Search Results (42)

Tribals are known as the torchbearers of ethnobotany. Traditional plant-derived utility products (PUPs) are environmentally friendly, cost-effective, and easy to handle, and are extensively used by the forest-dwelling Gaddi and Sippi tribes of the Union Territory (UT) of Jammu and Kashmir for their subsistence. The present study is an attempt to document the invaluable traditional knowledge on wild plants and PUPs possessed by the Gaddi and Sippi tribes before it perishes completely, as this knowledge is transmitted orally to the next generation. Semi-structured schedules were used for the collection of data regarding the method of making and usage of PUPs and the plant species used for making such products. The cultural importance index (CI) and factor informant consensus (F_ic) were calculated to find the predominant plant species and the consensus among informants for species used in making PUPs, respectively. A total of 52 plant species from 28 families and 46 genera are used in the study area for making 93 PUPs. Tools, with a 55.9% contribution, were the major PUP category. Cedrus deodara, used for making 36 PUPs and having a 4.9 CI value, was the most utilized and important tree species for the Gaddi and Sippi tribes. The values of F_ic ranged between 0.97 (miscellaneous PUPs) and 0.99 (containers/storage PUPs). The present study documented 43 plant species as new ethnobotanical records from the UT of Jammu and Kashmir for their use in traditional plant products. The Gaddi and Sippi tribes in the study area have extensive knowledge about forest-based PUPs and the associated plant species. This invaluable knowledge can be exploited for developing new resources for some value-added traditional plant products and agro-based cottage industries, which could play an important role in socio-economic upliftment and livelihood promotion of tribals. Full article

Philodendron ‘White Knight’ is a popular climbing evergreen plant typically propagated through stem cuttings. However, this method is slow and inefficient, making it challenging to meet the rising market demand. In vitro propagation could enhance the multiplication of this cultivar. However, research on its in vitro propagation is limited. Therefore, the objective of the present study was to establish an efficient micropropagation technique to mass-produce Philodendron ‘White Knight’ to meet the market demand. We investigate the impact of silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) on the surface sterilization of Philodendron ‘White Knight’ petioles, the role of plant growth regulators in adventitious shoot regeneration and shoot multiplication, and the effect of auxins on the rooting ability of Philodendron ‘White Knight’ microshoots. There are few stages in plant micropropagation. The establishment of aseptic culture is the first and most important stage. For Philodendron ‘White Knight’, aseptic petiole explants (100%) were obtained after treatment with 40 mg L⁻¹ Ag NPs for 60 min. This was followed by adventitious shoot induction, and the highest rate of adventitious shoot induction (52.6%) and the maximum shoot number (13.9 shoots per petiole) were achieved on Murashige and Skoog shoot multiplication B (MS-B) medium with 20 µM of 2-isopentenyl adenine (2-IP) and 5.0 µM of naphthalene acetic acid (NAA). The shoot multiplication stage was achieved with the highest number of shoots (34 shoots per shoot tip) with a length of 5.1 cm, which was obtained on MS-B medium with 5.0 µM 2-IP and 2.5 µM NAA. All the microshoots produced roots during the root induction stage with the maximum root number (8.2 roots per shoot), and the greatest plantlet height (9.1 cm) was achieved on half-strength Murashige and Skoog medium containing indole-3-butyric acid (10.0 μM). The rooted plantlets of Philodendron ‘White Knight’ were transplanted into a substrate composed of 10% peat moss, 50% orchid stone, and 40% coconut husk chips and acclimatized in a greenhouse environment, achieving a survival rate of 100%. This micropropagation protocol can be used for the commercial production of Philodendron ‘White Knight’. Full article

Nanotechnology has revolutionised biomedical research, offering innovative healthcare solutions. Plant-based nanotechnology is emerging as a sustainable alternative, minimising environmental impacts and enhancing therapeutic effectiveness. This paper explores the potential of plant-derived nanoparticles (PNPs) in medicine, highlighting their biocompatibility, multifunctionality, and eco-friendliness. PNPs, synthesised through green methods, have demonstrated promising applications in drug delivery, cancer therapy, antimicrobial treatments, and tissue regeneration. Their unique properties, such as a high surface area and bioactive components, enable improved drug delivery, targeting, and controlled release, reducing side effects and enhancing treatment efficacy. Additionally, plant-derived compounds’ inherent antimicrobial and antioxidant properties, retained within platinum nanoparticles (PNPs), present innovative opportunities for combating antimicrobial resistance and promoting wound healing. Despite their potential, challenges remain in standardising PNP synthesis, ensuring consistency, and scaling up production for industrial applications. This review emphasises the need for further research on PNP toxicity, biocompatibility, and regulatory frameworks to fully harness their capabilities in clinical and commercial applications. Plant-based nanotechnology represents a promising, greener alternative for advancing healthcare solutions, aligning with global sustainability goals. Full article

Nanotechnology has garnered significant interest worldwide due to its wide-ranging applications across various industries. Titanium dioxide nanoparticles are one type of nanoparticle that is commonly utilised in everyday use and can be synthesized by different techniques using physical, chemical and biological extracts. Green synthesis is an economical, environmentally benign and non-toxic method of synthesising nanoparticles. Titanium dioxide nanoparticles have a positive impact on plant physiology, particularly in response to biotic and abiotic stresses, depending on various factors like size, concentration, exposure of the nanoparticles and other variables. Further, titanium dioxide nanoparticles have many applications, such as being used as nano-fertilizers, adsorption of heavy metal from industrial wastewater and antimicrobial activity, as discussed in this review paper. Previous studies investigated whether titanium dioxide nanoparticles also induce genotoxicity may be due to mishandling procedure, exposure time, size, concentration and other variables. This is still contradictory and requires more research. The present review is a pragmatic approach to summarize the synthesis, application, nanotoxicity, genotoxicity and eco-friendly method of nanoparticle synthesis and disposable. Full article

Amongst the many types of food waste, eggshells contain various minerals and bioactive materials, and they can become hazardous if not properly disposed of. However, they can be made useful for the environment and people by being converted to environmentally friendly catalytic materials or environmental purification agents. Simple calcination can enhance their properties and thereby render them suitable for catalytic and environmental applications. This work aimed to prepare CaO from waste eggshells and examine its effectiveness in photocatalytic pollution remediation, electrocatalytic activity, optical sensing, and antibacterial activities. As opposed to other techniques, this calcination process does not require any chemical reagents due to the high purity of CaCO₃ in eggshells. Calcium oxide nanoparticles were prepared by subjecting waste eggshells (ES) to high-temperature calcination, and the synthesized CaO nanoparticles were characterized for their structural, morphological, chemical, optical, and other properties. Furthermore, their photocatalytic degradation of methylene blue dye and antibacterial efficiency against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus were investigated. It was found that the green-converted CaO can be efficiently used in environmental applications, showing good catalytic properties. Full article

Nanobiotechnology, at the intersection of nanotechnology and biology, represents a burgeoning field poised to revolutionize medicine through the use of advanced nanocarriers. These nanocarriers, endowed with distinctive physiobiological attributes, are instrumental in diverse therapeutic domains including drug delivery for microbial infections, cancer treatment, tissue engineering, immunotherapy, and gene therapy. Despite the transformative potential, several challenges hinder their efficacy, such as limited drug capacity, suboptimal targeting, and poor solubility. This review delves into the latest advancements in nanocarrier technologies, examining their properties, associated limitations, and the innovative solutions developed to address these issues. It highlights promising nanocarrier systems like nanocomposites, micelles, hydrogels, microneedles, and artificial cells that employ advanced conjugation techniques, sustained and stimulus-responsive release mechanisms, and enhanced solubility. By exploring these novel structures and their contributions to overcoming existing barriers, the article emphasizes the vital role of interdisciplinary research in advancing nanobiotechnology. This field offers unparalleled opportunities for precise and effective therapeutic delivery, underscoring its potential to reshape healthcare through personalized, targeted treatments and improved drug performance. Full article

Green leafy vegetables are rich in lipophilic metabolites such as carotenoids, phytosterols, tocopherols, and fatty acids, known for their significant health benefits. Goat’s beard (Aruncus dioicus var. kamtschaticus), a wild leafy vegetable native to Ulleungdo Island, South Korea, is reported to possess various biological activities and bioactive compounds. However, the content and profiles of lipophilic metabolites, especially carotenoids, have not been reported. This study investigated the composition of lipophilic metabolites in the foliage of goat’s beard using liquid chromatography–diode-array detection–mass spectrometry, gas chromatography–mass spectrometry, and gas chromatography–flame ionization detection. Five carotenoids (violaxanthin, neoxanthin, lactucaxanthin, lutein, β-carotene) and α-tocopherol were identified and quantified using liquid chromatography–diode-array detection–mass spectrometry. Lactucaxanthin, previously discovered in lettuce, was identified for the first time in goat’s beard foliage, with a higher concentration (45.42 ± 0.80 µg/g FW) compared to red lettuce (19.05 ± 0.67 µg/g FW). Furthermore, total carotenoids and α-tocopherol contents were higher in goat’s beard than in red lettuce. Gas chromatography–mass spectrometry analysis showed the presence of three phytosterols, namely, campesterol (3.53 ± 0.20 µg/g FW), stigmasterol (65.30 ± 4.87 µg/g FW), and β-sitosterol (89.54 ± 2.46 µg/g FW). Gas chromatography–flame ionization detection analysis revealed the presence of five essential fatty acids, with α-linolenic acid (57.03 ± 0.47%) being the most abundant, contributing to a favorable polyunsaturated FA/saturated FA ratio. These findings underscore the nutritional potential of a goat’s beard, suggesting its promising use in dietary supplements and the commercial extraction of valuable lipophilic antioxidants, particularly lactucaxanthin, for nutraceuticals and functional foods. Full article

Plants, being sessile, are continuously exposed to varietal environmental stressors, which consequently induce various bio-physiological changes in plants that hinder their growth and development. Oxidative stress is one of the undesirable consequences in plants triggered due to imbalance in their antioxidant defense system. Biochemical studies suggest that nanoparticles are known to affect the antioxidant system, photosynthesis, and DNA expression in plants. In addition, they are known to boost the capacity of antioxidant systems, thereby contributing to the tolerance of plants to oxidative stress. This review study attempts to present the overview of the role of nanoparticles in plant growth and development, especially emphasizing their role as antioxidants. Furthermore, the review delves into the intricate connections between nanoparticles and plant signaling pathways, highlighting their influence on gene expression and stress-responsive mechanisms. Finally, the implications of nanoparticle-assisted antioxidant strategies in sustainable agriculture, considering their potential to enhance crop yield, stress tolerance, and overall plant resilience, are discussed. Full article

Chitosan is a natural biodegradable polymer that is recovered from marine shell wastes. It has been widely employed in anticancer, antioxidant, and antibacterial applications due to its outstanding qualities, including biological compatibility, muco-adhesivity, hemocompatibility, and biodegradability. The contributions of this polymer have established it with respect to biomedical applications. The distinct morphologies of chitosan, such as in nanoparticulate and microparticulate for MS and as derivatives and composites have extended its visages even beyond biomedicine. This review specifically summarizes the biomedical highlights of chitosan-based MS. Special attention has been focused on the antimicrobial accomplishments of chitosan-based MS. The impact of chitosan MS against bacteria, fungi and viruses has been reviewed. The gaps in its usage for antimicrobial investigations have been addressed. The lack of significant contribution from chitosan MS towards antifungal and antiviral applications has been explicitly highlighted. Future recommendations and the scope for expansion have been suggested. Full article

Contemporary pharmacology dating back to the late 19th/early 20th centuries has benefitted largely from the incorporation of metal complexes. Various biological attributes have been successfully realized using metal/metal complex-based drugs. Among anticancer, antimicrobial, and antiviral applications, anticancer applications have extracted the maximum benefit from the metal complex, Cisplatin. The following review has compiled the various antiviral benefits harnessed through inputs from metal complexes. As a result of exploiting the pharmacological aspects of metal complexes, the anti-COVID-19 deliverables have been summarized. The challenges ahead, the gaps in this research area, the need to improvise incorporating nanoaspects in metal complexes, and the need to test metal complex-based drugs in clinical trials have been discussed and deliberated. The pandemic shook the entire world and claimed quite a percentage of the global population. Metal complex-based drugs are already established for their antiviral property with respect to enveloped viruses and extrapolating them for COVID-19 can be an effective way to manipulate drug resistance and mutant issues that the current anti-COVID-19 drugs are facing. Full article

Chitosan derivatives and composites are the next generation polymers for biomedical applications. With their humble origins from the second most abundant naturally available polymer chitin, chitosan is currently one of the most promising polymer systems, with wide biological applications. This current review gives a bird’s eye view of the antimicrobial applications of chitosan composites and derivatives. The antiviral activity and the mechanisms behind the inhibitory activity of these components have been reviewed. Specifically, the anti-COVID-19 aspects of chitosan composites and their derivatives have been compiled from the existing scattered reports and presented. Defeating COVID-19 is the battle of this century, and the chitosan derivative-based combat strategies naturally become very attractive. The challenges ahead and future recommendations have been addressed. Full article

Fruits and vegetables are a vital source of redox-active phytochemicals in the diet. Traditional green leafy vegetables (GLVs) are a rich source of carotenoids, dietary fiber, minerals, phenols, vitamins, and tocopherols and are commonly consumed in rural areas worldwide. In traditional Korean medicine, many GLVs are used to treat various ailments. However, data on the carotenoid and tocopherol content of many traditional GLVs consumed in the Republic of Korea are insufficient. The current work aims to compare the carotenoid and tocopherol profiles of 18 traditional GLVs by utilizing a single ion monitoring LC-MS approach to identify the potential GLVs for commercial cultivation and healthy diet formulations. Among the traditional GLVs investigated, (all-E)-lutein was the most abundant carotenoid, ranging from 44.4% in Glehnia littoralis to 52.1% in Heracleum moellendorffii. It was followed by (all-E)-violaxanthin and (all-E)-β-carotene. The highest contents of (all-E)-violaxanthin (75.6 µg/g FW), 9-Z-neoxanthin (48.4 µg/g FW), (all-E)-luteoxanthin (10.8 µg/g FW), (all-E)-lutein (174.1 µg/g FW), total xanthophylls (310.5 µg/g FW), (all-E)-β-carotene (69.6 µg/g FW), and total carotenoids (380.1 µg/g FW) were recorded in Pimpinella brachycarpa. Surprisingly, Taraxacum mongolicum also showed the highest contents of (all-E)-violaxanthin, (all-E)-lutein, and total carotenoids, which were statistically non-significant (p > 0.05, Tukey HSD) with P. brachycarpa. The highest concentration of (all-E)-zeaxanthin (14.4 µg/g FW) was recorded in Solidago virga-aurea. Among the studied herbs, 13.9 (H. moellendorffii)–133.6 µg/g FW (Toona sinensis) of α-tocopherol was recorded. Overall, the results suggest that P. brachycarpa and T. mongolicum are rich sources of carotenoids. On the other hand, T. sinensis is a rich source of α-tocopherol. These GLVs can be utilized in the diet to enhance the intake of health-beneficial carotenoids and α-tocopherol. Full article

Cotyledon orbiculata L. (Crassulaceae)—round-leafed navelwort—is used worldwide as a potted ornamental plant, and it is also used in South African traditional medicine. The current work aims to assess the influence of plant growth regulators (PGR) on somatic embryogenesis (SE) in C. orbiculata; compare the metabolite profile in early, mature, and germinated somatic embryos (SoEs) by utilizing ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC-MS/MS); and determine the antioxidant and enzyme inhibitory potentials of SoEs. A maximum SoE induction rate of 97.2% and a mean number of SoEs per C. orbiculata leaf explant of 35.8 were achieved on Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium with 25 µM 2,4-Dichlorophenoxyacetic acid and 2.2 µM 1-phenyl-3-(1,2,3,-thiadiazol-5-yl)urea. The globular SoEs were found to mature and germinate best on MS medium with gibberellic acid (4 µM). The germinated SoE extract had the highest amounts of both total phenolics (32.90 mg gallic acid equivalent/g extract) and flavonoids (1.45 mg rutin equivalent/g extract). Phytochemical evaluation of SoE extracts by UHPLC-MS/MS reveals the presence of three new compounds in mature and germinated SoEs. Among the SoE extracts tested, germinated SoE extract exhibited the most potent antioxidant activity, followed by early and mature somatic embryos. The mature SoE extract showed the best acetylcholinesterase inhibitory activity. The SE protocol established for C. orbiculata can be used for the production of biologically active compounds, mass multiplication, and conservation of this important species. Full article

Selenium (Se) is a microelement that plays an important nutrient role by influencing various physiological and biochemical traits in plants. It has been shown to stimulate plant metabolism, enhancing secondary metabolites and lowering abiotic and biotic stress in plants. Globally, the enormous applications of nanotechnology in the food and agricultural sectors have vastly expanded. Nanoselenium is more active than bulk materials, and various routes of synthesis of Se nanoparticles (Se-NPs) have been reported in which green synthesis using plants is more attractive due to a reduction in ecological issues and an increase in biological activities. The Se-NP-based biofortification is more significant because it increases plant stress tolerance and positively impacts their metabolism. Se-NPs can enhance plant resistance to various oxidative stresses, promote growth, enhance soil nutrient status, enhance plant antioxidant levels, and participate in the transpiration process. Additionally, they use a readily available, biodegradable reducing agent and are ecologically friendly. This review concentrates on notable information on the different modes of Se-NPs’ synthesis and characterization, their applications in plant growth, yield, and stress tolerance, and their influence on the metabolic process. Full article

Electricity consumption is an integral part of life on earth. Energy generation has become a critical topic, addressing the need to fuel the energy demands of consumers. Energy storage is an offshoot of the mainstream process, which is now becoming a prime topic of research and development. Electrochemical energy storage is an attractive option, serving its purpose through fuel cells, batteries and supercapacitors manipulating the properties of various materials, nanomaterials and polymer substrates. The following review presents a comprehensive report on the use of carbon-based polymer nanocomposites, specifically graphene and fullerene-based polymer nanocomposites, towards electrochemical energy storage. The achievements in these areas, and the types of polymer nanocomposites used are listed. The areas that lack of clarity and have a dearth of information are highlighted. Directions for future research are presented and recommendations for fully utilizing the benefits of the graphene/fullerene polymer nanocomposite system are proposed. Full article