Asian Journal of Research in Botany

Biochemical Screening and Evaluation of Eucalptus camaldulensis Dehnh Leaf N-Hexane Extract on Callosobruchus maculatus Fabricius (Coleoptera: Bruchidae)

Olusola Michael Obembe — 2024-01-02

The phytochemical screening and GC-MS analysis of the leaf of E. camaldulensis were carried out in the laboratory, using standard methods, while the extraction wascarried outwith n-hexane using Soxhlet extractor, and concentrated with vacuum evaporator. The extract was tested on Callosobruchus maculatus to evaluate the effects on mortality, oviposition and adult emergence. The extract of E. camaldulensis leaves was effective in controlling C. maculatus as it caused a significantly high mortality of the weevils. Weevil mortality increased with increased in number of days in which they were exposed to the treatments and extract dosage level. Weevil 100% was achieved by 72 h when treated with 3% and 4% dosage level of the exract. The extracts significantly (P < 0.05) caused reduction in oviposition and adult emergence by the weevils. Oviposition and adult emergence decreased with increased in the dosage level of the extract. Oviposition was totally suppressed when insects were exposed to 4% extract dosage level, while there was no adult emergence on exposure to 3 and 4% extract dosage levels. The results obtained from the phytochemical analysis of E. camaldulensis indicated the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, saponins, tannins, terpenoids, and phenol indicating the quantitative phytochemical composition of phenol to be highest (76.955 mg/100g), followed by alkaloids (33.025mg/100g), flavonoids (11.74 mg/100g), while saponins has the least value of 9.88mg/100g. The GC-MS analysis revealed arrays of bioactive substances that are responsible for the insecticidal and medicinal properties of E. camaldulensis. The leaf of E. camaldulensis is cheap, biodegradable, ecological friendly and very effective bioinsecticides and therapeutic medicine. Hence, can be used as alternative to the poisonous conventional insecticides and drugs.

Effect of Different Seed Treatment Methods on the Germination of Senna occidentalis L. 1829 (Coffee Senna) in Sokoto, Sudan Savanna Ecosystem, Nigeria

Shehu Bello Tsoho — 2024-01-03

Background and Objective: Seed treatment is an act of subjecting a seed into water, chemical or heating medium often to break its dormancy and enhance its embryo to germinate into a seedling within the shortest time possible. Therefore, seed dormancy has remained the greatest challenging issue in seedling production for any reason in plant production programme the world over. This study was carried out to determine the effect of different seed treatment methods on the germination of Senna occidentalis L. 1829 (Coffee Senna) in Sokoto, Sudan Savanna ecosystem, Nigeria.

Materials and Methods: Hence, three (3) in vitro germination tests at different levels were conducted at Agricultural Chemical Laboratory of the Usmanu Danfodiyo University Sokoto, for thirty six (36) days period to tackle seed dormancy difficulties of S. occidentalis. This was with the view to providing some basic information on the matter due to the socioeconomic nutritional potentials of the plant to man in the Sudano-Sahelian ecosystem.

Results: The study determined 2 days soaking (83.00%), 15 minutes hot water (76.65%) and 10 minutes chemical (H₂SO₄) (90.02%) methods as the best germination tests for the seed germinability of S. occidentalis in the study area and the results were reported in percentages. However, the field experiment in turn, revealed that germination percentages of S. occidentalis (Coffee Senna) seeds obtained were 45.78% at Fadama habitat and 35.56% at upland location, respectively.

Conclusion: Therefore, the best methods determined in this study are recommended for practice in the seedling production of Senna occidentalis L. 1829 (Coffee Senna) and its allied species in the study area.

Assessment of Quality of Water from Catchment to Consumers: A Study based on Rahas-Ella Water Purification Plant in Kandy, Sri Lanka

A. B. N. Withanage — 2024-01-11

Introduction: Rahas-Ella is one of the fascinating waterfalls located in the Wattegama area in Kandy District, Sri Lanka. By receiving raw water from Rahas-Ella, a water purification plant was established in 2013 to provide safe drinking water to the residents in Wattegama municipal area. An investigation was conducted to evaluate several water quality parameters for both raw and purified water, in response to consumer complaints over the quality of drinking water received from this purification plant.

Methodology: Thirteen sampling locations (L01-L13) were identified along the waterfall, from the onsite water purification plant, two wells, and in addition two tap water sources through which the purified water is distributed. Some selected physicochemical and bacteriological parameters were analyzed.

Results: The study revealed that several parameters were higher than the standards concerned for drinking water. Mainly, the turbidity level was high in both the catchment and the intake and this could be a serious health risk to the community. Further, considerably high total counts of both coliforms and Escherichia coli (E. coli) were detected in all samples exceeding the standard values. Although oil and grease were not monitored in this present study, several dwellers reported problems associated with oil pollution.

Conclusion: Based on the observations and results of the study, numerous measures were recommended to improve the water quality of the catchment and to upgrade the treatment facility. The relevant authorities must understand the pathways of microbiological and physicochemical contamination of drinking water and their potential health implications and should carry out necessary steps to improve the quality of water distributed from this purification plant and lessen the negative consequences of improperly purified water on human health.

Assessment of Diversity and Distribution Pattern of Pteridophytic Flora in Dunumadalawa Forest Reserve in Kandy District, Sri Lanka

Marasinghe L. D. K. — 2024-01-24

Pteridophytes are a group of non-flowering, vascular, and spore-bearing plants. They are not much economically important to humankind as angiosperms; however, they have potential as commercial and environmental resources. Many of them are horticulturally desirable and used for decorations and ornamental purposes. Further, some are used as medicines, food, and fodder, pollution indicators, and for controlling insect pests. During recent decades, much research indicates a decline in the worldwide fern population due to some reasons such as climate change, the use of land for agriculture and other commerce-related uses, predators, invasive species and overexploitation. Under these circumstances, in the present study, the species diversity and richness, distribution, and conservation perspectives of pteridophytic flora in Dunumadalawa forest reserve in Kandy district, Sri Lanka, were investigated using the random sampling method. Every possible area that supports the growth of fern flora in the forest was visited frequently, and representative samples were collected and preserved as herbarium specimens. The species were identified using the “Revised Handbook to the Flora of Ceylon” (Vol. XV and XVI) and verified with the specimens deposited at the National Herbarium, Royal Botanic Gardens, Peradeniya, Sri Lanka. The study found a total of 11 families of pteridophytes from different habitats, consisting of 16 genera and 31 species.

Taxonomic Significance of Morphological Characters in Some Species of Cucurbitaceae Common in Abakaliki Ebonyi State

Okereke N. Chukwu — 2024-03-16

Morphological properties have been used as indices in taxonomical studies for more than hundred years. The present study was carried out in Mgbabor, Abakaliki local government area of Ebonyi State Nigeria with an aim to determine the taxonomic significance of morphological features in three species (Citrullus vulgaris, Momordica charantia and Luffa cylindrica) of family Cucurbitaceae. Five samples from each species were randomly collected. The morphological features of each sample were identified after which the leaf, flower and fruit measurements were taken. The statistical method used in the analysis of data was ANOVA. The result of the morphological characteristics (leaf type, colour of the flower, fruit shape, leaf arrangement, colour of corolla, leave texture, rind on the fruit, leave surface, number of seeds, fruit shape, flower symmetry, receptacle etc) of C. vulgaris, M. charantia and L. cylindrica was recorded. A comparison of morphological characteristics revealed that tendrils was present in C. vulgaris and L. cylindrica but absent in M. charantia. M. charantia and L. cylindrica had an oval fruit shape while C. vulgaris was globular. Morphological characteristics shared among the three species are alternate leaf arrangement, cordate leaf base, inferior ovary, pubescent leave surface, simple leave type amongst others. The flower of all the three species was radically symmetrical, and all the three species had a total of 5 petals each. The petals of C. vulgaris and L. cylindrica were yellow while M. charantia was white. C. vulgaris and M. charantia had a one-sided inflorescence while L. cylindrica was auxiliary. The mean leaf area, fruit area and flower area of C. vulgaris, M. charantia and L. cylindricalwas also calculated. The result generated in this study can be useful as morphological evidence for delineating taxa of the plants at the generic level. Hence this work is of great taxonomic significance in delimiting these species of family cucurbitaceae studied.

Plants and Traditional Contraceptive Practices: An Ethnobotanical Study among the Anyi Ndenye in Eastern Côte d'Ivoire

Bedoua Adjoua Elisabeth Affainie — 2024-03-22

In recent years, plants and traditional practices in reproductive health have become an increasingly subject to ethnobotanical research. However, certain aspects of this health domain, such as family planning, remain understudied.

Aims: This study aims to understand the practices and plants used by the Anyi Ndenye for family planning. Specifically, the study seeks to analyze the perception of the Anyi Ndenye regarding to the use of contraceptive plants, assess the diversity of contraceptive plants, and explore associated knowledge.

Study Design: Documenting all contraceptive practices in Ndenye cultural area. Place and Duration of Study: The study was conducted in three districts of the Ndenye Kingdom from 2016 to 2021.

Methodology: An ethnobotanical survey, based on free lists and semi-structured interviews, was used for ethnobotanical data collection from 253 individuals.

Population's perception, was determined by Index of Consent and knowledge that we proposed. Knowledge Sharing Level Assessment was determined by Correspondence Analysis, was carried out by first grouping the surveyed individuals into five age groups based on physiological maturity (18-24 years, 25-35 years, 36-45 years, 45-50 years, and ≥51 years). knowledge level was highlighted by Frequency of Citation and Smith Index.

Results: 24.5% of individuals were willing to provide information regarding contraceptive plants. The study identified 33 plants belonging to 31 genera and 20 families, with Euphorbiaceae and Solanaceae being the most requested. The most contraceptive plant mentioned was Parquetina nigrescens. Leaves and barks were the most commonly used parts for preparing various recipes. These recipes were primarily administered rectally after sexual intercourse. Some similarities have been observed among age groups regarding the sharing of information about plants used. However, there were some specificities for each age group.

Conclusion: Documenting all contraceptive practices in Anyi Ndenye cultural area led us to undertake ethnobotanical studies. According to the literature, contraceptive plants remain a relatively unexplored area in reproductive health and could be an interesting research subject. This work serves as a starting point for research on contraceptive plants in Côte d'Ivoire.

Investigation of Phytochemical Constituents, Antioxidant Potential, In vivo Antidiarrheal, and Neuropharmacological Activities of Oxyspora paniculata Leaves

Md. Sifat Foysal — 2024-04-01

Objective: Despite having extensive ethnopharmacological applications, Oxyspora paniculata's bioactivity and the phytoconstituents that give it that bioactivity was not well studied. The goal of this work was to investigate the antioxidants, antidiarrheal, antidepressant, and antianxiety activities of Oxyspora paniculata, as well as phytochemical screening.

Materials and Methods: Qualitative Phytochemical screening was carried out by using appropriate methods. DPPH radical scavenging assay, total phenol content, and reducing power assay were utilized for investigating antioxidant properties. Castor oil induced diarrhea and GI motility test were used to check the antidiarrheal efficacy. In intact mice, the hole board test and elevated plus-maze (EPM) test measured anxiolytic activity. The forced swim test (FST) and tail suspension test (TST) measured antidepressant activity by immobility time.

Results: Oxyspora paniculata had many important phytochemicals, such as alkaloids, carbohydrates, glycosides, flavonoids, phenols, proteins, tannins, and more. In the in vitro DPPH scavenging activity model, half-inhibition concentration (IC50) of plant sample for free radicals is 14.197μg/ml, which is significant compared to ascorbic acid's 134.82μg/ml. In the Reducing Power Assay, the total phenol content of Oxyspora paniculata leaves was significantly higher (584.0085 ± 1.7285μg/ml). The percent of inhibition defecation for dose MEOP 200 mg/kg is 76% and for MEOP 400 mg/kg is 88.31% in terms of castor oil-induced anti-diarrheal activity. In contrast, the peristalsis index for 200 mg/kg and 400 mg/kg are 74.66% and 56.40% and the percent of inhibition for 200 mg/kg is 26.48% and 400 mg/kg is 41.72% in case of G.I Motility of anti-diarrheal activity. In the in vivo Anxiolytic activity model, MEOP showed substantial (p < 0.01) anxiolytic efficacy at 400 mg/kg in the EPM test. The test extract's anxiolytic action is shown by the open arm's decreased entry at 200mg/kg (50 ± 9.354). Increased head dipping with strong anxiolytic effects at 200 mg/kg (34.33 ± 3.06) (p < 0.0001) was observed in hole board test. In the tail suspension test, MEOP showed greater antidepressant effectiveness at 200 mg/kg (96.67 ± 6.56). In forced swim test, MEOP at 200 mg/kg had the strongest anti-depressant effect (p < 0.0001) due to its short immobility period.

Conclusion: Oxyspora paniculata may treat oxidative stress, diarrhea, anxiety, and depression after comprehensive research. Further studies, such as quantitative phytochemical analysis, GC-MS/LC-MS studies, and in vivo antioxidant studies, may reveal more promising data for their activity.

Study of Some Medico-religious Plants in the Tribal Localities of Bargarh District, Odisha, India

Dayanidhi Bagartee — 2024-04-12

A survey on medico-religious plants was carried out in the tribal localities of Bargarh district in the state of Odisha, India. The study area is actually a tribal zone of western part of Odisha. Plants of the nature are not only limited to providing medicine, food, shelter and clothing but are also used by people in many religious functions. Hence the medicinal plants also have religious values. Information regarding medico-religious properties was collected during field survey from August 2023 to November 2023 in different tribal villages of Bargarh. Data was collected directly from local people, traditional ayurvedic doctors and crude medicinal plant parts sellers. Voucher specimens of 20 medico-religious plants were collected from the study area and identified in the laboratory of Botany Department in Anchal College, Padampur using local flora books and available literatures. The Information regarding both the religious uses and medicinal uses of 20 plants have been documented. Also scientific name, local name, family name and habit of plants were recorded in this study. It was found during the survey that most of the common plants are being used as the sources of traditional medicine and also as the products to be used in different religious practices like worships, marriages, birthday celebrations etc. Due to climate change and human activities, there is always threats to these plant resources. So, it is very urgent to save these plant species and conserve them.