Explore the vast range of titles available.

Plant species represent the hierarchical expression of vegetation as it is affected by various environmental gradients. We explored the plant species composition, distribution pattern, communities formation and their respective indicators under the influence of various environmental factors in the Dhirkot region, Azad Jammu and Kashmir. It was hypothesized that different environmental factors were responsible for the formation of various plant communities each with a distinct indicator. Quantitative ecological techniques were used for the sampling of vegetation. A total of 114 quadrats were established in 13 selected sampling sites. Phytosociological attributes were calculated for each plant species at each quadrat. Soil samples were collected and analyzed using different standard protocols. All the collected data were analyzed using Cluster Analysis, Indicator Species Analysis and Canonical Correspondence Analysis of PCORD and CANOCO software, respectively. A total of 145 plant species were recorded belong to 62 different families. Asteraceae and Lamiaceae were the dominant families, represented by 12 species each (8.27%). Cluster Analysis classify all the stations and plants into four major plant communities as 1) Olea-Desmodium-Prunilla community. 2) Abies-Zanthoxylum-Pteracanthus community 3) Cedrus-Elaeagnus-Hypericum community 4) Alnus-Myrsine–Ranunculus community. Soil pH, electrical conductivity, soil saturation, organic matter and altitude were the significant environmental factors that play its essential role in the plant species distribution, composition, formation of major plant communities and their respective indicators in the region. It is recommended that the identified indicator and rare plant species of the investigated area can further be grown for conservation and management purposes in in-situ environment.

Medicinal plants are an essential reservoir of natural compounds with diverse pharmacological properties. This study focuses on Debregeasia saeneb, (Forsk.) Hepper & J.R.I.Wood a relatively unexplored plant recognized for its traditional medicinal uses. The research aims to identify and analyze the phytochemical composition of D. saeneb (Forsk.) Hepper & J.R.I.Wood leaves, as well as evaluating their antioxidant and antidiabetic potential. This study systematically identified and analyzed the phytochemical constituents of D. saeneb (Forsk.) Hepper & J.R.I.Wood leaves utilizing Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS), alongside both quantitative and qualitative assays. The biological activities were assessed through radical scavenging assays, specifically DPPH (1,1-di-phenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl), ABTS (2,2-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid)), and α-amylase inhibitory assays, which have been largely underexplored across various solvents. The GC-MS analysis revealed a diverse range of compounds, with ethyl acetate extracts containing six compounds, chloroform extracts containing seven, and n-hexane extracts containing three distinct compounds. Further qualitative assessments confirmed the presence of glycosides, leucoanthocyanins, quinones, lignins, carbohydrates, terpenoids, anthraquinones, and phlobatannins in the extracts of D. saeneb (Forsk.) Hepper & J.R.I.Wood. Quantitative analyses established the total phenolic, tannin, and flavonoid contents, revealing a positive correlation among the different extracts. Specifically, the total flavonoid (TF) content in the standard ranged from 0.34 to 1.189 µg/mL, while in methanol extracts it ranged from 0.087 to 0.778 µg/mL, in ethyl acetate from 0.188 to 0.624 µg/mL, and in n-hexane from 0.03 to 0.44 µg/mL. The total tannin content (TTC) in the standard ranged from 0.462 to 2.359 µg/mL, with methanol extracts showing values from 0.016 to 0.048 µg/mL, ethyl acetate from 0.0196 to 0.153 µg/mL, and n-hexane from 0.0012 to 0.134 µg/mL. The total phenolic content (TPC) in the standard ranged from 0.11 to 0.38 µg/mL, with methanol extracts ranging from 0.042 to 0.267 µg/mL, ethyl acetate from 0.0275 to 0.487 µg/mL, and n-hexane from 0.001 to 0.348 µg/mL. In ethanol extracts, the radical scavenging capacity (RSC) ranged from 0.005 to 0.05 µg/mL, in methanol from 0.01 to 0.09 µg/mL, and in aqueous extracts from 0.005 to 0.035 µg/mL, while the standard RSC ranged from 0.5 to 4.5 µg/mL. The biological activity assays indicated that D. saeneb (Forsk.) Hepper & J.R.I.Wood extracts exhibited significant α-amylase inhibition, suggesting potential anti-diabetic properties. Furthermore, all extracts demonstrated radical scavenging activity in both ABTS and DPPH assays, with the methanol extract exhibiting the highest antioxidant activity. In conclusion, this research provides comprehensive insights into the phytochemical profile of D. saeneb (Forsk.) Hepper & J.R.I.Wood leaves and its potential therapeutic applications, including anti-diabetic and antioxidant effects, thereby warranting further investigation into molecular mechanisms, drug development, and health promotion.

Herein we designed, optimized, and characterized the Metformin Hydrochloride Transethosomes (MTF-TES) and incorporate them into Chitosan gel to develop Metformin Hydrochloride loaded Transethosomal gel (MTF-TES gel) that provides a sustained release, improved transdermal flux and improved antidiabetic response of MTF. Design Expert® software (Ver. 12, Stat-Ease, USA) was applied for the statistical optimization of MTF-TES. The formulation with Mean Particle Size Distribution (MPSD) of 165.4 ± 2.3 nm, Zeta Potential (ZP) of -21.2 ± 1.9 mV, Polydispersity Index (PDI) of 0.169 ± 0.033, and MTF percent Entrapment Efficiency (%EE) of 89.76 ± 4.12 was considered to be optimized. To check the chemical incompatibility among the MTF and other formulation components, Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy was performed and demonstrated with no chemical interaction. Surface morphology, uniformity, and segregation were evaluated through Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM). It was revealed that the nanoparticles were spherical and round in form with intact borders. The fabricated MTF-TES has shown sustained release followed by a more pronounced effect in MTF-TES gel as compared to the plain MTF solution (MTFS) at a pH of 7.4. The MTF-TES has shown enhanced permeation followed by MTF-TES gel as compared to the MTFS at a pH of 7.4. In vivo antidiabetic assay was performed and results have shown improved antidiabetic potential of the MTF-TES gel, in contrast to MTF-gel. Conclusively, MTF-TES is a promising anti-diabetic candidate for transdermal drug delivery that can provide sustained MTF release and enhanced antidiabetic effect.

Introduction: The Hindu-Himalayan region, a global biodiversity, hotspot harbors numerus endemic plant species that contribute significantly to ecosystem stability. Among these, Iris hookeriana, an endemic perennial herb, thrives in the subalpine and alpine zones of the Hindu-Himalayas. The study aimed to assess the population dynamics of Iris hookeriana, assesses the primary threats to its survival, and explores its ecological associations along with with indicator species.Methods: Fieldwork was conducted across 35 distinct sites, at the elevation range of 2,500 m–3,900 m above sea level. A random stratified sampling method using quadrats, was employed to assess both qualitative and quantitative plant characteristics. Edaphic, topographic, geographic coordinates, and elevation Global Positioning System (GPS) data were recorded on each sampling site. Plant species associations were analyzed using 5 m2 × 5 m2 quadrat for shrubs and 1 m2 × 1 m2 quadrat for herbaceous vegetation. The relationships between species composition and environmental variables were analyzed via Statistical analyses, including Detrended Correspondence Analysis (DCA), Canonical Correspondence Analysis (CCA), Two-Way Cluster Analysis (TWCA), and Indicator Species Analysis (ISA), were conducted using PCORD version 5.0.Results: Seventy associated plant species from 26 families were identified across 35 sampling sites, revealing four major plant associations: (1) Arenaria-Viola association, (2) Nepeta-Oxytropis association, (3) Phlomis-Prunella association, and (4) Bistorta-Carex association. These associations exhibited significant correlations (p < 0.05). The identification of these four novel plant associations provides a crucial baseline for understanding the ecological dynamics of the subalpine and alpine ecosystems. The study emphasizes the significant role of environmental factors i.e., altitude, organic matter, pH, humidity, total dissolved solid, electrical conductivity, nitrogen, phosphorus, silt, and clay content in shaping the Iris hookeriana population within the subalpine and alpine zone of Hindu-Himalayan Mountains.Discussion: The findings show that indicator species and plant associations vary with changing environmental conditions, providing valuable insights for sustainable biodiversity management in subalpine and alpine ecosystems of the Hindu-Himalayan mountains.

The recent investigation was designed to explore Scutellaria petiolata Hemsl. ex Lace & Prain (Lamiaceae) whole plant in various extracts (methanol (SPM), dichloromethane (SPDCM), n-Hexane (SPNH), and aqueous (SPAQ) for a phytochemicals assessment, ESI-LC-MS chemical analysis, in vitro antimicrobials, and antioxidants and in vivo anti-inflammatory and analgesic potential. The qualitative detection shows that all the representative groups were present in the analyzed samples. The examined samples display the greatest amount of total flavonoid content (TFC, 78.2 ± 0.22 mg QE/mg) and total phenolic contents (TPC, 66.2 ± 0.33 mg GAE/g) in the SPM extract. The SPM extract proceeded to the ESI-LC-MS to identify the chemical constituents that presented nineteen bioactive ingredients, depicted for the first time from S. petiolata mainly contributed by flavonoids. The analyzed samples produced considerable capability to defy the microbes. The SPM extract was observed effective and offered an appreciable zone of inhibition (ZOI), 17.8 ± 0.04 mm against the bacterial strain Salmonellatyphi and 18.8 ± 0.04 mm against Klebsiella pneumonia. Moreover, the SPM extract also exhibited 19.4 ± 0.01 mm against the bacterial strains Bacillus atrophaeus and 18.8 ± 0.04 mm against Bacillus subtilis in comparison to the standard levofloxacin (Gram-negative) and erythromycin (Gram-positive) bacterial strains that displayed 23.6 ± 0.02 mm and 23.2 ± 0.05 mm ZOI, correspondingly. In addition to that, the SPD fraction was noticed efficiently against the fungal strains used with ZOI 19.07 ± 0.02 mm against Aspergillus parasiticus and 18.87 ± 0.04 mm against the Aspergillus niger as equated to the standard with 21.5 ± 0.02 mm ZOI. In the DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) analysis, the SPM extract had the maximum scavenging capacity with IC50 of 78.75 ± 0.19 µg/mL succeeded by the SPDCM fraction with an IC50 of 140.50 ± 0.20 µg/mL free radicals scavenging potential. Through the ABTS (2,2′-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) assay, the similar extract (SPM) presented an IC50 = 85.91 ± 0.24 µg/mL followed by the SPDCM fractions with IC50 = 182.50 ± 0.35 µg/mL, and n-Hexane fractions were reported to be the least active between the tested samples in comparison to ascorbic acid of IC50 = 67.14 ± 0.25 µg/mL for DPPH and IC50 of 69.96 ± 0.18 µg/mL for ABTS assay. In the in vivo activities, the SPM extract was the most effective with 55.14% inhibition as compared to diclofenac sodium with 70.58% inhibition against animals. The same SPM crude extract with 50.88% inhibition had the most analgesic efficacy as compared to aspirin having 62.19% inhibition. Hence, it was assumed from our results that all the tested samples, especially the SPM and SPDCM extracts, have significant capabilities for the investigated activities that could be due to the presence of the bioactive compounds. Further research is needed to isolate the responsible chemical constituents to produce innovative medications.

Soil contaminated with heavy metals cause serious threat to the soil quality, biota, and human. The removal or stabilization of heavy metals through plants is an environment friendly approach. The aim of study was to assess the potential of Celosia argentea L. for the phytoremediation of heavy metals contaminated soil. Soil was spiked with different levels (0, 100, 200, 300, and 400 mg/kg) of chromium (Cr), copper (Cu), lead (Pb), and Zn (Zn). Experiment was carried out in greenhouse and impact of heavy metals was evaluated on plant by assessing the germination rate and plant growth. To evaluate either plant has potential to extract/stabilize the heavy metals, concentration in roots and shoot, translocation factor (TF), bioconcentration factor (BCF), and bioaccumulation factor (BAF) were determined. Application of heavy metals significantly affected the germination rate and minimum (26.6%) was observed in Cr spiked soil (400 mg/kg). Moreover, the biomass of C. argentea was also affected by the application of heavy metals. However, the concentration of heavy metals in roots and shoots were low. The BCF and BAF of C. argentea was lower than 1 except at lower levels of Pb and Zn, but the TF was greater than 1. The TF showed that plants have capability to transfer heavy metals to shoots once they are taken up by roots. However, based on the BCF and concentrations of heavy metals in shoots, it is evident that plant could play important role in the phytostabilization of heavy metals polluted soil.

The aim of the study was to visualize the micromorphology of Amaranthaceous pollen using scanning electron microscopy collected from the Thal Desert. Field collection was conducted from July to September 2021. A total of 14 taxa of the family Amaranthaceae were collected which belong to nine genera. Achyranthes aspera, Aerva javanica, Aerva lanata, Amaranthus graecizans, Amaranthus retroflexus, Amaranthus viridis, Bassia indica, Chenopodium album, Chenopodium ficifolium, Chenopodium murale, Digera muricata, Haloxylon stocksii, Salsola tragus, and Suaeda fruticosa were studied in terms of pollen morphotypes. Pollen were acetolyzed and observed under optical and scanning microscopy. Qualitative and quantitative characters were measured to analyze the pollen to uncover its taxonomic significance. Qualitative characters observed were the shape of pollen in polar and equatorial views; the most frequent shape observed was spheroidal in the polar view, whereas in the equatorial view, prolate spheroidal was the dominant shape. Exine ornamentation is the key characteristic of pollen which is very helpful, and eight different types of ornamentations were observed in collected taxa: smooth sparsely granulate, scabrate-spinulose, microspinulose perforate, microechinate scabrate to metareticulate, granulate, nanospinulate, granulate-spinulose perforate, granulate-perforate echinate, and microechinate perforate. Periporate-type aperture was observed among all taxa. Mesoporia, ektexinous bodies, and tectum features also show variations among Amaranthaceous grains. In quantitative character, A. retroflexus recorded highest in polar view 26.3 μm and the lowest was of C. album 12.2 μm. Highest P/E index ratio was recorded in S. fruticosa (1.12) whereas the lowest for D. muricta (0.94). Exine thickness was highest in S. tragus 2.15 μm and lowest in A. graecizans 0.78 μm. The maximum number of pores was recorded as 32-36 in D. muricata. Artificial taxonomic keys were constructed based on findings that reinforce the importance of the micromorphological ultrastructural diversity of pollen among Amaranthaceous taxa. It was concluded that the descriptions of pollen morphotypes presented greatly contribute to our understanding of desert species identification.

The recent investigation was designed to explore Scutellaria petiolata Hemsl. ex Lace & Prain (Lamiaceae) whole plant in various extracts (methanol (SPM), dichloromethane (SPDCM), n-Hexane (SPNH), and aqueous (SPAQ) for a phytochemicals assessment, ESI-LC-MS chemical analysis, in vitro antimicrobials, and antioxidants and in vivo anti-inflammatory and analgesic potential. The qualitative detection shows that all the representative groups were present in the analyzed samples. The examined samples display the greatest amount of total flavonoid content (TFC, 78.2 ± 0.22 mg QE/mg) and total phenolic contents (TPC, 66.2 ± 0.33 mg GAE/g) in the SPM extract. The SPM extract proceeded to the ESI-LC-MS to identify the chemical constituents that presented nineteen bioactive ingredients, depicted for the first time from S. petiolata mainly contributed by flavonoids. The analyzed samples produced considerable capability to defy the microbes. The SPM extract was observed effective and offered an appreciable zone of inhibition (ZOI), 17.8 ± 0.04 mm against the bacterial strain Salmonellatyphi and 18.8 ± 0.04 mm against Klebsiella pneumonia. Moreover, the SPM extract also exhibited 19.4 ± 0.01 mm against the bacterial strains Bacillus atrophaeus and 18.8 ± 0.04 mm against Bacillus subtilis in comparison to the standard levofloxacin (Gram-negative) and erythromycin (Gram-positive) bacterial strains that displayed 23.6 ± 0.02 mm and 23.2 ± 0.05 mm ZOI, correspondingly. In addition to that, the SPD fraction was noticed efficiently against the fungal strains used with ZOI 19.07 ± 0.02 mm against Aspergillus parasiticus and 18.87 ± 0.04 mm against the Aspergillus niger as equated to the standard with 21.5 ± 0.02 mm ZOI. In the DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) analysis, the SPM extract had the maximum scavenging capacity with IC[sub.50] of 78.75 ± 0.19 µg/mL succeeded by the SPDCM fraction with an IC[sub.50] of 140.50 ± 0.20 µg/mL free radicals scavenging potential. Through the ABTS (2,2′-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) assay, the similar extract (SPM) presented an IC[sub.50] = 85.91 ± 0.24 µg/mL followed by the SPDCM fractions with IC[sub.50] = 182.50 ± 0.35 µg/mL, and n-Hexane fractions were reported to be the least active between the tested samples in comparison to ascorbic acid of IC[sub.50] = 67.14 ± 0.25 µg/mL for DPPH and IC[sub.50] of 69.96 ± 0.18 µg/mL for ABTS assay. In the in vivo activities, the SPM extract was the most effective with 55.14% inhibition as compared to diclofenac sodium with 70.58% inhibition against animals. The same SPM crude extract with 50.88% inhibition had the most analgesic efficacy as compared to aspirin having 62.19% inhibition. Hence, it was assumed from our results that all the tested samples, especially the SPM and SPDCM extracts, have significant capabilities for the investigated activities that could be due to the presence of the bioactive compounds. Further research is needed to isolate the responsible chemical constituents to produce innovative medications.