Water-soluble Extractives Research Articles

Comparative physicochemical analysis of Jalakumbhikshara prepared with water and cow urine

INTRODUCTION: Kshara preparation is one of the prominent and widely practiced dosage forms of Ayurveda specifically indicated for the management of Kaphaja Galaganda (goiter). Varied descriptions regarding method of preparation and type of Kshara are mentioned in classics. Sushruta Samhita mentions the use of either water or cow urine as the solvent. No pharmaceutico-analytical study has been documented on Jalakumbhikshara till date. The aim of this study was to prepare Jalakumbhikshara with water (JKW) and cow’s urine (JKC) and to evaluate their analytical profile by physicochemical analysis, chromatographic pattern, and spectral method (Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy). MATERIALS AND METHODS: JKW and JKC were prepared by addition of six times of media (water or cow urine) to the ash of dried whole plant of Jalakumbhi followed by decantation and heating to dryness, which in turn is followed by analysis through physicochemical, sensory, spectral, and chromatographic methods. RESULTS: JKW and JKC were differentiable on the basis of color, taste, and smell. Physicochemical analysis of JKW and JKC reveals significant difference in ash value and water-soluble ash, whereas it shows insignificant difference in water-soluble extractives and acid-insoluble ash, respectively. Jalakumbhi Kshara prepared by water and cow urine predominantly contains 44.31%, 21.3% and 43.3%, 19.41% of potassium and chloride, respectively, with trace elements such as Na, Br, I, Cu, Mg, Ph, and Fe. Both the types of Kshara contain organic moieties, with comparatively 15.21% more organic content in Jalakumbhi Kshara prepared with cow’s urine. CONCLUSION: Change of extraction media for preparation of Jalakumbhi Kshara from water to cow urine alters organoleptic and physicochemical attributes of Kshara. Jalakumbhi Kshara prepared with water and cow’s urine has predominance of K and Cl ions. Cow’s urine is a better medium for extraction of inorganic alkaline earth elements in the preparation of Jalakumbhi Kshara than that of water.

“Comparative Physico Chemical and Phyto Chemical Study of Commercial Samples of Trivrut (Operculina Turpethum Silva. Manso.) from Herbal Drug Markets of India”

Abstract: Introduction: Trivrut (Operculina turpethum (L.) Silva Manso) is a drug which is high in demand being an ingredient of many Ayurvedic formulations having wide range of indications, but reported to be adulterated. Material & Methods: Trivrut samples were collected from five different markets viz Amritsar (Punjab), Belgaum (Karnataka), Bombay (Maharashtra), Neemuch (Madyapradesh), and Ernakulam (Kerala) named them as sample A, B, C, D, and E respectively. All the samples were analyzed for Organoleptic Characters, Physicochemical, Phyto Chemical, Florescence and TLC analysis. Results - Organoleptic examination all the five samples showed varied features. Physico chemically Sample C showed high water and alcohol soluble extractives, whereas sample E showed least extractive values. All the samples exhibited presence of carbohydrates, alkaloids and glycosides. Only Sample B and E showed presence of flavonoids and steroids. In TLC maximum bands at 366nm were present in Sample E & B whereas minimum bands observed in Sample C and D. Conclusion - All the samples showed different values in different parameters which indicates possibility of variation in botanical source of these samples and part of use traded. Among the five samples, Sample C has given physico chemical values near to the API standards, and TLC spots of Sample E match with the standards. This study can be further conducted by advanced analytical parameter (HPLC) with quantitative estimation of the marker compound and taxonomical identification.

Standardization of marketed formulation Kipen Tablet for analgesic and anti-inflammatory potential

The primary objective of the current investigation was to standardize the formulation Kipen Tablet marketed as patented and proprietary medicine for treatment of various conditions of Pitta, according to the WHO guidelines. The procured tablets of Kipen were Light green in color, with no odor and a bitter taste. Kipen exhibited 8.1% total ash with 2.35% acid insoluble ash and 4.95% water soluble ash. The water soluble and alcohol soluble extractives were 1.36% and 1.3% respectively. The results of preliminary qualitative phytochemical screening revealed that all the classes of phytochemicals were present in Kipen. TLC analysis of Kipen was done using Curcumin as the marker using ethyleacetate: n-hexane (3:7) as the solvent system. Curcumin appeared at Rf value of 0.56 on the TLC plate. The quantitation of the curcumin was done by HPLC method and it was found that Kipen contained 3.75 mg curcumin per 250 mg of Kipen (1.5 %). The anti-inflammatory activity was evaluated using carrageenan induced rat paw edema method and it was seen that Kipen was able to inhibit about 51% edema formation in rat paws. The analgesic action of Kipen was evaluated using tail flick method and the response time pain stimulus (thermal) was observed. The highest reaction time for Kipen was 6.26 ± 0.06.15 ± 0.242 sec at 30 min post administration while it was 3.46 ± 0.095 sec and 6.22 ± 0.171 sec for vehicle treated and Ibuprofen treated group respectively at the same time duration.

CHANGES IN THE CHEMICAL COMPOSITION OF WOOD PECEA OBOVATA LEDEB. UNDER THE INFLUENCE OF IPS TYPOGRAPHUS L.

The process of forest destruction is very dynamic and covers the entire boreal zone of the Northern hemisphere. Against the background of deterioration of the sanitary condition of plantings, pathogenic organisms become more active. The article presents materials on the study of the chemical composition of wood of individuals of various life conditions of Siberian spruce (Pícea obovata Ledeb.) in the conditions of distribution of bark beetle (Ips typographus L.). Plants of various life States were studied for the content of water-soluble and resin-like extractives, tannins, lignin, and polysaccharides. The obtained data were subjected to statistical processing. Under the influence of the bark beetle-typographer, no significant differences were found between individuals of different life States in the polymer structural components of spruce wood (lignin and polysaccharides). In the course of the study, it was noted that during the colonization of bark beetles in plants, the content of extractive substances increases. With deterioration, the proportion of phenolic compounds begins to increase from 25.8% in plants of good condition to 37.5% in plants of unsatisfactory condition, with a decrease in the proportion of resinous substances. An increase in phenolic compounds is associated with an increase in tannins. The highest content of all groups of metabolites (including tannins) was observed in individuals of a satisfactory life state and is 7.15% of the a.s.s.

Preliminary pharmaceutico-analytical study of Mukhadooshikaharalepa Churna

Introduction: Lepa is a bahirparimarjana chikitsa that helps in bringing samyata in sthanika dosha and dhatu. Many lepa are mentioned in Ayurveda pharmaceutics for the treatment of mukhadooshika. Among it, one is a combination of Lodhra, Kustumburu, Vacha, Vatapallava, and Narikelashuktya. Mukhadooshika is a type of kshudraroga, featuring the formation of pidaka on face. The symptoms of mukhadooshika resembles with acne vulgaris. Aim: An attempt is made to analyze the physico-chemical parameters of the mukhadooshikahara lepa churna. Materials and methods: The pharmaceutical preparation is easy and simple with easily available ingredients. The organoleptic characters like appearance, odour, taste and physico-chemical parameters like pH, total ash. Water Soluble ash, Alcohol soluble extractives, Water soluble extractives, loss on drying and HPTLC were carried out. Observations and results: The obtained results were discussed in the present paper. Discussion and conclusion: Mukhadooshikahara lepa churna is a simple preparation and can be prepared by easily available drugs. HPTLC fingerprinting at different wavelengths was carried out. At 254 nm, 366nm and 620nm 11, 8 and 10 peaks were found with different retention factor starting from 0.02 to 0.80, 0.03 to 0.096 and 0.07 to 0.80respectively. The analytical study findings can be taken as a preliminary standard for mukhadooshikahara lepa churna.

Organosolv processing of vine shoots: Fractionation and conversion of hemicellulosic sugars into platform chemicals by microwave irradiation

Vine shoots were subjected to a mild aqueous extraction (to remove water-soluble extractives), and the extracted solids were reacted in catalyzed media (containing water and 1-butanol) to achieve the one-stage solubilization of lignin and hemicelluloses, yielding a cellulose-rich solid. Operating in a microwave-heated reactor under optimized conditions (190 °C in media containing 2% of catalyst and 52% 1-butanol), 67.8% lignin was dissolved, and solids containing 75% cellulose were obtained. Lignin was recovered from the reaction medium and characterized, whereas the hemicellulose-derived products present in the aqueous phase (obtained under conditions leading to maximum concentrations of 17.7 g pentoses/L) were converted into furfural at 64.6% molar yield by acidic processing in the presence of recycled 1-butanol.

Temporal dynamics of mixed litter humification in an alpine treeline ecotone

Loss of plant diversity affects mountain ecosystem properties and processes, yet few studies have focused on the impact of plant function type deficiency on mixed litter humification. To fill this knowledge gap, we conducted a 1279-day litterbag decomposition experiment with six plant functional types of foliar litter to determine the temporal dynamic characteristics of mixed litter humification in a coniferous forest (CF) and an alpine shrubland (AS). The results indicated that the humus concentrations, the net accumulations and their relative mixed effects (RME) of most types were higher in CF than those in AS at 146 days, and humus net accumulations fell to approximately -80% of the initial level within 1279 days. The RME of the total humus and humic acid concentrations exhibited a general change from synergistic to antagonistic effects over time, but the mixing of single plant functional type impeded the formation of fulvic acid due to consistently exhibited antagonistic effects. Ultimately, correlation analysis indicated that environmental factors (temperature, snow depth and freeze-thaw cycles) significantly hindered litter humification in the early stage, while some initial quality factors drove this process at a longer scale. Among these aspects, the concentrations of zinc, copper and iron, as well as acid-unhydrolyzable residue (AUR):nitrogen and AUR:phosphorous, stimulated humus accumulation, while water-soluble extractables, potassium, magnesium and aluminium hampered it. Deficiencies in a single plant functional type and vegetation type variations affected litter humification at the alpine treeline, which will further affect soil carbon sequestration, which is of great significance for understanding the material circulation of alpine ecosystems.

Alkaline pretreatment and response surface methodology based recombinant enzymatic saccharification and fermentation of sugarcane tops

In present study, the water-soluble extractives removal prior to alkali pretreatment of sugarcane tops (SCT) was carried out. The solid alkali pretreated SCT (apSCT) recovered on Field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM) analysis showed exposure of cellulosic fibres as compared with raw SCT. The analyses of apSCT by Fourier Transform Infrared (FT-IR) Spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD) and High performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis also confirmed the enhanced cellulose content in apSCT. Optimum conditions for response surface methodology based saccharification of apSCT at 40 °C, 150 rpm were 2.14% (w/v) apSCT loading in citrate–phosphate buffer (50 mM, pH 6.0), recombinant hydrolytic enzymes (from Clostridium/Hungateiclostridium thermocellum) loading for endo-1,4-β-glucanase (CtCel8A) = 213.2 U/g, cellobiohydrolase (CtCBH5A) = 272.5 U/g and β-glucosidase (HtBg1) = 299.8 U/g for 49.2 h. Under optimized saccharification conditions, the total reducing sugar yield was 265 mg/g (glucose 214 mg/g) of apSCT. Fermentation of produced glucose by S. cerevisiae gave 0.19 g/g glucose of bioethanol.

Pharmacognostical and phytochemical studies of Atibala (Abutilon indicum [Linn.] sweet) fruit.

Abutilon indicum (Linn.) Sweet (Malvaceae), generally called as "Atibala" is a plant of high medicinal importance. The plant possesses several beneficial effects such as cooling, laxative, digestive, analgesic, anti-inflammatory, astringent, diuretic, expectorant, antihelmintic, aphrodisiac, and demulcent which is widely used in the Ayurveda system of medicine. The current study is aimed to establish the macroscopy, powder microscopy and physicochemical analysis of A. indicum fruits. The Pharmacognostical studies on A. indicum fruits, including parameters such as morphological evaluation, powder microscopy, ash values, foreign organic matter, extractive value, phytochemical, fluorescence studies, and high-performance thin-layer chromatography fingerprint profile, are established in the current study. Fruit powder microscopy has shown diagnostic characteristics such as stellate hairs of different sizes, testa, lignified endocarp, and palisade cells. The loss on drying value of fruit powder was 7.7% w/w. The total ash values of the drug were found to be 10.5% and acid insoluble ash 2.4% w/w with respect to the air-dried crude drug. Water-soluble and alcohol-soluble extractives were found to be 9.64% w/w and 9.04% w/w, respectively. Phytochemical characterization of aqueous, alcoholic extracts of A. indicum fruit revealed the presence of proteins, carbohydrates, phenols, flavonoids, saponins, and steroids. The powder microscopical and phytochemical studies observed in this study can serve as a valuable resource for the authentication of A. indicum fruits.

Analysis of pyrolysis behaviors of biomass extractives via non-linear stepwise heating program based on Gaussian multi-peak fitting of differential thermogravimetric curve

The thermal decomposition of extractives can yield additional products, resulting in a different final product distribution of bio-oil, especially for extractives-rich biomass. However, the thermal decompositon behavior of extractives themselves has long been ignored, but deserves deep investigation. Herein, the non-linear stepwise heating program based on Gaussian multi-peak fitting of differential thermogravimetric curve for biomass extractives was designed. Using this stepwise heating program, the pyrolysis process of different chemical substances in biomass extractives was effectively decoupled and systematically studied. As for water-soluble extractives, the evaporation of volatile substances, the thermal decomposition of water-soluble carbohydrates, phenolic substances, and nitrogenous substances proceed in sequence with the increase of temperature during the pyrolysis process. With regard to liposoluble extractives, the pyrolysis included the volatilization of endogenous substances and the thermal decomposition of different lipids into olefins. This work provides a systematic understanding of thermal decomposition process in the extractives of lignocellulosic biomass.

Assessment strategy for bacterial lignin depolymerization: Kraft lignin and synthetic lignin bioconversion with Pseudomonas putida

In order to better understand bacterial depolymerization of lignin, a new analytical approach was proposed using Pseudomonas putida KT2440 as delignifying bacterium and Escherichia coli as non-delignifying control. Two different types of lignins, technical Kraft lignin and synthetic dehydrogenopolymer (DHP), were submitted to a bioconversion kinetic study over 7 days. The concomitant analysis of the supernatant acid-precipitable lignin fraction and water-soluble extractives by high-performance size-exclusion chromatography (HPSEC) and gas chromatography – mass spectrometry (GC–MS) highlighted the specific action of P. putida towards these substrates, with the transitory formation of phenolic metabolites (dihydroferulic acid for Kraft lignins and dimers for DHP) and the prevention of Kraft lignin self-assemblying. In both cases lignin apparent depolymerization followed by repolymerization was observed. The analysis of the bacterial pellets indicated the time-increasing content of lignins associated to bacterial cells, which could account for the apparent structural changes observed with E. coli in the supernatant.

Pharmacognostical and Phytochemical Analysis of Stems of Vitex pinnata Linn.

Background and Objective: Vitex pinnata Linn. (Syn: Vitex pubescens Vahl.) is a moderately sized tree of tropical Asia. Vitex pinnata is a tree with trifoliate leaves, grey to brown bark. The leaves and stems are potential as an antioxidant, because of flavonoids, alkaloids and terpenoids constituents. The present study aimed to establish the pharmacognostic features of leaf, stem and powdered stem material and quality parameters including physicochemical evaluation. Materials and Methods: The leave and stems were investigated, which comprised macroscopic and microscopic assessment, phytochemical screening and physicochemical characterization of the stems, besides the microscopic analysis of the powder. All photographs of different magnifications were taken using a digital camera attached to the Nikon Labphot 2 Microscopic Unit. Results: The microscopical studies of stem and powders of Vitex pinnata revealed the presence of cortex, periderm, sclerenchyma, secondary phloem, vessels, xylem fibres, xylem rays, collapsed phloem cells, phellem, sclereids, phloem ray, sieve element, starch grains, prismatic calcium oxalate crystals and vessel elements, etc. Phytochemical screening revealed the presence of flavonoids, saponins, triterpenes and steroids in the crude extract. The values of the physicochemical parameters such as loss on drying 4.12%, foreign organic matter 5.60%, total Ash 09.43%, acid insoluble ash 2.34%, water-soluble Ash 3.04%, sulphated ash 3.20%, alcohol soluble extractives 15.6% and water-soluble extractives 16.8%, respectively. Conclusion: The information obtained with botanical, physicochemical and phytochemical studies could be used to identify Vitex pinnata and to certify the authenticity of commercial samples to effectively contribute to quality control of that vegetable raw material.

Evaluation of Pharmacognostic Characteristics of the Leaf of Ageratum houstonianum Mill. Compositae

Background: It is a well-known fact that therapeutic efficacy and safety of medicinal plants depend on the quality and quantity of chemical constituents and that the misuse of medicinal plants starts with wrong identification.Objectives: The aim of this study is to establish some pharmacognostic standards for Ageratum houstonianum Mill (Compositae) which has high medicinal values, with a view to determining the proper identification and other quality control parameters of the plant.Method: The fresh leaf and powdered leaves were subjected to macroscopy and microscopy using standard procedures. In addition, some physicochemical evaluations such as moisture content, ash and soluble extractives were carried out on the powdered leaves.Results: The result shows that the leaf is simple, pinnate, diamond shaped, serrated margin, acute apex and asymetrical base. Microscopically, the leaf is amphistomatic in nature with anomocytic and anisocytic stomata at the adaxial and anomocytic and diacytic at the abaxial surface. Non-glandular uniseriate trichomes are present on both surfaces. The transverse section across the midrib shows epidermis, collenchyma, palisade cells and a few rolls of phloem around the xylem vessels. The stomata numbers and stomata indices for the upper and lower surface, respectively are1.4 and 10.2 and 2.9 and 15.6. Moisture content, total ash, acid insoluble ash, water soluble ash, sulphated ash, water soluble and alcohol soluble extractives yields 10.3%, 15.2%, 0.8%, 20.2%, 14.4% and 5.1%, respectively.Conclusion: The findings in this study are useful for establishing standards suitable for official monographs on Ageratum houstonianum proper identification and quality control.
 Keywords: Pharmacognostic standards, Ageratum houstonianum, Quality control

Cross-feeding and wheat straw extractives enhance growth of Clostridium thermocellum-containing co-cultures for consolidated bioprocessing.

Co-cultures consisting of three thermophilic and lignocellulolytic bacteria, namely Clostridium thermocellum, C. stercorarium, and Thermoanaerobacter thermohydrosulfuricus, degrade lignocellulosic material in a synergistic manner. When cultured in a defined minimal medium two of the members appeared to be auxotrophic and unable to grow, but the growth of all species was observed in all co-culture combinations, indicating cross-feeding of unidentified growth factors between the members. Growth factors also appeared to be present in water-soluble extractives obtained from wheat straw, allowing for the growth of the auxotrophic monocultures in the defined minimal medium. Cell enumeration during growth on wheat straw in this medium revealed different growth profiles of the members that varied between the co-cultures. End-product profiles also varied substantially between the cultures, with significantly higher ethanol production in all co-cultures compared to the mono-cultures. Understanding interactions between co-culture members, and the additional nutrients provided by lignocellulosic substrates, will aid us in consolidated bioprocessing design.

Quality evaluation based on color grading - relationship between chemical susbtances and commercial grades by machine version in Corni fructus

Purpose: To evaluate the correlation between the commercial grade of Corni fructus determined by machine vision technology, and its chemical composition.
 Methods: Loganin, morroniside, ursolic acid, water-soluble extractives, alcohol-soluble extractives, polysaccharides and total organic acids were quantitated in four Corni fructus grades classified by machine vision technology. The content of each component was determined and analyzed bymathematical statistics.
 Results: Compared with low-grade samples, higher-grade counterparts contained elevated concentrations of alcohol-soluble extractives, water-soluble extractives, loganin and morroniside. In addition, principal component analysis revealed a correlation coefficient of -0.723 between Corni fructus grade and Holistic Scoring based on chemical composition, indicating a significant correlation (p < 0.01).
 Conclusion: These findings indicated the rationality of the classification method based on machine vision, and further confirmed the notion of "quality evaluation based on color" of traditional Chinese medicine.
 Keywords: Corni fructus, Commercial grade, Machine vision technology, Chemical substance

STANDARDIZATION OF A SIDDHA HERBOMINERAL FORMULATION: KARASOODA SATHU PARPAM

Siddha system is one of the ancient medical systems in India. The siddha is capable of treating all types of disease other than emergency cases. Karasooda Sathu Parpam is a traditional siddha herbomineral drug. The aim of the present study is to investigate the phytochemical, physiochemical and TLC, HPTLC of a traditional Shastric siddha herbomineral formulation known as Karasooda Sathu Parpam. Preliminary phytochemical analysis, HPTLC analysis and physicochemical parameters such as ash values, extractive values and loss of drying were determined as per Pharmacopoeial Laboratory for Indian Medicines (PLIM) guidelines. Phytochemical analysis of different extracts gave positive test for Alkaloids, Flavonoids, Glycosides, Steroids, Triterpenoids, Coumarin, Phenol, Tannins, Saponin, Proteins, Anthocyanin and carbohydrates. HPTLC fingerprint analysis of extracts showed the presence of possible number of components. Physicochemical parameters such as the total ash value was found to be 9.43 ± 0.19 %, acid insoluble ash value is 0.5133 ± 0.117% and loss of drying at 105ºc is 0.68 ± 0.10%. The water-soluble extractives and alcohol soluble extractives were found to be 0.4667 ± 0.22% and 0.2567 ± 0.086%. Biochemical analysis revealed the presence of Sulphate, Chloride, Carbonate, Iron, Zinc, Calcium, Magnesium, Ammonium, Starch, Alkaloids. Qualitative analysis revealed the presence of Sulphate, Chloride, Carbonate, Aluminum, Iron, Zinc, Calcium, Magnesium, Ammonium, Starch and alkaloids. The study highlights the appropriate application of modern scientific methods for developing the new insights into metal-based Siddha drugs.

Using the macromolecular composition to predict process settings that give high pellet durability in ring-die biomass pellet production

This study was performed to investigate if the process settings that give high pellet durability can be modelled from the biomass’ macromolecular composition. Process and chemical analysis data was obtained from a previous pilot-scale study of six biomass assortments that by Principal Component Analysis (PCA) was confirmed as representative for their biomass types: hardwood, softwood bark, short rotation coppice (SRC), and straw and energy crops. Orthogonal Partial Least Squares Projections to Latent Structures (OPLS) models were created with the content of macromolecules as factors and the die compression ratio and the feedstock moisture content at which the highest pellet durability was obtained as responses. The models for die compression ratio (R2X = 0.90 and Q2 = 0.58) and feedstock moisture content (R2X = 0.87 and Q2 = 0.60), rendered a prediction error for obtained mechanical durability of approximately ±1%-unit, each. Important factors for modelling of the die compression ratio were: soluble lignin (negative), acetyl groups (negative), acetone extractives (positive), and arabinan (positive). For modelling of the feedstock moisture content, Klason lignin (negative), xylan (positive), water-soluble extractives (negative), and mannan (negative), were the most influential. Results obtained in this study indicate that it is possible to predict optimal process conditions in pelletizing based on the macromolecular composition of the raw material. In practice, this would mean a higher raw material flexibility in the pellet factories through drastically reduced risk when introducing new raw materials.

Litter chemical traits strongly drove the carbon fractions loss during decomposition across an alpine treeline ecotone

The decomposition of litter carbon (C) fraction is a major determinant of soil organic matter pool and nutrient cycling. However, knowledge of litter chemical traits regulate C fractions release is still relatively limited. A litterbag experiment was conducted using six plant functional litter types at two vegetation type (coniferous forest and alpine shrubland) in a treeline ecotone. We evaluated the relative importance of litter chemistry (i.e. Nutrient, C quality, and stoichiometry) on the loss of litter mass, non-polar extractables (NPE), water-soluble extractables (WSE), acid-hydrolyzable carbohydrates (ACID), and acid-unhydrolyzable residue (AUR) during decomposition. Litter nutrients contain nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K), calcium (Ca), sodium (Na), magnesium (Mg), aluminium (Al), manganese (Mn), zinc (Zn), iron (Fe) and copper (Cu), litter C quality contains C, WSE, NPE, ACID, and AUR, and stoichiometry was defined by C:N, C:P; N:P, ACID:N, and AUR:N. The results showed single exponential model fitted decomposition rates of litter mass and C fractions better than double exponential or asymptotic decomposition, and the decomposition rates of C fractions were strongly correlated with initial litter nutrients, especially K, Na, Ca. Furthermore, the temporal dynamics of litter nutrients (Ca, Mg, Na, K, Zn, and Fe) strongly regulated C fractions loss during the decomposition process. Changes in litter C quality had an evident effect on the degradation of ACID and AUR, supporting the concept of “priming effect” of soluble carbon fraction. The significant differences were found in the release of NPE, WSE, and ACID rather than AUR among coniferous forest and alpine shrubland, and the vegetation type effects largely depend on the changes in litter stoichiometry, which is an important implication for the change in plant community abundance regulate decay. Collectively, elucidating the hierarchical drivers of litter chemistry on decomposition is critical to soil C sequestration in alpine ecosystems.

Variation in hot and cold water soluble extractive content in gymnosperms from Western Himalayas

Background: The extractives represent a large number of compounds often of complex chemical structure which can be extracted from wood with the help of polar and non polar solvents. The wood is composed of extractives in the form of organic compounds viz., Fats, waxes, alkaloids and phenols etc. that are soluble in the hot water. Methods: The wood samples of 5 species for the present work were procured from the forest department from 3 locations and further, after oven drying converted into saw dust with the help of Chipper cum grinder. The methodology used for Hot and cold Water Extractives was (T1m-59-Anonymous, 1959a) which was statistically analyzed by using completely block design (factorial) in three replication for each treatment as described by Panse and Sukhatme (1978). Result: The data on hot and cold water extractives content of wood exhibited significant differences for different species and locations. the maximum cold water (6.81%) and hot water (8.70%) extractives were found in Pinus roxburghii while, the minimum cold water (4.77%) and hot water (6.50%) extractives were observed in Picea smithiana. Significant variation has been observed for hot and cold water soluble extractives between different species due to variation in composition of extractives from species to species and the total amount of extractives in a given species depends on growth conditions. Values for hot water soluble extractives are higher than those of cold water. The difference in solubility is due to hydrolysis and corresponding increase in solubility of wood substance during the boiling with water.

Quality Assessment and In Vitro Anti-diabetic Activity of Thunbergia laurifolia Stems and Leaves

The study aimed to evaluate pharmacognostic parameters for standardization of raw materials, Thunbergia laurifolia Lindl. (family: Thunbergiaceae) stems and leaves, as well as their active phytochemical (rosmarinic acid) contents. The antidiabetic potential was evaluated by yeast α-glucosidase inhibitory activity using p-nitrophenyl-α-D-glucopyranoside as substrate. Dried stems and leaves of Thunbergia laurifolia were collected from 15 different locations in Thailand. The microscopic anatomical and histological characteristics of stem and leaf were illustrated. The physico-chemical contents, including loss on drying, acid-insoluble ash, total ash, ethanol-soluble extractives, water-soluble extractives, and moisture of dried stems and leaves, were established. TLC-densitometry of rosmarinic acid in dried T. laurifolia stems and leaves were developed and revealed contents of 0.120 ± 0.079 and 0.291 ± 0.150 g per 100 g, respectively. Similarly, TLC-image analysis by ImageJ showed contents of 0.127 ± 0.094 and 0.303 ± 0.162 g per 100 g respectively (p > 0.05). Both quantitative TLC demonstrated their validity due to specificity, accuracy, repeatability, intermediate precision, limit of detection, limit of quantitation, and robustness. The antidiabetic potential of rosmarinic acid, T. laurifolia leaf and stem ethanolic extracts, and acarbose (positive control) exhibited IC50 of 0.31, 0.80, 5.89, and 1.48 mg/ml, respectively.