Rajib Gogoi

Two new species of Impatiens L. (Balsaminaceae) from Arunachal Pradesh, Northeast India

Abstract Two new species, i.e. Impatiens albopetala Gogoi & Borah and Impatiens dibangensis Gogoi & Borah, are described and illustrated here from Dibang Valley, Arunachal Pradesh, India.

Impatiens zironiana (Balsaminaceae), a new species from Arunachal Pradesh, Northeastern India

Abstract Impatiens zironiana, a new species of Impatiens from Lower Subansiri district of Arunachal Pradesh, northeast India is described and illustrated. Detailed descriptions, distribution and ecology along with colour photographs are provided.

Recollection and lectotypification of Impatiens racemulosa Wall. ex Hook.f. & Thomson (Balsaminaceae) from Meghalaya, North-east India

Impatiens racemulosa Wall. ex Hook.f. & Thomson has been recollected after a gap of 62 years from Meghalaya, in North-east India. The species was almost in oblivion as there was no recent collection, the detailed description and photographic illustrations based on live plant material is provided for its easy identification. A lectotype is also designated for the name.

Antioxidant Activity of Flower Buds of Musa spp. Sold and Consumed as Vegetables

ABSTRACT Banana (Musa spp.) is normally used for its fruit. In some indigenous cultures other parts of the plant are used as vegetables. M. markkui Gogoi & Borah, M. itinerens Cheesman and M. aurantiaca Baker may have medicinal properties, but little is known about their biochemistry. Methanol extracts of flower buds were evaluated for antioxidant potential by 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydazyl and 2,2-azino-bis-(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid), and total phenolic and total flavonoid contents were determined. The methanol extract phenolic content ranged from 54.12 ± 1.0 to 163.99 ± 1.2 mg gallic acid equivalent (GAE)·g−1 and flavonoid content ranged from 314.5 ± 2.2 to 1130.9 ± 3.1 µg rutin equivalent (RE)·g−1, with no correlation between total antioxidant potential and phenolic and flavonoid content. M. itinerens was most purchased (40–60 rupees per piece) and consumed. Flowers from the Musa species may supply significant amounts of natural antioxidants to the human diet.