De Novo Transcriptome Assembly and Development of EST-SSR Markers for Pterocarpus Santalinus L. f. (Red sanders) , a Threatened and Endemic Timber Tree of India

The endemic and precious timber Pterocarpus santalinus L. f. (Red sanders) is a drought hardy tree species for conservation in peninsular India due to its high risk of illegal timber harvest. It is only found in Eastern Ghats of India, and has become threatened owing to overexploitation of its valuable timber. The development of genomic resources, particularly simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers, is essential for strict implementation of in situ conservation measures and application of DNA information based red sanders genetic resource management. However, a lack of genomic data and efficient molecular markers limit the study of its spatial and temporal population genetic structure, identification of diversity hotspots and tree improvement. The current study aims at comprehensive molecular characterization of red sanders and the somatic chromosome counts, flow cytometry and EST-SSR analyses. The results revealed that red sanders is diploid with 2n=20 and the 2C genome size was 0.7872 ± 0.0561pg for the first time in this species. A total of 3128 EST-SSRs were detected based on 25,854 de novo assembled unigenes from transcriptome data and primer sets designed for 1953 SSRs. Fifty-nine EST-SSR markers were evaluated for polymorphism in the natural populations of red sanders and 13 were found to be suitable for genetic analysis. Two major transcription factor families bHLH and ERF, responsible for abiotic stress and secondary metabolite synthesis were analysed which would provide the foundation for further research on production of medicinally important biocompounds.

Cytotoxic Effect of Pterocarpus santalinus and stevia-based Mouthwash - A Lab-based Analysis

Introduction: Red sandalwood called as Pterocarpus santalinus is esteemed for the rich red colour of its wood. Pterocarpus santalinus used as astringent, analgesic and anti-inflammatory agent. Also helpful in treating skin illness, fistula, haemorrhage and ulcers. Stevia rebaudina is a food additive with lingering flavor. The wood isn't aromatic. The tree isn't to be mistaken for the fragrant Santalum sandalwood trees that fill locally in South India. In the present study we have prepared Pterocarpus santalinus and stevia-based mouthwash and evaluated its cytotoxic activity. Materials and Methods: 1g of Pterocarpus santalinus and stevia were measured and 50 ml of distilled water were measured. Both were mixed together to make the aqueous extract. To that 10 nauplii were slowly added and the cytotoxic activity is analysed by the number of live nauplii counts. Results: First day, Nauplii were grown in the medium and it hatches out after 24 hours. Second day, Mouthwash was added according to the concentration. Nauplii were collected and for each concentration 10 nauplii were added. After adding the nauplii, cytotoxicity well as undisturbed for one full day to analyze the inhibition of growth. Third day, nauplii were counted and cytotoxicity of mouthwash was evaluated. Statistical analysis showed significant reduction in the nauplii count (P<0.05). Conclusion: Medicinal plants cure many severe diseases. Application of medicinal plants in the field of medicine should be improved. Based on the results recorded in the present study, it is concluded that Pterocarpus santalinus has a potential cytotoxicity activity. Hence the present study findings provide a beautiful base for some of the medicinal uses of Pterocarpus santalinus.

PHYTOCHEMISTRY AND PHARMACOLOGY OF PTEROCARPUS SANTALINUS AND ITS ROLE IN DERMATOLOGY

The review provides an updated overview of the phytochemical and pharmacological studies on Pterocarpus santalinus. It briefs on the synergistic interactions of P. santalinus with other medicinal plants and its use in Ayurvedic formulations. Phytochemical analysis suggests the presence of triterpenoids, steroids, flavonoids, and phenolic acids. The phytoconstituents and related pharmacological activities of various parts of P. santalinus include antifungal, anticholinesterase, antidiabetic, antibacterial, antipyretic, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, and antiulcer. Literature survey highlights the dermatological applications of the phytoconstituents such as pterostilbene, savinin, and betulin as potential leads for anti-aging, ultraviolet rays (UV-B) protective, and wound healing effects. Undoubtedly, P. santalinus has wide therapeutic value. The dermatologically significant phytoconstituents, namely, pterostilbene, cedrol, savinin, lupeol, betulin, β-eudesmol, and α-bisabolol, if isolated and used in dermatological formulations, can show promising skin protective effect. The data were compiled using scientific databases, namely, Google Scholar and PubMed, the data made available specifically from 2010 to 2021.

Alcohol-Induced Mitochondrial and NADPH Oxidase Mediated ROS Generation Alter Neuroendocrine Status: Role of Pterocarpus Santalinus

The association between oxidative stress and endocrine status with respect to the role of Pterocarpus santalinus (PSE) against alcohol-induced neurotoxicity in rats was investigated. Male albino rats were divided into, control, alcohol treated, alcohol + PSE treated, and PSE treated group. Twenty percent of ethanol (5g/kg body weight/day) was given with and without PSE (250 mg/kg body weight/day) for 60 days. Decreased plasma testosterone, estradiol, thyroid hormones (T3 and T4), and increased cortisol concentrations in alcohol treated rats were observed. Besides, elevated lipid peroxidation, protein carbonyls, NADPH oxidase (NOX), and cytochrome P-450 (CYP-450) activities, with mitochondrial dysfunction were noticed. Moreover, increased protein expression of the phosphorylated protein kinase C (p-PKC), phospholipase C (p-PLC), and NOX2 with decreased antioxidant status was also noticed in alcohol ingested rats. Administration of PSE to alcohol treated rats reduced oxidative stress by increasing antioxidant status, also modulated mitochondrial dysfunction and protein expression of p-PKC, p-PLC and NOX2. In conclusion, ROS generated via mitochondrial dysfunction causes activation of NOX activity through PLC and PKC dependent pathways leading to more ROS generation, which in turn alters the circulating hormonal levels. The phytocompounds present in PSE confer therapeutic efficacy by scavenging ROS and thereby offer protection.

Macro-microscopic Atlas on Heartwood of Pterocarpus santalinus L.f. (Red sandalwood)

Background: Pterocarpus santalinus L.f. (Fam. Leguminosae) is a medium sized, deciduous tree distributed in South India mainly in Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. The heartwood is highly prized and medicinally useful. The heartwood is used in Indian system of medicine for leucorrhoea, piles, syphilis, vomiting, fever, thirst, purifying blood and in wound healing. Pterocarpus santalinus is one of the ingredients in many Siddha and Ayurvedic formulations namely Cintil Ney, Senchandana Manapagu, Candana Bala, Laksadi Taila and Candanadi lauha. Objective: The present study brings out macro-microscopic atlas on heartwood of medicinal plant Pterocarpus santalinus L.f. Materials and Methods: Sections and powder were observed and photographed under different magnifications with the help of Olympus BX51 Microscopic unit fitted with Olympus Camera. Results: Macroscopically colour, odour and taste; microscopically tyloses, needle eye end fibres, forked fibres with pegged and sharp end, pitted and border pitted vessels, uni-seriate medullary rays, Reddish brownish content, oil globules, simple starch grains, crystal fibres and prismatic crystals of calcium oxalate are the unique diagnostic characters reported. Conclusion: The finding of the present study is believed to be helpful in identifying the genuineness of the heartwood in crude raw drug and also in standardization of herbal formulation containing red sandalwood as ingredient.