Exploring the Antioxidant Potential of Methanolic Extracts of Wild Medicinal and Edible Mushrooms from Darma Valley, Pithoragaph, Kumaun (Himalaya, India).

This study presents a comprehensive analysis of the methanolic extracts of nine species of wild edible mushrooms (WEM) native to the Darma Valley in the Kumaun Himalaya region. The investigation encompasses the assessment of various biochemical attributes, including total phenolics (TP), total flavonoids (TF), total tannins (TT) contents, the ABTS assay, and the DPPH radical scavenging assay. Among the nine WEM species examined, Clavatia craniiformis stands out for displaying the highest antioxidant capacities, indicated by exceptional TP (54.94 ± 0.54 mg gallic acid equivalenta/g dry weight) and TT (4.23 ± 0.17 mg tannic acid equivalents/g dry weight) contents, along with noteworthy ABTS (10.44 ± 0.34 mg abscorbic acid equivalents/g dw) and DPPH activity (0.335 ± 0.001 mg abscorbic acid equivalents/g dry weight). Subsequent antioxidant potential are mushrooms Ramaria fennica, Ramaria botrytis, Ramaria sanguinea, Ramaria flava, Gomphus. clavatus, Clavaria zollingeri, Pleurotus ostreatus, and Kuehneromyces mutabilis. Variations in antioxidant capacities align with distinct phenolic content. This study underscores as a remarkable source of antioxidants, suggesting its potential suitability for nutraceutical applications. The findings contribute to a deeper understanding of the antioxidant properties inherent in wild edible mushrooms, particularly emphasizing the prominence of C. craniiformis.

Distribution, Chemical Constituents and Biological Properties of Genus Malaxis.

The genus Malaxis (family Orchidaceae), comprises nearly 183 species available across the globe. The plants of this genus have long been employed in traditional medical practices because of their numerous biological properties, like the treatment of infertility, hemostasis, burning sensation, bleeding diathesis, fever, diarrhea, dysentery, febrifuge, tuberculosis, etc. Various reports highlight their phytochemical composition and biological activities. However, there is a lack of systematic review on the distribution, phytochemistry, and biological properties of this genus. Hence, this study aims to conduct a thorough and critical review of Malaxis species, covering data published from 1965 to 2022 with nearly 90 articles. Also, it examines different bioactive compounds, their chemistry, and pharmacotherapeutics as well as their traditional uses. A total of 189 unique compounds, including the oil constituents were recorded from Malaxis species. The highest active ingredients were obtained from Malaxis acuminata (103) followed by Malaxis muscifera (49) and Malaxis rheedei (33). In conclusion, this review offers an overview of the current state of knowledge on Malaxis species and highlights prospects for future research projects on them. Additionally, it recommends the promotion of domestication studies for rare medicinal orchids like Malaxis and the prompt implementation of conservation measures.

In vitro Propagation of Endemic Species Mahonia Jaunsarensis Ahrendt Through Callus Culture.

Mahonia jaunsarensis Ahrendt (Family Berberidaceae) an endemic species was successfully propagated in vitro. An efficient propagation protocol has been developed first time. The callus cultures were established from leaf explants on Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium supplemented with 2,4-Dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D; 1 µM) and resulted 70% callus induction with green compact callus. When callus was transferred to MS medium containing Thidiazuron (TDZ; 0.75 µM), maximum average number of shoot (3.06) produced but shoot length (3.37 cm) and average leaf number (2.87) was increased upon transfer to MS medium containing N6-benzylaminopurine (BA; 6.0 µM) plus α-naphthalene acetic acid (NAA; 0.5 µM). In MS medium containing indole-3-butyric acid (IBA; 0.01 µM), the maximum rooting percentage (56%) and average root number (2.56) per shoot and root length (3.33 cm) were recorded. The rooted plantlets transferred in vermiculite + garden soil + farmyard manure (1:1:1) with maximum (55%) survival percentage under greenhouse condition. The phytochemical analysis of leaves obtained from tissue culture-raised plants revealed significantly higher levels of alkaloids (berberine and palmatine) than those obtained from wild plants. Similar trends were observed for antioxidant and antimutagenic activities. Results of this study offer a baseline for the conservation and sustainable utilization strategies for M. jaunsarensis.

Food and Antioxidant Supplements with Therapeutic Properties of Morchella esculenta (Ascomycetes): A Review.

Morchella esculenta, commonly known as yellow morels, is an edible and medicinal mushroom popular worldwide for its unique flavor and culinary purposes. The traditional medical system effectively uses morels against infertility, fatigue, cancer, muscular pain, cough, and cold. The M. esculenta possesses many health-promoting nutritional components such as mono and polyunsaturated fatty acids, polyphenols, protein hydrolysates, vitamins, amino acids and minerals. The potential medicinal properties of morels is due to polysaccharides (galactomannan, chitin, ß-glucans, and ß-1,3-1,6-glucan) present that has high economic importance worldwide. Polysaccharides present possess a broad spectrum of biological activities such as anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial, anti-diabetic, and antioxidant. However, the toxicity and clinical trials to prove its safety and efficacy for medicinal uses are yet to be evaluated. Moreover, the separation, purification, identification, and structural elucidation of active compounds responsible for the unique flavors and biological activities are still lacking in M. esculenta. The available information provides a new base for future perspectives. It highlights the need for further studies of this potent medicinal mushroom species as a source of beneficial therapeutic drugs and nutraceutical supplements.

Effects of Graphene-Based Metal Composite and Urea on Seed Germination and Performance of Berberis chitria Buch.-Ham. ex Lindl.

Being an important source of berberine, Berberis chitria Buch.-Ham. ex Lindl. (Berberidaceae) has high demand in pharmaceutical industries. Its populations are diminishing due to overexploitation, habitat loss, slow-growing nature, and climate change. It is important to develop propagation protocols to sustain its natural populations and ensure its survival in the future. Fertilizers play an essential role in the yield and productivity of different crops. Among others, urea is the most abundantly used fertilizer in crops. Its effects on the yield and survival of medicinal plants are poorly studied. However, it is known that applying urea for a long time affects the soil negatively. Due to these negative effects, alternative fertilizers such as graphene-based metal composite (GMC) are being tested for their efficiency. In the present study, for the first time, we tested the effects of urea and GMC on the germination and performance of B. chitria. GMC showed maximum germination at 30 ppm (75%) and urea at 15 ppm (79%). Findings reveal non-significant effects of GMC and urea on germination and performance of B. chitria, suggesting the use of GMC as an alternative fertilizer.

Predicting phytochemical diversity of medicinal and aromatic plants (MAPs) across eco-climatic zones and elevation in Uttarakhand using Generalized Additive Model.

The present study uses a systematic approach to explore the phytochemical composition of medicinal plants from Uttarakhand, Western Himalaya. The phytochemical composition of medicinal plants was analyzed based on (i) the presence of different chemical groups and (ii) bioactive compounds. The Generalized Additive Model (GAM) analysis was used to predict the occurrence of chemical groups and active compounds across different eco-climatic zones and the elevation in Uttarakhand. A total of 789 medicinal plants represented by 144 taxonomic families were screened to explore the phytochemical diversity of the medicinal plants of Uttarakhand. These medicinal plant species are signified in different life forms such as herbs (58.86%), shrubs (18.24%), trees (17.48%), ferns (2.38%), and climbers (2.13%). The probability of occurrence of the chemical groups found in tropical, sub-tropical, and warm temperate eco-climatic zones, whereas active compounds have a high Probability towards alpine, sub-alpine, and cool temperate zones. The GAM predicted that the occurrence of species with active compounds was declining significantly (p < 0.01), while total active compounds increased across elevation (1000 m). While the occurrence of species with the chemical group increased, total chemical groups were indicated to decline with increasing elevation from 1000 m (p < 0.000). The current study is overwhelmed to predict the distribution of phytochemicals in different eco-climatic zones and elevations using secondary information, which offers to discover bioactive compounds of the species occurring in the different eco-climatic habitats of the region and setting the priority of conservation concerns. However, the study encourages the various commercial sectors, such as pharmaceutical, nutraceutical, chemical, food, and cosmetics, to utilize unexplored species. In addition, the study suggests that prioritizing eco-climatic zones and elevation based on phytochemical diversity should be a factor of concern in the Himalayan region, especially under the climate change scenario.

Comparative assessment of morphological, physiological and phytochemical attributes of cultivated Valeriana jatamansi Jones in Uttarakhand, West Himalaya.

Medicinal plants are global sources of herbal products, drugs, and cosmetics. They are disappearing rapidly due to anthropogenic pressure, overexploitation, unsustainable harvesting, lack of knowledge on cultivation, and the availability of quality plating materials. In this context, standardized in-vitro propagation protocol was followed to produce Valeriana jatamansi Jones, and transferred in two locations at Kosi-Katarmal (GBP) Almora (1200 masl) and Sri Narayan Ashram (SNA) Pithoragarh (Altitude 2750 masl), Uttarakhand. Over the three years of growth, plants were gathered from both locations for determining biochemical and physiological parameters, and growth performance. The plants growing at Sri Narayan Ashram (SNA) showed considerably (p < 0.05) higher amounts of polyphenolics, antioxidant activities, and phenolic compounds. Similarly, physiological parameters (transpiration 0.004 mol m-2 s-1; photosynthesis 8.20 µmol m-2 s-1; stomatal conductance 0.24 mol m-2 s-1), plant growth performance (leaves number 40, roots number 30, root length 14 cm) and soil attributes (total nitrogen 9.30; potassium 0.025; phosphorus 0.34 mg/g, respectively) were found best in the SNA as compared to GBP. In addition, moderate polar solvent (i.e., acetonitrile and methanol) was found suitable for extracting higher bioactive constituents from plants. The findings from this study revealed that large-scale cultivation of V. jatamansi should promote at higher elevation areas such as Sri Narayan Ashram to harness the maximum potential of the species. Such a protective approach with the right interventions will be helpful to provide livelihood security to the local populace along with quality material for commercial cultivation. This can fulfill the demand through regular supply of raw material to the industries and simultaneously promote their conservation.

Pharmacological and phytochemical potential of Rubus ellipticus: a wild edible with multiple health benefits.

OBJECTIVES: Rubus ellipticus (family Rosaceae) is used for its delicious edible fruits in the Himalayan region and other parts of the globe. However, the full potential of the species is yet to be harnessed. The current review focuses on the phytochemical, traditional uses, morphological, molecular and pharmacological potential of R. ellipticus. KEY FINDINGS: The review of the literature reveals that many health-promoting compounds of R. ellipticus have been reported from the species along with the different biological properties, such as nephroprotective, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, anti-pyretic, anti-proliferative, cytotoxicity, anti-cancer, wound healing, anti-fertility, anti-plasmodial, anti-microbial and antioxidant. Traditionally, it is used in many formulations, which are validated through primary pharmacological assays. However, several medicinal properties are still need to be validated through detailed pharmacological and clinical studies. SUMMARY: All the information is available in a scanty form, and the complete information is missing on a single platform. Such type of information will help researchers to better utilize the available data for initiating future research on the species as it has the potential to contribute to the food and pharmaceutical industry. The review highlights the need for further studies on the species to harness its potential in nutraceutical, functional food, energy supplement, and beneficial therapeutic drug development program.

Scoping the Need of Mainstreaming Indigenous Knowledge for Sustainable Use of Bioresources in the Indian Himalayan Region.

Globally, Indigenous Knowledge Systems (IKSs), which have evolved through rigorously tested methods and practices, are a testimony of human intelligence and endurance. The diversity of goods such as food, beverages, herbs, etc., and its associated systems, which form an integral part of modern cuisine and healthcare systems, are deeply rooted in IKS and immensely contributing to overall well-being of mankind. The present study is an attempt to document and understand the contribution of indigenous and local knowledge to biodiversity conservation and management. Appreciation to the value of traditional and indigenous knowledge is globally recognized for their principles of coexistence and sustainable use practices. Past studies indicate a strong relationship between indigenous knowledge and sustainable development goals. This knowledge is valuable not only to dependent communities, but also to the modern world for ensuring food security and human well-being. The documentation of such valuable knowledge is therefore fundamentally essential for mainstreaming and strengthening the discourses on sustainable ecosystem management, and to address the preponderance of poverty among indigenous communities. Amid the changing scenario of consumption and the trend of revisiting nature-based solutions, the IKS hold a tremendous scope of engaging the community people in sustainable harvest and utilization of natural resources.

Source dependent variation in phenolics, antioxidant and antimicrobial activity of Paeonia emodi in west Himalaya, India.

Paeonia emodi is one of the ethno therapeutically important Himalayan plants used to cure various diseases. However, a systematic investigation of the effect of altitude on phytochemical, antioxidant, and antimicrobial activity has not been reported so far. The present study assessed the variation in the bioactive compounds, antioxidant and antimicrobial activity of the leaf, and rhizome of P. emodi collected from different altitudes. Phytochemicals such as phenols, flavonoids, flavanol, tannins, emodin, and paeoniflorin were found in all the sampled populations, but the quantity varied significantly across the altitude. In leaf, phenolics, flavonoids, and tannins content positively correlated with altitude (p < 0.01), but flavanol did not show any connection. Similarly, in the rhizome, positive relation with altitude (p < 0.01) was observed in phenol, flavonoids, and paeoniflorin. Antioxidant activity measured by 1, 1-diphenyl- 2 picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and nitric oxide assays showed a positive correlation (p < 0.05) with altitude. 2, 2-azinobis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid), ferric reducing antioxidant power, and hydroxyl ion assays did not show any relation with altitude. Antimicrobial activity was higher in the case of rhizome for the minimum inhibitory concentration and positively correlated with phenolics, flavonoids, and flavanol (p < 0.05). The present study further revealed that the secondary metabolites in the leaf and rhizome extracts of P. emodi are an excellent source of antioxidant and antimicrobial activity, thus validating the species' therapeutic potential. Supplementary Information: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s12298-022-01242-z.

Predicting the potential distribution of Dactylorhiza hatagirea (D. Don) Soo-an important medicinal orchid in the West Himalaya, under multiple climate change scenarios.

Climate variability coupled with anthropogenic pressures is the most critical driver in the Himalayan region for forest ecosystem vulnerability. Dactylorhiza hatagirea (D.Don) Soo is an important yet highly threatened medicinal orchid from the Himalayan region. Poor regenerative power and growing demand have resulted in the steep decline of its natural habitats populations. The present study aims to identify the habitat suitability of D. hatagirea in the Western Himalaya using the maximum entropy model (MaxEnt). The community climate system model (CCSM ver. 4) based on representative concentration pathways (RCPs) was used to determine suitable future areas. Sixteen least correlated (< 0.8) bioclimatic, topographical and geomorphic variables were used to construct the species climatic niche. The dominant contributing variables were elevation (34.85%) followed by precipitation of the coldest quarter (23.04%), soil type (8.77%), land use land cover (8.26%), mean annual temperature (5.51%), and temperature seasonality (5.11%). Compared to the present distribution, habitat suitability under future projection, i.e., RCP 4.5 and RCP 8.5 (2050 and 2070), was found to shift to higher elevation towards the northwest direction, while lower altitudes will invariably be less suitable. Further, as compared to the current distribution, the climatic niche space of the species is expected to expand in between11.41-22.13% in the near future. High habitats suitability areas are mainly concentrated in the forest range like Dharchula and Munsyari range, Pindar valley, Kedarnath Wildlife Sanctuary, West of Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve, and Uttarkashi forest division. The present study delineated the fundamental niche baseline map of D. hatagirea in the Western Himalayas and highlighted regions/areas where conservation and management strategies should be intensified in the next 50 years. In addition, as the species is commercially exploited illegally, the information gathered is essential for conservationists and planners who protect the species at the regional levels.

Integrated Machine Learning and Chemoinformatics-Based Screening of Mycotic Compounds against Kinesin Spindle ProteinEg5 for Lung Cancer Therapy.

Among the various types of cancer, lung cancer is the second most-diagnosed cancer worldwide. The kinesin spindle protein, Eg5, is a vital protein behind bipolar mitotic spindle establishment and maintenance during mitosis. Eg5 has been reported to contribute to cancer cell migration and angiogenesis impairment and has no role in resting, non-dividing cells. Thus, it could be considered as a vital target against several cancers, such as renal cancer, lung cancer, urothelial carcinoma, prostate cancer, squamous cell carcinoma, etc. In recent years, fungal secondary metabolites from the Indian Himalayan Region (IHR) have been identified as an important lead source in the drug development pipeline. Therefore, the present study aims to identify potential mycotic secondary metabolites against the Eg5 protein by applying integrated machine learning, chemoinformatics based in silico-screening methods and molecular dynamic simulation targeting lung cancer. Initially, a library of 1830 mycotic secondary metabolites was screened by a predictive machine-learning model developed based on the random forest algorithm with high sensitivity (1) and an ROC area of 0.99. Further, 319 out of 1830 compounds screened with active potential by the model were evaluated for their drug-likeness properties by applying four filters simultaneously, viz., Lipinski's rule, CMC-50 like rule, Veber rule, and Ghose filter. A total of 13 compounds passed from all the above filters were considered for molecular docking, functional group analysis, and cell line cytotoxicity prediction. Finally, four hit mycotic secondary metabolites found in fungi from the IHR were screened viz., (-)-Cochlactone-A, Phelligridin C, Sterenin E, and Cyathusal A. All compounds have efficient binding potential with Eg5, containing functional groups like aromatic rings, rings, carboxylic acid esters, and carbonyl and with cell line cytotoxicity against lung cancer cell lines, namely, MCF-7, NCI-H226, NCI-H522, A549, and NCI H187. Further, the molecular dynamics simulation study confirms the docked complex rigidity and stability by exploring root mean square deviations, root mean square fluctuations, and radius of gyration analysis from 100 ns simulation trajectories. The screened compounds could be used further to develop effective drugs against lung and other types of cancer.

Saturated and Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids Rich Populations of Prinsepia utilis Royle in Western Himalaya.

The study aims to identify the fatty acid composition in Prinsepia utilis seeds collected from diverse populations of Western Himalaya, India. The seeds contained higher saturated fatty acid (SFA-43.09%; Average of all populations) followed by polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA - 29.57%) and monounsaturated fatty acid (MUFA - 25.53%), however variations among growing populations was measured. The correlation analysis reveals a significant (p < 0.05) negative connection between 10-Octadecenoic acid methyl ester (FA1), and altitude. Edaphic factors like available nitrogen showed significantly (p < 0.05) but the negative correlation with cis-11-Eicosenoic acid, methyl ester (FA10; p < 0.001), Docosanoic acid, methyl ester (FA11; p < 0.05), Heptadecanoic acid, methyl ester (FA14; p < 0.05), and Tricosanoic acid, methyl ester (FA29; p < 0.05). Antioxidant activity did not show any variation in the seed oil of different populations but varied among the concentrations (5-50 µL) used. IC50 values of DPPH activity was significantly (p < 0.05) varied connect ranged from 11.31-24.21 µL/mL among the different populations. These variations in fatty acid composition and IC50 values of the DPPH activity can be one of the indicators for selecting a promising population that would be harnessed for its potential in nutraceuticals and cosmeceuticals industries.

Source-dependent variation in phenolic compounds and antioxidant activities of Prinsepia utilis Royle fruits.

Prinsepia utilis, a wild-growing Himalayan shrub, is a good source of phytoceuticals, cosmeceuticals, and antioxidants. The present study is an attempt to investigate the effect of altitude and edaphic factors on phenolics and antioxidant activity in fruit pulp of Prinsepia utilis. The ripened fruits and soil samples were collected for detailed investigation. The fruits (pulp) were extracted in methanol for analyzing total phenolics and antioxidant activity using a spectrophotometric method and phenolic compounds by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Similarly, standard methods for soil analysis were used. Results reveal that altitude negatively correlated with total phenolics and flavonoid contents determined by a spectrophotometric method and with specific phenolic compounds determined by HPLC. For instance, Dwarahat population (PU-1) at lower altitude (1400 m asl) exhibited higher values of total phenolics and flavonoids, while total tannin was higher at Nainital (PU-6) population (2000 m asl). The antioxidant activity measured by 2, 2-azinobis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS) was found higher in Narayan Ashram (PU-9) population (2750 m asl), while ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) was significantly higher in Badechena (PU-2) population (1600 m asl). Soil nutrients (edaphic factors) showed a good correlation among measured parameters. Neighbor-joining and principal component analysis identified phenolics and antioxidant-rich populations that can be utilized for collection of fruits from these populations.

Morphological, phytochemical and genetic diversity of threatened Polygonatum verticillatum (L.) All. populations of different altitudes and habitat types in Himalayan region.

Polygonatum verticillatum (L.) All. is an important medicinal herb that belongs to the family Asparagaceae. The rhizome of the species is used in Chyavanprash preparation and several other ayurvedic formulations. Numerous active constituents like saponins, alkaloids, phytohormones, flavonoids, antioxidants, lysine, serine, aspartic acid, diosgenin, ß-sitosterol, etc. have been reported from this species. In this study, morphological, phytochemical, antioxidant and genetic variations of 11 distant populations of P. verticillatum were measured. Considerably (P < 0.05) higher variations were recorded among different populations of P. verticillatum using morphological, phytochemical and genetic diversity parameters. AGFW (above ground fresh weights); flavonols, FRAP (Ferric ion reducing antioxidant power) and NO (Nitric Oxide scavenging activity) were recorded maximum in Kafni population. Similarly, a significantly higher above and below ground dry weight was recorded in Mayawati and Surmoli populations respectively. Maximum phenolic content, tannins, and DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) activity were recorded in Milam population. A total of 165 individuals from 11 populations were assessed for genetic diversity using inter-simple sequence repeats (ISSR) marker. High genetic diversity (He = 0.35) was recorded in Himkhola and Surmoli populations while it was observed minimum (0.28) in the Mayawati population. Altitude showed a significant positive correlation with tannins (r = 0.674; P < 005) and DPPH (r = 0.820; P < 0.01). Phenol content exhibited a considerably positive relationship with He (r = 0.606; P < 0.05) and BGFW (r = 0.620; P < 0.05), flavonol displayed a positive correlation with Pp% (r = 0.606; P < 0.05). The population structure of P. verticillatum, exhibited that the optimal value of the K was 3 for its populations as determined by the ΔK statistic structure. Among populations, the amount of gene flow is higher (Nm = 1.717) among all sites. Hence, it can be concluded that P. verticillatum populations possess considerable variability in the collected populations. Likewise, the populations from Kafni, Satbunga and Himkhola with higher morphological, phytochemicals and genetic variability were prioritized and therefore recommended for cultivation and mass multiplication to meet the industrial demand for target species. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s12298-021-01044-9.

Physiological and metabolic changes in two Himalayan medicinal herbs under drought, heat and combined stresses.

Valeriana jatamansi Jones and Hedychium spicatum Ham-ex-Smith are important medicinal herbs of the Himalayan region, which are highly demanded by pharmaceutical industries. Climatic variability especially increasing temperature and water deficit affects the growth and productivity of these species. In addition, increased temperature and water deficit may trigger the biosynthesis of medicinally important bioactive metabolites, which influence the quality of raw plant material and finished products. Therefore, V. jatamansi and H. spicatum plants were undertaken and subjected to different levels of drought (no irrigation), heat (35 °C), and combined stresses for investigating their physiological and metabolic responses. Both the treatments (individually and in combination) reduced relative water content, photosynthesis, carboxylation efficiency, chlorophyll content, while increased intracellular CO2, malondialdehyde and H2O2 content in both the species. Transpiration and stomatal conductance increased under heat and reduced under drought stress as compared to control. Water use efficiency was found to be increased under drought, while reduced under heat stress. Protein, proline, carotenoid content and antioxidant enzymes activities (superoxide dismutase, peroxidise, catalase) initially increased and thereafter decreased during late stages of stress. Exposure of plants to combined stress was more detrimental than individual stress. In V. jatamansi, exposure to drought stress significantly (p < 0.05) increased valerenic acid content in all plant parts (1.0-6.9 fold) with maximum increase after 20 days of exposure, while under heat stress, valerenic acid content increased (1.0-1.2 fold) in belowground part of V. jatamansi, and decreased (1.1-1.3 fold) in aerial part as compared to control. In H. spicatum, exposure of individual heat stress for 25-30 days and combined stress for 5-15 days significantly (p < 0.05) increased linalool content to 6.2-6.5 fold and 8.3-19.6 fold, respectively, as compared to control. Higher accumulation of bioactive compounds after exposure to mild stress provides encouraging prospects for enhancing pharmaceutical properties of these Himalayan herbs. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s12298-021-01027-w.

Phytotherapy and food applications from Brassica genus.

Plants of the genus Brassica occupy the top place among vegetables in the world. This genus, which contains a group of six related species of a global economic significance, three of which are diploid: Brassica nigra (L.) K. Koch, Brassica oleracea L., and Brassica rapa L. and three are amphidiploid species: Brassica carinata A. Braun, Brassica juncea (L.) Czern., and Brassica napus L. These varieties are divided into oily, fodder, spice, and vegetable based on their morphological structure, chemical composition, and usefulness of plant organs. The present review provides information about habitat, phytochemical composition, and the bioactive potential of Brassica plants, mainly antioxidant, antimicrobial, anticancer activities, and clinical studies in human. Brassica vegetables are of great economic importance around the world. At present, Brassica plants are grown together with cereals and form the basis of global food supplies. They are distinguished by high nutritional properties from other vegetable plants, such as low fat and protein content and high value of vitamins, fibers along with minerals. In addition, they possess several phenolic compounds and have a unique type of compounds namely glucosinolates that differentiate these crops from other vegetables. These compounds are also responsible for numerous biological activities to the genus Brassica as described in this review.

Diabetes and plant-derived natural products: From ethnopharmacological approaches to their potential for modern drug discovery and development.

Diabetes is a disease of serious concern faced by the health care industry today. Primary diabetes mellitus and its complications are still costly to manage with modern drugs. Extensive research on the screening of anti-diabetic agents in past decades established natural products as one of the major potential sources of drug discovery. However, only a few drugs of plant origin have been scientifically validated. Therefore, the development of new anti-diabetic drugs is of great demand. Hence, natural products could be explored as potential anti-diabetic drugs. Natural plants derived extracts and molecules like berberine, ginsenosides, curcumin, stevioside, gingerols, capsaicin, catechins, simple phenolic compounds, anthocyanins, resveratrol, genistein and hesperidin obtained from different species are used for curing diabetes and found to possess different action mechanisms. In this review, the importance of medicinal plants and their active constituents for anti-diabetic agents are described. The present study also emphasized the importance of diabetes control, reduction in its complications and use of the anti-diabetic agents. The detailed action mechanism of these extracts/compounds for their activities are also described. However, the anti-diabetic drugs from plant origin require scientific validation through animal and clinical studies to exploit in terms of modern commercial medicines.

Anthocyanins, multi-functional natural products of industrial relevance: Recent biotechnological advances.

Anthocyanins, the color compounds of plants, are known for their wide applications in food, nutraceuticals and cosmetic industry. The biosynthetic pathway of anthocyanins is well established with the identification of potential key regulatory genes, which makes it possible to modulate its production by biotechnological means. Various biotechnological systems, including use of in vitro plant cell or tissue cultures as well as microorganisms have been used for the production of anthocyanins under controlled conditions, however, a wide range of factors affects their production. In addition, metabolic engineering technologies have also used the heterologous production of anthocyanins in recombinant plants and microorganisms. However, these approaches have mostly been tested at the lab- and pilot-scales, while very few up-scaling studies have been undertaken. Various challenges and ways of investigation are proposed here to improve anthocyanin production by using the in vitro plant cell or tissue culture and metabolic engineering of plants and microbial culture systems. All these methods are capable of modulating the production of anthocyanins , which can be further utilized for pharmaceutical, cosmetics and food applications.

Variability in morphology, phytochemicals, and antioxidants in Polygonatum verticillatum (L.) All. populations under different altitudes and habitat conditions in Western Himalaya, India.

Polygonatum verticillatum (L.) All. is one among eight species of Astavarga group of plants known for its vitality strengthening properties and used in different herbal formulations. However, systematic investigation on morphology and antioxidant phytochemicals in relation to different environmental variables like altitude and habitat conditions is poorly available. The present study reveals significant (p < 0.05) differences in structural and functional attributes among sixteen different populations of P. verticillatum in West Himalaya. Among the different populations, plants growing in moist habitat and oak forest exhibited maximum plant height, leaf number, biomass and phytochemical content (total phenolics, tannin, and flavonol). Antioxidant activity using 2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) diammonium salt (ABTS) and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) positively (p < 0.05) correlated with altitude. Presence of strong antioxidant and DNA damage prevention activity of the species validate its use as vitality strengthening and anti-aging properties. Identified suitable altitude, habitat conditions, and forest types can be utilized for reintroduction of species in to suitable agro-climatic condition. This will also help in obtaining higher quality produce and management practices for conservation of this species.