6-Benzylaminopurine mediated augmentation of cadmium phytostabilization potential in Strobilanthes alternata.

This study unveiled the cadmium phytoremediation potential and its augmentation using 6-Benzylaminopurine in Strobilanthes alternata. Cadmium stress was provided by applying 250 mg/kg cadmium chloride in soil and 25 ppm of 6-BAP (25 ml) was administered to the plants as foliar spray. The results revealed high bioconcentration factor (BCF) (18.82 ± 0.54) and low translocation factor (TF) values (0.055 ± 0.002) for the plant based on which we strongly recommend S. alternata as a promising candidate for Cd phytoremediation. The phytostabilization potential of the plant was further enhanced by applying 6-BAP, which augmented its BCF to 22.09 ± 0.64 and reduced the TF to 0.038 ± 0.001. Cd toxicity caused a reduction of plant growth parameters, root volume, adaxial-abaxial stomatal indices, relative water content, tolerance index, moisture content, membrane stability index, and xylem vessel diameter in S. alternata. However, Cd + 6-BAP treated plants exhibited an increase of the same compared to Cd-treated plants. FTIR analysis of Cd + 6-BAP treated plants revealed increased deposition of hemicellulose, causing enhanced retention of Cd in the root xylem walls, which is largely responsible for increased phytostabilization of Cd. Therefore, 6-BAP application in S. alternata can be exploited to restore Cd-contaminated areas effectively.

The research paper "6-Benzylaminopurine Mediated Augmentation of Cadmium Phytostabilization Potential in Strobilanthes alternata" has established the Cd phytostabilization potential of the plant Strobilanthes alternata and also identified the role of 6-BAP in augmenting the Cd phytoremediation potential of this plant for the very first time. The physiological and anatomical changes in relation to the applied stress signals were also studied for the first time in S. alternata.

Phytochemical Composition and Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Activities of Humboldtia sanjappae Sasidh. & Sujanapal, an Endemic Medicinal Plant to the Western Ghats.

Ethnomedicinal plants are important sources of drug candidates, and many of these plants, especially in the Western Ghats, are underexplored. Humboldtia, a genus within the Fabaceae family, thrives in the biodiversity of the Western Ghats, Kerala, India, and holds significant ethnobotanical importance. However, many Humboldtia species remain understudied in terms of their biological efficacy, while some lack scientific validation for their traditional uses. However, Humboldtia sanjappae, an underexplored plant, was investigated for the phytochemical composition of the plant, and its antioxidant, enzyme-inhibitory, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial activities were assessed. The LC-MS analysis indicated the presence of several bioactive substances, such as Naringenin, Luteolin, and Pomiferin. The results revealed that the ethanol extract of H. sanjappae exhibited significant in vitro DPPH scavenging activity (6.53 ± 1.49 µg/mL). Additionally, it demonstrated noteworthy FRAP (Ferric Reducing Antioxidant Power) activity (8.46 ± 1.38 µg/mL). Moreover, the ethanol extract of H. sanjappae exhibited notable efficacy in inhibiting the activities of α-amylase (47.60 ± 0.19µg/mL) and ß-glucosidase (32.09 ± 0.54 µg/mL). The pre-treatment with the extract decreased the LPS-stimulated release of cytokines in the Raw 264.7 macrophages, demonstrating the anti-inflammatory potential. Further, the antibacterial properties were also evident in both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. The observed high zone of inhibition in the disc diffusion assay and MIC values were also promising. H. sanjappae displays significant anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antidiabetic, and antibacterial properties, likely attributable to its rich composition of various biological compounds such as Naringenin, Luteolin, Epicatechin, Maritemin, and Pomiferin. Serving as a promising reservoir of these beneficial molecules, the potential of H. sanjappae as a valuable source for bioactive ingredients within the realms of nutraceutical and pharmaceutical industries is underscored, showcasing its potential for diverse applications.

Chelate assisted phytoextraction for effective rehabilitation of heavy metal(loid)s contaminated lands.

The contamination of lands and water by heavy toxic metal(loid)s is an environmental issue that needs serious attention as it poses a major threat to public health. The persistence of heavy metals/metalloids in the environment as well as their potentially dangerous effects on organisms underpins the need to restore the areas contaminated by heavy toxic metal(loid)s. Soil restoration can be achieved through a variety of different methods. Being more cost-effective and environmentally sustainable, phytoremediation has recently replaced traditional processes like soil washing and burning. Many plants have been intensively explored to eliminate various heavy metals from polluted soils through phytoextraction, which is a commonly used phytoremediation approach. The ability of chelants to enhance phytoextraction potential has also received wide attention owing to their ability to elevate the efficiency of plants in removing heavy metal(loid)s. Chelants have been found to improve plant growth and the activity of the defense system. Several chelants, either non-biodegradable or biodegradable, have been reported to augment the phytoextraction efficiencies of various plants. The problem of the leaching of heavy metal(loid)s and secondary pollution caused by non-biodegradable chelants can be overcome by the use of biodegradable chelants to an extent. This review is a brief report focusing on recent articles on chelate-assisted phytoextraction of heavy metal (loids) As, Cd, Cu, Cr, Hg, Ni, Pb, U, and Zn.

The review "Chelate assisted phytoextraction for effective rehabilitation of heavy metal(loid)s contaminated land" elaborates on the chelated assisted phytoextraction of eight metals and one metalloids along with their effective chelants.

In vitro propagation of two tuberous medicinal plants: Holostemma ada-kodien and Ipomoea mauritiana.

Medicinal plants are sources of important therapeutic aid for healing human diseases. The depletion of the wild resources has prompted conservation, propagation, and enhancement of resources for medicinal plants. Micropropagation offers an alternate method to propagate and improve medicinal plants through selection of high-yield lines and their efficient cloning. This chapter describes cost effective and efficient protocols that have been successfully applied for the micropropagation and large-scale production of quality planting material in two important tuberous medicinal plants viz., Holostemma ada-kodien Schult. and Ipomoea mauritiana Jacq.