The Journal of the Indian Botanical Society

Comparative analysis of antioxidant potential in different species of genus Thunbergia via phytochemical screening

SHIVANI SANGAL — 2025-01-17

Abstract: Thunbergia, a genus under the family Acanthaceae, is known for important medicinal plants that, in general, exhibit antibacterial, antifungal, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and hepatoprotective activities. The present study aims to investigate antioxidant activities in alcoholic and aqueous plant extracts using ABTS (2,2 -Azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) diammonium salt), DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) and FRAP (ferric ion reducing antioxidant power) for free radical scavenging activity and evaluation of total content of phenolics, flavonoids and ascorbate. The current study is performed in the leaves and stems of Thunbergia alata, Thunbergia erecta, and Thunbergia mysorensis. The highest amount of phenolics and flavonoids was recorded in the leaves and stem of T. alata. In contrast, the highest ascorbate was recorded in T. erecta leaves and T. mysorensis stem. Interestingly, in aqueous extracts, T. erecta performed the best in FRAP assay in both leaves and stem segments; T. alata stem and T. mysorensis leaves performed well in ethanolic extract. Ethanolic extracts of T. alata and T. mysorensis leaves performed better for DPPH assay, while T. erecta stems performed better in aqueous extract. ABTS assay was exceedingly high in the ethanolic extract of T. alata stem and contrastingly low in T. erecta aqueous and ethanolic extract. Looking at the values, FRAP appears sensitive in depicting stark differences in leaves and stem parts in aqueous or ethanolic extracts. Thus, the present investigation suggests that the studied plant has an accessible source of antioxidants for medicinal and commercial purposes.

Keywords: ABTS, DPPH, FRAP, Ascorbate, Flavonoids and Phenolics

Socio-religious strategies and perceptions of indigenous people towards the sacred groves in Kumaon region of Western Himalaya

Medha Durgapal — 2025-04-25

Sacred groves are the forest areas, varying from few to many hectares. They are located at different elevations and act as a storehouse of numerous medicinal plants. These are conserved by local inhabitants for their religious faiths and cultural beliefs. Field visits and surveys were conducted among the local inhabitants residing in and near the scared groves of Almora, Western Himalaya to achieve the authentic information regarding the socio-religious values and perception status. Inhabitants believe that majority of the rules of the sacred groves were historic and established by their forefathers and predecessors. Observations show that faith, cultural belief and the associated taboos play an important role in the conservation of sacred groves. Indigenous communities believe that modernization and growing disbelief towards the traditional value systems among the young generation has inversely impacted the preservation of the sacred groves. Knowledge awareness and belief system is much necessary for creating fresh approaches for the conservation and proper management of the groves.

Investigation of bioactive compounds and determination of antioxidant potential of corn silk using spectrophotometric methods

Aishwarya Parab — 2025-04-15

Corn silks are the yellowish-golden, long, hair-like extensions of the female inflorescence of the maize plant. Even though treated as agricultural waste, corn silks have medicinal uses in certain parts of the world. Acknowledged as a beneficial antioxidant, corn silk has been utilized in combating kidney stones. To reveal the mineral content, a recent work was executed analysing its physicochemical properties. Additionally, phytochemical testing identified the phytoconstituents contributing to its therapeutic benefits and nutritional value. The study found that corn silk had low amount of loss on drying, indicating a good shelf life. Additionally, the phytochemical analysis revealed high amounts of beneficial compounds such as polyphenols, flavonoids, and tannins, suggesting its potential as a rich source of antioxidants. The flavonoids present, responsible for antioxidant properties were quantified and evaluated, further supporting its prospective health benefits. These findings highlight the promising antioxidant potential of corn silk, paving the way for further research and potential applications in the domain of natural antioxidants.

Unveiling the antioxidant and antimicrobial properties of Plumeria pudica Jacq. stem extracts, backed by qualitative and quantitative phytochemical analysis.

Kavan Shukla — 2025-04-20

Background: Since the outbreak of the coronavirus disease, the demand for herbal remedies with minimal or no side effects has risen significantly. This is partly due to the notable side effects, some severe or even fatal, associated with existing vaccines and treatments. As a result, there is growing interest in pharmacological research to address this issue by focusing on organic alternatives to conventional medicines. This approach involves extracting high-quality phytochemicals from plants to develop advanced biomedical applications for treating various diseases and conditions.

Purpose: The objective of this research is to evaluate the qualitative and quantitative phytochemicals present in the stem extracts of the medicinally important plant P. pudica. Additionally, the study includes an assessment of the plant's antioxidant properties and an investigation into its antimicrobial properties.

Methods: The qualitative phytochemical analysis was done to evaluate the presence of various phytochemicals and to quantify these phytochemicals total content estimation of them was done. Also, phytochemical analysis was further enriched by LC-QTOF MS/MS analysis for the presence of compounds. Two assays did the determination of the antioxidant potential of the leaves, the reducing power assay and the DPPH(2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) assay. With that the antimicrobial properties of the leaves were also put to test against four bacterial strains namely, E. coli, Salmonella enterica, Staphylococcus aureus, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

Results: The results of the phytochemical evaluation indicated that both IPA and hydroalcoholic extracts exhibited a superior phytochemical composition, emphasizing the higher extractive potential of HYA compared to the non-polar petroleum ether extract. The quantitative analysis revealed the predominance of HYA and IPA extract as the number of phenols (105.4±0.54 mg GAE/g dry-weight of plant extract), flavonoids (401.2±0.68 mg QE/g dry-weight of plant extract), saponins (233.4±0.45 mg DE/g dry-weight of plant extract) were highest in the HYA extract. Whereas Protein (173±0.7 mg BSAE/g dry weight of plant extract) and alkaloids (167±0.34 mg CE/g of plant extract) were highest in IPA extract. LC-MS QTOF analysis demonstrated the presence of significant phytocompounds in all stem extracts that have pharmacological applications. Moreover, in antioxidant assays, the HYA extract showed the highest DPPH scavenging activity (70.82 % of inhibition), with an IC₅₀ value of 33.7 µg/mL, and the HYA extract exhibited the highest reducing power (1.57 absorbance), signifying robust antioxidant activity. Furthermore, the antimicrobial evaluation revealed that the IPA and hydroalcoholic extracts displayed activity at lower MIC zones of inhibition compared to the other stem extracts.

Conclusion: This study concludes that the diverse extracts of P. pudica stem possess remarkable phytoconstituent properties both qualitatively and quantitatively, suggesting their rich bioactive compound content and potential as novel sources for therapeutic applications.

Habitat distribution modeling for reintroduction of Flacourtia jangomas (Lour.) Raeusch. (Salicaceae): an indigenous fruit tree of Terai region

Jyoti Gupta — 2025-04-25

Flacourtia jangomas (Lour.) Raeusch., commonly known as paniala, is an important underutilized fruit tree of Terai region. Due to the wide spectrum of pharmacological, cytotoxic and nutraceutical properties, the fruits of F. jangomas has been in high demand. In the present study, an extensive survey has been conducted to observe the distribution pattern of male and female tree populations of F. jangomas from 2020 to 2024 in Gorakhpur district of Uttar Pradesh. A decline in male and female population have been also reported during the study. During a population survey (2020-2022) 68 places were marked in Gorakhpur district and adjoining regions with 1,340 trees (161 male and 1,179 female) of F. jangomas. In a recent survey (2023-2024), the same locations gave the decreased number of tree population which is 1,051 trees (144 male and 907 female). The decrease in population is due to over exploitation, increased urbanization, change in environment and infection caused by insects in the leaves, flowers, and fruits which is alarming. Therefore, the present study was carried out to predict the current suitable habitat of F. jangomas in India using MaxEnt species distribution model. Output of MaxEnt model reveal that the suitable habitat for distribution is Uttar Pradesh and Kerala with an area of 50,734 km2 of highest suitability. Future prediction model for 2050 showed loss of habitat area with an optimal geographic distribution of 25,050 km2 for this important plant which is alarming and measures should be taken timely.

Antioxidant profiling of Garcinia talbotii Raizada ex. Santapau

Priyanka Shukla — 2025-04-15

The genus Garcinia was originally classified under the family Guttiferae Juss. according to Bentham and Hooker’s system of classification. However, it has now been reclassified under the family Clusiaceae Lindl. according to the APG III system of classification. It is represented by over 400 species; 35 species are found in India and the rest are distributed in the tropics of the world. The Garcinia talbotii Raizada ex. Santapau is native and common in dry plains. It thrives in a monsoon climate characterised by a distinct dry season. The tree grows up to an elevation of 100-500 m in the Western Ghats. This plant genus has been used medicinally since ancient times. Traditional herbal treatments are becoming increasingly popular owing to their ease of use, low cost, and absence of side effects. Antioxidants are compounds that can neutralize harmful free radicals in the body, which can damage cells and contribute to various health issues, including cancer, cardiovascular diseases, and aging. Plants can deliver a huge number of differing bioactive compounds which may supplement the requirements of the human body by acting as natural antioxidants. The present study explores the antioxidant activity of Garcinia talbotii leaves, utilizing both aqueous and hydroalcoholic extracts for analysis. DPPH:2,2-diphenyl-1-pirylhydrazyl free radicals scavenging assay, FRAP: Ferric Reducing Antioxidant Power Assay, Nitric oxide free radical scavenging activity, Phosphomolybdate and Hydrogen peroxide method were used to screen the antioxidant activity of the extracts and ascorbic acid was used as positive control. In the FRAP assay, the aqueous extract showed the highest antioxidant activity r² = 0.9062 compared to the standard and hydroalcoholic extract. In the hydrogen peroxide assay, the aqueous extract exhibited the highest antioxidant activity r² = 0.9944 compared to both. In the nitric oxide assay, the aqueous extract again showed the highest antioxidant activity r² = 0.9859. In the phosphomolybdenum assay, the aqueous extract showed the highest activity r² = 0.9966, followed by the hydroalcoholic extract r² = 0.9438 and the standard r² = 0.9326. However, in the DPPH assay, the standard exhibited the highest antioxidant activity r² = 0.9870. The aqueous and hydroalcoholic extracts showed significantly higher antioxidant activity compared to the standard.

FTIR analysis of Bauhinia racemosa Lam. hydroalcoholic extract

Ankit Yadav — 2025-04-30

Bauhinia racemosa Lam. is a tall tree that grows in Sri Lanka, China, India, and Pakistan.Various plant parts have a high therapeutic value in folklore medicine and are used to treat diarrhoea, fever, skin diseases, cough, malaria, and other conditions. Bauhinia racemosa has been shown to have analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antipyretic, antispasmodic, ulcer-preventing, cytotoxic, and hypotensive properties.The infrared spectra of a hydroalcoholic extract of Bauhinia racemosa Lam. were recorded in the present study. Absorption spectra were used to determine the vibrational assignments, intensities, and wave numbers (cm-1) of the main peak. Probable band distributions have been determined based on the components found in the sample. Functional groups found in hydroalcoholic extract includes alcohol, amines, halo compounds, alkane, and fluoro compound, etc. The identification of functional groups by FTIR helps in identifying the possible bioactive elements of Bauhinia racemosa Lam. leaves.The study found that plant hydroalcoholic extract offer great therapeutic potential due to their chemical makeup, which includes biologically significant functional groups. In the future, it will be utilised to treat a variety of ailments.

Phenological studies of Calophyllum apetalum Willd., an economically important medicinal tree of Western Ghats

Chinthu Ramachandran Potti Vasanthakumari — 2025-06-02

Calophyllum apetalum Willd., commonly called Poonspar of Travancore, is a multipurpose evergreen tree endemic to the Western Ghats of India. For phenology studies, individual trees were tagged and their vegetative and reproductive phases have been monitored from 2021 to 2023. The leafing phenophase - simultaneous flushing and leaf fall before the onset of rain - makes C. apetalum trees appear to be always leafy. Leafing, flowering and fruiting phenophases were significantly seasonal. Leaf flushing to flowering takes time and also from flowering to fruiting. Peak flowering is visible from September to October, fruiting maturity occurs in January. Phenological events may vary according to region as well. As with flowering the phenology of fruiting is governed by its own set of constraints. Phenological studies are essential for developing appropriate conservation strategies and to assist adequate germplasm collections since it is necessary to know the baseline data on their flowering and fruiting behavior.

Evaluation of antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anticancer properties of Senna tora (L.) Roxb. Leaf extract

Shivani Sharma — 2025-08-10

Senna tora is a well-known plant of Fabaceae family. It is common weed found throughout the Indian subcontinent. Traditionally this plant is used for the treatment of leprosy, ringworm, skin and liver disorder. In the present study the antioxidant, antimicrobial and anticancer potential of the Senna tora extracts was evaluated. The ethanolic and aqueous extracts of the Senna tora leaves was prepared. The phytochemical constitution of both the extract was analysed by liquid chromatography mass spectroscopy (LCMS). The antioxidant potential was checked by DPPH assay and the antimicrobial activity was checked on different gram positive and gram-negative bacteria. MCF-7 cells were used to study the anticancer potential of Senna tora extract. Presence of various phytochemicals were noted in LCMS analysis. The ethanolic extract showed better antioxidant and antimicrobial results as compared to the aqueous extracts. The Senna tora extracts exhibited cytotoxic potential on MCF-7 cell lines and the IC50 was found to be 22.26 ± 1.23 μg/ml. From the above results it can be concluded that the phytochemicals (flavonoids, alkaloids, saponins, glycosides, fatty acids and etc) present in Senna tora leaves extracts are responsible for its antioxidant, antimicrobial and anticancer efficacy. This plant extracts can be used as a suitable drug candidate. However, further in-depth study is required to support this claim.

Identification and characterization of functional groups in epiphytic lichen Pyxine cocoes (Sw.) Nyl. in proximity to coal based thermal power plants in Uttar Pradesh, India

Namita Gupta — 2025-05-30

Thermal power plants rely on fossil fuels such as coal, oil, or natural gas to produce heat, but they are significant contributors to environmental pollution, emitting metals and other harmful substances. However, the utilization of Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) methods to assess atmospheric pollution in disturbed tropical environments using the spectral properties of lichens has been underexplored. In this study, toxitolerant foliose lichen, Pyxine cocoes (Sw.) Nyl. was collected from various disturbed sites around Panki and Feroze Gandhi Unchahar National Thermal Power Plants (TPPs) in Uttar Pradesh, India and subjected to FTIR analysis. The objective was to investigate and compare the functional groups associated with metal accumulation in lichen thalli.
Results of the FTIR analysis revealed similar absorption bands in appearance but varying in intensity, indicating that both TPPs produce comparable chemical components with varying metabolite quantities. The identified specific functional groups responsible for distinct characteristics within the chemical composition of phytochemical compounds in lichens. The presence of metabolites in P. cocoes spectra enhanced the detection probability of IR bands in various regions, including 3500-3300 cm-1 (N-H and O-H groups), 3300-2500 cm-1 (O-H stretching; carboxylic acid), 1450-1400 cm-1 (C=O symmetric stretching –COO-). FTIR offers a faster and more reliable approach, particularly with the cost-effectiveness and wide distribution of lichens. This study highlights the valuable information obtained through FTIR analysis, which enhances understanding of chemical involvement in polluted environments.

A comprehensive review on occurrence, phenology, traditional uses, chemical composition and pharmacological properties of Abelmoschus moschatus Medik

Ratanajay Sharma — 2025-11-15

Abelmoschus moschatus Medik occurs worldwide including India. North Eastern Terai Region of UP., India situated at foothills of himalayas harbours many lush green vegetation with A. moschatus. Traditionally roots, stems, leaves, fruits and seeds of musk mallow used in medicine. The capsules and leaves are used as vegetables. The present paper deals with the occurrence, phenology, traditional uses, general healthcare, phytochemicals and pharmacological properties of A. moschatus in India. In addition, the holistic approach of the plant in general health care benefits, nutraceuticals and industrial uses were also discussed.

Harnessing the potential of beneficial microbes of Rauvolfia species in sustainable agricultural practices: A Review

Arvind Kumar — 2025-04-20

The widespread utilization of agrochemicals and chemical fertilizers in agriculture that were initially embraced to address agricultural expansion to feed growing world population, have led to significant environmental and health challenges including agrochemical poisoning, unintentional acute pesticide poisoning (UAPP), air and soil pollution, that damage ecosystems and human health. It causes disruption of the soil microbiome and also that of aquatic ecosystems through eutrophication, and human health via complex food webs. Hence, these problems underscore the urgent need for more sustainable agricultural practices. Biofertilizers or microbial inoculants are presented as promising substitutes to chemical fertilizers. Formulations of biofertilizers exploit the beneficial physiological attributes of microbes dwelling in the rhizosphere that may sometimes also invade the interior of plants, like Rauvolfia serpentina (Sarpagandha). The beneficial attributes of these microbes include production of indole-3-acetic acid (IAA), solubilization of phosphate, ACC deaminase activity, siderophore release, and antagonistic activity against pathogens. These qualities make them effective in enhancing plant growth, phytopathogen control, and they also have efficient colonizing ability. Promoting the use of biofertilizers is advocated as a dual solution: addressing the global challenge of feeding a growing population while safeguarding environmental health in a sustainable manner. This shift away from agrochemicals is seen crucial for achieving food security and safety, aligning with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 2030.

Habitat distribution modeling for conservation of Rheum australe D. Don in Himalayas

Pragya Sourabh — 2025-05-31

Rheum australe, an important medicinal plant from the Polygonaceae family, is primarily found across the Himalayas. However, due to overharvesting, its population has witnessed a substantial decline. The present study aims to predict the present and future favorable distribution of R. australe in the Himalayan region by employing the Maxent species distribution model. According to the model output, the optimal habitat for cultivating R. australe in the North-West Himalayas spans approximately 75,409 km². However, our projection model for the year 2050 indicates a reduction in this habitat area, showing the most advantageous geographical distribution to be around 59,612 km². While the projected future distribution of R. australe remains largely similar to its current distribution, the model results highlight a decline of 20.94% in the area deemed highly suitable for its growth. The key predictors determining its distribution include Mean Temperature of Coldest Quarter (bio 11), Annual Mean Temperature (bio 1), and Precipitation of the warmest quarter (bio 18).