http://nopr.niscpr.res.in/handle/123456789/65535 2026-10-12T11:08:31Z http://nopr.niscpr.res.in/handle/123456789/65548 Title: Correlating traditional harvest practices of roots of medicinal plant Hemidesmus indicus with therapeutic biomolecule levels: with reference to traditional inscriptions Authors: Dutta, Sreya; Mangal, Anupam; Hazra, Kalyan; Saha, Subhadip; Pawar, Gajanan; Mondal, Susmita; Mall, Simmi; Dahiya, Jyoti; Bolleddu, Rajesh; Saha, Suparna; Abdullah, Salik; Babu, Gajji Abstract: Traditional texts mention some specific guidelines for harvesting of medicinal plants based on the seasons. These ancient practices are grounded in centuries of empirical knowledge and observation, aiming to maximize the plant's medicinal efficacy and potency. In this light, the present study considered an important medicinal herb Hemidesmus indicus to quantify an active phytocompound lupeol present in the plant root collected in different seasons and variations in morphoanatomical and phytochemical assay. Flavonoid and phenolic contents were investigated as a phytochemical assay. To estimate the quantity of lupeol a reliable, precise, reproducible and validated HPLC method was conducted. The study revealed that the lupeol content is highest in winter season (0.4029%) while least in rainy season (0.2739%) and there were no significant differences in pharmacognostical characters, but phytochemical contents were noted with significant variations. The total phenolic contents were highest in spring days (8.34%) and total flavonoid contents are highest in summer season (4.16%). The significant outline of the present piece of work based on the lupeol content and concentration of other secondary metabolites assures the relevancy of ancient wisdom in contemporary times through prudent utilisation of natural resources and sustainable growth of mankind. This is because results obtained through the investigations ensure the seasonal preferences as stated in ancient texts. These findings help in bridging traditional knowledge with contemporary understanding, ensuring safe and effective utilization of medicinal plants. Page(s): 93-103 2025-02-01T00:00:00Z http://nopr.niscpr.res.in/handle/123456789/65546 Title: Evaluation of underutilized fern Cyathea gigantea from Northeast India for its potentiality in food processing Authors: Saikia, Deepanka; Kumar Nayak, Prakash; Tiwari, Ajita; Kesavan, Radhakrishnan Abstract: Cyathea gigantea is a species of tree fern found in the North-Eastern part of India in Arunachal Pradesh. Pith of Cyathea gigantea fern is a useful but underutilized part, popularly known as tashe, has traditionally been consumed by the natives of Arunachal Pradesh. From time immemorial, tashe rich in carbohydrates has been consumed as a supplementary food by several tribes like Solungs, Nyishis, Tagins and Adis when faced under natural calamities like famine and earthquake. Tashe being an important source of healthy diet was studied to determine its physico-chemical characteristics to validate the traditional knowledge about its goodness in consumption. The physical and functional properties selected for evaluation were bulk density, colour and pasting properties and nutritional properties selected for evaluation were the content of moisture, ash, protein, fat, crude fibre, carbohydrate, energy value and antioxidant levels as per the standard procedure. From the study it has been found that moisture content in tashe flour is less offering a longer shelf life. The lower fat per cent of tashe makes it an ideal health food option, particularly for those who are overweight. Tashe flour has a low bulk density of less than 1 g/cm3, making it ideal for preparation of complementary foods. It has been concluded from the study that tashe flour can be used to replace traditional flours in a number of flour-based products due to its promising properties. Page(s): 104-111 2025-02-01T00:00:00Z http://nopr.niscpr.res.in/handle/123456789/65544 Title: Ethnobotany of traditional medicinal plants used in Senapati district of Manipur, Northeastern India Authors: Biona, Thokchom; Singh Keithellakpam, Ojit; Nameirakpam, Bunindro; Sougrakpam, Sonia; Nahakpam, Surjalata; Lalvenhimi, Salem; Nambam, Bonika; Ashihe, Daikho; Deb, Lokesh; Kumar Bhardwaj, Pardep; K Mukherjee, Pulok; Sharma, Nanaocha Abstract: This study presents data on important ethnomedicinal plants that were gathered from Manipur's Senapati District. Modern medical facilities are lacking in this area, and traditional health care systems are still practiced. A total of 82 plant species under 46 families were documented from 23 informants. Questionnaires that were open-ended and semi-structured were used to collect the data. Ethnobotanical indices were used to indicate ethnomedicine's advantages, significance, and application. The highest ICF value was 1 for kidney diseases, general health or body weakness, and oral care, followed by skin diseases (0.76). Rhus chinensis Mill (0.52) has the highest relative frequency of citation value followed by Zingiber officinale Roscoe (0.39), Psidium guajava L. (0.39), Gynura cusimbua (D.Don) S.Moore (0.35), Oroxylum indicum (L.) Kurz (0.35). Decoction (47%) was the most commonly used method of preparation followed by raw/fresh (22%), paste (8%), juice (8%), crushed (10%), powder (2%), infusion (2%) and maceration (1%). In our study, 11 plant species were found to have a 100% fidelity level. These species could be a real natural reservoir of new biomolecule with a potential pharmacological activity. Therefore, the preservation of this heritage by documentation and scientific studies is an essential requirement. Page(s): 112-123 2025-02-01T00:00:00Z http://nopr.niscpr.res.in/handle/123456789/65543 Title: Diversity of traditional medicinal plants in silvipastoral land use systems of Indian North Western Himalaya Authors: Lata, Swaran; Barman, Tanay; Naveen; Sharma, Rishabh Abstract: The Indian Himalayan Region (IHR) is one of the world’s mega biodiversity hotspots with diverse landscapes. The IHR harbour diverse agro-ecological conditions known for its silvipastoral land use systems for conservation and management of biodiversity. The present study highlights the diversity of ethno-medicinal plants in silvipastoral land use systems of Himachal Pradesh, North Western Himalaya along with their indigenous medicinal uses. The study was conducted using semi-structured interviews with locals and Vaidya’s through participatory rural appraisal exercises, in 12 districts of study region spanning across 4 agroclimatic zones. The study identified 201 species belonging to 73 families and 170 genera. Fabaceae followed by Lamiaceae, Rosaceae, Poaceae were the dominant families. The study identified utilization of 197 angiosperm species, 3 gymnosperms and 2 pteridophyte species. The species diversity showed maximum distribution of herbs (83), followed by trees (58) and shrubs (48). Leaves and root were the most frequently used part followed by fruits, whole plant, tuber and seeds. Powder followed by paste, juice, decoction, and extracts were the frequently utilized preparation methods for ethnomedicinal preparation for treatment of various ailments. Further the study attempts to address threat categories and suggests conservation and management strategies for potential ethnomedicinal plants. Page(s): 124-145 2025-02-01T00:00:00Z