Background: Bacopa monnieri is an herbal plant used predominantly in Ayurvedic medicine. Though this plant has pharmacological properties, it is pivotal to acknowledge its antioxidant capacity and toxicological properties which are not well established. Objectives: The principal aim of this study is to elucidate the antioxidant capacity and toxicological properties of B. monnieri leaf extracts in the early life stages of Danio rerio (zebrafish) embryos. Methods: This was a comparative identification of the antioxidant capacities of five different extracts of aqueous, ethanol, acetone, chloroform, and petroleum ether of B. monnieri leaf by investigating through in vitro antioxidant assays such as Diphenyl-1-Picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), azinobis[3-Ethylbenzothiazoline-6-Sulfonate] (ABTS), ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and enzymatic assays such as SOD, CAT, Px, AO, and PPO. Additionally tested for the qualitative and quantitative estimation of phytochemicals. Furthermore, the Fish Embryo Toxicity (FET) assay has been performed to analyze the developmental deformities, lethal and sublethal toxic effects, hatch rate, heart rate, and survival of zebrafish embryos upon treatment with the aqueous plant extract. Result: The results showed the availability of polyphenols and non-phenolic macromolecules. Total phenol and flavonoid content were greater in the aqueous extract and tannin content was higher in ethanol extract. Among the five extracts, the aqueous extract showed greater antioxidant and free radical scavenging activities. Furthermore, the investigation addressed the toxicological effects of aqueous extract on zebrafish embryos that resulted in the least developmental abnormalities and delayed hatching rate at greater concentrations along with 100% mortality at 96 h Post Fertilization (hpf) of higher concentrations. Conclusion: The results indicate that B. monnieri may serve a strong prophylactic action against reactive oxygen species-related diseases with the least sublethal effects.

Forest cover of India aims to increase thirty three per cent by 2030 through planting trees outside forests boundaries, cultivating and breeding in private farmer’s wastelands. Despite efforts to boost greenery, approximately one million hectares of forest area are lost annually to insect pests, underscoring the need for effective pest management. Synthetic organic insecticides are widely used, with India accounting for 3 % of global pesticide usage, leading to environmental and health concerns. To address this, ecologically sound pest management strategies are imperative. Biological control, particularly using microorganisms, offers a promising approach. Endophytic fungi, found in commercially important tree species like Teak, Ailanthus, Red Sanders, and Gmelina, show potential for insect pest management. In this study, 112 endophytic fungi were isolated, with eight common across all species. Fourteen species, identified through molecular taxonomy, exhibit entomopathogenic properties, paving the way for the development of novel biopesticides.

Inhibition of the inflammatory response through bark polyphenolics can help to downregulate the effects of chronic inflammation and related conditions. This study mainly investigates the polyphenolic properties and their corresponding bioactivities of Vitex altissima L.f. bark. The extracts assessed for their yield percentage, secondary metabolites, and anti-inflammatory properties of V.altissima were determined using the protein denaturation method. Through in silico modeling, it confirms the binding affinity of compounds from GC-MS analysis to the inflammation protein. The results indicated that Thalavadi-III’s V.altissima recorded the highest phenolic content on 48.23 mg GAE/g extract, while Mundathurai-I exhibited the highest flavonoid content at 25.8 mg RE/g extract. Anti-inflammation properties showed the highest percentage of inhibition in Iggalore’ V.altissima . To add more significance, the compounds from GC-MS analyses were predetermined by in silico docking analyses [benzenamine, 4,4'-[sulfonylbis(4,1-phenyleneoxy)]bis- (-6.73); hematoporphyrin (-6.22)] against inflammation protein, which confirmed

Probiotics include good microorganisms that support the body's ability to operate and stay healthy. These good bacteria have several advantages, including as helping us feel better and warding off bad bacteria when there are too many of them in the stomach. Milk samples from the native indigenous Kangeyam breed cattle reared in the tribal hamlets on the forest fringes of Coimbatore were collected to isolate the beneficial microorganism. The sample is specifically collected from such region as it might have a higher efficiency in comparison with domesticated livestock. The milk samples collected were processed and analyzed for their nutritional value. Milk samples obtained from the native indigenous Kangeyam breed cattle reared in tribal hamlets of forest fringe villages was found to be more efficient in the nutritional aspects as like the difference in the milk from regular domesticated cattle. The quality of the milk was tested and then the probiotics were isolated. The pure culture was obtained in which the basic confirmatory tests such as Gram staining, Motility, IMViC, Catalase, Oxidase, Urease, Gas from glucose, Triple sugar iron test, etc., were done. Culture with more accurate results was made for molecular identification by 16srRNA method, in which the species Bacillus amyloliquefaciens has been confirmed and submitted to NCBI. The probiotic was found to be beneficial. The safety assessment was studied for accepted intake. Then the culture was made frozen, which was further lyophilized to be made into powder. The isolated probiotic with significant health benefits can be considered as a probiotic infused value-added product with commercialization potential.

Grain production increases annually, yet stored grain pests pose a persistent challenge to agriculture. While pesticides have traditionally been the primary solution, their improper and widespread use has led to the development of resistance in some pests, rendering them ineffective. Consequently, essential oils have emerged as a promising alternative to address this issue. In this research, the insecticidal and repellent properties of essential oil extracted from L. camara were assessed against significant stored grain pests viz., Sitophilus oryzae (rice weevil), (rice weevil), Rhyzopertha dominica (dhal beetle), and Carpophilus dimidiatus (peanut beetle), aiming to determine its potential as a viable method for safeguarding stored grains against the most prevalent pests. The results were promising, however, the underlying mechanism of action have not yet been fully understood. Allocating resources towards researching alternative methods of pest control can significantly enhance sustainable agricultural practices.

In four Indian states-Bihar, Odisha, Jharkhand, and West Bengal-sixteen species of Tettigoniidae, representing ten genera and five subfamilies, have been identified in various habitats, including forestlands, grasslands, arable lands, and grasslands that fall under distinct agroclimatic zones. The observations were made by recurrent monthly visits to the respective states during a three-year period, from January 2021 to December 2023. Conocephalinae was the subfamily with the greatest number of species (7 species), followed by Phaneropterinae (5 species) and Hexacentrinae (2 species). Pseudophyllinae and Mecopodinae, on the other hand, each had only one species. According to any IUCN, 2023-1 category, none of the species discovered in the research region are recognized to be threatened.

Secondary metabolites are the synthesized components by plants that are produced in small amounts in response to the invasion by other organisms and abiotic stress for their self-protection and defense. Polyphenolic compounds are secondary components produced by these plants. Flavonoids belong to phenolic compounds, which are found in different classes like flavones, flavonols, flavanones, flavan-3-ols, isoflavonoids, and anthocyanins. These compounds are present in the extracts from fruits, flowers, leaves, barks, and roots of different plants and can be isolated. They are found to have ameliorating effects as anticancer, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antifungal, and others in numerous studies conducted for disorders like cancer, cardiovascular diseases, neurological disorders. Viruses belonging to new variants are found to be deadly and are causing diseases that become a pandemic, which is becoming a matter of concern for human health. Due to infection by viruses, respiratory and lung disorders are growing in humans. The increase in the number of infected individuals with diseases caused by deadly viruses is alarming. Many studies were being carried out to innovate vaccines and medicines for the remedy of these viral infections. Presently, several studies are being carried out to use the plant-derived phenolic compound flavonoids to treat these contagions. In this chapter, different flavonoids and the virucidal effects in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and other diseases caused by variants of different viruses are explored. Their characteristic effects by in vivo, in vitro, and docking study processes are elucidated with their mode of action, their possible benefit as medicine in treating these diseases, and their effects on organs of the human body are to be unraveled and future perspectives given.

Abstract The plant‐based medicine and diet is gaining importance in recent days. The consumption of Triticum aestivum grass in the form of juice and tablets is increasing among common people. The present study elaborates on the nutritional, antioxidant, and antimicrobial potential of a nongenetically modified type of T. aestivum grass, along with the evidence of molecular docking studies. The T. aestivum grass extracts like decoction, aqueous, ethanol, and chloroform were subjected to preliminary phytochemical tests, quantitative estimation, antioxidant analysis, and antimicrobial activity determination. The ethanolic extract that had good antioxidant and antimicrobial potential was subjected to gas column–mass spectroscopy (GC–MS) analysis and the compounds identified were docked against the antioxidant and antimicrobial receptors. The decoction and aqueous extracts performed well in preliminary qualitative tests with the presence of most of the phytochemicals tested. The decoction, aqueous, and ethanolic extracts possessed good concentrations of the phytochemicals. The decoction had about 210.83 ± 9.16 and 154.16 ± 0.33 mg/g of carbohydrates and proteins, respectively, while the aqueous extract had about 10.91 ± 0.08 mg/g of amino acids and the ethanolic extract had about 52.5 ± 1.4 mg/g of phenolic content, which were the highest concentration of the phytochemicals observed among the extracts. Along with phytochemical potential, good antioxidant potential in the DPPH and ABTS by decoction as well as ethanolic extract with nearly 40 and 90% inhibition, respectively, and in FRAP by aqueous extract with maximum OD value. The ethanolic extract exhibited the best inhibition potential against the Staphylococcus aureus about 28 ± 1 mm, Pseudomonas aeruginosa with 20 ± 2 mm, Bacillus cereus at 20 ± 1 mm by the ethanolic extract at 200 μg concentration, and Aspergillus fumigatus and A. niger at 15 ± 0 mm by the aqueous extract at 200 μg concentration. The GC–MS analysis revealed the presence of terpenoids, alkaloids, and phenols, which on docking had highest binding capacity toward the antioxidant and antimicrobial receptors.

The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection is a serious global pandemic from the year 2019. Many allopathic and prevention measures have been taken against it, but herbal formulations are one such remedy that has not been enlightened in many places. The herbal formulations are a result of traditional medicines followed in different countries and have proved to be an alternative medicine for various infections and diseases, for example, hepatitis and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), which may have no remedies for a longer term. In the past years, the plants that have been used in the formulations are found to have the potential to inhibit viral infections by acting against the spike protein, genetic material, and replication of SARS-CoV-2. This chapter discusses in detail the different types of herbal formulations, the plants used, and also the mechanism involved in combating the infection.

Entomoforestry is the practice of combining trees (Forestry) and insects (Entomology), as in the raising of stick-lac, bees for honey production, silkworm for silk production, pollination services by bees and other insects, insects for decomposition and nutrient recycling, insects for ecological monitoring as indicators of landscape and climate changes, insects as food and medicine and for aesthetic values. Host plants of these insects are trees in natural stands and plantations as well. Hence trees for insects and their byproducts of great utility warrants the emergence of new discipline, Entomoforestry. This article gives an overview of Entomoforestry opportunities in India.

Background . Anemia is one of the predominant hematological conditions, whereas chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a predominant respiratory disease. These two diseases were found to be interlinked, but the physiological pathways are still unclear. Aim . The current study has been aimed at analysing the genetic interrelationship between anemia and COPD in accordance with different altitudes. Methodology . The genetic analysis was performed in the SERPINA1 gene of anemia, COPD, and healthy individuals for the analysis of single nucleotide polymorphism at rs28949274 and rs17580 locations. Result and Discussion . The single nucleotide polymorphism at the locations rs28949274 and rs17580 was present in both anemic and COPD patients. The COPD patients were more prone to mutations (63% had rs28949274, and 11% had rs17580 polymorphisms) than the anemic patients (40% had rs28949274, and 1% had rs17580 polymorphisms). On the basis of altitude, high-altitude individuals were found to be more susceptible to both the polymorphisms. Conclusion . Based on the current findings, we suggest that the SERPINA1 gene has a positive correlation with anemia as well as COPD, and the increase in altitude also influences the diseased conditions in a positive manner.

In-silico Computer-Aided Drug Design (CADD) often comprehends virtual screening (VS) of datasets of natural pharmaco-active compounds for drug discovery protocols. Plant Based Natural Products (PBNPs) still, remains to be a prime source of pharmaco-active compounds due to their unique chemical structural scaffolds and functionalities with distinct chemical characteristic feature from natural source that are much acquiescent to drug metabolism and kinetics. In the Post-COVID-Era number of publications pertaining to PBNPs and publicly accessible plant based natural product databases (PBNPDBs) has significantly increased. Moreover, PBNPs are important sources of inspiration or starting points to develop novel therapeutic agents. However, a well-structured, in-depth ADME/Tox profile of PBNPs has been limited or lacking for many of such compounds, this hampers the successful exploitation of PBNPs by pharma industries. Absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion, and toxicity (ADMET) properties play key roles in the discovery/ development of drugs, pesticides, food additives, consumer products, and industrial chemicals. In the present study, ADMET-informatics of Tetradecanoic Acid (Myristic Acid) from ethyl acetate fraction of Moringa oleifera leaves to predict drug metabolism and pharmacokinetics (DMPK) outcomes has been taken up. This work contributes to the deeper understanding of Myristic acid as major source of drug from commonly available medicinal plant - Moringa oleifera with immense therapeutic potential. The data generated herein could be useful for NP based lead generation programs. Keywords: Moringa oleifera; Secondary Metabolites; Bioactive Substances; Myristic acid (MA); DMPK; ADME/Tox; Natural Products (NPs); PBNPs; PBNPDBs

Moringa oleifera has been reported to be the store-house of wide range of bioactive compounds. Most commonly used plant part has been the leaves which are reported to be rich in Vitamins, Carotenoids, Polyphenols, Phenolic Acids, Flavonoids Alkaloids, Glucosinolates, Isocyanides, Tannins and Saponins. Moringa leaves are used as Keerai while, green pods are commonly used as vegetable in the traditional preparation of Sambar in South-India. MO is gaining popularity because of its nutrient-rich root, leaves, flowers and fruits, having immense traditional medicinal uses and proved pharmacological properties. Not much of work has been carried out on analysis of bioactive compounds present in the pods. In the present study an attempt has been made to screen and analyze the range of bioactive compounds present in Moringa oleifera seed removed ripened natural dried pods. Phytochemical screening and GCMS analysis revealed the presence of 12 compounds namely - 7-Octadecyne, 2-methyl- (C19H36); 3,7,11,15-Tetramethyl-2-hexadecen-1-ol (C20H40O); 3,7,11,15-Tetramethyl-2-hexadecen-1-ol (C20H40O); 6,9,12,15-Docosatetraenoic acid, me (C23H38O2); Cyclohexanol, 5-methyl-2-(1-methylethyl)- (C10H20O); 3,7,11,15-Tetramethyl-2-hexadecen-1-ol (C20H40O); Palmitic acid vinyl ester (C18H34O2); .gamma.-Tocopherol (C28H48O2); Vitamin E (C29H50O2); Cholesta-7,9(11)-dien-3-ol, 4,4-dim (C29H48O); gamma.-Sitosterol (C29H50O); Stigmasta-5,24(28)-dien-3-ol, (3.beta.,24Z)- (C29H48O). Further, in-silico ADMET analysis is expected to provide in-death physiochemical and biomolecular details of these molecules in order to exploit them for production of novel drugs for the pharma market with wide array of bio medical applications. Keywords: Bioactive Compounds; GCMS; Phytochemical Screening; MOPME; Plant Based Natural Products;

9,12,15-Octadecatrienoic acid (ODA) a carboxylic acid composed of 18 carbon atoms and three cis double bonds. ODA is a plant derived essential fatty acid indispensable to the human system. ODA refers to many different structural and conformational isomers, that differ in the position of the double bonds along the backbone and on whether they are in cis ('Z') or trans ('E') conformation. It has been well established that ODA can only be outsourced from food and then converted into eicosa-pentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosa-hexaenoic acid (DHA) in the human system. However, this metabolic process is highly limited and the rate of conversion is influenced by several factors such as dose, gender, and disease. Studies suggest that ODA is associated with reduced risk of fatal ischemic heart disease. Further, higher intake may reduce the risk of sudden death among prevalent myocardial infarction in patients consistent with induced antiarrhythmic effect. ODA significantly reduces blood clots. Traditional usage of ODA is attributed to its cardiovascular-protective, anti-cancer, neuro-protective, anti-osteoporotic, anti-inflammatory, and anti-oxidative properties. Recent pharmacological indicate that ODA has anti-metabolic syndrome, anticancer, anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, anti-obesity, neuro-protective, and more specifically involved in the regulation of gut-micro-floral functionalities. Studies, both experimental and clinical trials indicate that ODA has anti-metabolic syndrome effects. In short, ODA is potentially used to treat many diseases, but in-depth ADMET studies are required to firmly re-establish its clinical efficacy and market potential. Keywords: ADMET; Moringa oleifera; Secondary Metabolites; Natural Products (NPs); Bioactive Substances; Octadecatrienoic acid (ODA); Eicosa-Pentaenoic Acid (EPA); Docosa-Hexaenoic Acid (DHA)

Plant Based Natural Products (PBNPs) have been subject of interest since ancient time due to their use in food, industrial and biomedical applications. Research attention has further augmented to explore their phytochemical composition, properties, and potential application in the post-COVID era. In the present study phytochemical screening has been carried out with Methanolic Leaf Extracts of Moringa oleifera (MLEMO) followed by Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GCMS) analysis. Phytochemical analysis of MLEMO revealed the presence of Alkaloids, Carbohydrates, Coumarins, Flavonoids, Glycosides, Phenol, Proteins, Quinones, Saponins, Steroids, Tannins and Terpenoids. Further, GCMS analysis revealed the presence of 41 compounds of which Dihydroxyacetone; Monomethyl malonate; 4H-Pyran-4-one,2,3-dihydro-3,5-dihydroxy-6-methyl; 1,3-Propanediol, 2-ethyl-2-(hydroxymethyl); Propanoic acid, 2-methyl-, octyl ester; 3-Deoxy-d-mannoic lactone; Sorbitol; Inositol; Cyclohexanemethanol, alpha-methyl-4-(1-methylethyl), Hexadecanoic acid, Methyl palmitate; n-Hexadecanoic acid (Palmitic acid); 9-Octadecenoic acid, methyl ester; Phytol; 9,12,15-Octadecatrienoic acid; Octadecanoic acid; 9-Octadecenamide were prominent. Most of the compounds in the list are bioactive and possess medicinal properties that are expected to serve as a baseline lead for the development of therapeutic agents. Keywords: Phytochemical screening; GCMS; Bioactive Natural Products; Moringa oleifera; MLEMO; Biomedical application

Palmitic Acid (PA) is known to exert multiple fundamental biological functions at cellular and tissue levels and its steady concentration is guaranteed by its endogenous synthesis by DNL. PA has been for a long time negatively represented for its detrimental health effects tailing its essential physiological attributes. PA has been portrayed to serve as a signalling molecule regulating the progression and development of many diseases at molecular level. Controversial data on the association of dietary PA with detrimental health effects has been related to several parameters such as fatty acid/ macronutrient imbalance by altered lipid metabolism, positive energy balance, excessive intake of carbohydrates, imbalance of dietary PA/PUFA, physiopathological conditions, presence of enhanced DNL and sedentary lifestyle. This may result in dyslipidemia, hyperglycemia, increased ectopic fat accumulation and increased inflammatory tone indicating that clear understanding of system based PA metabolism is still lacking. In the present study an attempt has been made to bring out the absorption, distribution, metabolism, elimination and toxicity profile of PA. Results are expected to have some implications in elucidating the molecular mechanisms that regulates pathophysiological events involved in hyperglycemia/ hyperlipidemia-induced complications associated with diabesity and CVD. Besides it may provide a better understanding to identify key molecular targets for therapeutic management of PA induced metabolic disorders. Keywords: Moringa oleifera; MOLE; Bioactive Secondary Metabolites; ADME/Tox; Natural Products (NPs); PBNPs; PDHA; n-Hexadecanoic Acid (nHDA); Palmitic Acid (PA)

A new species of the Genus Kalidasa Kirkaldy, 1900 (Fulgoridae: Hemiptera) as Kalidasa mythiliae sp. Nov. İnfesting Ailanthus excelsa trees as sucking insect pest collected from Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu is described with morphological characteristics of the other five species reported. A key to identify the species of the Genus, Kalidasa of India has been provided.

Background:Anemia is one of the predominant hematological conditions, whereas chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a predominant respiratory disease. These two diseases were found to be interlinked, but the physiological pathways are still unclear.Aim:The current study has been aimed at analysing the genetic interrelationship between anemia and COPD in accordance with different altitudes. Methodology. The genetic analysis was performed in the SERPINA1 gene of anemia, COPD, and healthy individuals for the analysis of single nucleotide polymorphism at rs28949274 and rs17580 locations. Result and Discussion. The single nucleotide polymorphism at the locations rs28949274 and rs17580 was present in both anemic and COPD patients. The COPD patients were more prone to mutations (63% had rs28949274, and 11% had rs17580 polymorphisms) than the anemic patients (40% had rs28949274, and 1% had rs17580 polymorphisms). On the basis of altitude, high-altitude individuals were found to be more susceptible to both the polymorphisms.Conclusion:Based on the current findings, we suggest that the SERPINA1 gene has a positive correlation with anemia as well as COPD, and the increase in altitude also influences the diseased conditions in a positive manner.

Forages usually constitute the major portion of the ruminant feeds in our country. Availability of feed containing imbalanced chemical composition and metabolisable energy is major handicap in ruminant production the world over. The present study aimed to evaluate the fibre fractions of Ailanthus excels Roxb. fast growing multipurpose indigenous tree species used as cattle fodder as the leaves are rated as highly palatable and nourishing with high percentage of crude protein. The fiber fractions i.e. Neutral Detergent Fibre (NDF), Acid Detergent Fiber (ADF), Acid Detergent Lignin (ADL) values were measured for Ailanthus excels Roxb. leaves and observed that AD Fvaried from 0.91% to 74 %and the average was recorded as 48.93 ± 8.36 %, NDF ranged from 28.49 % to 94.77 % with an average of 5.6± 0.97 % and recorded the minimum of 0.2% to the maximum of 17.5 % of ADL value. Low or high NDF value indicate the dry matter digestibility and dry matter intake that will result in a decrease or increase in livestock consumption. Hemicellulose and cellulose, the slowly digestible fibre materials present in the cell wall ranged from 1.72 to 82.5 % and 0.45 to 96.72 % respectively. The digestibility of the A.excelsa leaves was tested for 24 hrs and 48 hrs were observed that almost all accessions showed digestibility greater than 50%.Metabolizable energy (ME) and Total Digestible Nutrients (TDN) are the other two energy requirement of cattle other than IVDMD and ME observed to be more than 8.23(MJ/Kg DM) for all the accessions and TDN value more than 40 %. Though fodder is nutrient treasure, the IVDMD decides the nutrient intake by the cattle. With the desirable fibre fraction and promising IVDMD and metabolizable energy values of A. excel accessions can be an alternate tree fodder for cattle during lean period.