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Mosquitoes are important vectors responsible for spreading a number of diseases affecting both humans and animals. Many diseases as dengue, chikungunya, yellow fever, malaria, filariasis and Japanese encephalitis are spread by mosquitoes. There are many reports of plant extracts and their active constituents showing anti-mosquito activities as larvicidal, pupicidal, ovicidal and adulticidal activities. Persea americana Mill. (Lauraceae), known as avocado, has been reported to show many pharmacological and antimicrobial activities. In this communication, the mosquito larvicidal activities of the three-active constituents, avocadene, avocadyne and avocadenol-A, from the methanolic extract of the unripe fruit peel are presented. The three mosquito species studied were Aedes aegypti, Culex quinquefasciatus and Anopheles stephensi. All three compounds showed the highest larvicidal activity against An. stephensi, LC

Vector-borne diseases such as filariasis and dengue that contribute significantly to disease burden, death, poverty, and social frailty are still a major public healthcare problem worldwide. Currently, synthetic chemicals have been used in mosquito control programs. However, repeated use of chemical insecticides causes environmental pollution and harmful effects on non-target organisms. Therefore, alternative ecofriendly sources from biological source are urgently needed to manage mosquitoes. In this respect, the present study was aimed to evaluate mosquito larvicidal and pupicidal activities of 22 crude extracts of soil actinomycetes on Culex quinquefasciatus and Aedes aegypti and to identify the active molecule. Briefly, the crude ethyl acetate extract and fractions were tested at 62.5, 125, 250, and 500 ppm and 2.5, 5.0, 7.5, and 10.0 ppm concentrations on larval and pupal stages of Cx. quinquefasciatus and Ae. aegypti. The larval and pupal mortality was assessed after 24 h of treatment. Among the 22 isolates screened, Nonomuraea sp. VAS-16 exhibited significant larvicidal and pupicidal activities against the tested mosquito species. Among the 18 fractions screened, fraction-6 showed strong larvicidal and pupicidal activities with the LC50 and LC90 values of 9.1, 18.7, 9.82, and 22.85 ppm against the larvae and LC50 and LC90 values of 10.5, 23.1, 12.3, and 24.13 ppm against the pupae of Cx. quinquefasciatus and Ae. aegypti, respectively. Fascinatingly, the isolated compound 1,2-benzenedicarboxylic acid from fraction-6 at 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, and 2.0 ppm concentration recorded lower LC50 and LC90 values of 4.27, 14.90, 4.67, and 11.90 ppm against the larvae and LC50 and LC90 values of 4.58, 12.06, 5.36, and 13.07 ppm against the pupae of Cx. quinquefasciatus and Ae. aegypti, respectively. On the other hand, the compound recorded less ovicidal activity of 11.0% and 10.3% at 2 ppm against the eggs of Cx. quinquefasciatus and Ae. aegypti, respectively. The present study clearly shows that the crude extract and the compound from Nonomuraea sp. VAS-16 can be used as an effective biopesticide in integrated mosquito management program.

Nutrients are essential for plant growth and development and influence overall agricultural production. Phosphorus (P) is a major nutrient required for many physiological and biochemical functions of a plant. Phosphate rock is the major source of phosphate fertilizer but is becoming increasingly limited in both developing and developed countries. The resources of phosphate rock need to be conserved, and import dependency on phosphate fertilizer needs to be minimized; this will help increase the availability of phosphate fertilizer over the next 300 yr. Climate change creates new challenges in the management of nutrients including P, affecting the overall production of crops. The availability, acquisition, and translocation of P are influenced by the fluctuation of temperatures, pH, drought, and elevated CO2 . Both lower and higher soil temperatures reduce uptake and translocation of P. High soil pH affects P concentration and decreases the rate of plant P uptake. Low soil pH decreases the activity of soil microorganisms, the rate of transpiration, and P uptake and utilization. Elevated CO2 decreases P uptake from soil by the plants. Future research is needed on chemical, molecular, microbiological, and physiological aspects to improve the understanding on how temperature, pH, drought, and elevated CO2 affect the availability, acquisition, and transport of P by plants. Better P management strategies are required to secure the P supply to ensure long-term protection of soil fertility and to avoid environmental impacts such as eutrophication and water pollution, ensuring sustainable food production.

Arthropods like mosquitoes are well-known vectors which are mainly involved in the transmission of pathogens to different human and vertebrate diseases. Most of the pathogens like viruses and nematodes are transmitted by mosquitoes. Controlling vector populations by using actinobacteria can be particularly very effective. Actinobacteria which contain also non filamentous forms of bacteria which produce a large number of biologically active secondary metabolites. Even though many antibiotics have been developed from actinobacteria, not much work have been conducted in the field of pest control. The actinobacteria and their metabolites effectively control mosquito populations and the transmission of diseases by them. The microbial metabolites have many advantages over synthetic chemicals because many of them are host-specific and safe for beneficial organisms. Due to this species-specific effect, microbial pesticides are more reliable to control mosquito populations. These types of metabolites have to be evaluated for the development of novel insecticides for vector control. Some studies have reported the mosquitocidal effects of actinobacterial metabolites like tetranectin, avermectins, spinosad, macrotetrolides, etc; they have less or no residual effect in the environment. This chapter focuses on the mosquitocidal effects of actinobacteria and their metabolites.

An ethnobotanical survey was conducted in Sathuragiri hills in the Virudhunagar district of the state of Tamil Nadu, India. A total of 139 species belonging to 124 genera under 52 families was recorded as medicinally useful; they were mainly used by the local people to treat various diseases. The families like Fabaceae (18 species), Euphorbiaceae (9 Species) and Apocynaceae (7 Species) contained many important medicinal plants. Some of the important illnesses treated by these species were dermatological ailments, gastrointestinal problems, joint pain, fever and poisonous bites. The data are quantified and important species are highlighted. Conservation of these medicinal plants and local knowledge is the need of the hour.

Laothoe witti Eitschberger, Danner & Surholt, 1998, the Afghan Poplar Hawkmoth, was first described from Afghanistan, after which there have only been isolated reports of the species within the Palaearctic region. Only five species have so far been reported under the genus Laothoe with no evidence of the occurrence of the genus Laothoe in India till date. Here we provide information about the record of L. witti from Kashmir that establish first evidence of the occurrence of this species in India, extending the range of the genus Laothoe into the Indian sub-continent.

The cotton bollworm Helicoverpa armigera is a serious pest of many economically important crops. Since this pest has become resistant to the conventional synthetic insecticides, newer compounds and formulations are being developed against this insect pest. Many natural compounds isolated from the plants were tested against this pest. Among them Hyptis suaveolens and Melochia corchorifolia showed insecticidal properties against H. arnigera. Based on bioefficacy studies, caryophyllene and β-sitosterol were isolated from H. suaveolens and M. corchorifolia respectively. The isolated natural compounds were further developed as formulations in various combinations with neem (Azadirachta indica) and karanj (Pongamia pinnata) oils. The present study indicated that the formulations influenced the karyomorphology of H. armigera.

Bio-production of silver nanoparticles using plant biomolecules that possess potential applications is receiving much attention in current period. In the current research, Ag-NPs are synthesized using resin of Atalantia monophylla (L). The spectral and imaginable characters are analyzed using UV–vis spectrophotometer, Electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The resin-mediated silver nanoparticles are sphere-shaped as proved by scanning electron microscope image. The approximate estimation of reducing possibilities of the resin of Atalantia monophylla (L) plant indicated the existence of carbohydrates, phenols, alkaloids and protein. The synthesized Ag NPs reveal extensive antimicrobial activity against human bacterial pathogens viz., Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Bacillus subtilis, Escherichia coli, Enterobacter sp., and Staphylococcus aureus.

Streptomyces is one of the most prolific producers of economically important bioactive compounds used against several illnesses; it has also been found to produce industrially useful enzymes. In this study, Streptomyces sp. (ERINLG-201) was isolated from the soil sample of Kodanad forest (Southern Western Ghats), The Nilgiris, Tamil Nadu, India. ERINLG-201 isolate showed promising antibacterial activity against tested Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria which was confirmed by perpendicular ‘T’ streak method. Secondary metabolites of ERINLG-201 isolate exhibited promising antibacterial activity against tested Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria which was confirmed by disc diffusion method using the ethylacetate extract. Further, the ethylacetate extract of ERINLG-201 (15 g) was packed in column chromatography over silica gel and eluted; it resulted in isolation of a new naphthoquinone derivative named bluemomycin from the active fraction. Bluemomycin showed promising antibacterial activity against Gram-negative bacteria and clinical isolates at least concentration (6.25 µg/mL). Cytotoxic studies of bluemomycin showed promising activity against A549, Skvo-3 and HepG2 cell lines with IC50 values of 5.9, 24.2 and 11 µM, respectively.

The external anatomy of the tree leaves of the monocotyledon plant, Asian palmyra palm (Borassus flabellifer), differs from that of other plants in the scaly secretions on their surfaces. These secretions are used by traditional palmyra tree climbers to treat cuts or wounds inflicted by their tools during palm juice tapping. We performed a study to scientifically validate this traditional application and determine the pharmacological significance of palmyra secretion. Light microscopy, ultraviolet (UV) and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) were performed to characterize the scaly secretions of palmyra palm. Phytochemical investigation and biological properties like antimicrobial and wound healing studies were conducted using standard procedures. Phytochemical investigation confirmed the presence of tannins, carbohydrates, protein, terpenoids, and reducing sugar. SEM results revealed the presence of hair-like structure on the leaf secretions. Leaf secretions also exhibited enhanced antibacterial and wound healing property.

A Novel class of 1,4-disubstituted 1,2,3-triazoles have been synthesized in good to excellent yields via Cu(I) accelerated azide-alkyne click chemistry reaction strategy. The newly synthesized compounds were assessed for their in vitro antimicrobial activity against five Gram-positive, seven Gram-negative bacteria and three fungi. Most of the synthesized compounds displayed significant activity against the tested Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. Molecular docking study revealed that all docked compounds are bound efficiently with the active site of Topoisomerase IV (4EMV) receptor with the observed the free energy of binding from −7.79 to −9.44 kcal/mol. Interestingly, compound 13a forms four hydrogen bonds and displayed high binding energy (−9.44 kcal/mol) with the Topoisomerase IV (4EMV) receptor which correlated with their in vitro antimicrobial assays.

The single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) are the common genetic variations in human genomes and act as markers for molecular susceptibility of complex traits and diseases in humans. Amino acid variations in the non-synonymous SNPs (nsSNPs) in coding and non-coding regions affect the function/structure of the proteins. The Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPAR�� or PPARG) is a nuclear receptor that plays a significant role in lipid metabolism and insulin production and is associated with diabetes, obesity, and cancer. In this study, the PPARG sequence was retrieved from the NCBI database (dbSNP: NP_619726.2), and an analysis was done to predict the damaged/harmful mutated amino acids. We identified five mutated variants (C162S, R166W, Q286P, or Q314P and P467L), which were mostly expressed in cancer tissues and associated with insulin resistance and partial lipodystrophy. The identified mutations were induced, and the analysis of molecular dynamics simulation was established to determine the dynamic stability/flexibility of PPARG. The dynamic trajectories were analyzed by RMSD, RMSF, and Radius of Gyration (Rg) analysis; a vast difference was noticed in each of the protein structure when compared with the PPARG wild-type, and the mutations in PPARG impaired its functions, leading to more significant problems in humans. Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma HighlightsPPARG plays a significant role in diseases like diabetes, obesity, and cancer.Five mutated variants are expressed in cancer, insulin resistance and partial lipodystrophy.MD simulation was carried out to identify the dynamic stability/flexibility of PPARG.The colossal differences are identified in the dynamics process.Mutations in PPARG impair its functions, leading to significant problems in humans. PPARG plays a significant role in diseases like diabetes, obesity, and cancer. Five mutated variants are expressed in cancer, insulin resistance and partial lipodystrophy. MD simulation was carried out to identify the dynamic stability/flexibility of PPARG. The colossal differences are identified in the dynamics process. Mutations in PPARG impair its functions, leading to significant problems in humans.

The present study was aimed to isolate active constituents from Blumea axillaris (Lam.) DC (Asteraceae) against phytopathogenic fungi. Bioactivity guided fractionation of the successive n-hexane, chloroform and methanol extract led to the isolation of the monoterpene ester (4 R,5S)-4-hydroxy-7-tigloyloxycarvotanacetone (1). The compound 1 was converted into acetyl derivative (2). The acetyl derivative (2) and the parent compound 1 were tested again phytopathogenic fungi by using mycelial inhibition and minimal inhibitory concentration values were found out by the broth microdilution method. The acetyl derivative (2) showed the highest antifungal activity against Rhizoctonia solani and Aspergillus niger. Based upon in vitro results, compound 1 was tested against Fusarium oxyporum (wilting disease) and compound 2 was tested against R. solani (leaf blight disease) in vivo using the foliar spray method. Both compounds had no phytotoxicity and also in silico docking study showed that both compounds were binding similarly as commercial fungicide carbendazim.

Edible marine invertebrates from crustaceans, molluscs and echinodermata can be considered as a novel and organic-based biopolymers for various functional applications. These biopolymers are made of polysaccharide and protein, which are utilized by humans as food and nutraceutical ingredients for specific diseases in decades. In recent times the potential application of biopolymers such as of glycosaminoglycans, fucosylated chondroitin sulfate, chitin and chitosan are increasing in the biomedical industry for treating various ailments. These compounds showed specific function as an antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, wound healing, hypoglycemic action and also in animal feed. Therefore, this review emphasis the specific structural and functional property of polysaccharide derived from edible marine invertebrates and their by-products. The global market value of this biopolymer in recent progress also evaluated in detail. Keywords: Marine invertebrates, Glycosaminoglycans, Fucosylated chondroitin sulfate, Chitin, Chitosan, Functional foods

The incidence of antibiotics in various environmental matrices is a major matter as the occurrence is linked to the emergence and prevalence of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs). Country such as China holds the largest allotment of antibiotics utilization in food animal. Whereas, Asian countries such as Myanmar, Indonesia, and Vietnam are projected to obtain the most considerable percentage increment in antibiotics consumption. Decades old agricultural practise (animal manure fertilization), aquaculture, wastewater (untreated), sewage sludge are major routes that allowed antibiotics to enter and persist in environment. Most of the veterinary antibiotics are water soluble and are not fully absorbed by animals. High percentage of the veterinary antibiotics is excreted by animals in their wastes (manure and urine). Many studies have reported detection of antibiotics in various matrices including soil and are discussed in this paper, with special highlights on manure and manure laden soil in Asian countries. Increased adsorption of antibiotics in soil unswervingly raises the potential of antibiotics being taken up by crop. This review also revealed the current state of regulations in certain countries on antibiotics sales and consumption, which is important as an effort in mitigating the spread of antibiotics occurrence as well as the dissemination of ARGs in the environment. Keywords: Veterinary antibiotic, Soil, Manure, Fertilizer, Pollutant, Regulation

The marine invertebrates are vast species in the animal kingdom which consists abundant source of novel functional biopolymers like proteins, lipid and polysaccharides that possess numerous biological activities. These biopolymers had been used for multiple application and served as a functional food for health perspective. In recent times, marine organisms were effectively investigated for potential pharmaceuticals and natural drugs. Besides, marine invertebrate proteins including peptides served as a traditional food and effective alternative medicine for infectious disease. This review focuses on antioxidant, anticancer, antimicrobial activities of peptides and protein including collage and gelatin, were critically analysed with global market status of protein and peptides from marine invertebrates. Hence, this would give more insight on functional property of marine invertebrate, and their applications in biomedical and food industrial application. Keywords: Marine invertebrates, Functional protein, Collagen, Gelatin, Molecular weight, Biological activity

Selection of an appropriate hybridization method and use of molecular markers to study genetic purity of hybrids are important factors in crop improvement. In this study, our objective was to analy...

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder that causes memory and cognitive deficits. The present study was carried out to evaluate the protective effects of fucoidan in monocrotophos induced AD in Drosophila melanogaster. In silico studies showed that fucoidan exhibited binding energy of -9.3 kcal with proteins. Consistent with this, fucoidan, in a dose and time-dependent fashion, had inhibitory activity against cholinergic and monoamine-metabolized enzymes in vitro. Fucoidan inhibited the increase in total mRNA and protein in monocrotophos fed flies and prevented changes in biochemicals, neurochemicals and latency time of locomotor, learning and memory induced by monocrotophos. Together, the findings show that fucoidan serves a neuroprotective effect in Alzheimer's disease model in D. melanogaster.

Borassus flabellifer L. is a tall palm traditionally used for its stimulating, diuretic and anti-inflammatory activities; it is rich in fibers and various pharmacologically important secondary metabolites. This study was undertaken to evaluate the antidiabetic effects of Borassus flabellifer fruit methanol extract (BF-M) on diabetic rats induced with High Fat Diet (HFD)/streptozotocin (STZ). When BF-M (100 or 200 mg/kg) was administered for 21 days orally it led to a sharp decline in triglycerides, total cholesterol, free unsaturated fat, glucose-6-phosphate, fasting blood glucose and fructose 1,6 bisphosphatase in contrast to diabetic control. BF-M also downregulated Protein Tyrosine Phosphatase 1B. In vitro study showed the IC50 value to be 23.98 μg/mL. BF-M significantly increased serum insulin, glycogen content, and body weight. Western blot analysis exhibited significant inhibition of PTP1B in pancreatic tissue which was confirmed by histology and immunohistological studies. GC-MS analysis revelaled that the presence of major compounds such as 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (47.56%), Guanosine (21.01%) and n-hecxadeconoic acid (25.14%) in BF-M. In short, BF-M exerted antidiabetic property by down regulating PTP1B expression, and eventually enhancing glucose stimulated insulin release; it also exhibited favorable effects in diabetes and its secondary complications. Keywords: Borassus flabellifer, Insulin secretion, Protein Tyrosine Phosphatase 1B, Diabetes mellitus, β-Cells regeneration, GC-MS

Mosquitoes occupy the first place among the most dangerous insects in the world, because they kill more than five lakhs people every year around the world by transmitting lethal pathogens. People use many methods and devices to combat the mosquito problem. Chemical pesticides are commonly used to control mosquitoes and their bites around the world. Since the last two decades public has started to avoid the use of synthetic chemicals for mosquito management due to their harmful effects on environment and human health. Pesticide resistance in mosquitoes is a major side effect of synthetic chemical applications. Volatile oils or essential oils obtained from green plants are considered as reliable alternatives for mosquito management. Several hundred volatile oils and volatile compounds have been tested against eggs, larva, pupa and adults of various vector mosquito species. Oils, extracts and powders of leaf, flowers and bark of many aromatic plants are being used as mosquito repellents in many countries for many centuries. Scientific validation of biological activities of several botanicals has been intensified in the last three decades and several herbal mosquito control products have been commercialized. The aim of the present review article is to provide up-to-date information on biological activities of plant volatile oils and volatile compounds against vector mosquitoes and to highlight the promising volatile compounds for the development of new herbal mosquito control products.

This study was aimed at determining the cytotoxic efficacy of graphene oxide (GO) and thiourea-reduced oxide (T-rGO) nanosheets against human prostate cancer cells and their antibacterial activity against E. coli mastitis. X-ray diffraction, Raman spectroscopy, Fourier transformed infrared spectroscopy, and scanning electron microscopy were used to study the physicochemical properties of the fabricated GO and T-rGO. The cytotoxicity of GO and T-rGO in human prostate cancer cells was examined using cell survival test, DNA laddering, and cell cycle analysis. The antibacterial effectiveness of GO and T-rGO was tested using E. coli mastitis. The study revealed that cell viability was lowered by GO and T-rGO in a concentration-dependent trend. The production of reactive oxygen species and hydroxyl radicals was found to increase following the treatment. DNA was harmed because of oxidative stress, causing laddering. Both GO and T-rGO demonstrated good antibacterial activity against E. coli mastitis. The findings of this research work provide insightful information about functional graphene derivatives for potential biomedical applications, primarily cancer treatment.

Identification of molecular markers and characterization of nutrient transporters could help to improve the tolerance under abiotic and low nutrient stresses in sorghum ensuring higher yield to conserve food security Sorghum is an important cereal crop delivering food and energy security in the semi-arid tropics of the world. Adverse climatic conditions induced by global warming and low input agriculture system in developing countries demand for the improvement of sorghum to tolerate various abiotic stresses. In this review, we discuss the application of marker-assisted breeding and nutrient transporter characterization studies targeted towards improving the tolerance of sorghum under drought, salinity, cold, low phosphate and nitrogen stresses. Family members of some nutrient transporters such as nitrate transporter (NRT), phosphate transporter (PHT) and sulphate transporter (SULTR) were identified and characterized for improving the low nutrient stress tolerance in sorghum. Several quantitative trait loci (QTL) were identified for drought, salinity and cold stresses with an intention to enhance the tolerance of sorghum under these stresses. A very few QTL and nutrient transporters have been identified and validated under low nitrogen and phosphorus stresses compared to those under drought, salinity and cold stresses. Marker-assisted breeding and nutrient transporter characterization have not yet been attempted in sorghum under other macro- and micro-nutrient stresses. We hope this review will raise awareness among plant breeders, scientists and biotechnologists about the importance of sorghum and need to conduct the studies on marker-assisted breeding and nutrient transporter under low nutrient stresses to improve the sorghum production.

The larvicidalproperty of graphene oxide (GO) and thiourea-reduced graphene oxide (T-rGO)was assessed against Culexquinquefasciatuslarvae. A simple water-soluble material synthesis method was used. The transformation of graphene into graphene oxide was accomplished in a single step. Under mild conditions, grapheneoxidewasdissolved in water to form a solution. Structure, optical, and microstructural features of the synthesized samples wereevaluatedusing a variety of analytical tools to compare the samples. Both GO and RGO, as well as GO, showed strong larvicidal potential when used against the third instar larvae of the Culexquinquefasciatus mosquito, with LC

Vector-borne diseases such as filariasis and dengue that contribute significantly to disease burden, death, poverty, and social frailty are still a major public healthcare problem worldwide. Currently, synthetic chemicals have been used in mosquito control programs. However, repeated use of chemical insecticides causes environmental pollution and harmful effects on non-target organisms. Therefore, alternative ecofriendly sources from biological source are urgently needed to manage mosquitoes. In this respect, the present study was aimed to evaluate mosquito larvicidal and pupicidal activities of 22 crude extracts of soil actinomycetes on Culex quinquefasciatus and Aedes aegypti and to identify the active molecule. Briefly, the crude ethyl acetate extract and fractions were tested at 62.5, 125, 250, and 500 ppm and 2.5, 5.0, 7.5, and 10.0 ppm concentrations on larval and pupal stages of Cx. quinquefasciatus and Ae. aegypti. The larval and pupal mortality was assessed after 24 h of treatment. Among the 22 isolates screened, Nonomuraea sp. VAS-16 exhibited significant larvicidal and pupicidal activities against the tested mosquito species. Among the 18 fractions screened, fraction-6 showed strong larvicidal and pupicidal activities with the LC

Introduction Emerging novel infectious diseases and persistent pandemics with potential to destabilize normal life remain a public health concern for the whole world. The recent outbreak of pneumonia caused by Coronavirus infectious disease-2019 (COVID-19) resulted in high mortality due to a lack of effective drugs or vaccines. With a constantly increasing number of infections with mutated strains and deaths across the globe, rapid, affordable and specific detections with more accurate diagnosis and improved health treatments are needed to combat the spread of this novel pathogen COVID-19. Areas covered Researchers have started to utilize the recently invented clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR) and CRISPR associated proteins (CRISPR/Cas)-based tools for the rapid detection of novel COVID-19. In this review, we summarize the potential of CRISPR/Cas system for the diagnosis and enablement of efficient control of COVID-19. Expert opinion Multiple groups have demonstrated the potential of utilizing CRISPR-based diagnosis tools for the detection of SARS-CoV-2. In coming months, we expect more novel and rapid CRISPR-based kits for mass detection of COVID-19 infected persons within a fraction of a second. Therefore, we believe science will conquer COVID-19 in the near future and CRISPR/Cas system may play a key role in the efficient diagnosis and treatment of this mass-spreading disease.

Macrofungi produce various enzymes and biologically active metabolites. Enzymes, such as amylase, protese, cellulases, laccases and tyrosinases of the macrofungi have various industrial applications. These macrofungi have the ability to degrade the available lignocellulosic biomass from the natural environs. Macrofungi produce pectinase, chitinase, hemicellulases and cellulases. The combined effect of various hydrolytic enzymes, hemicellulases, cellulases and pectinase and the oxidative enzymes, such as, laccases and peroxidises act in a synergistic and cooperative mechanism. Xylanases are widely used in the preparation of second-generation biofuels and these activities are desirable to improve low cost bioethanol production. These are also used in the treatment of wastewater, act as cleaning agents in various purification systems, in medical diagnostic tools, in drug manufacturing, bioremediation of herbicides/pesticides and also ss one of the ingredients in cosmetics. Laccases are widely used in the treatment of effluents polluted with lignin, as biosorbents in wastewater treatment, degrade a wide number of textile dyes, bioremediation of recalcitrant aromatic compounds, beverage and food industries. This chapter details the potential industrial applications of enzymes from macrofungi with perspective directions and practical values.

To evaluate the bioefficacy of crude extract and fractions from the leaves of Couroupita guianensis Aubl. against second and fourth instar larvae of Culex quinquefasciatus Say and Aedes aegypti L. The phytochemical parameters of hexane extract derived fraction were analyzed. Chromatographically enriched fractions from hexane extract were eluted by hexane: ethyl acetate solvent system through silica gel. Larval toxicity assay was conducted with water containing the crude extract from 125 to 1000 ppm and fractions of effective crude extract was tested from 25 to 200 ppm concentrations against C. quinquefasciatus and A. aegypti. Among the three solvent crude extracts hexane extract of C. guianensis showed promising larvicidal activity against the two vector mosquitoes followed by chloroform and ethyl acetate. Chromatographically eluted fraction 3 showed promising larvicidal activity followed by fractions 2 & 8 compared with the crude extract. It is concluded that C. guianensis extract has the potential to control Cx. quinquefasciatus and Ae. aegypti without harming nontarget fish.

Phosphate starvation altered the root morphology and phosphate uptake with the induction of PHT1 family transporter genes in root and shoot tissues of seven millets. Millets are nutrient-rich cereals majorly cultivated in Asia and Africa. Foxtail millet (FoxM), pearl millet (PeaM), finger millet (FinM), kodo millet (KodM), little millet (LitM), proso millet (ProM), and barnyard millet (BarM) were examined for the influence of external phosphorous (P) supply on phenotypic traits, P uptake, yield, and PHosphate Transporter1 (PHT1) family gene expression. Millet seedlings grown under low Pi condition (LPC) produced significantly lower mean values for all traits except for lateral root length (LRL) and lateral root number (LRN) which were increased under LPC. Under LPC, seed weight (SW) also reduced by > 75% and had significantly lower levels of total P (TP) and Pi contents in leaf and root tissues. Expression dynamics of 12 PHT1 family (PHT1;1–1;12) transporters genes were analyzed in 7 millets. PHT1;2 has been found to be a constitutive transporter gene in all millets. Under LPC, root tissues showed the overexpression of PHT1;2, 1;3, 1;4 and 1;9 in FoxM, PHT1;1, 1;2, 1;3, 1;4, 1;8 and 1;10 in PeaM, PHT1;2 and 1;3 in FinM and ProM and PHT1;3, 1;6 and 1;11 in BarM. In leaf, LPC induced the expression of PHT1;3, 1;4 and 1;6 in FoxM, PHT1;2, 1;3, 1;4 and 1;8 in PeaM, PHT1;2, 1;3 and 1;4 in FinM and KodM, PHT1;2 in LitM and PHT1;4 in ProM and BarnM. This comprehensive study on the influence of P in phenotype, physiology, and molecular responses may help to improve the P uptake and its use efficiency of millets in future.

Phosphorus (P) is one of the most important macronutrients for plant growth and yield. Low availability of inorganic phosphate (Pi) in soil substantially curbs crop production, whereas exce...

The aim of the present study was to screen for mosquito larvicidal activity of methanol extract of a wild mushroom Psathyrella candolleana against Culex quinquefasciatus, Aedes aegypti, and Anopheles stephensi. Larvae and eggs were exposed to four different concentrations (62.5, 125, 250, and 500 ppm) and mortality was assessed 24 and 120 h after treatment. The LC50 and LC90 values of the extract were calculated. Methanol crude extract of P. candolleana showed good larvicidal activity against the third instar larvae of Cx. quinquefasciatus with LC50 and LC90 values of 166.713 and 259.17 ppm, respectively, after 24 h of exposure. No larvicidal activity was observed against Ae. aegypti and An. stephensi. The methanol extract of P. candolleana presented 88% ovicidal activity against Cx. quinquefasciatus at 500 ppm concentration 120 h after treatment. The active methanol extract was tested for toxicity against non-target organism and found was to have no toxicity. Histopathological studies of the treated larvae revealed serious damages to the midgut cells. The mushroom species was confirmed by 5.8S rRNA sequence and phylogenetic tree was constructed. These results suggest that the methanol extract of P. candolleana could be used in Cx. quinquefasciatus control programs as a new eco-friendly larvicide.

Ethnopharmacological relevance Medicinal plants have been used by the people of developing countries to treat various diseases. WHO also recommends the use of medicines from plants source. In that, diabetes also one of the diseases that have been treated traditionally by several people all over the world. In India, Toddalia asiatica (L.) Lam. (Rutaceae) is also a medicinal plant used traditionally for the treatment of diabetes in Ayurveda. Moreover, T. asiatica is also used in a polyherbal formulation to treat diabetes. Aim of the study This study examined the antidiabetic with antilipidemic and antioxidant effects of flindersine isolated from T. asiatica leaves. Materials and methods Diabetes was induced in Wistar rats by feeding a high-fat diet (HFD) for 15 days and injecting a single dose of 40 mg/kg b. wt. of Streptozotocin (STZ). Five days post-injection, the grouped diabetic rats were treated with 20 and 40 mg/kg of flindersine. Results Flindersine resulted in a clear decline of blood glucose levels during 28 days of treatment in two different doses. Flindersine also significantly (P ≤ 0.05; P ≤ 0.005) reduced the body weight gain, plasma insulin concentration, urea, creatinine, total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG) and free fatty acids (FFA) levels and significantly increased (P ≤ 0.05; P ≤ 0.005) the total protein level, superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activities compared to the standard drug, pioglitazone. Additionally, flindersine restored the glucose transporter protein 4 (GLUT4), adenosine monophosphate protein kinase (AMPK) and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPARγ) expressions in adipose tissues and skeletal muscles. Conclusion It has been found that flindersine has potent antilipidemic and antidiabetic activities by improving insulin sensitivity by enhancing the phosphorylation of AMPK, GLUT4 translocation, and PPARγ agonism on adipose tissue and skeletal muscles of diabetic rats.

A novel acute viral pneumonia induced by SARS-CoV-2 exploded at the end of 2019, causing a severe medical and economic crisis. For developing specific pharmacotherapy against SARS-CoV-2, an

The waste water released from industries which contain pollutants like heavy metals, dyes and other toxic chemicals brings numerous harms to the ecosystem and humans. Nowadays the nanocomposites based technologies are effectively used for environmental remediation. In the present study, hexavalent chromium was removed from the industrial effluent using magnetite carbon nanocomposite. The nanocomposite composed of highly porous carbon and iron oxide nanoparticles prepared by using agrowastes (sugarcane bagasse and orange peel extract). Iron oxide nanoparticles (FeONPs) formation was confirmed by UV–visible spectroscopy; incorporation of magnetite with highly porous carbon was established by Fourier Transforms Infrared Spectroscopy and X-ray Diffraction Spectroscopy. Morphological features of magnetite nanoparticles and highly porous carbon were analyzed using Scanning Electron Microscope and Transmission Electron Microscope. Magnetic properties analyzed by Vibrating Sample Magnetometer revealed magnetite carbon nanocomposite exhibited better Ms value than highly porous carbon. The concentration of Cr6+ in treated effluent was determined using Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy. Pseudo-second order equation fitted with kinetics and the Langmuir monolayer favors for isotherm. This study reveals efficiency in Cr6+ removal from effluent using magnetite carbon nanocomposites which extends their application in waste water treatment.

Ethnomedicinal knowledge is a valuable form of indigenous knowledge advantageous for the identification and conservation of valuable species as well as the habitats in which they occur. These ethnobotanical studies explore the structural relationships between human society and the environment using socio-anthropological methods; these relationships can be social, economic, cultural, religious, commercial, etc. The utilization of medicinal plants for curing health ailments have been practiced mostly by the people dwelling in the mountain regions and countrysides across the globe. This practice is very old ever since ancient times, when people glanced into nature for the medications. The Kashmir Himalayas harbours an immense diversity of medicinal herbs. Most of the land cover in Kashmir Valley is under the forest and rural areas and the practices of medicinal plant utilization are common among the rural and tribal communities. The floristic diversity of Kashmir Himalayas has been diminished to a more prominent degree because of ecological depravity and human exploitation. The aggravation by the human ill-treatment is the central point liable for the vegetation to be fragmented into little spots. This chapter aims to furnish the traditional use of medicinal and edible plants and healthcare practices in Kashmir that has not been much discussed in the recent past and to initiate measures for the conservation of medicinal and edible plant diversity as well as the traditional knowledge.

Chitosan has been shown to possess several exceptional potentials due to its excellent physicochemical properties; in spite of this, native chitosan has been found to have only limited use. Hence, there is a need to modify the structure of native chitosan using various biotechnological applications to make it more promising. Chitosan is unique with active primary amino groups that provide a location for the attachment of the side group, which helps to develop versatile materials with desired functionality; this feature allows the modification of its physicochemical characters and altering of its biological properties. Several modifications of chitosan were tested to improve its properties and enhance its performance. This article summarizes the current developments in the fabrication of chitosan for usage as a green material.