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• This is the first report that analyses the genetic diversity of Aerides multiflora and Rhyncostylis retusa from a variety of locations in Uttarakhand. • The study indicating a genetic connection between the orchids that were collected from host trees and altitudes that were similar to one another. • Data can help in developing sustainable natural resource management, as well as conservation and hybridization strategies for A. multiflora and R. retusa. Aim of the study was to analyze genetic variability among natural populations of two endemic orchids (Aerides multiflora and Rhynchostylis retusa) of Uttarakhand, India using inter-simple sequence repeat (ISSR) makers. Both the species, known for their ornamental and medicinal potential, were collected from different locations in Uttarakhand region, and isolated DNA samples were amplified using fourteen ISSR primers. In the case of A. multiflora , eight of the fourteen primers tested showed amplification products with an average polymorphism of 35.39% and in the case of R. retusa , the average polymorphism was 63.32%. Cluster analysis for both species showed that samples collected from sites of similar latitudes and elevations were clustered together. Another key observation in the case of R. retusa was that the sub-clusters were formed on the basis of host tree association. This is the first report on the diversity analysis of A. multiflora and R. retusa in Uttarakhand. This study suggests that the orchids collected from locations with similar altitudes and host trees are genetically related to each other. This genetic profiling can be used as the basis to develop conservation protocols for these orchids to prevent them from entering the threatened category, as the epiphytic orchids are more susceptible to natural and anthropogenic pressures. Besides, the genetic variation analysis can be used to select the parent plants for developing commercial hybrids in both species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present work intends to investigate the potential of phytochemicals from less commonly used medicinal plants as possible candidates for Type 2 Diabetes (T2D) treatment using an in silico method. Plant ligands with T2D targets were studied using molecular docking techniques. The total binding energies of the targets and commonly used allopathic drugs were assessed and compared. The docking studies demonstrated very high binding energies between phytochemicals and diabetes targets as compared to the allopathic drugs. The presence of pharmacologically active components of the genus in the selected raw material of the plant species was also established. The study suggests that phytochemicals from the three species, Silybum marianum, Eriobotrya japonica, and Withania coagulans, can be effective therapeutic products for the treatment of T2D, calling for focused research on pharmacological investigations and product formulation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cadmium is a widespread toxic pollutant of occupational and environmental concern because of its diverse toxic effects: extremely protracted biological half-life (approximately 20–30 years in humans), low rate of excretion from the body and storage predominantly in soft tissues (primarily, liver and kidneys). It is an extremely toxic element of continuing concern because environmental levels have risen steadily due to continued worldwide anthropogenic mobilization. Cadmium is absorbed in significant quantities from cigarette smoke, food, water and air contamination and is known to have numerous undesirable effects in both humans and animals. Cadmium has a diversity of toxic effects including nephrotoxicity, carcinogenicity, teratogenicity and endocrine and reproductive toxicities. At the cellular level, cadmium affects cell proliferation, differentiation, apoptosis and other cellular activities. Current evidence suggests that exposure to cadmium induces genomic instability through complex and multifactorial mechanisms. Most important seems to be cadmium interaction with DNA repair mechanism, generation of reactive oxygen species and induction of apoptosis. In this article, we have reviewed recent developments and findings on cadmium toxicology. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]