Callus was obtained from internode segments, shoot meristem and axillary buds of Arnehia hispidissima. 2.5 mg/1 2,4-D containing MS medium proved to be the best among different concentration of 3 different growth regulators, used for callus induction. Shoot meristem showed significantly highest callusing (80%) with earliest callus initiation (8 days) among internode (75%, 10 days) and axillary bud (35%, 12 days). No callus could be obtained from leaf segments. Calli derived from these explants were successfully maintained by subculture on the same medium. After 25 days of callus induction, calli were transferred to MS medium supplemented with different growth regulators in 32 different combinations for regeneration. Highest regeneration was obtained on MS medium supplemented with 1.5 mg/1 kinetin + 2.5 mg/1 NAA in shoot meristem (79.2%) and axillary buds (32.5%), while highest regeneration (73.4%) was obtained on 2.0 mg/1 BAP with 0.5 mg/1 NAA containing MS medium in internode cultures.

Science and technology at the nanoscale is acting as an important key to unlock many biological riddles that would have been unyielding a few years ago. Recently, silicon chip technology has emerged as the ability to manufacture at 100 nm and below, and microscopes that allow us not only to ‘see’ but to manipulate atoms and molecules have facilitated at the commence of the 21st century into the thick revolution of life sciences. Nanotechnology has matured into a dominant focus of research and development activities in the preceding two decades. Nanotechnology and nanomedicine are considered as complementary disciplines, aiming for better human life. Applications of nanotechnology to medicine and physiology consist of materials and devices, which are designed to interact with the body at molecular scale with a high degree of specificity. This finally results in their potential use into targeted cellular and tissue-specific clinical applications and helps in achieving maximal therapeutic efficacy with minimal side effects. Currently, nanotechnology and nanoscience are aiming particularly to design and formulate a platform to expand the market for many drugs and forming a basis of high profit to industry. Thus, in the present scenario, nanotechnology is proving beneficial in solving problems in different fields of medicine. In this paper, we will highlight and discuss the potential use of nanotechnology in clinical applications.

In the last decade, nanotechnology has been extensively introduced for biomedical applications opening a new hope in medicine as well as in other sciences. In this review article an emerging use of nanotechnology in reproductive medicine and reproductive biology has been described. Nanoparticles being of small sizes has rather more advantages and therefore are more preferred nanotechnological tool. They are successfully used for the treatment and imaging of reproductive system-related cancers. Contrarily, increased application of nanomaterials and nanotechnology and their exposure has become a critical issue raising the concerns about their potential toxicity. It is therefore indicated that the nanobased methods are innovative but at the same time potentially controversial approaches. Exposure of females to such toxicity may lead to fatal impacts on both female reproductivity and fetal development. Thus, in the present paper, we will highlight and discuss the nanotoxic effects of nano materials on human reproductive biology.

Genetic variability is highly significant for the improvement of many crop species including Coriandrum. The genetic divergence among 10 Indian varieties of Coriander (Coriandrum sativum) was assessed employing random amplified polymorphic DNA markers. A total of 74 clear bands were generated, out of which 43.2% were polymorphic. The total number of markers varied from 6 to 13 with a mean of 9.25 markers per primer. The number of polymorphic markers for each primer varied from 1 to 11 with a mean of 4 polymorphic markers per primer. The amplified product size ranged from 370 to 44860 bp. PIC value ranged from 0.05 to 0.22 with a mean of 0.12. The Jaccard’s similarity coefficient values ranged 0.70 to 0.95 with a mean of 0.81. A dendrogram constructed based on the UPGMA clustering method, revealed two major clusters. Group-A consisted of one genotype 2, where as Group-B could be further classified into five subgroups. Current study highlights meager genetic diversity among various varieties and attributed to recent human selection pertinent to few genes. Keywords: RAPD, Coriandrum sativum, varieties, Genetic diversity, RAPD markers.

Nanotechnology involves manipulating properties and structures at the nanoscale, often involving dimensions that are just tiny fractions of the width of a human hair. Its application as products in its passive form, such as cosmetics and sunscreens are already in an active stage, and some more new phases of products are expected in the coming decades. The use of nanotechnology in medicine offers some exciting possibilities providing great benefits for society in the future. Some techniques are only imagined, whereas others are at various stages of testing. This emerging technology is already being used as the basis for new, more effective drug delivery systems and is in early stage development as scaffolding in nerve regeneration research. Moreover, the National Cancer Institute has created the Alliance for Nanotechnology in Cancer in the hope that investments in this branch of nanomedicine could lead to breakthroughs in terms of detecting, diagnosing and treating various forms of cancer. This review discusses the various platforms of nanotechnology being used in different aspects of medicine.

In the current investigation, two Brassica juncea (L.) varieties were selected for sequencing of the polymorphic bands. The polymorphic and monomorphic varieties were used to elute the bands which were later sequenced and analysed for homology by using basic local search alignment tool (BLAST) analysis. The results indicated that the sequences obtained from the start codon targeted polymorphism and inter simple sequence repeats (ISSR) bands were most similar to the already registered accessions of Brassica on the national center for biotechnology information (NCBI) website. The sequences compared, displayed high similarity to the Brassica napus and B. juncea accessions. This information can be fruitfully used to develop future breeding programmes and select B. juncea varieties on the basis of desired trait by developing the primers from the derived sequences.

Brassica juncea L. (fam: Brassicaceae) is an important oilseed crop and known to be anodyne, aperitif, diuretic, emetic, rubefacient and stimulant. In the current investigation, CDDP primers were used to assess genetic diversity in its 15 varieties. Total genomic DNA (Deoxyribinucleic acid) was extracted by cetyl trimethyl ammonium bromide, CTAB and polymerase chain reaction PCR amplification was carried out. Twenty-one conserved DNA-derived polymorphism primers were used to trace the genetic diversity in various varieties. Of these, only 15 primers gave amplification and only six were used for scoring. The polymorphic primers amplified 37 bands in total, of these 21 were polymorphic resulting in a polymorphic frequency of 56.57% and an average of 3.5 polymorphic bands per primer. From the clustering pattern and genetic relationship obtained with different markers, breeders can fruitfully identify the diverse genotype from different cluster and take them up in their future breeding programme.

Objective: The main aim of this study was to assess genetic diversity and phylogenetic relationships of different varieties of fenugreek (8 varieties and 6 populations) collected from northern India using RAPD (Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA) and ISSR (Inter Simple Sequence Repeat markers). Methods: DNA Samples were analyzed with 400 RAPD and 100 ISSR primers. For statistical analysis data were subjected to UPGMA (Un weighted pair-group method with arithmetic averages), Jaccard’s similarity coefficient values were obtained using Similarity for Qualitative Data (SIMQUAL), to find out genetic relationship. This analysis generated dendrogram which was further compared using the Mantel matrix correspondence test (NTSyS-pc version 2.02i) and Principal coordinates analysis. Results: Polymorphism frequency of 42.91% and 55.66% was found in different varieties of fenugreek using RAPD and ISSR markers respectively. Based on the combined data of RAPD+ISSR marker system the maximum similarity index was observed for accessions from Mathura and RMT-143 (0.85) whereas the minimum similarity index was observed for RMT-351 sand RMT-303 (0.26). Conclusion: The investigation has demonstrated that cluster analysis could be profitably used in unravelling the genetic variation within the accessions and the two molecular markers, RAPD and ISSR could be used as effective tools to evaluate genetic diversity and assess genetic relationship in fenugreek.

Brassica juncea L. (family: Brassicaceae), is an important oilseed crop and known to be anodyne, aperitif, diuretic, emetic, rubefacient, and stimulant. In the current investigation RAPD and ISSR primers were used to assess genetic diversity in its 15 varieties. Total genomic DNA was extracted by CTAB and PCR amplification was carried out. Out of 100 tested RAPD primers, 60 primers were amplified, of which 43 were used for scoring and 42 revealed polymorphic loci. The number of bands amplified per primer varied between 2(OPD 9) and 19 (OPD-20) with an average of 6.09 bands per primer. A total of 256 bands were amplified of which 157 were polymorphic resulting in a polymorphism frequency of 61.32% and an average of 3.8 polymorphic bands per primer. Out of the 100 UBC tested ISSR primers, 48 primers gave amplification. Of these 31 primers were used for scoring. 30 primers gave polymorphic bands while 1 primer was monomorphic. The number of amplicons per primer ranged from 5 (UBC 830) to 19 (UBC 810 and UBC 840). The polymorphic primers amplified 321 bands of which 189 were polymorphic resulting in a polymorphic frequency of 58.87% and an average of 6.3 polymorphic bands per primer. The dendrogram revealed two main clusters. Each cluster was subdivided into subgroups. The present investigation revealed that molecular markers could be successfully utilised to determine genetic diversity and genetic relationship of various varieties. From the clustering pattern and genetic relationship obtained with different markers, breeders can fruitfully identify the diverse genotype from different cluster and take them up in their future breeding program.

The objective of the current study was to assess and establish intraspecific variation between three morphotypes of Cissus quadrangularis using ten Consensus Chloroplast Microsatellite Primers. Significant level of genetic variation was detected between the three morphotypes. Sequence analysis of the CCMP PCR fragment showed the high degree of similarity to the chloroplast genome sequences of other Vitaceae members indicating that these regions are highly conserved.Plant Tissue Cult. & Biotech. 24(2): 205-212, 2014 (December)

Genetic diversity study was carried out in 15 varieties of Brassia juncea by using Start Codon Targeted (SCoT) and Consensus Chloroplast Microsatellite Primer (CCMP) markers. Total genomic DNA was extracted from young leaves following the standard CTAB method. A total of 36 SCoT primers and 10 CCMP primers were used for the analysis. The analysis revealed 51.98% and 60% polymorphism for SCoT and CCMP, respectively. Similarity coefficient was used to detect the phylogenetic relationship; subsequently dendogam was constructed for SCoT and CCMP data. SCoT analysis revealed that variety number 12 is most polymorphic. In SCoT analysis, the polymorphic primers amplified 252 bands, of which 131 were found to be polymorphic, resulting in a polymorphic frequency of 51.98% and an average of 4.67 polymorphic bands per primer. The polymorphism was maximum (85.70%) with primer SCoT 5, and was lowest (11.1%) with primer SCoT 11. Ten CCMPs were used to study genetic diversity in B. juncea varieties. Of these, 7 primers gave amplification products. The polymorphic primers amplified 15 bands in total, of these 9 were polymorphic resulting in a polymorphic frequency of 60% and an average of 1.28 polymorphic bands per primer. The polymorphism was maximum (100%) with primer ccmp3 and lowest (0%) with ccmp2, ccmp4, ccmp6, ccmp7, ccmp8 and ccmp10.

Herbs are known as a natural source of medicines as well as other commercial products and have gained attention for many reasons such as low price, no side effects, solutions for chronic diseases and many preventive approaches, etc. Out of 2, 50,000 higher plant species, 80,000 species are medicinal important plants. Cissus quadrangularis L. is one of the important medicinal plants, belonging to family Vitaceae and common name is ‘Hadjod’. It is a succulent plant found in warm tropical areas. The plant is well known in Ayurveda for its bone fracture healing properties. The literature survey revealed that the plant has some pharmacological properties such as free radical scavenging, anti microbial, anti bacterial, antioxidant, bone healing, anti ulcer, anti inflammatory, analgesic and diuretic properties. The plant extract is also useful in skin diseases, epilepsy, tumors, chronic ulcers, swellings, hemorrhage helminthiasis, anorexia, etc. The present review is an effort to focus on the medicinal importance of C. quadrangular is, its Botany, phytoconstituents and pharmacological reports.

A total of 16 accessions of Cissus quadrangularis L. collected from 7 states exhibited phenotypic variation and genetic diversity, and 3 morphovarinats were distinguished on the basis of stem morphology. Combined data of phenology, chemical analyses and molecular biology (randomly amplified polymorphic DNA, Inter Simple Sequence Repeats (ISSR) and chloroplast consensus microsatellite primers) have been discussed to understand taxonomic relationship between the three morphotypes. The two morphotypes (I and III) appear to be similar in regard to chemicals, leaf morphology and genetic makeup. Morphotype II appears to be divergent in regard to leaf shape, leaf colour, stem structure, having specific chemicals and with regard to molecular biology. A dendrogram based on similarity coefficient was generated by using the unweighted pair group method with arithmetic mean. The figures emerging from analysis of combined data (morphology, chemical analyses and molecular biology) support the divergence of morphotype II from the other two types. This ecotype was sampled from two localities only. The prevalence of genetic diversity indicated the presence of ecogeographical variation in this important medicinal plant species.

A simple and eco-friendly method for the synthesis of biogenic nanoparticles (NP's) using an aqueous solution of T. procumbens fresh plant extract (leaf and stem) as a bioreductant is reported. The prepared biogenic nanoparticles were well characterized using U.V. visible spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy. The particles were confirmed to be elemental crystal by X-ray diffraction. The potential applications of biosynthesized nanoparticles as antimicrobial (antibacterial and antifungal) against pathogens Escherichia coli, Vibrio cholerae, Aspergillus niger and Aspergillusflavus were demonstrated.

Cissus quadrangularis is well known for its bone healing activity, and is known to differ for its Ca concentration over genotypes. In genetic diversity, morphovariant I and III make in same cluster and morphovariant II forms different cluster with similarity coefficient ranging from 0.34 to 0.65. FTIR analysis shows that there is not much difference in the resultant groups present in three morphovariants. Mineral estimation indicates that the morphovariant I holds high concentration of Ca. So, from medicinal point of view, morphovariant I is important. The results of the present study demonstrate for the first time the mineral estimation in three morphovariants of C. quadrangularis.

Cumin (Cuminum cyminum L.) is a significant seed spice and one of the earliest known minor spices. It is an aromatic plant included in the Apiaceae family and is used to flavor foods, added to fragrances, and used in medicinal preparations. Its fruit, known as cumin seed, is yellow to brownish-gray in color. Biotechnological tools such as molecular markers are one of the effective tools, which facilitate the plant breeder to develop new varieties and breeding strategies for crop improvement programmes.

Germination is an important phenomenon in plant life cycle. It is an irreversible process. Germination studies give an idea about seed's performance. This study can be used to enhance the harvest of plants. Brasica juncea is an important oilseed crop. It is used as oil source and has medicinal values. In the present investigation, different germination parameters such as percentage germination (GP), speed of germination (SOG), coefficient of germination (COG), germination rate (GR), mean germination time (MGT) and germination index (GI) were studied. Also, some seedling growth parameters such as shoot and root lengths (SL and RL), vigor index (VI), seed stamina index (SSI) and seedling growth (SG) were also recorded in 15 varieties of B. juncea. Results show that varieties exhibited different levels of germination percentage ranging from 43.33% to 96.66%. It was observed that SOG was maximum in varieties 12 (Navgold) and was lowest in variety 5(RGN-229). COG was maximum in variety 12(Navgold), whereas in variety 9(RH-30) it was minimum. Interestingly, the highest MGT was recorded lowest in variety 5(RH-30) and highest was observed in variety 12(Navgold). Significant differences were observed between shoot and root lengths in different varieties. The maximum root length was observed maximum in variety 6(RGN-236), while the minimum was measured in variety 12(Navgold). Variety 7 (Maya) showed the maximum shoot length whereas variety 6(RGN-236) showed minimum. The vigor index was found to be maximum in variety 8 (PCR-7) and minimum in variety 2 (RGN-48).

Now-a-days-metal nanoparticles are potentially used as tools in the field of engineering and biological sciences as well as in industries and communication technologies. The important aspect of nanotechnology is to develop dependable, environmentally benign processes for the synthesis of nanoscale materials. Presently, we describe a cost-effective and eco-friendly technique for green synthesis of biogenic nanoparticles from the extract of callus obtained through stem and leaves of Tridax procumbens L., which acted as a reducing as well as capping agent. This plant has been opted for the present study for its known medicinal properties. This method of synthesizing nanoparticles led to rapid reduction of silver ions, resulting in the formation of stable crystalline nanoparticles in the solution. The synthesis of biogenic nanoparticles was carried out by adding silver nitrate solution to the callus extract. Nanoparticles were screened using UV-Visible absorption spectroscopy and were well characterized by SEM, XRD and FTIR analysis. The process responsible for the formation of nanoparticles from the biomass of plant callus is called bio-mineralization. The synthesized biogenic nanoparticles were further tested for antimicrobial activity using Escherichia coli, Vibrio cholerae, Aspergillus niger and A. flavus. Later, the activities of synthesized biogenic nanoparticles were also compared with various plant extracts (aqueous, ethanolic and methanolic) of T. procumbens.

ABSTRACTAs a bioactive signaling molecule, nitric oxide (NO) is involved in multiple plant physiological responses. It regulates diverse biochemical processes in a concentration-dependent manner in plants. Different NO generators viz. sodium nitroprusside (SNP), S-nitroso-N-acetyl penicillinamine (SNAP) and S-nitroso-L-glutathione (GSNO) have been reported, but SNP is the most widely used and effective NO donor. Research was conducted to investigate the in vitro effects of an NO donor, SNP, on biochemical and physiological characteristics such as multiple shoots, chlorophyll content, and enzymatic activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and others in Arachis hypogaea genotypes (M-13 and PBS24030). In vitro impact of SNP on shoot multiplication potential and chlorophyll content increase upto 100 µM SNP alone in peanut cultivars (M-13 and PBS24030). Rhizogenesis was noticed in the presence of SNP alone. Treatment with SNP and 6-Benzyl adenine (BA) was effective in enhancing the antioxidant enzyme activities, total soluble carbohydrates and proteins as compared to SNP alone in for both cultivars. These data indicate that in vitro establishment of peanut cultivars in the presence of SNP alone and in combination with BA will affect various growth promontory physiological and biochemical parameters. A more complete understanding of plant growth regulator (PGR) mediated responses will be instrumental in designing effective strategies for engineering crops for biotic and abiotic stresses.

Cumin (Cuminum cyminum L. fam: Apiaceae) is an important seed spice and its seeds contain numerous phyto-chemicals that are known to have antioxidant, carminative and anti-flatulent properties. The, Random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) inter simple sequences repeat (ISSR) and start codon targeted polymorphic (SCoT), primers were used to assess genetic diversity in its 12 varieties. Total genomic DNA was extracted by cetyl trimethyl ammonium bromide method (CTAB) and polymerase chain reaction (PCR), amplification was carried out. Out of 400 RAPD primers tested, 56 primers were amplified, of which 55 primers revealed polymorphic loci. 508 bands were amplified of which 321 were polymorphic resulting in a polymorphism frequency of 63.18% and an average of 5.8 polymorphic bands per primer. The size of bands varied between 250 and 4000 bp. Out of the 100 UBC-tested ISSR primers, 39 primers gave amplification products. Of these, 27 primers gave polymorphic bands. A total of 305 bands were amplified, of wh ich 169 were polymorphic resulting in a polymorphic frequency of 55.40% and an average of 6.2 polymorphic bands per primer. The size of bands varied between 300 and 5000 bp. Similarly, of the 36 SCoT primers, 32 primers gave amplification products all the primers produce polymorphic bands. 723 bands were amplified, of which 577 were polymorphic resulting in a polymorphic frequency of 79.80% and an average of 18.03 polymorphic bands per primer. The dendrogram revealed two main clusters. Each cluster was subdivided into subgroups. The present investigation revealed that molecular markers could be successfully utilised to determine genetic diversity and genetic relationship of various varieties. From the clustering pattern and genetic relationship obtained with different markers, breeders can fruitfully identify the diverse genotype from different cluster and take them up in their future breeding program.