http://nopr.niscpr.res.in/handle/123456789/41435 2026-10-09T03:30:50Z http://nopr.niscpr.res.in/handle/123456789/41456 Title: Search for rubber in pre-<i>Hevea brasiliensis</i> days and establishment of <i>H. brasiliensis</i> in India Authors: Raman, Anantanarayanan; Narayanan, Chaendaekettu Abstract: Natural rubber, obtained from the spurge <i>Hevea brasiliensis</i>, is a material of high relevance in modern industrialized society. Its uses are manifold. In spite of a stiff competition from synthetic rubber and plastic, natural rubber is still in demand and large plantations of it are presently exploited for an uninterrupted supply. <i>H. brasiliensis</i> was introduced into India from Brazil, through a circuitous route, thanks to Dietrich Brandis (then Inspector General of Forests, Government of India), who directed operations in the 1870s. The present article explores the historical landmark events that occurred before Brandis’s decision on its introduction into India and after, supplemented by relevant notations. The fascinating subplot in the story of <i>H. brasiliensis</i> introduction into India is the search for plant sources of ‘rubber’ within the subcontinent and how a non-edible fig species <i>Ficus elastica</i> was looked at, quite rigorously, as an invaluable material in this context. Early efforts made by the Rubber Research Institute of India, Kottayam in independent India include the development of a productive clone RRII 105, which has revolutionized rubber production in Indian in the recent decades. Page(s): 9-17 2017-03-01T00:00:00Z http://nopr.niscpr.res.in/handle/123456789/41455 Title: Phytochemical and ethnopharmacological overview of endangered <i>Homalomena aromatica </i> Schott: An aromatic medicinal herb of Northeast India Authors: Kehie, Mechuselie; Kehie, Pelesakuo; Pfoze, Neli Lokho Abstract: Northeast India falls under the Indo-Burma mega biodiversity hotspot and is considered one of the richest repositories of aromatic and medicinal plants in the World. The region is also known for its rich ethnic diversity comprising about 130 major tribes and 300 sub-tribes or groups. Each ethnic tribal community utilizes wide varieties of plant species as food and medicine. However, of late, this rich plant diversity of the region has been threatened mainly due to ever increasing pressure of anthropogenic interferences including large scale <i>jhuming</i> and unsustainable collection of forest resources from its natural habitats. <i>Homalomena aromatica </i> Schott.is one such aromatic medicinal herb found in this region. The rhizomes are known to possess medicinal properties like antiinflammatory, analgesic, antidepressant, antiseptic, sedative, antispasmodic, treating joint pain, and skin infections. The rhizomes contain an essential oil having mainly sesquiterpenoids group that is used for blending of most oriental perfume. It has a high demand in perfumery and cosmetic industries. The spent material after oil extraction is largely used in <i>Dhup</i> manufacturing. However, despite its importance, conservation of this herb is one of the major challenges confronting the region. Large-scale indiscriminate collection directly from its natural habitat has endangered this species. This review presents a comprehensive overview of ethnomedicinal uses and phytochemical composition of the essential oil of <i>H. aromatica</i>. It also highlights the economic potential and future research directions towards conservation and utilization of <i>H. aromatica</i>. Page(s): 18-31 2017-03-01T00:00:00Z http://nopr.niscpr.res.in/handle/123456789/41454 Title: Bamboo shoot as a source of nutraceuticals and bioactive compounds: A review Authors: Kumar, P Suresh P; Kumari, K Usha; Devi, M Preema; Choudhary, V K; Sangeetha, A Abstract: Bamboo has a vital importance in the lives of the native tribes and is extensively grown in varied climatic zones. It is a valuable and renewable natural resource. India is one of the richest countries in terms of bamboo resources with about 136 species. In this review, we tried to collect and systematically arrange all the available important literature on nutritional importance of bamboo with special emphasis on the traditional foods and future processing avenues. New bamboo culms that come out of the ground, called shoots are usually used in Asian cookery in various ways (raw, canned, boiled, marinated, fermented, frozen and liquid). Bamboo provides moisture (89.3 %), low fat (0.41 g/100g), high dietary fibre (3.90 %), and mineral content (1.03 %). It is also a good source of thiamine, niacin, vitamin A, vitamin B6, and vitamin E. However, they contain a potentially toxic glycoside of α -hydroxynitrile, called taxiphyllin. Trade potential of bamboo is not fully exploited, though it has the prospective to ensure livelihood security, in both rural and urban areas. As it is a seasonal product and delicate in nature, processing and preservation of bamboo products are the important steps to make bamboo accessible in developing countries. Nutraceutical potential of bamboo shoot is also explored in this review. Page(s): 32-46 2017-03-01T00:00:00Z http://nopr.niscpr.res.in/handle/123456789/41453 Title: <i>In vitro</i> antioxidant and <i>in vivo </i> prophylactic effects of heptyl 3-(2-formylphenyl) propanoate isolated from <i>Delonix elata</i> L.against hepatoxicity in CCl₄ intoxicated rats Authors: Krishnappa, Pradeepa; Venkatarangaiah, Krishna; Venkatesh; Rajanna, Santosh Kumar Shimoga Abstract: <i>Delonix elata </i> L. (Family Caesalpiniaceae) has been used in the folklore medicines in Karnataka, India to cure liver and rheumatic problems. Bioassay guided fractionation of the chloroform leaf extract of <i>D. elata</i> has resulted in the isolation of heptyl 3-(2-formylphenyl) propanoate (HFP). The prophylactic activity of leaf chloroform extract (DLC) and the isolated constituent were evaluated against CCl₄-induced hepatotoxicity in rats. The treatment with DLC and HFP with concomitant CCl₄ intraperitoneal injection significantly reduced the elevated plasma levels of AST, ALT, ALP, triglycerides, and cholesterol compared with the CCl₄ injected group. DLC and HFP showed significant prophylactic effect on activities of SOD, CAT, GPx, GST, and also significantly inhibited the elevated levels of MDA in liver homogenates. Results obtained in biochemical assays were well supported by histological observations. The results revealed that the hepatoprotective activity of DLC and HFP is significant and on par with the standard drug silymarin. To clarify the influence of the DLC and HFP on the protection of oxidative-hepatic damage, <i>in vitro</i> antioxidant properties were examined. Free radical scavenging activity was exhibited by both, the extract and the constituent. The results suggest that the DLC and HFP could protect the hepatocytes from CCl₄-induced liver damage perhaps, by their anti-oxidative effect on hepatocytes. Page(s): 47-53 2017-03-01T00:00:00Z