Impact of habitat variability on phenotypic attributes of Hypericum Perforatum L. along an elevational gradient in Kashmir Himalaya

A number of environmental factors such as mean temperature, precipitation, soil characteristics etc. changes with elevational gradient and thereby, affect the morphological pattern of a plant species. Phenotypic attributes of a particular species varies along different altitudes in order to adapt and also to overcome these changeable and stressful conditions. The present study was undertaken to assess the distribution pattern and impact of habitat variability along an elevational gradient on morphology of an important medicinal plant Hypericum perforatum L. growing in the Kashmir Himalaya. Hypericum perforatum L., member of family Hypericaceae, is a perennial herb and distributed in North Western Himalaya. The species exhibited distinct variability and a peculiar trend in morphological traits in response to different environmental conditions along an elevational gradient

Pharmacognostic standardization of Aralia cachemirica: a comparative study

Abstract Background Aralia cachemirica Decne. is an endemic and an important medicinal plant species of Kashmir Himalaya. Despite having immense medicinal importance, little information is available on the standardization parameters of the species. For this reason, present work was carried out for providing comprehensive report on the quality control and standardization parameters of A. cachemirica. In this connection, different parts (leaves, stem, and root) of the plant were examined. Methods like microscopy and macroscopy, physicochemical parameters, extractive values, and fluorescence analysis were used to establish pharmacognostical standards. Results The macroscopic, microscopy, and physicochemical parameters of different parts of A. cachemirica revealed various diagnostic characteristics in the species. Conclusion This is the first study providing complete pharmacognostic profile of A. cachemirica and hence will be useful for correct identification and authentication of the species for future studies. </jats:sec

Pharmacognostic Study and Development of Quality Control Parameters for Different Parts of Lavatera Cashmeriana

Abstract Lavatera cashmeriana Camb. is an endemic and important medicinal plant species of Kashmir Himalaya. It is widely used locally and is sold as crude drug in Kashmir markets due to its various medicinal properties. However, despite its traditional usage there is limited information pertaining to pharmacognostic characterization of L. cashmeriana. So, the present study was carried out to investigate the pharmacognostical and physicochemical profile of different parts of L. cashmeriana. The measures taken for pharmacognostical characterization were organoleptic study, macroscopy, anatomy, powder microscopy, foreign matter analysis, ash values, loss on drying, swelling index, foaming index, ph values, fluorescence analysis and extractive yield. Organoleptic and macroscopic studies revealed that L. cashmeriana is a perennial herb with very thick branched tap root system; orbicular, palmate, slightly cordate at base, upper surface of leaves with dense simple, fascicled or stellate hairs, lower surface densely stellate hairy, lobes ovate or obtuse, stipule linear lanceolate; axillary, solitary or in terminal sub-racemes inflorescence; fruit discoid mericarps and seeds glabrous, dark brown. Anatomical studies and powder microscopy revealed some important diagnostic features in the plant species. The pharmacognostic profile studies generated helpful data to set up standards for the plant. The present study for the first time endows with an inclusive pharmacognostic profiling of L. cashmeriana, thereby, acting as a platform for accurate identification, authentication and development of quality control parameters of the species. Data obtained may be used as a standard for future studies.</jats:p

Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Activities of Aralia Cachemirica Decne.: A Comparative Study

Abstract Background: Aralia cachemirica Decne. is an important medicinal plant species of Kashmir Himalaya. Regardless of having enormous medicinal importance little information exists on the biological activities of the species. For this reason, present work was carried out for providing comprehensive details on the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities of different parts of A. cachemirica.Methods: In this connection, different parts (leaves, stem and root) of the plant were examined following standard methodologies. Antioxidant potential of the plant was determined by three different standard methodologies viz. DPPH radical scavenging activity, reducing power activity and metal chelating activity. For anti-inflammatory activities two different standard methods viz. human RBC membrane stabilization method and protein denaturation method were followed.Results: The extracts exhibited concentration dependent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities but were weaker than the standards. Also, the highest activities were recorded in the root and least in the leaves. Also, the highest activities were recorded in the leaves and least in the stem.Conclusion: This is the first study providing information regarding antioxidant and anti-inflammatory potential of different parts of the species. The antioxidant activity of the extract could have great importance as therapeutic agents in preventing or slowing the progress of aging and age associated, oxidative stress related degenerative diseases. Plant derived anti-inflammatory agents are competent cure for inflammation caused by a range of agents, which shows the way to their soaring requirement. Exploitation of these agents requires to be regulated in order, to be sustainable and keep up with demands.</jats:p

Impact of habitat variability on phenotypic attributes of Hypericum Perforatum L. along an elevational gradient in Kashmir Himalaya

A number of environmental factors such as mean temperature, precipitation, soil characteristics etc. changes with elevational gradient and thereby, affect the morphological pattern of a plant species. Phenotypic attributes of a particular species varies along different altitudes in order to adapt and also to overcome these changeable and stressful conditions. The present study was undertaken to assess the distribution pattern and impact of habitat variability along an elevational gradient on morphology of an important medicinal plant Hypericum perforatum L. growing in the Kashmir Himalaya. Hypericum perforatum L., member of family Hypericaceae, is a perennial herb and distributed in North Western Himalaya. The species exhibited distinct variability and a peculiar trend in morphological traits in response to different environmental conditions along an elevational gradient.</jats:p