AbstractNardostachys jatamansi (D. Don) DC. (Valerianaceae sensu lato, now Caprifoliaceae), commonly known as spikenard or jatamansi, is a highly valued aromatic medicinal herb endemic to the alpine and subalpine regions of the Himalayan range. Currently placed within the family Caprifoliaceae, the species has been extensively utilized across diverse traditional medical systems, including Ayurveda, Unani, Traditional Chinese Medicine, and Tibetan medicine. However, intensive harvesting driven by commercial demand, coupled with ongoing habitat degradation, has led to a severe decline in natural populations, resulting in its classification as a critically endangered species. Phytochemical studies have revealed a rich repertoire of structurally diverse sesquiterpenoids, notably jatamansone, nardal, nardin, and narjatamolide, which underpin many of the plant’s therapeutic properties. These compounds are associated with neuroprotective, antihypertensive, antioxidant, antiepileptic, and central nervous system–modulating activities. Correspondingly, pharmacological investigations have demonstrated a broad spectrum of bioactivities, including antifungal, hepatoprotective, neuroprotective, anticonvulsant, antiparkinsonian, antioxidant, antidiabetic, tranquilizing, and antiestrogenic effects. The objective of the present review is to comprehensively synthesize existing knowledge on the traditional applications, ethnomedicinal relevance, phytochemical diversity, and pharmacological potential of N. jatamansi. Furthermore, it examines contemporary strategies for genetic improvement, conservation, and sustainable utilization while highlighting critical research gaps and future directions necessary for the long-term preservation and rational exploitation of this highly significant Himalayan medicinal species.
AbstractPeter Debrunner was one of the emigrants from Europe, in his case Switzerland, who injected vitality and excitement into the Physics Department of the University of Illinois at Urbana–Champaign (UIUC). Peter received his Ph.D. at ETH (Eidgenössische Technische Hochschule) in Zürich and accepted a postdoctoral position in 1960 with Hans Frauenfelder, another Swiss emigrant. During his 40-year career at the UIUC, he achieved the rank of Professor of Physics, with research focused on electron paramagnetic resonance and the Mössbauer effect as applied to heme proteins. Peter was a bright, unassuming physicist with a balanced perspective and was admired and respected by his colleagues for his solid grasp of physics and pioneering work in biological physics, a new field in 1960. We have included here reminiscences/ tributes by several who had worked with him: Robert Austin; Paul Champion; Adam Gilmore; John D. Lipscomb; Eckard Münck.; J. Timothy Sage; Charles Schulz; and Stephen (Steve) Sligar.
AbstractThe allelopathic effects of Cryptomeria japonica (L.f.) D. Don leaf and bark extracts on the germination and early growth of Zea mays L. (maize) were investigated. Aqueous extracts of C. japonica (L.f.) D. Don leaf and bark were prepared at concentrations of 0% (control), 15%, 25%, 50%, and 75%. Maize seeds were treated with the extracts and incubated for 14 days. Germination percentage, root and shoot lengths, and biochemical parameters (protein, carbohydrate, phenol, and amino acid contents) were measured. Both leaf and bark extracts exhibited significant dose-dependent inhibitory effects on seed germination, growth, and defense biochemical composition of maize seedlings. Germination percentage and root and shoot lengths decreased progressively with increasing extract concentrations. The bark extract showed a stronger inhibitory effect on root growth, while the leaf extract more severely affected shoot length. Protein, carbohydrate, and amino acid contents declined with increasing concentrations, indicating disrupted metabolic activities. In contrast, phenol content increased, suggesting a stress-induced response. The bark extract caused more pronounced reductions in protein and carbohydrate contents and higher accumulation of phenols compared to the leaf extract. These findings demonstrate the strong allelopathic potential of C. japonica (L.f.) D. Don, and due to the presence of allelochemicals, it influences the early growth and development of maize seedlings, with implications for agroforestry practices and weed management strategies.
AbstractIn this tribute, we present a brief biography of John C. Munday Jr. (1940 2025), his research contributions in photosynthesis and remote sensing, his teaching work, his main activities at the local level, and finally reminiscences about his personal life.
AbstractSite-specific recombination (SSR) systems and CRISPR-Cas platforms represent two major classes of genome-engineering technologies that have been widely applied across diverse organisms, including plants. SSR systems, including bidirectional SSR and unidirectional SSR systems, provide highly predictable DNA excision, integration, and inversion, whereas CRISPR-Cas systems enable programmable, RNA-guided genome editing with unprecedented flexibility and efficiency. This review outlines the fundamental molecular mechanisms underlying both SSR-mediated recombination and CRISPR-Cas-based genome editing in plants, emphasizing how each system achieves targeted genomic modification. We compare their respective strengths, limitations, and optimal use cases in plant biotechnology. Recent advances have demonstrated that combining SSR and CRISPR-Cas technologies in hybrid strategies can overcome the constraints of either system alone, enabling more precise, modular, and complex genome engineering. We highlight emerging applications of these integrated approaches and discuss current literature illustrating their potential to advance next-generation plant breeding and synthetic biology.
AbstractTraditional plant-based foods and natural supplements have shown promising potential in counteracting the effects of aging. Among these, Ginkgo biloba-commonly known as ginkgo or maidenhair tree stands out as a unique species with both historical significance and modern scientific interest. Often referred to as a ‘living fossil’, it is the only surviving member of an ancient group of gymnosperms and has been cultivated for centuries for its medicinal properties. Widely grown across the globe, particularly in Europe and North America, Ginkgo biloba is renowned for its rich array of bioactive compounds, which exhibit antioxidant, antibacterial, anticancer, and immune-boosting effects. Its extract has been used extensively in traditional practices and is now a common component in clinical therapies aimed at enhancing blood circulation, supporting cognitive function, and managing age-related neurological and cardiovascular conditions. As scientific exploration expands, there is a growing interest in both the pharmacological mechanisms and the biotechnological advancements associated with this ancient plant. This review presents an integrative summary of the current understanding of Ginkgo biloba from both therapeutic and technological perspectives.
AbstractMangroves are the most vibrant and resilient ecosystems thriving under conditions that are otherwise growth-limiting to most plants. To withstand the rigors of prevailing diverse conditions, mangroves are endowed with some extraordinary biological qualities, including a plethora of secondary metabolites with immense significance for medical applications. The current investigation aimed at some preparatory pharmacognostical investigations on Sonneratia alba (Lythraceae), a mangrove species of ecological and medicinal significance. The pharmacognostical potential of S. alba was evaluated through flavonoid extraction and exploration for antimicrobial properties. The leaf samples were subjected to Soxhlet extraction using methanol, ethanol, and ethyl acetate, followed by quantitative flavonoid analysis via aluminium chloride spectrophotometry. The ethyl acetate extract exhibited the highest flavonoid yield (19.568 mg/g), followed by ethanol (6.956 mg/g) and methanol (3.171 mg/g). The antibacterial activity, assessed using the agar well diffusion method against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli, revealed varying degrees of inhibition, with ethyl acetate extracts showing the highest activity against S. aureus (16.66 mm zone of inhibition), and methanol extracts being most effective against E. coli (15.66 mm). These findings underscore the importance of solvent selection in optimizing bioactive compound recovery and suggest that S. alba holds promise as a source of a natural antimicrobial agent. The current investigation presented some basic insights into the pharmacognostical profiling of S. alba, indicating its potential role in natural drug development.
AbstractDhanauri wetland, located in Greater Noida, Gautam Budhha Nagar, India, is facing significant threats from anthropogenic activities, such as drainage, land conversion, pollution, and climate change, leading to degradation and loss of ecological benefits. Seasonal soil and water sampling was conducted to analyse nutrient enrichment, salinity, and contamination levels. The results indicated increasing pH levels, nutrient accumulation, and heavy metal concentrations, notably cadmium and nickel mostly on account of anthropogenic activities. High pollution levels have serious implications on soil and plant health. These findings highlight the urgent need for developing effective management strategies and continuous monitoring to mitigate pollution, enhance soil health, and preserve the ecological integrity of wetland ecosystems.
AbstractCistanche tubulosa (Schenk) R. Wight (Orobanchaceae) was observed growing as obligate root parasite on the host plant Calotropis procera L. in sandy plains of western Rajasthan, especially in Jaisalmer region. During the reproductive phase of the parasite, only tuberous, massive inflorescence axis emerge out from ground level, while vegetative part remains underground nearby host root system. The present research study is based on the taxonomic and phytochemical analysis of a parasitic angiosperm, that is, Cistanche tubulosa. Various medicinally important nutritive compounds and water that are withdrawn from host roots are being accumulated in inflorescence part. This plant is ethnomedicinally important for the society. This plant species is used in curing many diseases like jaundice, diabetes, male and female genital problems, whooping cough etc.
AbstractWe focused on establishing an efficient protocol for the micropropagation of avocados from seed cotyledons. In this study, we conducted two experiments: 1) initiation of tissue culture from avocado seed cotyledons, and 2) shoot and callus induction from in vitro avocado seedlings. In experiment 1, avocado seed cotyledons were cut into four small slices of 5–10 mm in thickness (B, M1, M2, and T) and transferred to MS medium (Murashige and Skoog 1962) without a plant growth regulator (MS0) and MS medium supplemented with 2, 4- dichlorophenoxyacetic acid and benzyl adenine (MS10/3). Fluorescence microscopy with two fluorescent dyes, Cellstain DAPI solution for nuclear staining and calcofluor white stain for cell wall staining, was used to verify the pattern of histological differentiation. Overall, the M1 slice, containing the mitotically active embryonic region, was the best for establishing an in vitro avocado seedling culture. The best site-specific response value, specifically 82.3% shooting, was identified with M1 slices. In experiment 2, fresh node segments, of approximately 1.5 cm were collected from in vitro shoots and cultured on MS0 to determine the effect of illumination on rooting, shooting, and callusing. The light condition resulted in a high capacity for target tissue greening and enhanced shoot formation with moderate calluses. In contrast, the explants in the dark condition mainly induced roots within 2 weeks. Overall, the node segments of avocado plants grown in vitro had better potential for shoot bud induction under dark conditions in a short time compared to those under light conditions. Once the cultured shoots were transferred from dark to light conditions, they continued to grow with healthy leaf flashing and shoot elongation. Moreover, after transplanting the regenerated avocado plants into the soil, they safely developed pot seedlings in a greenhouse.
AbstractIncreasing global temperatures and the associated climate change underscore the urgent need for developing climate-resilient plants. Plant adaptation and tolerance involve complex processes, including the activation and repression of genes that interconnect various stress signaling pathways. Plants contain various types of plastids, each performing distinct functions. Oxygenic photosynthesis, essential for life on Earth, takes place in plastid chloroplasts. Chloroplast genomics is a rapidly evolving field that enhances our understanding of plant biology by elucidating the complex genome within chloroplasts. This knowledge is fundamental to basic plant science and has significant implications for agricultural practices and crop improvement strategies in light of the increasing environmental stress caused by climate change. Integrating data from multiple omics (or panomics) offers insights that aid in enhancing plant stress tolerance. Advances in research tools, particularly genome-editing tools like TALENs and CRISPR-Cas, have the potential to facilitate plastome research. This concise review highlights recent studies on the chloroplast genome among several plant species, aiming to shed light on genome organization and phylogeny to better understand evolutionary processes in plants. Additionally, this work delves into advancements in chloroplast genome-editing techniques, particularly through CRISPR-Cas technology. Furthermore, it addresses the challenges associated with applying CRISPR-Cas technology to chloroplast studies and offers insights into strategies for overcoming these hurdles.
AbstractDonald (Don) A. Bryant was a leading microbial eco-physiologist in recent times. He focused on cyanobacteria by exploiting cutting-edge genetics, genomics and several aspects of molecular biology to understand their biochemistry and biophysics. In 2022, after almost five decades of outstanding university service, his generosity for education and the younger generation motivated him to donate two million US dollars to support a chair professorship in Microbial Physiology in the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology at the Eberly College of Science, University Park, Pennsylvania, USA. After briefly discussing his personal and academic life, we present brief summaries of his research contributions, selected by the authors. This is followed by messages from Susan Golden, Lou Sherman, and Annick Wilmott. The Appendix lists some URL’s on Don Bryant.
AbstractAllelochemicals are released by plants and microbes under the influence of various biotic and abiotic stresses. They influence seed germination, cell division, overall growth and development of plant as well as also affect survival of other plants. It is studied that allelochemicals play stimulatory as well as inhibitory roles on other plant processes. Allelochemicals are bioactive secondary metabolites, containing a broad range from a starting from simple hydrocarbon to complex polycyclic aromatic compounds like flavonoids, phenol, tannins, steroids, amino acids, quinones and alkaloids. Plants which release Allelochemicals interfere with the growth and development of other plants by plant – plant allelopathic interaction. They play pivotal roles for sustainable agriculture like as herbicides, pesticides, promotes crop growth, etc. allelopathy is providing better solutions to control weeds, pest and diseases of plants in spite of using synthetic chemicals. Use of Allelochemicals as potential solution for various plant issues is very promising aspect for sustainable agriculture and ecosystem.
AbstractDried fruits of T. terrestris were collected from the Rohtak region of north India and extracted in various solvents (methanol, ethanol, dichloromethane, ethyl acetate and chloroform) to evaluate their antioxidant properties by FRAP and DPPH assay methods. Total phenolic and flavonoid contents were determined as Gallic acid and Quercetin equivalents respectively. The Methanol extract had relatively higher antioxidant activity than other extracts and also exhibited maximum phenol and flavonoid (55.28 ± 0.08; 57.33 ± 0.09) µg/mg content followed by the chloroform (47.66 ± 0.13; 49.10 ± 0.08) µg/mg extract. This study validated the phytochemical analysis with the effectiveness of solvent in extracting chemical compounds and ascertains its properties, especially of the methanol extract of T. terrestris fruits which signify this plant as an interesting source of antioxidants for therapeutic industries.
AbstractMomordica dioica is Roxb. ex Willd. a perennial, dioecious cucurbitaceous climbing creeper (commonly known as kakrol, spiny gourd, or teasle gourd) valued both as a nutritious food and as a traditional remedy for various ailments. To ensure its optimal use, it is essential to have a comprehensive understanding of its therapeutic applications and pharmacological activities. This review attempts to evaluate the phytochemical composition, ethnobotanical significance, phytotherapeutic potential, and pharmacological properties of M. dioica, drawing from both traditional medicinal perspectives, including Ayurveda, and recent scientific findings. Although considered an underutilized vegetable, M. dioica contains bioactive compounds and nutrients that surpass the nutritional value of many commonly consumed vegetables. Its rich phytochemical profile underscores the need for further systematic research to validate and expand its therapeutic roles. This review is intended to serve as a resource for researchers and practitioners, encouraging deeper exploration into the underexplored but potentially valuable phytotherapeutic properties of M. dioica.
AbstractThe Panax genus, encompassing species such as Panax ginseng, Panax japonicus, Panax notoginseng, and Panax pseudoginseng, is renowned for its therapeutic properties in traditional medicine across Asia. These species are characterized by their bioactive compounds, predominantly ginsenosides, which are classified into protopanaxadiol (PD), protopanaxatriol (PT), and oleanane types. Ginsenosides demonstrate potent anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, neuroprotective, and anticancer activities through mechanisms involving modulation of oxidative stress, mitochondrial function, and signaling pathways like PI3K/Akt, NF-?B, and SIRT1. Panax ginseng is widely recognized for its cardioprotective and neuroprotective properties, while Panax japonicus exhibits strong anti-inflammatory and anti-angiogenic activities, particularly in treating arthritis and renal fibrosis. Panax notoginseng is a cornerstone of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) for cardiovascular health and hemostatic functions, demonstrating efficacy in treating ischemic stroke, myocardial infarction, and neurodegenerative diseases. Panax pseudoginseng, though less studied, is traditionally employed for its aphrodisiac, anti-diabetic, and immunomodulatory properties, with emerging research validating its ginsenoside content and pharmacological potentials. This review explores the phytochemical composition, therapeutic properties, and molecular mechanisms of Panax species, highlighting their pharmacokinetic profiles and clinical applications.
AbstractGymnosperms originated in the Middle Devonian (~385 million years ago) and have undergone a long and complex evolutionary history characterized by episodic bursts of speciation and extinction. This evolutionary trajectory has led to the emergence of four morphologically distinct extant groups: cycads, Ginkgo, conifers, and gnetophytes. Gnetophytes consist of three monotypic families: Ephedraceae, Gnetaceae, and Welwitschiaceae. Cycads are divided into two families: Cycadaceae and Zamiaceae. Phylogenetically, Ginkgo is sister to cycads but not to conifers. The morphological similarities between Ginkgo and conifers are attributed to parallel evolution rather than shared ancestry. Conifers are paraphyletic, with gnetophytes nested within them–indicating that gnetophytes are derived conifers. The newly defined clade Coniferophytes, equivalent to Pinopsida, comprises three subclasses: Pinidae, Gnetidae, and Cupressidae. The family Welwitschiaceae contains only one living genus, Welwitschia, which consists of the single species Welwitschia mirabilis. Among gymnosperms, Welwitschia mirabilis stands out as one of the most remarkable plant species on Earth due to its unique phylogeny, morphology, and ecology. This review explores its distribution, structural features, eco-physiology, and molecular phylogeny, highlighting a species capable of surviving for thousands of years.
AbstractToxins are a significant threat to seed viability and crop establishment, especially in cotton (Gossypium spp.) and faba bean (Vicia faba L.), two valuable agricultural species. Toxins affect germination in cotton seeds by reducing metabolic processes, slowing sprouting, and altering developmental pathways needed for seedling establishment. Similarly, faba bean seeds that were exposed to toxins germinate poorly, are stunted, and in general were slowed down from germinating as a result of the toxins controlling biochemical processes that are important for early plant development. Microbial contaminants Pseudomonas spp. are of particular concern due to the wide range of toxic metabolites released and their ability, in many cases, to destroy cellular structures, inhibit normal physiological processes, or impact host defense mechanisms. The value of understanding and applying information dealing with the role of Pseudomonas toxins is paramount to improving healthy seed and yields. In this study, we assess the impact of three Pseudomonas toxins on the germination of faba bean and cotton seeds. This study indicates the inhibitory processes they can cause, the concomitant challenges, and possible mechanisms of minimizing toxin-produced damage to support sustainable production systems.
AbstractMushroom-derived phytochemicals have gained both nutritional and pharmacological significance. Pleurotus ostreatus is a widely grown mushroom, and elucidating its phytochemical composition serves as a basis for further research to assess its variation with changes in substrate. It is convenient to cultivate and holds high nutritional value. It is a source of active therapeutic compounds like phenols, terpenoids, flavonoids, different polysaccharides, lipids, steroids, ergothioneine, citric acids, beta carotene, and minerals like selenium. Pleurotus ostreatus can be considered a functional food due to its nutritional benefits and rich phytochemical profile. The following study was carried out to identify various nutrients and secondary metabolites like flavonoids, alkaloids, terpenoids, saponins, phenols, oils, and resins in oyster mushrooms. Mushroom extract was obtained from dried Pleurotus ostreatus grown in the Mushroom Culture Laboratory, PCGE (A), Jaipur, Rajasthan.
AbstractPlant pathogens cause substantial crop yield losses worldwide. Developing resistant plant varieties requires a thorough understanding of how plants perceive pathogens and respond to necrotrophic, hemi-biotrophic, and biotrophic threats. Pathogen recognition relies on elicitors, effectors, and signaling processes, which activate defense mechanisms in plants. The cell wall, serving as a physical barrier, plays a crucial role in protection. However, pathogens have developed strategies to bypass this barrier and penetrate the plasma membrane. Research has revealed mechanisms through which plant immune systems recognize microbial pathogens. Microbe-associated molecular patterns (MAMPs), conserved molecules produced by invading microbes, are detected by pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) on plant cells. This interaction triggers immune responses that restrict pathogen growth. Furthermore, recent studies have identified components of the plant immune system that facilitate beneficial interactions with microbes, supporting the colonization of microbial communities that positively influence the host. This short review focuses on the role of PRRs in detecting microbial epitopes and transmitting signals to initiate antimicrobial defenses in plants.
