Assessment of Genetic Diversity, Population Structure and Phytochemical Variations in Polygonatum Cirrhifolium (Wall.) Royle - An Endangered Medicinal Herb

Polygonatum cirrhifolium is an important medicinal herb of family Asparagaceae used to cure several ailments. Its rhizome forms an important ingredient of “Chyavanprash” which is identified for its rejuvenating properties. However, P.cirrhifolium is least explored scientifically and systematically till date. Therefore, in this study genetic diversity and phytochemical variations along with antimutagenic activity of P.cirrhifolium populations was evaluated. Antimutagenic activity varied remarkably (p<0.05) having Gagar population with significantly (p<0.05) higher DNA recovery (84.95%) percentage. Higher genetic diversity (He) was recorded among populations using RAPD (He, 0.30-0.36) and ISSR (0.25-0.38) markers. High intra and low inter population variations were recorded in the species using both kinds of markers. Phenolics (p<0.05; r=0.924); tannins (p<0.05; r=0.897) and DNA damage inhibition efficiency displayed a highly positive correlation with genetic diversity (estimated using ISSR markers). The population structure analysis of P. cirrhifolium revealed that the greatest value of the K was 3 for studied populations. Gene flow among studied populations was found sufficient to encounter genetic erosion in the species. Therefore, it can be recommended that the populations with higher ingredient and genetic diversity can be utilized for conservation priority and management plan of this species.

A Study about Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri) Preparation Steps on Its Saponin Quantity

Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri) is a medicinal herb containing bioactive compounds (Bacosides) in the saponin group that enhances memory and prevents dementia. Brahmi is not favored for cooking because it is very bitter. Nowadays, most people consume Brahmi as supplementary food, which makes it more expensive than consuming in food form, not getting fibers and other nutrients. Currently, there are only few studies that work to alleviate in Brahmi. Therefore, this study aimed to find out the saponin quantity in Brahmi after some pretreatments and the effect of these treatments on Bacosides and bitterness. Thus, suitable preparation steps for Brahmi have the highest remaining saponin quantity and are consumable. There were various techniques of preparation, depending on the concentration of salt used in crumpling and 1 time boiling of Brahmi to reduce its bitterness. The salt concentrations used in this study were 0, 10, and 20 % (w/w) compared with the fresh herb. The saponin quantity was analyzed by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The results showed that the total amount of saponin in boiled Brahmi that crumpled with 0, 10, and 20 % were significantly lower than fresh Brahmi (p < 0.05). Brahmi was crumpled with 10 % salt before boiling had the highest total saponin quantity of 2.69±0.02 g/kg of fresh weight and the highest tasting scores. Thus, the preparation of crumpling with 10 % salt before cooking, was suitable because consumers gained the highest saponin and accepted the taste of food containing Brahmi. HIGHLIGHTS Brahmi have many health benefits not only memory enhancer but also prevention of dementia People used Brahmi as supplementary food because it is very bitter and not favored for cooking Reduce the bitter with non chemical as crumpling with 10 % salt concentration before cooking was highest saponin and accepted the taste of food containing Brahmi

Cynodon dactylon Pers.: A Review on Forage Crop and Medicinal Herb

Cynodon dactylon is a forage crop besides being a medicinal herb which has been holding a sacred position in our Indian culture. Its survival capacity in any ecological succession has forced it to exist as medicinal plant containing a broad spectrum of secondary metabolites like Cyanidin, Luteolin, apigenin having several therapeutic uses. The review paper has been designed in coordination with research articles to compile the various properties of the plant like its thriving capacity in tropical and subtropical regions where it can alter ecosystem by effecting nutrient cycles and community composition, diverse chemical composition, and therapeutic uses to name some such as diabetes, atherosclerosis etc., which could be used as an area of further research for mankind and environmental benefits.