Abhishek Kumar Dwivedy

Assessment of chemically characterised Abelmoschus moschatus Medik. seed essential oil as shelf life enhancer of herbal raw materials based on antifungal, antiaflatoxigenic and antioxidant efficacy

Abstract The study reports fungal biodeterioration of herbal raw materials of Adhatoda vasica Nees and Withania somnifera Dunal and assessment of Abelmoschus moschatus Medik seed essential oil (AMEO) as antifungal, antiaflatoxigenic, and antioxidant. Seven fungal species belonging to three genera were isolated from Adhatoda vasica leaves and Withania somnifera roots. The minimum inhibitory, fungicidal, and aflatoxin inhibitory concentrations of AMEO were found to be 1750, 5000, and 1250 ppm, respectively, against A. flavus LHP-WS-1, isolated from W. somnifera. The effect of AMEO over ergosterol content in the plasma membrane was assessed to test the mode of action on A. flavus. AMEO also exhibited broad fungitoxicity at its minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and strong antioxidant property through 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) analysis having IC50 value equal to 0.325 μL/mL. In view of strong antifungal, antiaflatoxigenic, and antioxidant activity, the AMEO may be recommended as botanical preservative for herbal raw materials in order to enhance their shelf life and to maintain their quality.

Fungal Endophytes from Seaweeds: An Overview

Seaweeds are macroscopic benthic algal forms, different from microscopic algae and constitute one of the highest productive ecosystems. Marine ecosystem harbors very large diversity of seaweed endophytic fungi. Seaweeds, from different geographical locations, exhibit diversity in associated endophytes as well as secondary metabolites produced by them. Lots of works have been presented on secondary metabolites from endophytic organisms inhabiting in terrestrial and aquatic plants. However, endophytic fungi from marine macro-algae are currently emerging as a novel source of bioactive molecules. These bioactive secondary metabolites from seaweed endophytes have reported antialgal, anticancer, antimicrobial, antiplasmodial, antioxidant, insecticidal, HLE inhibitor, protein phosphatases inhibitor, tyrosine kinase inhibitor and AChE modulation activities which stimulate the scientific community for further search of new compounds. The present chapter highlights the recent developments in diversity of endophytes inhabiting the seaweeds and economically important metabolites synthesized by them as well as scope of future study in this area.

Green Chemistry in Agricultural Pest Management Programmes

The article deals with recommendation of plant products as eco-friendly alternative of syntheticpesticides in agricultural pest management programme and emphasizes plant based green pesticides as important component in achieving ever green revolution in view of their high efficacy and favourable safety profile.

Efficacy of chemically characterized Foeniculum vulgare Mill seed essential oil in protection of raw tobacco leaves during storage against fungal and aflatoxin contamination

To report fungal and aflatoxin contamination in stored tobacco leaves and the potential of Foeniculum vulgare (fennel) seed essential oil (EO) as a plant‐based preservative in protection of tobacco during storage.

Common Toxic Plants and Their Forensic Significance

Abstract There are several species of plants that are poisonous to humans. Toxins are metabolites produced by plants to defend themselves against threats. The major poisonous principles present in plants are organic compounds such as alkaloids, diterpenes, flavonoids, tannins, cardiac and cyanogenic glycosides, proanthocyanidins, phenylpropanoids, lignans, nitrogen-containing compounds, resins, oxalates, and certain proteins or amino acids. The nature of these toxic secondary metabolites changes with varying place of origin and environmental conditions. In addition to human toxicity, poisonous plants have been reported to cause death of livestock, deterioration in their health, decreased productivity, deformed offspring, and reduced longevity leading to tremendous economic losses. Toxic plants are of forensic significance, providing evidence in suicidal, criminal, burglary, and other criminal offences. In spite of their adverse effects on humans and other animals, some poisonous plants have medicinal and nutraceutical potential and can cure certain life-threatening diseases. This chapter deals with common poisonous plants in India, poisonous principles, and forensic significance.