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• Z. mauritiana is a medicinal plant, its fruit pulp and seeds are screened for antioxidant, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory activities. • Fruit possesses highest phenolic content at unripe stage while highest flavonoid content is calculated for seeds at medium ripened stage. • Both seeds and fruit pulp are rich in antioxidants as calculated using DPPH, FRAP, TAC and metal chelating assays. • Fruit pulp extracts are excellent source of antibacterial and anti-inflammatory agents. • Pearson correlation studies revealed that antioxidant potential is related to higher amount of phenolics and flavonoids present in the extracts. Ziziphus mauritiana is widely used in folkfore medicine to cure constipation, urinary problems, insomnia, chronic bronchitis, liver diseases and depression. The fruit of Z. mauritiana Pak white (PW) growing in Bahawalpur, Punjab, Pakistan, is not only tasteful but also famous for its maximum pulp, high yield and biological properties. It was therefore, selected for investigation of phytochemical content, antioxidant, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory activities at three different stages of the fruit (FZM 1–3) and seed (SZM 1–3) ripening. The fruit (FZM1) and seed (SZM2) extracts expressed highest phenolic and flavonoid content with the calculated values 3.61 mgGAE/g and 53.5 mgQE/g respectively. In antioxidant assays, SZM1 and SZM3 extracts depicted maximum total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) activity as measured 128 mgAA/g and 0.05 ± 0.001 absorbance respectively. Both seed and fruit extracts also had significant DPPH and metal chelating activities which increase as the fruit matures. Concentration dependent antibacterial activity of the extracts shown that fruit FZM1 is more potent than seeds with maximum clearance zone of 19 mm and 17 mm against S. Aureus and E. coli respectively. The fruit FZM1 exhibited highest anti-inflammatory activity i. e. 44.03% at a concentration of 500 µg/mL. Pearson correlation study manifested a strong correlation of total phenolics with the DPPH and anti-bacterial activities and total flavonoid with FRAP and TAC which provides additional affirmation to our activity results. It was observed that at different stages of fruit ripening, variations in phytochemical content resulted in a change in antioxidant and therapeutic potential of the fruit. Conclusively, these results suggested that fruit and seeds of Z. mauritiana can be developed into effective antioxidant, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory agents at specific ripening stages using a renewable natural source. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Jujube belongs to the family "Rhamnaceae" is an evergreen plant having 170 species. It is a highly nutritious fruit crop riched in phenolic, antioxidant, and flavonoids. However, in Pakistan, it is considered a neglected crop with very little work performed and is growing in the Cholistan desert of Pakistan without any evaluation. This paper describes the physical and biochemical attributes of eight jujube genotypes (Anokee, Ajoba, Bahawalpur selection, Dilbahar, Dehli white, Karela, Mahmood wali and Gola) with its three stages (Unripe, Semi ripe and Fully ripe) growing in Cholistan dry and hot climatic conditions. The results revealed that these genotypes have significant variations in fruit traits such as fruit length, fruit width, and fruit weight during the ripening stages and the maximum increase in these parameters were observed at the fully ripe stage of jujube. Similarly, in biochemical analysis, TSS, total sugars, reducing and nonreducing sugars were increased with maturity and were highest at the fully ripe stage. Whereas, titratable acidity and ascorbic acid contents were decreased with maturity and were least at the final stage. However, total phenolic and flavonoids were highest at the semi-ripe stage. In physical evaluation, the genotypes "Gola", "Mehmood wali" and "Dehli white performed better in the climatic conditions of Cholistan, Bahawalpur. While the genotypes "Dilbahar", "Anokee", "Karela" and "Bahawalpur selection" were enriched with phenolic and flavonoid contents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this article, we elaborate on why the cultivation of the Ziziphus is important in the arid regions of Pakistan and how it can alleviate the poverty and food insecurity in these areas. The recent impact of climate change has resulted in the spread of hot and dry regions. The cultivation of Ziziphus species could be a solution to food insecurity and income for the residents of arid and semi-arid regions in Pakistan. Furthermore, Ziziphus species are offering extremely nutrient-dense foods. Six species of Ziziphus are found in Pakistan, but production statistics are not available for all species. The most economically important species are Z. jujuba and Z. mauritiana, followed by Z. nummularia, based on the consumption of their fruits. A framework of policy and practical proposals required for the cultivation of these species in Pakistan has been provided. Ziziphus, an economically important genus of fruit-bearing plant species, is cultivated in arid and semi-arid regions of the world. Therefore, the species of this genus could be efficiently and successfully cultivated in marginal ecosystems for alleviating food insecurity and poverty reduction in Pakistan. Furthermore, Ziziphus species like Z. jujuba and Z. mauritiana have promise as a cash and food crop, especially in water-deficient areas of Pakistan, and their production and conservation must be encouraged by state policy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ziziphus oxyphylla Edgew is in folk use in Pakistan as an analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and liver ailments. Therefore, we have investigated antioxidant, antinociceptive, anti-inflammatory, and hepatoprotective activities of the isolated compounds (ceanothic acid and zizybrenalic acid) from the chloroform fraction of Z. oxyphylla. Ceanothic acid and zizybrenalic acid showed significant DPPH and H2O2 scavenging activity as compared to control. In the acute toxicity study, ceanothic acid and zizybrenalic acid showed no toxic effects upto 200 mg/kg. The antinociceptive activity shown by ceanothic acid and zizybrenalic acid at 50 mg/kg was 64.28% and 65.35% compared to diclofenac sodium (72.3%) at 50 mg/kg. The percent inhibition of xylene-induced ear edema exhibited by ceanothic acid and zizybrenalic acid at 50 mg/kg was 51.33% and 58.66%, respectively, as compared to diclofenac sodium (72.66%). Both the isolated compounds exhibited inhibition of carrageenan-induced paw edema as compared to control. Hepatoprotection exhibited by zizybrenalic acid was more pronounced than ceanothic acid as observed from the decrease in carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced elevation of serum biomarkers, antioxidant enzymes and lipid peroxidation. Furthermore, zizybrenalic acid produced a marked decline in CCl4-induced prolongation of phenobarbital-induced sleeping duration. Zizybrenalic acid exhibited 55.4 ± 1.37% inhibition of hypotonic solution-induced hemolysis compared to sodium salicylate (75.6 ± 2.15%). The histopathological damage caused by CCl4 was also countered by the administration of ceanothic acid and zizybrenalic acid. Ceanothic acid and zizybrenalic acid exhibited antioxidant, antinociceptive, anti-inflammatory, and hepatoprotective activities. Zizybrenalic acid exhibited better antioxidant, antinociceptive, anti-inflammatory, and hepatoprotective activity than ceanothic acid. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Present study was conducted at Horticultural Research Station, Bahawalpur, Pakistan to evaluate eight Ber varieties viz Pak-White, Umran, Anokhi, Sufan, Bahawal-Seedless, Yazman, Aakash and Moon under Cholistan climatic conditions during 2017-19. The experiment was laid out in Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with 3 replications (2 plants of each variety planted at plant to plant and row to distance of 25 feet in square system during 2010 and nourished with same cultural practices). Data were recorded on tree height, stem girth, leaf length, leaf width, fruit length, fruit diameter, fruit weight, stone weight, pulp ratio, total soluble solids, vitamin-C and yield per plant. From averages of 3 years, maximum tree height (7.8m), stem girth (1.9m), stone weight (2.3g), Vitamin-C (121mg/100g pulp) and yield were obtained by Pak White variety. Maximum leaf length (9 cm) and fruit diameter (3.7cm) was attained by Yazman variety. Maximum leaf width (6.1cm), pulp ratio (99%) alongwith minimum stone weight (0.1g), total soluble solids (12oBrix), Vitamin-C (98mg/100g pulp) and maximum yield (108kg/plant) were recorded by Bahawal Seedless. Umran had maximum fruit length (5.2cm) and Anokhi led in TSS (19oBrix). All varieties performed well under Cholistan condition and showed potential to be grown on marginal land for better economic return. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Climate change and enormous increase in population are causing food insecurity situation in developing countries like Pakistan. Major food crops are seemed failing to fulfill food requirements hence, it is imperative to search for alternate food sources. Ber could be very handy alternate food crop if its yield and quality is enhanced. Grafting is a widely used technique to improve yield, disease resistance and fruit quality. This work aims to assess the effect of grafting on production, fruit ripening, physical and chemical properties, and nutritional quality of the fruit. Rootstock has a great influence on plant growth and development, including fruit ripening. However, the presence of a cross-interaction between grafting and rootstock is often neglected. To explore cross-interaction between grafting and rootstock on different fruit yield and quality traits, we examined the scion-root interaction of four scion cultivars viz. Delhi White, Suffen, Karela and Mahmud Wali during March-April 2013-14. After the establishment of plant, data were recorded for yield and fruit quality traits during three consecutive years (2016-19). Results showed that Dehli White grafted plants produced maximum yield kg/plant (60.33, 71.43, 78.00) followed by Mehmud Wali, Karela and Suffen scion grafts. Suffen grafted plants produced better quality fruits in terms of total soluble solids (TSS) (14.67, 15.45, 16.56 Brix0), pH and Ascorbate content followed by Karela, Mehmud Wali and Dehli White scion graft. Based on findings of the experiment, it could be recommended that Mahmud Wali and Suffen scions should be used to be propagated on local rootstocks to enhance yield as well as fruit quality that will contribute in ensuring food security. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ziziphus oxyphylla Edgew (ZO) has been traditionally used for the treatment of hepatic diseases in Pakistan. The current study was carried out to investigate the effectiveness and mechanism underlying hepatoprotective effect of ZO. Hepatoprotective potential of root extracts (crude methanolic extract and subsequent fractions) was investigated against carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) induced hepatotoxicity in BALB/c mice via determination of serum biomarkers, antioxidant enzymes (catalase, superoxide dismutase), lipid peroxidation and histopathology. Membrane stabilizing activity was determined via inhibition of hypotonic solution and heat-induced hemolysis. Crude methanolic extract and chloroform fraction ameliorated CCl4 induced elevated levels of alanine transaminase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), total proteins (TP), total bilirubin (TB) and reversed the antioxidants imbalance in terms of catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and reduced malondialdehyde (MDA) level. Crude methanol extract inhibited hemolysis induced by hypotonic solution and heat. Histopathological examination of liver specimens of extracts administered mice exhibited recovery from CCl4 induced pathological changes. Moreover, CCl4 induced alteration in body and liver weight was countered by the administration of ZO. Compounds betulinic acid (AZO1), ceanothic acid (AZO2) and zizybrenalic acid (AZO3) were isolated from chloroform fraction of the plant. The structures of compounds were deduced using 1D-and 2D-NMR spectroscopy techniques. The results show that Ziziphus oxyphylla roots extract possess antihepatotoxic activity mediated by the protection of anti-oxidant defense system and membrane-stabilizing activity, probably due to the presence of pentacyclic triterpenes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sidr honey from Ziziphus species is gaining importance after Manuka honey due to its health benefits, therefore chemical fingerprinting of the Sidr honey from different regions of Pakistan was performed in comparison with other unifloral (Elettaria cardamomum, Citrus reticulata and Grewia asiatica) and polyfloral honey. Front face, synchronous fluorescence spectroscopy (SFS) was recorded at an excitation wavelength range from 250–450 nm with offset of 60 nm. All honey samples have fluorescent emission peaks at 342 and 349 nm attributed to amino acid (Tryptophan). The emission spectra of raw Sidr honey showed clear discrimination from uni/polyfloral and commercial samples owing to its phenolic profile with peaks at 396 and major distinctive peak at 451 nm that corresponds to caffeic acid, chlorogenic acid and ferulic acid. Whereas a year old Sidr honey showed decreased and shifted fluorescence emission from amino acid and phenolic compounds respectively. Variation in fluorescent intensity of phenolic compounds in Sidr honey from different regions of Pakistan may be attributed to diverse species of Ziziphus in these geographical areas. A broad band from 395 to 459 nm in commercial honey samples are due to fluorescence of Maillard reaction products that could be generated during thermal processing of honey. Natural variability exists among honey samples owing to different floral origin as authenticated by Principal Component and Heirarchial Cluster Analysis techniques applied in this study. The unique fluorescence emission spectra of raw Sidr honey samples proposed front face SFS as a simple technique for the quick identification of its monofloral origin. Therefore, fluorescent inherent markers are helpful in identifying botanical and geographical origin and may also be standardized to authenticate the purity of honey. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A Phytosociological survey was carried out of Tehsil Manki Sharif District Nowshera during April-May 2010, with the objectives to record the flora and vegetation pattern of the area. Five stands were selected based on the altitudinal variation where five communities viz; Acacia-Prosopsi-Cymbopogon, Acacia- Rhazya -Cymbopogon, Zizyphus- Rhazya-Cymbopogon, Zizyphus-dhatoda-Rhazya and Olea-Dodonaea-Acacia were established while using the quadrate method. A total of 96 plant species have been recognized belonging to 45 families among which 12 species belonging to 2 families of monocots, pteredophytes were represented by a single family Adiantaceae with a single specie (Adiantum incisum Forssk), while the rest of 83 species distributed among 42 dicots families. Among the families the poaceae was observed to be the most diverse. Within the stands 17 plant species were recorded. Acacia modesta, Acacia nilotica, Olea ferruginea, and Zizyphus mouritiana were among the trees, Adhatoda vasica, Calotropis procera, Dodonaea viscosa, Opuntia dillini, Prosopis juliflora, Reptonia buxifolia, Rhazya strecta, Withania coagulans, Ziziphus nummularia and Boerhavia procumbens were among the shrubs. Cymbopogon jwarancusa, Cynodon dactylon, and Fagonia indica were the herbs. Life forms (Therophytes, Microphanerophytes, Chamaephytes, Cryptophytes, Hemicryptophytes, Nanophanerophytes, Mesophanerophytes and Megaphanerophytes) were determined. Based on the importance values mega phanerophytes dominating the study area. Similarly leaf spectra (microphyll, leptophyll, nanophyll, mesophyll were determined where microphyll is the dominating class. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Ethnopharmacological relevance: Ziziphus nummularia (Rhamnaceae) and Acacia nilotica (Fabaceae) are being used as anthelmintics in ethnoveterinary medicinal system of Pakistan. Aim of the study: Present study was conducted to determine the anthelmintic activity of Ziziphus nummularia (bark) and Acacia nilotica (fruit) in order to justify their traditional use in veterinary medicine. Materials and methods: In vitro anthelmintic activity of crude methanolic extract (CME) of both the plants was determined against Haemonchus contortus by the adult motility assay, the egg hatch test and the larval development assay. In vivo anthelmintic activity was evaluated in sheep naturally infected with gastrointestinal nematodes by administering increasing doses of crude powder (CP) and CME (1.0–3.0g/kg). Results: Both the plants exhibited dose- and time-dependent anthelmintic effects by causing mortality of worms, and inhibiting egg hatching and larval development. Acacia nilotica (LC50 =512.86 and 194.98μg/ml) was found to be more potent than Ziziphus nummularia (LC50 =676.08 and 398.11μg/ml) in egg hatch test and larval development assay, respectively. In vivo, maximum fecal egg count reduction (84.7%) was recorded on day 13 post-treatment in sheep treated with Ziziphus nummularia CME (3.0g/kg) followed by 78.5% on same day with Acacia nilotica CME (3.0g/kg). Conclusions: These data show that both Ziziphus nummularia and Acacia nilotica possess anthelmintic activity in vitro and in vivo, justifying their use in traditional veterinary medicine in Pakistan. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Ziziphus nummularia is an important source of valuable phytoconstituents, which are widely used in traditional medicine system of Indo-Pak sub-continent. In this study we investigated the distribution of phenolic compounds in the fruit pericarps of six different genotypes (ZNP01-06) of Z. nummularia growing in the unexplored hilly areas of Pakistan. The methanolic extracts of these genotypes were screened for total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), antioxidant, and cholinesterase inhibitory potentials. The observed biological potentials were explained in terms of the outcome of molecular docking and HPLC analyses. Among them, genotype ZNP02 displayed high TPC (88.50 ± 1.23 μg/mL) and showed potent scavenging activity against DPPH (67.03 ± 1.04 μg/mL) and ABTS (65.3 ± 1.74 μg/mL) in comparison to ascorbic acid (68.7 ± 0.47 μg/mL). Moreover, genotypes ZNP01, ZNP02, and ZNP04 displayed potent inhibition against acetyl and butyryl cholinesterases (AChE and BChE) with IC50 values of 21.2, 20.5, and 23.7 μg/mL (AChE) and 22.7, 24.4, and 33.1 μg/mL (BChE), respectively. Furthermore, the individual compounds in the most potent species ZNP01 responsible for potent enzyme inhibition (identified through HPLC-UV analysis), were computed via docking simulation software to the enzyme structures. Among these compounds rutin exhibited significant binding affinity with value of −9.20 kcal/mol. The differences amongst the phytochemical compositions of the selected genotypes highlighted the genotypic variations in them. Based on our results it was concluded that the selected plant can be used as remedy of oxidative stress and neurodegenerative diseases. However, further studies are needed to isolate responsible compounds and test the observed potential in vivo, along with toxicological evaluations in animal models. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]