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Different species of aphids, responsible for severe yield losses of cereal crops including wheat, ( Triticum aestivum L.) are managed by insecticides, which are harmful to organisms and the environment under field conditions. Therefore, an environment friendly aphidicidal product of plant origin is required. Mentha spicata oil was found to be rich in carvone (81.88%), but the use of its oil and carvone in crop protection is lacking due to their volatility, poor solubility, and stability. A nanoformulaton not only solves these problems but also improve the efficacy and dose of the bioactive compounds. Thus, nano-emulsions of the oil and carvone prepared were characterized, and evaluated against Rhopalosiphum maidis (corn aphid) and Sitobion avenae (wheat aphid) The average droplet size of nano-emulsions of the oil and carvone was found to be 22.1 and 41.21 nm. Nano-emulsion of carvone exhibited higher aphid mortality (LC 50  = 0.87–1.94 mg/mL) at 24 h and acetylcholinesterase inhibitory activity (IC 50  = 0.07–3.83 mg/mL) compared to the nano-emulsion of the oil (LC 50  = 2.87–2.81 mg/mL; IC 50  = 1.66–5.34 mg/mL). The repellence index (RI) in nano-emulsion of essential oil was found to be higher (84.73 and 81.72%) at the highest concentration (0.05 µL/cm 2 ) than that of carvone (77.59 and 80.98%) for R . maidis and S . avenae . Further, in silico studies also revealed the favourable binding energy (− 6.6 to − 8.5 kcal/mol) of the main compounds in the oil with acetylcholinesterase, facilitated by hydrophobic interactions and hydrogen bonding. This study suggests that the nano-emulsions of the essential oil and carvone can be explored under field conditions to establish efficacy for their utilization as aphidicidal and repellent products against aphids. In the present study, aphidicial and repellent activities of its essential oil and carvone were reported for the first time against R.maidis and S.avenae .

Climate change is shifting agricultural production, which could impact the economic and cultural contexts of the oilseed industry, including sesame. Environmental threats (biotic and abiotic stresses) affect sesame production and thus yield (especially oil content). However, few studies have investigated the genetic enhancement, quality improvement, or the underlying mechanisms of stress tolerance in sesame. This study reveals the challenges faced by farmers/researchers growing sesame crops and the potential genetic and genomic resources for addressing the threats, including: (1) developing sesame varieties that tolerate phyllody, root rot disease, and waterlogging; (2) investigating beneficial agro-morphological traits, such as determinate growth, prostrate habit, and delayed response to seed shattering; (3) using wild relatives of sesame for wide hybridization; and (4) advancing existing strategies to maintain sesame production under changing climatic conditions. Future research programs need to add technologies and develop the best research strategies for economic and sustainable development.

Background jamun [ Syzygium cumini (L.) Skeels] is an underutilized fruit crop in India, despite having numerous medicinal and nutritional benefits. Although the Indian subcontinent harbours a vast natural population of Jamun , limited knowledge exists regarding superior genotypes. This study evaluates the diversity among Jamun genotypes using morpho-biochemical and bioactive traits to facilitate superior genotype selection and commercial breeding applications. Results Twenty-seven characteristics were studied to identify superior genotypes from a seedling-origin Jamun population. Significant variation was recorded in fruit and seed-related traits. The pulp-to-seed ratio exhibited the highest variation. Predominant fruit shape was oblong, with variation in fruit stalk end, fruit color and pulp color. Biochemical traits, such as TSS, TSS: acid ratio, total sugar and non-reducing sugars, showed significant variability. Similarly, substantial variation was observed in bioactive traits, including ascorbic acid, total phenolic content, total flavonoid content and antioxidant activity. Genotypes PCJ-9 and PCJ-17 exhibited higher fruit weight, pulp weight, pulp content, pulp-to-seed ratio, TSS, vitamin-C, with lower phenolic content and medium values of total flavonoid and antioxidant activity. Six genotypes (PCJ-15, PCJ-30, PCJ-22, PCJ-3, PCJ-1 and PCJ-16) showed high TPC, TFC, antioxidant and seed content, making them suitable for breeding bioactive-rich cultivars and functional food development. Pearson correlation analysis evaluated a significant positive correlation between fruit weight and pulp weight, fruit size and fruit width. PCA analysis identified PC1 and PC2 as the most important components. Heatmap clustering analysis emphasized the relationship between fruit morph-biochemical and bioactive characteristics. Conclusions The presented study offers a novel and comprehensive assessment of diversity among seedling-origin Jamun genotypes based on morpho-biochemical and bioactive traits. The identified superior genotypes present promising candidates for cultivar development and direct cultivation, contributing to improved Jamun productivity and functional food value.

Parthenin, a sesquiterpene lactone of pseudoguaianolide type, is the representative secondary metabolite of the tropical weed Parthenium hysterophorus (Asteraceae). It accounts for a multitude of biological activities, including toxicity, allergenicity, allelopathy, and pharmacological aspects of the plant. Thus far, parthenin and its derivatives have been tested for chemotherapeutic abilities, medicinal properties, and herbicidal/pesticidal activities. However, due to the lack of toxicity–bioactivity relationship studies, the versatile properties of parthenin are relatively less utilised. The possibility of exploiting parthenin in different scientific fields (e.g., chemistry, medicine, and agriculture) makes it a subject of analytical discussion. The present review highlights the multifaceted uses of parthenin, on-going research, constraints in the practical applicability, and the possible workarounds for its successful utilisation. The main aim of this comprehensive discussion is to bring parthenin to the attention of researchers, pharmacologists, natural product chemists, and chemical biologists and to open the door for its multidimensional applications.

Background Guava ( Psidium guajava L.) is a major pantropical fruit crop, valued for its nutritional composition, wider adaptability, and economic significance. Since its introduction in India during the 17 th century, guava cultivars have exhibited a narrow genetic base, with most existing genotypes arising from open-pollinated selections or crosses involving a limited number of genotypes. Furthermore, much of the available germplasm has been named based on fruit characteristics or place/regions of origin, leading to confusion in classification and hindering the precise identification and utilization of genetic resources in guava breeding programs. To address this, 49 morpho-biochemical parameters were assessed in 51 diverse Psidium genotypes, including cultivars, varieties, hybrids, related wild species, and exotic/USDA introductions. Results Substantial variability was observed among globally collected guava germplasm for fruit traits, with fruit weight ranging from 11.67 g ( Psidium molle ) to 379 g (S. N90-53), seed number from 8 (S. N11-3) to 512 (S. N15-3), leaf length from 5.57 to 17.17 cm, leaf width from 2.07 to 7.90 cm, and petiole length from 0.17 to 0.77 cm. Germplasm also differed in qualitative descriptors, including branch orientation, bark colour, leaf morphology, tip structure, and fruit surface traits, with wild species forming distinct morphological groups. Additionally, biochemical traits varied widely, including the contents of total soluble solid (6.8–13.8 °Brix), acidity (0.25–1.60%), total sugars (3.62–9.21 g/100 g FW), ascorbic acid (88.36–302.46 mg/100 g FW), ferric reducing antioxidants power (7.74–20.69 µM TE/g FW), free radical scavenging activity (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl assay)(85.72–98.47%), lycopene (0.05–8.91 mg/100 g FW), and total carotenoids (0.05–2.76 mg/100 g FW). Besides, principal component analysis indicated PC1 (22.1%) related to fruit size and PC2 (15.2%) to biochemical traits. Furthermore, cluster analysis grouped 51 guava genotypes into three clusters, distinguishing wild from cultivated types. Conclusions The study confirms the presence of wide morpho-biochemical variability in Psidium germplasm, offering valuable genetic resources for genetic improvement programs, aimed at enhanced fruit quality with rich antioxidants, bio-fortification, and the tailoring of novel guava genotypes with reduced seed content, enhanced seed mellowness, and tenet branching, fitting in high-density planting and improved yield efficiency. Graphical Abstract

BackgroundTisanes are a potential source of phytochemicals to reduce disease risk conditions and are used to protect from non-communicable diseases, globally. A few tisanes have gained more popularity than others depending on their chemical composition based on the geographical origin of the used herb. Several Indian tisanes have been claimed to have traits beneficial to people with or at a high risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus. Under the concept, the literature was reviewed and compiled into a document to highlight the chemical uniqueness of popular Indian traditional tisanes to be more informative and potent as per modern medicine to overcome type 2 diabetes mellitus.MethodsAn extensive literature survey was conducted using computerized database search engines, such as Google Scholar, PubMed, ScienceDirect, and EMBASE (Excerpta Medica database) for herbs that have been described for hyperglycemia, and involved reaction mechanism, in-vivo studies as well as clinical efficacies published since 2001 onwards using certain keywords. Compiled survey data used to make this review and all findings on Indian traditional antidiabetic tisanes are tabulated here.ResultsTisanes render oxidative stress, counter the damage by overexposure of free radicals to the body, affect enzymatic activities, enhance insulin secretion, etc. The active molecules of tisanes also act as anti-allergic, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antithrombotic, antiviral, antimutagenicity, anti-carcinogenicity, antiaging effects, etc. WHO also has a strategy to capitalize on the use of herbals to keep populations healthy through effective and affordable alternative means with robust quality assurance and strict adherence to the product specification.

Root-knot nematode ( Meloidogyne incognita ) causes up to 30% yield loss in tomato ( Solanum lycopersicum ) worldwide, and reliance on synthetic nematicides poses serious environmental and health risks. This study explores sustainable alternatives by evaluating the nematicidal potential of Mentha sp icata and Piper longum essential oils and extracts, along with Bacillus amyloliquefaciens and B. subtilis , under both In vitro and microplot conditions. Essential oils exhibited significant juvenile mortality and egg hatching inhibition at low concentrations, outperforming solvent extracts. In microplots, all treatments—including combinations with organic amendments (farm yard manure, vermicompost, and paddy straw)—significantly reduced nematode populations, improved tomato growth, and enhanced soil fertility. The combined biocontrol treatments performed comparably to the chemical nematicide Velum Prime 400 SC, while also increasing soil organic carbon and NPK content (P < 0.05). These findings demonstrate that integrating botanicals, plant growth promoting rhizobacteria and organic amendments provides an effective, eco-friendly alternative for managing root-knot nematodes, contributing to resilient and sustainable tomato production systems.

Withanolides are bioactive triterpenoids that require isoprene units viz., isopentenyl diphosphate (IPP) and dimethylallyl diphosphate (DMAPP) as precursor molecule for their biosynthesis, mediated via two independent routes, the plastidial methyl erythritol phosphate (MEP) and the cytosolic mevalonate (MVA) pathway. Specific inhibitor of rate limiting enzymes i.e., 1-deoxy-D-xylulose 5-phosphate reductoisomerase (DXR) of the MEP pathway i.e. fosmidomycin and the enzyme HMG CoA (3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-coenzyme A) reductase (HMGR) of MVA pathway i.e. mevinolin were used to perturb the metabolic flux and the effect on both primary and secondary metabolism were analysed. Foliar application of fosmidomycin and mevinolin resulted in a significant reduction of 33–40% in DXR enzyme activity and ~ 33% in HMGR enzyme activity. Also, the fosmidomycin mediated inhibition of the DXR activity significantly induced the HMGR activity and vice-versa with mevinolin. Further, an inhibition of any one pathway MEP or MVA caused a stimulation of the other for maintaining the metabolic homeostasis, while inhibition of both the MEP and MVA pathways adversely affected the photosynthetic characteristics and the growth parameters. Under the MEP pathway inhibition, up to 50% reduction in the withaferin A content was evidenced. Further, the radiotracer ( 14 C) studies executed to assess the quantum of total labelled carbon-metabolite accumulation, including withanolides, in the roots under the exposure of MEP and MVA pathway inhibitors, confirm the above findings, though not in an absolute manner. The present study indicates that both MEP and MVA pathways regulate the withanolide production in W. somnifera. wherein the MVA pathway appears to be the major supplier of IPP for the withanolide biosynthesis, while the MEP pathway exerts an indirect control on IPP availability through photosynthesis and carbon assimilation. Graphical abstract

A crude hexane extract of seed kernel was processed into fatty acid methyl esters (FAME) using methanolic-sulfuric acid. Herbal mixtures (seed extracts of A. squamosa and essential oils of Cymbopogon nardus (citronella) and Pelargonium graveolens (geranium)) were evaluated against root knot nematode (Meloidogyne spp). The mortality of J2s of M. incognita in hexane and methanol extracts (AHE+AME) of A. squamosa with geranium oil (GO) ranged from 50.75-89.75% to 71.50-99.00% at 31.25 to 1000 μgmL-1 in 24 to 96 hours. The number of galls after CO+AHE+AME treatment was 4.0 ± 0.0 and 5.67 ± 0.58 galls/seedling and were recorded at 1000 and 500 μgmL-1 treatments on 30 days after inoculation, compared to carbofuran (3.0 ± 0.0 and 4.3 ± 0.6 galls/seedling) at 1000 and 500 μgmL-1 and velum prime (3.6 ± 0.6 and 4.6 ± 0.6 galls/seedling) at 1000 and 500 μgmL-1. The maximum shoot length of brinjal seedlings was recorded in CO+AHE+AME treatment compared to carbofuran (47.3 ± 0.6cm) and velum prime (48.7 ± 0.6 cm) at 1000 μg mL-1 in soil drenching application. Methanol and hexane extracts (AHE+AME) obtained from Annona squamosa seeds were investigated for their nematicidal properties. M. graminicola in direct-seeded rice at the nursery level and M. incognita in brinjal (eggplant) were controlled for up to sixty days when treated with these mixtures.

The use of synthetic drugs to overcome bone ailments causes severe side effects, but the application of herbals is helpful in maintaining bone health and accelerating bone mending. Currently, there is no oral allopathic medicine to hasten bone healing, though folk and traditional practices have adopted herbal to fasten the recovery from bone ailments. Earliest recovery is a universally desired phenomenon, especially for elderly people where many more cases of traumatic injuries are common along the compromised body immunity. The computerized database search engines, such as Google Scholar, PubMed, ScienceDirect, Springer Link, etc., and textbooks were used to collect all relevant information about barks for bone mending activity published from 1990 onwards using certain keywords such as bark, folklore/ traditional bone healing practices, and phytopharmacology. The results obtained were compiled to make this review and related information is tabulated herewith. Traditional herbal bone healing exists in every society in the world. The plant barks of a few species (e.g., Ficus religiosa, Prunus cerasoides, Terminalia arjuna, etc.) have outstanding significance for bone healing because of their special chemical composition and novel properties to reduce swelling, pain, soreness, and speedy recovery of functions. Mostly bark extracts are rich in polyphenols, and minerals, represented with antioxidant, immunostimulatory, antibacterial properties, etc. There is a diversity of bark utilization for bone healing from different plant species, globally, of which only a few have been phytopharmacologically deciphered. Validated bark ingredients as medicine or food supplements are more useful due to the least side effects. Entrepreneurs have a scope to use bioactive obtained from plant barks that have not been scientifically screened till now. The research focused on the commercial application of plant barks as green medicine needs fingerprints of bioactive and clinically validated data including the concentration of biomarkers in the blood (IC50) for reducing the healing period. Phytopharmacological screening of barks used in folk medicine and synthesizing the therapeutics at mega quantities in industries is an array of hopes for sustainable utilization of natural resources. The bio-stimulating knowledge of certain herbal ingredients will be helpful in the development of synergistic formulations for rapid bone mending.Graphical Abstract