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Background: Medicinal plants are considered a rich source of ingredients, which can be used in drug development and synthesis. Tinospora cordifolia (Wild.) Hook.f. & Thomson, commonly known as guduchi, heart-leaved moonseed and giloya is a herbaceous vine of the family Menispermaceae, has several beneficial properties including antioxidant activity. Aim: The present study was carried out to analyze the antioxidant activity of leaf and stem extracts of Tinospora cordifolia by using DPPH (1,1-Diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl) and ABTS (2,2´-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid)) free radical scavenging assays. Materials and Methods: Dried and powdered leaves and stem of T. cordifolia were extracted with methanol. Ascorbic acid was taken as standard. Total phenolic content was estimated by using Folin-ciocalteu's reagent while total flavonoid content by aluminium chloride reagent to find the correlation of polyphenols with antioxidant activity. ABTS assay of methanolic leaf and stem extracts showed the highest scavenging activity as compared to the DPPH assay. Results: Methanolic stem extract showed higher phenolic and flavonoid content along with antioxidant activity as compared to the methanolic leaf extract. Conclusion: The stem extract exhibited more antioxidant activity than the leaf extract with regards to the all parameters analyzed.

Background: The study on drying and its social acceptance has increased rapidly. Among different drying techniques, shade drying is one of the most feasible methods to keep intact from the decay of the main active components of the plant materials. Shade drying is an ancient drying method that increases durability, major constituents and activity of the plant material. Aims: Research was conducted to examine the drying potential of aromatic leaves oil of Zanthoxylum armatum DC. Methods: The fresh plant material was collected from Lohaghat, Champawat district of Uttarakhand and hydrodistilled before and after shade drying to assess the changes in the quality of volatile constituents by GC and GC-MS techniques. A two-tailed paired t-test was executed to assess the difference between drying treatments using MS-Excel. Results: The major components in the fresh oil were 2-undecane, linalool, (E)-β-ocimene, α-pinene and β-phellandrene. In the oil from dried material, the three predominant compounds were noted. A significant increase was observed in the percentage of β-phellandrene, undecanal and myrcene after shade drying (p Conclusion: Shade drying significantly influenced the essential oil composition of Z. armatum.

The physiological and biochemical performance of two contrasting guar [Cyamopsis tetragonoloba (L.) Taub.] varieties, RGC-936 a drought sensitive and RGC-1002 a drought tolerant were assessed for their adaptation strategies under-watered and water stress conditions. The physiological parameters such as osmotic potential, relative water content, net photosynthesis, declined under drought in both the varieties although, the decrement was lesser in the variety RGC-1002 as compared to the variety RGC-936 and the stable carbon isotope discrimination declined more in RGC-1002. Furthermore, the variety RGC-1002 exposed to water stress recorded higher levels of total phenolic and proline content, enzymatic antioxidants, superoxide dismutase, catalase, and ascorbate peroxidase, which efficiently scavenge the reactive oxygen species. These results suggest that the variety RGC-1002 have a better capability to combat drought-induced oxidative stress as compared to RGC-936. The results of various chlorophyll fluorescence parameters of photochemical quantum yield of PSI, Y(I) and PSII, Y(II), photochemical quantum yield due to regulated energy dissipation, Y(NPQ) and quantum yield of non-regulated energy dissipation, Y(NO), Cyclic Electron Flow (CEF), and the fraction of reduced PSII electron acceptors Y(ND) displayed that the variety RGC-1002 have better ability to dissipate excess light energy harmlessly as compared to RGC-936 and thereby alleviate photoinhibition of both the photosystems and protect the photosynthetic machinery under drought. The various physiological and biochemical studies show that the variety RGC-1002 is well adapted and capable to survive under severe water stress.

Background: Lichens are a composite consortium of a fungus and an alga. The symbiotic organisms are naturally equipped with distinct characteristics as compared to constituting organisms separately. Lichens, due to their peculiar anatomy and physiology, are the reservoir of more than 600 unique secondary metabolites, also known as ‘lichen substances’. Since ancient times, many ethnic groups from various parts of the world have known about the applications of lichens as major provenance of food/fodder, medicine, dyes, spices, perfumes, etc. Lichen substances have shown impressive antioxidant, antimicrobial, antiviral, anti-tumor, and antiinflammatory activities under experimental conditions. Usnic acid, a well-known metabolite found in several species of lichens, possesses potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. It also has significant antiproliferative potential, as revealed through testing in different cancer cell lines. Atranorin, Lecanoric acid, Norstictic acid, Lobaric acid, Stictic acid, Ramalin, Gyrophoric acid, Salazinic acid, Protolichesterinic, and Fumarprotocetraric acid are some of the other purified lichen-metabolites with potent anti-cancer activities. Objective: This study presents an overview of lichen-derived extracts and compounds showing anti-cancer (or related) properties. Method: The review comprehends different studies (in vivo and in vitro) backing up the possibility of lichenextracts and metabolites towards their use as antioxidant, anti-proliferative, anti-inflammatory, and Epithelialmesenchymal transition (EMT) -inhibiting agents. Results: Various studies carried out to date show that lichen-extracts and metabolites have a range of anti-cancer and related properties that include anti-oxidative, anti-inflammatory, anti-proliferative, pro-apoptotic, and the potential of inhibition of cancer-associated EMT that is responsible for drug resistance and metastasis of cancer cells in a substantial proportion of cases. Conclusion: Lichens are the repertoire of a plethora of lichen-metabolites with significant anti-cancer potential. However, some of the critical ‘anti-cancer related’ properties, such as the ability of EMT-inhibition and the potential of induction of apoptosis, are relatively less studied for several lichen compounds. Additionally, many lichen compounds need to be purified at a larger scale to explore their anti-cancer potential.

Orchids are highly evolved and specialized group of flowering plants belonging to family Orchidaceae. It is the second largest family of the flowering plants in the world with more than 24,000 species of perennials that includes terrestrial, saprophytic, lithophytic and epiphytic species. The present work is based on the systematic ephiphytic orchids observations based on habit, habitat, colour of flower, flowering period and detailed morphological features. Twenty-two epiphytic orchid species belonging to fifteen genera were recorded from Nainital area. The genera represented were Dendrobium (four species), Aerides, Bulbophyllum, Eria and Oberonia (two species each) while rests were represented by single species each. The host species such as Quercus leucotrichophora (6), Sapium insigne (5), Syzygium operculatum, Bombax ceiba and Pyrus pashia (4) supported maximum number of epiphytic orchids followed by the species Syzygium cumini and Toona ciliata (3). Four host species reported with single orchid species. Due to high anthropogenic pressure and changing environmental conditions resulted in vulnerability of these species. Therefore, regular monitoring of the species, mass scale propagation and creating awareness among the local inhabitants are suggested.

Lantana camara L. the alien-invasive species to Uttarakhand belongs to the verbenaceae family, ever-green woody shrub with different colour flowers ranges from yellow to orange. The fresh hand sections of stem and leaf of Lantana camara L. were studied with light microscopeand intended to find out identical characteristics. Epidermiswas a single layer of compactly arranged by barrel-shaped parenchyma cells with slightly thick walled where intercellular spaces were absent. The visually large trichomes were non-glandularand unicellular, conical type, presenting a large base and a thin extremity.Hypodermis was characterized by a few layers of collenchyma cells with angular thickenings.Cortex was represented by several layers of loosely arranged parenchyma cells with prominent intercellular spaces. Endodermis was having compactly arranged barrel shaped cells.The phloem and xylem cells located at upper and lower of 3 cell cambium layer respectively.Pith was also represented a group of loosely arranged parenchyma cells.The epidermis layer of leaves were uniseriate with regular size cells, was wrapped with a thick cuticle on the adaxial surface. Complex diacytic and anomocytic type of stomata’s were found. Non-glandular trichomes were found scattered through the entire petiole and leaf blades, are of the conical type, presenting a large base and a thin extremity, and ornamentations on the wall. The vascular system was open, forming a flattened arch in the “V” shape with two accessory bundles located dorsally and groups of idioblasts located laterally in the cortical parenchyma.SEM (Scanning electron microscopy) images and Optical microscopy of Pollens of the Lantana camara L. were also performed.Thepalynological information were recorded as sculpturinglooks smooth and the pollen type is tricolporate. Its shape in polar view is Semi-angular while equatorial view is spheroidal. The polar and equatorial diameter were 34μm (30-40μm) 33μm (30-40μm) respectively.

Populations of Polygonatum cirrhifolium (Wall.) Royle and Malaxis muscifera (Lindl.) Kuntze are restricted to small pockets and are subject to destructive harvesting (rhizomes/pseudobulbs) from wild. Being under high threat categories considering habitat specificity, population size, utilization and extraction trends, both the species need conservation interventions. This study in Kumaun West Himalaya reveals that in the case of P. cirrhifolium the maximum density (6.33 individual/m2) was reported for the Burphu population, whereas for M. muscifera the maximum density (1.75 individual/m2) was reported for Kathaliya population. No significant (p

It has been established that resurvey of historical vegetation stands, even those not marked permanently, could foster our understanding of vegetation dynamics and changes in structure and composition over time. However, such studies are poorly available, particularly in remote landscapes of the Indian Himalaya. There exists a complete lack of resurveys, which has limited our ability to provide reliable evidence of changes over the decades. This study, for the first time in the Indian Himalaya, considered repeat surveys (nearly after 25 years) of vegetation stands in eleven forest communities of the buffer zone of NDBR (Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve). Thirty historical forest stands, earlier studied in 1988–1990, were revisited during 2012–2014 and investigated using the same survey methods as used in the previous study. We found that previously reported dominant tree species, i.e., Alnus nepalensis, Acer cappadocicum, Quercus floribunda, Quercus semecarpifolia, Hippophae salicifolia, and Betula utilis, in nine out of eleven communities in the study area are continuing to exhibit dominance in the community. However, a significant increase in species richness and density in the seedling and sapling layer in Quercus floribunda, Quercus semecarpifolia, Rhododendron arboreum, and Abies pindrow is indicative of the ongoing process of change in forest composition. The compositional features of plant communities, when analyzed through Community Change Sensitivity (CCS) approach, identified Quercus floribunda, mixed Quercus—deciduous spp., Hippophae salicifolia, and Abies pindrow as the most change-sensitive communities in the study area and thus can be prioritized as the long-term ecological monitoring sites in the west Himalaya to understand intensity and patterns of changes. The potential changes based on the ecological information from two time period compositional data sets, having conservation and management implications, should be accommodated in the long-term perspective plans of the reserve.

Two contrasting guar varieties [Cyamopsis tetragonoloba (L.) Taub.], RGC-1002—a better drought tolerant than RGC-936—a comparatively sensitive variety, were subjected to 8 days of water stress. The physiological characteristics of gas exchange, pigments and the spectral properties of the leaves were monitored and assessed. The guar variety, RGC-1002 exhibited higher relative water content (RWC) and biomass accumulation in water stress condition as compared to RGC-936. The RGC-1002 variety also showed a higher rate of photosynthesis, stomatal conductance, and lesser reduction in chlorophyll content as compared to RGC-936 variety. On the 8th day of drought, the leaf anthocyanin levels were also higher in RGC-1002 than RGC-936. Increased levels of anthocyanin result in decrease in absorption of light, and an increase in reflectance, and transmittance. The scattering coefficient of leaf spectra was significantly increased in RGC-936 than in RGC-1002 leaves; this is due to an increase in the size of intercellular air spaces and shrinkage of cells as a result of water loss. The leaf reflectance was also observed to be significantly increased in RGC-936 than in RGC-1002 leaves. The physiological and leaf optical observations substantiate that RGC-1002 was better adapted to water stress than RGC-936 variety.

The present study includes chromosome count, meiotic abnormalities, pollen fertility and karyotype of Elymus semicostatus from north-west Himalaya, India. This is the first attempt to present karyo...

Soil is one of the basic natural resources on which all forms of terrestrial life co-exist. The soils of three forest types i.e., banj-oak ( Quercus leucotrichophora A. Camus) chir-pine ( Pinus roxburghii Sargent) and sal ( Shorea robusta Gaertn. f.) of Betalghat block, Nainital District, (Kumaun Himalaya). Soils were drawn from three depths viz. 0-10 cm, 11-20 cm, 21-30 cm. The present study were studied resulted to soil physico-chemical properties i.e. maximum soil texture (sand 34.30 %, silt 57.21 % and clay 33.23 %), soil moisture ( 12.6 %), bulk density ( 1.43 g.cm -3 ), porosity ( 52.06 %), water holding capacity ( 69.27 %) and the maximum values of chemical analysis i.e. pH ( 6.80 ), total carbon ( 3.82 %), organic matter (6.57 %), total nitrogen ( 0.36 % ), available potassium ( 267 mg/kg ) and available phosphorous ( 62 mg/kg ). Banj-oak forest shows rich physical properties followed by sal and chir-pine forest while chir-pine forest shows rich chemical properties in compared to sal and banj-oak forest.

Spermacoce alata Aubl. (Rubiaceae) is reported here as a new record to the flora of Uttar Pradesh. Detailed description, herbarium image, and relevant notes are provided.

The Himalaya is well recognized for its bio-physical diversity and socio-cultural heritage, traditional systems and an ample quantity of indigenous knowledge. The study was conducted with the help of Participatory Rural Appraisal (PRA) tool to document the diversity of fodder plants of Betalghat Block of Nainital District (Western Himalaya). Total 210 fodder plants species belonging to 70 families, 164 genera of different habits such as trees (35%), shrubs (31%), herbs (25%), and climbers (9%), were recorded. Out of 70 families, 12 dominant families were Poaceae (18 species), followed by Fabaceae (16 species), Moraceae (10 species), Rosaceae (10 species), Asteraceae (8 species), Euphorbiaceae (7 species), Mimosaceae (6 species), Caesalpinaceae (5 species), Ranunculaceae (5 species), Rhamnaceae (5 species), Urticaceae (5 species) and Rubiaceae (5 species). Of the total recorded species, 41% of the species were used during winter days, 38% during summer and 21% throughout the year. For each species, scientific and vernacular names, multipurpose uses (Fuel, medicinal, timber, agricultural tools, religious and fiber) were used. For the conservation of fodder plant species prioritization, mass multiplication with afforestation, reforestation and forest rehabilitation must be done.International Journal of EnvironmentVolume-6, Issue-4, Sep-Nov 2017, page: 1-27

The present study was carried out in 11 representative villages in Nadaun Block of Hamirpur district in Himachal Pradesh. Total 265 economically important species belonging to 81 families and 211 genera includes 78 species of trees, 46 shrubs and 141 herbs were records. The dominant families were Poaceae (20 species); Fabaceae (18 species) and Asteraceae (14 species). Twenty eight (28) families were monotypic. The inhabitants use these species as medicine (210 species), wild edible/food (109 species), fodder (88 species), fuel (42 species) for religious purpose (23 species), making agricultural tools (6 species), timber (12 species) and miscellaneous (12 spp). It was found that out of 265 economically important species recorded, 26 were found to be native to the Himalayan region, 10 species native to the Himalayan region and adjacent countries and states, 243 species were non-natives. Out of the total recorded species, one species has been categorized as critically endangered, four species endemic, seven species near endemic and 14 species vulnerable. Key words: Himalayan region, economically important, monotypic, critically endangered, vulnerable, near endemic.

The present work is a part of a three years extensive study to observe the annual changes in phyto-sociological characters of Picrorhiza kurroa Royle ex Benth. (Family- Scrophulariaceae) in high altitudinal regions of Kumaun Himalaya, Uttarakhand. The work was undertaken with the objective of observing the annual variation in relative values of frequency, density, abundance and importance value Index (IVI) of the plant species suffering from threats and categorized as critically endangered by International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). Key words: Phyto-sociology, Scrophulariaceae, population, Kumaun, assessment.

Bioprecursor by definition is a type of prodrug that is designed to tackle pharmaceutical, pharmacokinetic or pharmacodynamic shortcomings of a drug that limit its clinical use. A retrometabolic approach is used to design bioprecursors which upon activation by either phase-I or phase-II metabolic enzymes result into an active metabolite. A bioprecursor differs from its active metabolite in many respects like physico-chemical, biological and toxicological aspects. Present review focuses on salient features of design and chemistry of bioprecursors and their active metabolites, activating metabolic enzymes/reactions, reported examples from literature and applications. We hope that this extensive compilation would open doors to bioprecursors and their active metabolites as very promising resources for the discovery of novel drugs possessing high efficacy with lower number and extent of adverse effects.

Alpine and subalpine regions of Kumaun Himalaya were surveyed qualitatively and quantitatively for the population study to determine the status of Aconitum ferox and A. heterophyllum. Low population density across the surveyed populations and restricted distribution to specific pockets indicates poor availability of the species in the study area. Illegal and over exploitation of these species pose threat to their existence. The present study clarifies the population structure of identified aconite species in Kumaun Himalaya. Observations reveal that on the basis of six attributes (that is habitat preference, distribution range, population size, use pattern, extraction trend, native and endemic species) used to assign threat categories, both the Aconitum species are endangered. Key words: Endangered, Himalaya, Aconitum heterophyllum, Aconitum ferox, medicinal plant.

Polygnatum verticillatum (Linn) All. and Polygonatum cirrhifolium (Wall.) Royle (Liliaceae) growing in the Himalayan region is assigned as vulnerable by International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources (IUCN). To elucidate the status of the plants in the Uttarakhand Himalaya population assessment of the species is done in the study region. The study area is divided into five sites (Kilburry, Jageshwar, Dunagiri, Chaubattia and Aboot mount) in Kumaun division and five sites (Bhavisya Badri, Tangnath, Dayara, Bharsar and Binsor) in Garhwal division. Population is accessed based on frequency, density, abundance and importance value index (IVI) of the plants in per square meter area following Mishra (1986). Threat assessment of species was done through six parameters (that is, habitat preference, distribution range, population size, use pattern, extraction trend and native area. Ethno-medicinal uses of the plants are also documented through interview and gathering with local informers/folk healers. Some conservation strategies are also suggested. Key words: International Health Regulations (IHR), population study, status, quadrat, sampling.

The present paper reports on the leaf litter, wood litter, miscellaneous litter and total litter fall in Quercus leucotrichophora forests of the Kumaun Himalaya. Peak values of leaf, wood and miscellaneous litter fall occurred in May, June and November and December respectively. The total annual litter fall was 538.85 g m -2 , of which leaf, wood and miscellaneous litters accounted for 72.35, 23.04 and 4.53% respectively. Monthly leaf litter fall, wood litter fall and total litter fall was positively related to the monthly temperature of the site.

Usnea is a widespread fruticose lichen popularly known for its medicinal properties across the world. Though it has been mentioned in many floristic studies reported from Uttarakhand, India, no detailed taxonomic account has been conducted for the past two decades. The present study was based on specimens deposited in lichen herbarium of National Botanical Research Institute (LWG), personal herbarium of D.D. Awasthi (AWAS) and herbarium of the department of botany, Lucknow University (LWU). A total of 28 species, including seven new additions to Uttarakhand, namely U. dendritica Stirt., U. lucea Mot., U. norketti G. Awasthi, U. pseudosinensis Asahina, U. sinensis Mot., U. spinosula Stirt., U. subflorida Stirt.are presented along with key to species.

Forest vegetation of a protected area (Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary) in Kumaun region (west Himalaya) was analysed for structure, composition and representativeness across three different altitudinal belts, lower (1,600–1,800 m a.s.l.), middle (1,900–2,100 m a.s.l.) and upper (2,200–2,400 m a.s.l.) during 2009–2011 using standard phytosociological methods. Four aspects (east, west, north and south) in each altitudinal belt were chosen for sampling to depict maximum representation of vegetation in the sanctuary. Population structure and regeneration behaviour was analysed seasonally for two years to show the establishment and growth of tree species. A total of 147 plant species were recorded from the entire region of which 27 tree species were selected for detailed study. Highest number was recorded at upper (18 species), and lowest at lower altitudinal belt (15 species). The relative proportion of species richness showed higher contribution of tree layer at each altitudinal belt. The population structure, based on the number of individuals, revealed a greater proportion of seedling layer at each altitudinal belt. The relative proportion of seedlings increases significantly along altitudinal belts (p 0.05). The density values decreased in summer and increased during rainy season. As far as the regeneration status is concerned, middle and upper altitudinal belts showed maximum number of species with fair regeneration as compared to lower altitudinal belt. Overall density diameter distribution of tree species showed highest species density and richness in the smallest girth class and decreased in the succeeding girth classes. This study suggests that patterns of regeneration behaviour would determine future structural and compositional changes in the forest communities. It is suggested that the compositional changes vis-a-vis role of ‘New’ and ‘Not regenerating’ species need priority attention while initiating conservation activities in the sanctuary. This study calls for exploring other less explored Wildlife Sanctuaries in the Himalaya and across the world, to achieve overall biodiversity status in these protected areas and thus to justify their role in conserving biodiversity in the region.

This paper reports on the shoot diameter and shoot elongation of common 10 trees and 9 shrubs species of 6 natural forests occurring between 350 to 2500 m in Kumaun Himalaya. The findings indicated that over 90% shoot elongation was accomplished prior to the commencement of rainy season in a majority of species. The average values of diameter increment were similar for canopy and subcanopy species and it was markedly higher for open grown deciduous species. In shrubs, it was higher for deciduous species. The relationship between the shoot length and shoot diameter in all species was positive and significant. Key words: Kumaun Himalaya, shoot length, shoot diameter.

Hedychium spicatum Buch.-Ham. belongs to family Zingiberaceae. It is known for its many medicinal uses. Due to great market potential of the plant, it is harvested in uncontrolled way causing the decline of the herb from its natural habitat. Presently, its status in nature is not good. Thus, there is need of its in situ as well as ex situ conservation and propagation. The present study was conducted on different trials with different organic fertilizers and types of nursery beds to develop a need based agro-technique for mass scale cultivation of the plant in the climatic condition of Ranikhet, Uttarakhand. Key words: Hedychium spicatum Buch.-Ham., organic cultivation, conservation, sustainable harvesting.

Natural populations of Polygonatum verticillatum in Kumaun Himalaya were surveyed for population studies, habitat assessment and threat status. This research reveals density of individuals and area occupied were low as compared to other species of the region, indicating habitat loss and heavy exploitation. Status was determined on a site-to-site basisfor the entire Kumaun region. Based on species occurrence in selected areas, the species were identified as critically endangered to endangered in different areas. Frequency of P. verticillatum ranged between 50 and 80% at different population sites. Distribution of the species was between 50 and 80% indicating contiguous distributional range at most of the sites and random distributional range at Mukteshwer and Gagar. Density of P. verticillatumwas highest (4.40 plant m-2) in way to Kafani and lowest (2.60 plant m-2) in Bhaman gupha.Total basal cover (TBC) was also found highest (0.91 cm2 m-2) in way to Kafani and lowest (0.35 cm2 m-2) in Bhaman gupha. Important value index (IVI) was found highest (51.68) in Munsyari and lowest (28.84) in Khati. Concentration of dominance (Cd) for the region showed a slight variation, with a range between 0.30 and 0.10. This may be attributed to the narrow range of distribution, habitat restriction and dominance of some species. Key words: Population, habitat, threat, Polygonatum verticillatum.

The present study was undertaken to assess the allelopathic effect of Echinochloa colona L. and Cyperus iria L. in relation to the germination and primary growth of Oryza sativa L. (rice) and Glycine max L. (soyabean). Effects of dichloromethane (DCM) and double distilled water soluble (DDW) fractions of E. colona L. and C. iria L. root and aerial part extracts reduced germination and suppressed early seedling growth of rice and soyabean. With increase in extract concentration from 1 to 100 mg/mL, a gradual decrease in seed germination and seedling length occurred. The highest growth of G. max seedling was recorded in DDW fraction of E. colona aerial part extract at 1 mg/mL concentration with 94% germination and the lowest length was found in DCM fraction of C. iria root extract at 100 mg/mL concentration with 65% germination. In O. sativa, the highest length was noted at 1 mg/mL concentration in DDW fraction of E. colona aerial part extract with 82% germination and the lowest length was found in DCM fraction of C. iria and E. colona root extracts with germination 57% and 62%, respectively, at 100 mg/mL concentration. The results suggested that these weeds had good allelopathic potential which reduces germination and plant growth.

Leaf demography was studied in 9 trees (6 Evergreen (ES), 1 Semideciduous (SD) and 2 Deciduous (DS)) and 10 shrubs (7 Evergreen (ES) and 3 Deciduous (DS)) occurring between 350 to 2500 m elevation in the Kumaun Himalaya, India. Although each species had its own pattern about seasonality of leaf recruitment, it was possible to group the species based on leaf expansion behavior. The result shows the leaf expansion rate was greater for deciduous species compared to Evergreen species. The percent leaf area after four weeks of expansion was also greater for deciduous species.

An efficient protocol for high frequency in vitro regeneration of Meizotropis pellita an endangered and endemic plant was developed. In vitro germination of the seeds of Patwa was achieved successfully after incubation for 10 -15 days and plantlets up to a height of 5 -7 cm with profuse rooting were observed after incubation for 7 weeks in hormone free MS medium. This in vitro germination totally reduced contamination that used to occur in the explant taken from the field. Callus induction and proliferation were observed in leaf explants after 15 -20 days of incubation in MS medium containing 2 -4, D (9.06 μM) alone or in combination with 2 -4, D (9.06 μM) + 2-iP (7.38 μM). Shoot regeneration was achieved from 2 months old callus explant in MS medium supplemented with BA (17.6 μM) + GA3 (1.0 μM). Shoot multiplication was also achieved from cotyledonary node of M. pellita in MS medium supplemented with Kinetin + GA3 (4.6 μM + 1.0 μM) or BA (13.2, 17.6 μM) + GA3 (1.0 μM) after 30 -45 days of incubation. IBA (4.9 μM) was more effective in root regeneration from micro shoots. The plantlets after acclimatization over a period of 1 month were further hardened in a polyhouse for two months. On the basis of available literature this is the first and significant study regarding the comparative effect of different PGRs on in-vitro propagation of Meizotropis pellita by using different explants and their subsequent effect on rooting. This significant study could be useful for large scale production of successfully hardened plants and conservation of this shrub.

Seabuckthorn, a non-leguminous nodule bearing dioecious shrub, is a storehouse of neutraceutical, pharmaceutical and cosmetic usage. The 348 genotypes of Hippophae rhamnoides ssp. turkestanica, H. salicifolia and H. tibetana were collected from 194 locations at 46 major sites across ~1,500 km from north-east to north-west Himalayas, harboring one of the most harsh, highly variable climatic and ecological conditions and rugged rocky terrain in the range of 3,000–5,000 m altitude. Amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) and selective amplification of microsatellite polymorphic loci (SAMPL) DNA markers were utilized to assess, the genetic diversity of total spectrum of Himalayan germplasm resources and interrelationships among Hippophae taxa. A total of 151, 50, and 41 AFLP loci were detected in Hippophae rhamnoides ssp. turkestanica, H. salicifolia and H. tibetana, respectively; of these, 92.6, 30.6 and 25.1% were polymorphic. For SAMPL, the number of markers and polymorphism for these species were, respectively, 77 (77.7%), 41 (41.4%), and 23 (23.2%). Nei’s genetic diversity and Shannon’s information index values revealed that populations of H. rhamnoides ssp. turkestanica in Sumur and Raling in Ladakh and Lahaul-Spiti, respectively, were the most diverse. In H. salicifolia and H. tibetana, the populations in Changu, and Takcha and Guling in Spiti valley, were the most diverse. In H. rhamnoides ssp. turkestanica, high level of interpopulation genetic diversity with the little intra-population diversity was accompanied by very low gene flow (Nm) range, estimated by AFLP (0.571–0.943) and SAMPL (0.321–0.726) markers. In H. rhamnoides ssp. turkestanica, the genotypes collected from Uttaranchal were found to be the least diverse. The exclusive characteristics of the nuclear genome in the Uttaranchal genotypes warrant new species rank more closer to H. salicifolia rather than to H. rhamnoides ssp. turkestanica. The present results also provide explicit evidence to suggest that both H. salicifolia and H. tibetana deserve species rank.

Polygonatum cirrhifolium Royle (Meda), a herb belonging to the Liliaceae family, is known for its medicinal, cultural and ethno-botanical uses. However, due to its great market potential, it is harvested and grown in an uncontrolled way; overexploitation has caused the decline of the herb from its natural habitat. Since finding new organic treatments can help conserve the plant, a 2-year field experiment was undertaken to study the effect of different organic fertilizers and the nature of nursery beds on the survival, morphological growth and yield of this plant. The observations were recorded in 15-day intervals. The results show that yield was lower in control beds when compared with forest litter, farmyard manure and vermicompost in all type of beds prepared in rows, furrows and plain. The yield was highest at beds located at plantation with furrows which were supplemented with forest litter. Thus, it can be concluded that the cultivation of P. cirrhifolium is optimal in beds with rows and furrows (pla...

The present study provides a taxonomic account of the angiosperms of Sonbhadra District in Uttar Pradesh. The district, which comes under the Vindhyan region of Uttar Pradesh, is one of the richest areas in the state as far as plant diversity is concerned. It is spread over about 6788km² of geographical area, which constitutes about 36% forest cover on highly undulated land. The extensive survey of the area conducted during 2011-–2016, critical examination of previous collections housed at various herbaria, and review of published literature have resulted in a total of 705 species belonging to 459 genera under 110 families. Out of these, 541 species (76.73%) under 354 genera (77.12%) and 89 families (80.90%) belong to dicots, and 164 species (23.26%) under 105 genera (23.26%) and 21 families (19.09%) to monocots. The present enumeration of the species also includes about 78 species cultivated in the area for various purposes. Fabaceae (110 spp.) comprises of the maximum number of species, followed by Poaceae (89 spp.), Asteraceae (38 spp.), Cyperaceae (33 spp.), and Malvaceae (33 spp.). Some of the largest genera in the area are Cyperus (14 spp.), Ipomoea (9 spp.), Solanum (9 spp.), Ficus (9 spp.), Crotalaria (7 spp.), Desmodium (7 spp.), Bauhinia (6 spp.), Hibiscus (6 spp.), Fimbristylis (6 spp.), Acacia (5 spp. ), etc. The entire forest is chiefly dominated by trees such as Acacia catechu (L.f.) Willd., Boswellia serrata Roxb. ex Colebr., Butea monosperma (Lam.) Taub., Hardwickia binata Roxb., and Shorea robusta Gaertn.

The HCV envelope proteins E1 and E2 are required for virus binding to cellular receptors and pH-dependent fusion with endosomal membranes. Envelope protein interactions within this multistep process may provide novel targets for development of antiviral agents. To identify E1 and E2 regions involved in critical steps of HCV entry, we screened an E1E2 overlapping peptide library for inhibition of infection using a lentiviral reporter vector pseudotyped with E1E2 envelope proteins. A 16-residue polypeptide containing a portion of the E2 transmembrane domain (Peptide 75) inhibited HCV pseudoparticle infection with an IC50 of approximately 0.3microM and did not inhibit infection by VSV-g pseudoparticles at concentrations up to 50microM. Structure-activity analysis of Peptide 75 showed that antiviral activity was dependent upon L-configuration and hydrophobic character, and that the native sequence was required for maximal activity. Peptide 75 did not show virocidal activity against HCV pseudoparticles or other viruses. Temperature-shift experiments showed that the peptide acted at a post-binding step and that inhibition was further increased when used in combination with an anti-CD81 antibody previously shown to inhibit pseudoparticle entry at a post-binding step. These data suggest that interactions involving the C terminal region of E2 may play an important role in the HCV entry process.

Ornithine decarboxylase (ODC) is a key enzyme of polyamine biosynthesis essential for growth-related cellular functions. Apart from its physiological role in cell proliferation, ODC also contributes to the induction of apoptosis under certain conditions, e.g. following growth factor withdrawal. The rate of cell death is a function of its enzyme activity. ODC activity is inhibited by a regulatory protein antizyme, also known to suppress polyamine uptake. We report that forced expression of ‘antizyme’ prevents ODC-mediated cell death in human gingival fibroblasts under very low serum conditions. These data suggest an important antiapoptotic role for antizyme in cell survival.

Quantitative histologic evaluation was performed on the testes of albino rats exposed to scrotal gamma irradiation of 2.5 Gy and 10.0 Gy. The animals were sacrificed at 1, 2, 4, and 16 weeks posttreatment. As a result of irradiation, there was a gradual decrease in testicular weight. The seminiferous tubules of irradiated animals showed arrest of spermatogenesis, desquamation, vacuolization of germinal cells, and multinucleated giant cells. The extent of damage increased with posttreatment interval and with increasing dose. Counting of germinal cells at stage VII of the seminiferous epithelium revealed that the preleptotene spermatocyte is the most sensitive to radiation as compared to other cells. The number of epididymal sperm decreased, whereas the proportion of nonmotile and morphologically abnormal sperm increased following irradiation.

Glucocorticoids are potent immunosuppressants shown to be effective in the treatment of inflammatory diseases. Reportedly, they work, in part, by inhibiting cytokines and other transcription factors including AP-1. In this study we investigated the mechanisms of efficient repression of collagenase gene expression by dexamethasone in the human gingival fibroblast. Northern analyses showed that IL-1-dependent collagenase mRNA production was significantly decreased in the presence of dexamethasone. The influence of dexamethasone on the transcription factor NF-kappaB, STAT3, and AP-1 was investigated by using the gel mobility shift assay with nuclear extracts prepared from the cells grown in the presence of dexamethasone. We observed that in addition to AP-1, binding of NF-kappaB and STAT3 to DNA was also decreased significantly. Additionally, dexamethasone induced the transcription of the I kappaB-alpha gene suggesting that in the presence of dexamethasone, NF-kappaB quickly reassociates with newly synthesized I kappaB-alpha and markedly reduces the amount of NF-kappaB. CAT transfection studies utilizing collagenase promoter demonstrated a dose-dependent transcriptional inhibition of IL-1-induced gingival collagenase gene expression by dexamethasone. These data reveal that collagenase gene expression can be regulated by the impairment of IL-1-stimulated NF-kappaB, STAT3, and AP-1 activities, and can highlight a possible molecular mechanism for the anti-inflammatory effects of glucocorticoids.

The studies on plant demography hold a considerable significance in plant ecology. Natural regeneration of different plant species through seeds depend primarily upon seed production, germination capacity of seeds and successful establishment of seedling. Successful regeneration of tree species might be considered to be a function of three major components; ability to initiate new seedlings, ability of seedlings and saplings to survive and ability of seedlings and saplings to grow. Several environmental stresses are known to affect the seedling growth but water stress isbelieved to be a major one. The canopy density and soil conditions also affect the growth of seedling.This study comprises three study sites located at29o 22’ N latitudes and 79o 29’ E longitudes along an elevation transect of 350 – 2500 m in Kumaun Himalaya. This region has certain characteristic climatic features. Though it falls under sub-tropical latitude, the abrupt rise in mountains creates a temperature comparable to that of a temperate climate. The seedling dynamics were studied at sal forest, banj oak forest and chir pine forest. For the computation of seedling mortalityand other characteristics, 2x2m permanent quadrats wereestablished in sal, chir-pine and banj oak forest. A total of 12 quadrats were placed in the stand (3 quadrats in each site). To record the mortality of the seedlings, all the seedlings of the year 2008 present in twelve quadrats in each forest were tagged. Their mortality was observed monthly from January 2009 – December 2009. Results show that mortality was very low (20%) at sal forest as compared to banj oak forest (25%) and chir pine forest (35%). The chir pine forest was heavily affected by human disturbance. So the seedling population was more affected if compared to two other sites. Since the biotic stress was negligible there was very little mortality during the study period in banj oak and sal forest suggesting that if biotic stress and natural disturbance is minimum, the rapid regeneration of Q. leucotrichophora and S. robusta would be possible.Current study provides information on the seedling dynamics in three forests types in the Kumaun Himalaya. Results show seedling mortality was very low (20%) at sal forest if compared to banj oak forest (25%) and chir pine forest (35%) so the rapid regeneration of Q. leucotrichophora and S. robusta would be possible.

The liver is one of the few adult tissues that has the capacity to regenerate following hepatectomy or toxic damage. In examining the early growth response during hepatic regeneration, we found that a highly induced immediate-early gene in regenerating liver encodes RL/IF-1 (regenerating liver inhibitory factor) and is the rat homolog of human MAD-3 and probably of chicken pp40. RL/IF-1 has I kappa B activity of broad specificity in that it inhibits the binding of p50-p65 NF-kappa B, c-Rel-p50, and RelB-p50, but not p50 homodimeric NF-kappa B, to kappa B sites. Like RL/IF-1, several members of the NF-kappa B and rel family of transcription factors are immediate-early genes in regenerating liver and mitogen-treated cells. We examined changes in kappa B site binding activity during liver regeneration and discovered a rapidly induced novel kappa B site-binding complex designated PHF [posthepatectomy factor(s)]. PHF is induced over 1,000-fold within minutes posthepatectomy in a protein synthesis-independent manner, with peak activity at 30 min, and is not induced by sham operation. PHF is distinct from p50-p65 NF-kappa B, which is present only in the inactive form in liver posthepatectomy. Although early PHF complexes do not interact strongly with anti-p50 antibodies, PHF complexes present later (3 to 5 h) posthepatectomy react strongly, suggesting that they contain a p50 NF-kappa B subunit. Unlike p50-p65 NF-kappa B, c-Rel-p50, and RelB-p50 complexes, PHF binding to kappa B sites is not inhibited by RL/IF-1. One role of RL/IF-1 in liver regeneration may be to inhibit p50-p65 NF-kappa B activity present in hepatic cells, allowing for the preferential binding of PHF to kappa B sites. Because PHF is induced immediately posthepatectomy in the absence of de novo protein synthesis, PHF could have a role in the regulation of liver-specific immediate-early genes in regenerating liver.

The processing factors, that could affect the inhibitory activity of onion extractives against the spores of Aspergillus parasiticus have been evaluated. The lachrymatory factor (thiopropanal-S-oxide) had maximal inhibitory activity. The survival of A. parasiticus spores depended upon the inhibitor concentration and the time of exposure of the spores to the onion inhibitors. Germinated spores showed more susceptibility to the inhibitors. The inhibitory effect of onion compounds was lost by heating, freeze-drying, dehydration, aeration and agitation, and prolonged storage.

Various extractives of onion were tested for their inhibitory activity towards the growth of the aflatoxin-producing fungi, Aspergillus flavas and A. parasiticus. Ether extract and lachrymatory factor (LF), which has been earlier identified as thiopropanal-s-oxide, were found to have potent antifungal activity. Steam-distilled onion oil, which is devoid of LF, was not as potent as ether extract and LF. Its major component, dipropyldisulfide was ineffective as a fungal inhibitor. Ethyl acetate extract containing phenolics was also ineffective. Exposure of onions to gamma-irradiation at a sprout-inhibiting dose (6 krad) did not alter the inhibitory potency of the onion extractives which, however, appeared to be heat-labile.

The lachrymatory factor in dormant and sprouting onion was studied. Sprouting of onion was found to be associated with increasing yield of flavour compounds as well as lachrymators in external and internal sprouts, whereas the lachrymator content of the residual pulp remained constant during sprouting.