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Research Article
Medicinal Plant Diversity in the Campus of Bhopal Memorial Hospital and Research Centre: A Green Repository for Health and Healing
Issue:
Volume 13, Issue 3, June 2025
Pages:
86-97
Received:
1 April 2025
Accepted:
21 April 2025
Published:
22 May 2025
Abstract: The campus of Bhopal Memorial Hospital and Research Centre (BMHRC) is located at latitude 23 ° 17′0'' and longitude 23 ° 17′0' to serve as an ecological treasure in an urban healthcare setting. The hospital's campus is spread across 85.61 acres, with well-maintained green spaces, including herbal gardens and natural vegetation. This study documents the diversity of medicinal plants within the campus, emphasizing their ecological, therapeutic, and cultural significance by conducting a field survey of campus and list of medicinal plants prepared. A total of 202 medicinal plant species were identified, belonging to 75 families, with predominant representation from Euphorbiaceae (14 species), Fabaceae (11 species), Moraceae (9 species) and Solanaceae (7 species). With 202 documented medicinal plant species, BMHRC fosters a therapeutic landscape that not only benefits patients but also enhances staff well-being and job satisfaction. Research indicates that well-designed hospital gardens contribute to higher patient and family satisfaction, reduced stress levels, and improved healthcare experiences, making them an invaluable asset in patient-centered care. These plants are widely used in traditional and modern medicine to treat various ailments, including respiratory, dermatological, and gastrointestinal conditions. Due to their different chemical constituents and compositions including antioxidants and trace elements, these plants offer a variety of beneficial effects against different diseases through radical scavenging and antioxidant mechanisms. Several aromatic plants offer inherent medicinal pharmacological properties and variedly being utilized for flavouring, repellent and herbal beverages. As many as 13 medicinal plants studies against chronic kidney diseases in humans and 24 medicinal plants were reported in animal studies. However in many articles the caution has been issued to consider the toxic effects of certain herbal medicines. Therefore, conservation practices and the potential for integration into healthcare and research are of significance to mankind. This study underscores the importance of medicinal plant biodiversity in enhancing public health and promoting sustainable practices in healthcare institutions.
Abstract: The campus of Bhopal Memorial Hospital and Research Centre (BMHRC) is located at latitude 23 ° 17′0'' and longitude 23 ° 17′0' to serve as an ecological treasure in an urban healthcare setting. The hospital's campus is spread across 85.61 acres, with well-maintained green spaces, including herbal gardens and natural vegetation. This study documents...
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Research Article
Defense Mechanisms of Sweet Potato Varieties (Ipomoea batatas L. [Lam]) Enhanced by Neem Seed Extract Against Root-knot Nematodes and Fusarium Wilt
Issue:
Volume 13, Issue 3, June 2025
Pages:
98-111
Received:
8 April 2025
Accepted:
21 April 2025
Published:
26 May 2025
Abstract: Sweet potato crops are severely threatened by nematodes of the genus Meloidogyne spp. and Fusarium sp. fungi, which are responsible for Fusarium wilt. Nematodes cause root and tuber deformities, as well as wilting of stems and leaves, while Fusarium wilt leads to rot, necrosis, and wilting. These two pests contribute to a significant reduction in yields and substantial losses of production. Control measures primarily rely on the use of chemicals, whose excessive use poses a threat to the environment and human health. This study aims to assess the tolerance of four sweet potato varieties treated with aqueous neem seed extract against combined attacks from nematodes and Fusarium spp. A completely randomized block design with four sweet potato varieties (V1: white variety from the center region (togologo); V2: white variety from Adamawa region (lambadidi); V3: Improved Yellow variety (IRAD 1112); V4: Yellow variety from the center region (Bété)) and four treatments (T0: non-inoculated varieties; T1: varieties inoculated with nematodes + Fusarium; T2: varieties inoculated with nematodes + Fusarium then treated with neem aqueous extract; T3: varieties inoculated with nematodes + Fusarium then treated with synthetic pesticides) was used in a greenhouse. Agro-morphological, epidemiological parameters, and biochemical resistance markers were evaluated. The results revealed that treatment with neem extract (T2) reduced severity rates by 60 to 80% in the different growing bags compared to treatment (T0), followed by treatment (T3). The highest yields were obtained in treatments T1 and T2 across all varieties. The Adamawa White variety (lambadidi) (V2) and the IRAD 1112 variety (V3) exhibited the highest yields with up to 7 t/ha in T3 treatment. The content of phenolic compounds, proteins, and the enzymatic activity of peroxidase were higher in sweet potato plants inoculated with Fusarium and treated with neem aqueous extract. Neem treatment showed strong protective potential in combating fungal diseases and nematodes affecting sweet potato.
Abstract: Sweet potato crops are severely threatened by nematodes of the genus Meloidogyne spp. and Fusarium sp. fungi, which are responsible for Fusarium wilt. Nematodes cause root and tuber deformities, as well as wilting of stems and leaves, while Fusarium wilt leads to rot, necrosis, and wilting. These two pests contribute to a significant reduction in y...
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Review Article
Bioactive Compounds - A New Era of Therapeutic Medicines
Issue:
Volume 13, Issue 3, June 2025
Pages:
112-121
Received:
26 April 2025
Accepted:
12 May 2025
Published:
20 June 2025
DOI:
10.11648/j.jps.20251303.13
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Abstract: Bioactive compounds are secondary metabolites derived from plants. These secondary metabolites are present in plants, functioning in their metabolism and disease-resistance capacity. Herbal bioactive compounds are an emerging topic of research, opening a new sphere in the world of medical research. Since ancient times, these medicinal plants have been employed for the treatment of various diseases and for building up immunity. Herbally derived bioactive compounds are showing a new potential to treat different diseases, even communicable ones, along with certain incurable chronic illnesses like dementia and diabetes, and even promising cancer treatment. Different extraction methods are used, both innovative and conventional, for the isolation and identification of these compounds. Much research has been carried out over the years for the discovery of these compounds and their intervention in different therapeutic diseases. They have different applications in providing different therapeutic agents. For instance, alkaloids serve as chemotherapeutic agents providing treatment for cancer, and flavonoids are used for the management of neurodegenerative diseases. Limonene present in citrus seeds inhibits the growth of metastatic cells, boosting immunity. The presence of quercetin in onions and apples shows antioxidant properties by neutralizing reactive oxygen species. Gingerol present in ginger shows strong anti-inflammatory actions. Green tea, rich in epigallocatechin gallate, can affect several signaling pathways in cell survival and thus show anti-cancer activity. This literature review provides a brief insight into understanding the bioactive compounds derived herbally. Their different extraction processes like liquid-liquid extraction, microwave, chromatographic, and non-chromatographic techniques.
Abstract: Bioactive compounds are secondary metabolites derived from plants. These secondary metabolites are present in plants, functioning in their metabolism and disease-resistance capacity. Herbal bioactive compounds are an emerging topic of research, opening a new sphere in the world of medical research. Since ancient times, these medicinal plants have b...
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Research Article
Effect of Inter Row Spacing and Nitrogen Fertilizer on Agronomic Performance of Teff (Eragrostis tef (Zucc.) Trotter) at Burie District, Northwest, Ethiopia
Muluken Belay Yiwegu*,
Ahadu Menzir Anley,
Endalkachew Baye Alemu
Issue:
Volume 13, Issue 3, June 2025
Pages:
122-131
Received:
29 January 2025
Accepted:
21 May 2025
Published:
23 June 2025
DOI:
10.11648/j.jps.20251303.14
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Abstract: Teff ((Eragrostis tef (Zucc.) Trotter) is one of the most important food crops in Ethiopia, has the biggest value both in production and consumption. However, due to the use of improper inter row spacing and inappropriate N fertilizer rate along with other agronomic practices, its productivity is very low. Thus, during the 2019 croping season a field experiment was conducted to study the effect of inter row spacing and N fertilizer rates on teff growth, yield components, and yield at Burie District, Northwest Ethiopia. RCBD with three replication was used for the experiment. Four levels of inter row spacing (15, 20, 25 and 30 cm) and three levels of N fertilizer (30.5, 42, and 53.5kg ha-1) in combination were used as a treatment. Crop phenological, growth, yield-related and yield data were collected following the standar procedures and analyzed using SAS version 9.4. The collaboration effects of N fertilizer and inter-row spacing were not significant for the collected parameters. However, the main effects of N fertilizer and inter-row spacing showed a significant difference for all parameters except days to 50% emergence, whereas days to 90% physiological maturity and harvest index were influenced only by the main effect of inter-row spacing (P<0.05). The heighest and the lowest grain yield were obtained at 53.5 and 30.5 kg ha -1 N respectively. Based on this result, it can be concluded that 53.5 kg/ha N fertilizer and 15cm inter row spacing improves yield components and yield of teff and can be suggested for the study area and areas with similar agroecology.
Abstract: Teff ((Eragrostis tef (Zucc.) Trotter) is one of the most important food crops in Ethiopia, has the biggest value both in production and consumption. However, due to the use of improper inter row spacing and inappropriate N fertilizer rate along with other agronomic practices, its productivity is very low. Thus, during the 2019 croping season a fie...
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Research Article
Diversity of the Phosphate Solubilizing Fungi (PSFs) Population from the Soybeans Rhizosphere in the Noun Valley, Western Highlands of Cameroon
Issue:
Volume 13, Issue 3, June 2025
Pages:
132-144
Received:
6 May 2025
Accepted:
22 May 2025
Published:
23 June 2025
DOI:
10.11648/j.jps.20251303.15
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Abstract: Soil beneficial microorganisms like bacteria and fungi play a key role on soil properties, nutrients availability and fertility. Phosphate solubilizing fungi (PSFs) in plants rhizosphere have the ability to convert insoluble organic and inorganic phosphate into soluble form and make the phosphorus available to the plants. Many soils in West and North-West of Cameroon lack soluble phosphate for plants growth, development and productivity. The main objective of this study was to evaluate the diversity of phosphate solubilizing fungi under the soybean’s rhizosphere in the Noun Valley, Western Highlands of Cameroon. Fifteen soybeans rhizosphere samples were randomly collected in five localities of the Noun Valley, and analyzed. Fungi isolation was done by serial dilution plate method on nutrient agar plates (PDA) amended with antibiotic, and PSF selection were done on Pikovskaya’s agar (PVK) media. The phosphate (P) solubilization efficiency was done on PVK broth and modified Pikovskaya’s broth amended with Al(PO4). Functional activities such as metabolites and enzymes production ability were assessing. Fungi diversity was done through macroscopic and microscopic features observation, (colony colors, mycelia shape, growth and sporulation rate, mycelia branching pattern and spores’ organization). From 178 isolates obtained from the fifteen sampling sites, 148 strains grouped in four genera (Rhizopus spp., Aspergillus spp., Penicillium spp. and Trichoderma spp.) and 15 fungi species, showed phosphate solubilization ability. The solubilization efficiency (SE) and P-released were done at temperature range of 25°C- 30°C and at pH range of 6-7. The SE ranged between 96. 59% and 15.7% on agar media while the amount of P released in broths ranged from 15.45 to 2.64 mg/L depending on isolates, the broth and the incubation time. Among these, Rhizopus sp. (15.45mg/L) showed the highest solubilization efficiency, followed by Aspergillus sp., Trichoderma sp. and Penicillium sp. With 13.46 mg/L, 12.03 mg/L and 9.19 mg/L respectively. The entire PSF were able to produce organic acid and showed cellulose hydrolysis activity. Therefore, these fungi species from soybeans rhizosphere are potential PSF for the solid and liquid formulation of PSF based-biofertilizers.
Abstract: Soil beneficial microorganisms like bacteria and fungi play a key role on soil properties, nutrients availability and fertility. Phosphate solubilizing fungi (PSFs) in plants rhizosphere have the ability to convert insoluble organic and inorganic phosphate into soluble form and make the phosphorus available to the plants. Many soils in West and Nor...
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Review Article
Teff (Eragrostis tef (Zucc.) Trotter) Breeding Progress: A Journey From the Category of Orphan Crop to a Modern Genomic Era
Morketa Gudeta Waktola*,
Adugna Hunduma Dabalo
Issue:
Volume 13, Issue 3, June 2025
Pages:
145-159
Received:
13 May 2025
Accepted:
3 June 2025
Published:
23 June 2025
DOI:
10.11648/j.jps.20251303.16
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Abstract: Ethiopia is both the origin and center of diversity for teff (Eragrostis tef (Zucc.) Trotter) and many other crops due to its diverse agro-ecology and culture. Teff is an autogamous and allotetraploid crop with a chromosome number of 2n=4x=40 and a staple food crop for more than 70 million people in Ethiopia. It occupies over three million hectares of land and is cultivated by over 7.2 million households. However, the yield of teff is very low as compared to other cereals cultivated in Ethiopia. Its productivity is constrained by many factors, which still need further research to intervene. Scientific teff research in Ethiopia started in the 1950s, and many improved teff varieties (about 54 until 2022) have been released to the farming community through conventional breeding approaches like pure line/mass selection and hybridization. Nowadays, the Debre Zeit (Bishoftu) Agricultural Research Center has a full mandate at the national level in teff breeding activities. Globally, only a few cereal crops are feeding the world population and getting more attention from the international scientific community; however, orphan crops like teff have recently gotten consideration from many national and international organizations due to their golden merits and nutritional quality, like gluten-free products. Many efforts have been made to improve and tackle teff breeding challenges through the molecular breeding approach, and there are some achievements. However, the major challenges of teff breeding still need focus and significant contributions from the national and international scientific communities, companies, governments, and other stakeholders. The development of gene editing tools like CRISPR/Cas9 has revolutionized and enhanced breeding in many other cereals. The application of these gene-editing tools in the teff breeding program, particularly for the challenging traits like lodging, seed size, grain yield, and other related traits, will be the next assignment for the teff breeders.
Abstract: Ethiopia is both the origin and center of diversity for teff (Eragrostis tef (Zucc.) Trotter) and many other crops due to its diverse agro-ecology and culture. Teff is an autogamous and allotetraploid crop with a chromosome number of 2n=4x=40 and a staple food crop for more than 70 million people in Ethiopia. It occupies over three million hectares...
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