigated the elevated bone resorbing enzymes cathepsins, exoglycosidases and phosphatases. Additionally, GL effectively mitigated ROS and oxidative stress-mediators recuperating the altered serum/liver oxidative stress and liver damage incurred during arthritic progression. ConclusionIn summary, the study clearly demonstrates the protective efficacy of GL against arthritis and its associated oxidative stress, particularly, liver oxidative damage. Hence, GL could be a potential alternative and complementary medicine to treat inflammatory joint diseases.

Chemical characterization and in vitro antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of essential oil from Commiphora wildii Merxm. (omumbiri) resin

AbstractThe resin of the plant Commiphora wildii Merxm. (omumbiri) is traditionally used by Ovahimba women (Kunene, Namibia) as the main ingredient for their perfume. Although essential oil produced from the resin by steam distillation is sold commercially, its detailed chemical composition and biological properties are not known. Knowledge on the potential antimicrobial and antioxidant activities of C. wildii essential oil is desired by perfume, cosmetics, and detergent manufacturers, in order to add value to their products when using the oil as an ingredient. Furthermore, once the oil has been chemically characterized, the concentrations of the bioactive constituents can be monitored for quality‐control purposes. In this study the chemical characterization of the volatile constituents of the essential oil of C. wildii resin was performed using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS) and GC coupled to a flame ionization detector (GC–FID). Fifty compounds were identified in the oil, most of which were terpenoids. The major compounds were α‐pinene (50.0% w/w), heptane (24.0% w/w), and β‐pinene (11.7% w/w). The antimicrobial activity of the oil was determined against Candida albicans, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumaniaea, and Staphylococcus aureus. The best antimicrobial activity was noted against S. aureus, with a minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 8 mg ml–1. Biofilm reduction was below 40%, but inhibition was between 93% (K. pneumaniaea) and 99% (C. albicans). An 2,2‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging assay revealed the antioxidant potential of the oil (with a half‐maximal inhibitory concentration, IC50, of 0.2257 mg ml–1).These results may be used by different industries to guide the formulation of their products and also to assess the safety of this oil when used as an ingredient.

DPP-4 inhibitory activity and myocardial salvaging effects of Commiphora mukul in experimental diabetes

Background: Commiphora mukul (Burseraceae) is commonly known as Guggul in Ayurveda. Several studies have reported antidiabetic activity of Commiphora mukul but there are no studies to explore the DPP-4 inhibitory activity and myocardial salvaging effects of Commiphora mukul in setting of diabetes mellitus. The present study was designed to evaluate the cardioprotective efficacy as well as safety of the medicinal plant Commiphora mukul (Guggul) in the experimental model of myocardial infarction co-existing with diabetes.Methods: Diabetes was induced with single dose of streptozotocin (STZ): 45mg/kg ip and myocardial infarction was produced by administering isoproterenol (ISP): (85mg/kg, sc) to rats 24 and 48 h prior to scarification (5th week). After the confirmation of diabetes on 7th day (glucose&gt;200mg/dl), vildagliptin (10 mg/kg) and Commiphora mukul (200 mg/kg) were administered orally from 1st to 5th week (4 weeks). At the end of experimental period, normal control, diabetic-isoproterenol control, vildagliptin and Commiphora mukul group rats were sacrificed for further biochemical investigations as well as histopathological evaluation.Results: Commiphora mukul treatment demonstrated significant antidiabetic as well as myocardial salvaging effects as indicated by restoration of blood glucose, HbA1c and CPK-MB serum DPP-4, hs-CRP levels as compared to diabetic ISP control group. In addition, Commiphora mukul showed significant cardioprotection as indicated by positive correlation between cardiac marker CPK-MB and serum DPP-4. The histopathological assessment of heart, pancreas and biochemical indices of injury confirmed the cardioprotective effects of Commiphora mukul. In addition, Commiphora mukul was found to be safe to the liver and kidney.Conclusions: The natural DPP-4 inhibitor Commiphora mukul demonstrated significant cardioprotective effects in experimental model of myocardial infarction co-existing with diabetes.

Effect of Potting Mixture on Growth of Commiphora wightii (Arn.) Bhandari Through Semi-Hardwood Cuttings

An experimental trial was conducted to find out the effective potting mixture and low cost quality planting material through semi-hardwood cuttings propagation of endangered medicinal plant Commiphora wightii (Arn.) Bhandari. The experiment was carried out in CRD (Completely Randomized Design) with six treatments, three replications and 20 cuttings per treatment. Growth in cutting was measured by eleven parameters. Parameter such as sprouting percentage (88.67%), rooting percentage (83.45%), minimum days for sprouting (9.82), number of sprouts (7.17), length of shoot (15.25cm), diameter of shoot (3.950mm), number of leaves (24.83), chlorophyll content a, b and total (7.6290, 5.7083 and 13.3374 mg/100g, respectively) was significantly superior under potting mixture S+S+V (soil+sand+vermicompost). Furthermore rooting parameter such as number of roots (7.51), length of root (14.60cm), diameter of root (1.338mm) was found higher in media containing S+S+C (soil+sand+cocopeat).

EVALUATION OF PHYSICO-CHEMICAL PARAMETERS OF DIFFERENT SHODHIT GUGGUL

Objective: The present study was aimed to identify the physicochemical data of shodhit guggul. Guggul is a gum-resin exudate from the plant Commiphora weightii (Arn.) Bhandari, belonging to Burseraceae family. In Ayurveda, guggul is always purified. This purification is known as Shodhan. Shodhan is a process by which guggul is made non-toxic, effective, suitable and fit for therapeutic purposes.Methods: The seven different shodhan dravya were used to prepare shodhit guggul. They were evaluated by performing physicochemical parameters including five different extractive value; total ash, acid insoluble, water soluble and sulphated ash value; pH, and loss on drying.Results: Analytical results of raw guggul showed total ash, acid insoluble ash, water soluble ash and sulphated ash value to 5.36±0.04%, 0.96±0.03%, 4.51±0.03 % and 8.40±0.04% respectively. These all values of each shodhit guggul were different. The extractive value of raw guggul was comparable with standard value while the extractive value of each shodhit guggul was totally different. The pH value of 1% w/v and 10% w/v aqueous solution of raw guggul was 6.44±0.18 though pH of each shodhit guggul was changed. The loss on drying of raw guggul was found to be 1.88±0.02%w/v, however, this value was different for each shodhit guggul.Conclusion: The present study revealed that the different shodhan process with specific shodhan dravya affects the physicochemical parameters. The analysis and comparison of the data showed the difference in the properties of seven shodhit guggul with respect to raw Guggul.

Commercialising a perfume plant, &lt;I&gt;Commiphora wildii&lt;/I&gt;: livelihood implications for indigenous Himba in north-west Namibia

SUMMARY Non-timber forest product (NTFP) commercialisation can have both detrimental and positive effects on the livelihoods of indigenous peoples yet there is a paucity of empirical studies from which to draw conclusions, especially when economic activities are linked to traditional use and knowledge. Based on research conducted in arid areas of north-western Namibia with indigenous Himba communities, this paper assesses the social and economic effects of commercialising the traditional perfume plant Commiphora wildii, used by Himba as part of a daily personal care ritual. Results show improved access to food, education and health care as a result of the income gained and increased benefits to women, but also illustrate the complexities and inter-related nature of many components and the difficulties of drawing generalised conclusions. These results concur with literature showing that NTFP commercialisation is an important strategy to diversify livelihoods and thus decrease vulnerability to climate varia...

Z-Guggulsterone Improves the Scopolamine-Induced Memory Impairments Through Enhancement of the BDNF Signal in C57BL/6J Mice.

Memory impairment is a common symptom in patients with neurodegenerative disorders, and its suppression could be beneficial to improve the quality of life of those patients. Z-guggulsterone, a compound extracted from the resin of plant Commiphora whighitii, exhibits numerous pharmacological effects in clinical practice, such as treatment of inflammation, arthritis, obesity and lipid metabolism disorders. However, the role and possible mechanism of Z-guggulsterone on brain-associated memory impairments are largely unknown. This issue was addressed in the present study in a memory impairment model induced by scopolamine, a muscarinic acetylcholine receptor antagonist, using the passive avoidance, Y-maze and Morris water maze tests. Results showed that scopolamine significantly decreased the step-through latency and spontaneous alternation of C57BL/6J mice in passive avoidance and Y-maze test, whereas increased the mean escape latency and decreased the swimming time in target quadrant in Morris water maze test. Pretreatment of mice with Z-guggulsterone at doses of 30 and 60mg/kg effectively reversed the scopolamine-induced memory impairments. Mechanistic studies revealed that Z-guggulsterone pretreatment reversed the scopolamine-induced increase in acetylcholinesterase (AchE) activity, as well as decreases in brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) protein expression and cAMP response element-binding protein (CREB), extracellular regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2) and protein kinase B (Akt) phosphorylation levels in the hippocampus and cortex. Inhibition of the BDNF signal, however, blocked the memory-enhancing effect of Z-guggulsterone. Therefore, these findings demonstrate that Z-guggulsterone attenuates the scopolamine-induced memory impairments mainly through activation of the CREB-BDNF signaling pathway, thereby exhibiting memory-improving effects.

Evaluation of antibacterial activity of Commiphora myrrha against antibiotic resistant clinical pathogens

There are many plants used by tribunal people as an anti bacterial, among them myrrh is the one which is commonly used. Myrrh is an oleo gum resin obtained from the plant Commiphora myrrha belongs to the family Burceraceae. It can adhere to intestines because of its resinous nature and it reduces the acidity in small intestines. Generally, the resin is collected from bark and stem of the plant by the process incision. In present study ethyl acetate extract of Commiphora myrrha was used for the evaluation of Anti bacterial activity against three Gram negative organisms and two Gram positive organisms. The method used in evaluation of Anti bacterial activity was serial dilution and Agar Diffusion method. The antibacterial activity was calculated in terms of minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bacterial concentration (MBC). The antibacterial activity was compared with marketed antibiotic.

Conservation genetics of endangered medicinal plant Commiphora wightii in Indian Thar Desert

To ascertain the conservation priorities and strategies for Commiphora wightii, an endangered medicinal plant of Indian Thar Desert, genetic diversity was estimated within and among different populations. The total of 155 amplification products were scored using ten each of RAPD and ISSR primers, exhibiting an overall 86.72% polymorphism across 45 individuals representing eight populations. The cumulative data of two markers were used to compute pair-wise distances. The Neighbor-Joining tree revealed high genetic differentiation among populations except Kiradu population. Nei's gene diversity (h) ranged between 0.082 and 0.193 with total diversity at species level is 0.294. Shannon's information index (I) ranged between 0.118 and 0.275 with an overall diversity of 0.439. Analysis of molecular variance showed more diversity among population level (56.65%) than at within population level (43.35%). The low gene flow value (Nm=0.349) and high coefficient of genetic differentiation (GST=0.589) and high fixation index (FST=0.566) demonstrated elevated genetic differentiation among the population and can be predicted that these populations are not in Hardy–Weinberg proportions. Principal Co-ordinate Analysis confirms that Akal population has become phylogenetically more distinct and less diverse than the rest of the samples. Mantel's test revealed no correlation between genetic and geographical distances of populations (R2=0.122). Overall highest diversity was observed in the population of Machiya Safari Park and Kiradu, while lowest in Akal population, later may constitute an evolutionary significant unit, having merit for special management.