Young and fresh banana pseudostems of (Musa sp.) locally known as “Laphu” (Manipuri) are sold in ... more Young and fresh banana pseudostems of (Musa sp.) locally known as “Laphu” (Manipuri) are sold in the local markets and consumed as a common vegetable in Manipur. Despite high economic value and consumption, the nutritional values of banana pseudostems have not been studied. The present study evaluated the nutritional values and antioxidant activity of four highly consumed banana pseudostems [MN13 (Meitei Hei), MN14 (Maring Hei), MN15 (Ningol Hei) and MN20 (Ching Laphu)] found in different parts of Manipur. Two of the cultivated banana pseudostems (MN13 and MN15) were identified as Musa acuminata, MN14 as Musa hybrid cultivar and MN20 as Musa balbisiana of the family Musaceae. The total sugar (0.99 %), reducing sugar (0.57 %), starch (39.22%) and amino acid (23.94 μg/mg) contents were recorded highest in MN14. Non-reducing sugar (0.57 %), crude protein (12.84 %), ash content (30.63%), total phenolic content (23.31 ug GAE/mg) and flavonoid (15μg RE/mg) were found highest in MN20. Amon...
The genus Litsea is predominant in tropical and subtropical regions of India, China, Taiwan, and ... more The genus Litsea is predominant in tropical and subtropical regions of India, China, Taiwan, and Japan. The plant possesses medicinal properties and has been traditionally used for curing various gastro-intestinal ailments (e.g., diarrhea, stomachache, indigestion, and gastroenteritis) along with diabetes, edema, cold, arthritis, asthma, and traumatic injury. Besides its medicinal properties, Litsea is known for its essential oil, which has protective action against several bacteria, possesses antioxidant and antiparasitic properties, exerts acute and genetic toxicity as well as cytotoxicity, and can even prevent several cancers. Here we summarize the ethnopharmacological properties, essentials oil, medicinal uses, and health benefits of an indigenous plant of northeast India, emphasizing the profound research to uplift the core and immense potential present in the conventional medicine of the country. This review is intended to provide insights into the gaps in our knowledge that n...
Homalomena aromatica (Spreng.) Schott is one of the economically important plant species occurrin... more Homalomena aromatica (Spreng.) Schott is one of the economically important plant species occurring in the North east and Eastern Himalayan region of India which received least attention in its ecological and conservation studies. The current study has been undertaken in the north eastern state of Arunachal Pradesh. The population, phytosociological status of its habitat, regeneration and species association of H. aromatica were worked out using standard ecological methods. Out of the 15 selected forest sites for survey, H. aromatica was found only in 9 sites. A total of 288 species representing 99 families are documented from the selected sites where Euphorbiaceae, Meliaceae, Araceae, Dipterocarpaceae and Poaceae are found dominant in all the 9 sites. Species diversity index (H′) of all the three habits i.e. the tree, shrub, and herb were found highest in Happy Valley site followed by Ganga Lake. A total of 219 individuals of H. aromatica recorded which were found confined within th...
The present study deals with the ethnomedicinal plants and traditional healing practices used for... more The present study deals with the ethnomedicinal plants and traditional healing practices used for the treatment of jaundice by the four Naga tribes namely Angami, Lotha, Sumi and Zeliang inhabiting in Kohima, Wokha, Zunheboto and Peren districts of Nagaland state. Overall 35 healers from the four tribes were interviewed using modified semi-structured questionnaires during the ethno-medico-botanical survey conducted during 2011 – 2014. Among the 18 Angiospermic plants recorded, Ananas comosus (Linnaeus) Merrill, Averrhoa carambola Linnaeus, Saccharum officinarum Linnaeus and Syzygium cumini (Linnaeus) Skeels are found used by all the four tribes with similar crude drug preparation. Each tribe used a minimum of 10 species with maximum 15 species by the Angami healers. The Angami, Lotha and Zeliang share more than 50 percent species and follow almost similar practices in the treatment. The details of the plant used and healing practices with comparison among the four tribes have been p...
Primula waltonii Watt ex I.B. Balfour (Primulaceae) a little known species from Indian Eastern Hi... more Primula waltonii Watt ex I.B. Balfour (Primulaceae) a little known species from Indian Eastern Himalayan region is now reported and described from the Tawang district of Arunachal Pradesh. The species is poorly represented in literature and herbarium collections. Detailed morphological description and other relevant information are provided to facilitate easy identification of the species.
Primula lacerata W. W. Smith is reported first time for India from Arunachal Pradesh. A detailed ... more Primula lacerata W. W. Smith is reported first time for India from Arunachal Pradesh. A detailed description, illustration and photographs are provided for easy identification of the species.
The eastern Himalaya region is a rich repository of medicinal plants. Excessive collection and un... more The eastern Himalaya region is a rich repository of medicinal plants. Excessive collection and unsustainable harvesting of medicinal plants from the wild are leading to a depletion of populations and threatening species in the region. A study was conducted to explore the diversity, distribution and population status of selected medicinal plants species in the higher altitudes of Arunachal Pradesh, India through extensive field surveys and consultations with the local communities. Out of about 75 medicinal plants recorded, 41 rare and commercially important medicinal plants were observed in the sub temperate to alpine forest within an altitudinal range of 1500–4500 m. Taxonomically these species fall under 25 families of higher plants, of which 31 are dicots, seven are monocots and three gymnosperms. Many threatened species like Taxus wallichiana, Coptis teeta, Panax pseudoginseng, Panax sikkimensis were recorded in specific localities. The western part of the state exhibits maximum species diversity. Out of the various threats observed, improper harvesting, habitat loss and trade are found to be more destructive to the population. Intensive efforts from both in situ and ex situ conservation practices are necessary for sustainable management and conservation of these species.
ABSTRACT The fruits of six Ficus species, including F. auriculata Lour., F. maclellandii King., F... more ABSTRACT The fruits of six Ficus species, including F. auriculata Lour., F. maclellandii King., F. hirta Vahl., F. nervosa Heyne ex. Roth., F. racemosa Linn., and F. semicordata Buch-Ham.ex. Roth, are traditionally consumed by local people in North East India. The fruits were studied for their total phenolic content (TPC) and total flavonoid content (TFC). The 90% ethanolic extract of the fruits were screened for potential antioxidant capacity by employing different in vitro assays like ABTS•+ (2,2-azino-bis-(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6- sulphonic acid), FRAP (ferric reducing antioxidant power), DPPH• (2,2�-diphenyl-1-picryl hydrazyl) scavenging activity, hydrogen peroxide radical scavenging activity, hydroxyl radical scavenging activity, chelating power, and reducing power properties. Extract from F. maclellandii and F. racemosa showed higher antioxidant activity in all of the systems than other species. It was concluded that these two species are promising sources of natural dietary antioxidants. According to statistical analysis, the TPC and TFC appear to be responsible for the excellent antioxidant capacity of the extract and all of the extract exhibited dose-dependent antioxidant activity.
The utility of RAPD markers in assessing genetic diversity and phenetic relationships of six diff... more The utility of RAPD markers in assessing genetic diversity and phenetic relationships of six different species of Piper from Northeast India was investigated. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) with four arbitrary 10-mer oligonucleotide primers applied to the six species produced a total of 195 marker bands, of which, 159 were polymorphic. On average, six RAPD fragments were amplified per reaction. In the UPGMA phenetic dendrogram based on Jaccard's coefficient, the different accessions of Piper showed a high level of genetic variation. This study may be useful in identifying diverse genetic stocks of Piper, which may then be conserved on a priority basis.
Young and fresh banana pseudostems of (Musa sp.) locally known as “Laphu” (Manipuri) are sold in ... more Young and fresh banana pseudostems of (Musa sp.) locally known as “Laphu” (Manipuri) are sold in the local markets and consumed as a common vegetable in Manipur. Despite high economic value and consumption, the nutritional values of banana pseudostems have not been studied. The present study evaluated the nutritional values and antioxidant activity of four highly consumed banana pseudostems [MN13 (Meitei Hei), MN14 (Maring Hei), MN15 (Ningol Hei) and MN20 (Ching Laphu)] found in different parts of Manipur. Two of the cultivated banana pseudostems (MN13 and MN15) were identified as Musa acuminata, MN14 as Musa hybrid cultivar and MN20 as Musa balbisiana of the family Musaceae. The total sugar (0.99 %), reducing sugar (0.57 %), starch (39.22%) and amino acid (23.94 μg/mg) contents were recorded highest in MN14. Non-reducing sugar (0.57 %), crude protein (12.84 %), ash content (30.63%), total phenolic content (23.31 ug GAE/mg) and flavonoid (15μg RE/mg) were found highest in MN20. Amon...
The genus Litsea is predominant in tropical and subtropical regions of India, China, Taiwan, and ... more The genus Litsea is predominant in tropical and subtropical regions of India, China, Taiwan, and Japan. The plant possesses medicinal properties and has been traditionally used for curing various gastro-intestinal ailments (e.g., diarrhea, stomachache, indigestion, and gastroenteritis) along with diabetes, edema, cold, arthritis, asthma, and traumatic injury. Besides its medicinal properties, Litsea is known for its essential oil, which has protective action against several bacteria, possesses antioxidant and antiparasitic properties, exerts acute and genetic toxicity as well as cytotoxicity, and can even prevent several cancers. Here we summarize the ethnopharmacological properties, essentials oil, medicinal uses, and health benefits of an indigenous plant of northeast India, emphasizing the profound research to uplift the core and immense potential present in the conventional medicine of the country. This review is intended to provide insights into the gaps in our knowledge that n...
Homalomena aromatica (Spreng.) Schott is one of the economically important plant species occurrin... more Homalomena aromatica (Spreng.) Schott is one of the economically important plant species occurring in the North east and Eastern Himalayan region of India which received least attention in its ecological and conservation studies. The current study has been undertaken in the north eastern state of Arunachal Pradesh. The population, phytosociological status of its habitat, regeneration and species association of H. aromatica were worked out using standard ecological methods. Out of the 15 selected forest sites for survey, H. aromatica was found only in 9 sites. A total of 288 species representing 99 families are documented from the selected sites where Euphorbiaceae, Meliaceae, Araceae, Dipterocarpaceae and Poaceae are found dominant in all the 9 sites. Species diversity index (H′) of all the three habits i.e. the tree, shrub, and herb were found highest in Happy Valley site followed by Ganga Lake. A total of 219 individuals of H. aromatica recorded which were found confined within th...
The present study deals with the ethnomedicinal plants and traditional healing practices used for... more The present study deals with the ethnomedicinal plants and traditional healing practices used for the treatment of jaundice by the four Naga tribes namely Angami, Lotha, Sumi and Zeliang inhabiting in Kohima, Wokha, Zunheboto and Peren districts of Nagaland state. Overall 35 healers from the four tribes were interviewed using modified semi-structured questionnaires during the ethno-medico-botanical survey conducted during 2011 – 2014. Among the 18 Angiospermic plants recorded, Ananas comosus (Linnaeus) Merrill, Averrhoa carambola Linnaeus, Saccharum officinarum Linnaeus and Syzygium cumini (Linnaeus) Skeels are found used by all the four tribes with similar crude drug preparation. Each tribe used a minimum of 10 species with maximum 15 species by the Angami healers. The Angami, Lotha and Zeliang share more than 50 percent species and follow almost similar practices in the treatment. The details of the plant used and healing practices with comparison among the four tribes have been p...
Primula waltonii Watt ex I.B. Balfour (Primulaceae) a little known species from Indian Eastern Hi... more Primula waltonii Watt ex I.B. Balfour (Primulaceae) a little known species from Indian Eastern Himalayan region is now reported and described from the Tawang district of Arunachal Pradesh. The species is poorly represented in literature and herbarium collections. Detailed morphological description and other relevant information are provided to facilitate easy identification of the species.
Primula lacerata W. W. Smith is reported first time for India from Arunachal Pradesh. A detailed ... more Primula lacerata W. W. Smith is reported first time for India from Arunachal Pradesh. A detailed description, illustration and photographs are provided for easy identification of the species.
The eastern Himalaya region is a rich repository of medicinal plants. Excessive collection and un... more The eastern Himalaya region is a rich repository of medicinal plants. Excessive collection and unsustainable harvesting of medicinal plants from the wild are leading to a depletion of populations and threatening species in the region. A study was conducted to explore the diversity, distribution and population status of selected medicinal plants species in the higher altitudes of Arunachal Pradesh, India through extensive field surveys and consultations with the local communities. Out of about 75 medicinal plants recorded, 41 rare and commercially important medicinal plants were observed in the sub temperate to alpine forest within an altitudinal range of 1500–4500 m. Taxonomically these species fall under 25 families of higher plants, of which 31 are dicots, seven are monocots and three gymnosperms. Many threatened species like Taxus wallichiana, Coptis teeta, Panax pseudoginseng, Panax sikkimensis were recorded in specific localities. The western part of the state exhibits maximum species diversity. Out of the various threats observed, improper harvesting, habitat loss and trade are found to be more destructive to the population. Intensive efforts from both in situ and ex situ conservation practices are necessary for sustainable management and conservation of these species.
ABSTRACT The fruits of six Ficus species, including F. auriculata Lour., F. maclellandii King., F... more ABSTRACT The fruits of six Ficus species, including F. auriculata Lour., F. maclellandii King., F. hirta Vahl., F. nervosa Heyne ex. Roth., F. racemosa Linn., and F. semicordata Buch-Ham.ex. Roth, are traditionally consumed by local people in North East India. The fruits were studied for their total phenolic content (TPC) and total flavonoid content (TFC). The 90% ethanolic extract of the fruits were screened for potential antioxidant capacity by employing different in vitro assays like ABTS•+ (2,2-azino-bis-(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6- sulphonic acid), FRAP (ferric reducing antioxidant power), DPPH• (2,2�-diphenyl-1-picryl hydrazyl) scavenging activity, hydrogen peroxide radical scavenging activity, hydroxyl radical scavenging activity, chelating power, and reducing power properties. Extract from F. maclellandii and F. racemosa showed higher antioxidant activity in all of the systems than other species. It was concluded that these two species are promising sources of natural dietary antioxidants. According to statistical analysis, the TPC and TFC appear to be responsible for the excellent antioxidant capacity of the extract and all of the extract exhibited dose-dependent antioxidant activity.
The utility of RAPD markers in assessing genetic diversity and phenetic relationships of six diff... more The utility of RAPD markers in assessing genetic diversity and phenetic relationships of six different species of Piper from Northeast India was investigated. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) with four arbitrary 10-mer oligonucleotide primers applied to the six species produced a total of 195 marker bands, of which, 159 were polymorphic. On average, six RAPD fragments were amplified per reaction. In the UPGMA phenetic dendrogram based on Jaccard's coefficient, the different accessions of Piper showed a high level of genetic variation. This study may be useful in identifying diverse genetic stocks of Piper, which may then be conserved on a priority basis.
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