Kongunadu Research Journal

Evaluation of preliminary Phytochmical, Antidandruff and Antioxidant activity of medicinally and economically important plant, Wrightia Tinctoria (Apocynaceae)

Vaishnavi — 2024-12-31

The plant samples (leaf and bark) of Wrightia tinctoria were collected from the nearby areas of Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu. Preliminary phytochemical analysis, in-vitro antioxidant activity and antidandruff activity studies were done using ethanolic and acetone extracts from the leaf and bark of Wrightia tinctoria. Phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of Alkaloids, Phenols, Glycosides, Steroids, Terpenoids and Tannins. Antioxidant activity evaluated by the Phosphomoybdenum assay and Metal chelating assay showed that the bark samples exhibited the most antioxidant activity compared to leaf samples in both assays. The antifungal activity of leaf and bark (acetone and ethanol) extracts of W.tinctoria on the growth of dandruff causing fungi Malassezia fufur done by disc diffusion method, revealed that the extracts of Wrightia tinctoria are actively involved in controlling the dandruff causing fungi.

The medicinal potential of weeds: A systematic review of their Phytochemistry

Sreelakshmi T — 2024-12-31

Weeds, often dismissed as unwanted vegetation, have historically been integral to traditional medicine due to their diverse bioactive compounds. This systematic review explores the phytochemical composition and therapeutic potential of medicinal weeds, emphasizing their antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties. Using a comprehensive analysis of peer-reviewed literature, this study identifies key phytochemicals such as alkaloids, flavonoids, terpenoids, and tannins as contributors to their medicinal properties. Findings highlight the untapped potential of weeds in drug discovery, advocating for further exploration and integration into modern therapeutics.

Antimicrobial potential of the medicinal plant species of Acacia Caesia

Thambiraj J — 2024-12-31

This study was designed to evaluate the antimicrobial activity of alcoholic root extracts of Acacia caesia. The plant extracts showed strong antibacterial and antifungal activity against both Gram positive and Gram negative microorganisms. The results of the study revealed that the used three alcoholic extracts showed varied degree of antimicrobial activity against the tested human pathogens. However the methanolic root extract exhibited higher inhibition zone (20.33 mm) against the bacterium, Bacillus subtilis, whereas the ethyl acetate and methanol extracts showed high degree of inhibition zone against the fungi, Mucor rouxii and Rhizopus sp. (28.53 and 20.63 mm respectively). Hence, the methanolic root extract was found to be most effective against tested pathogens. These plant extracts which proved to be potentially effective can be used as natural alternative to the various health problems.

Corrosion inhibition of mild carbon steel in well water medium L-TRYPTOPHAN - Zn2+ System

Angelin Thangakani J — 2024-12-31

The environmentally friendly inhibitor system, L-Tryptophan-Zn²⁺, was investigated using the weight loss method. A synergistic effect was observed between L-Tryptophan and Zn²⁺ system. The formulation comprising 250 ppm of L-Serine and 50 ppm of Zn²⁺ demonstrated an impressive inhibition efficiency of 91%. UV-Visible spectroscopy revealed the formation of a protective film on the metal surface. FTIR analysis suggested that the Zn²⁺-L-Tryptophan complex formed at the anodic sites of the metal surface, which inhibited the anodic reaction, while Zn(OH)₂ formed at the cathodic sites, controlling the cathodic reaction. A corrosion inhibition mechanism was proposed based on the results from weight loss studies and surface analysis techniques. Synergism parameters were calculated and found to be greater than 1, confirming the synergistic effect between L-Tryptophan and Zn²⁺. The surface morphology of the compound was examined using SEM and EDAX

Evaluation of Newly Formulated Biostimulant on Improving Productivity of Chilli (Capsicum Annuum)

Balamurugan A — 2024-12-31

Agriculture provides continuous supply of vegetables and fruits. Chilli is one among the vegetables which is consumed by all people from all parts of the world. Production of chilli meets the demand and supply gradually due to lack of higher yield. In this scenario, the biostimulant quench the thrust and make up the productivity higher to supply huge quanitiy. Biostimulants are natural or synthetic substances that can be applied to seeds, plants, and soil. These substances cause changes in vital and structural processes in order to influence plant growth through improved tolerance to abiotic stresses and increase seed and/or grain yield and quality.

The present study was designed to evaluate a newly formulated biostimulant on increasing the productivity of chilli. This biostimulant contains a mineral extract of natural compounds based powder formulation as a broad spectrum plant protector. The formulation has growth regulators and plant nutrients with NPK the primary and S, Ca, Mg secondary macro nutrients. Trace amounts of iron and copper are also included. Among the four dosages tested (1g, 2g, 3g and 4g in one litre of water), proved that increased the yield and biometric values. While the concentrations of biostimluant increased will influence the gradual yield improvement of chilli in both pot and field experiments. Since the cost of biostimulant plays major role in farmer’s economy point of view, the optimum dose 2g / Litre of water could be considered for recommendation for availing the higher yield of chilli.

Efficacy of biogenic film from bioactive waste of Agaricus Bisporous

Monnisha B — 2024-12-31

This study investigates the development of chitosan/polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) films incorporated with mushroom extract and ascorbic acid (Vitamin C) for enhanced mechanical, antioxidant, and antimicrobial properties. Chitosan, a biodegradable biopolymer, was blended with PVA to form a stable, flexible film matrix, while mushroom extract, rich in bioactive compounds, and ascorbic acid were added to improve the films' functionality. The films were characterized using various techniques, including X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), to assess their structural, chemical, and thermal properties. XRD analysis revealed the crystalline and amorphous nature of the films, with changes observed upon the incorporation of mushroom extract and ascorbic acid. FTIR spectra confirmed the successful incorporation of the bioactive compounds, with characteristic peaks indicating the interaction between chitosan, PVA, mushroom extract, and ascorbic acid. SEM images showed the surface morphology and homogeneity of the films, revealing a smooth surface and uniform distribution of the additives. TGA analysis provided insight into the thermal stability, demonstrating that the films exhibited improved thermal resistance with the addition of mushroom extract and ascorbic acid. Building on these results, the chitosan/PVA films by varying mushroom extract and ascorbic acid concentrations.

Comparative study on spectrophotometric analysis and antibacterial activity of homely prepared turmeric powder and commercially available turmeric powder

Reshma Varghese — 2024-12-31

The study was conducted to determine and compare the amounts of curcumin that are present in three different brands of turmeric powder as well as homemade powder (Curcuma longa, Curcuma aromatica, Curcuma amada, Curcuma caesia and Curcuma angustifolia) using spectrophotometric analysis and antibacterial activity also done with four different bacterial species. The results showed that the absorbance of the acetone extracts of the three turmeric powder samples was read at 420 nm in spectrophotometer. The absorbance of pure curcumin was noted in 1.12 at 420 nm, brand A showed 1.76 brand B showed 1.32 and brand C showed 1.66. The concentration of the curcumin was found to be different for each sample. Antibacterial results showed that brand A,B,C were sensitive to Klebsiella, Proteus and Bacillus species , but in the case of E.coli species A,B are sensitive and C was not sensitive.

Invitro Antioxidant Activity of Embelia basaal Burm.f. (Myrsinaceae)

Vennila S — 2024-12-31

This study evaluated the phytochemical screening, secondary metabolite content of different extracts and antioxidant activity of acetone extracts of Embelia basaal leaf and bark. Using Soxhlet extraction the different solvents such as petroleum ether, chloroform, acetone and ethanol were used for determining the qualitative phytochemical analysis and it confirmed the presence of primary and secondary metabolites. The quantification of total phenolic, tannin and flavonoid contents were found to be higher in the acetone extract of E.basaal bark. Subsequently the acetone extracts were subjected to antioxidant assays (DPPH, ABTS, nitric oxide, ferric reducing, superoxide, lipid peroxidation, and reducing power) and the results revealed that the acetone extract of E.bassal bark demonstrated superior free radical scavenging activity compared to the leaf. Thus, the findings highlight E.basaal has potential for developing health promoting drugs.

Under-utilized lesser-known wild edible plants of Tamil Nadu, India

Karuppusamy S — 2024-12-31

The present study highlights the diversity of wild edible plants used by tribal and local communities in Tamil Nadu's phytogeographical regions, covering both the Western Ghats and Eastern Ghats. The ethnobotanical documentation includes 62 plant species across 36 families and 39 genera which are lesser-known wild edibles. The plants are categorized as 27 fruits, 26 leafy edibles, 3 tuberous edibles and 3 species of whole plants, stem and flower of single species each. These lesser-known wild edibles have significant potential but require further investigation to determine their nutritional value, potential for cultivation, agronomic practices, and propagation methods. Their sustainable conservation is also crucial to ensure their availability for future generations. This study sheds light on the importance of preserving traditional knowledge and biodiversity through scientific exploration.

Assessing riparian floristic diversity in the Gayathripuzha river basin of Palakkad district

ZereenaViji — 2024-12-31

The riparian flora of the Gayathripuzha river of Palakkad district was studied by a series of survey from July2022 to February 2023.The study revealed that about87 species of species belonging to 31 families were identified. The habit wise analysis of the species suggests that 65% of the plants were herbs, 16% shrubs and 8% climbers and 11% creepers. The present study revealed that Asteraceae,Fabaceae and Malvacea were the dominant families. 74 dicot species and 12 monocot species make up the variety of angiosperm plants. The habit wise analysis of the species suggests that 65% of the plants were herbs, 16% shrubs and 8% climbers and 11% creepers. Asteraceae family dominated the vegetation analysed

Endemic Asclepiads in Nilgiri biosphere reserve, India

Murugesan M — 2024-12-31

While conducting field surveys to document gamopetalous flora of Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, India, a special attention was given to document endemic asclepiad plant species. In addition to field surveys, consultation of herbarium and literature related to the flora of NBR revealed that a total of 38 endemic taxa of have been documented of which some of them categorized as Critically Endangered (5 species) followed by Endangered (5), Vulnerable (4) and Possibly extinct (1) by several authors. Based on habit analysis 18 species are categorized as twiners.