eChapters

1. Introduction

Microbial diversity is becoming increasingly essential with the requirement to preserve the integrity, function and long-term sustainability of natural and managed ecosystems. However, our knowledge of the diversity of microbes remains obscure due to lack of appropriate approaches to evaluate the contribution of different components of the soil microbes to ecosystem. This lack of approaches together with the complex and heterogeneous matrix that soil microbes are embedded in, poses great challenges to understand the dynamics of microbial communities in soils (Nautiyal et al. 2010; Chauhan et al. 2013).

In classical terms, diversity is described as the total number of species present, i.e. species richness or species abundance, and the distribution of individuals among those species i.e. species evenness or species equitability. However, the incorporation of these two components into diversity indices has led to much controversy among ecologists (Atlas 1984). The Shannon-Weaver index (Shannon and Weaver 1949) is probably the most widely used index for measuring diversity of a microbial community. But this index, as many others that have been proposed, has its own limitations. A major difficulty is that both richness and evenness play a role in determining the value of the index. Therefore, any diversity index is a single value and thus cannot indicate the total make-up of a community. It is recommended that evenness, richness and diversity values should be calculated in order to obtain an objective assessment of community structure (Atlas 1984). From molecular point of view, diversity often refers to the number of different sequence type present in a habitat e.g. a soil (Ogram 2000). Measuring this type of diversity does not give information about the frequency of individual species, but it can give valuable information about changes in the community structure and species richness in response to changes in the physico-chemical properties of the soil and soil management practices (Nautiyal et al. 2010).

ABSTRACT

The genus Aconitum is in the limelight of the current scenario of the pharmacopeia and has became the centre of attention in the field of herbal medicines, as is manifested with various biological and pharmacological cores which make the genus most imperative. For vast decades some species of the genus Aconitum and its derivatives were considered as vizulently fatal but were liquidated as intact drug elites through traditional as well as modern system of medicine. The retrospection of the validated information in account of the genus Aconitum represent a pioneering approach to corroborate the scientific studies on almost everyaspect of the herbal genusAconitum, as a number of species belonging to this genus has been enlisted in the Red Data Book of IUCN which have been renowned for their medicinal benefits in various systems of medicine. The tubers some species of Aconitum contain lethal diterpene alkaloids such as aconitine, mesaconitine, and hypaconitine, which easily can be directed into screened harmless alkaloids such as benzoylaconine, aconine, and pyroaconine by heating or alkaline treatment. Currently, the processed tubers are widely and safely practiced for the remedyof pain, neuronal disorders, inflammation, and rheumatism and have a huge therapeutic index for curing ailments like hysteria, throat infection, dyspepsia, abdominal pain, diabetes and also as a cardiac depressant in massive arterial tension of cardiac origin. An important component extracted from some species of Aconitum, Lycaconitine has been found to be effective against multi-drug resistant cancers. The di-terpenoid alkaloids of aconite source and their increasing demand for the active compounds used in different systems of medicine has led to overharvesting of the tubers, resulting in rapid depletion of the natural stocks of this valuable plant. As a consequence, the genus is now on the list of rare and threatened species. Since the commercial demand of this important medicinal plant is very high and hence needs to be conserved as the species density of this genus has been threatned due to many factors. As such diverse efficient and standardized protocols for its regeneration like micropropagation, somatic embryogenesis and some other conventional efforts like storage of seeds as a means of ex-situ conservation must be attributed on the aspects of conservationof genusAconitum. The exploitation of population genetic diversity will provide useful information for the biological conservation of these esteemed species of Aconitum in the regions . Since a complete revision of the genus Aconitum in the region has not yet been carried out and the high level of endemism and a lack of relevant information of the genus Aconitum have made its various scientific studies a very interesting object. The scientific and systematic information about the genus Aconitum generated demands validation as only a little attention has been done on its various aspects from cultivation, conservation, phytochemistry and pharmacological evaluation to the molecular characterization. Consequently species specific measures are needed and a lot of important attributes has to be assigned to the species of this genus which will ultimately help to ensure simultaneously both conservation as well as sustainability in raw material production of the genus.

ABSTRACT

Systematic studies through stored specimens in herbaria and museum of defined geographical areas provide a set of baseline data for understanding the vegetation composition of a defined ecosyetm. A stored plant collection in herbaria offers a rich portrait of biodiversity, making innumerable contribution to science and human society. Digitization coupled with hosting of such information on world wide web (www) system has been accepted as an important tool for the dissemination of the botanical specimens in the form of databasing, imaging and geo-referencing of voucher specimens. In the present communication, we describe the development of the Janaki Ammal Herbarium (JAH) database that contains a comprehensive and searchable data of voucher snaps, historical background and statistical analysis of 23,225 voucher specimens. The information on JAH database is easy to extract data on botanical names, author citation, variety (if any), family, collection number, specific location, collection date, habitat, collector’s name and remarks on morphology. The goal of the present investigation is to digitize (database, image, georeference) all specimensin JAH, enabling themto be made available through a single portal. At concluding, all vouchers of JAH made publicly accessible via world wide web user interfaces, and also linked to PubMed, NCBI Taxonomy, where the site provide information related to Entrez records, comments and references of the particular species, while Wiki species site is linked to the free species directory. It also provide link of online accessible herbarium-based databases of the world.

ABSTRACT

Saussurea costus (Falc.) Lipsch. is a perennial rhizomatous herbaceous plant, commonly called as kuth had a wide application in drug discovery programme and indigenously known for its medicinal usage in Indian system of medicine. Wide distribution of this species recorded from Himalayas and Indo-Mynamar hotspot biodiversity regions. This species is traditionally used for treatment of several seasonal diseases happen to occurs in hilly and mountaneous regions. It has been scientifically validated that this species possess various biological activities such as anti-microbial, anti-cancer, anti-arthritic, anti-convulsant, anti-oxidant, angiogenesis effect, hepatoprotective, gastro-protective, anti-obesity, and anti-inflammatory due to the presence of various bioactive principles such as costunolide, germacrene, lappadilactone, isodihydrocostunolide, cynaropicrin, linoleic acid, cyclocostunolide, alantolactone, isoalantolactone, sesquiterpene-saussureamines and several others in minor quantities. This species naturally grows in wild and mostly collected from the wild for its herbal usages, and this wild collection activities put S. costus under threatened and critically endangered categories, hence there is need for the development of agrotechnology for cultivation in large scale. This species has the potential components for developing new molecules in future for drug development. The present communication provides traditional usages, phytochemistry, therapeutic potentials, and future perspectives of S. costus. This baseline information provided in this article will be helpful in future for research to be carried forward in drug discovery programme using this plant species.

ABSTRACT

The present communication deals with the impact and contribution on livelihood sustainability based on forest resources and sacred places in nine fringe villages of Pangolakha Wild Life Sanctuary (PWLS), located in Sikkim Himalaya. Populations density in villages varies from 23 at Nayabusty and 274 at Padamchen. Populations were categorised under three age groups viz. minor (15-25 yrs), major (26-36 yrs) and elder (over 36 years). Approximate by 27.6% populations had minimal primary education. Agriculture is the main activity in Suvaneydara (86.7%), Agamlok (85.3%) and in Nayabustyy (82.3%). Villagers in Padamchen (12.5%) and in Nathang (12.5%) are either dependent on Government job (38.2%) or seasonal flow of tourist (25%). The educational qualification in these villages is classes 5 to 10 standards. 91.1% of people rely on forest resources. About 70% of the villagers depicts that forest cover of the region is improving. The availability of fodders (70%) and fuel woods (60%) are still in abundance. People depend on tirja (private), khashmal and goucharan areas for grazing and fuel wood collection. Forty nine economical economically by valued plant species belonging to 46 genera and 35 families were documented. Subtropical ecosystems had high number of plant species. Poaceae was the dominant family (17%). Tree life form is abundant (51%). Total 24 species are harvested for edible purpose, 24% are freely sold in the local haats (market) for their livelihood sustenance. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) of nine villages with respect to forest resources indicated the village specific use pattern of plant resources. Indigenous inherent knowledge of local plants is decreasing in Lingtam. PWLS and its adjoining villages have important places with religious importance, heritage sites managed by the people. It was observed that exploitation of plant resources, lack of maintenance and fast changing concept of traditional ethics among youths, plant resources were degraded and in regenerating stage.

ABSTRACT

Himalaya represents an importantfocal point of botanical rich diversity, and homeofmanymedicinal plants known for their various therapeutic properties. Since ancient times, several plant species have been used as ethnomedicine, and only a few of these species have beenfully explored and validated scientifically. Today, cosmetic and pharmaceutical industries are the fastest growing sectors that use botanical extracts to maintain the health and support integrity of the skin and other parts of human body.Peoplearedemandingcosmeceuticaladditivesfrommarket made from plants as herbal botanicals as these causes fewer or no side effects, and therefore, ethnomedicine are gaining immence importance for cosmetic and value added products development of natural origin. Human and animal skin is the largest covering of the body as it provide barrier to the internal cells ortissues,and protectthebodyfrominfections and toxic chemicals. Keeping in mind the importance of skin, investigations and literatures were consulted to document plants protectingskininfectionsfrom external environment.Thepotential high altitude plants ofHimalaya were screened outto be used inskin care and treatmentofvarious skin pathogens.Inthe presentcommunication, total 81 plants of 72 genera belonging to 40 families are presented that have ethnobotanicalapplicationinskin care and usages incuringskindiseases. This data will provide a base-line information for cosmetic and pharmaceutical companies for developmentof various new value-added products for human and animal health care.

ABSTRACT

The popular use of local plant wealth among the rural people in Hamirpur district of Himachal Pradesh reflects their greater interest in the traditional medicine and other traditional and commercial purposes. Hamirpur, one of the pioneer Himalayan district is a rich repository of medicinal flora. It is the smallest district of Himachal Pradesh due to its area, surrounded by thick forest area which is rich in diverse vegetation. Medicinal plants are used in the Ayurvedic, Unani and other traditional systems of medicine and in plant-based pharmaceutical industries. The patterns of the use of the local medicinal herbs for the treatment of various diseases and ailments have been an old practice. But the people of the district still depends upon the uses of local plants for their primary health problems treatment. This paper provides the information on the traditional uses of some of the plants such as Asparagus racemosus, Acacia catechu, Albizzia lebbek, Berberis lyceum, Bryonia laciniosa, Azadirachta indica, Adhatoda vasica, Andographis peniculata, Aegle marmelos, Celastrus peniculata, Cymbopogon flexsosus, Cuscuta reflexa and Holarrheana antidysentric of Hamirpur district for the treatment of various disorders such as anthelmintic, anti-fungal, diabetic, antibacterial, cancer, diarrhea, bronchitis, tuberculosis etc. Hence the objective of the study was to document ethnobotanical knowledge primarily of notable herbs employed by the different backward people, whether tribal or rural, in the area under study. Therefore the documentation and recording of traditional knowledge associated is necessary step for the preservation of traditional knowledge about the use of local plant wealth and conservation of plant species of study area. The data would be useful for further scientific exploration.

ABSTRACT

Echinacea purpurea (L.) Moench. is a medicinal and nutraceutically important herb of American origin, extended its distribution to other parts of the globe in subtropical and temperate environment. This species is known for various biological properties such as antimicrobial, immuno-stimulatory and anti-inflammatory properties due to the presence to several bioactive compounds loaded in the form of phenylpropanoids, flavonoids, terpenoids, lipids, nitrogenous compounds, carbohydrates and others such as ascorbic acid, sitosterol, linoleic acid, cyanidin glycosides and sesquiterpene esters in different quantities. Published data reveals that its major chemical constituents possess anti-anxiety, anti-depression, cytotoxicity, anti-infective and anti-mutagenicity properties. Besides, plants respond to abiotic and climatic signals that are responsible for various adaptive responses at the cellular level and vary with ecosystem in which the species grows. It may behave differently in different ecological climates, thereby, modifying their gene expressions, and this reveals that the plant growth and the adaptability are mainly affected by microclimatic factors. Experimental trials conducted to collect data on growth phenology in relation to crop-weather interaction and investigated result is presented in this research. Studies on chemical evaluation of E. purpurea under two constrasting environment, subtropical and temperate climate, with reference to cichoric acid and chlorogenic acid undertaken for this plant is also presented. Future studies in relation to the application of biotechnological interventions and chemical evaluation at different time scale would be a great contribution to the science for this species as it has the tremendous potentials which may lead to development of various nutraceuticals and value added products in future for human health and medicines.

ABSTRACT

Dendrophthoe falcata (L.f.) Ettingsh, a unique hemiparasitic taxa belongs to the family Loranthaceae, spreads over the entire forest in the South West Bengal. It is generally stem hemiparasitic taxa, as it is found mostly on aerial part of the host plant due to lack of root system. It depend on the host plant for mainly water and to some extend carbon. It synthesizes its own food. This plant has haustoria instead of root, they penetrate their haustoria into the vascular bundle mainly in the xylem tissue of the host plants. This species has numerous medicinal values with a long history of its use in Chinese traditional medicines. The present work deals with the anti-diabetic, phytochemicals and silver nanoparticles properties of D. falcata. The responsible enzyme i.e. Alpha-amylase breaks the large starch molecules which produces free glucose and simultaneously increases the blood sugar level and as a result hyperglycemia occurs. This study also reveals that the plant’s leaves extracts have inhibitory activities on this key alpha amylase enzyme and apart from that aqueous extract of this plant contains some secondary metabolites which is very crucial data for drug preparation and any other research purposes. The maximum amount of silver nanoparticles is present in this plant which is valuable as a silver line in near future implications for different drugs preparations

ABSTRACT

Cymbopogon khasianus (Hack.) Stapf. ex Bor. variety [IIIM (J) CK-10 Himrosa] is a commercially important aromatic grass of the family Poacae and contains high valued volatile constituents which has high demand in pharmaceutical, flavour, fragrance and cosmatic industries. This plant variety is one of the rich source of two monoterpenoids, geraniol and ocimene. Geranoil is an alcohol frequently used as terpenoid fragrance material, and ocimene is a group of isomeric hydrocarbons. The present communication deals with the herb yields, volatile constituents and agrotechnology of CK-10 Himrosa. The volatile constituents vary from season to season and from geographic locations of cultivation. Data presented were collected from field trials and experiment works conducted on farmer field at Balesar area of district Jodhpur (Rajasthan). It has been observed that [IIIM (J) CK-10 Himrosa] is rich in geraniol whose percentage varies from 70-80%, cisocimene (10-11%) trans-cimene (5-6%) geranyl acetate (2-3%), and various others constituents present in minor quantities. For analysis of volatile constituents, Gas Chromatography–Flame Ionization Detector (GC-FID) and GC-Mass Spectrometry (GC–MS) methods were developed. Agronomic data indicate substantial variations in the essential oil compositions, which varies due to season of harvest and place of cultivation. This crop is hardy in nature and from future perspectives; extension of these aromatic crops in rainfed and saline areas could brought un-utilized barenlands and wastelands under cultivation. Biomass and essential oil obtained from this crop would be helpful in development of new value added products. This may serves as economic crop for marginal farmers and helpful in gaining international recognition after development of products in the form of perfumes, soaps, cosmetics and other products for human use.

ABSTRACT

Herbal systems of medicine have been acceded by various drug regulatory authorities across the globe. In modern days, people prefer herbal medicines for the cure of various gentle to extreme and chronic disease, and another option is of allopathic system of medicine. In the present communication, the herbal formulations utilize extracted constituents of the various parts of Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal, a member of the famly Solanaceae, and commonly known as Ashwagandha, Indian ginseng, Asgand or winter cherry. This is a principal medicinal plant that has been used in various Ayurvedic formulations from more than 3000 years. Wide distribuion of this species have been reported from the various Indian states like are Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Punjab and mountainous regions of Himachal Pradesh and Jammu. This plant is commonly used, either alone or in combination, with other herbs for the cure of various conditions e.g stress and inflammation. The major phytochemicals of this species are alkaloids and steroidal lactones, and due to presence of various bioactive compounds, this plant species possess various multitudinous biological activities such as adaptogenic, antibiotic, aboritifacient, aphrodisiac, astringent, anti-inflammatory, diuretic, sedative, deobstruent, anti-stress, anti-oxidant, anti-carcinogenic, anti-aging, cardio protective, hypothyroid activity, immunomodulatory. Keeping these aspects into consideration, this herb has enormous potential for the management of a number of diseases. In the market, W. somnifera is available in various forms including decoctions, infusions, ointments, powder, tablet, capsule and syrup. This communication provides an account of various chemical constituents and their associated various biological functions.

ABSTRACT

Arunachal Pradesh in Northeastern India covers a major portion of the Eastern Himalayas and is well-known for its rich biological and cultural diversity. The indigenous communities of the state living in close vicinity of forests depend upon wild plant-resources for meeting their various needs like medicine, food, fodder, fuel, etc. The present paper deals with documentation of plant species used by Monpa and Adi community residing in vast ecological range starting from subtropical to alpine ecosystems. A total of 346 species belonging to 215 genera and 102 families used by the two communities as wild vegetables (97 species), wild fruits (39), dye and color (13), spices and condiments (51), hunting and piscicide (40), paper pulp and fiber yielding plants (5) and medicinal use were reported (165). This study highlights the rich diversity of indigenous knowledge among the local communities in utilizing the diverse plant resources around them for their sustenance. Documentation of this knowledge is of utmost importance for identification of useful plant species for value addition, promotion as well as to formulate strategies for their sustainable utilization and conservation. This would also enhance the livelihood of the indigenous communities contribute to biodiversity conservation in these fragile mountain ecosystems.

ABSTRACT

Phosphorus is a macro nutrient, acts as a limiting factor in most ecosystems. Phosphorus immobilization is a major issue in most agricultural soils of India. Phosphate Solubilizing Bacteria (PSB) help in the solubilization of insoluble mineral phosphates by the production of organic acids. The aim of this research was to isolate, identify and characterize phosphate solubilizing bacteria from different agricultural crop soils of river banks of Yamuna, Delhi. Experiments were established in the laboratory to isolate phosphate solubilizing bacteria from various soil samples. Biochemical tests were performed to identify and characterize phosphate solubilizing bacteria. The phosphate solubilization efficiency of bacteria was measured. Organic acid production by different PSB for solubilization of insoluble phosphates were estimated. PSB from the soils of four agricultural crops such as Fennel, Spinach, Coriander and Mustard were isolated, identified and their ability to solubilize mineral phosphates by the production of organic acids were studied. Different PSB isolated were characterized as Citrobacter sp., Pseudomonas sp., Staphylococcus sp. and Bacillus sp. The PSB varied in phosphate solubilizing efficiency and production of organic acids. Pseudomonas sp. produced the maximum amount of organic acids and hence was the most efficient PSB. These PSB can be used as biofertilizers instead of chemical fertilizers and lead to sustainable agriculture.

ABSTRACT

Boswellia serrata Roxb. ex Colebr. known as ’Indian Frankincense’ is a multiferous medicinal plants known for boswellic acid and it has application in traditional ayurvedic formulation. The plant possess anti-rheumatic, anti-pyretic, anti-cancerous, anti-inflammatory, anti-hyperlipidemic, anti-coronary, analgesic and hepatoprotective properties due to the presence of several loaded bioactive compounds such as α-amyrins, β-boswellic acid, acetyl-β-boswellic acid, 11-ketoβ-boswellic acid, acetyl-11-keto-β-boswellic acid, tetracyclic triterpenoic acids and several others in minor quantities in different parts of plants. Mostly oleo-gum resin is usually used in Indian system of medicine, and acetyl-11-keto-β-boswellic acid (AKBA) is the most potent 5-lipoxygenase enzyme inhibitor responsible for inflammation, anti-cancer (G1 phase arrest) and other group of enzymes liable for allied activities. Besides, it yields essential oils and its major constituents are monoterpenoids such as pinene (2.05-64.7%), cisverbenol (1.97%), trans-pinocarveol (1.80%), borneol (1.78%), myrcene (1.71%), verbenone (1.71%), limonene (1.42%), thuja-2,4(10)-diene (1.18%) and p-cymene (1.0%). The copaene is the only sesquiterpene reported in minor quantities from essential oils of this species. Its essential show different actvities in relation to anti-cancer and antiinflammatory. From future perspectives, there is a need to carry out more research on its constituents for the development of value added products and drugs. Investigation on ecology and application of biotechnological intervention would helps in varities improvememnt, cultivation and conservation of this species.

ABSTRACT

Wetlands play an important role in provisioning of numerous goods and services for mankind. However, the type and the quantum of ecological services differs amongst wetlands. In the present study, we documented the various plant resources used by the riparian communities of two well-recognized wetlands, Dhir beel and Diplai beel, located in Brahmaputra Valley of Assam. The findings of study indicate that the riparian communities are dependent on wetlands for various purposes. The riparian communities uses 48 plant species as vegetables, fruits, fodder, fuel wood, medicine, roofing materials, craft making materials, bio-fertilizer and fish poisoning agent. Some of the plant species such as Enhydra fluctuans, Lasia spinosa, Colocasia esculenta, Diplazium esculentum, Ipomoea aquatica and Monocharia hastata aresold in the village market as local vegetables. The wetlands generate income for the riparian communities and save cashof many households settled plant near the wetland. Nevertheless, this study also revealed that some near the wetland resources are declining due to population pressure, encroachment near the wetlands, deforestation and over-exploitation of the wetland habitats for creation of many fishery ponds within the wetland and cultivation practices on wetland edges. The socio-economic condition, unemployment, easy accessibility and lack of alternativesources are plausibly themajor factors, whichare leading to the decline and depletion of the wetland resources. Therefore, appropriate management strategies are required for the conservation and the sustainable utilization of these plant resources.

ABSTRACT

Picrorhiza kurroa Royle ex Benth.is a perennial herbaceous plant species of the family Scrophulariaceae growing at high altitude regions of Himalayas, and recorded to have a wide application in Ayurvedic system of medicine known by the name of kutki. In traditional system, this plant species is used to cure disorders of liver, respiratory tract fever, dyspepsia, chronic diarrhea and scorpion sting. P. kurroa is a growing source of interest because of having number of interesting activities such as immnunomudulatory, hepatoprotective and anticancer, highly used by pharmaceutical companies for development of new molecules and herbal botanical formulations. It has been scientifically validated that this species is a repository of bioactive chemicals such as picrosides, kutkoside, and cucurbitacins isolated and characterized mainly from the roots of this plant. This communication deals with the chemistry and biological activities associated with its main chemical constituents, and can be helpful in development of new drug as medicine. This communication will provide a baseline information and useful tool for researchers who work on the area of natural products, and look for new direction in drug discovery.

ABSTRACT

Dermatology is the branch of medicine concerned with the diagnosis and treatment of skin disorders. Owing to the lack of proper hygiene and sanitation, incidence of skin diseases is a major health burden particularly in developing and under-developed countries. The study aimed at documenting the plants traditionally used to cure different types of dermatological disorders by the tribals and natives of district Udhampur. Ethnomedicinal data was collected by interviewing 91 infomants between the age group 26-89 years. Quantitative approaches were used to determine Use value (UV). The study revealed that a total of 64 plant species belonging to 59 genera and 43 families were used by the tribals and natives of district Udhampur for the treatment of 25 ailments of skin disorders. The most prevalent families were Asteraceae, Convolvulaceae, Rosaceae, Solanaceae and Euphorbiaceae. Majority of the taxa were growing in wild. Among the different plant parts used, leaf was the most frequently used. About 90% of medicinal preparations were applied topically. The most important medicinal species as per the use-value (UV) included Phyllanthus emblica, Aloe vera, Ficus carica, and Cannabis sativa. The present investigation may serve as a baseline data to initiate further research for the discovery of new bioactive compounds, thereby, providing important leads in the development of novel drugs for the treatment of such disorders.

ABSTRACT

The current paper discusses the diversity, distribution and commercial importance of Indian Magnolias. Globally, these species are found in tropical, subtropical and temperate forests of southeastern Asia and tropical America. In India, there are 25 species of Magnolias and most of them are distributed in Northeast India, with highest number in Assam. Of all the species, two (Magnolia gustavii and M. pleiocarpa) are critically endangered, one (M. pealiana) endangered, two (M. manii and M. nilagirica) vulnerable, nine least concern and ten data deficient at global level. The highly threatened nature of most of the magnolias species calls for their immediate conservation and protection measures. Members of this genus are known to be rich in a wide variety of biologically active compounds including alkaloids, flavonoids, lignans, neolignans and terpenoids. Many of the species have been found to possess potent procognitive activity, anti-oxidative, anti-microbial, anti-inflammatory, anti-angiogenic, diuretic, anti-ulcer, analgesic, anti-helmintholytic, and anti-cancer activities. The species have huge economic potential and are used for a number of purposes including ornamental, medicinal, culinary, timber and joinery works.

ABSTRACT

Butea monosperma (Lam.) Taub, knownas ’Flameof the Forest’is used in Indian traditional system of medicine, such as Siddha Ayurveda, and Unani due to its medicinal properties. It is used in treatment of diabetes, diarrhoea, sore throat and reported to possess several biological activities such as anti-asthmatic, anti-diabetic, antifertility, anti-tumor and osteogenic. Recent studies revealed the phytochemicals responsible for osteogenic activity in the bark of B. monosperma. An ultra-performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS) method was developed for identification and simultaneous quantitation of bioactive compounds from B. monosperma. Validation of the developed method was performed according to international conference on harmonization guidelines. Quantitative interpretation showed significant variations in the content of bioactive compounds in different parts of the plant and samples collected from three geographical regions. Principal component analysis was also used to study the quantitative variations of markers.

ABSTRACT

Panax L. is an important medicinal plant species complex, which is commonly known as ginseng. Ginseng has high commercial value for itsginsenoside contents and is collected from the wildin the subtropical-temperate forests of north-eastern India. Taxonomy, ecology and phenology of five species of Panax found in north-eastern India viz., P. assamicus R. N. Banerjee, P. bipinnatifidus Seem., P. pseudoginseng Wall., P. variabilis J. Wenand P. sokpayensis Sharma& Pandit, have beendiscussed in this paper. The distribution of these species is restricted to the states of Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, Meghalaya, Nagaland, Sikkim and Darjeeling HillsofWest Bengal.P. pseudoginseng hasextended distribution range in Nepal. P. variabilis was reported from Nagaland, which is a new record for India. All the species of Panax prefer shady and moist habitat. The species grow in the soil texture that ranges from loamy sand to sandy. The pH ranges from 4.3-7.1. The species is perennial and pereniates through its underground rhizome. The phenophase starts with emergence of seedlings in the late March and senescence takes place in the middle of October after seed setting. Monitoring of the populations of all Panax species revealed that the population size have decreased by 40-50% over a period of 10 years due to over-harvesting from the wild by the local people for its medicinal value. Sustainable use of rhizome and its cultivation practice need to be standardized to address the conservation issues related to the plant.

ABSTRACT

Grewia asiatica L. locally called ’Phalsa’ (Family Tiliaceae) is a multipurpose gregarious plants species native to Asian belts, grows profusely in tropical and subtropical forests. Plant yield berries rich in calories, proteins, carbohydrates, dietary fibers, vitamins, macro-and micro-nutrients such as calcium, phosphorus and sodium. Their parts can be used as herbal medicine for treatment of various diseases. Recently, CSIR-Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine Jammu (IIIM) has developed and released a variety of this plant for rural upliftment and for development of value-added products such health drink and nutraceuticals. From its matured fruits of cultivated variety, a value added product called Shivalik Health Drink was developed by IIIM. For extension, agrotechnology of this plant has been transferred to various geographic regions of India such as Punjab, Rajasthan, Jammu & Kashmir, Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra and Andhra Pradesh. This species prefers hardy and can be able to withstand in drought environment. For development of drugs and value added products, several therapeutic research works have been carried out which suggested that this plant species possess antioxidant, antidiabetic, antimicrobial, hepatoprotective, antifertility, antifungal, analgesic and antiviral activities. Further, there is a need to focus on biotechnological intervention with aim to develop seedless varieties and new nutraceutical products.

ABSTRACT

Zanthoxylum armatum DC. is a plant species belonging to flowering family Rutaceae which has medicinal application in traditional Ayurvedic system of medicine. It is characterized by trifoliolate leaves with leaf-stalk winged, branches with straight prickles, and fruits are small reddish brown. In India, tribal community used this species as carminative, dyspepsia, tooth curing, treating malaria fever, stomach pain and expelling roundworms. Chemistry indicates that Z. armatum is a repository of many chemical compounds such as alkaloids, flavonoids, sterols and triterpenoids. Zanthonitrile, berberine, α-sitosterol, armatamide, limonene and linalool are major constituents. Leaves and young shoots yield essential oils which act as anti-bacterial, antifungal and anthelminthics, and has tremendous potential in development of value added products. Volatile oils are active constituentsof linalool, limonene and ligan. Z. armatum has been declared as an endangered species as per International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources(IUCN) Red List category. Conservation practices needs to be adopted to conserve this valuable medicinal plant. There is a need to study on ecology, adaptive biology, chemistry and biotechnological intervention for future propagation and conservation of this medicinal plant species.

ABSTRACT

Dysoxylum binectariferum Hook.f. (Meliaceae) is phylogenetically related to the Ayurvedic plant D. malabaricum. D. binectariferum has been identified as an enriched source of rohitukine, an alkaloid. Two synthetic flavones, flavopiridol (Alvocidib; L868275; HMR-1275; NSC 649890 of Sanofi-Aventis + NCI) and P-276-00 (Piramal) are advanced in clinical trials for the treatment of cáncer. These two molecules are considered as potent Cdk inhibitors. Cdk has been discovered as a key regulator of cell cycle. Therefore, Cdk inhibitors or modulators are of great interest to explore as novel therapeutic agents. These two molecules can be considered as rohitukine inspired drugs since their stuructural novelity originated from a compaign to develop a route of total synthesis of rohitukine. Recently a semisynthetic derivative of rohitukine; IIIM-290 has been emerged as potential preclinical cyclin-dependent kinase (Cdk) inhibitor. Moreover, phytochemical investigation of D. binectariferum yielded dysoline a new region-isomer of rohitukine. Dysoline seems to be a potent inflammatory and cytotoxic compound. Similarly, camptothecine and 9-methoxycamptothecine were isolated from Dysoxylum binectariferum for the first time by bioassay-guided fractionation. Present chapter is reviewing some original work which were carried out at CSIR-Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine, Jammu, India. The present studies focused on the phytochemistry of Dysoxylum binectariferum; dysoline, camptothecin and 9-methoxycamptothecin and medcinal chemistry and preclinical evaluation of IIIM-290 a semi-sythestic derivative of rohitukine.

ABSTRACT

Drug discovery is the process to identify the active ingredients from traditional remedies as new candidate for medications. It involves the sources, identification of screening hits, medicinal chemistry and optimization of those hits to increase the affinity, potency, reduce the potential of side effects, increase the half life and oral bioavailability followed by clinical trials. While studying and screening the plant resourses of Himalaya, Colebrookea oppositifolia Sm. is identified as an important Heptoprotective Phytopharma plant. This is an important Indian medicinal plant of the family lamiaceae endemic to the Southeast Asia. The active ingredients of this species possess antimicrobial, antifungal and antioxidant properties as evident from experimentation which may be due to the high content of flavonoids and polyphenols as a major chemical constituents. In Ayurvedic traditional system of medicine, leaves of C. oppositifolia is used for the treatment of wounds and fractures, where as roots helps in curing epilepsy. Chemical investigations on the petroleum ether extract of the leavesof C.oppositifolia, some active molecules suchasn-triacontane, acetyl alcohol, 32-hydroxydotriacontyl ferulate, β-sitosterol and 5,6,7,42 -tetramethoxy flavones have been identified which has hepatoprotective properties as evident from biological investigation. Structures of these compounds were interpreted on the basis of spectral (IR, NMR, MS) data. While studying acute toxicity of these bioactive ingredients, the species can be classified as category V as per GHS of OECD test guidelines and principles of GLP. In the present communication, an attempt has been made to provide scientific data on biology, natural products, constituents of volatile oils, salient markers, medicinal chemistry, results showing hepatoprotective activity and future direction for research to be carried out on this plant species. It also provide data on lyophilized extract or at least one bioactive fraction obtained from leaves of C. oppositifolia and treatment of liver toxicity caused by the conditions hepatoprotective against alcohol induced and tetrachloride (CCl₄) models. The presented data will be helpful in future for drug discovery.

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In Ayurvedic system of medicine, the word Astavarga represents eight endangered Himalayan herbs, which includes four orchids Habenaria intermedia D.Don, Platanthera edgeworthii Hook.f., Crepidium acuminatum D.Don, Malaxis muscifera Lindl., three liliaceae members (Lilium polyphyllum D.Don, Polygonatum verticillatum L.,Polygonatum cirrhifolium Wall.) and one zingiber (Roscoea purpurea Sm.). These herbs are popular in various ayurvedic formulations, as for instance, Chyawanprash which is well recognized for strengthening vital force to the body, help in cell regeneration, and build immune system. These plants are repository of various bioactive ingredients such as diosgenin, β-sitosterol, catechin, p-coumaric acid and many more which shows positive biological functions such as anti-microbial, anti-oxidant, antiinflammatory and other associated health promoting activities. In traditional system, different parts of these plants are used for different purpose, and mainly rhizomes are used as herbal formulations. In terms of ecology, these plants are growing wild in Himalaya belts between the elevation ranges of 1200-4000m above mean sea level. Subtropical, temperate and alpine environment provide condusive adaptation and habitat for these species to grow and florish. Due to lack of proper documentation and certification, the identification of most of the species became difficult and illusory. Considering the medicinal importance and endangerment status, attempts have been made in the present communication to provide a comprehensive account on phytochemistry and pharmacological activities associated with astavarga species. The data presented in this communication will put door open for various research activities related to discovery of new drugs and nutraceutical products for human welfare in days to come.

ABSTRACT

Plants play an important role in human survival and contribute to sustainable development as they are the major source of different bioactive compounds such as taxol, digoxin, reserpine and vinblastin used directly as drug and medicines for human diseases. As plants are basic need and requirement for living, they are used as herbal remedy, and known to produce lead compounds for semi synthesis of higher activity or lower toxicity. Indian Himalaya regions are repository of more than 8,000 plants species and out of which 50% are endemic and unique due to thepresence of morphological and chemical structure of peculiar characters. Most of the plant used in Indian traditional system of medicines such as Ayurveda, Unani, Siddha or Amchi described for different formulations and ethnomedicinal applications had distributional range restricted to the hills and the valleys of Himalayas. Hence, in this communication, an attempt has been made to present economic plants of Himalayan origin used as ethnomedicine, wild food plants as vegetables, herbal teas, homemade soups, wild salads, chutney, underground snacks, alcoholic drinks, nutrients as burnt powder and other human usages. Besides, this unique Himalayan plant has potential to be used as wild source for the development of new drugs and medicines which can sustain future to human survival and had the ability to produce medicine against deadly diseases. It is estimated that 80% of the world population uses traditional medicine made from herbal botanicals to cure disease and illness. It is of the record that 122 compounds obtained from ethnomedicinal plants is globally used as drugs. This indicates that tribal knowledge on plants and drug discovery cannot be separated, and newdrugsfor uniquedeadly diseases can be discovered only from ethnobotanical leads. More than 5,000 species reported from Indian Himalayas are of ethnobotanical values and they are used as medicine or wild food by different tribal communities. It can be concluded that Himalayan tribals are endowed with strong culture associated with botanicals and have age-old tradition with respect to the use of wild plants as food and medicine. Plants provide a real substitute for the primary health care systems in hills and valleys, and definitely going to serve as jewel for mankind in near future to come.

An overwhelming proportion of plant material used for compounding herbal medicines and nutraceuticals is currently collected from the wild. With traditional health care systems gaining increasing popularity, the enormous amount of plant material extracted from the limited plant populations available in natural stands is a cause of justifiable alarm. The unscrupulous plunder of plant populations growing in the wild is pushing increasing number of important species to the endangered category and many to the verge of extinction. Also, unethical practices like adulteration and storage of medicinal plants under unacceptable conditions are rampant. All this is happening, when the consumer is becoming increasingly quality conscious and is demanding traceability of source material used for formulations and adherence to good practices for the entire chain of manufacturing process for herbal drugs and plant-based nutraceuticals. Clearly, solution to this problem lies in replacing the ‘collection from the wild ’ paradigm to ‘production by cultivation ’. An essential prerequisite for meeting this objective is a well thought out research agenda which not only tackles productivity enhancement goals for the targeted plant species but also addresses the validity of the entrenched notion among healers who use the traditional medical systems, that only material collected from the wild produces the desired results. The reason advanced in support of this argument is that phytomedicines are derived from plant populations growing in the wild under organic conditions and under their natural rhizosphere and rhizoplane. The associated soil-microbial complexes, and a variety of endophytic microorganisms, may be the initiators or modifiers of the production and expression of medicinal properties.

It also so happens that a majority of medicinal plants are shade loving, C4 types and will necessarily require their species-specific ambient environment for elicitation of the medicinally relevant moities.

ABSTRACT

Plants are the basic requirement upon which all other living organisms depend. Plant resources have been used over the decades for human welfare in promotion of health as medicine, flavour and fragrance. Natural essential oils derived from plants are used as cosmetics, perfumes and flavors in foods and beverages. Development of processsing industries are directly linked to specific needs, available resources and intervention of technological capabilities. Resourgence of public interest in herbal products has created a huge market for plant based products which not only satisfies human needs, but also provides quality and safety insurance. Himalaya range in Southeast Asia is a hub of medicinal and aroma bearing plants globally recognized for their chemical constituents as well as endemic and threatened nature. These plant resources has high demand in international market for development of value added products, for isolation of commercial important compounds used in drug discovery programmes, preparation and formulation for development of new nutraceutical products and semi-synthetic derivatives for medicines. Aromatic plants are valued for their aromas, tastes and their applications in treatment of various illness, and mostly prefered in cosmatics, perfumes, confectionery food items and medicines. More than 3000 aroma bearing plants have been characterized world wide, of which, 116 aromatic plants are recorded from Indian Himalayas. Lavender, Geranium, Lemongrass and other aroma bearing plants are the main primary ingredient for many new and existing herbal products. An attempt has been made in this communication to present an account of different aromatic wealth of Himalaya, extraction techniques and their major chemical constituents, which will be helpful to pharmaceutical industries in development of value added products in time to come.

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Plant tissue culture is an important and efficient technique for the production of desired plant products with different and improved variety in aseptic conditions. Plant tissue culture methods have a wide scope for the creation, conservation, and utilization of genetic variability for the genetic improvement of field, fruit, vegetable, forest crops, medicinal and aromatic plants. The main objective of this communication were to collects the information and techniques of tissue culture to genetic improvement of the medicinal plants. Tissue culture technique in combination with molecular techniques has been successively used to incorporate specific traits through gene transfer. Modified varieties of medicinal plants is mostly required, as some compounds like alkaloids, terpenoids, steroids, saponins, phenolics, flavanoids, and amino acids etc are extracted from these plants. From the ancient time up to 20th century, most of the human-being are dependent on the medicinal plant for basic healthcare needs and improving such a crop is the most important for this billionaire world. As far conventional methods of genetic improvements the tissue culture techniques takes cheap and lesser time required for traits specific improvements in the MAPs.

ABSTRACT

The use of engineered nano-materials has been increased as a result of their positive impact on many sectors of the economy including agriculture. Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) are now used to enhance seed germination, plant growth and as anti-microbial agents to control plant diseases. This study investigated the synthesis of silver nanoparticles using the aqueous solution of three medicinally important plants (such as Spondius mombin L., Stachytarpheta jamaicensis (L.) Vahl and Syzygium samarangense (Blume) Merr & Perry leaf extract in room temperature (350C). AgNPs present in the leaf confirmed by colour change, UV-VIS spectrum analysis, average size of AgNPs confirmed by PAS. FTIR measurement were carried out to identify the other possible biomolecule groups such as alkenes, esters, phenols, alcohols and aromatic. Leaf extract AgNPs were shown significantly higher antimicrobial activities against four species of bacteria. This findings suggest that the seed germination percentage, relative seed germination rate, relative shoot and root growth and germination index of the tested plant depends upon concentrate gradient of AgNPs.

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Cultivation of mat grass (Cyperus pangorei Rottb.) is valuable and expensive products can plays an important role in rural areas such as Sabong and Pingla in Paschim Medinipur of West Bengal in India. Mat grass plays an act to fill the empty employment field to the resource of poor farming community to support and secured their livelihoods and maintain the economical balance of their area. This grass usually cultivated by the poor and marginal farmers. The mat sticks are used to make various household utility items, such as floor and bed mats and other attractive goods like bags, purse, TV covers. Now a days the products prepared from this grass is exported to different countries. Mat sticks are attractive durable and is eco-friendly substances which easily gets decomposed by organisms, does not create any environmental hazards and gets more profit as compared to growing rice per annum. Even an old man or woman in rural areas can earn a net income of about Rs.120 to Rs150 per day. Major focus of the study is to establish the scientific principles behind processing, separation of clum strand, texture and strength properties of the mat fibers and increase mat production which leads to improve the economic condition of rural people.

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Evolution theory postulates that the collision between the Indian and the Eurasian plates in early Eocene and Miocene epoch leads to formation of the Himalayas, and currently recognized across the globe as repository of life. Some species of this regions is categorized under endangered and endemic category. Rhododendrons placed under family Ericaceae is an important genus of flowering plants. It is one of the multiferous keystone member of plants, mostly endemic to Southeast Asia. Wide distribution of rhododendrons concentrated in Himalayas. The Eastern Himalaya, especially Arunachal Pradesh and Sikkim states of India is the main centre of species distribution and provide wide range of habitat for ecological studies. Several species exhibits many nutritional, medicinal and aromatic properties as evident from tribal knowledge and published research sciences. Different parts of plant such as flowers and leaves used in folklore herbal medicine and for preparation of local wines. Chemically, rhododendrons are repository of several bioactive molecules in the form of taraxerol, hyperoside, betulinic acid, quercitin, arbutin, rutin, coumaric acid, and several other fine molecules in minor quantities. In the present communication, Indian rhododendrons species diversity of different regions are revised and updated the current list for India. Besides, its value addition and future prospective is also presented for Indian economy. The checklist, chemistry, traditional knowledge, ecological requirement, keystone taxa, potential value added products for future, threat and future perspectives of rhododendrons for conservation is also discussed and presented in different subheads. First time checklist of all Indian rhododendrons are prepared and provided here in this communication.

ABSTRACT

Eulaliopsis binata (Retz.) C.E. Hubb. is a valuable grass growing in Midnapore district of West Bengal known for their commercial purposes. Livelihood of and many of peoples are depends on the production of this grass. Besides this we try to present their phytochemical constituents mainly alkaloids, flavonoids and phenolic compounds for medicinal study. In this investigation, we studied the morpho-taxonomy and anatomical characterization as well as phytochemical screening of different chemicals. Besides this we make an idea about presence of sugar molecules by HPLC study and chemical bonding properties with the help of FTIR. The detailed study gives an idea about E. binata and its medicinal properties.

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Green revolution provided sufficient amount of foods but the way resources were utilized causes the degradation of natural resources in various aspect. The adverse effect on the ecological system can be visualized in the form of various diseases in human and loss of biodiversity. The population burst is the root cause of imbalanced ecological system because agricultural land decreases drastically. Therefore we must aim to develop and improve the agri- economic growth of farmers by introducing elite variety of Mucuna pruriens (L.) DC. M. pruriens, a member of Fabaceae family, is an adaptogen and known for its tonifying, strengthening and all around beneficial properties from every part of the plant. M. pruriens has range of medicinal applications, because of unusual amino-acid L-DOPA (L3, 4dihydroxyphenylalanine) a precursor of neurotransmitter dopamine (Anti Parkinson’s) and involved in various secondary metabolite pathways. It acts like aphrodisiac, anti-snake venom, anti-depressant, antidiabetic, anti-microbial. It has a nutritional quality comparable to soyabeans. M. pruriens exhibits a tolerance for various kinds of environmental stresses such as drought, low soil fertility, and high soil acidity. M. pruriens suppresses weeds through indeterminate growth and large leaves reduce the amount of light for weeds. It shows allelopathy and effective in lowering nematodes. M. pruriens is used as forage, fallow, green manure prevents the soil erosion. It has a longer time span to be used in rotations for management of various pathogens.

ABSTRACT

Commercially valuable plants are one of the main sources of economy. Growth, development and yield of these plants are severely affected by various environmental factors, which depend on dynamic fluctuations in different parameters. To counteract these responses, plants try to adapt evolutionarily but one form of adaptation is never going to suffice the simultaneous attack of multiple stresses. Crossing and plant breeding approaches came to practice, which is quite beneficial but requires lot of screening and is manpower consuming. In recent era new approaches have been developed combining recombinant DNA technology with tissue culture techniques to obtain improved varieties with specific desired traits. This method had an edge over other technologies but it still carries lot of complications. It is evident that genes do not act alone but act cooperatively and remain in continuous influence of other factors. So to target a particular gene for improved variety development requires a lot of detailed micro-details. In this communication, an attempt have been made to discuss mainly how transcription factors (TFs) have been targeted for this purpose. TFs in many occasions act as master regulators or central players of a particular pathway. This is attained by their ability to interact with multiple cis-elements present in the promoters of downstream stress or metabolism responsive genes. This behavior sometime leads to occurrence of some unwanted traits, which should be kept in mind to develop transgenics. Here, we focused mainly on important TF families such as ERF, WRKY, NAC and bHLH. We have been an attempt to analyzed how these TFs influence growth, yield and stress response of commercially valuable plants such as rice, wheat, tomato and cotton. This section will help to understand the genetic manipulation of plants can be targeted for improved variety development.

ABSTRACT

The people meet their need by taking pulses as their daily meal and therefore, the pulse play a significant role as food supplements. Pulses are called ‘Nutrient Powerhouse’ and are edible food of plants in the legume family. It contains high protein, fibers, various vitamins and amino acids. Starch is the main form in which plants store carbon. It occurs as semi crystalline granules composed of two polymers of glucose called amylose and amylopectin, depending on the plant organ. Starch granules are characterized by internal growth rings. Starch grain is a very useful taxonomic tool in plant systematic. In this investigation we atudied the morphological variations of starch grains in seeds. These starch grain contain the composition of carbon to form different structural diversity of seeds like simple i.e. two types: concentric and eccentric, semi-compound and compound. Polarized microscopy (PM) was used for better micro-morphological (Maltase cross) study. These micro-characters are carried out by UPGMA and construction dendrogram for visual appreciations of taxonomic relationship.

ABSTRACT

Soil salinity is one of the most serious environmental issues that limit agricultural productivity. Most of the food crops belong to glycophytes and hence, they are not able to withstand salinity stress. Salt stress significantly affects the various morphological, biochemical and physiological processes of the plant which leads to poor plant growth. Therefore, there is an emergent need to find out mitigation strategies to cope with the deleterious impacts of salt stress. Plant breeding techniques, efficient resource management and genetic engineering have been employed to cope with salt stress but these were of limited success as salt tolerant trait is complex both genetically and physiologically. Therefore, using plant growth promoting bacteria seems to be a cost effective and sustainable approach for salinity stress management. Hence plant growth promoting bacteria could play a significant role in alleviating salt stress. This chapter endeavor to provide an overview of the various important mechanisms such as facilitation of nutrient uptake, production of phytohormones, ACC deaminase production and siderophore production employed by the plant growth promoting bacteria to enhance the plant growth under salinity stress.

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The deeply rooted coastal grass Spinifex littoreus (Burm.f.) Merr. is a potent soil binder having capability to form a strong and stable dunes. However detailed features of this species has not been thoroughly studied till date. In this communication, salient morphological features along with different crucial micro-morphological peculiarities have been discussed. The comparative analysis of gradual degradation of population of Spinifex littoreus and native dune vegetation of the coastal belt in East Medinipur of West Bengal and adjacent Balasore district of Odisha are provided, along with different biodiversity indices. Plants were characterized as stout, dioecious, stoloniferous grass upto 90 cm tall, with rigid and sharp spiny leaves. Spikelets in racemes subtended by large bract-like spatheoles which are fascicled into large capitate spiny structures 30-37 cm in diameter. S. littoreus is fairly common along sandy shores and dunes. Plants are useful as a sand binder in unstable coastal dunes ecosystem.

ABSTRACT

Artemisia annua L. is known for the content of anti-malarial drug, artemisinin. It is widely distributed in subtropical, temperate and subtropical zones worldwide and traditionally used for the treatment of various ailments. Artemisinin has been the frontline treatment since the late 1990s and saved countless lives, especially among the world’s poorest children. The major chemical constituents of Artemisia annua L. are sesquiterpenoids and some phenolics. The essential oil of Artemisia contains artemisia ketone, camphor, caryophyllene oxide, 1,8- cineole and -pinene, and these essential oils constituents are known for their medicinal properties.Artemisinin was discovered in 1971 bya Chinese Medicinal Chemist Youyou Tu (Nobel Prize in 2015). As the demand for artemisinin remains high worldwide, exploring the chemical and the genetic variation especially knowledge, about its mechanisms for high-yielding would be more important. The plant extract is also known for other biological activities such as anti- hypertensive, anti-microbial, immuniosuppresive, and antiparasitic activities. To increase the production of artemisinin and to investigate the effect of climate change on artemisinin content will be the major research area in future from Artemisia genus. Exploring the alternative resources such as microbial production and semisynthetic approaches from other easily available natural molecules would be of high demand. Some other molecules from Artemisia should also be focused for the future development of man kind and in drug discovery science. An overview of present status of medicinal applications, phytochemistry, and future perspectives for the research possibilities on the active ingredient Artemisinin from A. annua is discussed in this chapter.

ABSTRACT

Due to the exorbitant price of the popular gelling agent agar, Plant Tissue Culture (PTC) has gradually become a costly technique in recent times. So, alternative sources of agar needs to be popularized which at one hand should be able to meet all the positive properties of agar and on the other hand be cost effective as well. The seed husk obtained from Plantago ovata Forsk. is such an alternative which was successfully used as a gelling agent for media preparation in PTC experiments for in-vitro shoot and root development in Nicotiana tabacum L. and Ocimum gratissimum L. The nodal explants were grown in MS basal medium (MSo) supplemented with 3% sucrose and were gelled with progressive concentrations of isabgol husk to ascertain the optimum concentration for better survival and growth response, while 0.8% agar acted as a negative control. The response of the explants on media gelled with husk was compared to that of media gelled with 0.8% agar. It was inferred that 0.3% husk in the medium was optimum for best growth response which was comparable to that of agar. Consequently, the estimated cost of a liter of MSo reduced by almost Rs.61.15/- (compared to Himedia’s Agar) to Rs.177.57/- (compared to Sigma’s Agar) after using isabgol seed husk as a gelling agent in media preparation.