Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi and phosphorus supply accelerate main medicinal component production of Polygonum cuspidatum.

The medicinal plant Polygonum cuspidatum Sieb. Et Zucc is rich in stilbenes (e.g., polygonin and resveratrol) and anthraquinones (e.g., emodin) for the therapy of human diseases, while how to increase the growth and medicinal composition concentrations of P. cuspidatum has become an urgent issue. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effects of inoculation with an arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungus, Funneliformis mosseae, on plant growth, phosphorus (P) acquisition, medicinal component concentrations, and expressions of resveratrol synthesis-associated enzyme genes of P. cuspidatum at two P levels (0 M and 0.2 M). P supply (0.2 M) stimulated root AM fungal colonization rate. F. mosseae inoculation significantly improved growth performance (height, diameter, and biomass) and root morphology (diameter, length, and projected area), irrespectively of substrate P levels. P supply and F. mosseae distinctly increased soil acid and neutral phosphatase activities, as well as root P concentrations. P supply increased root physcion and resveratrol concentrations in inoculated and uninoculated plants, along with up-regulated expressions of PcCHS1, PcCRS1, PcRS11, and PcSTS. AM plants represented significantly higher root aloe-emodin, chrysophanol, emodin, physcion, polydatin, and resveratrol concentrations than non-AM plants irrespective of P levels, coupled with up-regulated expressions of PcCHS1, PcCHS2, PcRS11, PcRS, and PcSTS. It is concluded that 0.2 M P supply and F. mosseae inoculation promoted chrysophanol, physcion, polydatin, and resveratrol concentrations of P. cuspidatum, with the increase in resveratrol associated with up-regulated expressions of related genes.

A Cross-Cultural Analysis of Plant Resources among Five Ethnic Groups in the Western Himalayan Region of Jammu and Kashmir.

Plant resources have always been valuable in human life, and many plant species are used in medicine, food, and ritual, and resource utilization is closely related to cultural diversity. Our study was conducted from June 2019 to April 2021, during which we aimed to document the local knowledge of plant resources of five ethnic groups, i.e., the Gujjar, Bakarwal, Kashmiri, Pahari, and Dogra communities of the Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) region, Western Himalayas. Through semi-structured interviews (N = 342) and group discussions (N = 38), we collected data on the ethnobotanical uses of plant resources. The data was subjected to hierarchical cluster analysis and ordination techniques (Principal Component Analysis) via, R software of version 4.0.0. Traditional uses were classified into three groups, i.e., single-, double-, and multi-use groups. The study recorded a total of 127 plant species, belonging to 113 genera and distributed among 64 botanical families. The dominant plant families were the Asteraceae, with 8% of all species, followed by Lamiaceae (6%), Polygonaceae (5%) and Ranunculaceae (4%). The recorded plant taxa were frequently used for medicine (51.4% responses), followed by food (14.9%), and fodder (9.5%). Principal component analysis (PCA) separated three groups of provisioning services depending on plant consumption preference levels. Comparative analysis showed remarkable similarities in plant uses (food, medicinal) among the Gujjar and Bakarwal ethnic groups, as both groups share a common culture. Some plants like Azadirachta indica, Brassica campestris, Ulmus wallichiana, Amaranthus blitum, and Celtis australis were also used for magico-religious purposes. We also recorded some medicinal uses that are new to the ethnobotanical literature of the J&K Himalayas, such as for Betula utilis, Sambucus wightiana, and Dolomiaea macrocephala, in our case for example local medicinal recipe, which is derived from Dolomiaea macrocephala, often known as Nashasta, used to treat weakness, back pain, and joint pain. Similarly, we also recorded new food uses for Eremurus himalaicus. Moreover, we also observed some plants for instance, Fragaria nubicola, Betula utilis and Juniperus communis have spiritual significance (i.e., amulets and scrolls) for this part of the Himalayan region. The present study provides a useful tool for resource management and can help in developing scientifically informed strategies for the conservation of plant resources.

Root Endophytic Fungi Regulate Changes in Sugar and Medicinal Compositions of Polygonum cuspidatum.

Polygonum cuspidatum Sieb. et Zucc is an important industrial crop because it contains a large amount of medicinal secondary metabolites (such as polydatin, resveratrol, chrysophanol, and emodin). However, it is unclear whether root endophytic fungi increase the content of secondary metabolites in the plant. This study aimed to analyze the effects of Funneliformis mosseae (Fm) and Piriformospora indica (Pi) alone or in combination on plant growth, root morphology, thirteen sugars concentrations, and six secondary metabolites (physcion, chrysophanol, emodin, aloe-emodin, polydatin, and resveratrol) concentrations of P. cuspidatum. After 11 weeks of the fungal inoculation, the roots could be colonized by Fm and Pi single or in combination, along with the higher root colonization frequency of Fm > Pi > Fm + Pi in the descending order. In addition, Fm and Pi improved plant growth performance (plant height, stem diameter, leaf number, and shoot and root biomass) and root morphology (average diameter, maximum diameter, total length, area, and volume) to varying degrees, depending on fungal inoculations, in which Pi displayed a relatively better effect on plant growth. Single Fm and Pi inoculation significantly increased three disaccharides (sucrose, maltose, and trehalose) accumulation, while dual inoculum (Fm + Pi) only elevated sucrose concentrations. Most monosaccharides concentrations, such as D-arabinose, D-galactose, D-sorbitol, D-fructose, glucose, and L-rhamnose were not altered or inhibited by the endophytic fungi, except the increase in L-fucose and inositol. All fungal treatments significantly increased root chrysophanol and resveratrol concentrations, while decreased aloe-emodin concentrations. In addition, single Pi and dual Fm + Pi increased emodin concentrations, and single Fm and dual Fm + Pi elevated physcion and polydatin concentrations. It was concluded that Fm and Pi promoted the growth of P. cuspidatum, and the combination of Fm and Pi was more conducive to the production of some secondary metabolites than single inoculation.

Ethnoveterinary Practices of Medicinal Plants Among Tribes of Tribal District of North Waziristan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan.

Domestic animals play a vital role in the development of human civilization. Plants are utilized as remedies for a variety of domestic animals, in addition to humans. The tribes of North Waziristan are extremely familiar with the therapeutic potential of medicinal plants as ethnoveterinary medicines. The present study was carried out during 2018-2019 to record ethnoveterinary knowledge of the local plants that are being used by the tribal communities of North Waziristan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. In all, 56 medicinal plant species belonging to 42 families were identified, which were reported to treat 45 different animal diseases. These included 32 herbs, 12 shrubs, and 12 trees. Among the plant families, Asteraceae contributed the most species (5 spp.), followed by Amaranthaceae (4 spp.), Solanaceae (4 species), and Alliaceae, Araceae, and Lamiaceae (2 spp. each). The most common ethnoveterinary applications were documented for the treatment of blood in urine, bone injury, colic, indigestion, postpartum retention, skin diseases, constipation, increased milk production, mastitis, foot, and mouth diseases.

Ameliorations in dyslipidemia and atherosclerotic plaque by the inhibition of HMG-CoA reductase and antioxidant potential of phytoconstituents of an aqueous seed extract of Acacia senegal (L.) Willd in rabbits.

The assigned work was aimed to examine the capability of phytoconstituents of an aqueous seed extract of Acacia senegal (L.) Willd to inhibit HMG-CoA reductase and regression of the atherosclerotic plaque. The chemical fingerprinting of the test extract was assessed by LC-MS/MS. Consequently, the analyses of in-vitro, in-vivo, and in-silico were executed by using the standard protocols. The in-vitro assessment of the test extract revealed 74.1% inhibition of HMG-CoA reductase. In-vivo assessments of the test extract indicated that treated hypercholesterolemic rabbits exhibited a significant (P≤0.001) amelioration in the biomarker indices of the dyslipidaemia i.e., atherogenic index, Castelli risk index(I&II), atherogenic coefficient along with lipid profile. Subsequently, significant reductions were observed in the atherosclerotic plaque and antioxidant levels. The in-silico study of molecular docking shown interactions capabilities of the leading phytoconstituents of the test extract i.e., eicosanoic acid, linoleic acid, and flavan-3-ol with target protein of HMG-CoA reductase. The values of RSMF and potential energy of top docked complexes were show significant interactions. Accordingly, the free energy of solvation, interaction angle, radius of gyration and SASA were shown significant stabilities of top docked complex. The cumulative data of results indicate phytoconstituents of an aqueous seed extract of Acacia senegal have capabilities to inhibit the HMG-CoA reductase and improve the levels of antioxidants.

Plant Resources Utilization among Different Ethnic Groups of Ladakh in Trans-Himalayan Region.

The nomadic pastoral indigenous communities of the Ladakhi people share roots with Tibetan culture in terms of food, clothing, religion, festivals, and habits, and rely widely on plant resources for survival and livelihood. This survey was conducted during 2019-2021 to document the indigenous knowledge about plant resources of the Balti, Beda, and Brokpa communities of the Ladakh region, trans-Himalayas. Open- and close-ended semi-structured interviews (N = 184) and group discussions (N = 17) were used to collect the data. Quantitative data was further analyzed using various statistical tools. A total of 105 plant species belonging to 82 genera and 39 families were used as medicine, fuel wood, fragrance, oil, food, flavor, fodder, decoration, and dye. Among these, medicinal use was most prevalent, with 70% of use reports, followed by fodder and fuel wood. Leaves (27%) were the most preferred plant part used, followed by roots and flowers. The principal component analysis revealed five clusters of ethnobotanical usage, i.e., food, medicine, fuel wood, fodder, and fragrance, oil, dye, and flavor. The maximum number of plant species used was reported by the Brokpa, while the Beda reported the minimum number of plant species uses. Delphinium brunonianum, Waldheimia tomentosa, and Juniperus indica played a significant role in the cultural and religious ritual aspects, whereas Allium przewalskianum, Waldheimia tomentosa, Juniperus indica, and Hippophae rhamnoides were commonly used as a livelihood source among Ladakhi communities. The local people collected most plants (65%) for self-consumption, while the rest (35%) were sold in markets as a source of income. The sustainable utilization and management of plant resources by local people is a strategy to boost livelihoods and food security and alleviate poverty.

Java plum and amaltash seed biomass based bio-adsorbents for synthetic wastewater treatment.

Biomass of Java plum (JP) and amaltash (AT) seeds were employed to remove arsenic from synthetic wastewater, cost effectively. The prepared biomasses were characterized by FE-SEM, EDX, FTIR, XRD, and ICP techniques. Experimentation the optimization study has been carried out by using Design-software 6.0.8. Response surface methodology has been applied to design the experiments where we have used three factors and three levels Box-Behnken design (BBD). Arsenic removal ability of bio-sorbents was evaluated and optimized by varying pH, adsorbent dose concentration of arsenic in synthetic wastewater. For 2.5 mg/L arsenic concentration and 80 mg adsorbent dose at pH 8.8 Java plum seeds (JP) based bio-adsorbent removed ∼93% and amaltash seeds (AT) based bio-adsorbent removed ∼91% arsenic from synthetic wastewater. The adsorption behaviour better explained following Freundlich model (R2 = 0.99) compared to Temkin model (R2 = 0.986) for As (III) ions. The adsorption capacity was 1.45 mg g-1 and 1.42 mg g-1 for JP and AT, respectively after 80 min under optimal set of condition. The adsorption kinetics was explained by either pseudo-first order model or Elovich model.

Corrigendum: Anti-biofilm and Antibacterial Activities of Silver Nanoparticles Synthesized by the Reducing Activity of Phytoconstituents Present in the Indian Medicinal Plants.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2020.01143.].

In Vivo Studies of Inoculated Plants and In Vitro Studies Utilizing Methanolic Extracts of Endophytic Streptomyces sp. Strain DBT34 Obtained from Mirabilis jalapa L. Exhibit ROS-Scavenging and Other Bioactive Properties.

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) and other free radicals cause oxidative damage in cells under biotic and abiotic stress. Endophytic microorganisms reside in the internal tissues of plants and contribute to the mitigation of such stresses by the production of antioxidant enzymes and compounds. We hypothesized that the endophytic actinobacterium Streptomyces sp. strain DBT34, which was previously demonstrated to have plant growth-promoting (PGP) and antimicrobial properties, may also have a role in protecting plants against several stresses through the production of antioxidants. The present study was designed to characterize catalase and superoxide dismutase (SOD), two enzymes involved in the detoxification of ROS, in methanolic extracts derived from six endophytic actinobacterial isolates obtained from the traditional medicinal plant Mirabilis jalapa. The results of a preliminary screen indicated that Streptomyces sp. strain DBT34 was the best overall strain and was therefore used in subsequent detailed analyses. A methanolic extract of DBT34 exhibited significant antioxidant potential in 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and 2,2'-azino-bis-3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulphonic acid (ABTS) assays. The cytotoxicity of DBT34 against liver hepatocellular cells (HepG2) was also determined. Results indicated that methanolic extract of Streptomyces sp. strain DBT34 exhibited significant catalase and SOD-like activity with 158.21 U resulting in a 55.15% reduction in ROS. The IC50 values of a crude methanolic extract of strain DBT34 on DPPH radical scavenging and ABTS radical cation decolorization were 41.5 µg/mL and 47.8 µg/mL, respectively. Volatile compounds (VOC) were also detected in the methanolic extract of Streptomyces sp. strain DBT34 using GC-MS analysis to correlate their presence with bioactive potential. Treatments of rats with DBT34 extract and sitagliptin resulted in a significant (p ≤ 0.001) reduction in total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, and VLDL-cholesterol, relative to the vehicle control and a standard diabetic medicine. The pancreatic histoarchitecture of vehicle control rats exhibited a compact volume of isolated clusters of Langerhans cells surrounded by acinies with proper vaculation. An in-vivo study of Streptomyces sp. strain DBT34 on chickpea seedlings revealed an enhancement in its antioxidant potential as denoted by lower IC50 values for DPPH and ABTS radical scavenging activity under greenhouse conditions in relative comparison to control plants. Results of the study indicate that strain DBT34 provides a defense mechanism to its host through the production of antioxidant therapeutic agents that mitigate ROS in hosts subjected to biotic and abiotic stresses.

Anti-biofilm and Antibacterial Activities of Silver Nanoparticles Synthesized by the Reducing Activity of Phytoconstituents Present in the Indian Medicinal Plants.

Biofilm forming from a variety of microbial pathogens can pose a serious health hazard that is difficult to combat. Nanotechnology, however, represents a new approach to fighting and eradicating biofilm-forming microorganisms. In the present study, the sustainable synthesis and characterization of biocompatible silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) from leaf extracts of Semecarpus anacardium, Glochidion lanceolarium, and Bridelia retusa was explored. Continuous synthesis was observed in a UV-vis spectroscopic analysis and the participating phytoconstituents, flavonoids, phenolic compounds, phytosterols, and glycosides, were characterized by Attenuated total reflectance-Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The size and surface charge of the particles were also measured by dynamic light scattering spectroscopy. Scanning electron microscopy study was employed to examine the morphology of the nanoparticles. The spectroscopic and microscopic study confirmed the successful synthesis of AgNPs by plant extracts acting as strong reducing agents. The synthesized AgNPs were screened for antibacterial and anti-biofilm activity against human pathogens Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli, and Staphylococcus aureus. Results of the study demonstrate the potential of phyto-synthesized AgNPs to act as anti-biofilm agents and for other biomedical applications.

Phytoconstituents of an ethanolic pod extract of Prosopis cineraria triggers the inhibition of HMG-CoA reductase and the regression of atherosclerotic plaque in hypercholesterolemic rabbits.

BACKGROUND: The HMG-CoA reductase is key enzyme of cholesterol biosynthesis which potentially contributes in management of hypercholesterolemia. The present study was designed to assess the inhibitory effect of phytoconstituents of an ethanolic extract of Prosopis cineraria pods on HMG - CoA reductase and regression potential of atherosclerotic plaque. METHODS: Healthy, adult male, albino rabbits in which hypercholesterolemia was induced by supplying the high fat diet and a supplement of cholesterol powder with coconut oil (500 mg/5 ml/Day/kg body weight) for 15 days, were used as a disease model. Phytochemical analysis of an ethanolic extract Prosopis cineraria pods was conducted using LCMS, GCMS and FTIR analysis. Further, in-vitro, in-vivo and in-silico assessments were performed. RESULTS: The in-vitro assessment of HMG -CoA reductase activity indicated a 67.1 and 97.3% inhibition by the extract and a standard drug (Pravastatin), respectively. Additionally, an in-silico evaluation was made using appropriate docking software and results also indicated as significant interactions of the identified compounds with the target enzyme. Treatment of rabbits with the ethanolic extract of P. cineraria pod resulted in significant (P ≤ 0.001) reductions in total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, VLDL cholesterol, and triglyceride. Accordingly, reductions were occurred in atherosclerotic plaque, intima and media of aortal wall along with lumen volume of the aorta significantly increased (P ≤ 0.001). CONCLUSION: It can be illustrating that the ethanolic extract of Prosopis cineraria pod contains potent bioactive phytocompounds might be inhibit HMG - CoA reductase and have regression potential of atherosclerotic plaque.

Herbal Teas and Drinks: Folk Medicine of the Manoor Valley, Lesser Himalaya, Pakistan.

In spite of the remarkable achievements in the healthcare sector over recent decades, inequities in accessibility and affordability of these facilities coexist throughout Pakistan. Thus, we aimed to explore and document the cultural knowledge of herbal teas used medicinally by the local community members of Manoor Valley, Pakistan. Field investigations were undertaken during the summer season of 2015-2017, and cultural practices of medicinal plant usage for treating various ailments were gathered through interviews of the local inhabitants. Ethnomedicinal insights of the medicinal plants used in herbal teas were gained with different indexes. Our results revealed 27 plant species, comprising of herbs (70%), shrubs (26%), and trees (4%), which were used for treating 21 diseases. Plants belonged to 18 families: Asteraceae and Lamiaceae were the leading families used for treating diseases. Diarrhea and gas troubles were the most frequent diseases. Based on indexes values, Cannabis sativa was the dominant species used. The results revealed that 57% of medicinal uses are new to literature. This ethnomedicinal study is providing the first insights into the traditional medication system of Lesser Himalaya, Pakistan, through ethnomedicinal teas.

Dual Inhibition of DPP-4 and Cholinesterase Enzymes by the Phytoconstituents of the Ethanolic Extract of Prosopis cineraria Pods: Therapeutic Implications for the Treatment of Diabetes-associated Neurological Impairments.

BACKGROUND: Insulin resistance causes decreased uptake of glucose which promotes the susceptibility of type 2 associated neurological impairments. METHODS: The study was aimed to evaluate the inhibition potential of the ethanolic extract of Prosopis cineraria (EPC) pods against DPP-4 and cholinesterase enzymes by in-vitro, in-vivo and in-silico assessments. The present study consists of in vivo studies on a diabetes-induced rat model by HOMA (Homeostasis model assessment) and related parameters, in vitro studies through the DPP-4 enzyme assay and cholinesterase assays using Ellman's reaction. The in-silico studies were conducted by the molecular docking of Cinerin C with targeted enzymes. The phytochemical characterization of the extract was demonstrated through LCMS studies. The antioxidant studies on the extract were performed by FRAP and TEAC assays. RESULTS: The extract showed 64.8% maximum inhibition of DPP-4, 34.91% inhibition of AChE and 74.35% inhibition of BuChE. The antioxidant capacity of the extract was observed to be 847.81±16.25µM Fe2+ equivalent in the FRAP assay and 0.40 ± 0.08 mmol/l of Trolox equivalent in the TEAC assay. The in vivo study showed competent glycaemic control against significant HOMA IR (1.5), HOMA % ß (26.5) and HOMA % S (68.8) as well as pancreatic cell mass proliferation. The insilico analysis also revealed positive interactions of Cinerin C with targeted enzymes (DPP4 and cholinesterase). CONCLUSION: It can be concluded that the phytoconstituents of Prosopis cineraria pod extract can be significantly considered in neuropharmacology to resolve insulin resistance-induced neurological complications as it showed inhibition against DPP-4, AChE and BuChE target enzymes.

Impact of Plant Growth Promoting Rhizobacteria in the Orchestration of Lycopersicon esculentum Mill. Resistance to Plant Parasitic Nematodes: A Metabolomic Approach to Evaluate Defense Responses Under Field Conditions.

The present study deals with biological control of Meloidogyne incognita in 45-days old Lycopersicon esculentum, inoculated with Pseudomonas aeruginosa(M1) and Burkholderia gladioli (M2). The improved plant growth and biomass of nematode infested Plant growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) inoculated plants was observed. Remarkable reduction in the numbers of second stage juvenile (J2s), root galls was recorded after treatment of microbes relative to experimental controls. Moreover, the lowered activities of oxidative stress markers (H2O2 (hydrogen peroxide), O2- (superoxide anion), malondialdehyde (MDA)) was estimated in plants after rhizobacterial supplementation. Higher activities of enzymatic (SOD (Superoxide dismutase), POD (Guaiacol peroxidase), CAT (Catalase), GPOX (Glutathione peroxidase), APOX (Ascorbate peroxidase), GST (Glutathione-S-transferase), GR (Glutathione reductase), DHAR (Dehydroascorbate reductase), PPO (Polyphenol oxidase)) and non-enzymatic (glutathione, ascorbic acid, tocopherol) antioxidants were further determined in nematode infected plants following the addition of bacterial strains. The upregulation of photosynthetic activities were depicted by evaluating plant pigments and gas exchange attributes. An increase in the levels of phenolic compounds (total phenols, flavonoids, anthocyanins), osmoprotectants (total osmolytes, carbohydrates, reducing sugars, trehalose, proline, glycine betaine, free amino acids) and organic acids (fumaric, succinic, citric, malic acid) were reflected in infected plants, showing further enhancement after application of biocontrol agents. The study revealed the understanding of plant metabolism, along with the initiative to commercially exploit the biocontrol agents as an alternative to chemical nematicides in infected fields for sustainable agriculture.

Silicon supplementation modulates antioxidant system and osmolyte accumulation to balance salt stress in Acacia gerrardii Benth.

Experiments were conducted to investigate the role of silicon (Si, 2 mM potassium silicate - K2SiO3) in ameliorating the salinity (200 mM NaCl) triggered growth retardation, photosynthetic inhibition and the oxidative damage in Talh trees (Acacia gerrardii Benth). Salinity stress reduced length and dry biomass accumulation of root and shoot which were significantly improved by Si supplementation. Application of Si enhanced the synthesis of photosynthetic pigments including chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, total chlorophylls and carotenoids resulting in greater photosynthetic activity measured in terms of net CO2 assimilation. Stomatal conductance and transpiration rate were declined due to NaCl treatment and supplementation of Si ameliorated the negative impact of NaCl on these attributes and was significantly improved when applied to normal grown plants. Further, lipid peroxidation was more in NaCl stressed plants without Si as compared to those supplemented with Si. Si protected Talh trees from NaCl induced oxidative damage by improving the activity of antioxidant enzymes (SOD, POD, CAT, APX and GR) and the content of ascorbic acid. Accumulation of compatible osmolytes including proline and glycine betaine was increased due to Si supplementation leading to improved growth under saline conditions in addition Si supplementation mitigated the deleterious effects of NaCl on flavonoid content. More importantly Si supplementation prevented excess uptake of Na and also protected the ill effects of excess Na on the uptake and accumulation of K and Ca resulting in significant decline in Na/K ratio. In conclusion, Si mitigates the negative effects of NaCl in A. gerrardii by modifying nutrient uptake, osmolytes accumulation and up-regulating antioxidant system.

Acetic acid: a cost-effective agent for mitigation of seawater-induced salt toxicity in mung bean.

The current study sought the effective mitigation measure of seawater-induced damage to mung bean plants by exploring the potential roles of acetic acid (AA). Principal component analysis (PCA) revealed that foliar application of AA under control conditions improved mung bean growth, which was interlinked to enhanced levels of photosynthetic rate and pigments, improved water status and increased uptake of K+, in comparison with water-sprayed control. Mung bean plants exposed to salinity exhibited reduced growth and biomass production, which was emphatically correlated with increased accumulations of Na+, reactive oxygen species and malondialdehyde, and impaired photosynthesis, as evidenced by PCA and heatmap clustering. AA supplementation ameliorated the toxic effects of seawater, and improved the growth performance of salinity-exposed mung bean. AA potentiated several physio-biochemical mechanisms that were connected to increased uptake of Ca2+ and Mg2+, reduced accumulation of toxic Na+, improved water use efficiency, enhanced accumulations of proline, total free amino acids and soluble sugars, increased catalase activity, and heightened levels of phenolics and flavonoids. Collectively, our results provided new insights into AA-mediated protective mechanisms against salinity in mung bean, thereby proposing AA as a potential and cost-effective chemical for the management of salt-induced toxicity in mung bean, and perhaps in other cash crops.

Proteome Profiling of the Mutagen-Induced Morphological and Yield Macro-Mutant Lines of Nigella sativa L.

In the present investigation, the leaf proteome profile of the macro-mutant lines of Nigella sativa L. was analyzed to identify the key proteins involved in the expression of traits associated with the morphology, seed yield, and content of thymoquinone. In our earlier study, the macro-mutants were generated with contrasting morphological traits and seed yields through induced mutagenesis, using ethyl methyl sulfonate, gamma rays, and combinations of both. Analysis of the leaf proteome of the control and macro-mutant lines of N. sativa showed that twenty-three proteins were differentially expressed. These differentially expressed proteins were sequenced through mass spectrometry and identified using the MASCOT software. On the basis of their function, these proteins were categorized into several groups. Most proteins were found in the categories of signal transduction (18%) and carbon metabolism (18%). A total of 13% of proteins belonged to the categories of energy and metabolism. Proteins in the categories of secondary plant metabolism, stress defense, cytoskeleton, and protein synthesis were also found. The polycomb group protein (FIE1), transcription factor (PRE1), and geranyl diphosphate synthase were notable proteins, in addition to some proteins of signal transduction and carbon metabolism. Expression patterns of the differentially expressed proteins were also studied at the transcript level by using qRT-PCR. Transcriptomics analysis was consistent with the proteomics data. This study shows the changes that take place at the proteomic level through induced mutagenesis, as well as the involvement of some proteins in the expression traits associated with plant height, seed yield, and the thymoquinone content of N. sativa. The identified proteins might help elucidate the metabolic pathways involved in the expression of traits, including seed yield, and the active compounds of medicinal plants.

Phytotherapeutic efficacy of the medicinal plant Terminalia catappa L.

Diabetes is a chronic, lifelong condition due to inadequate production of insulin or the cells does not properly respond it. Recently, the significance and effectiveness of herbal drugs associated with diabetes has emerged. The aim of the present study was to determine the anti-diabetic effects of Terminalia catappa L. leaves on streptozotocin (STZ)-treated rats. Two different concentrations of ethanolic leaf extract (300 and 500 mg/kg) of T. catappa were used to treat diabetic rats, and biochemical parameters were analyzed in blood samples. The results of herbal treatments were compared with the standard drug, glibenclamide. The ethanol extract (500 mg/kg) had significant anti-diabetic activity by altering blood glucose, glycosylated hemoglobin, liver glycogen, glucose 6-phosphatase, fructose 1,6-bisphosphatase, glucokinase, aspartate transaminase, alanine transaminase, alkaline phosphatase, urea, uric acid and creatinine levels while increasing insulin levels. Thus, the present study suggests that the supplementation of the diabetic patients with T. catappa leaves can lead to recovery from diabetic effects.

Draft Genome Sequence of Plant Growth-Promoting Endophytic Microbacterium hydrothermale BPSAC84, Isolated from the Medicinal Plant Mirabilis jalapa.

Endophytic Microbacterium hydrothermale strain BPSAC84, which has antimicrobial potential, was isolated from root tissues of Mirabilis jalapa in Mizoram, Northeast India. The draft genome consists of 3.58 Mb and 3,444 protein-coding sequences.

Elevated levels of laccase synthesis by Pleurotus pulmonarius BPSM10 and its potential as a dye decolorizing agent.

Laccases (EC 1.10.3.2) are a class of multi-copper oxidases that have industrial value. In the present study, forty-five isolates of wild mushrooms were screened for laccase production. Eight of the isolates exhibited exploitable levels of substrate oxidation capacity. Isolate BPSM10 exhibited the highest laccase activity of 103.50 U/ml. Internal Transcribed Spacer (ITS) rRNA gene sequencing was used to identify BPSM10 as Pleurotus pulmonarius. The response of BPSM10 to two nutritional media supplemented with various inducers was characterized and the results indicated that Malt Extract Broth (MEB) supplemented with Xylidine increased laccase production by 2.8× (349.5 U/ml) relative to the control (122 U/ml), while Potato Dextrose Broth (PDB) supplemented with xylidine increased laccase production by 1.9× (286 U/ml). BPSM10 has the ability to decolorize seven synthetic dyes in a liquid medium. Maximum decolorization was observed of malachite green (MG); exhibiting 68.6% decolorization at 100 mg/L. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) was employed to confirm the decolorization capacity. The present study indicates that P. pulmonarius BPSM10 has the potential to be used as a potent alternative biosorbent for the removal of synthetic dyes from aqueous solutions, especially in the detoxification of polluted water.