Spiral Vessels Research Articles

Bridelia scandens Wild.– An Pharmacognstic Overview

Abstract: Pharmacognosy is the study of naturally occurring biological substances, principally those derived from plants that find use in medicine. The word 'pharmacognosy' is derived from the Greek 'pharmacon', 'a drug', and gignosco, 'to acquire a knowledge of'. As late as the beginning of the 20th century, the subject had developed mainly on the botanical side, being particularly concerned with the description and identification of drugs, both in the whole state and in powder, and with their history, commerce, collection, preparation and storage. The plant selected for the present study - Bridelia scandens Wild. of the family Euphorbiaceae, is yet another folklore medicinal plant which is widely used in some parts of Karnataka in treating the disease Amavata by the local tribal people and villagers. Here an attempt is made to validate plant pharmacognostically Bridelia scandens Wild. is a large, woody, evergreen, scandent shrub with pendant branches large defluxed spines abundantly seen in western ghats. Bark grey, hard, deeply fissured; leaves elliptic, obtuse entire, thinly curvaceous; flowers greenish yellow, in dense axillary heads arranged in paniculate leafy spikes; drupes ovoid, bluish black, succulent, smooth. Upper epidermis shows no stomata and lower epidermis shows mostly ranuculaceous stomata. Transverse section of the petiole is almost circular with a narrow groove at the upper side and wavy margin with plenty of non-glandular trichomes. T.S. of the leaf shows a dorsivertral outline; vascular bundles are circular and similar to that of dicot stem. Microscopic study of the leaf powder showed, trichomes, fragments of lower epidermis with stomata, sclerenchyma fibers, crystals, chloroplast, vein fragments, spiral vessels and orange-reddish to brown pigments

Spiral-template from waste tea-leaf to design hierarchical dispersed zinc oxide nanocatalyst for boosting their photocatalytic carbon dioxide reduction

The utilization of cellulose-based templates to enhance the dispersion of zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles represents an effective approach for enhancing their photocatalytic carbon dioxide (CO2) reduction activity. However, the limited availability of surface active sites on linear cellulose fiber has posed a significant challenge for loading ZnO nanoparticles. The present study introduces a technique for segregating spiral vessel (SV) from waste tea-leaves and employing them as templates for in-situ self-assembled ZnO nanoparticles. Due to the inherent three-dimensional (3D) stability of the spiral structure, ZnO nanoparticles exhibit excellent dispersion and maintain a stable hierarchical spiral morphology even after template removal. With the help of a field emission scanning electron microscope (FE-SEM), it could be observed that SV-loaded ZnO nanospheres extracted from waste Pu 'er tea-leaves retained the best spiral morphology after removing the template. The photocatalytic CO2 conversion over spheroidal ZnO with SV as templates (ZnOSS) significantly enhanced yields of CO and CH4, reaching 6.700 and 1.666 μmol·g−1h−1, respectively, surpassing those of other synthesized catalysts. The results obtained from the free radical scavenging experiment and electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) test demonstrate the pivotal involvement of superoxide radicals (∙O2−) and hydroxyl radicals (∙OH) in the photocatalytic reduction of CO2. Quantum mechanical simulation further verified that the ZnO (0 0 2) crystal face was the best reaction interface with CO2. The design of a cellulose-based spiral template not only facilitates the valorization of waste biomass but also offers a novel perspective for the synthesis of efficient photocatalysts.

Pharmacognostical specification of Cannabis sativa L. (Bhanga) leaves processed with various Ayurveda-recommended methods

Abstract BACKGROUND: Since years, Cannabis sativa L. has been used for medicinal, recreational, and spiritual purposes. Cannabinoids, mainly tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), possess great therapeutic potential; at the counterpart imparts psychotropic and euphoric effects. Considering therapeutic benefits, many countries are legalizing the cultivation and medicinal utilization of Cannabis species. Ayurveda science has recommended four methods for Cannabis processing to reduce its intoxicant effect. The pharmacognostical changes after processing of Cannabis leaves have been reported in this article. METHODS: The dry sample of female species of C. sativa L. was procured from Haridwar, Uttarakhand, India; after permission of the excise department. The samples have been tested microscopically for species confirmation. It has been processed by four different methods, namely Jalanimajjana (water dipping), Jalaprakshalana (water-wash), Godugdha Swedana (boiling in cow’s milk), and Babbul-twak Kwatha Swedana (boiling in the decoction of Acacia arabica (Lam.) Willd. Processed samples were tested for organoleptic characters, powder microscopic features and comparative analysis was done with unprocessed samples. RESULTS: Processing changes organoleptic characters and alters the morpho-anatomic features like reduction in trichomes; deformation of structures like cystolith, epidermis, fibers, spiral vessel, trichomes and oil globules. CONCLUSION: Processing changes organoleptic characters, deforms features like epidermis, parenchyma, sclerenchyma, stomata, spiral vessels, fibers, oil globules etc. and alters characteristics of trichomes which are suggestive of changes in active constituents like THC, CBD etc. Reduction in trichomes is indicative of fall in THC levels, which will help to reduce psychoactive nature of Cannabis.

Extracellular matrix metalloproteinases inducer gene polymorphism and reduced serum matrix metalloprotease-2 activity in preeclampsia patients.

Preeclampsia increases the risk of pregnancy-related complications, nevertheless a successful spiral vessel remodeling, and trophoblast invasion reduces disorders of pregnancy. Matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) clears the path for trophoblast invasion, and activation of MMP-2 largely depends on extracellular matrix metalloproteinases inducer (EMMPRIN) protein. This study aimed to investigate EMMPRIN gene polymorphism and MMP-2 activity in preeclampsia patients. Archival whole blood and serum samples of 74 preeclampsia and 66 normotensive pregnant women age-matched were used in this case-control study. Genomic DNA was extracted from the whole blood samples and EMMPRIN gene amplified with specific primers following fragments sequence mutation analysis. Serum MMP-2 activity was determined using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and socio-demographic data of participants retrieved from the database. Age of preeclampsia patients (32.78 ± 6.39) years and body mass index (BMI) (33.09 ± 7.27) kg/m2 compared with the normotensive counterparts (32.33 ± 5.56) years and (32.33 ± 5.56) kg/m2,respectively, were not statistically significant (P > 0.05). Serum matrix metalloprotease-2 (MMP-2) activity was significantly reduced in preeclampsia group (16.34 ± 7.07) compared with the normotensives (25.63 ± 4.56) (P < 0.001), and rs424243T/G variant (55.6%) was overrepresented among the cases compared with the normotensives (16.7%). The single-nucleotide polymorphism T/G was found to be associated with preeclampsia (odds ratio [OR] = 7.63; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 3.95-14.75; P < 0.0001). Decreased activity of MMP-2 and rs424243T/G SNP of EMMPRIN gene was reported in preeclampsia. These preliminary data warrant a further investigation into the relationship between EMMPRIN gene polymorphism and MMP-2 activity in preeclampsia.

Preparing Herbal Formulations through Indigenous and Modern Methods: An Experimental Study

Traditional medicines can treat many problems because they are based on natural treatments. Because of their historical applications and useful treatments, numerous of these conventional medications have been the subject of extensive pharmacological research of their antibacterial, antiviral, and anti-inflammatory effects. Natural resources are frequently used as a primary or secondary source by academics and pharmaceutical corporations when developing new drugs. A wide variety of plants have long been used as a source of traditional medicine by people in many different cultures. Numerous research have examined the possible antibacterial and antiviral properties of these plants. Since there are so many different kinds of natural sources, including plants, choose the proper one as a starting point is crucial for accurate screening results. Due to their, “effectiveness in treating diseases and lower risk of side effects than synthetic treatments, the usage of plant-based medications has significantly expanded in the modern world. The current study was aimed to confirm the identity, quality and purity of some locally available potential medicinal plants such as Drymaria cordata (whole plant), Alstonia scholaris (bark), Hydrocotyle sibthorpioides (whole plant), Centella asiatica (whole plant), Senna hirsuta (leaf), Oroxylum indicum (bark),&#x0D; &#x0D; Senna occidentalis (leaf), Stephania japonica (tuber) and Solanum indicum (root) in powdered form”. &#x0D; The powdered plant components underwent preliminary phytochemical analysis as well as pharmacognostic tests, physical evaluation and heavy metal analysis. Initial phytochemical study of the various extracts indicated that triterpenoids were absent, but alkaloids, phenolics, carbohydrates and amino acids were present. The powder was studied under a microscope to reveal its, “distinguishing characteristics, including calcium oxalate crystals, fibres, stone cells, trichomes, stomata, xylem vessels, pitted spiral vessels, etc. The colour, smell, fragrance, and texture of the ground plant were all acceptable. The physical characteristics that affect the flow rate of the powder with respect to Carr's index and Hausner's ratio were found to be good to passable, with the exception of Hydrocotyle sibthorpioides (the complete plant) and Oroxylum indicum (bark), which were not easily passable. During the heavy metal test, lead, cadmium, and bismuth were not found. As a result, the current study may be utilised as a benchmark reference for the quality control analysis of the herbal medicine, either alone or in combination”.

A Comprehensive Study of Clustering-Based Techniques for Detecting Abnormal Vessel Behavior

Abnormal behavior detection is currently receiving much attention because of the availability of marine equipment and data allowing maritime agents to track vessels. One of the most popular tools for developing an efficient anomaly detection system is the Automatic Identification System (AIS). The aim of this paper is to explore the performance of existing well-known clustering methods for detecting the two most dangerous abnormal behaviors based on the AIS. The methods include K-means, Density-Based Spatial Clustering of Applications with Noise (DBSCAN), Affinity Propagation (AP), and the Gaussian Mixtures Model (GMM). In order to evaluate the performance of the clustering methods, we also used the AIS data of vessels, which were collected through the Finnish transport agency from the whole Baltic Sea for three months. Although most existing studies focus on ocean route recognition, deviations from regulated ocean routes, or irregular speed, we focused on dark ships or those sets of vessels that turn off the AIS to perform illegal activities and spiral vessel movements. The experimental results demonstrate that the K-means clustering method can effectively detect dark ships and spiral vessel movements, which are the most threatening events for maritime safety.

Зимостійкість нових перспективних сортів та елітних форм груші (Pirus communis L.) Інституту садівництва НААН України

The results of determining the winter and frost resistance of new promising varieties of pears of the IH NAAS selection Vezha muscatna, Kytaiskyi likhtaryk, Panianka and elite forms 4-24 (Dekanka muscatna), 4-79 (Vodokhreshche), 17-98 (Suvenirna), 17-103 (Olkhotivska). Temperatures of -25...-30 °C during the most important periods of pear wintering are not devastating for all studied varieties and forms. Low temperatures (-25...-30 °C) damage all the tissues of the tops of the shoots somewhat more than the middle part. In addition, damage by the pear leafhopper (Psylla ріricola Forst.) contributed to the decrease in winter hardiness of Panianka, Kytaiskyi likhtaryk and Vyzhnytsia varieties and forms 17-98 (Suvenirna). According to the complex of features included in the concept of winter hardiness, the Vezha muscatna variety and the elite forms 4-24 (Dekanka muscatna) and 4-79 (Vodokhreshche) stand out on the positive side. The freezing of tissues of the sub-bud zone of generative buds has a significant practical effect on the formation of the next year's harvest. This zone is a kind of biological safeguard against premature sprouting of buds in January-February. Previous studies have also established that in the sub-bud zone, at the time of natural dormancy, in the zone of the conducting vessels connecting the bud to the shoot, the xylem part, where the vascular bundle will then pass, is filled with unstructured parenchyma cells. The formation of a vascular bundle in this zone is preceded by a double restructuring - the transformation of parenchymal cells into cambial cells (long-term warming to +5…+10 °С in February), and the latter into spiral vessels (beginning - mid-March). Restructuring periods are very sensitive to low temperatures, and if at this time they drop to -10...-12 °С, a vascular bundle is not formed, without which the development of a fruit bud is impossible, which leads to a significant decrease in yield. These conclusions are also confirmed by our observations: in the formation of the pear crop, the coincidence of unfavorable weather conditions in January-February and their influence on generative buds are sometimes more noticeable than during spring frosts, which in our conditions occur mostly after the pear has blossomed, and yarrow is more frost-hardy than flowers. Key words: pear, variety, frost resistance, winter resistance, bark, cambium, wood, core, bud.

Morphological, physicochemical, and phytochemical characterization of Camellia dormoyana (Pierre) Sealy from Vietnam

Abstract. Luan DT, Chen TV, Nguyen DD, Truong QC, Thang KH, Nhi NTT, Giang VNL, Sang NX, Triet NT. 2022. Morphological, physicochemical, and phytochemical characterization of Camellia dormoyana (Pierre) Sealy from Vietnam. Biodiversitas 23: 5869-5883. Camellia dormoyana (Pierre) Sealy has been used as a flavor, beverage, and folk medicine. Micromorphological features, physicochemical, and phytochemical aspects of C. Dormoyana have not been reported. Thus, further research is necessary to accurately verify the plants and determine their quality and safety for raw materials. This study aimed to characterize morphological, physicochemical, and phytochemical aspects of C. dormoyana from Vietnam. The results present that the species is easily distinguished macromorphologically by the superior ovary, 5-or 6-carpellate, glabrous, and styles glabrous, 5-or 6-parted, and uniformly fused. Micromorphologically, the structure of leaves and stems have similarities between the investigated species in the genus Camellia. Cork-wart, anisotricytic stoma, and stomatal clusters were found in the lower epidermis surface of leaves. The common presence of calcium oxalate crystals and sclereid cells was observed in the stem and the petiole. All epidermis fragments, parenchymal fragments, starch granules, calcium oxalate crystals, sclereid cells, spiral vessels, and red-brown oleoresin masses are standard components present in leaf powder. The physicochemical parameters of leaf powders all meet acceptable standards. The phytochemical compositions of the leaf extract contain lipids, carotenoids, essential oil, reducing compounds, amino acids, triterpenoids, saponins, tannins, and flavonoids.

Pharmacognostical and Physico-Chemical Evaluation of Rasna Guggulu

Majority of patients visiting Ayurvedic hospitals are having ailments related to joints especially low back pain and knee joint pain. Low back ache may be due to many reasons ranges from muscular pain to complicated neurological complaints or malignancy. Disc herniation is also a major reason for low back ache in which radiculopathy might be a typical feature. In all systems of medicine many treatments exist to manage low back ache and sciatica. In Ayurveda also different treatment modalities are present ranging from simple internal medications to complex therapies like Basti (therapeutic enema), to effectively tackle such conditions. The Ayurvedic formulation, Rasna guggulu is mentioned in the treatment of Gridrasi (sciatica). To standardize any formulation its properties should be studied repeatedly in detail. Even though this formulation is comparatively a simpler one consisting of only 3 ingredients, its properties and identifying features are not widely studied. In this study pharmacognostical, organoleptic and physico-chemical characteristics of Rasna guggulu were reported. Pharmacognostical study of this drug reveals the presence of epidermal cells, starch grain, lignified stone cells, prismatic crystals, simple fiber, simple trichome, warty trichome, annular vessels and spiral vessels of Rasna along with oil globules of clarified butter. HPTLC shows 8 and 7 spots at 254nm and 366nm respectively which suggests the presence of 7 – 8 active principles in this drug. This study also can be considered to standardize the formulation, Rasna guggulu.

Characterisation of indigenous plants for herbal formulations preparation based on pharmacognostic and physiochemical data

The use of plant-based drugs has increased considerably in the modern world for their efficiency in managing diseases with lesser side effects than synthetic drugs. The current study was aimed to confirm the identity, quality and purity of some locally available potential medicinal plants such as Alstonia scholaris (bark), Centella asiatica (whole plant), Drymaria cordata (whole plant), Hydrocotyle sibthorpioides (whole plant), Oroxylum indicum (bark), Senna hirsuta (leaf), Senna occidentalis (leaf), Solanum indicum (root), Stephania japonica (tuber) in powdered form. The powdered plant parts were evaluated for preliminary phytochemicals, pharmacognostical studies, physical characteristics and heavy metals. Preliminary phytochemical screening of the different extracts inferred the existence of carbohydrates, phenolics, alkaloids and amino acids while triterpenoids were absent. Microscopical study of the powder revealed the diagnostic qualities such as stone cells, trichomes, stomata, calcium oxalate crystal, fibres, xylem vessel, pitted spiral vessels, etc. The colour, odour, flavour/taste and texture of the pulverized plant were overall acceptable. The physical characteristics which determine the flow rate of the powder with respect to Carr’s index and Hausner’s ratio were found to be good to passable except for Hydrocotyle sibthorpioides (whole plant), Oroxylum indicum (bark), which were not easily passable. The heavy metal test showed the absence of bismuth, cadmium and lead. Thus the present study may serve as a standard reference for the quality control analysis of the herbal drug either singly or in synergy.

Bifunctional biohybrid magnetically propelled microswimmer

Inspired by the intrinsic helical structures of vessels in banana leaves, a novel bifunctional biohybrid magnetic microswimmer with both environment remediation and biomedical application was synthesized by a simple chemical method. Here, spiral vessels isolated from banana leaves were used as biological templates, where nickel layers with magnetic properties and Fe3+-TA (tannic acid, TA) films with pH-dependent degradation capabilities were modified on their surfaces by simple chemical reactions in solution at room temperature. The obtained magnetic helical (Helix/Ni/Fe3+-TA) microswimmers can be efficiently propelled in either pollutant solution (rhodamine B, RhB) or biofluid solution (DMEM culture medium and fetal bovine serum) in the presence of a magnetic field. The developed Helix/Ni/Fe3+-TA microswimmers can be used to efficiently degrade organic pollutant RhB due to the Fe3+-TA films which can produce reactive oxygen species under the action of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). Moreover, due to the specific chemical interaction between the microswimmers and the surface of cancer cells, the microswimmers can precisely capture cancer cells and then produce heat under light irradiation to kill those cells. These novel helical microswimmers with simple and economic fabrication, efficient magnetic propulsion and diverse functionality show great potential in future environmental and biological applications.

Studies on Tracheary Element of Several Native Cycad Species in Australia and Two American Plants

Studies on Tracheary Element of Several Native Cycad Species in Australia and Two American Plants

Pharmacognostic, phytochemical analysis and in-vitro antioxidant activity of Senecio edgeworthii Hook plant

The objective of the present study was to investigate pharmacognostic, phytochemical and evaluate in vitro antioxidant properties of Senecio edgeworthii hook Plant. The study of leaf macroscopic features, microscopic features was undertaken and physicochemical parameters were evaluated using standard procedures as per WHO guidelines. In vitro antioxidant activity of S. edgeworthii plant was determined by application of standard methods. In microscopy of S. edgeworthii , leaf is having Upper epidermis, cuticle, multicellular covering trichomes. The transverse view of the lamina shows a single layer of closely packed palisade cells below the upper epidermis. In powder characteristics analysis, lignified xylem parenchyma, lignified fibres, stomata, epidermis, cork cell, xylem vessels, spiral vessels and trichomes were observed. A low amount of total ash acid insoluble ash and water-soluble ash indicate that the inorganic matter and non-physiological matter such as silica is less S. edgeworthii plant. The estimation of total phenolic content in the examined extracts showed SE-Chloro and SE-alcohol extract contains high phenolic content than SE-Oil and SE-Pet ether. The results of antioxidant evaluation based on the three models (DPPH, H 2 O 2 , and NO) used in this study revealed that chloroform and alcohol extract and flower oil of S. edgeworthii plant possess interesting antioxidant activity. The pharmacognostic, phytochemical analysis can contribute to the development of the quality control norms for this species. This plant may possess considerable antioxidant activities.

Phytochemical Analysis and Evaluation of Bioactivities of Cola acuminata Extracts

Background: From centuries of evolution, knowledge and technological progress for mankind to one day rediscover nature. Currently, the control of bacterial infections is becoming complex due to the concern of antibiotic resistance, which has been a significant global health problem. The aim was to determine and compare phytochemical constituents and in the in vitro evaluation of antimicrobial and antioxidant activities of aqueous, methanol, acetate, dichloromethane extracts from Cola acuminata nuts grown in the Nord Ubangi Province, DRC. Methods: The nuts of Cola acuminata were harvested in April 2016 at Yakoma city, Nord-Ubangi, DRC. The microscopic features of this species were performed in order to identify specific histological structures. Three bacterial strains notably Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25923, Escherichia coli ATCC 8739 and Pseudomonas aeroginosa ATCC 9027 were used for the assessment of the antibacterial activity. The qualitative and quantitative phytochemical screening were used for compound identification using different fractions and fractions which presented a good extraction yield was used for further analysis. The antioxidant activity was evaluated using ABTS and DPPH scavenging tests while the antibacterial activity was performed using the diffusion method. Findings: The micrography of C. acuminata revealed the presence of following histological elements of which: fibers, spiral vessels, trichomes, ovoid starch grains, sclerenchyma and the fragments of endosperm. Only the methanol and aqueous extracts presented a good extraction yield. The phytochemistry shows the presence of flavonoids, anthocyanins, terpenes, iridoids and tannins. All fractions showed IC50 values lower than 10 µg/mL in the ABTS test and lower than 100 µg/mL in the DPPH test. The antibacterial activity of this plant was low against the three strains used. Conclusion: Seeing the potency of C. acuminata and different biological activities displayed, further analysis are required in order to identify and purify the active ingredients, to study the toxicity of cell lines in vitro, to perform the in vivo experiments and to test for other activities such as the anti-hypoglycemic and anti-inflammatory.

Microscopic features and phytochemistry of two Congolese medicinal plants: Aframomum alboviolaceum (Ridley) K. Schum, and Aframomum angustifolium (Sonn.) K. Schum. (Zingiberaceae).

The leaves and seeds of Aframomum alboviolaceum and Aframomum angustifolium are specifically used by traditional healers in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) for the treatment of several pathologies. The aim of present study was to determine the microscopic characteristics and phytochemical composition of these species of the genus Aframomum. The microscopic study of these plants revealed the presence of punctate vessels, fiber cluster with calcium oxalate crystals, isolated unicellular hair, fibers, starch grains, spiral vessel fragments, fiber fragments, and indistinct parenchyma fragments. Phytochemical screening revealed several chemical groups such as phenolic acids, flavonoids, coumarins, alkaloids, terpenes, iridoids, saponins etc. The determination of total polyphenols, flavonoids and tannins gave contents ranging from 14.95 ± 0.45 and 63.98 ± 2.04 mgGAE/g, 0.16 ± 0.01 and 10.68 ± 0.32 mgQE/g and between 1.28 ± 0.03 and 28.51 ± 0.56 mg CAE/g respectively. In general, the leaves are richer in secondary metabolites, polyphenols, flavonoids and tannin than the seeds. Both plants also contain iron, magnesium, calcium and sodium. To our knowledge, this is the first time that histological elements have been identified in the leaves and seeds of A. angustifolium.

Pharmacognostic and Preliminary Phytochemical Evaluation of Leaf of Syzygium Cumini (L.) Skeels

Syzygium cumini (L.) Skeels (Family: Myricaceae) commonly known as Jamun is a widely used medicinal plant in Ayurveda. In spite of its numerous medicinal attributes, no published work is available on pharmacognostic characterization, physicochemical analysis of its leaves. The measures taken for pharmacognostic characterization were macroscopy, microscopy, powder microscopy, physicochemical evaluation, fluorescence analysis, and preliminary phytochemical screening. The microscopic evaluation showed useful characters for the recognition of leaf of Syzygium cumini (L.) Skeels . Transverse section, showed presence of single layer of wavy epidermal cells with striated cuticle single layer Palisade beneath upper epidermis in lamina region (contains compact elongated cells), Spheraphide in lamina region, collenchyma below the upper epidermis and above the lower epidermis in midrib region, Xylem and phloem in center, Sclerenchyma in between vascular bundle and collenchyma in midrib region. Wavy epidermal cell in the upper epidermis, anisocytic stomata in the lower epidermis, Bordered pitted reticulate vessels, Calcium oxalate crystal sheath in the lamina, fragment of fibers and Spiral vessels were observed in powder microscopy. Physicochemical studies showed total ash (3.1%), acid insoluble ash (0.7%), alcohol soluble extractive values (10.96 %), and water-soluble extractive values (12.32 %). Phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of sugar, lipid, Glycoside, saponins, phenols, flavonoids, tannins, tri-terpenoids and steroids. The study forms the first report on pharmacognostic characters and a physicochemical parameter which could be useful for identification and authentication of the plant.

Morphological Characterization and Transcriptional Regulation of Corolla Closure in Ipomoea purpurea.

Corolla closure protects pollen from high-temperature stress during pollen germination and fertilization in the ornamental plant morning glory (Ipomoea purpurea). However, the morphological nature of this process and the molecular events underpinning it remain largely unclear. Here, we examined the cellular and gene expression changes that occur during corolla closure in the I. purpurea. We divided the corolla closure process into eight stages (S0–S7) based on corolla morphology. During flower opening, bulliform cells appear papillate, with pigments in the adaxial epidermis of the corolla. These cells have distinct morphology from the smaller, flat cells in the abaxial epidermis in the corolla limb and intermediate of the corolla. During corolla closure, the bulliform cells of the adaxial epidermis severely collapse compared to cells on the abaxial side. Analysis of transparent tissue and cross sections revealed that acuminate veins in the corolla are composed of spiral vessels that begin to curve during corolla closure. When the acuminate veins were compromised, the corolla failed to close normally. We performed transcriptome analysis to obtain a time-course profile of gene expression during the process from the open corolla stage (S0) to semi-closure (S3). Genes that were upregulated from S0 to S1 were enriched in the polysaccharide degradation pathway, which positively regulates cell wall reorganization. Senescence-related transcription factor genes were expressed beginning at S1, leading to the activation of downstream autophagy-related genes at S2. Genes associated with peroxisomes and ubiquitin-mediated proteolysis were upregulated at S3 to enhance reactive oxygen species scavenging and protein degradation. Therefore, bulliform cells and acuminate veins play essential roles in corolla closure. Our findings provide a global understanding of the gene regulatory processes that occur during corolla closure in I. purpurea.

Anatomical studies on the leaf and stem of Tinospora formanii Udayan &amp; Pradeep (Menispermaceae), an endemic species to Southern Western Ghats, Kerala, India

The anatomical studies on leaf and stem of T. formanii Udayan &amp; Pradeep an endemic species to southern Western Ghats, Kerala, India was carried out focusing on its macroscopic, microscopic, maceration along with organoleptic evaluation. Distinguishing characters of the stem revealed the presence of calcium oxalate crystals, simple and compound starch grains and pitted lignified fibers. Leaf anatomy showed the anomocytic and paracytic stomata, pitted lignified fibers, spiral vessels, non-glandular small trichomes, C or half-moon shaped vascular bundle, surrounded with sclerenchymatous tissues and rosette and prism shaped calcium oxalate crystals. Whereas, maceration studies revealed the presence of spiral and scalar form vessel, fibers, calcium oxalate crystals, simple starch grains. These anatomical studies are vital in the present-day trade scenario not only helpful in the proper identification of the genuine materials in use but also to distinguish different species of Tinospora, where the stem and leaf are often admixed with other species of Tinospora in the crude drug markets.

Microscopic and Phytochemical analysis of Desmodium velutinum (Willd) DC and Desmodium gangeticum (L.) DC. Panchanga powder

Background: Desmodium velutinum (Fabaceae) is one of the wild edible plants used traditionally to treat diarrhoea, haematuria, infertility and also externally used to treat scorpion bites. Though various parts of the plant have been used for therapeutic purpose, panchanga of the plant has not been studied for its Pharmacognostical and phytochemical characteristics in detail, following scientific parameters. Hence in the present study Desmodium velutinum whole plant has been studied for its pharmacognostical and phytochemical characters and compared with commonly used species Desmodium gangeticum. Methods: Whole plant of Desmodim velutinum was collected from Paikmal, Odisha and Desmodium gangeticum was collected from Junagarh, Gujarat in the month of November 2019 following good collection practices and shade dried. Pharmacognostical study and analytical study were performed following standard pharmacopoeial procedures. Results: Whole plant (Panchanga) of former is sweetish and latter is bitter. Powder microscopy of Desmodium gangeticum showed presence of rhomboidal crystals and lignified annular and spiral vessels. Desmodium velutinum showed presence of prismatic crystals and lignified pitted vessels. Physico-chemical analysis showed higher loss on drying in Desmodium gangeticum, and higher water soluble extractive values of Desmodium velutinum. Phytochemical estimation showed the presence of Proteins, tannins, and carbohydrates in both samples. HPTLC study showed similar Rf value 0.82 and 0.94 at 254 and 0.03 and 0.41 at 366nm. Conclusion: Basing upon the analytical and microscopic similarities Desmodium velutinum may be considered as substitute of Desmodium gangeticum

Pharmacognostic Features, Preliminary Phytochemical Screening and in Vitro Antioxidant Studies of Indigenous Plant of Lahore

Introduction: Periploca aphylla is belongs to family Asclepiadaceae and it is an important traditional plant which has been utilized for decades for its local uses. Methods: This research work included pharmacognostic studies, microscopic evaluation, phytochemical and physiochemical tests for the effective identification and characterization of plant. Transverse section of plant shows the arrangement of cells. Fluorescence analysis shows colors in light of different wavelength. Fluorescence analysis was performed with various reagents and chemicals to observe characteristic pattern and colors for the identification and proper authencity of plant and it was reported in this paper. Results: Phytochemical studies show the presence of alkaloids, saponins, flavonoids and tannins. Powder study shows lignified fibers, spiral vessels and lignified tracheid. In this study Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy was used for the identification of plant and for the effective recognition of biological composition of plant. The IR Spectra were performed and reported in this paper. All these parameters are necessary for the characterization and identification of plant and a new doorstep to find out any adulteration in the plant. Conclusion: Anti-oxidant in-vitro studies were performed for the evaluation of any anti-oxidant property which provided a brief description about its pharmacological effects regarding rancidity and also a description about its further usage in any of anti-oxidant formulation.