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.

Synergistic Effects of Organic Fertilizer on Growth, Yield and Economic Benefits of Radish (Raphanus sativus L.) under Coastal Area of Bangladesh

Tushar Rangan Chakraborty — 2026-09-14

Radish, Raphanus sativus L., is a significant root crop consumed as a vegetable worldwide for its nutritional value. In Bangladesh, farmers often rely on excessive use of chemical fertilizers to meet production demands, which can negatively affect environmental and human health. As a sustainable alternative, a field experiment was conducted at the Department of Agriculture, Noakhali Science and Technology University (NSTU), Sonapur, Noakhali, to evaluate the effects of different doses of organic fertilizer on radish growth and yield. The experiment was laid out in a randomised complete block design with three replications and five treatments: T₀ (no fertilizer), T₁ (organic fertilizer 5 t ha^-1), T₂ (organic fertilizer 10 t ha^-1), T₃ (organic fertilizer 15 t ha^-1), and T₄ (organic fertilizer 20 t ha^-1). The maximum plant height (43.03 cm), number of leaves per plant (16.86), leaf length (34.31 cm), leaf diameter (8.69 cm), root length (19.56 cm), root diameter (3.64 cm), fresh root weight (145.76 g), yield per plot (8.16 kg), gross yield (40.81 t ha^-1), and marketable yield (40.81 t ha^-1) were recorded in treatment T₄. Correlation analysis revealed strong positive relationships among the measured growth and yield traits. The highest net return (Tk. 353150 ha^-1) and benefit-cost ratio (BCR 2.36) were obtained from treatment T₄. These results indicate that 20 t ha^-1 organic fertilizer improved radish growth, yield, and yield-contributing characteristics under the study conditions. Further research is recommended to optimise organic fertilizer doses for radish cultivation in coastal zones.

Identification of QTLs for Yield and Yield Related Traits under Reproductive Stage Drought Stress

Yin Mon Oo — 2026-09-14

Reproductive-stage drought stress can substantially reduce rice productivity, making the identification of drought-responsive loci relevant to breeding. This study aimed to detect phenotypic variation and identify QTLs associated with yield and yield-related traits under reproductive-stage drought stress. Drought stress is one of the major challenges in agriculture, particularly in rice production, and has significant negative impacts on rice growth and yield. Reproductive-stage drought stress is an important yield-reducing factor in rain-fed rice production. Therefore, identifying grain yield-related quantitative trait loci (QTLs) during the reproductive stage may provide additional benefits for marker-assisted breeding. This experiment was carried out at the Department of New Genetics, Yezin Agricultural University, Nay Pyi Taw, from August 2025 to January 2026 using a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications under two conditions: 100% field capacity (control) and 50% field capacity (drought). Significant differences were observed in yield and yield-attributing variables. Eleven QTLs were identified for six traits: plant height, panicle length, days to 50% flowering, spikelets per panicle, filled grain percentage, and 1000-grain weight. Two QTLs for plant height were identified on chromosomes 1 and 5, with R² values of 44.58% and 9.79% and LOD values of 11.12 and 3.68, respectively. The QTL for panicle length, qPL5, was identified on chromosome 5, with an R² value of 16.25%. Four QTLs (qDTF1.1, qDTF1.2, qDTF6, and qDTF10) were identified on chromosomes 1, 6, and 10 for days to 50% flowering. One QTL each was identified for spikelets per panicle and filled grain percentage (qSPP5 and qFGP8, respectively). For 1000-grain weight, two QTLs, qTGW1 and qTGW3, were identified on chromosomes 1 and 3. These QTLs may be useful for marker-assisted breeding of rice with improved resilience to climate change, particularly drought.

Assessment of Platostoma africanum and Hyptis spicigera as Botanicals for Controlling Cowpea and Maize Weevils During Storage

Louis Agyemang — 2026-09-15

In sub-Saharan Africa, maize (Zea mays L.) and cowpea (Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp) are essential for food security, but infestation by storage weevils — Sitophilus zeamais Motschulsky and Callosobruchus maculatus Fabricius — can cause postharvest losses greater than 30%. This study investigated two Lamiaceae species, Platostoma africanum P. Beauv. and Hyptis spicigera Lam., as environmentally friendly alternatives to synthetic insecticides. The exploration of these plant-based alternatives offers a promising approach to sustainable pest management in stored products, particularly for smallholder farmers who require affordable and accessible solutions.Different doses (0, 2.5, 5.0, and 10.0 g per 100 g of grain) were applied to uninfested maize and cowpea and monitored for 28 days at 27±2°C and 65±5% RH. Five parameters were evaluated: cumulative adult mortality, F1 progeny suppression, grain damage, weight loss, and seed germination. The 1:1 (w/w) combination at 10.0 g gave the best performance, with cumulative mortality reaching 95.31±1.11% for S. zeamais and 94.77±1.67% for C. maculatus on day 28. It lowered seed damage to 19.67±0.67% in maize and 25.33±0.88% in cowpea (compared to 60.67±1.45% and 60.33±0.88% in untreated controls) and reduced weight loss to 9.94±0.34% and 12.80±0.45% (versus 30.64±0.74% and 30.47±0.44% in controls) (ANOVA, Tukey's HSD, p<0.05). Importantly, seed viability was maintained, with germination of 73.5±1.1% for maize and 71.2±0.9% for cowpea at the 10.0 g combined dose, against 26.67% in controls, confirming no phytotoxic effect. The combined botanical treatment at 5.0–10.0 g/100 g may provide a sustainable and low-cost protectant for smallholder farmers.

Rooting Efficiency of Camellia kirinoi in Different Exogenous Hormone Doses

Tran Duc Manh — 2026-09-17

Camellia kirinoi is a golden camellia whose flowers have been used for human healthcare. Seedling production through cutting propagation provides uniform plant material and enables large genetic gains from superior genotypes for increased production. In this study, the effects of different doses of the exogenous hormone indole-3-butyric acid (IBA) on the rooting efficiency of C. kirinoi were investigated. Five IBA doses were tested, comprising 0.1%, 0.2%, 0.3%, 0.4%, and 0.5% by weight in powder form, together with a control without exogenous hormone. Sand was used as the rooting medium. The results showed that IBA dose significantly affected the rooting efficiency of C. kirinoi. After 4 months of growth, the highest rooting rate (94.4%) was recorded with 0.4% IBA, followed by 0.2% and 0.5% IBA (approximately 91%), whereas the lowest rooting rates were recorded with 0.1% IBA (83.3%), 0.3% IBA (82.9%), and the control (82.3%). IBA dose also affected mean root length (MRL). The longest MRL was recorded with 0.4% IBA, averaging 4.18 cm, whereas 0.1% IBA (0.16 cm) and the control (0.15 cm) produced the lowest MRL values. In contrast, IBA dose did not significantly affect the number of shoots per cutting. It was concluded that 0.4% IBA by weight in powder form should be used for the cutting propagation of C. kirinoi. In addition, the cutting bed should be maintained at >95% humidity by spraying and shaded to provide 45–55% sunlight. These findings provide a practical, low-cost propagation protocol that nursery operators can apply to support large-scale seedling production and conservation of this endemic golden camellia.

Ash Content in Selected Forest Tree Species at Aliko Dangote University of Science and Technology (ADUSTECH) Campus, Wudil, Kano State, Nigeria

Abdulmalik Sani Dawaki — 2026-09-17

Ash content is an important parameter for evaluating the quality and mineral composition of biomass materials. This study aimed to determine the ash content of selected forest tree species at Aliko Dangote University of Science and Technology. Five (5) tree species were selected, with three (3) independent trees sampled per species. Five (5) wood samples were collected from each tree at breast height (1.3 m above ground level) to ensure uniformity. The samples were oven-dried at 105 °C to constant mass, ground into a fine powder, and subjected to ash determination using the dry-combustion method. The samples were heated in a muffle furnace at 550 °C for 4 hours until constant grey or white ash was obtained. The results showed considerable variation in ash content among the species, with values ranging from 1.51% to 4.77%. Albizia lebbeck recorded the lowest ash content (1.51%), followed by Senna siamea (2.41%), whereas Ficus thonningii recorded the highest ash content (4.77%), followed by Delonix regia (3.80%). The variation in ash content indicated differences in the mineral composition of the species and has implications for biomass utilisation, combustion performance, and nutrient recycling. The findings provide baseline information for biomass evaluation and may contribute to informed species selection for sustainable urban forestry and renewable energy development.

Phytochemical Screening and Gas Chromatography-mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) Analysis of Bioactive Compounds in Heliotropium indicum Aqueous and Ethanolic Leaf Extracts

Alfred Ikechukwu Ajoh — 2026-09-18

Aim: Heliotropium indicum is widely used in traditional medicine. The present study was carried out to determine the phytochemicals and bioactive compounds identified by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS) in the aqueous and ethanolic leaf extracts of H. indicum.

Methods: Fresh H. indicum leaves were collected, authenticated, air-dried and then pulverised. Aqueous and ethanolic extractions were performed using the cold maceration technique according to established protocols. Qualitative and quantitative phytochemical analyses, as well as GC–MS characterisation of both extracts, were carried out using standard procedures.

Results: Qualitative phytochemical screening revealed that both extracts contained alkaloids, carbohydrates, glycosides, steroids, phenols, flavonoids, saponins, fixed oils and fats, terpenoids, phytosterols and phlobatannins, although only the ethanolic extract contained proteins and amino acids. Quantitative phytochemical analysis revealed that the ethanolic extract contained higher levels of flavonoids, phenols, glycosides, alkaloids and saponins than the aqueous extract, whereas the aqueous extract showed higher tannin and carbohydrate contents. Fifty-four (54) bioactive compounds were identified in the ethanolic extract, while forty (40) bioactive compounds were identified in the aqueous extract through GC–MS analysis. These identified bioactive compounds have been reported to have several pharmacological activities, including antimicrobial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antiandrogenic, anticancer, antidiabetic, insecticidal, hypercholesterolaemic and hepatoprotective activities.

Conclusion: The presence of these health-promoting bioactive compounds in H. indicum aqueous and ethanolic leaf extracts supports the therapeutic use of this plant in traditional medicine and could be further explored in the development of novel therapeutic compounds that may help in managing several diseases.

Antibacterial Efficacy of Selected Medicinal Plants Extract against Multidrug-resistant Bacteria Isolated from Crude Oil-contaminated Soils in Obi-Ayagha, Niger Delta, Nigeria

C. O. Chukumah — 2026-09-28

Environmental reservoirs of antimicrobial resistance contribute significantly to the global burden of multidrug-resistant (MDR) pathogens, particularly in petroleum-contaminated ecosystems that exert strong selective pressure on microbial populations. This study investigated the phytochemical composition and antibacterial activities of the plants Senna alata, Ocimum gratissimum, and Bryophyllum pinnatum against MDR bacteria isolated from crude oil-contaminated soils in Obi-Ayagha, Niger Delta, Nigeria. Seventeen bacterial isolates, including Proteus spp., Pseudomonas spp., Acinetobacter spp., Salmonella spp., Shigella spp., Klebsiella spp., and Staphylococcus aureus, were identified using conventional and molecular methods. The plant leaves were extracted with ethanol and methanol, followed by sequential fractionation using aqueous, ethyl acetate, and butanol solvents. Phytochemical screening revealed flavonoids and steroids in all extracts, while tannins were abundant in O. gratissimum and B. pinnatum. Alkaloids were detected only in S. alata, whereas cardiac glycosides were absent in all three plant extracts. Antibacterial activity was concentration-dependent, with S. alata exhibiting the broadest spectrum by inhibiting 17 of 17 isolates, followed by O. gratissimum (13 isolates) and B. pinnatum (9 isolates). Maximum inhibition zone diameters at 100 mg/mL were 20.67, 17.67, and 14.33 mm, respectively. Minimum inhibitory concentrations ranged from 6.25–100 mg/mL, while minimum bactericidal concentrations ranged from 25–100 mg/mL. The findings demonstrate that these medicinal plants possess appreciable antibacterial activity against MDR environmental bacteria, likely due to the synergistic effects of bioactive phytochemicals. These results support their potential as promising sources of novel antimicrobial agents and warrant further phytochemical characterisation and pharmacological evaluation.

Tree Species Diversity of an Island College Campus: A Survey of Jawaharlal Nehru Rajkeeya Mahavidyalaya, Sri Vijaya Puram, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, India

Dipon Sharmah — 2026-10-01

Background: College campuses can function as important urban green spaces by supporting tree diversity and contributing to environmental quality, biodiversity conservation and educational activities. However, information on tree species composition and diversity within institutional campuses of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands remains limited. Assessing campus tree diversity is therefore useful for establishing baseline information and guiding future planting and biodiversity management.

Aims: To document the tree species diversity of the Jawaharlal Nehru Rajkeeya Mahavidyalaya (JNRM) campus, compare diversity across different parts of the campus, and assess the share of native and introduced species.

Study Design: Complete enumeration (census) of all planted trees, arborescent shrubs and palms on the campus.

Place and Duration of Study: Campus of Jawaharlal Nehru Rajkeeya Mahavidyalaya, Sri Vijaya Puram (formerly Port Blair), South Andaman, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, India, between January and April 2024.

Methodology: The 2.22 ha campus was divided into seven sites and every tree was counted and identified. Relative abundance, Shannon diversity index (H′), Simpson diversity index (1 − D), Pielou evenness (J′) and Margalef richness (Dmg) were calculated for each site and for the whole campus. Species were classed as native to India or introduced based on their native range.

Results: A total of 227 individuals belonging to 22 species, 21 genera and 11 families were recorded, giving a density of about 102 trees per hectare. Fabaceae was the richest family with 9 species. Casuarina equisetifolia was the most abundant species, accounting for 55.9% of all individuals. Campus-wide H′ was 1.86, 1 − D was 0.67 and J′ was 0.60. The two ornamental gardens were the most diverse sites (H′ = 2.17 and 2.15), while sites along the seafront and boundary were dominated by Casuarina (H′ = 0.22 to 0.84). Eleven species were native and ten were introduced, but native species made up 86.3% of individuals. One introduced species, Cascabela thevetia, is listed as invasive in the islands.

Conclusion: The campus depends heavily on a single species, far above the common urban guideline of 10% for any one species. Future planting should favour a wider range of native island trees. QR codes linking each species to basic information were prepared to raise awareness among students and visitors.