Asian Plant Research Journal

Botanical Characteristics, Phytochemistry and Pharmacological Profile of Digera muricata (L.) Mart.: A Critical Narrative Review

Abdul Hameed — 2026-08-31

Digera muricata (L.) Mart. (Amaranthaceae), commonly known as false amaranth or tartara, is an annual wild edible herb distributed through parts of Africa, the Arabian Peninsula and South Asia. It occupies an unusual position at the interface of weed ecology, traditional food use and ethnomedicine. This critical narrative review integrates botanical, ethnobotanical, nutritional, phytochemical and pharmacological evidence available up to 26 June 2026. Live searches were undertaken across PubMed, PubMed Central, DOAJ, Semantic Scholar, Google Scholar, AGRIS and relevant regional scholarly sources, supplemented by backward and forward citation searching. Particular emphasis was placed on authenticated plant identity, analytical quality, model relevance, reproducibility and the distinction between biochemical activity and clinically meaningful efficacy. The botanical literature supports a stable placement of D. muricata within Amaranthaceae and documents diagnostic vegetative, floral and pollen characters, although older pharmacognostic descriptions are uneven in voucher reporting. Phytochemical studies consistently indicate phenolic, flavonoid, sterol, terpenoid and related constituents, with quercetin, β-caryophyllene and phytosterol-rich fractions receiving the strongest direct analytical support. Newer mass-spectrometric work expands the candidate metabolite space but remains predominantly qualitative. Pharmacological evidence is concentrated in antioxidant assays, toxin-induced rodent organ-injury models, antimicrobial screening, macrophage experiments and limited cancer cell-line work. Renal, hepatic and testicular protection in chemically injured rodents is internally coherent with antioxidant mechanisms, but the evidence derives from small preclinical studies using incompletely standardised extracts. Likewise, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, anti-atherogenic and anticancer findings remain exploratory because extract composition, positive controls, exposure metrics and replication vary substantially. No robust clinical evidence was identified. The most defensible interpretation is therefore that D. muricata is a nutritionally and chemically interesting wild edible species with multiple experimentally supported bioactivities, but not yet a clinically validated medicinal agent. Future work should prioritise taxonomically authenticated material, quantitative metabolomics, extract standardisation, pharmacokinetics, dose-response toxicology, mechanistic replication and appropriately powered translational studies.

Modelling Plant Responses to Sulphate and Chloride Salinity: Integrating Ion-Specific Physiology with Quantitative Crop-Response Frameworks

M. F. Dlamini — 2026-09-09

Salinity models used in crop science commonly describe stress through bulk electrical conductivity, osmotic potential, or a single empirical salinity index. This simplification is operationally useful, but it can conceal biologically important differences between chloride- and sulphate-dominated environments. This critical narrative review evaluates how plant responses to sodium chloride and sodium sulphate have been measured, interpreted, and represented in quantitative models, with emphasis on the consequences of salt composition for model structure and parameter transferability. Literature published from 1977 to 30 June 2026 was examined through agricultural, biological, multidisciplinary, and open scholarly information sources, with targeted citation searching and reference verification. Comparative experiments show no universal ranking of chloride versus sulphate toxicity. Relative effects vary with species, genotype, developmental stage, concentration, exposure duration, substrate chemistry, nutrient supply, and, critically, the basis used to match treatments. Equal molarity, equal sodium concentration, equal electrical conductivity, and equal osmotic potential do not create equivalent chemical exposures. Chloride has essential and beneficial roles at moderate concentrations but can become toxic and antagonise nitrate nutrition at high tissue concentrations. Sulphate is likewise an essential nutrient, yet excessive sulphate can alter mineral balance, sulphur assimilation, redox regulation, photosynthesis, and metabolism. Current empirical yield functions and root-water-uptake models capture aggregate salinity effects effectively in many settings, but most do not represent anion identity explicitly. Consequently, parameters calibrated under chloride-dominated salinity cannot be assumed to transfer to sulphate-dominated or mixed-salt systems. A tiered modelling strategy is proposed, ranging from composition-aware empirical response functions to coupled soil-plant ion-transport models. Progress requires factorial experiments that separate osmotic, sodium, chloride, sulphate, and nutrient-interaction effects, together with field validation across realistic mixed-salt environments. Composition-aware modelling should improve physiological interpretation, phenotyping, irrigation assessment, and breeding decisions without discarding the practical value of established salinity indices.

Comparative Assessment of Soil Physico-chemical Properties in Invasive and Non-invasive Soil Habitats of Lakhimpur District, Assam, India

Vara Durga Murari Gunnam — 2026-08-10

Invasive alien plant species (IAPS) are recognised as major drivers of ecosystem degradation, altering soil properties and nutrient cycling, thereby facilitating their establishment and spread. The present study evaluated the influence of invasive plant species on the physicochemical characteristics of soils in roadside and agricultural habitats of Lakhimpur District, Assam, India. Seasonal field surveys were conducted during the pre-monsoon, monsoon, and post-monsoon periods to assess the occurrence and frequency of invasive plant species and to collect soil samples (0–20 cm depth) from invaded and adjacent non-invaded (control) plots. Soil samples were analysed for key physicochemical parameters using standard analytical methods, and the data were statistically evaluated using two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) followed by Tukey's HSD post hoc test. Pearson correlation analysis and principal component analysis (PCA) were employed to examine relationships among soil variables and to identify the principal factors distinguishing invaded and non-invaded habitats.

A total of fourteen invasive alien plant species were recorded, among which Eichhornia crassipes, Mikania micrantha, Chromolaena odorata, and Parthenium hysterophorus were the most dominant at the study sites. Invaded soils exhibited slightly lower pH (5.6–6.2) but significantly higher organic matter (3.4–4.5%) and total nitrogen (15–34 mg kg⁻¹) than non-invaded soils (p < 0.05), indicating enhanced nutrient accumulation in invaded habitats. Multivariate analysis further demonstrated clear separation between invaded and non-invaded sites based on soil characteristics, suggesting that invasive species substantially modify soil conditions and nutrient dynamics. These changes are likely to create positive soil–plant feedback that enhance the persistence and competitive advantage of invasive species while impeding the regeneration of native vegetation. The findings highlight the importance of habitat-specific management strategies, including timely removal of invasive biomass, restoration with native plant species, and continuous monitoring of soil quality, to reduce invasion-induced soil nutrient enrichment and support long-term ecosystem restoration in the region.

Assessment of Hematologic-Enhancing Potentials and Toxicity of Aqueous Fraction of Justicia secunda (Vahl) Leaf on Phenylhydrazine-Induced Anaemic Albino Rats

Josiah Kelechi Ndukwe — 2026-08-26

Anaemia remains a major health challenge, and the search for affordable, accessible, and biologically effective plant-based therapies has increased interest in medicinal plants traditionally used for blood-related disorders. This study evaluated the blood-enhancing potential and toxicity profile of the aqueous fraction of Justicia secunda Vahl leaf extract in phenylhydrazine (PHZ)-induced anaemic albino rats. The aqueous fraction was subjected to gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS) analysis to characterise its phytochemical constituents. Acute toxicity was evaluated using graded oral doses of 10–5000 mg/kg body weight. Anaemia was induced with phenylhydrazine, after which animals were allocated to normal control, standard drug-treated, untreated anaemic, and J. secunda-treated groups receiving 200, 400, or 600 mg/kg body weight of the aqueous fraction. Haematological indices, including packed cell volume, haemoglobin concentration, red blood cell count and erythrocyte indices, were assessed together with total and differential leukocyte counts. Serum iron, total iron-binding capacity and unsaturated iron-binding capacity were also determined. In addition, malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase, reduced glutathione (GSH), and myeloperoxidase (MPO) were evaluated as indices of oxidative stress and systemic inflammation. GC–MS analysis identified several classes of compounds, with aliphatic hydrocarbons (43.35%), fatty acids (26.08%), aldehydes (13.69%), phenolic compounds (14.82%), and aromatic halogenated compounds (0.31%) predominating. No mortality or overt signs of toxicity were observed at doses up to 5000 mg/kg, indicating a relatively wide acute oral safety margin. Administration of the aqueous fraction was associated with improvement in haematological parameters and modulation of iron-related, antioxidant and inflammatory biomarkers in PHZ-induced anaemic rats. The findings suggest that J. secunda leaf aqueous fraction possesses blood-enhancing and antioxidant properties and may support recovery from chemically induced haemolytic anaemia. However, further mechanistic investigations, subchronic toxicity studies, and clinical investigations are warranted to establish its therapeutic safety and efficacy.

Evaluation of the pH-Dependent Anti-Inflammatory Potential of Mirabilis jalapa Linn. Root Extract Using Protein Denaturation and Membrane Stabilisation Assays

T. G. S. Geethika — 2026-09-02

Background: Inflammation is a biological response characterised by redness, oedema, fever, pain, and loss of function. Medicinal plants have long served as a valuable source of anti-inflammatory compounds, and Mirabilis jalapa Linn. (Four O’clock plant) is traditionally used in folk medicine to treat inflammatory conditions.

Aims: This study evaluated the anti-inflammatory potential of the aqueous root extract of M. jalapa and investigated the influence of pH on its activity, with particular consideration of the traditional preparation in which the plant extract is combined with lime extract.

Study Design: An in vitro study assessed the pH-dependent anti-inflammatory potential of the aqueous root extract of M. jalapa. Fresh extracts were prepared and used immediately to minimise potential changes in the stability and bioactivity of their phytochemical constituents.

Place and Duration of Study: The study was conducted in the Microbiology Laboratory, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University, Sri Lanka.

Methodology: Anti-inflammatory activity was assessed using two in vitro assays: inhibition of egg albumin denaturation and stabilisation of the Human Red Blood Cell (HRBC) membrane. The extract was tested across a range of concentrations and pH levels, with hydrochloric acid, citric acid, and lime extract used as pH-adjusting agents. A General Linear Model (GLM) was employed to assess the effects of pH, extract concentration, and pH-adjusting agent, as well as the interaction between extract concentration and pH-adjusting agent, on percentage inhibition.

Results: The aqueous root extract showed substantial concentration-dependent inhibition of protein denaturation and membrane-stabilising activity that was comparable to diclofenac sodium at higher concentrations. In both assays, GLM analysis identified pH as the most influential factor affecting percentage inhibition. Increasing the pH from 2.6 to 5.0 was associated with a marked reduction in inhibitory activity, with the highest activity observed at pH 2.6. A decrease in activity was detected when the pH is increased from 2.6 to 5.0. In the egg albumin denaturation assay, pH exerted a highly significant effect on percentage inhibition (F = 6877.96, P < 0.001, partial η² = 0.917, df = 1), representing the largest effect among the factors examined. A similar pattern was observed in the HRBC membrane stabilisation assay, in which pH had a highly significant effect on percentage protection (F = 8881.415, P < 0.001, partial η² = 0.934, df = 1), again representing the largest effect in the model. A statistically significant interaction between extract concentration and pH-adjusting agent was also observed in both assays, indicating that the concentration–response relationship varied according to the agent used for pH adjustment. Lime extract enhanced the anti-inflammatory potential at lower concentrations but was associated with reduced activity at higher concentrations, whereas citric acid showed a minimal effect across the tested concentration range. In contrast, hydrochloric acid suppressed the activity at higher concentrations.

Conclusion: These findings support the ethnomedicinal properties of the root extract of M. jalapa for treating inflammatory conditions and identify pH as an important parameter in determining its anti-inflammatory efficacy. In particular, the results provide a pharmacological rationale for the traditional practice of combining M. jalapa root paste with lime extract.

In vitro Efficacy of Aqueous Extracts of Neem, Garlic, Moringa, and Vinca against Aspergillus flavus Growth in Groundnut

Omer R. M. Rahama — 2026-09-04

This study addresses an important post-harvest challenge in groundnut production in Sudan: aflatoxin contamination caused by Aspergillus flavus. It evaluates locally available plant extracts (neem, garlic, moringa, vinca) as potential antifungal agents, which aligns with the growing interest in plant-based alternatives to synthetic fungicides. Groundnut quality and safety can be compromised by Aspergillus flavus, a major aflatoxin-producing fungus. The present study evaluated the in vitro inhibitory activity of selected plant extracts: neem (Azadirachta indica), garlic (Allium sativum), moringa (Moringa oleifera) and vinca (Vinca rosea) against fungal growth. Laboratory work was conducted using plant extracts at 100, 50, 25 and 12.5% concentrations, with an untreated control. Inhibition zones were measured on culture media. The results showed clear differences among the plant treatments. Neem produced the greatest overall inhibition zone (mean 12.3), followed by garlic (8.3), moringa (7.7) and vinca (1.3). Across concentrations, the largest mean inhibition zone was recorded at 50% (11.50), followed by 100% (10.92), 25% (10.67) and 12.5% (3.92), while the untreated control recorded zero inhibition. For neem, the 50% concentration produced the highest inhibition zone (16.0), followed by 25% (15.66), 12.5% (15.0) and 100% (14.33). Garlic and moringa also showed measurable inhibition, whereas vinca showed weak activity. The findings contribute to the knowledge base on indigenous plant materials for mycotoxin management and may support the development of environmentally friendly, low-cost interventions for smallholder farmers in semi-arid regions. However, the study is limited to in vitro testing and requires further validation.

Genotype × Environment Interaction for Germination and Seedling Emergence of Bambara Groundnut (Vigna subterranea L.) under Contrasting Agro-ecological Conditions in Nigeria

A. O. Onimisi — 2026-09-11

Aims: This study evaluated the effects of genotype × environment interaction on germination rate and days to 50% seedling emergence of 30 Bambara groundnut accessions across three contrasting locations in Nigeria.

Study Design: Randomised complete block design.

Place and Duration of Study: Experimental fields of the Department of Biology, Federal College of Education, Okene, Department of Plant Science and Biotechnology, University of Nigeria Nsukka and Department of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Kashere, between June 2026 and July 2026.

Methodology: Thirty Bambara groundnut accessions obtained from the IITA GenBank were evaluated across three locations. Thirty treated seeds per accession were planted at each location. Climate variables, including PAR, rainfall, relative humidity, temperature and surface soil wetness, were obtained from NASA POWER, while topsoil (0–15 cm) was analysed for physicochemical properties. Germination percentage and days to 50% seedling emergence were recorded. Data were analysed using ANOVA, LSD (p<0.05), and Pearson correlation.

Results: Analysis of variance revealed a significant environmental effect on germination rate, whereas genotype and genotype × environment interaction were not significant. Mean germination was highest in Kogi (99.86%), followed by Nsukka (86.19%) and Gombe (79.33%), demonstrating strong environmental influence on successful establishment. In contrast, genotype, environment and genotype × environment interaction significantly affected days to 50% emergence. TVSu-91 exhibited the earliest emergence (6.44 days), while TVSu-560 was the slowest (11.33 days). Gombe recorded the longest emergence period (9.19 days), compared with 8.36 and 8.27 days in Kogi and Nsukka, respectively. Correlation analysis further indicated associations between germination and climatic and soil properties, particularly radiation, rainfall, soil texture, pH, phosphorus, calcium and base saturation.

Conclusion: The findings demonstrate that environmental conditions are critical determinants of germination success, while emergence speed has exploitable genetic and environmental components. Selection for rapid emergence should therefore be conducted across contrasting environments to identify stable genotypes suitable for diverse production conditions.