A Comprehensive Review on Phytochemistry, Ethnopharmacology, and Pharmacological Properties of Zingiber roseum (Roxb.) Roscoe

Medicinal and aromatic plants are known to have a number of biologically active compounds. Since ancient times, such plants have been used in ethnopharmacology. A number of medicines have been developed from plant origin by researchers and Researchers continue to be interested in plant-based medicines.. Zingiberaceae is a well-known plant family for such types of medicinal and aromatic plants. Zingiber is the third largest genus of this family and Zingiber roseum (Roxb.) Roscoe is a medicinal and aromatic Z. roseum is a rhizomatous perennial herbaceous plant of this genus, popularly known as "Rosy Ginger" and "Jangli Adrak," utilized in the Siddha arrangement of medication, and its rhizomes have been used to treat injury, cough, asthma, skin illnesses, gastric ulcers, liver diseases, and heartburn in tradition. It also has ethnopharmacological uses, such as the rhizome of Z. roseum is used for digestion, relieving giddiness, and as a stimulant. Apart from this, it has been reported for several pharmacological activities such as antispasmodic, hepatoprotective, antimicrobial, and anticancer activities, etc. Z. roseum is a reservoir of several chemical constituents such as terpenes and terpenoids such as linalool, α-pinene, β-pinene, limonene, terpinen-4-ol, α-terpineol, etc., phenols, flavonoids, alkaloids, saponins, and ascorbic acid along with important unique constituents such as zerumbone which are responsible for its medicinal and other biological activities. In this review article, we discussed the thorough knowledge published by researchers regarding the phytochemistry, ethnopharmacological, and mediational properties of Z. roseum and its botanical descriptions.

A Review of Phytochemical and Pharmacological Properties of Alpinia malaccensis (Burm. F.) Roscoe. (Zingiberaceae)

Alpinia malaccensis, commonly known as "Malacca ginger" and "Rankihiriya," is an important medicinal plant of Zingiberaceae. It is native to Indonesia and Malaysia and widely distributed in countries including Northeast India, China, Peninsular Malaysia and Java. Due to vide pharmacological values, it is necessary to recognize this species for its significance of pharmacological importance. This article provides the botanical characteristics, chemical compounds of vegetation, ethnopharmacological values, therapeutic properties, along with the potential pesticidal properties of this important medicinal plant. The information in this article was gathered by searching the online journals in the databases such as PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science etc. The terms such as Alpinia malaccensis, Malacca ginger, Rankihiriya, pharmacology, chemical composition, ethnopharmacology, etc., were used in different combinations. A detailed study of the available resources for A. malaccensis confirmed its native and distribution, traditional values, chemical properties, and medicinal values. Its essential oils and extracts are the reservoir of a wide range of important chemical constituents. Traditionally, it is being used to treat nausea, vomiting and wounds along with as a seasoning agent in meat processing and as perfume. Apart from traditional values, it has been reported for several pharmacological activities such as antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory etc. We believe that this review will help to provide the collective information of A. malaccensis to further explore it in the prevention and treatment of various diseases and help to the systematic study of this plant to utilize its potential in various areas of human welfare.

Threatened flora of Uttarakhand: an update

Encompassing 1.69% land area of India, Uttarakhand State sustains more than 25% species of flowering plants of India reflecting richness of flora.  Large numbers of species in the state are threatened and several sources have come up with their own lists of threatened species using different threat categories leading to ambiguity.  This communication attempts to compile a complete list of threatened Angiosperm species from eleven authentic sources with updated nomenclature, systematic position, original sources, threat assessment, elevational and global distribution.  A total of 290 species belonging to 176 genera, 63 families, and 29 orders are listed which represent about 6% of the total flora.  Elevational distribution of species shows that the 2–3 km elevation zone harbors more than half of the threatened flora (52.14%) and more than 44% endemic species despite the fact that maximum species richness is known in the 1–2 km elevation zone.  Perusal of literature shows that selection of species for micropropagation is skewed towards medicinal plants rather than only threat status of a species.  A disparity exists in two important sources (IUCN Red List 2020–21 and Indian Red Data Book) listing threatened taxa with only six species common to both.  Eight additional species in IUCN Red List 2020–21 and 49 additional species in Indian Red Data Book are not included and vice versa.  267 species listed as threatened in various sources are not even evaluated by recent IUCN Redlist guidelines and thus warrant their immediate assessment to understand their correct present status in nature.

Hedychium coronarium J. Koenig: Traditional Uses, Phytochemistry, Biological Activities and Future Aspects

Abstract:

Hedychium coronarium J. Koenig belongs to the family Zingiberaceae, generally known as butterfly ginger, butterfly lily, cinnamon jasmine, garland flower and ginger lily. It is a medicinal plant grown throughout India, Southeast Asian countries, China, Japan, and Brazil. Traditionally, it is used as a febrifuge, tonic, anti-rheumatic, used to treat asthma, headache, arthritis, bronchitis, blood diseases, eye diseases, gastric diseases, and many other diseases. H. coronarium contains important secondary metabolites such as alcohols, aldehydes, ketones, esters, oxides, phenolics, flavonoids, saponins, glycosides, labdane diterpenes, and sesquiterpenes. Limonene, myrcene, p-cymene, camphene, γ-terpinene, β-pinene, 1,8-cineole, linalool, α-pinene, and 10-epi-γ-eudesmol have been identified as the main constituents of volatile oils of H. coronarium along with the key elements like trans-meta-mentha-2, 8-diene, linalool, α-terpineol, terpin-4-ol, α-pinene, γ-terpinene, and camphene. Phytochemical studies on various solvent extracts of H. coronarium revealed that the plant holds the diterpenes- coronarin-A-I, isocoronarin-D, pacovatin A; sesquiterpene- (+)-nerolidol, hedychiol A, hedychiol B 8,9-diacetate; sterols- daucosterol, stigmasterol, β-sitosterol and flavonoid- 5-hydroxy-3,7,4’-trimethoxyflavon, chrysin. Coronarin D, a bioactive compound, is reported for anti-cancer activities of H. coronarium. Diterpenes isolated from H. coronarium extracts and essential have been reported as antioxidant, antitumor, antidiabetic, antiproliferative, antihelmintic, mosquitocidal, larvicidal, antilithiatic, chemopreventive, antiophidian, insecticide, antifungal, allelopathic, and antimicrobial agent. Based on the literature, the essential oils, extracts and isolated active compounds of H. coronarium could be used to develop as flavor and fragrance agents, food preservatives, botanical pesticide, neutraceuticals and pharmaceuticals. This review paper aims to go over traditional uses, phytochemical analysis, pharmacological activities, scientific techniques for variety development, conservation, and proper utilization and identify future opportunities for H. coronarium.

Phytochemical Profile, In Vitro Bioactivity Evaluation, In Silico Molecular Docking and ADMET Study of Essential Oils of Three Vitex Species Grown in Tarai Region of Uttarakhand

A comparative study of volatiles, antioxidant activity, phytotoxic activity, as well as in silico molecular docking and ADMET study, was conducted for essential oils from three Vitex species, viz., V. agnus-castus, V. negundo, and V. trifolia. Essential oils (OEs) extracted by hydrodistillation were subjected to compositional analysis using GC-MS. A total number of 37, 45, and 43 components were identified in V. agnus-castus, V. negundo, and V. trifolia, respectively. The antioxidant activity of EOs, assessed using different radical-scavenging (DPPH, H₂O₂ and NO), reducing power, and metal chelating assays, were found to be significant as compared with those of the standards. The phytotoxic potential of the EOs was performed in the receptor species Raphanusraphanistrum (wild radish) and the EOs showed different levels of intensity of seed germination inhibition and root and shoot length inhibition. The molecular docking study was conducted to screen the antioxidant and phytotoxic activity of the major and potent compounds against human protein target, peroxiredoxin 5, and 4-hydroxyphenylpyruvate dioxygenase protein (HPPD). Results showed good binding affinities and attributed the strongest inhibitory activity to 13-epi-manoyl oxide for both the target proteins.

A Retrospective Analysis of Apheresis Donor Deferral and Adverse Reactions at a Tertiary Care Centre in India

INTRODUCTION

With increasing demand of platelet component each day, blood bank plays a pivotal role in ensuring supply of safe blood as and when required. Plateletpheresis procedure is a relatively simple, safe and important adjunct to blood bank inventory. However, recruitment of healthy blood donors is a challenge that the health industry is facing today.

AIM

To determine the reasons and rates of apheresis donor deferral along with investigation of adverse reactions encountered during the procedure.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Records of single donor apheresis were retrospectively analysed from 1^st January 2010 to 31^st December 2014. The study was carried out at Blood Bank, Safdarjung Hospital, New Delhi, India. The donor details that were studied included - age, sex, type of donation (voluntary/replacement/ repeat), reason for donor deferral and type of adverse reaction, if encountered during the procedure.

RESULTS

Among the 478 donors screened for plateletpheresis procedure during a study period of 5 years, 134 (28.03%) were deferred. Temporary deferrals accounted for majority (93.28%) of the deferrals. Low platelet count (50.75%) was the main reason of donor deferral followed by low haemoglobin (20.89%). Amongst the 344 selected donors, 15 (4.36%) had some type of adverse reaction associated with the procedure.

CONCLUSION

We suggest that the selection criteria for plateletpheresis donors should be revised to deal with shortage of apheresis donors. The criteria regarding minimum pre-procedure platelet count (above1.5 lac/μl) and haemoglobin (above 12.5 g/dl) need to be lowered so as to suit the Indian scenario. The lower adverse reaction rates, 14/344 (4.06%) associated with this procedure encourages safety of donors and is important in recruitment of new donors.

Medicinal plants of the family Caryophyllaceae: a review of ethno-medicinal uses and pharmacological properties

Several species of the family Caryophyllaceae are widely used by many ethnic communities as traditional medicine throughout the world. The highest number of plants of the family are used in Chinese traditional medicine. The ethnopharmacologial studies of this family indicate that plants of the family possess anticancer, antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties. Other miscellaneous properties reported are ribosome inactivation properties, inhibition of prostatic enlargement in rats, and inhibition of intestinal enzyme carboxyelasterase in rats, cerebro-protective activity, and antiobesity in rats. Few reviews have been published yet, providing information regarding medicinal plants of the family and their biomedical properties. All published reviews have focused either on a particular taxa or a few species. The present review is focused on the traditional medicinal uses of the plants of the family Caryophyllaceae along with phytochemical and pharmacological studies of the family. A study of the literature revealed significant traditional medicinal importance of the family. Major chemical constituents of Caryophyllceae are saponins, Phytoecdysteroids, benzenoids, phenyl propanoids, and nitrogen containing compounds. The most important property of plants of the family is anticancer activity and is shown by the large number of plant species studied. This review of traditional medicinal and pharmacological uses of plants of the family, provide a ground for future research in the family.

Direct detection and serogroup characterization of Neisseria meningitidis from outbreak of meningococcal meningitis in Delhi

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Rapid clinical manifestation/progression of the meningococcal meningitis and lacunae in conventional bacteriological test often encourages indiscriminate use of antibiotics much before the etiology is established. Accordingly this study was planned to evaluate ctrA PCR for rapid molecular detection. In addition, multiplex PCR and sequencing was done for serogroup prediction to provide essential epidemiological and laboratory evidence for decision makers of health department of the country for choosing appropriate vaccine and phylogenetic analysis to establish its lineage.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

73 CSF samples, collected from equal number of suspected cases, were investigated by both bacteriological (microscopy, culture, LA and drug sensitivity testing) as well as molecular tests i.e. PCR targeting conserved ctrA gene, multiplex PCR for serogroup characterization and DNA sequencing.

RESULTS

ctrA PCR revealed sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive values of 93.15%, 100%,100%, and 88.23% respectively. Multiplex PCR based genogrouping followed by DNA sequencing, BLAST and phylogenetic analysis revealed complete homology with earlier submitted Neisseria meningitidis serogroup A strain Z2491 to suggest the sole involvement of only serogroup A in the outbreak. Two strains showed resistance to cefuroxime, ciprofloxacin, nalidixic acid. Only one strain showed resistance to ciprofloxacin, emphasizing the need for a constant surveillance system.

CONCLUSION

These diagnostic molecular tools are of paramount importance in establishing etiology, serogrouping, and epidemiological surveillance especially in developing countries like India.

Surface area measurements with linear adsorbates: an experimental comparison of different theoretical approaches

The specific area of a substrate was determined from the results of adsorption isotherms performed with a sequence of four alkanes, from methane to butane, using three different approaches. The data were first analyzed using the BET equation and the point B methods; these results were compared with those obtained using a new equation designed for examining the case of multisite occupancy. The new model specifically accounts for sites that are left uncovered in the case of adsorption by linear adsorbates. Of these three, only the last method gives essentially the same value for the specific surface area of the substrate when different adsorbates are used to measure it. The other two, more traditional, approaches give values of the specific surface area that decrease as the length of the adsorbate used increases.

Dependence of single-walled carbon nanotube adsorption kinetics on temperature and binding energy

We present results for the isothermal adsorption kinetics of methane, hydrogen, and tetrafluoromethane on closed-ended single-walled carbon nanotubes. In these experiments, we monitor the pressure decrease as a function of time as equilibrium is approached, after a dose of gas is added to the cell containing the nanotubes. The measurements were performed at different fractional coverages limited to the first layer. The results indicate that, for a given coverage and temperature, the equilibration time is an increasing function of E/(k(B)T), where E is the binding energy of the adsorbate and k(B)T is the thermal energy. These findings are consistent with recent theoretical predictions and computer simulations results that we use to interpret the experimental measurements.

Histone as future drug target for malaria

Malaria continues to be a major cause of mortality and morbidity in tropical countries and affecting around 100 countries of the world. As per WHO estimates, 300-500 million are being infected and 1-3 million deaths annually due to malaria. With the emerging knowledge about genome sequence of all the three counterparts involved in the disease of malaria, the parasite Plasmodium, vector Anopheles and host Homo sapien have helped the scientists to understand interactions between them. Simultaneous advancement in technology further improves the prospects to discover new targets for vaccines and drugs. Though the malaria vaccine is still far away in this situation there is need to develop a potent and affordable drug(s). Histones are the key protein of chromatin and play an important role in DNA packaging, replication and gene expression. They also show frequent post-translation modifications. The specific combinations of these posttranslational modifications are thought to alter chromatin structure by forming epigenetic bar codes that specify either transient or heritable patterns of genome function. Chromatin regulators and upstream pathways are therefore seen as promising targets for development of therapeutic drugs.

Possible existence of a higher coverage quasi-one-dimensional phase of argon adsorbed on bundles of single-walled carbon nanotubes

We present results of Ar adsorption isotherms at very low coverages in the first layer and, beyond monolayer completion, on bundles of close-ended single-walled carbon nanotubes. The low coverage results were used to determine the isosteric heat of adsorption and the binding energy of Ar in the groove sites in the first layer. The higher coverage results show evidence of the possible formation of a second-layer groove phase, beyond monolayer completion. Our results for higher coverages are compared with recent computer simulations for this system.

Complete nucleotide sequence of the 6 kb element and conserved cytochrome b gene sequences among Indian isolates of Plasmodium falciparum

The malaria parasite contains a nuclear genome with 14 chromosomes and two extrachromosomal DNA molecules of 6 kb and 35 kb in size. The smallest genome, known as the 6 kb element or mitochondrial DNA, has been sequenced from several Plasmodium falciparum isolates because this is a potential drug target. Here we describe the complete nucleotide sequence of this element from an Indian isolate of P. falciparum. It is 5967 bp in size and shows 99.6% homology with the 6 kb element of other isolates. The element contains three open reading frames for mitochondrial proteins-cytochrome oxidase subunit I (CoI), subunit III (CoIII) and cytochrome b (Cyb) which were found to be expressed during blood stages of the parasite. We have also sequenced the entire cyb gene from several Indian isolates of P. falciparum. The rate of mutation in this gene was very low since 12 of 14 isolates showed the identical sequence. Only one isolate showed a maximum change in five amino acids whereas the other isolate showed only one amino acid change. However, none of the Indian isolates showed any change in those amino acids of cyb which are associated with resistance to various drugs as these drugs are not yet commonly used in India.

The contribution of ligand flexibility to metal center geometry modulated thermal cyclization of conjugated pyridine and quinoline metalloenediynes of copper(I) and copper(II)

We report the syntheses, reactivities, and structure evaluations of a series of Cu(I) and Cu(II) metalloenediynes of conjugated 1,6-bis(pyridine-3)hex-3-ene-1,5-diyne (PyED, 7) and 1,6-bis(quinoline-3)hex-3-ene-1,5-diyne (QnED, 8) enediyne ligands, as well as their benzoenediyne analogues. Differential scanning calorimetry demonstrates that the [Cu(PyED)(2)](NO(3))(2) (11) exhibits a Bergman cyclization temperature (156 degrees C) which is dramatically reduced from that of the corresponding [Cu(PyED)(2)](PF(6)) (19) analogue (326 degrees C), indicating that large differences in the reactivities of these metalloenediynes can be accessed by variations in metal oxidation state. The distorted, 4-coordinate dichloride compound Cu(PyED)(Cl)(2) (15) exhibits a cyclization temperature (265 degrees C) between those of 11 and 19, suggesting that variation in geometry of the copper center is responsible for the wide range of reactivities. Similar results are obtained for the benzoenediyne and quinoline analogues. The structures of the Cu(II) systems have also been evaluated by a combination of electronic absorption and EPR spectroscopies which reveal tetragonal, 6-coordinate structures for the bis(enediyne) complexes, and tetrahedrally distorted 4-coordinate Cu(enediyne)Cl(2) species. For the bis(quinoline) enediyne derivatives 12 and 14 the larger g-anisotropy (g( parallel) = 2.27-2.28; g( perpendicular) = 2.06-2.07) indicates strong oxygen coordination from counterion. Molecular mechanics/dynamics calculations reveal that the geometries of these metal centers force the alkyne termini to a wide range of distances (3.85-4.20 A), thereby accounting for the variability in Bergman cyclization temperatures. Overall, the results show that ligand rigidity plays a prominent role in the conformational response of the enediyne to metal center geometry, which results in enhanced variations in the Bergman cyclization temperatures between complexes of different geometries.

Relationship of Xba1 and EcoR1 polymorphisms of apolipoprotein-B gene to dyslipidemia and obesity in Asian Indians in North India

BACKGROUND

Genetic investigation of dyslipidemia and obesity prevalent in the Indian population form the basis of this study.

METHODS AND RESULTS

The frequency of restriction fragment length polymorphisms (Xba1 and EcoR1) of the apolipoprotein-B gene was investigated in a case-control study of 30 hyperlipidemic and 40 normolipidemic subjects. By univariate analysis, old age, higher body mass index, waist-hip ratio and sum of four skinfolds were found to be significantly associated with hyperlipidemia. The frequencies of X- and E+ alleles of the apolipoprotein-B gene were significantly higher in North Indians in the state of New Delhi (0.83 and 0.91, respectively) as compared to the observations made in Caucasians in previous studies, but was similar to the frequency reported in Indians settled in Singapore and the UK. There were no significant differences in the allele or genotype frequencies of either Xba1 or EcoR1 polymorphisms between the hyperlipidemic and normolipidemic groups. On multiple logistic regression analysis considering body mass index, waist-hip ratio, percentage body fat and genotypes as independent variables, no association was observed between the apolipoprotein-B genotypes and serum lipid components. Further, there were no associations between apolipoprotein-B polymorphisms and generalized obesity (as assessed by body mass index, sum of four skinfolds, and percentage total body fat) and abdominal obesity (as measured by waist circumference and waist-hip ratio).

CONCLUSIONS

We conclude that apolipoprotein-B (Xba1 and EcoR1) polymorphisms do not appear to influence serum lipid levels and parameters of generalized andregional obesity in the study sample.

Disappearance of intramolecular stacking due to one-atom movement or increment of a 'propylene linker' in pyrazolo[3,4-d]pyrimidine-based flexible models

In the crystal structures of 4,6-dimethylthio-1-[3-(4, 6-dimethylthio-2H-pyrazolo[3, 4-d]pyrimidin-2-yl)propyl]-1H-pyrazolo[3,4-d]pyrimidine, C(17)H(20)N(8)S(4), and 1-[4-(4-methoxy-6-methylthio-1H-pyrazolo[3, 4-d]pyrimidin-1-yl)butyl]-5-methyl-6-methylthio-4, 5-dihydro-1H-pyrazolo[3,4-d]pyrimidin-4-one, C(18)H(22)N(8)O(2)S(2), only intermolecular stacking due to aromatic pi-pi interactions between pyrazolo[3,4-d]pyrimidinerings is present.

Lipid composition of Cryptococcus neoformans

The lipid composition of Cryptococcus neoformans grown in Sabouraud's dextrose broth (shake culture) was analysed. The organism contained extremely low amounts of lipid (0.96% dry weight basis) of which 86.1% were nonpolaris lipids, 3.4% phospholipids and the rest were glycolipids and pigments. Alkoxylipids (41%), tryglicerides (18%), diglycerides (7.4%), free fatty acids (5.4%), sterols (4.7%), sterol ester (3.9%) and monoglycerides (2.2%) were found in the nonpolar lipid fraction of C. neoformans. The phospholipid composition (expressed as relative abundance) was: phosphatidylinositol (11.5%), lysophosphatidyl ethanolamine (10.9%), cardiolipin (10.1%), a glycophospholipid (9.5%), lysophosphatidyl choline (4.7%), phosphatidic acid (4.1%), phosphatidyl choline (28.1%), phosphatidyl ethanolamine (14.5%) and an unidentified lipid (6.5%). Phosphatidyl serine, sphingolipids and cerebrosides, generally found in yeast-like fungi, were absent. Probable reasons for the abnormally low lipid content are discussed.

Virulence, capsule size and lipid composition interrelation of Cryptococcus neoformans

Virulence and lipid composition were studied in three isolates of Cryptococcus neoformans. Virulence was evaluated by injecting mice intraperitoneally with 10(7) cells and recording organ involvement and spontaneous death over a 25 day period. Though the least virulent strain contained the least amount of total lipid and phospholipids, none of the lipids showed any quantitative relation to virulence. There was no major difference in the phospholipid composition among the three strains. Fungal cells with bigger capsules had a lower lipid content. The role of lipid in the defence mechanism of pathogenic fungi during the host invasion process is discussed.

Lipid composition of Microsporum gypseum

Lipid composition of Microsporum gypseum grown in Sabouraud's liquid media on a rotary shaker were analyzed. The organism contains 6.07% lipid (dry weight basis), of which 75.88% is neutral lipids, 0.9% phospholipids and the rest are glycolipids and pigments. Phospholipids of M. gypseum contain phosphatidyl choline (44.21%), phosphatidyl ethanolamine (17.8%), polyphospho inositide (12.13%), phosphatidyl inositol (8.24%), phosphatidic acid (4.61%) and cardiolipin. Phosphatidyl serine is absent. The neutral lipid composition (expressed as mg/g dry weight of mycelia) of M. gypseum is monoglycerides (1.35), diglyceride (2.87), triglycerides (35.79), free fatty acids (1.00), sterols (3.95) and sterol esters (1.13).