Search

In spite of hermaphroditism, most earthworm species reproduce by cross fertilization i.e. by the process of copulation of two mature partners. Mechanism of copulation in few earthworm species (Lumbricus terrestris) is known. However literature on neurosecretory control of copulation in earthworm is lacking. In the present study 30 pairs of conjugating earthworms of Eisenia fetida were collected from laboratory culture beds during 2016 of monsoon season. Cerebral and ventral ganglia of 10 pairs of conjugating earthworms and 20 pairs of post conjugation (2 hrs after separation, 4 hrs after separation) earthworms were fixed in Bouin's fluid for cytomorphological studies on their cerebral neurosecretory cells. Earthworms (10 numbers) debrained through anterior transection of first five segments (brain present in 3rd segment) by sterilized paragon knife were studied to observe conjugation if any. Cerebral and ventral ganglia of 5 pairs of preconjugating earthworms were considered as control. Cerebral and ventral ganglia of earthworms displayed chiefly two types of neurosecretory cells such as A cells and B cells. The A cells are deeply stained AFpositive cells arranged in upper cortical tier beneath the perineurium and generally exhibiting process of axonal transport. The B cells, generally larger in size than A cells, are lightly or moderately stained with or without axonal transport and lie in between cortical A cells and central fibrous neuropile. In the cerebral ganglia the A cells outnumbered the B cells, while in the ventral ganglia the opposite is true. Debrained E. fetida survived but did not conjugate. Secretory dynamics in the cerebral and ventral ganglionic neurosecretory cells A and B were recorded in pre-conjugating, conjugating and post-conjugating earthworms. Absence of conjugation in debrained worms and exhibition of the same in earthworms with brain and its changes in neurosecretory profile clearly indicate involvement of cerebral neurosecretion in the phenomenon of conjugation in earthworm. Our result indicates probable involvement of cerebral neurohormone in the process of conjugation in E. fetida. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A taxonomic study on the diversity of the genus Knema Lour. belonging to the family Myristicaceae R. Br. in India revealed the distribution of the ten taxa under four series in North East and Peninsular India and Andaman and Nicobar Islands including two endemic species. Knema ser. Obovoideae W.J. de Wilde is synonymised here under ser. Knema. Series Knema is represented by two species and ser. GlaucaeW.J. de Wilde by one species in North East India, while ser. Laurinae W.J. de Wilde is represented by three species and two subspecies in North East India and Andaman and Nicobar Island, and ser. GlomerataeW.J. de Wilde by 2 species in South and NE India. This is the first taxonomic study on the genus in India. All the taxa are cited with updated nomenclature, diagnostic characters, distribution, phenological data, vernacular names, line drawings, photo plates and specimens examined in various herbaria. Taxonomic keys are provided for easy identification of these taxa. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Antimicrobial resistance against Mycobacterium and Candida are vital problems in immunocompromised patients. The current study was aimed to investigate the antimicrobial efficacy of fifteen folk medicinal plants found in Assam. Ethanolic plant extracts by well diffusion assay showed antimicrobial activity of 7 species against Mycobacterium smegmatis (ATCC®607TM) and 9 species against Candida albicans (ATCC®90028TM). Nepenthes khasiana exhibited highest zone of inhibition 21±0.5 mm against Mycobacterium smegmatis and this is the first report of Nepenthes khasiana showing anti-Mycobacterium activity from North East India. Mesua ferrea leaf extract first time exhibited good anti-candidal activity than the other studied species with zone of inhibition 11.83±0.76 mm. The impact of morphological characters on mechanistic convergence of anti-Mycobacterium and anti-Candida activities among the studied species was also assessed. Approximately 27 discrete morphological characters were used to prepare data matrix. Majority rule consensus tree of morphological data matrix with branch support =50 % using Mesquite 3.61 found that nearly 66.67 % species exhibited mechanistic convergence of anti-Mycobacterium and anti-Candida activity in combination congruent to morphological clustering. However, the clades viz., rosids, Murraya, Crinum and Alpinia showed partial congruence with angiosperm phylogeny group IV classification. A larger dataset including more than one representative species of each genus of the studied family and use of extensive morphological characters may exhibit a better mechanistic convergence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Development of pitchers is the key ornamental feature of carnivorous endemic Nepenthes khasiana Hook.f. As the modification of leaves leads to pitcher formation, the current study focused on in-vitro pitcher formation and comparing the application of natural cytokinin, 2-iP for the first time than other cytokinins in optimizing an effective regeneration protocol with genetic stability. The results showed optimum seed germination (90.67±1.02)%, highest shoot and leaf proliferation after 28 days at ½ MS media fortified with GA 3 (0.5 mg/L), chronological in-vitro laminar modification to basal pitchers correlating ontogenic obliteration and reappearance of carnivory. 2-iP (2.0 mg/L) showed highest regeneration frequency 83.33%, number of shoots (8.85±1.19), length (9.10±1.73) cm, leaf number (10.15±1.96), and length (9.15±1.96) cm per nodal explant whereas in-vitro raised axillary buds produced highest regeneration frequency 93.33%, leaf numbers (12.12±1.60), length (13.35±1.15) cm, root number (9.10±0.67) and length (8.60±0.45) cm at 2-iP (2) + IBA (0.5) mg/L. The optimum callusing 50.00±1.52%, number and length of shoots (6.35±0.46), (9.60±1.21) cm were produced at 2-iP (1.5) + 2,4-D (0.5) mg/L. The nodal shoots supplemented with NAA at 3 mg/L produced the highest number of roots (11.25±1.33) and length (8.45±1.12) cm while callus-mediated shoots achieved highest root no 7.05±1.41 and length 4.81±0.43 cm at 2.5 mg/L NAA and 3 mg/L IAA respectively. The regenerates showed 95% survival and polymorphism 9.09% with 5 SCoT and 5.88% with 5 ISSR primers. Application of 2-iP enhanced production of ornamental quality planting materials through modifications of leaves and basal pitchers highlighting ontogeny of carnivory and endemism. [Display omitted] • In-vitro regeneration protocol of endangered pitcher plant Nepenthes khasiana Hook.f. • Seed germination, and laminar modification to basal and apical pitchers. • Axillary bud showing highest regeneration frequency. • Using naturally occurring cytokinin 2-iP for the proliferation of leaf, root and callusing. • 95% survival at greenhouse with 9.09% polymorphism using SCoT and 5.88% with ISSR. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Essential oil found in folk medicinal plant Knema angustifolia for the first time containing oxygenated sesquiterpenes. • Site specific molecular docking of τ-Cadinol and δ-Cadinol showed high tau binding affinity (-6.2 Kcal/mol) like FDA approved drug. • Phylogenetic frame work was reconstructed with K. angustifolia and allied species using plastid genes viz., psbA-trnH, rbcL and matK. • Traced diagnostic species traits onto tree topology reflected presence of essential oil as shared ancestral trait. • Maxent modelling predicted suitable habitat for long-term conservation in NE India and Western Himalayas. The folk medicinal plant Knema angustifolia (Roxb.) Warb. of Myristicaceae is reported with the essential oil (0.02±0.001 - 0.04±0.01%) in leaves and twigs respectively, for the first time. The GC-MS analysis of essential oil found 15 oxygenated sesquiterpenes viz., Globulol (30.83-35.46%), Spathulenol (21.46-23.98%), Viridiflorol (6.24-12.40%) and others. Several species under the family Myristicaceae had been used in neurodegenerative diseases. The site-specific docking of the markers against tau protein, the major causal factor for neurodegenerative diseases were carried out which found biomarkers viz., α-Cadinol, δ-Cadinol, epi -Cubenol, Neointermedeol, Shyobunol, and τ-Cadinol with moderate to high binding affinity (-5.1 to -6.2 Kcal/mol). The markers followed ADMET parameters including Human Intestinal Absorption, Blood Brain Barrier, CNS permeability, and Lipinski rule of five, and were found as moderately bioactive. τ-Cadinol and δ-Cadinol showed high binding affinity (-6.2 Kcal/mol) like Galantamine, an FDA-approved drug. Moreover, τ-Cadinol and δ-Cadinol showed moderate activity as nuclear receptors, enzyme inhibitors, and ion channel modulators and exhibited potential as a base structure to develop candidate oral drugs. The potential of trait-linked occurrence of essential oil among K. angustifolia and allied species were assessed through ancestral reconstruction using Mesquite ver. 3.61 upon Bayesian consensus tree of plastid genes viz., psbA-trnH, rbcL, and matK. The essential oil was found as a shared ancestral trait in K. angustifolia. For the long-term conservation of K. angustifolia, the MaxEnt modeling was carried out which predicted climate-suitable habitat in NE India and Western Himalayas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Spices enhance the palatability of the food. Plant-derived natural spices are preferred over artificial ones by both commercial and consumer sectors. Despite its wide use in traditional cuisine and medicament, Alpinia nigra lacks a well-deserved platform in the global spice market. The current study aimed a comparative investigation between rhizomes of A. nigra (AR) and ginger (GR) through physicochemical characteristics, sensory attributes, oleochemical profiling and in silico α-amylase inhibitory activity. AR exhibited lesser moisture content (87.81 ± 0.35%), water activity (0.56 ± 0.01 aw), rehydration capacity (3.00 ± 0.19) and comparable organoleptic attributes against ginger. Both the rhizome powders showed a color difference value of 12.02 ± 0.04 due to the significant differences in the color parameters (L*, a*, b*). The FTIR spectra displayed corresponding banding patterns for O–H, C–H and C=C bond stretching at 3200–3400 cm−1, 2921–2924 cm−1 and 1634 cm−1, respectively. The SEM micrographs showed a similar fibrous structure of varying sizes, 40–100 µm. Hydro-distillation of AR yielded 0.02% of essential oil which showed the presence of Bornyl acetate (24.29%), Borneol (17.6%) and β-Caryophyllene (12.59%) as the major oleochemicals when subjected to GC–MS. The descriptive sensory analysis of AR essential oil identified camphoraceous as the key aroma attributes with spicy, pine and woody notes. Molecular docking revealed the potential of β-Guaiene (binding energy − 7.5 kcal/mol) to develop a possible dietary supplement against diabetes. The study is an initial attempt to unravel the fundamental potential of A. nigra as an alternative spice and dietary supplement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Garcinia pedunculata powders have good physico-chemical and nutritional properties. • Hot-air oven drying method was most efficient in reducing moisture and water activity. • Freeze-dried powders exhibited better color retention and antioxidant properties. • Methanol extracts of fruit powders showed significant anti-inflammatory activity. • In silico studies showed Garcinol and Isogarcinol as major compounds against COX-2. This study aimed to evaluate the physico-chemical, nutritional, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties of Garcinia pedunculata fruit powders obtained from different drying methods to explore their potential use in health-promoting functional foods. The fruits were processed at mature and ripe stages. Molecular modeling studies were also performed to find effective inhibitors from G. pedunculata fruit against inflammatory targets. Among the drying methods, the hot-air oven drying method was found to be most effective in reducing moisture content and water activity, while freeze-drying resulted in better color retention and the highest antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. The mature fruit powders showed better results than the ripe fruit powders in most of the analyzed parameters, such as lowest moisture content (13.87 %) and water activity (0.477 a w) indicating better shelf life, highest TPC (9.58 mg GAE/g), TFC (5.05 mg QE/g), antioxidant (IC 50 : 300.02 µg/mL), and anti-inflammatory (IC 50 :163.46 µg/mL) activities. The processed fruit powders had high levels of crude fiber (5.95–10.18 %) and good amounts of minerals (Na, Ca, K, Mg, Fe, Mn, Zn, Cu). The molecular modeling studies revealed that the compounds garcinol and isogarcinol exhibited the highest binding affinities (−9.6 kcal/mol and −8.8 kcal/mol, respectively) and stability against the target Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) responsible for inflammation compared to other compounds. Moreover, these compounds exhibited better pharmacokinetic qualities and may serve as promising bioactive components for preventing inflammation-related diseases. The findings underscored the promising potential of G. pedunculata powders as a viable active ingredient in functional foods with anti-inflammatory properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The essential and fixed oils cover a vast arena of industrial usage, including flavour-fragrances, cosmetics, health-body care, biofuel and bioenergy. The species of Myristicaceae were traditionally used to prepare soaps and candles. The research focused on extracting and characterising the essential and fixed oils of Myristicaceae from Assam and adjoining region. The study found essential oil for the first time from vegetative parts of Horsfieldia kingii and H. amygdalina from NE India. GC-MS analysis exhibited nearly 47 compounds among Horsfieldia kingii, H. amygdalina and Knema angustifolia , having compositional similarity among the latter two. About 11 common and significant compounds identified were copaene (1.34–22.22%), β-caryophyllene (0.34–4.36%), caryophyllene oxide (0.82–50.43%), humulene epoxide II (1.21–5.67%), δ-cadinol (1.10–7.92%), epi-γ-eudesmol (3.03–10.83%), globulol (0.82–42.28%), viridiflorol (2.34–39.14%), β-elemene (0.47–18.62%), shyobunol (1.37–7.5%) and t-cadinol (1.29–4.46%). The volatiles with high area coverage were juniper camphor (70.85%), caryophyllene oxide (50.43%), globulol (42.28%), viridiflorol (39.14%), α-pinene (36.56%), and β-selinene (20.53%). The physicochemical parameters of fixed oils of kernel and mace of H. amygdalina , H. kingii , K. angustifolia, K. linifolia and K. tenuinervia for the first time showed the yield 6.10–44.35% with compositional abundance of myristic acid, methyl ester (20.87–86.1%), lauric acid, methyl ester (35.81–40.02%), oleic acid, methyl ester (30.2–47.45%), palmitic acid, methyl ester (19.16–37.9%), mostly the saturated fatty acids. Both essential and fixed oils of wild nutmegs depicted the commercial potential of wild biowaste for novel renewable source of biomarkers. [Display omitted] • Novel source of essential oil from vegetative parts of Horsfieldia kingii and H. amygdalina from NE India. • Major markers belong to oxygenated sesquiterpenes and monoterpenes. • Significant markers caryophyllene oxide (50.43%), globulol (42.28%), viridiflorol (39.14%) and juniper camphor (70.85%). • Kernel and mace fixed oil yield 6.10–44.35%. • The abundance of myristic, lauric, oleic and palmitic acids with saturated fatty acids. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Critically endangered Aquilaria malaccensis Lam. is known for highly expensive agarwood with unique aroma. Agarwood has been used as a phytomedicine in chronic degenerative neurological disorders, paralysis, rheumatism, asthma, and others. Its production is dependent naturally or artificially on interaction of endophytic fungi, and by nailing, drilling, and microbial inoculation respectively. The majorly produced biomarkers of terpenes, fatty acids, alkanes, chromones, and flavonoids exhibited several biological activities in congruence to their ethnomedicinal claims. During the pandemic, several in-silico , studies showed the potential of a few sesquiterpene hydrocarbons against covid-19. The review aimed to deliver a comprehensive outline of the immunomodulatory potential of agarwood oil with allied traditional medicinal use, biomarkers, pharmacological evaluation, toxicity, and mechanistic action. The review eventually showed the agarwood oil, extracts, and major biomarkers viz., aromadendrene II, valencene, phytol, octacosane, caryophyllene oxide, β-caryophyllene, hinesol, agarospirol, with immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory, and allied neural, antidiabetic, antimicrobial activity, toxicity, along with molecular target binding potential against 3CLpro, RDRP, Mpro, PLpro, Spike protein S1 of SARS-CoV2 through in-vitro, in-vivo, in silico studies and limited human clinical trials. The expression of HMGR, ASS, ADXPS, ADXPR, FPS , and WRKY genes of sesquiterpenoid biosynthetic pathways were upregulated for signature aroma and immunomodulatory markers viz., δ-guaiene, dodecane, tetracosane, agarospirol, farnesol, and geranylgeraniol acetate as a defensive response. The review would ignite future research on potential immunomodulatory markers viz., caryophyllene oxide, octacosane, heneicosane, agarospirol, n-hexadecanoic acid, α-eudesmol, α-santalol and inoculum guided in-vitro agarwood production restoring the prized aroma, therapeutic efficacy, and wild population. [Display omitted] • Critically endangered Aquilaria malaccensis Lam. is globally known for unique aroma. • High value agarwood oil is traditionally used as a phytomedicine in several chronic degenerative ailments. • Biomarkers exhibited pharmacological evaluation and in-silico immunomodulatory potential against SARS-CoV2. • Several genes WRKY, PAL, GLU were expressed during formation of agarwood as response to fungal infection, mechanical damage, and stress. • Futuristic scope on gene expression and marker-driven agarwood production with immunomodulatory potential. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Patchouli is a prized tropical medicinal herb with broad-spectrum therapeutic importance. The present research work describes development of an efficient callus-mediated plant regeneration protocol along with associated germplasm portability system (via alginate-encapsulation). Using 1.5 mg/l α-naphthalene acetic acid (NAA) and 1.0 mg/l 2, 4-dichlorophenoxy acetic acid (2, 4-D), highly proliferative friable calli were produced that subsequently underwent organogenesis in combinatorial cytokinin treatment to yield multiple shoot clusters. The highest frequency of shoot formation was achieved using 1.5 mg/l NAA with 1.5 mg/l 6-benzylaminopurine (BAP) in Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium. In vitro-derived shoot tips were encapsulated with 3% sodium alginate and 100 mM CaCl2 solution. The encapsulated beads were germinated in MS media with various concentrations of polyamines, where the highest regeneration frequency was observed with 1.5 mg/l spermidine. The regenerated shoots were rooted in basal MS medium and were successfully acclimatized with 96% survival rate. Genetic homogeneity amongst the regenerated plantlets was validated using Start Codon Targeted polymorphism (SCoT) and CAAT box-derived polymorphism (CBDP) ascertaining a high degree of clonal fidelity. The essential oil (EO) profiling of the donor plant and the in vitro-derived plantlets revealed identical composition. Furthermore, the antibacterial activities of various tissue extracts and extracted EOs were evaluated against the opportunistic pathogens viz. Klebsiella pneumoniae (MTCC 109), Salmonella typhii (MTCC 733), Micrococcus luteus (MTCC 2470) and Staphylococcus aureus (MTCC 96). The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) ranged from 0.31 to 5.0 mg/ml and 2.5 to 5.0 mg/ml against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, respectively. Eventually, the present research provides a holistic insight into the rapid regeneration of quality planting material as well as pharmacological bioprospection of patchouli along with the scope of further qualitative improvement via genetic transformation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• In-silico trait-linked phylogenetic framework of 9 Paphiopedilum species distributed in India based on combined nrDNA and cpDNA (ITS2 + matK + rbcL) dataset by MP and Bayesian analysis. • Ancestral trait tracing of 47 characters viz., morphological and chromosomal using Mesquite 3.61. • Sharing of passport traits to public may augment to prevent unethical trade of Paphiopedilum species throughout the distributional range. Paphiopedilum Pfitzer is one of the largest horticulturally utilized genera of slipper orchids. Similar characters of slipper orchids within Paphiopedilum may camouflage identity and mislead a nonprofessional to species substitution. All the species of Paphiopedilum are enlisted in CITES Appendix I and barred for unethical trading from wild sources. An in-silico study on the trait-linked phylogenetic framework of the Paphiopedilum species distributed in India aimed to identify the species passport trait which may prevent unethical trade. The phylogenetic framework was reconstructed using downloaded DNA sequences of ITS2, matK, and rbcL genes from GenBank for 22 slipper orchids of the subfamily Cypripedioideae including 9 Paphiopedilum species of India. Parsimonious and Bayesian interpretations were carried out using PAUP version 4.0a and MrBayes with ancestral trait reconstruction of 47 characters by Mesquite 3.61. The combined DNA (ITS2 + matK + rbcL) dataset supported the monophyly of the genus Paphiopedilum with a distinct clade and section Barbata (Krzl.) V.A. Albert & Borge Pett. with a subclade. The monophyly of the conduplicate-leaved genera Paphiopedilum, Phragmipedium, and Mexipedium was congruent to recent taxonomic classifications whereas plicate-leaved Selenipedium and Cypripedium showed polytomy in parsimonious tree. Ancestral reconstruction exhibited basal leaves, conduplicate leaves and deciduous perianth as symplesiomorphic traits. Undulate-revolute, rounded synsepal, ciliate lip; pubescent dorsal sepal, glabrous, glossy lip; coriaceous rough leaves , shortly hirsute peduncle; hairy lip; glandular pubescent peduncle; and brownish dorsal sepal with greenish yellow margin can be considered as passport traits for P. fairrieanum, P. spicerianum, P. venustum, P. charlesworthii, P. druryi and P. hirsutissimum respectively. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ready to rehydrate food products are consumers' choice in global market. More than 9500 rice cultivars (Oryza sativa L.) were reported from North East India. Three underutilized paddy land races of NE India viz., Chakhao poireiton, Joha and Chokuwa were assessed and compared for their commercial potential to develop ready to rehydrate rice (RTRr) for the first time. RTRr were prepared by processing paddy via soaking, sand frying, sun drying and milling following conventional method of soft rice processing using metric scale and were assessed for nutritional (AOAC methods), energy (Atwater factors), moisture content (Moisture analyzer), water activity (Water activity meter), rehydration time and sensory analysis (9-point hedonic scale) by 25 untrained panelists. All the experiments were performed in triplicates. PCA and AHC were done by XLSTAT and ANOVA at p <0.05 were conducted using Sigmaplot. RTRr exhibited quickest rehydration time 40.00 ± 4.08 min in Chakhao poireiton, highest yield (63.20±1.03%) in Joha, carbohydrate (87.48±0.01%) in Joha, protein (10.06±0.32%) in Chakhao poireiton, fat (9.25±0.5%) in Chokuwa, ash (3.23±0.46%) in Chakhao poireiton, dietary fiber (12.13±0.4%) in Chokuwa, energy (437 kcal) in Joha, color difference (ΔE ab) value 9.65±0.02 in Chakhao poireiton RTRr powder, overall acceptability of 7.08±0.098 in Chokuwa, product characterization and panelists' evaluation by PCA 84.27% and 56.70% between the components in preferring Chokuwa. These paddy cultivars exhibited commercial potential to develop RTRr. RTRr developed from Chakhao poireiton exhibited higher protein, ash and low moisture contents, RTRr developed from Joha showed high carbohydrate and energy content and low water activity and RTRr developed from Chokuwa was rated highest in sensory analysis by the panelists. [Display omitted] • Ready-to-rehydrate rice (RTRr) was prepared from three underutilized paddy land races of NE India. • RTRr was prepared for the first time from Joha & Chakhao poireiton alongside Chokuwa. • Nutritional, physical parameters including color analysis of the three RTRr were compared. • Sensory analysis of the three RTRr along with product characterization and panelists' evaluation were done for the first time to screen industrial potential. • All three RTRr exhibited potential scope for commercializaion as per calculation of cost of production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Murraya paniculata (L.) Jack is commonly cultivated as ornamental plant in Assam and has been used as spice and phytomedicine traditionally for many healthcare purposes. The therapeutic potential and chemical constituents of the essential oil of M. paniculata leaf was investigated against several pathogenic microbial species and human cancer cell lines. 29 chemical compounds were identified by GC–MS analysis from the essential oil representing 97.62% of the oil. The major compound identified was caryophyllene (20.93%). Leaf essential oil exhibited promising antibacterial activity against Mycobacterium smegmatis (MIC = 4 µg/mL) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (MIC = 4 µg/mL). Best anticancer activity of the oil was observed for HeLa cells (IC50 = 6.28 μg/mL). Further, scanning electron microscopic studies revealed that the oil kills micro-organisms with the deformation of cellular morphology on treatment of the oil. Thus, the essential oil of M. paniculata leaf can be an excellent alternative for development of new antimicrobials and anticancer chemotherapeutic agents for the pharmaceutical industries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pogostemon cablin (Blanco) Benth. or "Patchouli" is a prized medicinal herb used in various ethno-medicinal preparations and perfume industry. However due to over-collection and nematode infections in the roots of P. cablin , the wild populations are facing a steady decline and are at risk. In the present research, we report a fast clonally stable regeneration protocol for P. cablin with the utilization of meta -topolin (m T), a prized aromatic cytokinin (CK) for the first time. The highest rate of shoot proliferation i.e. 45 shoots/explant was observed after 4 weeks from leaf segments on MS media fortified with 1.0 mg/l m T. The highest rate of rooting was observed when the regenerated micro shoots were cultured in MS medium supplemented with 1.5 mg/l IBA. Direct root regeneration was tested upon with the applications of three conventional auxins i.e., Naphthalene acetic acid (NAA), Indole-3-acetic acid (IAA), Indole-3-butyric acid (IBA) using the same explants. The genetic homogeneity of the regenerated clones was ascertained, using two gene targeted molecular marker systems namely Start Codon Targeted Polymorphism (SCoT) and Inter-Retrotransposon Amplified Polymorphism (IRAP) ascertaining genetic stability amongst the regenerates and the donor plant. In precise, the present research provides vital insights into the role of aromatic CKs like m T in the high frequency regeneration of medicinally important plants like P. cablin which might serve as important baseline information for the pharma industry where supply of Quality Planting Material (QPM) is a real challenge. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The bZIP transcription factors play crucial roles in various aspects of plant biology, including development, defence mechanisms, senescence, and responses to both biotic and abiotic environmental stresses. Myristica fragrans Houtt. transcriptome analysis has identified 15 bZIP transcription factors, each exhibiting major conserved domains and motifs such as BRLZ, MFMR, and DOG1. Functional characterisation of these identified MfbZIP factors indicates their predominant localisation within the nucleus. Phylogenetic analysis reveals that MfbZIP factors cluster into three subgroups alongside annotated bZIP sequences from Magnolia sinica and Arabidopsis thaliana. Moreover, gene ontology (GO) analysis highlights several key functions of MfbZIP , including involvement in defence responses, abscisic acid-induced signalling pathways, and DNA-binding transcription factor activity. Further investigation through KEGG pathway analysis reveals that the amino acid sequences of MfbZIP contain binding motifs for proteins such as TGA, implicated in plant hormone signal transduction pathways associated with disease resistance. To confirm the disease-defence-related activity of the TGA binding protein within MfbZIP , we employed amino acid sequences for 3-D ab initio modelling. Subsequently, we analysed TGA-NPR1 interactions using docking and molecular dynamics simulation analysis. These analyses shed light on the functional and structural aspects of TGA, demonstrating its stable association with NPR1 protein and its significance in the expression of PR1 protein, thus playing a pivotal role in defence responses against pathogens. [Display omitted] • Transcriptome-wide identification of fifteen bZIP transcription factors in Myristica fragrans • MfbZIP transcription factors are phylogenetically related to Magnolia sinica and Arabidopsis thaliana. • MfbZIP transcription factors have a role in plant hormone signal transduction defence. • Disease resistance potential was validated by molecular modelling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Natural fibres are in great demand as a clean and green material as reinforcement in sustainable and environment-friendly biodegradable composites. The study aimed to extract palm grass leaf fibres through water retting, a cleaner and greener approach compared with the use of 5–10% NaOH. The physicochemical characterisation was done by SEM, optical microscopy, FT-IR, XRD, TGA, bundle strength, moisture content and standard biochemical tests for cellulose, hemicellulose, lignin and ash. New natural fibres extracted from Curculigo capitulata by water retting showed a smooth surface of uniaxial fibres under SEM and optical microscope compared to eroded surfaces of chemically extracted fibres. Both the fibres extracted by water retting and with 5% NaOH showed nearly similar crystallinity index (84–85%) and size (2.44nm), whereas the former contained 64% cellulose with bundle strength 154MPa compared to 72% and 219.11MPa with the latter. While using 10% (NaOH) showed cellulose 82.29 ± 0.63%, crystallinity index 87.43%, and bundle strength 256.46 ± 15.81MPa. Approximately similar lignin content (20.30 ± 0.91–21.66 ± 1.18%) and mass degradation (%) were obtained in water-retted and 5%–7.5% NaOH extracted fibres. FT-IR spectra showed the characteristic bands at 3421cm−1 for O–H stretching and 2917cm−1 for alkyl C–H stretching in cellulose; at 1630cm1 for C C stretching in lignin. All the extracted fibres showed industrial potential similar to successful natural fibres for fine rope, yarn, handmade paper, and fabrics aiming for a circular bioeconomy. [Display omitted] • New natural fibres were extracted for the first time from Palm grass leaves (Curculigo capitulata), a bio-waste by biological and chemical methods • A sustainable cleaner and greener biological retting resulted smooth surface of uniaxial fibres • Physicochemical characterization was done with SEM, FT-IR, TGA, contents of lignin, cellulose, hemicellulose and bundle strength • New natural fibres showed similarity with commercial natural fibres used in biodegradable fabrics and as reinforcement in green composites [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Betel leaf or 'Paan' (Piper betle) is an integral component of the addictive chewing stimulant 'betel quid' which is traditionally consumed by a large population in the Asian countries. Betel essential oil is also heavily used by the flavour industries. Often, it constitutes of carcinogenic and genotoxic phenylpropanoids. High incidence of the oral carcinogenesis in this part of the world has been linked to the chewing of betel quid as well as Paan. In this study, Piper betleoides C. DC. (wild Paan) was identified as the edible plant source from north‐east India possessing betel‐scented essential oil which was highly rich in sesquiterpenoids majorly germacrene D and β‐caryophyllene. Identity of the plant was confirmed through critical taxonomic studies. Further, the essential oil yield and composition were investigated across different vegetative (young and mature leaves, stem) and reproductive (male and female inflorescence) tissues of P. betleoides through gas chromatography‐mass spectrometry (GC‐MS) and nuclear magnetic resonance (1H, 13C NMR) spectroscopic analyses. The comparative quantitative investigation showed a high dominance by sesquiterpenoids (>90%) in the leaves of P. betleoides with no detection of phenylpropanoids. On the contrary, a high level of phenylpropanoids (>75%) was found in P. betle (Bangla Paan). In effect, P. betleoides can be a potential alternative source of betel‐scented sesquiterpene‐rich essential oil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Safrole, a phenylpropene with a 'candy shop' aroma, is abundant in nature among diverse plant genera such as Sassafras, Ocotea, Cinnamomum, Myristica, and Piper. Sassafras oil has been used extensively for a long time, first by Native Americans and later by European settlers in traditional medicine and as a flavouring agent. Until 1960 the consumption of safrole by the western population, as a flavouring agent in beer, meat, and soft drinks, was unregulated. Later, the recognition of this phytochemical as a weak hepatocarcinogen with demonstrated genotoxicity in rodents led to strict restrictions on its use in food by various regulatory bodies globally. Moreover, in Asian countries oral carcinogenesis has been linked to safrole through the habit of chewing betel quid. As a separate issue, safrole is an inexpensive synthetic precursor to the illicit recreational drug Ecstasy. Accelerating demand for this party drug during the last few decades has encouraged the unscientific harvesting, illegal production, and trading of safrole‐rich oils, leading to massive deforestation. Recently, many government authorities have enforced laws to restrict the production and harvesting of safrole‐bearing plants. Thus, the identity of safrole has altered with time from a pleasant flavouring agent to a hepatocarcinogen, and more recently as a driver of the destruction of biodiversity. Law enforcement has not only hampered its availability but has also extensively affected industrial use. Our review describes the research progress (1960–2018) on its natural distribution, carcinogenicity, usage as a natural synthon, and the regulations imposed on safrole and safrole‐rich oils worldwide. Finally, we draw our readers' attention to the sustainable use of this phytochemical for a better future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The family Myristicaceae harbour mind-altering phenylpropanoids like myristicin, elemicin, safrole, tryptamine derivatives such as N,N-dimethyltryptamine (DMT) and 5-methoxy N,N-dimethyltryptamine (5-MeO-DMT) and β-carbolines such as 1-methyl-6-methoxy-dihydro-β-carboline and 2-methyl-6-methoxy-1,2,3,4-tetrahydro-β-carboline. This study aimed to systematically review and propose the hypothetical biosynthetic pathways of hallucinogenic metabolites of Myristicaceae which have the potential to be used pharmaceutically. Relevant publications were retrieved from online databases, including Google Scholar, PubMed Central, Science Direct and the distribution of the hallucinogens among the family was compiled. The review revealed that the biosynthesis of serotonin in plants was catalysed by tryptamine 5-hydroxylase (T5H) and tryptophan 5-hydroxylase (TPH), whereas in invertebrates and vertebrates only by tryptophan 5-hydroxylase (TPH). Indolethylamine-N-methyltransferase catalyses the biosynthesis of DMT in plants and the brains of humans and other mammals. Caffeic acid 3-O-methyltransferase catalyses the biosynthesis of both phenylpropanoids and tryptamines in plants. All the hallucinogenic markers exhibited neuropsychiatric effects in humans as mechanistic convergence. The review noted that DMT, 5-MeO-DMT, and β-carbolines were natural protectants against both plant stress and neurodegenerative human ailments. The protein sequence data of tryptophan 5-hydroxylase and tryptamine 5-hydroxylase retrieved from NCBI showed a co-evolutionary relationship in between animals and plants on the phylogenetic framework of a Maximum Parsimony tree. The review also demonstrates that the biosynthesis of serotonin, DMT, 5-MeO-DMT, 5-hydroxy dimethyltryptamine, and β-carbolines in plants, as well as endogenous secretion of these compounds in the brain and blood of humans and rodents, reflects co-evolutionary mutualism in plants and humans. [Display omitted] • Myristicaceae harbours pharmaceutically potential hallucinogens. • Plants, invertebrates, and vertebrates produce DMT, 5-MeO-DMT, and β-carbolines. • Proposed hypothetical biosynthetic pathways for Myristicaceae hallucinogens. • T5H, TPH, INMT, and COMT are the key enzymes for phenylpropanoids and tryptamines. • Co-evolutionary mutualism of hallucinogens in plants, invertebrates and humans. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Alpinia zerumbet or shell ginger, an essential oil-bearing rhizomatous native herb of Southeast Asia belongs to the family Zingiberaceae. The rhizome has high culinary value and is profusely used as a spice, food additive, in cosmetics and others. The current study was conducted to investigate the effect of six postharvest drying treatments (shade, sun, freeze, microwave, and oven drying at a temperature of 40 °C and 60 °C) on physicochemical properties, volatile yield and compositions, and sensory attributes of shell ginger. In contrast to other drying methods, freeze drying showed better water activity, rehydration capacity and retained the usual color and micro-structure of sliced rhizomes. FTIR analysis of dried rhizome powders revealed the corresponding banding for C-O-C stretching, C C stretching, CH 2 asymmetric stretching and free phenolic OH stretching respectively. The maximum yield of essential oil was obtained in freeze drying (0.028%), followed by fresh rhizomes (0.02%), and the minimum yield was recorded in microwave drying (0.003%). The GC-MS analysis of rhizome oil reported 4-terpineol (31.89–46.85%), eucalyptol (14.28–23.74%), γ- terpinene (2.19–6.67%), fenchyl acetate (5.01–11.21%), o -cymene (2.99–14.92%), and β- pinene (2.18–5.05%) as the principal volatile constituents which were significantly affected by the six drying methods. Spicy and camphoraceous aroma were dominant in fresh and dried rhizome essential oil accessions with traces of pine and lemon odor. The fresh rhizome oil negatively affected the germination rate and inhibited the shoot and root length of wheatgrass seeds with IC 50 values of 882.55, 87.79 and 72.2 µg/mL respectively showing its mild phytotoxic potential. These findings demonstrated the freeze drying as the most efficient postharvest technique to preserve the natural qualities of shell ginger and laid down a basic experimental framework for further value addition and industrial feasibility. [Display omitted] • Freeze drying of shell ginger was found as most promising postharvest technique. • Drying significantly altered oil yield, composition and physicochemical properties. • 4-terpineol was identified as the major essential oil component. • Spicy and camphoraceous aroma was detected as key aroma attribute in rhizome oil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]