Journal of Phytological Research

In this work, bark of the Guava tree, Psidium guajava L. was used as adsorbent for removal of synthetic dye, i.e. Methyl Red which has given promising results in industrial application. The present investigation involves an isothermal kinetic study of the use of Guava bark as an efficient, low cost adsorbent to remove methyl red dye from aqueous solutions. Guava bark powder is used as a biosorbent. Methyl red dye concentration is determined in prepared aqueous solutions through absorbance - concentration curve. The structural characterization of Guava bark (GB) powder was done by electron microscopy. The adsorption behaviour of the biosorbent was investigated by performing both kinetic and equilibrium isothermal studies. During study the adsorption conditions were calculated by changing different experimental parameters i.e. agitation time, adsorbate concentration, adsorbent concentration, and pH of the solution. Langmuir and Freundlich adsorption isotherms are plotted for analyzing the percentage of methyl red removal. The adsorption studies fit with Langmuir isotherm. The correlation coefficient value indicates a moderate fit for monolayer Langmuir model. Pseudo second order kinetics found to provide a better fit to the data than pseudo first order kinetics.

Cancer poses a significant public health challenge worldwide, with low and middle-income countries (LMICs) bearing a disproportionate burden. The economic impact of cancer care in these regions is profound, straining already limited healthcare resources and leading to high out-of-pocket expenditures for patients and their families. The study explores the potential role of medicinal plants as a cost-effective and accessible alternative or complement to conventional cancer therapies in LMICs. We analyze the economic burden of cancer care, highlight the financial challenges faced by LMICs, and examine the therapeutic potential of medicinal plants. Evidence from various studies indicates that medicinal plants can offer affordable and culturally accepted treatment options, potentially reducing the economic strain on healthcare systems and patients. The integration of medicinal plants into cancer care strategies could improve access to treatment, enhance patient outcomes, and provide sustainable solutions to the escalating costs of cancer care in LMICs. Further research and policy support are needed to validate these benefits and facilitate the incorporation of medicinal plants into mainstream cancer treatment protocols.

In Ayurvedic and Unani medicine, Justicia adhatoda is a well-known medicinal herb. It is commonly known that higher plants contain antibacterial agents. The antimicrobial potential of Justicia adhatoda, alone makes a major contribution. An indicator of an antimicrobial agent's relative potential is the formation of a growth inhibition zone, which is a clear area surrounding the original agent and indicates the efficacy of the agent. The present study aimed to evaluate antimicrobial activity of at different concentrations (25, 50, 75 & 100 μg/ml) of methanol, pet ether and water extract of leaf, stem, root and flower part of J. adhatoda against Gram-negative (E. coli and P. syringe) and gram-positive (B. cereus and S. aureus) bacterial strains. Antibiotic was used as standard. Based on the data presented here in; for root, the largest zone of inhibition was found to be against B. cereus (13mm) in water extracts at 100 μg/ml concentration followed by against all other three bacteria with 12mm inhibition zone in methanol extract. For stem, the largest zone of inhibition was found to be against E. coli (17mm) in methanol extracts followed by against S. aureus with 16mm inhibition zone in methanol and water extracts (100 μg/ml concentration). In case of flower, the maximum inhibition Zone (IZ) was 17 mm against E. coli (in water extract) and S. aureus (in methanol extract) followed by P. syringe (methanol extract) with 15mm inhibition zone. For leaves, highest IZ was 17 mm against E. coli (in water extract) followed by S. aureus (in methanol and pet ether extract) with IZ of 15mm. So, this study provided referential information about the antimicrobial activity of different extracts of different parts of Justicia adhatoda L. It may be effective in identifying a new bioactive compound for the development of novel medications.

This research explores the intricate relationship between spirituality, sacred sites, and effective environmental conservation in the Thar Desert of Rajasthan. The study aims to understand how religious beliefs, cultural practices, and sacred sites influence the conservation of natural resources in this region. By examining the perspectives of various communities including Rabari, Meghwal tribes and Bishnoi, the research explores the role of spirituality in promoting sustainable resource management and mitigating climate change. Through qualitative interviews, field observations, and analysis of religious texts and rituals, the study investigates the spiritual connection that locals have with the desert ecosystem. It examines the religious beliefs that view the desert, its flora, and fauna as divine creations, and how these beliefs inspire conservation efforts. The research also explores the impact of religious festivals and rituals on environmental conservation. By analyzing festivals like Teej and Gangaur, which celebrate the monsoon and emphasize water conservation and sustainable agriculture, the study highlights the role of religious practices in promoting responsible resource use. Additionally, the study investigates the involvement of religious leaders and community organizations in raising awareness about environmental issues and advocating for conservation. By studying their initiatives, such as tree plantation drives and educational programs, the research aims to understand how spirituality can be harnessed to foster a sense of stewardship towards the Thar Desert's fragile ecosystem. This study will provide valuable insights into how spirituality, cultural practices, and environmental conservation can come together and make a positive impact. By recognizing and harnessing the power of religious beliefs and practices, we can promote sustainable resource management and mitigate the impacts of climate change in the Thar Desert and beyond.

Concerns have been raised about pesticide residue in agricultural product. This research paper examines the problem of pesticide residues and their effects on human health with a particular focus on the dry Bikaner area of Rajasthan. The current investigation is taken with determine the types and residue status of currently used pesticide in oilseed crops of Bikaner district. According to the preliminary surveys, there are mainly eight pesticides being used in Bikaner division. A study conducted to analyze 18 pesticide residues in mustard and groundnut oilseed crops. The gas chromatography technique (Shimadzu model) was used to evaluate 40 samples of each oilseed. Three out of 40 samples, confined residues of carbendazim, mancozeb and emamectin benzoate in groundnut and two out of 40 samples, confined residues of carbendazim and mancozeb in mustard, which is above the Maximum residue limit (MRL) values. The study's results help to improve awareness of the pesticide residue problem in the area, enable the creation of practical mitigation plans, and lay the groundwork for further study and policy development in this field.

The research work was initiated to get information and report on the medicinal plants belonging to the family Fabaceae among the rural peoples of the Alwar district. The field survey of the study area was conducted between Jan. 2021 to Dec. 2023. Out of 15 plant species, 09 are trees, 05 are herbs and 01 is a climber. The most used plant part as medicine was noted to be the leaves (23.08%), followed by root (19.23%), bark, seed and fruit (each 11.54%).In this paper, a list of plant species along with their local name, plant part/s used and medicinal uses for effective control of diverse ailments of ethnomedicinal plants are given.