Factors controlling micropropagation of Myrica esculenta buch. – Ham. ex D. Don: a high value wild edible of Kumaun Himalaya

Various factors such as browning, season, media type and plant growth regulators influence the micropropagation of female trees of Myrica esculenta. These factors have successfully been addressed after addition of some media additives, collection of the explant at right season, standardizing the media type and use of plant growth regulators at varying concentrations. Polyvinylpyrollidone (PVP - 0.5%) was found effective for successful partial removal of phenolic compounds and obtaining maximum percent survival of explants. The explant collection season played an important role in reducing phenol induced browning and winter season was found best for explant establishment. The maximum number of shoots (4-5/explant) was obtained in Woody Plant Medium (WPM) supplemented with 10µM kinetin and 0.1µM naphthalene acetic acid (NAA). Of all the media types tried, Woody Plant Medium was found to be the best. Kinetin was found superior to benzyl amino purine and N6(γ,γ-dimethylallyamino)purine (2iP) for explant establishment and multiplication. NAA induced rooting to 45.8% of explants in 1/2 strength Woody Plant Medium. However, ex vitro survival percentage was low. Key Words: Browning, in vitro, plant regeneration, tissue culture, woody plant medium. African Journal of Biotechnology Vo l.3(10) 2004: 534-54

Assessment of Antioxidant Properties in Fruits of Myrica esculenta: A Popular Wild Edible Species in Indian Himalayan Region

Crude extract of Myrica esculenta fruits, a wild edible species of Indian Himalayan Region, was evaluated for phenolic compounds and antioxidant properties. Results revealed significant variation in total phenolic and flavonoid contents across populations. Among populations, total phenolic content varied between 1.78 and 2.51 mg gallic acid equivalent/g fresh weight (fw) of fruits and total flavonoids ranged between 1.31 and 1.59 mg quercetin equivalent/g fw. Antioxidant activity determined by 2,2′-azinobis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid) radical scavenging, 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl radical scavenging and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) exhibited considerable antioxidant potential and showed significant positive correlation with total phenolic and total flavonoids content. High performance liquid chromatography analysis revealed significant variation (P <  .01) in phenolic compounds (i.e., gallic acid, catechin, hydroxybenzioc acid and ρ-coumaric acid) across populations. This study provides evidences to establish that consumption of M. esculenta fruits while providing relished taste would also help in reduction of free radicals. Therefore, this wild edible species deserves promotion in the region through horticulture and forestry interventions

Therapeutic potential of allicin-rich garlic preparations : emphasis on clinical evidence toward upcoming drugs formulation

Garlic has been used for a long time in human history. Allicin, the main active compound present in freshly injured garlic, is enzymatically formed from alliin. Allicin has shown doubtless beneficial effects and even be conceived as medicine. The present review highlights allicin-associated studies. Indeed, clinical studies on healthy subjects have evidenced that standardized garlic treatment (900 mg/day) significantly reduces total cholesterol (TC) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (c-LDL). Besides, allicin also led to a marked improvement in mouth opening, burning sensation, and oral health-related quality of life on stage II oral submucous fibrosis patients. Interestingly, in children, allicin also has been proposed for thrush prevention and as an alternative antibiotic therapy. Nonetheless, there is particular attention to allicin bioavailability, given its high instability. Although clinical evidence has promoted allicin release from garlic powder tablets under simulated gastrointestinal conditions, garlic tablets are those that have provided less alliinase protection due to its fast disintegration, releasing low allicin amounts9245555Natália Martins would like to thank the Portuguese Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT–Portugal) for the Strategic project ref. UID/BIM/04293/2013 and “NORTE2020—Programa Operacional Regional do Norte” (NORTE-01-0145-FEDER-000012

A critical analysis of extraction techniques used for botanicals: Trends, priorities, industrial uses and optimization strategies

Plant extracts have been long used by the traditional healers for providing health benefits and are nowadays suitable ingredient for the production of formulated health products and nutraceuticals. Traditional methods of extraction such as maceration, percolation, digestion, and preparation of decoctions and infusions are now been replaced by advanced extraction methods for increased extraction efficiency and selectivity of bioactive compounds to meet up the increasing market demand. Advanced techniques use different ways for extraction such as microwaves, ultrasound waves, supercritical fluids, enzymes, pressurized liquids, electric field, etc. These innovative extraction techniques, afford final extracts selectively rich in compounds of interest without formation of artifacts, and are often simple, fast, environmentally friendly and fully automated compared to existing extraction method. The present review is focused on the recent trends on the extraction of different bioactive chemical constituents depending on the nature of sample matrices and their chemical classes including anthocyanins, flavonoids, polyphenols, alkaloids, oils, etc. In addition, we review the strategies for designing extraction, selection of most suitable extraction methods, and trends of extraction methods for botanicals. Recent progress on the research based on these advanced methods of extractions and their industrial importance are also discussed in detail

Full Length Research Paper - Factors controlling micropropagation of Myrica esculenta buch. – Ham. ex D. Don: a high value wild edible of Kumaun Himalaya

Various factors such as browning, season, media type and plant growth regulators influence the micropropagation of female trees of Myrica esculenta   . These factors have successfully been addressed after addition of some media additives, collection of the explant at right season, standardizing the media type and use of plant growth regulators at varying concentrations. Polyvinylpyrollidone (PVP - 0.5%) was found effective for successful partial removal of phenolic compounds and obtaining maximum percent survival of explants. The explant collection season played an important role in reducing phenol induced browning and winter season was found best for explant establishment. The maximum number of shoots (4-5/explant) was obtained in Woody Plant Medium (WPM) supplemented with 10μM kinetin and 0.1μM naphthalene acetic acid (NAA). Of all the media types tried, Woody Plant Medium was found to be the best. Kinetin was found superior to benzyl amino purine and N6 (y,y-dimethylallyamino)purine (2iP) for explant establishment and multiplication. NAA induced rooting to 45.8% of explants in 1/2 strength Woody Plant Medium. However, ex vitro survival percentage was low

Variation in Polyphenolics and Antioxidant Activity of Traditional Apple Cultivars from West Himalaya, Uttarakhand

Apple (Malus × domestica) is largely known for polyphenolic and antioxidant properties; however, systematic investigation in the apple growing in the Indian Himalayan region is not carried out. The present study therefore, attempts to quantify polyphenolics and antioxidant activities in three traditional apple cultivars namely ‘Benoni’, ‘Fanny’ and ‘Rymer’ growing at different locations of Uttarakhand (west Himalaya), India. Results revealed that phenolic (0.94–7.00 mg GAE·g−1 FW), flavonoid (1.02–9.86 mg QE·g−1 FW), flavonol (0.77–6.92 mg CE·g−1 FW), tannin (15.49–37.99 mg TAE·g−1 FW) and antioxidant activity (ABTS, 3.10–67.36; DPPH, 4.99–14.06; FRAP, 4.70–39.21 mmol AAE·kg−1 FW) varied significantly among the cultivars and maximum content was recorded in Rymer fruits of Mukhwa location. Altitude showed significant (P < 0.05) positive relationship with total phenolic (r = 0.895), flavonoid (r = 0.843), flavonol (r = 0.812), ABTS (r = 0.856) and FRAP activity (r = 0.830). Based on the results, it is concluded that among three cultivars, Rymer is one of the most promising sources of polyphenolic content and antioxidant activity and therefore, recommended for mass plantation at suitable locations in Uttarakhand for harnessing maximum potential. Keywords: apple, traditional cultivar, antioxidant, polyphenolics, West Himalay

Population change of Trillium govanianum (Melanthiaceae) amid altered indigenous harvesting practices in the Indian Himalayas

© 2017 Elsevier B.V. Ethnobotanical relevance Trillium govanianum Wall. ex D. Don (Melanthiaceae) is valued as a traditional medicinal herb in the Himalayan region. Applications include treatment of cancer, hypertension, neurasthenia, giddiness, arthritis, dysentery, inflammation, sepsis and reproductive disorders. Its range is highly specific, and limited to cold, shaded and moist habitats at 2400-3500 m a.s.l. Rhizomes are gathered from wild populations for trade, and this has recently emerged as a significant source of income among indigenous people of the Indian Himalayan region. Aim To assess the impact of changing rhizome prices on T. govanianum in the Indian Himalayan region by observing the status of existing populations and assessing the typical methods used for gathering and trade of rhizomes. Material and methods Ecological attributes were assessed in 17 sites from Tirthan Valley (Himachal Pradesh), Munsiyari and Tunghnath (Uttarakhand). Socio-economic attributes assessed through communal focus groups and interviews with 579 medicinal plants gatherers and 19 traders, using semi-structured open ended questionnaires. Results Population decline was highest in Munsiyari, followed by Tirthan Valley and Tunghnath, indicating that the species may become locally extinct in some areas. Methods used for gathering did not consider regeneration. Conclusion Gathering of T. govanianum from wild populations is unselective and unmanaged, raising the potential threat of local extinctions. Sustainable utilization and effective conservation is needed to protect the species and maintain community incomes. A status of ‘threatened’ is justified for the species in the Indian Himalayan region, due to its slow life cycle, specific habitat requirement, low population density, and commercial value

Promoting medicinal plants cultivation as a tool for biodiversity conservation and livelihood enhancement in Indian Himalaya

The present paper discusses the development of a participatory approach to promote medicinal and aromatic plant (MAP) cultivation as a tool for biodiversity conservation and livelihood enhancement in Champawat district of Uttarakhand state in India. People perception analysis revealed that farmers were dependent solely on the wild collection of MAPs before the initiation of the National Agriculture Innovation Project. However, they later engaged in cultivation practices. During the course of study, the propagation protocols of 11 selected MAPs of that area were developed and a cost-benefit analysis was performed. A series of meetings and exposure visits were organized and a memorandum of understanding was simultaneously signed between farmers and traders for promoting a buy-back system of MAPs. One hundred thirty-two farmers adopted MAP cultivation in 14 hectares of land. This approach provides opportunities for farmers to build skills, knowledge, and self confidence, and conserve MAP diversity in their natural habitat

Morphological, Nutritional, Chemical and Antioxidant Potential of Mahonia Jaunsarensis Ahrendt Fruit: A Narrow Endemic Wild Edible Species of Western Himalaya

ABSTRACTMahonia jaunsarensis Ahrendt is a narrow endemic wild edible fruit-bearing species found in Uttarakhand Himalaya and has the potential of breeding compatibility with economically important Mahonia and Berberis species. Berry fruits of the species were explored for nutritional, phytochemical and antioxidant potential among three sampling locations. Fresh berries appeared a good source of diverse nutrients (carbohydrate 1.07–1.25 g/100 g, protein 0.97–1.13 g/100 g, non-reducing sugar 3.38–3.92 mg/g, and total sugar 9.86–12.87 mg/g); minerals (e.g. sodium 0.56–0.65 mg/100 g and potassium 0.99–1.14 mg/g); and vitamins (ascorbic acid 3.87–4.49 mg/g, thiamine 9.97–11.57 µg/g and carotenoids 1.67–1.94 mg/g). Similarly, phytochemicals (total anthocyanin 18.93–22.12 mg/g, phenolics 1.56–1.80 mg GAE/g, flavonoids 1.49–1.73 mg QE/g, flavonols 4.88–5.66 mg CE/g, and tannins 6.53–7.58 mg TAE/g) and in vitro antioxidant capacity (measured by ABTS assay, DPPH assay, OH· radical scavenging activity and FRAP assays) varied significantly (p < .05) among localities. Various phenolic compounds (particularly, chlorogenic acid 9.93–13.77 mg/g; caffeic acid 0.32–0.65 mg/g; syringic acid 0.30–0.47 mg/g fw) present in the methanolic extract also varied significantly among the localities. Thus, this phytonutrient- and antioxidant-rich genetic resource can be utilized for health-promoting functional foods. Also, the results of the present study indicated that the variation in nutritional, phytochemicals, and antioxidant activity among the locations can be utilized for elite selection, quality control, and breeding programs in the species