Ethnobotany of traditional medicinal plants used in Senapati district of Manipur, Northeastern India

This study presents data on important ethnomedicinal plants that were gathered from Manipur's Senapati District. Modern medical facilities are lacking in this area, and traditional health care systems are still practiced. A total of 82 plant species under 46 families were documented from 23 informants. Questionnaires that were open-ended and semi-structured were used to collect the data. Ethnobotanical indices were used to indicate ethnomedicine's advantages, significance, and application. The highest ICF value was 1 for kidney diseases, general health or body weakness, and oral care, followed by skin diseases (0.76). Rhus chinensis Mill (0.52) has the highest relative frequency of citation value followed by Zingiber officinale Roscoe (0.39), Psidium guajava L. (0.39), Gynura cusimbua (D.Don) S.Moore (0.35), Oroxylum indicum (L.) Kurz (0.35). Decoction (47%) was the most commonly used method of preparation followed by raw/fresh (22%), paste (8%), juice (8%), crushed (10%), powder (2%), infusion (2%) and maceration (1%). In our study, 11 plant species were found to have a 100% fidelity level. These species could be a real natural reservoir of new biomolecule with a potential pharmacological activity. Therefore, the preservation of this heritage by documentation and scientific studies is an essential requirement

Preclinical efficacy and cellular mechanisms of a polyherbal formulation in doxorubicin nephrotoxicity

The study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and cellular mechanisms of a standardised polyherbal formulation (PHF) derived from Asparagus falcatus L., Abelmoschus moschatus Medik. and Barleria prionitis L. of Sri Lankan origin in an animal model of doxorubicin nephrotoxicity. In vitro studies were carried out for chemical standardisation and determination of shelf life. The efficacy and nephroprotective mechanisms of the standardised PHF were investigated after repeated oral administration of the aqueous PHF at low (200 mg/kg body weight), therapeutic (400 mg/kg body weight), and high (600 mg/kg body weight) doses in the doxorubicin-induced (5 mg/kg body weight) nephrotoxicity model in Wistar rats. Fosinopril (0.09 mg/kg body weight) was used as the standard drug. The PHF derived from the selected medicinal herbs showed satisfactory purity and quality. Treatment of the standardised PHF for 28 days in nephrotoxic rats caused a significant reduction in serum creatinine, blood urea nitrogen, β2-microglobulin, cystatin C, and urine total protein compared to the doxorubicin model group (p<0.05). The biochemical findings on markers of oxidative stress, inflammatory cytokines, and immunohistochemical evaluation of COX-2, BCL-2, and Bax further demonstrated the anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic activities of the novel PHF. The findings revealed that PHF was efficacious at the selected doses and its’ nephroprotective mechanisms were mediated by mitigating doxorubicin-induced oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis in experimental rats

Effect of Nabho Mudra on the salivary lipid profile and well-being of adolescents: A pilot study

Mudras are integral practices described in ancient Vedic texts. This feasibility study investigated the effects of Nabho Mudra (Yogic Mudra) practice on metabolism, assessed through salivary lipid profiles and the psychological well-being of adolescents. The study included 80 secondary school students from Central Delhi, randomized into experimental (n=40) and control (n=40) groups, with a mean age of 14.1 years. The experimental group underwent a structured 1 month Nabho Mudra practice protocol consisting of 10 min daily sessions, 6 days per week. Well-being assessment utilized the World Health Organization (WHO)-5 questionnaire, while salivary lipid profiles were analyzed in a subset of 20 students with Body Mass Index (BMI; kg/m²)> 22 (representing 85th-95th percentiles on the WHO BMI-for-age chart). Post-intervention analysis revealed statistically significant improvements in the WHO-5 well-being index among the experimental group (p=0.05), whereas the control group showed no significant variation (p=0.2). Additionally, significant changes were observed in BMI (p=0.003) and Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) levels (p=0.05), accompanied by marked alterations in other salivary lipid parameters. These findings demonstrate the potential efficacy of Nabho Mudra as an intervention for enhancing physical and psychological well-being, while the observed changes in salivary lipid profiles warrant further investigation to elucidate the underlying mechanisms and broader health implications. Future longitudinal studies with larger cohorts are recommended to validate these preliminary findings and explore the therapeutic applications of this traditional yogic practice

Tracking the emergence and usage of farmer led innovations (FLIs) in maize ecosystem: A pan India exploration

The study was carried out, by using case study method, to investigate the distinctive characteristics of a few selected farmer-led innovations (FLIs) in maize cropping systems created at the grassroots level across India. A total of five maize-based innovations produced at the grassroots level in various parts of India were purposefully chosen. The originality of these innovations is that they are based on the culture from which they originate and are based on local expertise. This study discovered that all farmer-led innovations generated by farmers were more useful than other existing options since these innovations were built with farmers' needs in mind. Furthermore, these were discovered to be and determined to be sustainable, owing to the fact that these inventions were produced using local resources and wisdom. All five innovations were discovered to be less expensive than alternative market-available technologies. The majority of selected technologies were determined to be profitable, with farmers benefiting after a specified period of hard labor and investment. All of the chosen technologies were discovered to be compatible with the needs of local farmers. The ideas generated by respondents were not commercialized due to several difficulties faced by the farmers to translate the innovations into marketable items, combined with the low demonstrability of these technologies.

Assessment of standardization and quality control parameters of a new formulation of Trijata; An Ayurveda formula

Trijata is a polyherbal Ayurveda preparation containing Twak (Cinnamomum verum syn. Cinnamomum zeylanicum), Ela (Elettaria cardamomum), and Patra (Cinnamomum tamala) discussed in Ayurveda textbooks, including Bhava Prakash, Kaiyadeva Nighandu and Ayurveda Pharmacopeia, Sri Lanka. This study aimed to develop a novel preparation of Trijata incorporating C. zeylanicum leave substituting Cinnamomum tamala, due to the unavailability of C. tamala in Sri Lanka. Furthermore, quality control and standardization parameters were developed for this Novel Trijata (NT). The hot and cold aqueous extractions were subjected to qualitative phytochemical screening. Total phenolic, flavonoid contents, and in-vitro antioxidant activity were determined using DPPH and ABTS assays. Microbiological limits, heavy metal content, and physicochemical parameters including; the ash content, and extractable matter were determined for quality control and standardization. Preliminary phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of phenols, flavonoids, tannins, alkaloids, saponins, terpenoids, reducing sugars, and cardiac glycosides in NT aqueous extract. The physicochemical parameters including; 4.6±0.2% of total ash, 3.1±0.1% water-soluble ash, and 0.6±0.2% of acid insoluble ash on a dry weight basis were determined. In-vitro antioxidant activity as per DPPH and ABTS assays was dose-dependent and the highest activity was obtained with IC50 of hot water extract. Extractability was high for hot extraction. NT had high total phenolic and flavonoid content exhibited through promising antioxidant activity. The microbiological limits and heavy metal content were within the standard acceptable limits. The HPTLC profiles of this study would be more helpful to authenticate this product (NT) for drug manufacture and further studies are recommended to evaluate its biological activities for proper indications

Reviving the design concepts and material culture of paraphernalia and receptacles used for the traditional toddy tapping in Kalutara, Sri Lanka

The artificial extraction of sweet sap, or toddy, from the incised young inflorescences of the coconut palm (Cocos nucifera) has long been a captivating cottage industry in the coastal region of Kalutara, Sri Lanka. Freshly tapped toddy contains little to no alcohol and is considered a nutritious beverage, though it rapidly ferments into an alcoholic drink. Historical references to toddy and its distillation into arrack date back to the fifth century, yet it is widely believed that the current techniques of toddy tapping were introduced to the Kalutara region by the toddy tappers from the tropical coasts of South India during British colonial rule. Drawing on the author's hands-on experience and interviews with the local community who have been involved in toddy-tapping for generations, this paper reviews the design principles and material culture used in the paraphernalia and receptacles used for Kalutara's traditional toddy-tapping industry. These paraphernalia and receptacles, which have been used for decades, demonstrate the community's capacity to craft their implements from sustainable, locally sourced materials. As this study reveals, these traditional techniques and tools continue to provide practical solutions while preserving the rich history and cultural identity of the toddy-tapping communities in the coastal region of Kalutara. The preservation of this traditional knowledge is essential for safeguarding both the cultural heritage and the economic future of the toddy-tapping industry in Sri Lanka

Intracellular reactive oxygen species scavenging potential of Benincasa hispida Cogn. confection

Unchecked levels of Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) are known contributors in numerous health issues like metabolic disorders, neurological disorders and cancers. A traditional herbal preparation, Benincasa hispida Confection (BHC) is hypothesized to balance the levels ROS because of the presence of inherent antioxidative phytocomponents. However, the specific mechanisms underlying BHC purported ROS scavenging effects at cellular level have remained unexplored. We prepared BHC, and profiled its antioxidative molecules through HPLC analysis. Preparation method included B. hispida pulp base mixed with sugar candy and various medicinal herbs as key ingredients to enhance its taste and palatability. The ability to scavenge intracellular ROS was investigated using 2',7'-dichlorofluorescin-diacetate (DCF-DA) assay after ensuring the cell viability upon treatment with the extract of BHC. BHC was rich in previously known antioxidant molecules and was able to quench intracellular ROS. B. hispida also contributed to its ROS quenching abilities along with other ingredients. This study provides valuable insights into the therapeutic utility of BHC and advocates that consumption of BHC might protect the individuals from the ROS mediated oxidative stress and associated diseases

Ethnobotany to bioprospecting of medicinal plants from Western Ghats, India – A review

Plants are the sources of traditional medicine since time immemorial and several drugs that are currently used in clinic are from plant origin. Western Ghats of India, one of hotspots in the world comprises valuable medicinal plants and hardly a limited number of which have been scientifically validated. Thus it is worth exploring the other medicinal plants from these regions. The information on ethnobotanical studies, indigenous knowledge, traditional knowledge on the medicinal plants from Western Ghats of India were collected using online search engines such as Google, SCOPUS, Web of Science, Google scholar, PubMed. The collected information was analysed to understand role of different plant species and families in treating various diseases and disorders using pharmacological approaches. It was found that around 1630 plants species belonging to 170 families were used for treating major ailments such as pain and inflammatory, gastrointestinal and dermatological disorders. Furthermore, plant families including Fabaceae, Asteraceae and Acanthaceae were largely preferred. Amongst the reported species around 134 were endemic, 4 critically endangered and nearly threatened. Around 3 species were endangered and rare. 1 species is at risk. However, only 115 plants have been validated for their pharmacological properties using in vivo experiments and clinical trials/uses. The available literature on medicinal plants from the Western Ghats strongly suggests that these plants can be a potential source of the newer drug. Further in-depth studies on the screening of medicinal plants to isolate and characterize the pharmacologically important active principles are essential to contribute to the healthcare sector