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Jan-March, 2024

Rajiv Gandhi University

Center with Potential for Excellence in Biodiversity

Half yearly Journal published in January and March 2024




Editorial Board

Prof. Hui Tag

Editor-in-Chief

Email: editor.jbr@rgu.ac.in

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Article Content

VOLUME 11 (1): JAN – MARCH 2024

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Review Article

A systematic review of medicinal plants used by indigenous tribal communities of Arunachal Pradesh against diabetes and hypertension

Bibhuti Bhashan Das

Department of Botany, Rajiv Gandhi University, Rono Hills, Doimukh, 791112, Arunachal Pradesh, India. Email: bibhutibhashan.das@rgu.ac.in

2North Eastern Institute of Ayurveda & Folk Medicine Research, Pasighat- 791102, Arunachal Pradesh, India.

Article No.: BBDJBR70; Received: 01.08.2023; Revised: 19.02. 2024; Accepted: 25.03.2024; Published: 31.03.2024

DOI: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.10989628

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Abstract: Medicinal plants have been proven crucial for the treatment of several ailments. Despite the advent of modern medicines, majority of the global populations continue to rely on plant-based medicines for addressing primary healthcare needs in the rural localities. The different ethnic tribes of Arunachal Pradesh are reported to be a rich repository of ethnomedicinal knowledge and traditional healthcare practices. The indigenous medicinal knowledge system prevalent among the tribal communities could play a pivotal role in discovery of novel phytotherapeutic compounds effective against diabetes and hypertension. This systematic review aimed at identifying the medicinal plants used by the tribes of Arunachal Pradesh for the treatment of diabetes and hypertension. Present review analysed the data of 17 ethnobotanical papers published on 9 tribes of Arunachal Pradesh and shortlisted medicinal plants used for the treatment of diabetes and hypertension. Analysis revealed 16 medicinal plant species against hypertension and 44 medicinal plant species against diabetes used by the ethnic communities of Arunachal Pradesh. The highest cultural importance index value of 0.75 was recorded for Clerodendrum colebrookeanum Walp. which is used by the Adi, Apatani, Galo, Nyishi and Tagin communities. One way analysis of variation revealed significant variation in medicinal plants use with a P-value of 0.02 and F-value of 2.33. Among the 44 medicinal plant species reported against diabetes, the highest cultural importance index value was recorded for Solanum americanum Mill. (0.20) used by Adi, Galo, Nyishi and Tagin tribe. The present analysis results suggested for detailed phytochemistry and pharmacological investigation to unveil the therapeutic potential of the selected medicinal plants reported to be traditionally used against diabetes and hypertension.

Keywords: Medicinal Plants; Ethnic Communities; Hypertension; Diabetes; Systematic Review; Arunachal Pradesh




Research Article

Extended distribution record of two threatened species of Impatiens from Arunachal Pradesh, India

Krishna Chowlu1 and Souravjyoti Borah2*

2Department of Botany, Gauhati University, Assam, India 781014

1Botanical Survey of India, Arunachal Pradesh Regional center, Itanagar, Arunachal Pradesh, India 791 111

Corresponding email ID: souravjyotiborah@gmail.com

Article No.: SBJBR74; Received: 01.11.2023; Revised: 15.0 2. 2024; Accepted: 26.02.2024; Published: 31.03.2024

DOI: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.10989611

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Abstract: Two threatened species of Impatiens namely I. sikkimensis and I. tuberculat a were re corded here as a new record for the flora of Arunachal Pradesh, India. Both the species were earlier known only from Sikkim in India. Detail description from live material and coloured illustrations for easy identification are provided.

Keywords: Balsam Impatiens New record T hreatened species; Arunachal Pradesh




Research Article

Three new additions to Orchid Flora of Assam, India

Khyanjeet Gogoi1 and Jintu Sarma2*

1 TOSEHIM, Regional Orchid Germplasm Conservation and Propagation Centre, Daisa Bordoloi Nagar, Talap, Tinsukia- 786156, Assam, India.

2Department of Botany, Guwahati College, Guwahati- 781021, Assam, India.

*†Corresponding author email: drjintusarma@gmail.com

Article No.: JSJBR76; Received: 02.03.2024; Revised: 18.03.2024; Accepted: 26.03.2024; Published: 31.03.2024

https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.10989639

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Abstract: Three new orchid species viz. Cyrtosia nana, Dendrobium parcum and Spathoglottis affinis are reported first time for the state of Assam from Dima Hasao district. The present paper enumerates all the three species with brief descriptions, habitat, distribution range, photos and illustrations.

Keywords: Cyrtosia, Dendrobium, Spathoglottis, New record, Dima Hasao, Assam




Research Article

Ethnomedicinal plants used by traditional healers of Bodo community in Udalguri district of BTAD, Assam for treatment of Jaundice

Jenima Basumatary, Abhaya Prasad Das, Hui Tag*

Higher Plant Systematics and Ethnobotanical Research Laboratory, Department of Botany, Rajiv Gandhi University, Rono Hills, Doimukh-791112, Arunachal Pradesh, India.

*Corresponding Author email: huitag2008rgu@gmail.com

Article No.: JBJBR77; Received: 02.09.2023; Revised: 13.12.2023; Accepted: 15.12.2023; Published: 31.03.2024

DOI: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.11081560

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Abstract: Bodo community of Assam has been using plants as medicine since an unknown past. The traditional Bodo-healers, ‘Ojha’ are reported to have good knowledge in preparation of herbal medicines for curing several ailments of man and domesticated animals. Ethnomedicobotanical study in 40 villages of Udalguri district of Bodoland Territorial Area District (BTAD) of Assam during 2021 – 2022 and interaction with Ojhas and other knowledgeable people recorded 44 species of plants from 30 families and five formulations they use to treat Jaundice. The herbal formulations used to treat jaundice were found innovative and unique but the practitioners decline to share their detailed protocols to others. However, majority of the recorded plant species they use are commonly growing in the study area.

Keywords: Bodo-tribe; Jaundice; Herbal medicine; Traditional healers; Udalguri; BTAD; Assam




Research Article

Ethnobotany of wild edible plants used by Rabha community of Goalpara district in Assam, India

Sangeeta Deka1, Jayshree Das2*, Ajitabh Bora2, Om Prakash Tripathi3, Rigzen Angmo2, Neeraj Das2

1Department of Botany, Pandit Deendayal Upadhaya Adarsha Mahavidyalaya, Amjonga, Goalpara - 783124, Assam, India.

2Defence Research Laboratory, Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), Ministry of Defence, Tezpur - 784001, Assam, India.

3Department of Environmental Sciences, Mizoram University, Aizawl - 796004, Mizoram, India.

*Corresponding author email: jdas.drl@gov.in

Article No.: JDJBR61; Received: 25.06.2023; Peer-reviewed: 24.11.2023; Revised and Accepted: 15.02.2024; Published: 31.03.2024

DOI: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.11081548

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Abstract: The Rabha community of Assam is known to have a close association with nature since time immemorial. They mostly dwell in the periphery of forests and utilize natural resources in the form of various provisioning services such as food, fuel, medicine etc. Locally available vegetation is an integral part of their regular diet and traditional dishes. Although extensive studies on wild edible plants (WEPs) consumed by various tribes from different parts of the state have been previously accomplished by several authors, there is a meagre information on the WEPs consumed by the Rabha community. The present study documented WEPs from the selected region of Rabha in Goalpara district of Assam, based on standard ethnobotanical field method and literature review. The study recorded 51 species of WEP belonging to 45 genera and 30 families. Plant parts such as fruit, leaf, seed, tuber, flower, rhizome, shoot, stem, root or the entire plant are consumed. The most widely consumed plant parts harvested were noted to be fruit (17 species) and the least was stem and frond (1/each). WEPs are consumed in different modes such as vegetables, fruits and other forms such as spices, condiments, nuts etc. The plants are mainly consumed either cooked (55%) or raw (14%), while others are traditionally processed (10%). A few species (2-10%) had a bi or tri-modal form of consumption. The findings emphasized the significance of reinforcement to food security and conservation of the plant-based knowledge of the Rabha community for ensuring a sustainable diet source from the wild botanicals.

Keywords: Sesamum indicum; Biodiesel; Catalyst; Compression Ignition; Alkyl ester; Transesterification.




Research Article

Optimization of culture media for micropropagation of Phaius tankervilleae (Banks) Blume, a terrestrial orchid native to Arunachal Pradesh.

Tadu Yaniya and Rajiv Kumar Singh*

Department of Botany, Rajiv Gandhi University, Rono Hills, Doimukh 791112, Arunachal Pradesh, India.

*Corresponding author email: rajiv.singh@rgu.ac.in

Article No.: TYJBR78; Received: 05.01.2024; Peer-reviewed: 26.02.2024; Revised and Accepted: 16.03.2024; Published: 31.03.2024

DOI: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.11318436

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Abstract: TPhaius tankervilleae (Banks) Blume is a terrestrial sympodial orchid native to Arunachal Pradesh. It thrives in dense moist tropical forests at altitudes ranging from 1000 to 2000 meters. The orchid holds economic significance in floriculture, natural dye production, and traditional medicine. However, it faces threats to its survival due to various anthropogenic activities, and low seed germination (only 5%) in natural conditions. In the present study, we aimed to formulate a suitable medium for the micropropagation of this orchid. Our findings revealed that for in vitro asymbiotic seed germination, protocorm formation, and seedling development, both full strength and ½ strength Murashige and Skoog (MS) were better basal media in comparison to ¼ strength MS, Knudson C, Vacin and Went, and Heller medium, although embryo swelling occurred after 7 weeks of culture (WOC) on all of them. Among the organic additives screened for media supplementation, peptone emerged as a superior option compared to coconut water or yeast extract on whose supplementation at 2 g/l into both full MS and ½ MS media resulted in early embryo swelling (4 WOC), along with high seed germination (51.5%) and protocorm formation (44.7%) after 10 WOC.

Keywords: Orchid cultivation; Tissue Culture; Asymbiotic seed germination; Protocorm formation; Media formulation; Peptone supplementation.




Research Article

Enumeration of some wild edible plants used by the Galo tribe of Lower Siang District of Arunachal Pradesh, India.

Pakgam N. Lendo and Hui Tag

Department of Botany, Rajiv Gandhi University, Rono Hills, Doimukh 791112, Arunachal Pradesh, India.

*Corresponding author email: huitag2008rgu@gmail.com (Hui Tag); ngulompakgam@gmail.com (Pakgam N Lendo)

Article No.: Article No.: PNLJBR76; Received: 15.09.2023; Peer reviewed: 14.10.2023; Revised and Accepted: 20.11.2023; Published: 31.03.2024

DOI:https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.11396554

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Abstract: The Galo tribe of Arunachal Pradesh is reported to be rich in traditional food knowledge. Present stud y deal s with traditio nal uses of wild edible plants(WEP) species popularly harvested and used among the Galo tribe of Lower Siang district of Arunachal Pradesh. Ethnobotanical invest igation involving 56 local residents of age group ranging between 25 85 years from 25 villages of Gensi and Sibe circles have unveiled 10 0 species of wild edible plants belonging to 83 genera and 55 plant families . The herbaceous species were found to be dominant which is followed by tree s , shrub s and climber s . These wil d edible species have been enumerated with their habit, habitat and types of plant part s harvested by the local residents The ethnobotanical novelties, local traditional uses of each WEP species for food security , their commercial viabilities and liveliho od potential are also reported and discussed .

Keywords: Wild Edible Plants; Food Security; Ethnobotanical Novelties; Livelihood Potential; Galo Tribe; Lower Siang; Arunachal Pradesh




Research Article

Ethnobotany of wild vegetable species used by Apatani and Nyishi tribes in Lower Subansiri district of Arunachal Pradesh, India

Likha Rido, Pokhaw Khangam, Tailang Taba, Sumpam Tangjang, Tonlong Wangpan*

Department of Botany, Rajiv Gandhi University, Rono Hills, Doimukh 791112, Arunachal Pradesh, India.

*Corresponding author email: twangpan@gmail.com

Article No.: Article No.: LRJBR37; Received: 07.05.2023; Peer-reviewed: 04.03.2024; Revised and Accepted: 15.03.2024; Published on 31.03.2024

DOI:https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.11407361

View Abstract | PDF

Abstract: The Galo tribe of Arunachal Pradesh is reported to be rich in traditional food knowledge. Present stud y deal s with traditio nal uses of wild edible plants(WEP) species popularly harvested and used among the Galo tribe of Lower Siang district of Arunachal Pradesh. Ethnobotanical invest igation involving 56 local residents of age group ranging between 25 85 years from 25 villages of Gensi and Sibe circles have unveiled 10 0 species of wild edible plants belonging to 83 genera and 55 plant families . The herbaceous species were found to be dominant which is followed by tree s , shrub s and climber s . These wil d edible species have been enumerated with their habit, habitat and types of plant part s harvested by the local residents The ethnobotanical novelties, local traditional uses of each WEP species for food security , their commercial viabilities and liveliho od potential are also reported and discussed .

Keywords: Wild Edible Plants; Food Security; Ethnobotanical Novelties; Livelihood Potential; Galo Tribe; Lower Siang; Arunachal Pradesh




Research Article

Effect of Mimosa pudica L. (Fabaceae) as Organic Nitrogen supplementing material on the growth and yield of Oyster Mushrooms (Pleurotus spp.)

Tenya Rina* and Rajiv Kumar Singh

Department of Botany, Rajiv Gandhi University, Rono Hills, Doimukh 791112, Arunachal Pradesh, India.

*Corresponding author email: tenyarina2017@gmail.com

Article No.: TRJBR73; Received: 13.12.2023; Peer-reviewed: 18.02.2024; Revised and Accepted: 14.03.2024; Published: 31.03.2024

DOI:https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.11416974

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Abstract: The sundried biomass of Mimosa pudica L. (Fabaceae) was applied as organic nitrogen supplementing material (MP) @3:1 along with basal substrate, paddy straw (PS+MP) on dry weight basis for cultivation of four popular commercial species of oyster mushrooms viz: Pleurotus sajor-caju, P.sapidus, P. flabellatus and P. citrinopileatus to determine its effect on the biological efficiency of mushroom mycelia, its ability to efficiently utilize the basal substrate and mushroom yields. The study was conducted for three different growing months, viz: November, January and March in an outdoor, semi-technical mushroom house at Rajiv Gandhi University, Arunachal Pradesh. Paddy straw (PS) was used as the control substrate. Each treatment was kept with 5 replicates (n=5). Inoculation of ready substrates was done using 2-3 weeks old whole wheat grain spawn @3% by layering method. From the study, the mean biological efficiency (BE) value for all species of Pleurotus on supplemented substrates (PS+MP) was recorded at 103.1% which was significantly higher than the BE of 94.2% on untreated substrate paddy straw (PS). Also, a comparatively higher mushroom yield (fresh weight) was recorded from supplemented substrates over unsupplemented substrate paddy straw. The results indicate that supplementing the basal substrate paddy straw with M. pudica@3:1 is a better substrate giving enhanced biological efficiency and best mushroom yields (p<0.001) on these species of oyster mushrooms.

Keywords: Oyster mushrooms; Substrate; Supplementation; Biological Efficiency; Yield




Research Article

Traditional uses of edible flowers among the native tribal communities of Kohima district, Nagaland, India

Ruokuonuo Kuotsu*, Pallavi Sharma, Phejin Konyak, Limasenla

Department of Botany, Nagaland University, Lumami- 798627, Nagaland, India

*Corresponding author email: aruokuokuotsu@gmail.com

Article No.: RKJBR64; Received: 27.07.2023; Peer-reviewed: 30.10.2023; Revised and Accepted: 25.01.2024; Published: 31.03.2024

DOI:https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.11468451

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Abstract: Edible flowers have been reported to play a significant role in human sustenance throughout history, serving multiple purposes such as culinary use, ornamental value, medicinal applications, decorative arrangements, essential oil production, nutraceutical support and being utilized in various religious rituals. This study aims to create a comprehensive record of the traditional use of edible flowers by the indigenous tribal communities residing in Kohima district of Nagaland, India. Traditional knowledge of plants holds immense importance in local culture and belief systems of various ethnic groups worldwide and preserving this knowledge system in written form is crucial given the rapid erosion of plant based traditional knowledge in recent decades. The present research documents flower bearing edible plants of Kohima district of Nagaland, and providing valuable insights into their medicinal significance. A total of 51 edible flower bearing species from 22 different plant families were documented through random interview and focused group discussions with traditional practitioners, field guides and local village elders. Plants samples collected were identified using online literatures, regional floras, monographs and other botanical references. Notably, the plant families with highest number of edible flowers bearing species were documented from Amaryllidaceae, Zingiberaceae, Brassicaceae and Apiaceae. Present findings have provided valuable insights into edible flowers and phytochemical studies could unveil some important compounds of medicinal and nutraceutical significance.

Keywords: Edible Flowers; Indigenous Tribes; Traditional Knowledge; Kohima; Nagaland




Research Article

Optimization of physical parameters for cellulase production by Fomitopsis meliae under Solid state fermentation

Gegam Jini and Rajiv Kumar Singh*

Department of Botany, Rajiv Gandhi University, Rono Hills, Doimukh 791 112, Arunachal Pradesh, India

*Corresponding author email: rajiv.singh@rgu.ac.in

Article No.: GJJBR79; Received: 15.02.2024; Peer-reviewed: 10.02.2024; Revised and Accepted: 20.03.2024; Published: 31.03.2024

DOI:https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.11318516

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Abstract: Cellulose, a major component of the most abundant lignocellulosic biomass on the Earth, can be broken down by the enzyme cellulases into simple sugars, which can then be converted into biofuel and other value-added products. Cellulases are in high demand due to their extensive applications in various industries. Brown rot fungi, a type of wood-rotting fungi, efficiently degrade the polysaccharide (cellulose and hemicellulose) present in the wood. In the present study, we cultivated Fomitopsis meliae (Underw.) Gilb., a facultative brown rot fungus, both under submerged fermentation (SmF) and solid state fermentation (SSF) on wheat bran, and quantified the yield of cellulases (CMCase, FPase and β-glucosidase). Cellulases were produced in higher quantity under SSF. Various physical parameters for SSF were optimized through One-factor-at-a-time (OFAT) approach, and their best level for higher cellulase production by F. meliae were found as: fermentation temperature - 32‒36 °C, initial substrate pH – 4.0, substrate moisture ratio - 1:3, inoculum age - 4‒6 days old culture, inoculum dose - 4 culture discs, substrate quantity – 5.0 g, and substrate size 0.85‒2.00 mm. The fungus consistently produced very high quantity of CMCase followed by β-glucosidase than FPase.

Keywords: Brown rot fungus, CMCase, FPase, β-glucosidase, Submerged fermentation, Media optimization




Research Article

An investigation on soil-plant-AMF relationships in lateral transitional zones of a Riverine Island

Mariyom Dai and Oyi Dai Nimasow*

Department of Botany, Rajiv Gandhi University, Rono Hills, Doimukh 791 112, Arunachal Pradesh, India

*Corresponding author email: oyidai.nimasow@rgu.ac.in

Article No.: MDJBR81; Received: 23.01.2024; Peer-reviewed: 18.02.2024; Revised and Accepted: 16.03.2024; Published: 31.03.2024

DOI:https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.11318567

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Abstract: Riverine floodplains, characterized by heterogeneous physico-chemical soil characteristics represent a challenging environment for plants to grow. In these areas, lateral zonation is shaped by flooding events. Plants growing in riverine floodplains can benefit from their association with Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi (AMF), as these fungi help in alleviating the stresses associated with such environments. The present study investigated the vegetation, soil characteristics and mycorrhizal associations in three different lateral transitional zones viz. Emergent zone (EZ), Ecotone zone (ECZ), and Core zone (CZ) within Daying Ering Wildlife Sanctuary, a riverine island of one of the big rivers in Arunachal Pradesh. Sampling was done by belt transect method and vegetation cover, soil properties, AMF diversity, infective propagules in soil, spore density population, and host root infection were assessed in these zones. Physico-chemical properties of soil except moisture content, varied significantly across the zones. Soil nutrients and moisture were highest in the CZ while pH and bulk density was more in the EZ. Root infection by AMF, the number of infective propagules in soil, and the AMF spore population were highest in the CZ. The ECZ exhibited the highest values for both the Simpson and Shannon Diversity indices. The study highlights the complex interactions between soil properties, plant community composition, and mycorrhizal associations in different lateral transitional zones of the river island.

Keywords: Riparian ecosystem, Daying Ering Wildlife Sanctuary, mycorrhizal fungi




Research Article

Optimization of culture conditions for laccase production by Ganoderma gibbosum (Blume & T. Nees) Pat. under solid-state fermentation

Junmoni Das, Marjum Badak and Rajiv Kumar Singh*

Department of Botany, Rajiv Gandhi University, Rono Hills, Doimukh 791 112, Arunachal Pradesh, India

*Corresponding author email: rajiv.singh@rgu.ac.in

Article No.: JMDJBR80; Received: 21.01.2024; Peer-reviewed: 10.02.2024; Revised and Accepted: 09.03.2024; Published: 31.03.2024

DOI:https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.11318393

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Abstract: Fungal laccases have gained significance in diverse industrial, biotechnological and environmental applications. Wood degrading White Rot Fungi (WRF) of the phylum Basidiomycota are an important source of laccase. Optimization of culture conditions for solid state fermentation is reported to enhance laccase production. In the present study, optimization of the physical and biochemical factors was carried out using one factor–at–time (OFAT) approach to maximize laccase production by Ganoderma gibbosum collected from nearby sub-tropical forest. Under unoptimized conditions, the fungus showed ~186 U/L laccase activity. Maltose/fructose, NaNO3, and Polysorbate 60 were found to be the most effective carbon source, nitrogen source, and surfactant, respectively, enhancing the laccase yield. With the incorporation of 10 mM ethanol and 0.5 mM CuSO4 to the growth medium, laccase yield increased approximately 4-fold and 8-fold, respectively. These findings may be utilized for further optimization of laccase production by G. gibbosum.

Keywords: White Rot Fungi; Lignolytic Enzyme; OFAT, Carbon and Nitrogen Source; Inducer; Surfactant




Short Review Article

Plant curiosities – Stinging nettle and nature’s cure

Inderdeep Kaur1, Heikham Evelin2,3*

1Department of Botany, Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Khalsa College, University of Delhi, Delhi – 110 007, India.

2 Department of Botany, Rajiv Gandhi University, Doimukh – 791112, Arunachal Pradesh, India.

3Department of Life Sciences (Botany), Manipur University, Canchipur – 795003, Manipur, India.

E-mail: inderdeepkaur@sgtbkhalsa.du.ac.in; heikham.evelin@rgu.ac.in

Article No.: HEJBR66; Received: 06.08.2023; Peer-reviewed: 03.01.2024; Revised and Accepted: 18.03.2024; Published: 31.03.2024

DOI: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.11468537

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Abstract: Though the relationship between nettle (Urtica dioica) and dock (Rumex obtusifolius) plants is not obligatory, yet it may be said to be peculiar. Both grow as early colonizers near each other on soils which may not be too fertile. While nettle is known for its sting, dock lessens the effect and relieves the pain due to the sting. They are a perfect match and dock leaves have helped many generations of people to counter the effects of nettle stings. In the recent years, scientific investigations have reported that both Urtica dioica and Rumex obtusifolius are bestowed with healing properties against various illnesses. The present short communication highlights the relationship between the two plants. It also draws attention to the fact that, awareness and documentation of traditional knowledge is important. It also brings focus on the potential of these common weeds as commercial plants with many applications.

Keywords: Histamine; Placebo; Remedy; Stinging Nettles; Trichomes; Urtification




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