ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE:True botanical identity, quality issues, and conservation are the current gaps in the trade of Indian medicinal plant species used in traditional systems. The Ministry of AYUSH, India executed raw drug repositories (RDR) as a key strategy to solve such issues. AIM OF THE STUDY:This review presents a unified concept of botanical repositories as a systematic approach to managing herbal raw drugs used in the Ayurveda, Siddha, and Unani (ASU) systems. MATERIAL:Electronic databases, pharmacopoeias, reports, and books were referred to identify relevant literature. RESULTS:The review systematically organizes scientific literature of botanical repositories in a concise and structured manner, making it accessible and comprehensible. It proposed a networking of the AYUSH RDR with a special focus on the National Raw Drug Repository (NRDR) with existing herbal repositories to explore future opportunities in the AYUSH domain. The study categorised raw drugs, their profiling, and the methodology for development of botanical reference substances (BRS). It discussed the significance of NRDR in terms of BRS, harmonisation of herbal trade, and botanical research. This work proposed a schematic design for a virtual repository to enhance user accessibility. CONCLUSION:The study serves as a guide for researchers, stakeholders, and practitioners to resolve issues on Indian medicinal plant species. It will raise awareness about the collection center of ASU drugs, authentication facilities, BRS, and proposed a sustainability plan & recommendations for betterment of RDR. The study serves as a role model for their further extension into other Indian geographical zones.

This research investigates the Ayurvedic Gel Formulation (AGF), an Ayurvedic product, utilizing various analytical techniques to assess its quality, safety, and stability. The AGF underwent stringent packaging in containers, following ICH guidelines Q1A (R2), to undergo extended shelf-life studies at 30°C ± 2°C and 60% RH ± 5% RH. Continuous evaluations, including physico-chemical and marker-based assessments, were conducted, with a control sample. The shelf-life dynamics were scrutinized through withdrawals at zero days and at 3-month intervals. This research article presents a thorough investigation into the HPTLC fingerprint profiling of Mimosa pudica plant and AGF, employing a solvent system of n-hexane: Ethyl acetate: Formic acid (6:4:0.1 v/v) with Linoleic acid as the reference standard. The study utilized UV observation at 254 nm and 366 nm, iodine vapors derivatization, and anisaldehyde-sulphuric acid reagent for detection, yielding comprehensive HPTLC fingerprint profiles. Safety parameters, encompassing microbial load, specific pathogens, and aflatoxin analysis, along with Total Phenolic Content (TPC) (0.3087%w/w) and Total Flavonoid Content (TFC) (0.1828%w/w), were systematically examined. The quantified results disclosed linoleic acid content in AGF (0.0182%) and Mimosa pudica (0.04119%). Palmitic acid analysis in AGF (0.0351%) and Coconut Oil (0.0119%) further validated the formulation. Safety evaluations demonstrated compliance with permissible limits for heavy metals, while microbial analysis highlighted a moderate aerobic count and low fungal count, ensuring high hygiene standards. Aflatoxin levels below quantifiable limits and pesticide residues within detectable limits emphasized adherence to safety standards. Thermal analysis confirmed the stability of AGF, providing a comprehensive understanding of its safety, quality, and compositional attributes in Ayurvedic formulations.

Abstract: The definition and comprehension of prebiotics have undergone a substantial transformation over the years, culminating in a consensus in 2016 among an expert panel from the International Scientist Association for Probiotics and Prebiotics (ISAPP). This revision suggests that prebiotics are substances that promote the growth of probiotics, thereby benefitting the health of the host. These substances are no longer restricted to dietary carbohydrates and have expanded to include bioactive compounds such as polyphenols. The objective of this review is to offer a thorough examination of carbohydrate-based prebiotics (e.g., FOS, GOS, Inulin), their natural modulation, herbal interventions, microbial-based substances, and their influence on gut health. Additionally, it will investigate their association with the Indian traditional medicinal system. A review was conducted to identify and analyze studies related to prebiotics, including their categories, commercial availability, and applications. The investigation was expanded to encompass the interactions between the intestinal microbiome, diet, epigenetics, and the mechanism of action of prebiotics. The relationship between prebiotics and the Indian traditional medicinal system, emergent dietary inventions, and microbial products such as synbiotics, postbiotics, and para-probiotics that have demonstrated potential in gut health management with minimal side effects were all given special attention. The review emphasizes novel discoveries, including the integration of a variety of dietary interventions and microbial products into digestive health management, as well as the role of bioactive compounds (e.g., polyphenols) as potential prebiotics. It also demonstrates the substantial interactions between the intestinal microbiome, diet, and epigenetics. Additionally, the review emphasizes the potential synergistic benefits and compatibility of integrating contemporary prebiotic research with practices from the Ayurvedic medicinal system. The increased understanding of prebiotics, which extends beyond dietary carbohydrates to encompass a variety of bioactive compounds, creates new opportunities for research and implementation in the management of integrative gut health. This review has identified herbal interventions and microbial products as promising frontiers for future research. The integration of these discoveries into therapeutic interventions and consumer products has the potential to significantly increase health outcomes with minimal side effects, thereby representing a significant advancement in the field of gut health research.

Background: Shyonaka (Oroxylum indicum Vent) is widely used in Ayurveda and in ethnomedical practice for the treatment of inflammation, pain, diarrhea, non-healing ulcers, and cancer. Owing to the high prevalence of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection in Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) patients, simultaneous targeting of proteins involved in both EBV replication and NPC proliferation might help to manage the disease effectively. Objectives: This study is designed to identify potential dual targeting inhibitors from Oroxylum indicum having the potential to inhibit both EBV and NPC. This study also attempted quantitative analysis of Shyonaka Bark Decoction (SBD) to confirm the presence of Baicalein and Chrysin which are predominant marker compounds of Shyonaka. Methodology: The HPLC analysis of stem bark and root bark of Oroxylum indicum was done to estimate the presence of marker compounds Baicalein and Chrysalin. The in-silico analysis included ADMET analysis followed by molecular docking of known compounds from Oroxylum indicum (retrieved from IMPPAT database) onto the target proteins of EBV (BHRF1, NEC1, dUTPase, Uracil DNA glycosylase) and NPC (COX-2, EGFR, and MDM2) using DOCK6 tool. Further validations were done using the molecular dynamics simulations of top screened molecules onto the selected target proteins using AMBER20 package and their corresponding MMGBSA binding free-energy values were calculated. Results: The molecular docking revealed that the key molecules from the plant, scutellarein 7-rutinoside (S7R), scutellarin (SCU) and 6-hydroxyluteolin, Baicalein and 5,7-Dihydroxy-2-phenyl-6-[3,4,5-trihydroxy-6-(hydroxymethyl)oxan-2-yl]oxychromen-4-one (57D) are effectively intervening with the target proteins of EBV, one of the key causative factors of NPC and the NPC specific targets which have the potential to reduce tumor size and other consequences of NPC. The molecular dynamics simulations of S7R, Baicalein and 57D, Baicalein with MDM-2 protein and dUTPase protein, respectively, showed stable interactions between them which were further assessed by the binding energy calculations. Conclusion: Overall, the in-silico evaluation of these phytochemicals with target proteins indicates their potential to inhibit both EBV and NPC which needs further in-vitro and in-vivo validations.

Background: Tinospora cordifolia (TC), commonly referred to as Guduchi, holds a prominent position in the Indian traditional system of medicine and has been cited in Ayurvedic literature for its efficacy in the treatment of a range of ailments, including jaundice, urinary issues, diabetes, prolonged diarrhea, skin conditions, stomachaches, and dysentery. Methods: The present study analyzed the content of phytochemical markers present in the stems of TC collected from five distinct geographical locations (TC-01 to TC-05) and assessed the corresponding variations in their in-vitro antioxidant potential. Results: Lupeol content in various samples of TC varied from 217.9 to 510.9 μg/mg, while palmatine ranged from 0.002% to 0.025%. Total phenolic content (TPC) ranged from 0.77 to 6.35 mg GAE/g wt., and total flavonoid content (TFC) from 12.15 to 20.03 mg QCE/g wt., with IC50 values between 21.02 and 81.81 mg/mL. Elemental analysis of TC-01 to TC-05 showed significant essential elements and permissible levels of heavy metals. A shelf-life study of TC samples indicated stability beyond three years. Conclusion: The considerable diversity in phytochemical content and antioxidant values underscores the substantial influence of geographical variation on the therapeutic potential of TC.

The Indian Himalayan Region (IHR) is the storehouse of wide variety of medicinal plants. However, protected areas in Himachal Pradesh are less explored for medicinal plants. As such, Khokhan Wildlife Sanctuary in Kullu district, Himachal Pradesh has not been explored for the medicinal plants diversity. Therefore, the present study was conducted to explore the medicinal plants diversity of the sanctuary during 2016-2023. The study recorded 377 medicinal plants belonging to 264 genera and 87 families. Of the recorded medicinal plants, 177 were natives, 83 near endemics and 06 endemics. Different parts of the medicinal plants were used by the inhabitants for curing cough, cold, fever, cuts, wound, blood purification, tonic, liver and kidney complaints, antidote to snake, insect bite, etc. But, due to over exploitation, habitat degradation and changing environmental conditions, the populations of most of the species are declining rapidly in the sanctuary. Therefore, there is an urgent need to monitor the populations of these medicinal plants frequently by using ecological (quardrat) method, and create awareness among the inhabitants and Forest Department officials about the sustainable utilization.

Population explosion results of increase in demand of resources and rapid loss of biodiversity which results in threat of species. Overexploitation, habitat degradation, grazing and early collection of plant material for commercialization and traditional use is a major factor responsible for the loss of biodiversity which results in threat of species. Extinction of species is the most irreversible phenomenon in all the major environmental calamities happened on earth crust. Biodiversity extinction rate is faster than the natural extinction with the results of changes land use pattern, unsustainable use of natural resources, pollution, habitat degradation, climate change, invasion of alien species, conversion of forest land for cultivation and residential as well as commercial purposes resulting in natural habitat degradation and is a direct cause of extinction and loss of biodiversity. In the present investigation, an approach has been developed to prioritize species at local level in Pangi valley, District Chamba by using six conservation attributes i.e., population size, habitat preference, distribution range, anthropogenic pressures, extraction trend, use pattern, endemism and nativity. Threat categories of floristic diversity were identified on the basis of Conservation Priority Index. The total of 780 species of vascular plants recorded in Pangi Valley (Prakash, 2024), 95 species were fallen under different threat categories i.e.,14 species Critically Endangered,18 Endangered, 25 Vulnerable, 38 Near Threatened and other species were under Least Concern category. The total of 780 species, 02 species were reported under Critically Endangered, 07 Endangered, 05 Vulnerable, 02 Near Threatened and remaining species under Least Concern categories as per IUCN threatened list. The totals of 780 species, 08 species were reported under Critically Endangered, 09 Endangered 08 Vulnerable by many researchers in Himachal Pradesh. Maximum 75 threatened species were identified between 2801 and 3800 m; 31 were recorded in Cedrus deodara community, followed by 24 in Betula utilis community. The overexploitations and unsustainable use of natural resources and destruction of habitats contribute to the major loss of biodiversity. Therefore, regular monitoring of populations and habitats, development of conventional protocols, establishment of species in-situ conditions and habitats and replication of this approach in other parts of Indian Himalayan Region have been suggested.

Abstract BACKGROUND: Millets are an inexpensive grain that contains many major and minor nutrients, such as carbohydrates, protein, fats, and dietary fibers. As millets are rich in carbohydrates, and carbohydrates tend to be a great prebiotic source for the proliferation of gut microbes (probiotics), this study was designed to evaluate the prebiotic potential of millets. Millets used in this study include pearl millet ( Pennisetum glaucum L.), finger millet ( Eleusine coracana L.), sorghum ( Sorghum bicolor L.), and foxtail millet ( Setaria italica L.). METHODS: The prebiotic activity was performed by using them as a sole carbon source in De Man–Rogosa–Sharpe agar media with probiotic strains Lactobacillus plantarum [Microbial Type Culture Collection (MTCC) 1407], Lactobacillus paracasei (Microbial Culture Collection 4490), Lactobacillus rhamnosus (MTCC 1408), and Saccharomyces boulardii . Millets were ground into a fine powder with the grinder, and the powder was used as a carbon source in media for cultivating microorganisms under anaerobic conditions maintained in an anaerobic jar at 37°C. RESULTS: The results revealed that the growth of all microorganisms was confluent on their respective Petri plates under anaerobic conditions as observed on positive control plates. When these selected millets powder were mixed in the same ratio and used as a carbon source to check prebiotic activity, the results showed similar trends as observed with individual millets. CONCLUSION: The study concludes that whole grain millets showed prebiotic activity and thus can be recognized as an essential prebiotic nutritious food. These millets may support the growth of the population of healthy gut microbes, thus playing an important role in promoting digestion. Further, in-vivo and clinical validation is necessary to establish the prebiotic potential of these millets leading to the development of millets based ayurvedic prebiotic formulations.

The rhizosphere constitutes an ideal example to study the natural interdependence of biological and physical factors. Health of this biologically active unit determines the stability of most ecosystems. Multiple factors like microbial diversity, plant species, existing positive and negative interactions, and diverse physical factors like nutrient availability, pH, temperature, water, etc. regulate fitness of the rhizosphere. For example, different soil types can support different plants or microbes and therefore have differences in biochemical diversity. All plant-microbe or microbe-microbe or microbe-plant-microbe interactions, in reverse, also determine the soil quality in long term and hence affect sustenance of either a natural ecosystem or, in case of agricultural lands, the crop productivity. As far as the importance of these biological interactions is concerned, especially of plant-microbe interactions in agriculture lands, it is undeniable that we are dependent on them. However, a detailed understanding of these interactions and the intricate mechanisms involved is still lacking. This chapter focuses on several such interactions known in nature that are responsible for improvement of soil quality or can be used for agricultural sustainability. We discuss several positive and negative interactions and their overall impact on crop yields. We highlight chemoattractants of different classes, which make the basis of plant-microbe associations and emphasize the missing links where future research should be focused. A special emphasis is on two explicit examples: (1) a tripartite communication between plant, fungi, and plant-pathogenic nematodes and (2) nitrogen-fixing symbiotic microbes in different plant species. Both examples strongly emphasize the use of natural means for either biological control of plant pathogens or for soil fertilization. Commercialization and further investments into the discussed and other related green methods have implication for improving soil quality and crop sustainability with minimal environmental impact.

Health is self produced by equilibrium and balance in the behavior of individuals at every level. This is the real meaning of wellbeing advancement on public health according to Ayurveda. Ayurveda is based on universal principles -- not constrained to a specific ethnic gathering or culture-being both individual focused and intercultural and it very well may be utilized as a joining of the existent human services frameworks just as a layout to safeguard nearby conventional qualities so as to address the issues of various populaces. Ayurveda concerns mostly with longevity, whose notion is not only limited merely to long-lasting life, but it encompasses all the conditions to live in health and vitality in order to achieve an healthy death, meaning the natural final experience of the cycle of life. Thus, in Ayurveda the concept of public health, even encompassing all ages, focuses primarily on the individual capability of healthy aging intended as complete fulfilling one’s life.

Nowadays developing the nanomaterials for the sensors capable of sensing at low temperature is given prime importance. In line with this review describes the latest investigations on the effect of metal ion doping on nickel oxide (NiO) sensor capabilities towards various gases. NiO is used as base material of the sensor because of its p-type semiconducting behaviors and its long term stability. Transition metals like Fe, W, Cu, Sn, Nb, In, Ti, and Zn are used as dopants because of their good thermal and electrical conductivity. In this short review article, various synthesis approaches to prepare doped NiO nanostructures and their structural feature are discussed. The development of a sensor device using doped NiO nanostructures and investigation of its sensing property for various gases such as xylene, methane, ethanol, butanol, NO2, etc. are discussed in detail. At the end, all the sensing results were correlated and proposed the suitable conditions to develop the potential doped nanoscaled NiO for better sensor applications.

BACKGROUND: Shelf-life is an important aspect of raw as well as finished drugs. Recently, shelf-life parameters have been included in the Ayurvedic Pharmacopeia of India (API). The aim of this study to evaluate the comparative long-term shelf-life study of Raw Vetas (Salix alba stem bark) and Vetas Ghana (a semisolid form of Salix alba Stem bark aqueous extract). METHODS: A stability chamber with environmental conditions 30°C ± 2°C/60% RH ± 5% was used for the long-term shelf-life study of Raw Vetas and Vetas Ghana. Physicochemical parameters like loss on drying, pH, total ash, acid insoluble ash, water extractive value, and alcohol extractive value were evaluated at a regular frequency (0th, 3rd, 6th, 9th, and 12th months). RESULTS: There are significant changes that have been observed w.r.t. physicochemical parameters analysis. Physicochemical parameters revealed that the shelf-life of Raw Vetas ranged from 31 to 66 months and the shelf-life of Vetas Ghana ranged from 38 to 62 months. CONCLUSIONS: The average shelf-life of Raw Vetas and Vetas Ghana was 41.83 and 47.50 months, respectively. This study may help to understand the shelf-life of various Ayurvedic formulations consisting of Raw Vetas and Vetas Ghana.

The experiment was carried out during rabi seasons of 2018-19 and 2019-20 at Indira Gandhi Krishi Vishwavidyalaya in plots of the Horticulture Research cum Instructional Farm, Department of Vegetable Science, Raipur. The experiment was laid out in Factorial Randomized Block Design with 24 treatment combinations which were replicated three times. To find out the effect of plant growth retardant on different sweet potato varieties for yield attributing characters. Among the varieties tested, Chhattisgarh Sarkarkand Priya and Cycocel 500ppm as foliar spray at 60 and 80 DAT significantly higher values of like root tuber length (cm), root tuber breadth (cm), root tuber girth (cm), number of root tuber per plant, fresh weight of root tuber per plant (g) and total root tuber yield(q ha-1).

BACKGROUND: Vetas Ghana is a semi-solid prepared from the aqueous extract of stem bark of Salix alba L. (Vetas). Vetas Ghana is an important Ayurvedic intermediate used in various herbal and cosmetic formulations. There is no advance analysis of Vetas Ghana preparation reported yet. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this work was to prepare Vetas Ghana and to study phytochemicals by using advanced analytical instruments such as high-performance thin-layer chromatography (HPTLC) and tandem liquid chromatography-quadrupole time of flight-mass spectrometry (LC-QTOF-MS/MS). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Vetas Ghana was analyzed by physicochemical parameters such as loss on drying, pH, total ash, acid insoluble ash, total soluble solids, and its major metabolites were checked by using advanced chromatographic tools such as HPTLC and LC-QTOF-MS/MS. RESULTS: In comparison of Vetas with Vetas Ghana, drastic changes in the parameters such as pH, and ash (total and acid insoluble) were observed. In the HPTLC study, after derivatization marker compound epicatechin is detectable in Vetas and Vetas Ghana. LC-QTOF-MS/MS analysis of Vetas and Vetas Ghana reveals the presence of eight major metabolites including the presence of marker compound epicatechin. CONCLUSIONS: Vetas Ghana was prepared in in-house pharmacy and phytochemicals were detected by using HPTLC and LC-QTOF-MS/MS analysis, where biomarkers like epicatechin are identified including other biomarkers such as salicin and isosalicin.

The gas sensor market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 8.7% from 2021 to 2026, from a market value of USD 2.50 and 4.39 billion and metal oxide sensor (MOS) gas sensors are slowly replacing other convections gas sensors in all engineering applications. But the metal oxide semiconducting gas sensor has limited usage due to high temperature, greater power consumption, short term stability and its susceptibility towards humidity. In this context many researcher were attempted to develop MOS gas sensors capable of sensing gases at higher operating temperature but only few works investigated the sensor lower temperature dependency on transition metal dopants. The objective of the present research work is to investigate the effect of transition metal ion doping on Nickel oxide sensor capabilities towards various gas reported by various research groups. Nickel oxide is used as base material of the sensor because of its p-type semiconducting behaviours and its long term stability, transition metals like Cu, Co and Zn are used as dopants because of their good thermal and electrical conductivity. In this short review article, the pure and doped NiO metal oxide nanoparticles prepared by various research groups were methods are consolidated and their detailed characterisation using XRD, SEM, UV-Vis, TEM, and Raman were also discussed. The development of sensor device using NiO nanoparticles and investigation of its sensing property for various gasses such as methane, ethanol, CO, H2, NH3, NO2, H2S etc were discussed in detail. At the end all the sensing results were correlated and proposed the suitable conditions, nanoscaled NiO for better sensor applications.

BACKGROUND: Diospyros exsculpta Buch.-Ham. (DE) belongs to the genus Diospyros, is an underutilized plant and needs to explore its phytochemical and biological activities. OBJECTIVES: The Present study aimed to compare phytochemical and biological activities such as antioxidant, antimicrobial, and protein-binding assay of twig and stem bark of DE. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Biological and phytochemical properties of three solvents extracts of twig or branches and stem bark were analyzed. Quantitatively, minerals, antioxidant qualities, total phenolic and flavonoid content, and protein binding were analyzed. Antimicrobial activities were assessed against four bacterial and three fungal strains. RESULTS: It was observed that stem bark and twig of DE showed a broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity. Good concentration of Cu, Fe, Mn, Na, P, and Zn has been observed. Comparatively, stem bark and twig have almost the same amount of nutrients (P ≤ 0.05). Value of total phenolic content (TPC) samples varied from 6.27 to 8.74 mg g-1 dry weight in methanol extracts, 18.48–24.09 mg g-1 DW in acetone extracts and 1.41-2.31 mg/g DW in petroleum ether extracts, which is called as gallic acid equivalents (GAEs). Total flavonoid content varied from 87.52 to 197.2 mg quercetin equivalent (QE)/g DW of sample for methanol extracts, 70.12–86.25 mg QE/g DW for acetone extracts, and 2.55–3.75 mg QE/g DW for petroleum ether extracts. CONCLUSION: It was observed that all three extracts of twig and stem bark of DE have significant variation for antioxidant activities. The antioxidant activities were variable from assay to assay as well as extract to extract. Overall, in antioxidant activities, polar extracts have shown the most effective results. All three extracts have shown a significant protein-binding assay, which was almost close to aspirin. Anti-inflammatory assay of various extracts has revealed potent anti-inflammatory activity. Significant linear correlation (P ≤ 0.05) of TPC with antioxidant activities favored its role in antioxidant activity. These comparative findings on phytochemical, biological activities of stem bark, and twig of DE provide compelling scientific evidence of its therapeutic usage.

Yashtimadhu Churna is one of the traditional formulations used as antacid, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, antioxidant, analgesic, anti-stress, demulcent, antibacterial and anti-asthmatic agents. The formulation mainly contains Yastimadhu (Glycyrrhiza glabra) root extract. Present study described preliminary qualitative phytochemicals analysis and chromatographic fingerprinting of Yashtimadhu Churna using HPLC and HPTLC analysis. Study also presented anti-inflammatory potential of formulation using protein denaturation method. This study helps to establish standardization parameters of Yashtimadhu Churna and also confirmed anti-inflammatory potential of formulation.

Good manufacturing practices (GMPs) are the guiding principles, which ensure that products are consistently produced and controlled as per quality standards. This is an important requirement for marketing authorization. At the global and national level, different regulatory authorities work to formulate guidelines and regulations for the manufacturing of product and also work to achieve harmonization of guidelines and quality control of pharmaceutical products. This article provides specific information on contemporary manufacturing guidelines for Ayurvedic formulations especially given by World Health Organization (WHO) and Drug & Cosmetic rules 1945 (Schedule T) and their suitable strategies for practice. Knowledge of such guidelines and practice is helpful to maintain quality, safety, and efficiency to extraordinary heights in the manufacturing of products.