Tecomella Research Articles

Cross genera transferability of microsatellite markers from other members of family Bignoniaceae to Tecomella undulata (Sm.) Seem

Transferability of SSR markers from related species/genera is a rapid and cost-effective method to enhance genomic database of genetically neglected crops. Monotypic genus Tecomella undulata, a pharmacologically important endangered timber tree, found in hyper arid regions is one such genetic resource limited species, wherein neither SSR identification nor cross transferability studies have been initiated. Transferability of 69 cross-genera SSR primers selected from other members of family bignoniaceae (Incarvillea sinensis, I. mairei, Jacaranda copaia, Tabebuia aurea and Arrabidaea chica) showed 40.58% (28 primers) transferability amplifying 1–10 amplicons ranging in the size from 80to 600 bp in 24 accessions of T. undulata. Per cent marker transferability varied from 66.67% (A. chica) to 38.89% (J. copaia) among the genera tested while no transferable markers could be identified from I. sinensis. Transferability of simple di-/tri-nucleotide repeat (34.2–37.5%) and complex nucleotide sequence (60.0%) based SSR motifs were higher as compared to penta-/hexa-nucleotide based repeat motifs. Within the 28 transferable markers, 26 (92.86%) were polymorphic while 2 (7.14%) were monomorphic. Average number of alleles per primer was 5.39 while average polymorphic alleles per locus were 5.11. The PIC values of SSR markers ranged from 0.23 to 0.85 with an average of 0.59. Efficiency of the identified cross species SSR markers was tested for diversity analysis using a set of 24 trees (8 each of yellow, orange and red flower colour morphotypes). The 24 samples clustered into six groups with similarity coefficient ranging from 0.29 to 0.67, while six accessions formed distinct out groups. Distribution of accessions in the SSR dendrogram showed no correlation with flower colour. More diversity (99%) was observed within populations compared to that existing between populations (1%). The present study can enrich the genomic background of T. undulata by identifying suitable polymorphic markers from confamiliar species that can be applied for genetic diversity studies, mapping of QTLs and cultivar identification as well.

Antibacterial and Anti biofilm effects of ethanol and aceton leaf extract of Momordica charantia and Tecomella undulata against Acinetobacter baumannii

Background: Considering the increasing resistance of bacteria to antibiotics and the presence of antibacterial agents in plantsObjectives: the aim of this study was the antimicrobial and antibiofilm activity of Tecomella undulata and Momordica charantia ethanol and aceton leaf extract on antibiotic resistance Acinetobacter baumannii.Methods: The leaves of Tecomella undulata and Momordica charantia were collected from Saravan city and extracted by rotary machine. Acinetobacter baumannii strains were collected from urine specimens of Imam Khomeini and Ali-ibn-Abi-Talib Hospitals. Minimum inhibitory concentration and minimum bactericidal concentration were determined by micro dilution method. Results: The lowest MIC and MBC of ethanol leaf extract of Tecomella undulata was 0.62 and 1.25mg/mL, respectivelly. The lowest MIC and MBC of aceton leaf extract of Tecomella undulata was 0.31 and 0.62mg/mL, respectivelly. The lowest MIC and MBC of ethanol leaf extract of Momordica charantia was 1.25 and 2.5mg/mL, respectivelly. The lowest MIC and MBC of aceton leaf extract of Momordica charantia was 0.31 and 0.62mg/mL, respectivelly. The resistance of the strains was to amoxiclavanic (10%), ampicillin (20%), gentamicin (0%), ceftazidime (0%) and nitromicin (0%) antibiotics. The aceton extract had more effect on Acinetobacter baumannii than ethanolic extract. The effect of Momordica charantia and Tecomella undulata against Acinetobacter baumannii are the same.Conclusion: By considering the results, obtained and increasing resistance of bacteria to chemical antibiotics, it is suggested that bacterial compositions of these plants can be used to treat bacteria.

Reduction of global warming potential vis-à-vis greenhouse gases through traditional agroforestry systems in Rajasthan, India

Tree-based systems in arid region of India are an integral part of livelihood and environment security. Traditionally, the maintenance of scattered trees on farm to reap several tangible and intangible benefits is a way of life. Presently, these systems are often known as low-hanging fruit and become a key weapon to fight climate change evil by offsetting greenhouse gas (GHG) emission through carbon sequestration. Therefore, to quantify the offsetting potential of GHG emission and area occupied by these tree-based systems in Rajasthan was undertaken. The study was carried out into two major aspects: estimation of agroforestry area using satellite remote sensing data, and to estimate the carbon sequestration potential of existing agroforestry by using dynamic CO2FIXv3.1 model for a simulation period of 30-years in five districts (20% sampling), namely, Bikaner, Dausa, Jhunjhunu, Pali and Sikar from Rajasthan, India. The estimated area under agroforestry in Rajasthan was 1.49 million ha. The findings revealed that the major tree species existing on farmer’s field were Prosopis cineraria, Tecomella undulata, Capparis decidua, Acacia tortilis, Prosopis juliflora, Azadirachta indica and Ziziphus mauritiana with an observed number of trees in selected districts varied from 1.40 to 14.90 ha−1(with average tree density of 9.71 ha−1). The total biomass (tree + Crop) varied from 2.22 to 19.19 Mg ha−1, whereas the total biomass carbon ranged from 1.00 to 8.64 Mg C ha−1. The soil organic carbon ranged from 4.51 to 16.50 Mg C ha−1. The average estimated carbon sequestration and mitigation potential of the agroforestry were 0.26 Mg C ha−1 year−1and 0.95 Mg CO2 eq ha−1 year−1 on farmers' field of Rajasthan. At the state level, the reduction of GHG emission potential of agroforestry was found to be 1.42 million tonnes annually, which helps to cut carbon footprint and achieve targets of Paris agreement.

Evaluation of Hepatoprotective Potential of Rhododendron arboreum Sm. Stem Bark as Abhava Pratinidhi Dravya (Substitute) of Rohitaka (Tecomella undulata (Sm.) Seem.) Against Paracetamol Induced Hepatotoxicity in Experimental Rats

Background: Rohitaka (Tecomella undulata (Sm.) Seem.) has been considered as threatened and listed as rare at international level (IUCN, 2000). In Ayurveda classics, Rohitaka is described as Yakritpleehgulmodarhara (useful in liver and spleenic disorders). Rhododendron arboreum Sm. is used by folklore practitioners for treatment of Jaundice and marketed as Rohitaka in Nepal. Aim: To evaluate Rhododendron arboreum Sm. as an effective pratinidhi dravya (substitute) in abhava (absence) of Rohitaka (Tecomella undulata (Sm.) Seem.) with special reference to hepatoprotective activity in paracetamol induced hepatotoxicity in rats. Materials and Methods: In the present study, hepatoprotective effect of Choorna (powder) and Kwatha (decoction) of Rhododendron arboreum Sm. and Tecomella undulata (Sm.) Seem. (Choorna-0.54 g/kg body wt. and Kwatha- 4.32 ml/kg body wt. p. o. for 10 days along with paracetamol toxicant 3 g/kg body wt. p. o. on 6th and 8th day) were investigated against paracetamol induced hepatotoxicity. Silymarin (100 mg/kg body wt.) was used as standard hepatoprotective reference drug. Statistical Analysis Used: The obtained data were analyzed by ANOVA with Dunnet's multiple ‘t’ test and level of p<0.05 was considered as statistically significant. Results: Paracetamol treatment led to elevated levels of liver marker enzymes and disorientation in histological observations which were significantly reversed by treatment with Rhododendron arboreum Sm. and Tecomella undulata (Sm.) Seem. dependent on dosage forms. Conclusion: The study revealed that both the drugs have similar hepatoprotective effect and thus Rhododendron arboreum Sm. as “Abhava Pratinidhi Dravya” for Tecomella undulata (Sm.) Seem. with special reference to hepatoprotective activity is justified.

Effect of &lt;i&gt;Punica granatum&lt;/i&gt; and &lt;i&gt;Tecomella undulata&lt;/i&gt; supplementation on nutrient utilization, enteric methane emission and growth performance of Murrah male buffaloes

Effect of &lt;i&gt;Punica granatum&lt;/i&gt; and &lt;i&gt;Tecomella undulata&lt;/i&gt; supplementation on nutrient utilization, enteric methane emission and growth performance of Murrah male buffaloes

COMPARATIVE PHARMACOGNOSTIC EVALUATION OF TECOMELLA UNDULATA AND RHODODENDRON ARBOREUM AS TWO DIFFERENT SOURCES OF ROHITAKA

Background: Tecomella undulata (Sm.) Seem. is considered as a genuine source of Rohitaka which is mentioned in Ayurveda classics for Yakrit Pliha Roga (liver and spleen diseases). In different parts of India, various other species are used as substitute of Rohitaka due to non-availability of the genuine source. In Nepal, folklore traditional practitioners use Rhododendron arboreum Sm. for the treatment of jaundice and it is marketed by the name of Rohitaka. Objective: The present study outlines the concept of substitution. The stem bark of T. undulata (Sm.) Seem. and R. arboreum Sm. is compared on the basis of macroscopic/organoleptic evaluation, microscopic evaluation, physicochemical analysis, phytochemical analysis, and high-performance thin-layer chromatography (HPTLC). Materials and Methods: Macroscopic/organoleptic evaluation, microscopic evaluation, and physicochemical and preliminary phytochemical screening were carried out using standard methods. Semi-automatic applicator was used for HPTLC profiling. Results: Macroscopic/organoleptic evaluation showed longitudinally fissured and fibrous fracture in T. undulata with bitter taste, while longitudinally furrowed, laminated bark with bitter taste in R. arboreum. Powder microscopy revealed the presence of parenchyma with starch, parenchyma with cell content, and cork cells in both drugs. On physiochemical analysis, T. undulata showed greater water and alcoholic extractive value than R. arboreum. Carbohydrates, alkaloids, tannins, and phenols were the chemical constituents found in both the drugs. HPTLC study revealed that there are 18 active phytoconstituents in R. arboreum barks and 24 in T. undulata on the basis of peaks observed. Conclusion: The present study revealed few common phytoconstituents found in both T. undulata and R. arboreum.

Cytological Investigation and Genetic Diversity Studies in the Morphotypes of an Endangered Tree, &lt;i&gt;Tecomella undulata&lt;/i&gt; from Punjab, India

Cytological Investigation and Genetic Diversity Studies in the Morphotypes of an Endangered Tree, &lt;i&gt;Tecomella undulata&lt;/i&gt; from Punjab, India

Genetic diversity studies in endangered desert teak [Tecomella undulata (Sm) Seem] using arbitrary (RAPD), semi-arbitrary (ISSR) and sequence based (nuclear rDNA) markers

Key message Substantial genetic diversity exists in the natural populations of desert teak which needs to be conserved in-situ as well as ex-situ to ensure sustainable utilization and survival of this endangered tree.

Studies of Pollen Characteristics in Plants of Fruitless Tecomella undulata (Sm.) Seem. (Bignoniaceae) in Golparaki Region of Jiroft City, Iran

Tecomella undulata is valued for beautiful flowers, resistance against extreme temperature and drought, stabilizing shifting sand dunes, medicinal properties and wood production. In spite of massive flowering, the species is seedless. The present study examines the causes of its sterility indicating on pollen characteristics. Flowers were hand pollinated by pollen of either self- or outcross pollen. Some flowers were tagged as open pollination treatment. Pollen structure, in situ and in vitro pollen germination and pollen tube growth were analyzed. Mature pollen grains are heteromorphic, mostly heterogeneous sized as small and large. Both pollen grains types are prolate and tricolpate with rugulate–reticulate sculpture. Flowers are protandrous and have long stylus; a nectariferous tissue secreting abundant nectar exists in the ovary base. No effective pollinator visited flowers during the observation period. No pollen germination and pollen tube growth were observed in self- and cross-pollinated styles and under in vitro condition. It seems that pollen heterogeneity, lack of pollinators and pollen limitation, the failure of autogamy due to protandry or long styli as well as self-incompatibility resulted in pollen sterility and seedlessness. In addition, probably polyploidy and cytomixis affect infertility too that needs to be studied in detail in the future.

Start codon targeted (SCoT) polymorphism-based genetic relationships and diversity among populations of Tecomella undulata (Sm.) Seem—an endangered timber tree of hot arid regions

Tecomella undulata (Sm.) Seem commonly called Rohida or Desert teak (family bignoniaceae) is an important agroforestry tree having an important pharmacological and therapeutic uses. Its distribution is restricted to hot arid regions of India and Pakistan having <150 to 500 mm annual rainfall. Genetic diversity status of this important endangered timber tree species designated state flower of Rajasthan remains unrevealed. Genetic diversity of 21 populations (108 accessions) encompassing yellow, red and orange coloured flower bearing morphotypes collected from all 12 districts of western Rajasthan, India, has been examined using start codon targeted (SCoT) polymorphism for the first time. Fingerprinting with 22 SCoT primers (out of 36 screened) generated 294 amplicons of 100 to 3000 bp size, of which 212 (71.6%) were polymorphic. Amplicon number varied from 4 (SCoT-9) to 24 (SCoT-15) with an average of 13.4 amplicons per primer. Average polymorphism information content (PIC), Nei’s diversity index (H) and Shannon index (I) were 0.54, 0.22 and 0.36, respectively. Dendrogram generated using unweighted pair-group method with arithmetic mean (UPGMA) delineated the 108 accessions into 5 clusters while 2 accessions out grouped. Principal coordinate analysis (PCoA) also revealed similar clustering. High level of genetic differentiation among accessions/populations was attributed to cross pollination and continuous evolution under harsh agro-climatic conditions.

Phytosynthesis and Characterisation of Silver Nanoparticles Synthesised from Flower Extract of Roheda (Tecomella undulata G. Don)

Green synthesis of silver nanoparticles was carried out using Tecomella undulat flower extract with 0.1mM silver nitrate solution. Within a few minutes colour change and variation of pH value could be observed. Synthesised nanoparticles were characterised through UV-Vis spectra, particle size analysis, zeta potential measurement, X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infra-red spectroscopy (FTIR), Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) analysis and Atomic force microscopy (AFM). The UV-Vis absorption spectrum shows an absorption band near 450 nm, which is characteristic absorption peak of silver nanoparticle. The particle size distribution result showed two peaks at 5.23 nm (20.3 per cent) and 77.82 nm (79.7 per cent). XRD characterisation showed that these are highly crystalline silver nanoparticles having average size 12.5 nm. FTIR spectrum was recorded to identify the biomolecules involved in the synthesis process, which showed absorption band stretches at 2939.52 cm-1, 2877.79 cm-1, 2362.80 cm-1, 1228.66 cm-1, 1157.29 cm-1, 1014.56 cm-1, 831.32 cm-1and 785.03 cm-1. SEM image showed that particles were spherical in nature. The presence of Ag was confirmed by major peak of Ag in EDX spectrum. 2D and 3D images of silver nanoparticles were obtained by AFM and biogenic nanoparticles were measured in the size range between 20 nm - 70 nm. Various types of spectroscopic and microscopic characterisation indicated that these are stable silver nanoparticles synthesised from flower extract of Tecomella undulata.

Ultrasonic extraction optimization of stigmasterol using response surface methodology and quantification by high-performance thin-layer chromatography from Tecomella undulata bark

Response surface methodology (RSM) was used to optimize solid– liquid ultrasonic-assisted extraction (UAE) conditions for the maximization of the stigmasterol content from an Ayurvedic plant Tecomella undulata (T. undulata) bark. The Box—Behnken design (BBD), form of RSM, was employed for the optimization of ultrasonic extraction parameters, viz., temperature (°C), drug-to-solvent ratio (mg/10 mL), and time (min). Quantification of stigmasterol was performed using high-performance thin-layer chromatography in visible range (HPTLC–vis). HPTLC analysis of stigmasterol was carried out in the absorbance mode at 510 nm using toluene—ethyl acetate—formic acid (8.0:1.5:0.5, v/v) as the solvent system. This system was found to give compact spots for stigmasterol at Rf 0.44 ± 0.01. The optimal UAE processing parameters were the following: extraction time, 46 min; temperature, 50°C; and drug-to-solvent ratio, 528 mg/10 mL, with stigmasterol yield of 2.45 ± 0.073%. This study proves that the use of BBD for the optim...

Seasonal and micro-environmental factors controlling clonal propagation of mature trees of marwar teak [Tecomella undulata (Sm.) Seem

A simple method has been developed for clonal propagation of mature trees of Tecomella undulata (Sm.) Seem, a medicinally important deciduous timber tree of hot arid regions, via multiple shoot proliferation from axillary buds after examining the role of season influences and physico–chemical conditions on micropropagation. Spring season (March–April) was the best period for contamination free establishment of explants and maximum sprouting of healthy axillary buds. Shoots proliferated directly from the explant nodes cultured on Murashige and Skoog’s medium containing cytokinins, BAP supporting better growth compared to kinetin during shoot induction as well as multiplication phase. Cytokinin concentration influenced the bud induction frequency and optimal response of 2.6 buds per explant was achieved in 86.66% explants on media supplemented with 10 µM BAP. Stunted shoot buds with excessive callus were observed when cytokinin concentration was increased beyond optimal levels. Ascorbic acid (50 mg/l), arginine and citric acid (25 mg/l each) were added to proliferation and multiplication media for reducing callus proliferation and better shoot growth. Among the media (B5, MS, NN, WPM and SH) tested, SH was best for shoot multiplication. Shoot cultures were multiplied by regular subculture of axillary shoots on SH medium containing 5.0 µM each of BAP and kinetin. Shoots produced roots when cultured on ½× SH medium + 10 μM IBA. Regenerated plantlets were successfully transferred to field after hardening and acclimatization. Genetic homogeneity of tissue culture raised plants was confirmed by generation of monomorphic DNA fragments with Start codon targeted and intersimple sequence repeat (ISSR) markers.

Phytotoxic activity of Tecomella undulata (Sm.) Seem extracts on some ornamental plants

Tecomella undulata is an ecologically and economically important tree in arid areas of southwestern Asia. It has important ornamental and medicinal uses. In this study, aqueous extracts from roots, leaves, inner stem barks and flowers of T. undulata were studied for their allelopathic effects on seed germination and early seedling growth of four important monocotyledonous and dicotyledonous ornamental plants. The flower and root extracts of T. undulata significantly (P<0.05) inhibited germination of tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea Schreb.) and perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.) seeds, but leaf and inner stem bark extracts had no significant effects on either of these turf grasses. The allelopathic inhibition was greater for root extracts than flower extracts, and increased with higher root extract concentrations. The germination of cocks comb (Celosia argentea) and rose moss (Portulaca grandiflora) seeds were not inhibited by the application of T. undulata extracts. The results showed that the extracts of T. undulata have allelopathic effects on seed germination and seedling growth of the two monocotyledonous plants tested but not with the two dicotyledonous plants tested. T. undulata extracts may have selective potential for natural weed control.

Evaluation of genetic homogeneity of in vitro-raised plants of Tecomella undulata (Sm.) Seem. using molecular markers

Tecomella undulata (Sm.) Seem (family Bignoniaceae) is an economically and pharmaceutically important timber tree of arid regions of India. Overexploitation of natural stands coupled with minimal conservation and reforestation efforts has led to its incorporation in list of endangered species. This monotypic genus can be propagated only through seeds as no methods are available for its vegetative propagation. Therefore, protocol for multiplication of T. undulata via direct regeneration using nodal segments from mature trees has been standardized. Authentication of genetic homogeneity of these in vitro-raised plants is necessary for commercial-scale application of the developed micropropagation protocol. PCR-based molecular markers which have emerged as simple, fast, reliable, and labor-effective tools for testing the genetic homogeneity of in vitro-raised plants were used in the present study. Arbitrary (random amplified polymorphic DNA, RAPD), semi-arbitrary (inter-simple sequence repeat, ISSR; start codon targeted (SCoT) polymorphism), and sequence-based (simple sequence repeat, SSR) markers were used. DNA samples of shoots maintained in vitro for 2 years collected after every 4 subculture cycles (of 3 weeks each) and field-transferred plantlets were compared with the mother tree DNA using 131 primers (25 each of RAPD, ISSR, SCoT and 56 SSR). Scorable unambiguous and reproducible DNA fragments were produced by 77 (21 RAPD, 20 ISSR, 22 SCoT and 14 SSR) primers. A total of 71, 93, 94, and 42 distinct and scorable DNA fragments were produced by RAPD, ISSR, SCoT, and SSR primers respectively with an average of 3.38, 4.65, 4.27, and 3.0 DNA fragments per primer. The true-to-type nature of the in vitro-raised plants of T. undulata undergoing up to 32 subculture passages over a period of approximately 2 years was authenticated by monomorphic DNA fragments amplified with all primer combinations. Therefore, the developed micropropagation protocol can be safely used on a commercial scale for multiplying T. undulata plants.

Plant Mediated Green Synthesis of Silver Nanoparticles Using Tecomella undulata Leaf Extract and Their Characterization

Plant Mediated Green Synthesis of Silver Nanoparticles Using Tecomella undulata Leaf Extract and Their Characterization

Nutritive value of common tree leaves for livestock in the semi-arid and arid rangelands of Northern Pakistan

The aim of this study was to establish a database on nutrients and mineral profile, in vitro dry matter digestibility (DMD) and in situ ruminal degradability characteristics of leaves from 21 fodder tree species commonly fed to livestock in semi-arid and arid zones of Northern Pakistan. Leaves from 13 fodder tree species: Albizia lebbeck, Ailanthus altissima, Bauhinia variegata, Butea frondosa, Celtis australis, Ficus carica, Grewia oppositifolia, Leucaena leucocephala, Mallotus philippensis, Melia azedarach, Morus alba, Morus papyrifera and Ziziphus mauritiana were sampled from semi-arid zone. Leaves from 8 fodder tree species: Acacia modesta, A. lebbeck, Capparis aphylla, Olea cuspidata, Prosopis juliflora, Tecomella undulata, Ziziphus jujuba and Ziziphus mauritiana were sampled from arid zone. Within each ecological zone, leaves of each tree species were collected at four sub-locations, from three randomly selected trees. The results showed a large variation in the concentration of all measured chemical components, DMD and ruminal degradation characteristics among the tree species. The contents of crude protein (CP) varied from 8.76% (T. undulata) to 24.0% (M. alba); ash from 7.41% (O. cuspidata) to 22.4% (C. australis); and neutral detergent fibre from 20.6 (L. leucocephala) to 56.5% (C. aphylla). Except for T. undulata, leaves from all tree species had CP content of >10%, and 60% of the species had leaves with >15% CP, demonstrating that leaves from majority of tree species can be used as low-cost CP supplement. The mineral composition revealed that, except for C. aphylla, leaves from all tree species were rich sources of Ca, whilst most of the species were deficient in P, Na and Cu. The DMD of the majority (66%) of tree leaves were <50.0%, ranging from 33.1% (M. philippensis) to 67.6% (M. alba). The in situ data further showed that a large fraction of ruminal degradable dry matter was instantaneously degraded (soluble). The potentially rumen degradable (D) fraction and rate of degradation (kd) was highly variable, ranging from 0.234 to 0.958 and 0.026 to 0.99/h, respectively. The effective ruminal dry matter degradability (EDDM) was higher than the in vitro DMD, ranging from 0.34 to 0.84, at an outflow rate of 0.05/h. This information on nutrients and mineral profile, in vitro DMD and in situ ruminal degradability characteristics of leaves from 21 fodder tree species, obtained under well replicated and uniform experimental conditions can be used to optimize diet formulation in terms of nutrients supply to the animals that will ensure better utilization of this nutrients-rich feed resource and will increase economic profitability of subsistence livestock farmers in the region.

Nutrient encapsulation of nodal segments of an endangered white cedar for studies of regrowth, short term conservation and ethylene inhibitors influenced ex vitro rooting

Studies on the conservation of white cedar (Tecomella undulata) are of worthwhile because of its potential advantages of various secondary metabolites, therapeutic usages combined with its endangered status. The present study was undertaken to investigate high efficiency regeneration system through encapsulated nodal segments of T. undulata excised from mature tissues. Highest regrowth and regeneration efficiency was achieved when the gelling matrix (3% sodium alginate in Murashige and Skoog’s (MS) basal medium) was supplied with 2.5μM BA (6-benzyladenine)+0.5μM IAA (indole-3-acetic acid) followed by their plantation on to the nutrient medium composed of MS+10.0μM BA with the production of 6.50±0.28 shoots/encapsulated nodal segment. The excised shoots were subjected to ex vitro rooting by exposing their cut ends to two different ethylene inhibitors [salicylic acid (2-hydroxybenzoic acid) and silver nitrate (AgNO3)] for 15min followed by their transfer to different potting substrates. Soilrite™ and vermi-compost potting substrates proved equally better for healthy root formation directly, under greenhouse conditions. Multiple shoot formation from a single encapsulated bead along with ex vitro rooting and direct acclimatization under greenhouse conditions supports this protocol to be more efficient, cost effective and less time consuming coupled with clonal propagation.

Anti-Hyperglycemic Effect of Tecomella undulata Extract by Ameliorating Pancreatic Dysfunction in Streptozotocin Induced Diabetic Albino Rats

Article history: Objective: The primary objective of the present investigation is to evaluate the antihyperglycemic activity of the 50% ethanolic extract of the Tecomella undulata Seem. (TUE) bark in the streptozotocin induced diabetic rats. Methods: Single intraperitoneal injection (i.p.) of streptozotocin (60 mg/kg body weight) was used for induction of diabetes is wistar albino rats. The induction of diabetes was confirmed after 3 days after STZ injection and rats with fasting blood glucose levels greater than 200 mg/dl were considered to be diabetic used in the experiment. TUE at a once a daily dose of 250 mg/kg, and 500 mg/kg, p.o. along with glibenclamide 600µg/kg, p.o. was also given for 21 days. On the 21 st day rats from all the groups fasted overnight and the blood was collected from the puncturing the retro orbit of the eye under mild ether anesthetic condition. The oral acute toxicity studies did not show any toxic effect till the dose at 2000 mg/kg. Results: The statistical data indicated that the different doses of the TUE significantly decreases the level of fasting blood glucose, total cholesterol, triglycerides, low density lipoprotein and increase high density lipoprotein in STZ induced diabetic rats. This result indicated that T. undulata extract can protect pancreatic β- cells from STZ-induced damage which is confirmed by the results of the histopathological examination of the pancreas. Conclusion: Our investigation has clearly indicated that the bark extract of Tecomella undulata Seem. showed remarkable antihyperglycemic activity due to its possible systematic effect involving in the pancreatic and extra pancreatic mechanism. Moreover, the antihyperlipidemic activity was exerted possible by lowering the higher level of lipid profile.

Silver nanoparticles affect ACS expression in Tecomella undulata in vitro culture

ACC synthase, a key enzyme for the production of the simplest olefin ethylene, can regulate many aspects of the plant life cycle and is important in in vitro culture conditions. This study was carried out to shed light on the gene expression pattern of ACS in the leaves of in vitro regenerated Tecomella undulata (Roxb.) Seem. which are affected by silver nanoparticles (AgNPs). This led to a better understanding of the correlation between AgNP and regeneration. We identified a 1,216 bp fragment of the TuACS gene (JQ582835.1) containing three exons (986) and two introns (365 bp) as the first nuclear gene identified from T. undulata, along with β-tubulin (JQ776639.1) as a house keeping gene, aimed at considering expression level of TuACS in MS media supplemented with AgNPs. Bioinformatics showed that TuACS shares a modest level of sequence similarity with other members of the PLP family, such as aspartate aminotransferase (AATase) and tyrosine aminotransferase (TATase). Visual inspection of explants grown in AgNPs media versus AgNPs free MS media revealed an increase in the mean number of fresh shoots per explants, the percentage of explants producing shoots, and plant survival. In AgNP media, TuACS expression was reduced, which may be partially responsible for the observed delayed explant senescence and increased survival under in vitro conditions. ACS promoter analysis revealed cis-acting regulatory elements such as light-responsive, hormone-responsive, and stress-responsive elements. The reduction of ACS mRNA may change the hormone balance in explants in AgNPs media. These observations suggest that AgNPs may serve to not only improve explant lifespan but increase multiplication as well.