Journal of Applied and Natural Science
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Traditional therapeutic practices of antidiabetic herbs in certain districts of Assam and their validation based on the Glycemic index (GI) evaluation of commonly used herbs
Get PDFTraditional medicinal plants have been widely used for managing diabetes, especially in rural and indigenous communities. However, scientific validation of these practices remains limited. This study aims to document the ethnobotanical knowledge of plant-based approaches to diabetes management and to assess the Glycemic index (GI) of the most commonly used herbs to validate their potential efficacy. A structured survey was conducted across several districts to collect data on the traditional use of medicinal herbs for diabetes management. The most frequently reported plant species were chosen for further analysis. Their glycemic index was determined in a murine in vivo model to assess their impact on blood glucose levels. The survey revealed a strong reliance on plant-based remedies for diabetes management. Several plant species demonstrated significant potential to regulate glucose levels, as indicated by their glycemic index values, including Dioscorea villosa, Setaria italica, Tinospora cordifolia, Neolamarckia cadamba, Alternanthera sessilis, and Moringa oleifera. The findings suggest a scientific basis for the continued use of these herbs in traditional medicine. This study reinforces the importance of traditional knowledge in diabetes management and highlights the need for further pharmacological validation of these plant species. The results provide a foundation for developing plant-based interventions as complementary therapeutic options for diabetes care.
Comprehending local reliance on subsistence farming for protected area management: A case of Yankari Game Reserve, Bauchi State Nigeria
Get PDFProtected areas are, crucial in global biodiversity conservation; however, their success is uncertain when adjacent rural settlements depend on natural resources for their livelihoods. Subsistence farming, which is important for community income, can also jeopardize the long-term viability of protected areas. The present study evaluates household dependence on subsistence farming in the vicinity of Yankari Game Reserve, Bauchi State, Nigeria. Primary data for this research were gathered through a household survey in the participating villages, utilizing questionnaires. An Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) regression was performed using SPSS to estimate the reliance of farm products. The study revealed that the dependence of rural communities on subsistence farming is strongly linked to household socioeconomic factors including age, household income, and farm income. The observed negative relationship between household reliance on farm products and age (t =-2.883, p < .004), suggests that elderly villagers tend to participate less in farming activities. The positive correlation between household reliance on farm products and household income (t = 6.622, p < .001) suggests that as households earn higher incomes, they tend to invest more in farming activities. Conversely, the negative relationship between farm products and forest income (t =-10.347, p < .001) indicated that respondents with higher farm incomes have a reduced reliance on natural forest products. Thus, effective conservation policies and initiatives should adopt a holistic approach, addressing not only the reduction of biodiversity loss, especially for endangered species, but also the influence of local livelihoods and resource use, which are key drivers of ecosystem degradation and environmental change
Sustainable approach to optimize flowering and yield in acid lime (Citrus aurantiifolia Cv. Balaji) using pre-harvest elicitors
Get PDFAcid lime cultivation faces seasonal yield fluctuations with alternating peak and lean periods. Growth regulators enhance fruit set by promoting ovary growth and reducing abscission. Their application during full bloom improves fruit set and overall productivity. The present investigation was carried out to evaluate the role of pre-harvest elicitors in enhancing the flowering and yield of Acid Lime (Citrus aurantiifolia) Cv. Balaji. The experiment was laid out in Randomized Block Design (RBD) with eleven treatments and three replications viz., T1 - 25mM of Glycine betaine, T2 - 50mM of Glycine betaine, T3 - 75mM of Glycine betaine, T4–0.2 per cent of Potassium silicate, T5 - 0.4 per cent of Potassium silicate, T6 - 0.6 per cent of Potassium silicate, T7 - 50 ppm of Salicylic acid, T8 - 100 ppm of Salicylic acid, T9 - 150 ppm of Salicylic acid, T10 - Water, T11 – Control (No Spray). Trees treated with 0.4% potassium silicate showed the lowest number of days to first bud emergence (26.56) and 50% flowering (36.82), total flowers per shoot (22.69), staminate flowers per shoot (6.95), and hermaphrodite flowers per shoot (16.05). This treatment also resulted in the best yield-related traits, recording the highest fruit set percentage (55.62), the minimum days from flowering to harvest (140), the greatest number of fruits per tree (125.44), fruit weight (82.35g), and yield per tree (10.33 kg). Therefore, application of 0.4% potassium silicate is recommended to induce greater flowering and achieve higher yield during the lean season.
Ethnobotanical insights into clove (Syzygium aromaticum) usage in Morocco: Perceptions, practices, and knowledge
Get PDFSyzygium aromaticum (clove) is widely used in Morocco for medicinal, culinary, and cosmetic purposes. This study evaluated knowledge, practices, and perceptions regarding clove across the Rabat-Salé-Kénitra region, accounting for socio-demographic influences. A mixed-methods approach involved semi-structured questionnaires administered to 100 participants, combined with ethnobotanical indices (Family Use Value, Relative Usage Index) and statistical analyses (Chi-square tests, Multiple Correspondence Analysis). Significant differences in clove use were associated with education and occupation, with herbalists and farmers exhibiting the highest engagement. Most users had limited formal education. Whole cloves and powder were the predominant forms, primarily used for treating toothache, pain, and infections. Culinary applications were most frequent, followed by medicinal and cosmetic uses, the latter more common among younger participants. Positive perceptions prevailed: 80% recommended clove and 70% recognized its potential role in modern healthcare. Health awareness (45%) and biomedical influences (20%) were the major drivers of changes in clove usage patterns. Multiple Correspondence Analysis revealed that middle-aged individual respondents with lower formal education were strongly associated with whole clove and powder for culinary and traditional medicinal uses, consistent with familial knowledge transmission. In contrast, younger demographic groups with higher levels of education were positioned with more processed forms (clove oil and infusions) and cosmetic applications. These findings underscore the enduring cultural and therapeutic significance of clove in Moroccan households and suggest promising avenues for its integration into public health and phytotherapeutic strategies.
Metagenomic insights of antibiotic resistance genes in Laguna Lake, Phillipines through nanopore sequencing
Get PDFAntimicrobial resistance genes (ARGs) in aquatic environments pose a significant threat to public health and ecological balance. This study investigates the diversity of ARGs in Laguna Lake, Philippines, using nanopore-based metagenomics and specialized bioinformatics tools. Water samples were collected in September 2023 and March 2024 from various locations within the lake. These samples underwent DNA extraction, library preparation, and sequencing with the Oxford Nanopore MinION device. Reads were processed to remove low-quality sequences and subjected to taxonomic and ARG classification using various bioinformatic tools. Taxonomic analysis revealed that Proteobacteria [September (46.87%) and March (42.02%)], Actinobacteria (17.18 to 24.44%), and Firmicutes (3.93 to 8.94%) were the dominant Phyla, showing seasonal variations in their relative abundances. ARG analysis revealed multiple antibiotic types and subtypes in the lake, with multidrug resistance genes most prevalent. Notable differences in ARG types and read counts were observed between the two sampling periods. The occurrence of these genes per phylum was also identified. The study provides insights into the impact of environmental factors, including temperature and human activities, on the microbial community and ARG dissemination within the lake, warranting further investigation. Lastly, these findings underscore the need for advanced genomic techniques and bioinformatic tools to understand and mitigate the spread of antimicrobial resistance in aquatic ecosystems.
Detection of adulteration in Moroccan and Egyptian sesame oil using Isotopic analysis and Infrared spectroscopy
Get PDFSesame oil is frequently targeted for adulteration by blending it with lower-cost oils, compromising its quality and authenticity. This study investigates the efficiency of isotopic analysis (δ13C) and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) in detecting adulteration in Moroccan and Egyptian sesame oils. The δ13C values of pure sesame oils varied based on their geographical origin, with Moroccan and Egyptian oils exhibiting values of -28.92‰ and -29.14‰, respectively. Adulteration with paraffin and table oils led to notable isotopic shifts proportional to the blending ratios. Specifically, pure paraffin oil displayed a δ13C value of -27.32‰, while table oil presented a value of -38.99‰. Mixtures with soybean oil revealed significant decreases in δ13C values, whereas mixtures with corn oil demonstrated a positive correlation between blending ratios and δ13C values.The combination of isotopic analysis and FTIR spectroscopy proved highly effective for identifying adulterated blends, offering a robust tool for detecting food fraud. When integrated into routine quality control procedures, these techniques can reliably ensure the authenticity and quality of sesame oils, protect consumer rights, and reinforce trust in the edible oil market.
Efficacy of plant growth promoting (PGP) Rhizobium sp. adopted from Arachis hypogaea nodules and its impact on the host of Sesbania sp.
Get PDFThe intense competition for rhizobia in a variety of niches has resulted in their fitness. Screening of endophytic bacteria with plant growth-promoting traits has wider uses in crop yield.The present study aimed to evaluate the cross-inoculation of peanut root nodulating Bradyrhizobium sp. on the Sesbania host. The Arachis hypogea L. is the most popular legume collected from Madurai region, India, and was selected for Rhizobium isolation using yeast extract mannitol agar (YEMA) agar. The host specificity of isolated Rhizobium was tested on Sesbania sp. by seed priming, followed by qualitative plant growth promotion efficiency of isolates. Totally seven rhizobial strains were screened for plant growth-promoting traits (PGP), and two were found to be effective PGP and selected for the pot experiment. Isolates AH12 and AH15 were phylogenetically identified as Bradyyrhizobium arachidis PQ119952 and Bradyrhizobium japonicum PQ119954. Data compared the inoculation of seeds with AH12 and AH15 to those without inoculation in Sesbania. Test plants showed high efficiency for growth promotion on both Bradyrhizobial strains. Germination rate (76.6±0.57%), vigour index (547.6 and 552.2), vitality index (206.8 and 214.4), nodulation state, leghaemoglobin (LHB) and chlorophyll (1.48±0.13 and 1.58±0.12) content were increased significantly among the Bradyrhizobium-treated groups. The foliar application of both isolates was found to control the leaf spot Alternaria spp. infection. The cross-inoculation studies on Sesbania seeds showed that Bradyhizobium spp (multi-traits strains) improved all seed viability as well as the growth of plants and could form fully effective symbioses with strains in the genera.
Antimicrobial potential of selected fruit peel extracts against multidrug-resistant bacteria: An eco-friendly approach
Get PDFThe rapid rise of multidrug resistance (MDR) bacteria due to the misuse of antibiotics necessitates the discovery of alternative therapeutic agents. This study investigates the antimicrobial properties of methanolic extract of selected fruit peels: Carica papaya, Ananas comosus, Musa acuminata, and Punica granatum. These extracts were tested against gram-positive bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus) and gram-negative bacteria (Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Klebsiella pneumoniae). The findings indicated that all four fruit peel extracts exhibited antimicrobial activity against all the selected pathogenic strains. The effectiveness of the extracts followed the following orders: P. granatum > M. acuminata > C. papaya > A. comosus for S. aureus, P. granatum > C. papaya > M. acuminata > A. comosus for P. aeruginosa, and A. comosus > M. acuminata > C. papaya > P. granatum for K. pneumoniae. Notably, K. pneumoniae demonstrated high sensitivity to A. comosus extract with a Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) of 6.25 mg/mL. S. aureus inhibition was observed with a MIC of 12.5 mg/mL for both P. granatum and M. acuminata extracts, while P. aeruginosa showed a MIC of 12.5 mg/mL for both P. granatum and C. papaya extracts. Qualitative phytochemical analysis along with structural elucidation using Gas chromatography with Mass Spectrometry (GCMS) and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), identified medicinally significant compounds like Tetracyclononane hexamethyl, phthalic acid, 9-octadecenal, 7-methyl undecane, 2-dodecyl-propanediol in these peels, likely contributing to their antimicrobial activity. Thus, this study demonstrates the potential of these fruit peels as effective antimicrobial agents and highlights their role in sustainable waste management.
Molecular identification and proximate composition of wild edible wood growing mushrooms of Mizoram, North East India for food safety and livelihood
Get PDFExploring the nutritional attributes of wild edible mushrooms can be vital in addressing global food security. However, there is a dearth of studies on wild edible mushrooms regarding their identification, nutritional status, and molecular characterization in Mizoram, North East India, an integral landscape of the Indo-Burma hotspot region. In the present study, samples of wild edible wood-growing mushrooms were collected from the Mamit and Champhai District of Mizoram. The present study investigated the identities and phylogenetic relationships of the eight fungal species using molecular approaches. The mushrooms were identified up to the species level based on fungal sequences with known identities in GenBank, viz. Auricularia delicata, Laetiporus sulphureus, Panus roseus, Lentinus squarrosulus, Pleurotus cystidiosus, Pleurotus djamor, Pleurotus pulmonarius and Schizophyllum commune. Further, the identified mushrooms were analysed for macro and micro-nutritional values to assess their suitability for human dietary intake. Results revealed that the collected wild edible mushrooms were rich sources of protein (17.79 - 36.46 g/100 g), carbohydrates (58.14 - 33.77 g/100 g) and fibres (5.63 - 8.32 g/100 g), while the amount of fat (1.93 - 2.77 g/100 g) was low. In addition to bio-molecules, the mushroom samples contained appreciable amounts of essential minerals. Therefore, the selected mushrooms can be used as a potential foodstuff and may also be used as a supplementary protein diet to maintain human health and help achieve food security and sustainable development goals. The present results encourage bio-prospecting, and the need to explore wild edible mushrooms further, especially in the least explored global biodiversity hotspots for sustainable livelihood.
A study on temporal Land surface temperature (LST) and its relationship with Remote sensing ecological spectral indices of Agra and Aizawl Cities in India
Get PDFRapid urbanisation reshapes the natural and cultural landscape, increasing the local climate, particularly Land Surface Temperature (LST). Understanding the LST characteristics, their influence on Urban Heat Island (UHI), and their relationship with the ecological indices is crucial for sustainable urban and environmental planning. This study investigated a principle of growing concern over rapid urbanisation and its impact urban climate and LST through remote sensing ecological spectral indices in the urban landscapes of Agra and Aizawl, India, from 2014 to 2023. The study utilizes the data from the United State Geological Survey (USGS) Landsat series (Landsat 5 and 8), employing the thermal infrared (TIR) bands to calculate LST.The study incorporates remote sensing spectral indices to examine their correlation with LST, providing an adequate understanding of UHI and its relationship with the environment. Linear and polynomial regression models were also employed to analyze temperature trends and fluctuations. The results showed a negative correlation between LST and Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI), while a positive correlation between LST and Normalized Difference Built-up Index (NDBI). And it also observed a slight increase in LST for both cities, with significant year-to-year variations. The decrease in LST was observed in 2020, which can be attributed to reduced human activities during the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown. These study results enhance the comprehension of urban thermal behaviour and the consequences of urbanization on the environment. The utilization of geospatial technologies proves indispensable in assessing LST and its implications, paving the way for future research to enhance urban resilience and sustainability.