Evaluation of Antihypertensive Effect of Fruit Beverage of Crataegus crenulata Roxb. : A wild Shrub of Himalayan Hills

Morphological and biochemical studies of Crataegus crenulata syn. Pyracantha crenulata fruits have been carried out and an herbal formulation was prepared from its fruit juice. The small sized berries weighing 250 mg each and 4000±32 fruits in 1kg weight contain 25% fruit juice. Biochemical analysis of fruit juice quantified flavonoides content (2-3%), Vitamin ‘A’ (289 IU/ 100g), vitamin B12 (110 µg/100g), Vitamin ‘C’ (57.8mg/100g), Vitamin ‘E’ (289mg/100g) protein (1.6%), calcium (3.79 mg/100g), magnesium (1.38 mg/100g), and potassium (1.39mg/100g). The present study was designed to investigate the efficacy of the herbal formulation from C. crenulata fruits in two forms of experimental hypertension: cadmium chloride induced and in normotensive control in animal module. Since the blood pressure fells down independently in the hypertensive and normotensive rats, the study strongly suggested C. crenulata possesses anti-hypertensive or hypotensive effects

Biofuels for Defence Use: Past, Present And Future

Defence sector desires to attain energy self-sufficiency and security. In recent years, emergence of biofuel as an alternative source has raised the hopes of Defence. Ethanol and bio-diesel are currently being used as blends in different parts of the world. While, bio-diesel is mostly being blended in 2-20% in different parts of the world, ethanol blending has reached upto 85%. Owing to the sustainability reasons, the choice of feedstock for ethanol production is gradually changing from corn to lignocelluloses biomass. Jatropha curcas, is still the choice feedstockfor bio-diesel in most third world countries. This institute has put in rigrous efforts to identify high yielding varieties of Jatropha, improving its yield, standardizing trans-esterification to obtain high quality bio-diesel and its trials and testing in various vehicles and equipment. Second generation biofuels using biomass such as farm and forest wastes as feedstocks are promising in terms of their overall sustainability and volume produced. They can be used as drop in fuels. However, time is required to utilize their potential fully. Algae, the third generation biofuel feedstock still needs extensive R&D to make it economically sustainable. Whatever, the technology used, defence forces will accept any biofuel, which should be available constantly and priced below the existing petroleum fuels. The scope of producing by-products and finding a lucarative market for these products can ensure that prices ofbiofuels remain lower than the petroleum fuel

Monetary compensation for changing forest management practices to increase water availability in Georgia, United States

Forests provide many ecological services, including carbon sequestration, biofuel provision, and recreation, yet the influence of forests on water resources is still often debated. While increased forest cover is generally associated with greater water quality, the value-added component of enhanced water services associated with reduced forest cover is less understood. At the same time, ensuring adequate water supplies remain a common goal of many natural resource managers due to growing concerns over freshwater security. This study derives a baseline of willingness-to-accept estimates to supply water flows by investigating the behavior of tree farm owners in Georgia, United States. Little is known about landowner preferences among incentives related to the adoption of different silvicultural practices to increase downstream water yields. A discrete choice experiment was designed to ascertain monetary compensation amounts required to alter established planting densities and thinning intensities likely to result in increased water yields. Results show that landowners may adopt such forest management strategies if appropriately compensated. Specifically, landowners on average, desired approximately $0.06 to$0.19 more per acre per year for every unit decrease in planting density. These are significant findings given that existing relevant stakeholders on the ‘consumer’ side may be ready and willing to fund such practices. We hope our study can contribute towards establishing market-based incentives for private forest landowners to encourage the conservation and improvement of forested watersheds in Georgia and beyond