Interesting plant records from Visakhapatnam District, Andhra Pradesh, India

An extensive botanical survey conducted in Paderu, Narsipatnam and Chintapalli forest areas in Visakhapatnam District of Andhra Pradesh, resulted in a record of 18 interesting angiosperm species including two distributional records for south India (Cynanchum corymbosum and Raphistemma pulchellum); two (Cassine paniculata and Cleidion javanicum) for Andhra Pradesh as well as Eastern Ghats; seven additions to Visakhapatnam district and seven others are endemic and rare species. All species are presented here with brief botanical descriptions and notes

Nutritive investigation of plants used in dietetics: with special reference to <i>Yoga</i>

53-59The present study estimated the nutritive values and proximate analysis of some plants used in Ayurveda which are commonly available in the local market of Bangalore. Most of the plants evaluated are used as vegetable in the daily life of the local inhabitants of Bengaluru and adjoining area as recorded in our earlier study. Proximate analysis was done such as estimation of proteins, carbohydrates, vitamin C, calcium, iron, zinc, vitamin B1, B2, B3, fat, calories, crude fiber and other minerals. This paper also covers about the importance of Ahara in “Yoga” which is an age old tradition and has become one of the major holistic approaches for the management and well being around the globe. Apart from the physical activities it is also important to have a healthy and ‘Satvik’ diet which also includes vegetables and fruits. Plants mentioned as diet in classical Ayurvedic literatures also possesses broad spectrum of therapeutic activity. Some of the plants are also used as dietetics and consumed by different populations in India. The results revealed that all the vegetables and fruit selected in the study exhibits high calorific value, vitamin C, iron, etc. which are essential for the development of body

Pharmacognostical Standardization of Upodika- Basella alba L.: An Important Ayurvedic Antidiabetic Plant

Objective: To establish the pharmacognostic standards for the correct identification and standardization of an important Antidiabetic plant described in Ayurveda. Materials and Methods: Standardization was carried out on the leaf and stem of Basella alba L. with the help of the macro-morphological, microscopic, physicochemical and qualitative phytochemical studies. Results: Several specific characters were identified viz. clustered calcium oxalate crystals in the cortex region, absence of trichomes, succulent, thick, mucilaginous, fibrous stem. Rubiaceous type of stomata on both sides of the leaf. Quantitative microscopy along with physicochemical and qualitative phytochemical analysis were also established. Conclusion: The pharmacognostic standards could serve as the reference for the proper identification of the Basella alba L. which is an important anti-diabetic plant described in Ayurveda