http://nopr.niscpr.res.in/handle/123456789/66647 2026-10-12T12:17:10Z 2026-10-12T12:17:10Z Dhanger, Parveen Pradhan, Piyush Kumara, Ajay http://nopr.niscpr.res.in/handle/123456789/66657 2025-10-30T11:40:53Z 2025-10-01T00:00:00Z

Title: Revitalizing traditional knowledge and mechanization for Capparis decidua (Kair) cultivation in arid zones: A review for sustainable approach to nutrition and livelihood Authors: Dhanger, Parveen; Pradhan, Piyush; Kumara, Ajay Abstract: Capparis decidua (Forsk.) Edgew., generally referred to as Kair, is a significant native shrub that can be found growing around barren land regions, wastelands, gochars (local grasslands), orans, and farm boundaries. It has a wide distribution in the land of semi-arid and arid regions of India. This shrub possesses the inherent potential to offer numerous nutritional and health benefits, and enhance the nutritional levels of rural communities. In addition to its numerous advantages and copious stores of vital nutrients, this species is not currently produced for commercial purposes. Unfortunately, compared to other exotic fruit produces, research efforts focusing on value addition for this fruit are significantly lacking. This review comprehensively examines the species' ecological adaptability, botanical and nutritional profile, therapeutic significance, and current cultivation practices. Focus on mechanized harvesting should be given for fruit quality, quantity and timeliness harvesting. To ensure sustainable farming practices in hot arid regions, it is crucial to develop a comprehensive cultivation tools, package and guidelines specifically tailored for this fruit to boost mechanization. The paper also emphasizes integrating traditional knowledge with scientific research to foster sustainable cultivation, enhance rural livelihoods, and ensure ecological restoration. The findings underscore that with focused mechanization, adaptive research, and policy support, C. decidua can emerge as a cornerstone of desert agroforestry, contributing significantly to nutrition, income, and environmental resilience in resource-scarce regions Page(s): 905-917

2025-10-01T00:00:00Z Rajluxmi Dev, Khangembam Bidyaluxmi Devi, Yumnam Dhanaraj Meitei, Maibam Khaidem, Heliza Naorem, Lamyanbi Dayapati Devi, Nongthombam Geetanjali Devi, Sijagurumayum http://nopr.niscpr.res.in/handle/123456789/66656 2025-10-30T11:38:37Z 2025-10-01T00:00:00Z

Title: Ethnobotany of medicinal trees from sacred groves of the Imphal valley, Manipur, India Authors: Rajluxmi Dev, Khangembam; Bidyaluxmi Devi, Yumnam; Dhanaraj Meitei, Maibam; Khaidem, Heliza; Naorem, Lamyanbi; Dayapati Devi, Nongthombam; Geetanjali Devi, Sijagurumayum Abstract: The expanding urban areas in the Imphal valley have put the fate of the sacred groves or ―Umang Lai‖ managed by the Meitei ethnic group in an uncertain state. In the present field study, the indigenous oral knowledge of ethnomedicinal trees from 10 sacred groves in the valley was documented. In total, 35 ethnomedicinal trees from 29 genera and 20 families were reported. It was observed that the local healers have used the ethnomedicinal trees to treat 37 different ailments from 11 ailment categories. During the field visits, it was observed that most of the sacred groves required immediate intervention measures for restoration so that the biodiversity pockets are preserved and the socio-cultural linkages are safeguarded for future generations Page(s): 918-929

2025-10-01T00:00:00Z M R, Srinivasan T Varghesea, Reshmee K G, Tirumurugaan Sa, Ramesh http://nopr.niscpr.res.in/handle/123456789/66655 2025-10-30T11:34:58Z 2025-10-01T00:00:00Z

Title: Exploratory developmental toxicity study of Andrographis paniculata standardized extract in Wistar rats Authors: M R, Srinivasan; T Varghesea, Reshmee; K G, Tirumurugaan; Sa, Ramesh Abstract: The herb Andrographis paniculata (Burm.f.) Nees has long been integrated into diverse medicinal preparations for its reported analgesic, antipyretic, anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, antiviral, and anticancer properties. These remedies are also administered to women of reproductive age, including during pregnancy, though information on fetal safety remains limited. A study on developmental toxicity was undertaken in rats to determine the reproductive safety profile of A. paniculata extract for pregnant women. Pregnant Wistar rats were treated orally with A. paniculata extract suspended in 0.25% carboxymethylcellulose at daily doses of 0, 30, 100, or 300 mg/kg from gestation day 7 to day 17. Daily body weight and feed intake were recorded. On day 20, the rats were euthanized to record dam and fetal parameters. The pups were euthanized and processed for skeletal and visceral examinations as per the standard protocol. The body weight gain and total feed intake of rats during the gestation period were unaffected by the treatments. Dam and fetal parameters did not vary significantly in the treated groups compared with the control group. Skeletal evaluations revealed delayed ossification of the sternebrae and ischium, along with occasional rib number anomalies, particularly in the high-dose group. These findings were interpreted as transient developmental delays rather than true teratogenic outcomes. Overall, the preliminary rat study indicated that A. paniculata extract did not produce teratogenic effects Page(s): 930-937

2025-10-01T00:00:00Z K S, Shivashankara Kumar, Mahesh Singh, Siddhartha Yatung, Tasso G A, Geetha A N, Lokesha V, Bhargav http://nopr.niscpr.res.in/handle/123456789/66654 2025-11-03T06:24:34Z 2025-10-01T00:00:00Z

Title: Biochemical profiling of steamed leaf extracts used in traditional food wrapping Authors: K S, Shivashankara; Kumar, Mahesh; Singh, Siddhartha; Yatung, Tasso; G A, Geetha; A N, Lokesha; V, Bhargav Abstract: Around the world, various materials have been used for food packaging and wrapping, but natural food wrappers are now gaining popularity due to their perceived safety and the presence of beneficial phytochemicals having health benefits. In this study, comparative biochemical profiling of extracts from steamed leaves was performed, which are traditionally used by tribal community of Arunachal Pradesh for food wrapping during various food preparations through steaming. The leaves studied included Mallotus tetracoccus, Phrynium capitatum, Musa acuminata, Curcuma longa and Amomum subulatum. A total of eighteen phenolic acids, thirteen flavanoids, eleven organic acids and seven water soluble vitamins were identified in the leaf extract. It was found that, the extract of Mallotus tertracoccus followed by Musa acuminata had highest content of phenolic acids, flavanoids, organic acids and vitamins. Gallic acid (10.79 μg/mL) was recorded highest in Mallotus tertracoccus and caffeic acid (6.29 μg/mL) in Musa acuminata among the phenolic acids. Mallotus tetracoccus was found to contain highest amount of catechin (16.56 μg/mL) and shikimic acid (1217.83 μg/mL) among flavonoids and organic acids, respectively. Vitamin B3 (niacin), a water-soluble vitamin was also found highest in Mallotus tetracoccus (31.83 ng/mL) followed by Musa acuminata (19.23 ng/mL). Thus, it has been concluded that, steaming or wrapping the warm food with the leaves of Mallotus tertracoccus and Musa acuminata not only provides an alternative for health detrimental synthetic food wrapper but also supplements the food with several health beneficial bio-active compounds Page(s): 938-946

2025-10-01T00:00:00Z