Mast seeding and associated events in Melocanna baccifera, the largest fruit producing bamboo, is... more Mast seeding and associated events in Melocanna baccifera, the largest fruit producing bamboo, is an enigma. So far there are no comprehensive accounts on its flowering phenology, fruiting dynamics and animal interactions. In this study, spanning over 13 years (2009 to 2022), we observed eight M. baccifera clumps in JNTBGRI Bambusetum from flowering initiation, fruiting to eventual death. Flowering phenology, floral characteristics, floret types, breeding system, bee visitation, pollination, fruit production and predators were recorded; predation patterns were correlated with fruit chemistry. Flowering duration of clumps ranged from 20 (March 2009—October 2010) to 120 (September 2012—August 2022) months. Bisexual florets are dichogamous and protogynous; and female duration (22–72 h) is many times higher than male duration (2–6 h). The highest ever fruit production for an individual bamboo clump (456.67 Kg) was recorded. Of the total fallen fruits (38371), 38.11% were predated, 43.80...
Centellosides viz., asiatic acid (ASA), madecassic acid (MDA), asiaticoside (ASI), madecassoside ... more Centellosides viz., asiatic acid (ASA), madecassic acid (MDA), asiaticoside (ASI), madecassoside (MAD), are the major bioactive molecules in Centella asiatica (CA). In this study MDA:ASA, MAD:ASI (C6-hydroxylation versus non-hydroxylation) and ASI:ASA, MAD:MDA (C28-glycoside versus aglycone) ratios in 50 CA accessions originally collected from wild locations in south India and grown under identical ecological conditions for six generations were determined using validated HPTLC-densitometry protocol(s). ASA, MDA, ASI and MAD ranged from 0.01-0.29% (average 0.06 ± 0.08%, n = 22; 28 accessions recorded ASA content as zero), 0.02-0.72% (0.12 ± 0.13%), 0.04-2.41% (0.44 ± 0.52%) and 0.15%-5.27% (1.59 ± 1.26%, n = 50), respectively. Distinctly, C6-hydroxylated (MDA:ASA 4.00, MAD:ASI 3.61) and C28-glycosylated (ASI:ASA 7.33, MAD:MDA 13.25) centellosides dominated over the respective non-derivatized entities. Our results infer that both C6-hydroxylation by P450-dependent monooxygenases and C...
Centellosides viz., asiatic acid, madecassic acid, asiaticoside, madecassoside, are the major bio... more Centellosides viz., asiatic acid, madecassic acid, asiaticoside, madecassoside, are the major bioactive molecules in Centella asiatica. In this study madecassic acid:asiatic acid, madecassoside:asiaticoside (C6-hydroxylation versus non-hydroxylation) and asiaticoside:asiatic acid, madecassoside:madecassic acid (C28-glycoside versus aglycone) ratios in 50 C. asiatica accessions originally collected from their natural habitats in south India and grown under identical ecological conditions for six generations were determined using validated HPTLC-densitometry protocols. Asiatic acid, madecassic acid, asiaticoside and madecassoside contents ranged from 0.00–0.29% (average 0.03 ± 0.06%; 28 accessions recorded asiatic acid content as zero), 0.02–0.72% (0.12 ± 0.13%), 0.04–2.41% (0.44 ± 0.52%) and 0.15–5.27% (1.59 ± 1.26%), respectively. Distinctly, C6-hydroxylated (madecassic acid:asiatic acid 4.00, madecassoside:asiaticoside 3.61) and C28-glycosylated (asiaticoside:asiatic acid 14.67, ma...
Melocanna baccifera is a unique bamboo which produces the largest fruits in the grass family. Its... more Melocanna baccifera is a unique bamboo which produces the largest fruits in the grass family. Its gregarious flowering once in 45–50 years in north east India and adjacent regions is a botanical enigma, resulting in a glut of fruits. Proper utilization of M. baccifera fruits is not extant and huge quantities of fruits are left underexploited due to lack of scientific information on their chemical composition and nutritional potential. Here we report the nutritional properties of M. baccifera fruits and the ecological significance of its fruiting. This pear-shaped, fleshy bamboo fruit is rich in amino acids (lysine, glutamic acid), sugars (sucrose, glucose, fructose) and phenolics (ferulic acid). Protein content (free, bound) in M. baccifera fruits is very low. Fruits are rich in saturated fatty acids (palmitic acid), minerals (potassium) and only B series vitamins (B3) are detected in them. Rat feeding experiments showed that M. baccifera fruit alone is not a complete food, but with...
Carnivorous plants of the genus Nepenthes supplement their nutrient deficiency by capturing arthr... more Carnivorous plants of the genus Nepenthes supplement their nutrient deficiency by capturing arthropods or by mutualistic interactions, through their leaf-evolved biological traps (pitchers). Though there are numerous studies on these traps, mostly on their prey capture mechanisms, the gas composition inside them remains unknown. Here we show that, Nepenthes unopened pitchers are CO2-enriched ‘cavities’, when open they emit CO2, and the CO2 gradient around open pitchers acts as a cue attracting preys towards them. CO2 contents in near mature, unopened Nepenthes pitchers were in the range 2500–5000 ppm. Gas collected from inside open N. khasiana pitchers showed CO2 at 476.75 ± 59.83 ppm. CO2-enriched air-streaming through N. khasiana pitchers (at 619.83 ± 4.53 ppm) attracted (captured) substantially higher number of aerial preys compared to air-streamed pitchers (CO2 at 412.76 ± 4.51 ppm). High levels of CO2 dissolved in acidic Nepenthes pitcher fluids were also detected. We demonstra...
Recent studies have shown that the water extract of Selaginella involvens (Sw.) Spring, a wild fe... more Recent studies have shown that the water extract of Selaginella involvens (Sw.) Spring, a wild fern, exhibits thymus growth-stimulatory activity in adult mice (reversal of involution of thymus) and remarkable anti-lipid peroxidation activity. Follow-up studies were carried out in the present study. Activity-guided isolation of the active component (AC) was carried out. The effect of AC on immune function was studied using fungal (Aspergillus fumigatus) challenge in cortisone-treated mice. The in vitro antifungal activity of AC was assayed using disc diffusion assay. In vitro and in vivo effect of AC on DNA synthesis in thymus was studied using (3)H-thymidine incorporation. In in vitro anti-lipid peroxidation, hydroxyl radical scavenging and inhibition of superoxide production were assayed. The active principle/component (AC) was isolated in a chromatographically pure form from the water extract of S. involvens. AC showed positive reaction to glycosides. AC possessed both thymus growth-stimulatory and antioxidant properties. It protected cortisone-treated mice from A. fumigatus challenge. It did not exhibit in vitro antifungal activity. Increased (3)H-thymidine incorporation was observed in the reticuloepithelium of thymus obtained from AC-treated mice. However, in vitro AC treatment to thymus for 5 h did not result in an increase in (3)H-thymidine incorporation. AC (named as Selagin), from S. involvens, could reverse involution of thymus to a large extent, exhibit remarkable antioxidant activity, and protect immunocompromised mice from fungal infection. Therefore, it is very promising for the development of a drug to ameliorate old age-related health problems and prolong lifespan.
... Kerala, India Nediyaparambu S. Pradeep, Microbiology Division, Tropical Botanic Garden and Re... more ... Kerala, India Nediyaparambu S. Pradeep, Microbiology Division, Tropical Botanic Garden and Research Institute, Pacha-Palode, Thiruvananthapuram – 695 562, ... are found in India of which seven species are endemic (2). Pittosporum viridulum Nayar, Giri, et Chandrasekharan ...
Mast seeding and associated events in Melocanna baccifera, the largest fruit producing bamboo, is... more Mast seeding and associated events in Melocanna baccifera, the largest fruit producing bamboo, is an enigma. So far there are no comprehensive accounts on its flowering phenology, fruiting dynamics and animal interactions. In this study, spanning over 13 years (2009 to 2022), we observed eight M. baccifera clumps in JNTBGRI Bambusetum from flowering initiation, fruiting to eventual death. Flowering phenology, floral characteristics, floret types, breeding system, bee visitation, pollination, fruit production and predators were recorded; predation patterns were correlated with fruit chemistry. Flowering duration of clumps ranged from 20 (March 2009—October 2010) to 120 (September 2012—August 2022) months. Bisexual florets are dichogamous and protogynous; and female duration (22–72 h) is many times higher than male duration (2–6 h). The highest ever fruit production for an individual bamboo clump (456.67 Kg) was recorded. Of the total fallen fruits (38371), 38.11% were predated, 43.80...
Centellosides viz., asiatic acid (ASA), madecassic acid (MDA), asiaticoside (ASI), madecassoside ... more Centellosides viz., asiatic acid (ASA), madecassic acid (MDA), asiaticoside (ASI), madecassoside (MAD), are the major bioactive molecules in Centella asiatica (CA). In this study MDA:ASA, MAD:ASI (C6-hydroxylation versus non-hydroxylation) and ASI:ASA, MAD:MDA (C28-glycoside versus aglycone) ratios in 50 CA accessions originally collected from wild locations in south India and grown under identical ecological conditions for six generations were determined using validated HPTLC-densitometry protocol(s). ASA, MDA, ASI and MAD ranged from 0.01-0.29% (average 0.06 ± 0.08%, n = 22; 28 accessions recorded ASA content as zero), 0.02-0.72% (0.12 ± 0.13%), 0.04-2.41% (0.44 ± 0.52%) and 0.15%-5.27% (1.59 ± 1.26%, n = 50), respectively. Distinctly, C6-hydroxylated (MDA:ASA 4.00, MAD:ASI 3.61) and C28-glycosylated (ASI:ASA 7.33, MAD:MDA 13.25) centellosides dominated over the respective non-derivatized entities. Our results infer that both C6-hydroxylation by P450-dependent monooxygenases and C...
Centellosides viz., asiatic acid, madecassic acid, asiaticoside, madecassoside, are the major bio... more Centellosides viz., asiatic acid, madecassic acid, asiaticoside, madecassoside, are the major bioactive molecules in Centella asiatica. In this study madecassic acid:asiatic acid, madecassoside:asiaticoside (C6-hydroxylation versus non-hydroxylation) and asiaticoside:asiatic acid, madecassoside:madecassic acid (C28-glycoside versus aglycone) ratios in 50 C. asiatica accessions originally collected from their natural habitats in south India and grown under identical ecological conditions for six generations were determined using validated HPTLC-densitometry protocols. Asiatic acid, madecassic acid, asiaticoside and madecassoside contents ranged from 0.00–0.29% (average 0.03 ± 0.06%; 28 accessions recorded asiatic acid content as zero), 0.02–0.72% (0.12 ± 0.13%), 0.04–2.41% (0.44 ± 0.52%) and 0.15–5.27% (1.59 ± 1.26%), respectively. Distinctly, C6-hydroxylated (madecassic acid:asiatic acid 4.00, madecassoside:asiaticoside 3.61) and C28-glycosylated (asiaticoside:asiatic acid 14.67, ma...
Melocanna baccifera is a unique bamboo which produces the largest fruits in the grass family. Its... more Melocanna baccifera is a unique bamboo which produces the largest fruits in the grass family. Its gregarious flowering once in 45–50 years in north east India and adjacent regions is a botanical enigma, resulting in a glut of fruits. Proper utilization of M. baccifera fruits is not extant and huge quantities of fruits are left underexploited due to lack of scientific information on their chemical composition and nutritional potential. Here we report the nutritional properties of M. baccifera fruits and the ecological significance of its fruiting. This pear-shaped, fleshy bamboo fruit is rich in amino acids (lysine, glutamic acid), sugars (sucrose, glucose, fructose) and phenolics (ferulic acid). Protein content (free, bound) in M. baccifera fruits is very low. Fruits are rich in saturated fatty acids (palmitic acid), minerals (potassium) and only B series vitamins (B3) are detected in them. Rat feeding experiments showed that M. baccifera fruit alone is not a complete food, but with...
Carnivorous plants of the genus Nepenthes supplement their nutrient deficiency by capturing arthr... more Carnivorous plants of the genus Nepenthes supplement their nutrient deficiency by capturing arthropods or by mutualistic interactions, through their leaf-evolved biological traps (pitchers). Though there are numerous studies on these traps, mostly on their prey capture mechanisms, the gas composition inside them remains unknown. Here we show that, Nepenthes unopened pitchers are CO2-enriched ‘cavities’, when open they emit CO2, and the CO2 gradient around open pitchers acts as a cue attracting preys towards them. CO2 contents in near mature, unopened Nepenthes pitchers were in the range 2500–5000 ppm. Gas collected from inside open N. khasiana pitchers showed CO2 at 476.75 ± 59.83 ppm. CO2-enriched air-streaming through N. khasiana pitchers (at 619.83 ± 4.53 ppm) attracted (captured) substantially higher number of aerial preys compared to air-streamed pitchers (CO2 at 412.76 ± 4.51 ppm). High levels of CO2 dissolved in acidic Nepenthes pitcher fluids were also detected. We demonstra...
Recent studies have shown that the water extract of Selaginella involvens (Sw.) Spring, a wild fe... more Recent studies have shown that the water extract of Selaginella involvens (Sw.) Spring, a wild fern, exhibits thymus growth-stimulatory activity in adult mice (reversal of involution of thymus) and remarkable anti-lipid peroxidation activity. Follow-up studies were carried out in the present study. Activity-guided isolation of the active component (AC) was carried out. The effect of AC on immune function was studied using fungal (Aspergillus fumigatus) challenge in cortisone-treated mice. The in vitro antifungal activity of AC was assayed using disc diffusion assay. In vitro and in vivo effect of AC on DNA synthesis in thymus was studied using (3)H-thymidine incorporation. In in vitro anti-lipid peroxidation, hydroxyl radical scavenging and inhibition of superoxide production were assayed. The active principle/component (AC) was isolated in a chromatographically pure form from the water extract of S. involvens. AC showed positive reaction to glycosides. AC possessed both thymus growth-stimulatory and antioxidant properties. It protected cortisone-treated mice from A. fumigatus challenge. It did not exhibit in vitro antifungal activity. Increased (3)H-thymidine incorporation was observed in the reticuloepithelium of thymus obtained from AC-treated mice. However, in vitro AC treatment to thymus for 5 h did not result in an increase in (3)H-thymidine incorporation. AC (named as Selagin), from S. involvens, could reverse involution of thymus to a large extent, exhibit remarkable antioxidant activity, and protect immunocompromised mice from fungal infection. Therefore, it is very promising for the development of a drug to ameliorate old age-related health problems and prolong lifespan.
... Kerala, India Nediyaparambu S. Pradeep, Microbiology Division, Tropical Botanic Garden and Re... more ... Kerala, India Nediyaparambu S. Pradeep, Microbiology Division, Tropical Botanic Garden and Research Institute, Pacha-Palode, Thiruvananthapuram – 695 562, ... are found in India of which seven species are endemic (2). Pittosporum viridulum Nayar, Giri, et Chandrasekharan ...
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