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Due to environmental pollution, crop growth and productivity are threatened at different levels. Recapitulation of changes in plant bodies due to water pollution and mitigating strategies reveal the need for précised actions to save crop losses. The present study was carried out to estimate modulations in growth, mineral homeostasis, and nutrient profile of fruits in Capsicum annum L. grown with three concentrations of wastewater (25, 50, 100%) and two levels of silver nanoparticles (40 and 80 mg/L AgNPs). It has been reported that ion accumulation patterns from wastewater clearly vary among crops. Our findings manifested that the application of AgNPs significantly improved the mineral ions in different plant tissues, that ultimately helped to improve growth. Highest improvements were recorded for root shoot P (316 and 197%) at T9 (80 mg/L AgNPs + normal water), while K (273 and 262%), Mg (638 and 916%), and Ca (148 and 273%), at T11 (80 mg/L AgNPs + 50% Wastewater), in comparison with control. Such reduction in elemental uptake that remain detrimental even at low concentrations positively correlates with growth and nutrition of Capsicum plants. Another facet of our observation is dose-dependent improvement in nutritive attributes of fruits i.e., crude fibers, proteins, and carbohydrates by AgNPs. T8 (40 mg/L AgNPs + 100% Wastewater), improved nutritional attributes such as P (55%), Mn (44%), Zn (38%), Carbohydrates (62%), Crude fat (38%), and Fibers (49%) as compared to control. Application of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) combined with untreated wastewater (WW) reduced the hazards of contaminants in plants. The finding of the current study suggested that AgNPs are a cost-efficient and environment friendly material having the potential to mitigate harmful impacts of WW on plants. [Display omitted] • Nanomaterials have gained particular attention in diverse roles. • Wastewater, fertigation affected Growth, tissue minerals and nutrition of pepper. • AgNPs mitigated the effects of wastewater. • AgNPs changed the growth and metabolism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Various physiological and biochemical responses of two good biomonitor plant species i.e. Datura alba and Ricinus communis were studied along two roads in the Punjab, Pakistan. Chlorophyll a , b , total chlorophylls, carotenoids, total free amino acids, total soluble proteins, total antioxidant activity, stomatal conductance, photosynthetic rate, internal CO 2 concentration, transpiration rate, and water use efficiency of D. alba and R. communis were examined at different sites along both roads. Photosynthetic rate of both plant species was found to be affected. Reduced transpiration rate and stomatal conductance were also noted. However, elevated internal CO 2 concentration and water use efficiency were recorded. Total soluble proteins got reduced, but, we found a tremendous increase in total antioxidant activity and total free amino acids in both plant species. D. alba was found to be more affected by the adverse effects of roadside air borne pollutants. Although R. communis was also affected but it showed minimal variation in all parameters compared to the control. Hence, our results suggest that R. communis is more resistant to urban roadside air pollution compared to D. alba and would be a good choice as phytoremediator of traffic borne pollutants, whereas, D. alba could be a better biomonitoring plant. • Vehicle exhaust is the biggest sources of air pollution these days. • Biological effects of vehicle pollution can be assessed by the use of biomonitoring plants. • R. communis and D. alba are two effective biomonitoring plants. • They responded differently to vehicle exhaust pollution at roadsides. • R. communis could be a good phytoremediator, while, D. alba can be used as a bioindicator plant at roadsides. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Heavy metal (HM) contamination of the soil through anthropogenic activities influences the living systems and drastically impacts food chain. This study examined the application of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) in two genotypes (G1 and G2) of Mung bean (Vigna radiata) for ameliorating the Pb toxicity. Different doses of Pb (0, 25, 50 μM) were differentially tackled by AgNPs with the aim of ameliorating the plant attributes. Both genotypes displayed statistically significant quantitative and qualitative modulations for Pb tolerance. In G2, the most prominent increase in plant height (43.79%), fresh biomass (49.56%) and total chlorophyll (20%) was observed at L2 (AgNPs 10 mg/L) in comparison with the control. Overall, photosynthetic rate was increased by 26% in G2 at L6 (AgNPs 25 mg/L + Pb 25 μM). In addition, the results presented 78.5% increase in water use efficiency of G2 while G1 experienced a maximum internal CO 2 concentration (209.8%) at L8 (Pb 50 μM). AgNPs triggered balanced uptake of minerals and improved growth of Vigna genotypes. 50 μM Pb was most hazardous and caused maximum reduction in growth of Vigna plants along with a significant suppression in photosynthetic activity, increase in MDA (199.7%) in G1 and H 2 O 2 (292.8%) in G2. In comparison to control, maximum superoxide dismutase (376%), peroxidase (659.8%) and catalase (9.3%) activity was observed in G2 at L11. The application of AgNPs substantially enhanced plant growth and helped them in surviving well in absence as well as presence of Pb. G2 genotype exhibited substantial tolerance capability and revealed less impairment in the studied attributes than G1 and treatment of AgNPs i.e. 25 mg/L was the best level that yielded best results in both genotypes. The results demonstrate that AgNPs mediate response(s) of plants under Pb stress and particularly contributed to HM tolerance of plants and thus showing great promise for use in phytoremediation. • Detoxification of Pb by AgNPs in two mung bean genotypes was analyzed. •Different doses of Pb were differentially tackled by AgNPs. •Both genotypes displayed quantitative and qualitative modulations for Pb tolerance. •50 μM Pb was most hazardous and caused maximum reduction in the growth. •AgNPs can be primarily used in phytoremediation of metals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Contamination of waters and soils with microplastics (MPs) is an emerging environmental issue worldwide. MPs constitute a cocktail of various additives and polymers besides adsorbing toxic heavy metals from the environment. This co-occurrence of MPs with heavy metals poses a threat to the health of organisms and is poorly understood. Ingestion of MPs contaminated with heavy metals may also result in subsequent transfer of heavy metals up in the food chain. MPs surfaces play a crucial role in the adsorption of heavy metals. Aged/biofouled MPs facilitate greater adsorption of metals and certain microplastic (MP) polymers adsorb some metals more specifically. External factors involved in the process of adsorption/accumulation of heavy metals are the solution pH, salinity, and the concentration of relevant heavy metals in the media. Desorption greatly depends upon pH of the external solution. This is more concerning as the guts/digestive systems of organisms have low pH which could enhance the desorption of toxic metals and making them accumulate in their bodies. The aim of this article is to discuss the abundance, distribution, adsorption, and desorption behavior of MPs for heavy metals, and their combined toxic effects on flora and fauna based on the limited research on this topic in the literature. There is an overarching need to understand the interactions of MPs with heavy metals in different ecosystems so that the extent of ecotoxic effects they pose could be assessed which would help in the environmental regulation of these pollutants. [Display omitted] • Microplastics become more toxic after adsorbing heavy metals from the environment. • Certain MP polymers adsorb some heavy metals more specifically. • Adsorption depends upon aging of MPs, and pH and salinity of the media. • Desorption greatly depends upon the pH of the external solution. • MPs increase the bioaccessibility of heavy metals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Six ecotypes of Typha domingensis Pers. Jahlar (E 1), Sheikhupura (E 2), Sahianwala (E 3), Gatwala (E 4), Treemu (E 5) and Knotti (E 6) from different ecological regions were collected to evaluate the leaf anatomical and biochemical attributes under different levels of salinity and nickel stress viz ; L 0 (control), L 1 (100 mM + 50 mg kg−1), L 2 (200 mM + 100 mg kg−1) and L 3 (300 mM + 150 mg kg−1). Presence of salt and Ni in rooting medium consistently affected growth, anatomical and physio-biochemical attributes in all Typha ecotypes. Discrete anatomical modifications among ecotypes such as reduced leaf thickness, increased parenchyma area, metaxylem cell area, aerenchyma formation and improved metaxylem vessels were recorded with increasing dose of salt and Ni. The minimum anatomical damages were recorded in E 1 and E 6 ecotypes. In all ecotypes, progressive perturbations in ionic homeostasis (Na+, K+, Cl−, N) due to salt and metal toxicity were evident along with reduction in photosynthetic pigments. Maximum enhancement in Catalase (CAT), Superoxide dismutase (SOD), Peroxidase (POD) and modulated Malondialdehyde (MDA) activity was recorded in E 1 and E 6 as compared to other ecotypes. Accumulation of large amounts of metabolites such as total soluble sugars, total free amino acids content in Jahlar, Knotti, Treemu and Sahianawala ecotypes under different levels of salt and Ni prevented cellular damages in T. domingensis Pers. The correlation analysis exhibited a close relationship among different levels of salinity and Ni with various plant attributes. PCA-Biplot verified our correlational analysis among various attributes of Typha ecotypes. An obvious separation of Typha characters in response to different salinity and Ni levels was exhibited by PC1. We recommend that genetic potential of T. domingensis Pers. To grow under salt and Ni stresses must be investigated and used for phytoremediation and reclamation of contaminated soil. [Display omitted] • Nickel and salt toxicity significantly affect plant survival and adaptation capacity. • Leaf architecture with metabolic adjustments are essential for ecological success. • Growth and physio-biochemical attributes in Typha ecotypes showed differential ability to respond polluted soil. • PCA-Biplot verified correlation among various attributes of Typha ecotypes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recently, efforts to determine the ecological impacts of microplastic pollutants have increased because of plastic's accelerated contamination of the environment. The tiny size, variable surface topography, thermal properties, bioavailability and biological toxicity of microplastics all offer opportunities for these pollutants to negatively impact the environment. Additionally, various inorganic and organic chemicals sorbed on these particles may pose a greater threat to organisms than the microplastics themselves. However, there is still a big knowledge gap in the assessment of various toxicological effects of microplastics in the environment. Ecological risk assessment of microplastics has become more challenging with the current data gaps. Thus, a current literature review and identification of the areas where research on ecology of microplastics can be extended is necessary. We have provided an overview of various aspects of microplastics by which they interact negatively or positively with marine organisms. We hypothesize that biogeochemical interactions are critical to fully understand the ecological impacts, movement, and fate of microplastics in oceans. As microplastics are now ubiquitous in marine environments and impossible to remove, we recommend that it's not too late to converge research on plastic alternatives. In addition, strict actions should be taken promptly to prevent plastics from entering the environment. Image 1 • Inorganic and organic chemicals sorbed to microplastics could be extremely harmful to marine biota. • Disease-causing microbes have been found on microplastics. • Exotic invasive species could hitchhike on microplastics to reach new habitats. • Plastic contamination of sediments could adversely affect benthic communities. • Heating properties of plastics could have localized effects on populations of marine organisms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Microplastics (MPs) are an emerging threat to ecosystem functioning and biota. The major sources of MPs are terrestrial and agricultural lands. But their fate, concentration in the terrestrial environment, and effects on soil and biota are poorly understood. There is a growing body of concern about the adverse effects of MPs on soil-dwelling organisms such as microbes in mycorrhizae and earthworms that mediate essential ecosystem services. Environmental concentrations and effects of MPs are considered to increase with increasing trend of its global production. MPs in the soil could directly impact plants through blocking the seed pore, limiting the uptake of water and nutrient through roots, aggregation, and accumulation in the root, shoot, and leaves. However, MPs can also indirectly impact plants by affecting soil physicochemical characteristics, soil-dwelling microbes, and fauna. An affected soil could impact plant community structure and perhaps primary production. In this article, we have assessed the potential direct and indirect impacts of MPs on plants. We have discussed both the positive and negative impacts of MPs on plants in terrestrial systems based on currently available limited literature on this topic and our hypothetical understandings. We have summarized the most current progress in this regard highlighting the future directions on microplastic research in terrestrial systems. Image 1 • Microplastics alter the physicochemical properties of the soil. • Altered soil structure could impact plant community composition. • Microplastics could cause toxicity in plants directly through uptake via roots. • Microplastics could impact nutrient cycling by altering the C: N ratio of the soil. • The thermal properties of microplastics could create a microclimate in the root zone in the soil. Microplastics could impact plants directly through uptake from the soil or indirectly by modifying soil structure or growth patterns of soil-dwelling organisms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Oryza sativa is grown worldwide and exhibit sensitivity to different stresses. Exponential increase in microplastics in agroecosystems is damaging and demand pragmatic strategies to protect growth and yield losses. We evaluated exogenous application of different doses of glutathione (GSH) for mediation of physiological traits of rice plants experiencing two different MPs i.e. PET and HDPE in root zone. All the rice seedlings exhibited MP-induced significant (P ≤ 0.001) growth inhibition compared to the control plants. GSH application (T 3) significantly increased the shoot fresh weight (8.80%), root fresh weight (19.22%), shoot dry weight (13.705%), root dry weight (25.52%), plant height (5.75%) and 100-grain weight (9.36%), compared to control plants. GSH treated plants (T 4) showed a recovery mechanism by managing the marginal rate of reduction of all photosynthetic and gas exchange attributes by showing 34.44, 20.98, 34.83, 42.16, 39.70, and 51.38% reduction for Chl-a, Chl-b, total cholophyll, photosynthetic rate (A), transpiration rate (E), and stomatal conductance (Gs), respectively, compared to control plants. Under 5 mg L−1 HDPE and PET, rice seedlings without GSH treatment responded in terms of increase in total soluble sugar, total free amino acid, glutathione, glutathione disulfide contents, while total soluble protein and ascorbic acid contents decreased significantly, compared with control plants. Corrleation matrix revealed positive relationship between GSH and improvement in studied attributes. Moreover, exogenous GSH improved rice growth and productivity to counter the negative role of MPs. This unique study examined the effects of GSH on rice plants growing in MP-contaminated media and revealed how exogenous GSH helps plants survive MP-stress. [Display omitted] • MPs in agroecosystems particularly demand pragmatic strategies to minimize hazards. • Cost-effective methods are needed to enhance rice production in pressured conditions. • PET and HDPE MPs affected the growth and metabolism of rice plants. • Glutathione regulates plant metabolism in harsh environments. • Exogenous glutathione supply improved plant growth in MP contaminated soil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Salinity in arable land is becoming major issue in world. • Foliar application of MLE ameliorated effects of salinity. • MLE in stressed plants c enhanced POD,SOD, GB and TSS. • MLE revealed potential as biostimulant for plants. We evaluated role of exogenous application of moringa leaf extract (MLE) in ameliorating perturbations caused by salinity (200 mM) in some physiological, biochemical and anatomical parameters of two canola varieties i.e. Super (V 1) and Punjab (V 2). Data analysis revealed significant interaction between salinity and plant attributes while MLE ameliorated effects of salinity. Both varieties exhibited an increase in shoot fresh (57%, 53%) and dry weights (37%, 19%) respectively after foliar application of MLE under salinity. In V1, particularly, this incremented growth corresponded to increase in Chl-a (33.53%), Chl-b (36.79%) under foliar application of MLE. The results presented that post MLE application in stressed plants caused comparative enhancement in H 2 O 2 , MDA, GB and TSS in both varieties but in V 1 it was particularly high (27%, 46%, 12%, 13%, respectively) when compared over control. On the other hand, TFAA (31.22%), proline (83.12%), proteins (106%), POD (81.17%), catalase (27.45%), H 2 O 2 (25.47%) and ascorbic acid (74.27%) were also boosted after MLE application in comparison with control. MLE caused a significant enhancement in leaf and stem anatomical characteristics in both varieties compared to control. Although increase was observed after MLE application but V 1 responded more strongly than V 2. Differential behavior of both varieties to MLE revealed potential of it as biostimulant for plants facing salinity. Overall, variance in photosynthetic pigments, osmoprotectants, antioxidants and changes in anatomical characteristics of leaf and stem due to MLE in V 1 and V 2 contributed in salinity tolerance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Present work studied the impact of different doses of polystyrene (PS) and polyvinyl chloride (PVC) microplastics (MPs) on rice plants (Oryza sativa L.). Seven different treatments of PS and PVC MPs viz. D 0 (control), D 1 -D 3 (0, 1.5, and 3.0 mg L−1 PS-MP) and D 4 -D 6 (0, 1.5, and 3.0 mg L−1 PVC-MP) were given. In the experiment, sequential variations in growth, ionic homeostasis, and antioxidant metabolism in rice were monitored. Results show that compared to control, maximum repression in shoot and root and fresh and dry weight were recorded in D 6. We demonstrate that D 3 and D 6 reduced the photosynthetic rate up to 31.49 and 43.81% compared to D 0 while the transpiration rate was enhanced only under controlled conditions. Water use efficiency and internal CO 2 concentration increased due to incremented doses of MPs. Decline in photosynthetic attributes directly corresponded with reduction in SPAD value (34.96%) at D 6. Besides, ionic homeostasis was perturbed and concentration of Ca, N, P, and K in root and shoot was imbalanced due to all levels of MPs and D 3 and D 6 were found most hazardous for these attributes. The resultant oxidative stress caused increment in MDA (49.26 and 138.44%) and H 2 O 2 , (66.72 and 125.18%) at D 3 and D 6 , respectively. The maximum increase in SOD (109.08 and 146.08%), POD (232.59 and 289.23%), and CAT (182.65 and 242.89%) was estimated under D 3 and D 6 , respectively as compared to control. Therefore, we concluded that PVC-MPs accumulation is potentially more devastating for rice growth and metabolism than PS-MPs. We recommend further research experimentats not only for translocation but also for tissue-specific retention of different sized MPs in crop plants to completely understand their influence on food safety. [Display omitted] • Fate and transport of MPs in terrestrial ecosystems is complex. • Effects of PS-MP and PVC-MP on rice was studied. • PVC-MP had a greater impact compared to PS-MP. • Ionic homeostasis was affected at all levels of MPs. • New strategies are needed to reduce MP impacts on crop plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In a natural ecosystem, the pathogen-plant-insect relationship has diverse implications for each other. The pathogens as well as insect-pests consume plant tissues as their feed that mostly results in damage. In turn, plant species have evolved specialized defense system to not only protect themselves but reduce the damage also. Such tripartite interactions involve toxicity, metabolic modulations, resistance etc. among all participants of interaction. These attributes result in selection pressure among participants. Coevolution of such traits reveals need to focus and unravel multiple hidden aspects of insect-plant–pathogen interactions. The definite modulations during plant responses to biotic stress and the operating defense network against herbivores are vital to research areas. Different types of plant pathogens and herbivores are tackled with various changes in plants, e.g. changes in genes expression, glucosinolate metabolism detoxification, signal transduction, cell wall modifications, Ca2+dependent signaling. It is essential to clarify which chemical in plants can work as a defense signal or weapon in plant-pathogen-herbivore interactions. In spite of increased knowledge regarding signal transduction pathways regulating growth-defense balance, much more is needed to unveil the coordination of growth rate with metabolic modulations in bi-trophic interactions. Here, we addressed plant-pathogen-insect interaction for toxicity as well as dependnce along with plant defense dynamics against pathogens and insects with broad range effects at the physio-biochemical and molecular level. We have reviewed interfaces in plant-pathogen-insect research to show pulsating regulation of plant immunity for attuning survival and ecological equilibrium. An improved understanding of the systematic foundation of growth-defense stability has vital repercussions for enhancing crop yield, including insights into uncoupling of host-parasite tradeoffs for ecological and environmental sustainability. [Display omitted] • Immunity is capability of plants to distinguish and resist pathogens and pests. • Partially overlapping transcript patterns propose presence of additional toxic signals. • Besides mechanical injury activate the plant responses to insect-pests. • Accumulation of plant secondary metabolites is a defense strategy against pathogens and arthropods. • Volatiles emission during insect attack offer direct as well as indirect assistance by deterring insect toxins. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The environmental impact of biodegradable polylactic acid microplastics (PLA-MPs) has become a global concern, with documented effects on soil health, nutrient cycling, water retention, and crop growth. This study aimed to assess the repercussions of varying concentrations of PLA-MPs on rice, encompassing aspects such as growth, physiology, and biochemistry. Additionally, the investigation delved into the influence of PLA-MPs on soil bacterial composition and soil enzyme activities. The results illustrated that the highest levels of PLA-MPs (2.5%) impaired the photosynthesis activity of rice plants and hampered plant growth. Plants exposed to the highest concentration of PLA-MPs (2.5%) displayed a significant reduction of 51.3% and 47.7% in their root and shoot dry weights, as well as a reduction of 53% and 49% in chlorophyll a and b contents, respectively. The activities of catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), peroxidase (POD), and ascorbate peroxidase (APX) in rice leaves increased by 3.1, 2.8, 3.5, and 5.2 folds, respectively, with the highest level of PLA-MPs (2.5%). Soil enzyme activities, such as CAT, urease, and dehydrogenase (DHA) increased by 19.2%, 10.4%, and 22.5%, respectively, in response to the highest level of PLA-MPs (2.5%) application. In addition, PLA-MPs (2.5%) resulted in a remarkable increase in the relative abundance of soil Proteobacteria , Nitrospirae , and Firmicutes by 60%, 31%, and 98.2%, respectively. These findings highlight the potential adverse effects of PLA-MPs on crops and soils. This study provides valuable insights into soil-rice interactions, environmental risks, and biodegradable plastic regulation, underscoring the need for further research. [Display omitted] • Polylactic acid microplastics (PLA-MPs) induced oxidative stress in rice plants. • PLA-MPs adversely affected the growth of rice plants. • Rice photosynthetic activity was reduced by PLA-MPs. • PLA-MPs increased the activities of soil enzymes. • Rice-rhizosphere bacterial communities were altered by PLA-MPs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Water Quality Index (WQI) is a primary metric used to evaluate and categorize surface water quality which plays a crucial role in the management of fresh water resources. Machine Learning (ML) modeling offers potential insights into water quality index prediction. This study employed advanced ML models to get potential insights into the prediction of water quality index for the Aik-Stream, an industrially polluted natural water resource in Pakistan with 19 input water quality variables aligning them with surrounding land use and anthropogenic activities. Six machine learning algorithms, i.e. Adaptive Boosting (AdaBoost), K-Nearest Neighbors (K-NN), Gradient Boosting (GB), Random Forests (RF), Support Vector Regression (SVR), and Bayesian Regression (BR) were employed as benchmark models to predict the Water Quality Index (WQI) values of the polluted stream to achieve our objectives. For model calibration, 80% of the dataset was reserved for training, while 20% was set aside for testing. In our comparative analyses of predictive models for water quality index, the Gradient Boost (GB) model stood out the fittest for its precision, utilizing a combination of just seven parameters (chemical oxygen demand, total organic carbon, oil & grease, Ammonia- nitrogen, arsenic, nickel and zinc), surpassing other models by achieving better results in both training (R2 = 0.88, RMSE = 7.24) and testing (R2 = 0.85, RMSE = 8.67). Analyzing feature importance showed that all the selected variables, except for NO 3 N, TDS and temperature had an impact on the accuracy of the models predictions. It is concluded that the application of machine learning to assess water quality in polluted environments enhances accuracy and facilitates real-time tracking, enabling proactive risk mitigations. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Phytochemical investigations from ethanolic extract of Oxalis corniculata L. • Bio-guided fractionation showed high phenolic and flavonoid contents. • Significant carbonic anhydrase, cholinesterase (AChE, BChE) inhibitions were probed. • The electronic properties, molecular descriptors and Hirshfeld charges were studied. Phytochemical investigations of Oxalis corniculata L. shown the existence of biologically active secondary metabolites like phenols, flavanoids, alkaloids, tannins, triterpenes, sterols, and volatile oils. In this work, ethanolic extract of Oxalis corniculata L. was prepared to explore the carbonic anhydrase and cholinesterase inhibitory activities against epilepsy and anti-Alzheimer's disease (AD) potential. Upon fractionation, chloroform and ethyl acetate fractions showed high phenolic (168.56 and 171.11 μ g ascorbic acid/g extract) and flavonoid contents (115.72 and 99.35 μ g (+)-catechin/g extract), respectively and were the most active ones against acetylcholinesterase (AChE), butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) and carbonic anhydrase inhibition. The bioactivity-guided isolation from chloroform and ethyl acetate extract of Oxalis corniculata afforded nine flavonoids. The newly isolated flavonoid (1) and eight source compounds 2–9 screened by cholinesterase (AChE and BChE) and carbonic anhydrase-II (CA-II) inhibitory assays. Carbonic anhydrase inhibition rate for compounds 1–9 ranged 65.21–90.82 with the IC 50 17.11–25.18, compared with reference acetazolamide. Cholinesterase (AChE and BChE) inhibitory potential (49.52 and 29.12 μ g/mL) of newly isolated compound 1 whereas compounds 3 , 5 , 8 and 9 showed considerable significant inhibition potential using standard inhibitor serine. Moreover, the ground state geometries of all the nine compounds along with positive drugs were optimized by Density functional theory (DFT) at B3LYP/TZ2P level to explore the electronic properties and active sites. The effect of substituents on the molecular descriptors, frontier molecular orbitals, molecular electrostatic potential and Hirshfeld charges was explored. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]