South Asian Journal of Experimental Biology

Senna alata: Can we prospect its stress resilience and multifaceted economic potential for creating vegetation cover on wastelands?

2025-03-01T12:36:48+00:00

Senna alata (L.) Roxb., of the family Fabaceae, is a stress resilient shrubby plant of leguminous group with diazotrophic bacterial association that grows naturally in wastelands and has significant phytoremediation potential against toxic heavy metals. It plays important ecological service by attracting the honey bees and other wild bees with its bright yellow flowers to provide forages. Moreover, capacity of S. alata to produce considerable biomass with profuse branching systems in adverse soil condition and seeds that remain viable for several years make it distinctively potential candidate for modifying the unfavourable soil condition of wastelands. However, plants that have great ethnomedicinal and economic importance as per available literature are considered as more promising for the optimum use of degraded sites for the economic development of the local people by implementing favourable agronomic practices. S. alata fulfils these criteria too as it is traditionally known for its antimicrobial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimalarial and antidiabetic properties. Again, recently this plant has been reported as potential alternative source for producing commercially important cellulose. However, there is lack of information in available literature describing the potential of S. alata as a stress resilient candidate worth to be used for creation of vegetation cover over degraded wastelands. Therefore, here, we review the prospectives of S. alata to explore its feasibility for creating vegetation cover to improve soil quality in wastelands, which will be helpful to plant scientists, environmentalists, and pharmacologists.

Study on Effect of Organic and Conventional Fruits and Vegetables on the Gut Microbiome

2025-01-21T09:18:43+00:00

This review critically examines studies published between 2000 and 2025 that investigate the differential effects of consuming organic versus conventionally grown fruits and vegetables on the human gut microbiome, with a particular focus on how farming practices influence microbial diversity and associated health outcomes. It explores the extent to which pesticide residues in conventional produce may disrupt gut microbial balance, potentially contributing to inflammation, immune dysfunction, and cognitive impairment. Conversely, organically produced foods, typically characterized by lower pesticide levels and higher concentrations of beneficial phytochemicals, are associated with a more balanced and diverse gut microbiota, which supports improved metabolic and cognitive health. The review also highlights the broader implications of microbiome changes on physical and mental well-being, particularly through the gut-brain axis. Despite promising findings, significant methodological variability across studies poses challenges in establishing definitive conclusions. This review synthesizes current knowledge, identifies critical research gaps, and proposes directions for future investigation. In doing so, it underscores the importance of informed dietary choices in promoting long-term human health through microbiome modulation.

Scientific Validation and Quality Assurance of Muthuchippi Parpam at Sequential processing stages through Physicochemical, Biochemical and Phytochemical

2025-05-12T08:06:41+00:00

The marine ecosystem has become a treasure trove for the discovery of new pharmacological leads, with oysters being a prime example. Abundant in protein and widely available, oysters have drawn significant attention. Interestingly, their shells, which account for approximately 60% of their total weight, are mainly composed of calcium carbonate (CaCO₃), making up a remarkable 95% of the shell's makeup. Muthuchippi parpam is a traditionally used Siddha formulation effective in the treatment of various diseases. The aim of the study is to evaluate the significant changes during processing of Muthuchippi parpam (at various stages of processing) as per PLIM guidelines by assessing the organoleptic, physico-chemical, biochemical properties of Muthuchippi across different stages: unpurified, purified, intermediate, and Parpam and phytochemical analysis of Muthuchippi parpam. Significant changes were observed in color, moisture content, ash values, extractive values, and pH, indicating the impact of purification and processing. The loss on drying remained below 1%, ensuring low moisture content and extended shelf life. Total ash content increased, reflecting higher mineral concentration in the purified and Parpam samples. Water-soluble and acid-insoluble ash values confirmed the purity of the final product. The pH increased from 7.56 to 9.80, highlighting its alkaline nature, beneficial in neutralizing stomach acid. Extractive values showed variations, suggesting changes in bioactive compounds during processing. The study demonstrates the changes taking place during various stages of processing thus it help in improving the stability, purity, and therapeutic promise of Muthuchippi Parpam, aligning with its established role in Siddha medicine.

Green synthesis of Platinum Nanoparticle from Citrus limon and their Photocatalytic Degradation of Polystyrene

2025-09-09T13:36:12+00:00

Polystyrene is non-biodegradable that causes landfill waste and microplastic pollution. Its manufacturing and disposal release toxic substances, harming the air, water and wildlife. Photocatalytic degradation of Polystyrene (Paper Cup) using Green synthesized platinum nanoparticle synthesized from lemon peel extract for the duration of 100 hours under sunlight is an efficient way to degrade plastics. Hence, this research was designed to be environmentally friendly, pollution free, cost effective and has no side effects to the environment. Platinum nanoparticles exhibit superior photocatalytic performance due to their exceptional ability to enhance electron–hole pair separation, strong visible-light absorption, and high redox catalytic activity. These properties enable more efficient and complete degradation of polystyrene compared to conventional oxide-based catalysts such as TiO₂ and ZnO. The degradation of Polystyrene is determined with Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Energy Dispersive X-ray Analysis, Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) and Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM). Weight loss showed a substantial mass reduction of 42.86% following sunlight-assisted photocatalytic degradation. SEM images revealed a shift from the smooth, intact surface of PS to a severely deteriorated morphology characterized by cracks, pits, and grooves, indicative of surface erosion and chalking. EDAX detected 11.69 wt% Pt on the degraded surface along with elevated oxygen levels, demonstrating catalyst adherence and progressive oxidation of the polymer matrix. FTIR analysis exhibited the appearance and broadening of carbonyl and other oxygen-containing functional bands within the 1400–1650 cm⁻¹ regions, confirming oxidative chemical transformation. AFM confirmed these findings, with surface roughness increasing from Ra = 25.00 to 31.25 nm and Rq = 31.25 to 39.40 nm, reflecting enhanced topographical irregularity attributable to polymer chain scission. The novelty of the research is that green synthesized platinum nanoparticle offers higher stability, lower toxicity and efficient degradation under mild conditions compared to other catalysts. Therefore, these results highlight the promising potential of green synthesized Pt nanoparticles for large-scale plastic waste remediation and their broader applicability in sustainable environmental nanotechnology.

Phytochemical Composition, Antioxidant and Insecticidal Activities of Essential Oil from Senecio dalzellii C. B. Clerke

2025-06-02T06:34:05+00:00

Senecio dalzelii, a member of this genus, holds significant value in traditional medicine and ethnobotanical practices. However, the phytochemical composition and bioactivities of its essential oil (EO) remain underexplored. The EO was extracted from fresh aerial parts of S. dalzelii using hydro-distillation in a Clevenger-type apparatus. Subsequent GC-MS profiling and phytochemical screening were performed to identify bioactive compounds. A total of 35 chemical compounds were identified, accounting for 91.68% of the total EO yield. The major constituents were Thymyl Methyl Ether (18.78%), 4-(2', 4', 4'-trimethyl-yciclo 4.1.0], hept-2'-en-3'-yl)-3-buten-2-one (9.9%), Estragole (7.64%), α-Curcumene (6.2%), (-)-δ-Cadinol (4.64%), Caryophyllene (4.24%). TLC profiles showed 8 bands with iodine vapor and 9 bands at 254 and 366 nm, respectively, indicating the diverse bioactive components. EOs found to be rich in phytochemicals with potential attributed to the inclusion of flavonoids (9.16 μg quercetin equivalents mg⁻¹ EO), and total phenols (3.41 μg gallic acid equivalents (GAE) mg⁻¹ EO). EO exhibited significant antioxidant activity, as measured by DPPH, showing an IC50 value of 1.06 mg/mL, and the Ferric reducing antioxidant power assay (FRAP) showed 59.41±2.38 μg ascorbic acid equivalent at 2 mg¹ EO, respectively. The EO also exhibited significant adulticidal efficacy against Callosobrochus maculatus; the LC50 and LC95 values of the EO were 8.89 and 17.58 μL/mL, respectively. This Study shows that S. dalzelii EO contains various phytochemicals, particularly thymyl methyl ether and phenolics, which contribute to its significant antioxidant and insecticidal properties. Therefore, these findings suggest potential use of S. dalzellii EO as a natural antioxidant and biopesticide for agro-pharmaceutical or biocontrol applications.

Assessment of Qualitative and Quantitative Parameters of Siddha Antipyretic Drug Astabhairava Mathirai based on PLIM Guidelines

2025-05-14T10:08:50+00:00

According to Siddha pathology fever is classified as 64 types based on origin. Astabhairava Mathirai (ABM) is a Siddha metallo-mineral formulation traditionally used to treat 64 types of fever. Despite its historical significance, scientific validation of its safety is crucial for its acceptance in modern medicine. This study aims to assess the quality parameters of Asta bhairava mathirai based on PLIM Guidelines. The Astabhairava Mathirai was subjected to physiochemical analysis, Biochemical analysis, HPTLC and safety analysis like aflatoxin, pesticide residue, Microbial contamination, and heavy metals. The physicochemical analysis showed total ash (6.76%), acid-insoluble ash (1.14 %), pH (3.23), friability (0.020%), Water Extractive (26.95%), Alcohol Extractive (32.84%), hardness (1.0 kg/cm2), disintegration time (45 minutes). The biochemical analysis showed the presence of sulphide, sodium, iron, calcium, reducing sugar, and alkaloid. The safety studies viz., aflatoxin, pesticide residue, microbial contamination and heavy metals analysis revealed that the test drug ABM is within the AYUSH permissible limits. The HPTLC analysis showed the presence of 10 versatile phytochemical. Thus, the study reveals that the Astabhairava Mathirai has significant quality and safety. Consequently, these parameters can serve in the study of Astabhairava Mathirai as an important Siddha medicinal preparation among the scientific forum.

Heptapeptide–selenium nanoparticles: synthesis and assessment of biocatalytic activity

2025-05-23T09:11:10+00:00

Nanotechnology and the application of nanoparticles in biological systems are rapidly advancing areas of research. Selenium, an essential micronutrient for humans, animals, and microbes, has recently drawn significant scientific interest in its nanoparticle form due to its enhanced bioavailability and compatibility with biological systems. This study focuses on the synthesis of selenium nanoparticles using a short synthetic hepta peptide with the amino acid sequence FRLKFHF. The peptide-functionalized selenium nanoparticles were characterized using UV-Visible Spectroscopy, Scanning Electron Microscopy-Enenrgy Dispersive spectrum and Transmission Electron Microscopy analyses. Their biological efficacy as biocatalysts was evaluated. The synthesized nanoparticles demonstrated nanozyme-like properties, as they mimicked antioxidant enzymes, effectively scavenging free radicals. They exhibited antioxidant enzyme-mimicking activities similar to superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase. In addition, they showed catalytic efficiency in degrading methylene blue dye. These findings highlight the potential of heptapeptide–selenium nanoparticles as biocatalytic agents, with their antioxidant enzyme-like functions. Further more, dye degradation ability of these nanoparticles suggests possible applications in wastewater treatment within the textile industry.