Appraisal of Anti-Arthritic Potential of Quercus Leucotrichophora Methanolic Extract in Complete Freund’s Adjuvant Induced Arthritic Rats; a Mechanistic Study

This research work was conducted to validate the folkloric use and therapeutic potential of Quercus leucotrichophora (QL) leaf methanolic and aqueous extracts against inflammation and arthritis and to determine the chemical composition by HPLC. The in-vitro anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory activities were carried out along with in-vivo assays such as carrageenan induced paw edema, xylene induced ear edema and Complete Freund’s Adjuvant induced arthritis in Wistar rats. The CFA (0.1 ml) was inoculated to the left hind paw at day 1 to induce arthritis and oral dosing with QLME at 150, 300 and 600 mg/kg was begun at 8th day till the 28th day in all groups while methotrexate was given as standard treatment. There was a noteworthy (p<0.05-0.0001) restoration in body weight, paw edema, arthritic index, altered blood parameters and oxidative stress biomarkers in treated rats as compared to diseased group. Moreover, QLME considerably (p<0.0001) downregulated TNF-α, IL-6, IL-1β, COX-2, and NF-κB, while significantly (p<0.0001) upregulated IL-10, I-κB, IL-4 in relation to diseased group. The QLME exhibited no mortality in acute toxicity study. It was concluded that QLME possessed substantial anti-inflammatory and anti-arthritic potential at all dosage levels, mainly at 600 mg/kg might be due to presence of quercetin, sinapic acid and ferulic acid.

Variation in Tree Layer Composition Across Mid and Higher Elevation Forest Sites in Kumaun Himalayan Region, Uttarakhand

The Himalayan forests are rich in biodiversity and distributed over a large extent from lower to higher elevations. The dependence of the locals for their daily requirements of fuel, fodder and medicinal plants is high on these forests. The study was conducted at altitude varied between 1725 and 3250 masl (above sea level) in Kumaun region. The study deals with the comparison of tree layer vegetation in higher elevation sites (HES) and mid elevation sites (MES) with reference to Diversity, Richness, Basal area (BA), Dominance and Important Value Index. The MES were dominated by mixed Quercus leucotrichophora and Pinus roxburghii forests where as HES sites were dominated by Quercus semecarpifolia and Aesculus indica forests and Rhododendron campanulatum in the understory. Across all the sites the tree species richness ranged between 9 and 15. Tree density was maximum (1400 trees/ha) at MES. Tree diversity and total basal area were maximum at HES. The study will be useful in developing baseline data for carrying out future studies. The data generated will be helpful for the conservation of biodiversity of the region.

Patterns of Phenological Characteristics of Important Tree Species of Kumaun Himalaya

Phenology is one of the simplest and most effective study to understanding the role of climate change in recent scenario. A number of biotic and abiotic drivers controlled the timing and duration of various phenophases in same or different species. Temperature, rainfall and photoperiod are key drivers which adversely affect the phenology of woody plant. The study sites were conductedat 413 and 2345m elevation in Nainital forest division of Kumaun Himalaya. The phenological study were carried out onShores robusta, Mallotus philippinensis, Pinus roxburghii, Myrica esculenta,Quercus leucotrichophora and Rhododendron arboreum. The phenological observations were made at 15 days interval for low activity period and weekly in the periods of high activity. Phenological records were made for four phenophases, viz., leafing, leaf drop, flowering and seed fall.The leaf fall in S. robusta started from March 2nd week and was complete by the end of April. In M. philippinensis the fruiting commenced from the beginning of December and seed fall was complete by the 3rd week of April. In M. esculenta male flowers appear from August end and flowering was complete by October end.In R. arboreum seed dispersal started from February end and all the capsules had opened by mid-March. It is apparent from the present study that the phenological events of species controlled/shifted due to climatic irregularities and temperaturerise and these phenomena showed worldwide. Microclimatic condition alsoresponsible for controlling/shifting the phenological patterns of same or different species.

New host records of Lepidoptera, defoliating Himalayan silver oak, Quercus leucotrichophora A.Camus and ring-cupped oak, Q. glauca Thunb. (Fagaceae) in Uttarakhand, Western Himalayas, India

Survey on the lepidopteran insects attacking oak trees Quercus leucotrichophora and Q. glauca in forest areas revealed 65 species which are mostly polyphagus in habit. The study reports 13 species of lepidopteran belonging to Limacodidae, Erebidae, Geometridae, Pyralidae and Limacodidae as new host for Q. leucotrichophora and four species belonging to Arctiidae and Limacodidae on Q. glauca from both Garhwal and Kumaon regions of Uttarakhand state, India.

Temporal Changes in Tree Species Composition in Karsog Area of Northwest Himalaya

ABSTRACT The forests of Karsog Forest Division in Himachal Pradesh were temporally analyzed for change in tree species composition. These are based on the species composition in different communities and variations along the different altitudinal gradients. The enumeration records were procured from the forest department. Total 143 forest compartments were analyzed to study the change in tree species in thirteen delineated communities, out of which six were pure forest communities and seven were mixed forest communities. The change in density (Ind/ ha) in tree species was calculated between two enumeration years, that is 1986and 2013. Results showed that out of thirteen communities, only three pure communities viz., Pinus roxburghii, Abies pindrow and Quercus leucotrichophora showed increased density while other pure communities showed decreased density in two enumeration years. Altitudinal based study revealed that the lowest altitudinal gradient (1000-2000 m) showed increase in tree density while in 2000-3000 m zone a gradual fall in tree density was observed temporally.

Community Characteristics and Coexistence of Four Medicinally Important Plants in Quercus Leucotrichophora A. Camus Forest of Central Himalaya, India.

Background: The Quercus leucotrichophora is a keystone species in maintaining the biodiversity of several other species and provides ecosystem service to the people residing around the forest. The present study is to investigate the community characteristic and coexistence of four medicinally important plants species viz. Boenninghausenia albiflora (Hk.) Reichb. ExMeissn. Hedychium spicatum (Ham. Ex Smith), Origanum vulgare (Linn.) and Rubia manjith (Linn.) in Quercus leucotrichophora forest in different canopies at three different sites i.e. Hanumangarh, Kailakhan and Pines in the Central Himalaya.Results: In the present study, a total of 81 herbaceous species encountered in the sample, out of which 41 species showed Importance Value Index (IVI) ≥ 5. About 50% species were common in different sites whereas about 54 % species were common in different canopies. There was variation in species richness among the sites (52-67 species), whereas, amongst the canopies, species richness was higher in open canopy and least in close canopy. The co-existence between the selected four species showed a frequency distribution <60% indicating their presence as rare, seldom or often. Amongst the sites, Boenninghausenia albiflora and Origanum vulgare showed its dominance in Pines, Hedychium spicatum at Kailakhan and Rubia manjith at Hanumangarh site. The coexistence between Origanum vulgare and other three species viz. Boenninghausenia albiflora, Rubia manjith and Hedychium spicatum showed negative values, while Boenninghausenia albiflora and two other species viz. Rubia manjith, Hedychium spicatum and Rubia manjith & Hedychium spicatum showed positive coefficient of association. The chi-square in both the cases indicated the values are non-significant resulting not a strong coexistence in the Oak forest, therefore their occurrence together in the community might be by chance. Conclusion: The growth of species in different habitat and association of medicinal plants is important in identifying the suitable habitat and canopy toward future multiplication of the different species in the Himalayan region. The finding of the present study would be also helpful to develop the structure and adequate strategy & plan for conservation and management of habitats, species and communities for their sustainable utilization in different part of the world.

Altitudinal and Seasonal Variation in Soil Humic Acid and Fulvic Acid in Upper Yamauna Forests, garhwal himalayas

A study was conducted in Upper Yamuna Forests of Garhwal Himalayas to determine the humic and fulvic acid carbon status at different altitudes and seasons. The Humic and Fulvic acid carbon contents increased with increasing altitude. Humic and Fulvic acid carbon showed highly significant positive correlation at all altitudes and seasons and significant negative correlation for soil depth. In general, the soils at different altitudes are well supplied with humic and fulvic acid carbon, the most important component of healthy fertile soil. Humic and fulvic acid also play a vital role in the improved nutrient uptake of plants by acting like a carrier of nutrients and also by unlocking previously unattainable nutrients for the plants. Another important role of humic and fulvic acid is its ability to stimulate microbial activity in the soil. Humic and fulvic acid provides a necessary carbon based food source for which the microbes to thrive on. Soil microbes are also important in improving the structure of the soil. Soil microorganisms will break down organic matter in the soil, thus building more humus and adding to the porosity of the soil, which can aid in aeration and water retention. Humic and fulvic acid carbon associated with the soil of high altitudes is higher than at lower altitudes. This may be low temperature conditions coupled with good hydrated environment which support to healthy growth of Abies pindrow- Picea smithiana and Quercus leucotrichophora- Q. floribunda oak forests at higher altitude.