ISOLATION AND CHARACTERIZATION OF ENDOPHYTIC FUNGI FROM MEDICINAL PLANT CRESCENTIA CUJETE L. AND THEIR ANTIBACTERIAL, ANTIOXIDANT AND ANTICANCER PROPERTIES

Objective: The present study was aimed to isolate endophytic fungi from ethano-medicinally important plant Crescentia cujete L. in view to screen their bioactive principles towards different pharmacological applications. Methods: A total of four morphologically distinct endophytic fungi were isolated and identified via analyzing their ITS region of 5.8s rRNA and sequences were submitted in Genbank. The recovered four isolates were further cultivated in Czapek-Dox broth, from this extra cellular bioactive metabolites has been extracted using ethyl acetate for their different biological activities. DPPH assay was performed to measure the free-radical scavenging activity of extracts and antibacterial property was assessed through disc diffusion method. On the other hand, the cytotoxic potential of fungal extracts against hepatocellular carcinoma cell lines (HepG2) was studied by MTT assay, AO-EB and Hoechest staining methods under in vitro condition. Most importantly, the active compounds present in the solvent extracts were identified through GC-MS analysis.Results: The fungal extracts showed a strong growth inhibitory effect against bacterial human pathogens and excellent free radical scavenging activity. It also exhibits excellent antiproliferative effect against hepatocellular carcinoma cells, further it was observed that the cell death was primarily mediated by apoptosis. The active compounds present in the extracts were identified through GC-MS analysis, which depicts the presence of aspirin and diethyl phthalate as the major constituents.Conclusion: Overall, this study strongly suggests that extracts of isolated endophytic fungi from C. cujete L. can be developed as a lead/drug molecule in view of pharmaceutical context.Â

ASPERGILLUS FLAVUS MEDIATED SILVER NANOPARTICLES SYNTHESIS AND EVALUATION OF ITS ANTIMICROBIAL ACTIVITY AGAINST DIFFERENT HUMAN PATHOGENS

Objective: Here, we report the extracellular synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using the cell-free extract of fungal isolate Aspergillus flavus and evaluation its inhibitory activity against bacterial pathogens. Methods: Synthesized AgNPs was characterized via high throughput instrumentation such as UV–Visible spectrophotometer (UV-Vis) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, High-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), X-ray Diffraction (XRD) and Energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDAX). Results: Formation of yellowish brown colour clearly indicates the synthesis of AgNPs which produces a SPR peak at 420 nm. Active protein metabolites present in the cell-free extract plays a crucial role in reduction and stabilization of AgNPs. It was clearly observed that synthesized AgNPs were faced-centered cubic crystalline in nature with the mean size of 22±11 nm. Further, synthesized AgNPs capped with protein moieties exhibits excellent inhibitory activity against tested bacterial pathogens. Conclusion: In this study, we have isolated the fungal strain A. flavus from the infected larvae of D. eucharis from the soil. The active metabolites of isolated A. flavus have been successfully used as an eco-friendly reducing agent to generate AgNPs and synthesized particles can be potentially developed as a drug candidature for antimicrobial therapy

A review of Parthenium management: Transforming a troubling weed into a therapeutic medicinal plant

Parthenium hysterophorus L., an invasive plant species, has proliferated globally beyond its native distribution, exacerbating ecological challenges. Traditionally, plants have been an integral part of medicinal practices, particularly in less industrialized countries, where herbal remedies are costeffective alternatives to modern pharmaceuticals. The management of invasive weeds like P. hysterophorus involves various methods; however, its medicinal potential, particularly for addressing diabetes, could also be explored. Contrary to conventional intervention methods such as physical, chemical, or biological controls, this review advocates exploring Parthenium's medicinal applications. Phytochemical and medicinal assessments reveal the plant's efficacy against a spectrum of health concerns, including antimicrobial, anti-anemic, antipyretic, anticancer, antioxidant, lipoprotective, hypoglycemic and hepatoprotective properties. Diabetes mellitus, impacting approximately 1.5% of the global population, remains a pervasive and enduring metabolic condition, posing a substantial global health challenge. In India, in regions like Maharashtra and Gujarat, P. hysterophorus weeds are being used to treat diabetes mellitus. The plant's extensive medicinal uses suggest its potential in preventive measures against various diseases, positioning it as a valuable asset in the development of future medications. This review underscores the importance of shifting from conventional weed management strategies to exploring the untapped medicinal potential of invasive species like P. hysterophorus, offering a dual benefit of environmental conservation and medical advancements

Impact of herbicide combinations on weed dynamics, crop productivity and economics in wet-direct seeded rice ecosystem

A field experiment was conducted during the summer of 2023 at Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore, to evaluate the effects of various pre- and post-emergence herbicide combinations on weed dynamics and productivity in wet direct-seeded rice. The experiment employed a randomized block design with ten treatments replicated three times. The study assessed various weed management practices, including pre-emergence herbicides followed by post-emergence herbicides, pre-emergence herbicides followed by hand weeding, post-emergence herbicides followed by hand weeding, and the farmer's practice of two hand weedings. Key observations included weed flora, density, dry weight and crop parameters such as plant height, leaf area index, total dry matter production and yield attributes. The study found that, Echinochloa colona and Leptochloa chinensis were the dominant grasses, Cyperus difformis was the dominant sedge and Eclipta prostrata was the prominent broad-leaved weed. The pre-emergence application of pretilachlor + pyrazosulfuron ethyl effectively controlled grasses, sedges and broadleaf weeds, particularly at 20 DAS. The ready-mix formulation of pendimethalin followed by triafamone + ethoxysulfuron was most effective at 40 DAS and harvest, significantly reducing weed density and improving yield parameters