CIBMAN: Database exploring Citrus biodiversity of Manipur

Abstract: The rich wealth of Citrus genetic resources makes India to enjoy a remarkable position in the "Citrus belt of the world". We have developed CIBMAN, a unique database on Citrus biodiversity of Manipur which comprises 33 accessions collected through extensive survey for more than three years. CIBMAN provides integrated access to Citrus species through sophisticated web interface which has following capabilities a) morphological details, b) socio-economic details, c) taxonomic details and d) geographical distribution. Morphological variability among Citrus accessions is due to variance in their genome which contributes to diverse agronomical traits and diverse bioactive compounds of high value. This diverse gene pool can be potential source for genetic improvement of existing cultivars and rootstocks. Systematic collection, characterization and conservation of the underutilized or lesser exploited varieties is required for incorporating in breeding program and conserve the germplasm from ever going on genetic erosion. This database will be useful for scientific validations and updating of traditional wisdom in bioprospecting aspects especially industrialization of Citrus found in the state. Further, the features will be suited for detailed investigation on potential medicinal and edible Citrus that make CIBMAN a powerful tool for sustainable management

Perspectives of traditional health care system of Sikkim, North-East India – Anethno-pharmacological survey and analysis

The Indo-Himalayan mountain state of Sikkim has abundant reserves of bio-diversity of ancient ancestry. Many folklore healers renowned in Sikkim for their valuable traditional knowledge, especially for the use of combination drug therapy to treat bone fracture. In the cross-cultural ethnopharmacological survey, a predesigned questionnaire was used for interviews at the residence of respective folklore healers. Their patient handling and preparations of formulations have documented in written and audio-visual format. The standard statistical indices selected relevant for the present study. The record of traditional knowledge on 193 different formulations used for 49 various human ailments has enumerated during this survey. A total of 121 plants belonging to 65 families were found to be used as a component for 193 formulations. Graphical representation of the frequency of citation, especially survey and reference data shown significant correlation indicating common and specific use of plants in the treatment of different diseases. The scientific research on medicinal plants used by traditional practitioners and the application of ethnobotanical products in the folklore healthcare system significantly help in the sustainable development of traditional healthcare practices of the region. For the research fraternity, the quantitative analysis of survey data is gaining wider acceptability due to relative importance

Perspectives of traditional health care system of Sikkim, North-East India – An ethno-pharmacological survey and analysis

965-981The Indo-Himalayan Mountain state of Sikkim has abundant reserves of bio-diversity of ancient ancestry. Many folklore healers are renowned in Sikkim for their valuable traditional knowledge, especially for the use of combination drug therapy to treat bone fracture. In the cross-cultural ethnopharmacological survey, a predesigned questionnaire was used for interviews at the residence of respective folklore healers. Their patient handling and preparations of formulations have been documented in written and audio-visual format. The standard statistical indices selected relevant for the present study. The record of traditional knowledge on 193 different formulations used for 49 various human ailments have been enumerated during this survey. A total of 121 plants belonging to 65 families were found to be used as a component for 193 formulations. Graphical representation of the frequency of citation, especially survey and reference data shown significant correlation indicating common and specific use of plants in the treatment of different diseases. The scientific research on medicinal plants used by traditional practitioners and the application of ethnobotanical products in the folklore healthcare system significantly help in the sustainable development of traditional healthcare practices of the region. For the research fraternity, the quantitative analysis of survey data is gaining wider acceptability due to relative importance

Perspectives of traditional health care system of Sikkim, North-East India – An ethno-pharmacological survey and analysis

965-981The Indo-Himalayan Mountain state of Sikkim has abundant reserves of bio-diversity of ancient ancestry. Many folklore healers are renowned in Sikkim for their valuable traditional knowledge, especially for the use of combination drug therapy to treat bone fracture. In the cross-cultural ethnopharmacological survey, a predesigned questionnaire was used for interviews at the residence of respective folklore healers. Their patient handling and preparations of formulations have been documented in written and audio-visual format. The standard statistical indices selected relevant for the present study. The record of traditional knowledge on 193 different formulations used for 49 various human ailments have been enumerated during this survey. A total of 121 plants belonging to 65 families were found to be used as a component for 193 formulations. Graphical representation of the frequency of citation, especially survey and reference data shown significant correlation indicating common and specific use of plants in the treatment of different diseases. The scientific research on medicinal plants used by traditional practitioners and the application of ethnobotanical products in the folklore healthcare system significantly help in the sustainable development of traditional healthcare practices of the region. For the research fraternity, the quantitative analysis of survey data is gaining wider acceptability due to relative importance

Phytochemical mediated modulation of COX-3 and NFκB for the management and treatment of arthritis

Abstract In this study, we investigated whether zerumbone (ZBN), ellagic acid (ELA) and quercetin (QCT), the plant-derived components, can modulate the role of COX-3 or cytokines liable in arthritic disorder. Initially, the effect of ZBN, ELA, and QCT on inflammatory process was investigated using in-vitro models. In-silico docking and molecular dynamics study of these molecules with respective targets also corroborate with in-vitro studies. Further, the in-vivo anti-arthritic potential of these molecules in Complete Freund’s adjuvant (CFA)-induced arthritic rats was confirmed. CFA increases in TNF-α and IL-1β levels in the arthritic control animals were significantly (***p < 0.001) attenuated in the ZBN- and ELA-treated animals. CFA-induced attenuation in IL-10 levels recovered under treatment. Moreover, ELA attenuated CFA-induced upregulation of COX-3 and ZBN downregulated CFA-triggered NFκB expression in arthritic animals. The bonding patterns of zerumbone in the catalytic sites of targets provide a useful hint in designing and developing suitable derivatives that can be used as a potential drug. To our best knowledge, the first time we are reporting the role of COX-3 in the treatment of arthritic disorders which could provide a novel therapeutic approach for the treatment of inflammatory disorders