Project No. : UA-01/2011-12
Year. : 2011-12
Project Title: Development of Optimum Drying Conditions for Selected Medicinal Plants of Indian Himalayan Region (IHR)
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Principal Investigator & Organization : "DR. Vasudha Agnihotri, G. B. Pant, Institutute of Himalayan Envrinoment and Development Kosi -Katarmal, Almora, Uttarakhand- 263643, "
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Summary of Project / Major Outcome /Achievements : The plant material (rhizomes) of both the target species (Picrorrhiza kurroa and Saussurea lappa) were collected from different cultivation areas of Uttarakhand. Qualitative estimation of secondary metabolites present in both the plants was carried out following standard phytochemical estimation methods. Plants were shade and sun dried separately and conditions (temperature and humidity) have been recorded. Since the climate chamber has not been received yet (order placed), so oven drying with controlled humidity conditions using different salt solutions were undertaken. Initially the study was carried out using sodium bromide solution. Drying curves were obtained for all types of drying methods used. Appropriate samples were also analyzed using a UV-Vis spectrophotometer for quantitative estimation of active ingredients. HPLC analysis will be carried out with in next few months.
Project No. : UA-01/2009-10
Year. : 2009-10
Project Title: Standardization of large scale Propagation and technology intervention for cultivation of Nardostachys jatamansi: a critically endangered high value medicinal herbs of higher Himalayas
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Principal Investigator & Organization : Dr. V.K. Purohit, Herbal Biotechnology and Extension Research, High Altitutde Plant Physiology Research Centre (HAPPRC), HNB Garhwal University, Srinagar (Garhwal)-246174) Uttarakhand
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Summary of Project / Major Outcome /Achievements : "In the Uttarakhand Himalaya, Nardostachys jatamansi was found distributed in patches from subalpine to alpine pockets in steep sloppy areas where collection of germplasm is very difficult. The results of seed sowing particularly at middle altitude are not satisfactory and therefore, the seed sowing work of N. jatamansi has suggested at lower altitude or in green house condition for raising large number of seedlings. Plant growth regulators and media types were tried for in-vitro propagation protocol and six months old callus were used for the formation of shoots and embryos in MS media containing different concentration of BAP, NAA, Adenine sulphate, BAP+ GA3, Kinetin and IAA. The vegetative propagation through rhizome and top edge cutting is more viable option. The overall indication of the study is that the slightly open-shaded condition is suitable for healthy growth and biomass formation of N. jatamansi seedlings. Seed germination and seedling development work done successfully and seedlings were distributed to the farmers for cultivation. "
Project No. : UA-02/2007-08
Year. : 2007-08
Project Title: Genetic variability and chemical and moelcular determinants of Aconitum balfourii including ecoprofiling under micro/macro environment of root growth and development of transgenic roots for higher content
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Principal Investigator & Organization : Dr. M.C. Nautiyal, High Altitude Plants Physiology Research Centre, HNB Garhwal University, Post Box No. 14, Srinagar Garhwal - 246 174.
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Summary of Project / Major Outcome /Achievements : From an altitudinal gradient of 3000-4000 m asl, a total of 19 natural populations of Aconitum balfourii Stapf. were explored, situated in diverse growth habitats in from Uttarakhand Himalaya. The collected population samples were evaluated and the elite germplasms were propagated through seeds as well as vegetative propagation including micro-propagation, followed by multi-location trials and mass multiplication. The chemo-profiling and molecular characterization of the elite germplasm was also accomplished. The species Aconitum balfourii Stapf. enter in active growth phase and complete one phenophase of lifecycle in a short period of six months (April to October). Growth starts with sprouting in April and proceeds towards flowering, fruiting, seed maturation and senescence. With the onset of winter in October-November, the senescence of aerial parts starts along with maturation and dispersal of seeds and underground tubers enter into dormant phase till onset of favourable season. Exploration trips were undertaken from time to time in the different areas of Garhwal and Kumaon zones of Himalaya (Uttarakhand) for variability studies.
Project No. : UA-11/2006-07
Year. : 2006-07
Project Title: Screening and identification of the lower Asarone containing variety/propulations of Acorus calamus and its multiplication to enhance its economical and medicinal value
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Principal Investigator & Organization : Dr. H.S. Ginwal, Division of Genetics & Tree Propgation, Forest Research Institute, P.O. New Forest, Dehradun - 248 006
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Summary of Project / Major Outcome /Achievements : A total of 650 plants belonging to sixty-five populations were sampled and their rhizomes and foliage was collected from various geographical regions covering the states of Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Jammu and Kashmir, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Punjab, South Assam and Arunachal Pradesh. The passport data that includes locality, collection date and geographical coordinates (latitude, longitude and altitude) of the occurrence of population were recorded and maintained for all populations. Various morphological characteristics i.e. fresh rhizome weight (cm-1 length of the rhizome), rhizome length, rhizome diameter, number of internodes (cm-1 length of the rhizome) and intermodal length, were recorded in all 65 populations (650 individuals; 10 individuals per population). No distinct diagnostic phenotypic feature was found to identify the populations from each other originating from different geographical zones and their ploidy level. Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) also revealed highly significant (P<0.001) phenotypic variations among populations for various morphometric traits. The rhizome part was used for the extraction of essential oil. The chopped rhizomes were subjected to hydro distillation; this yielded a yellow colored essential with characteristic sweet calamus odour. The extracted essential oil from different populations was further used to analyse the concentration of B-asarone compound based on gas chromatography-flame ionization detector (GC-FID) analysis. High degree of population variation was observed among various geographically distinct populations with respect to B-asarone compound. The concentration of B-asarone was found in the range of 16 to 98% in all the sixty-five populations. The concentration was found maximum (98%) in the population A-28 collected from Manipur and minimum (16-20%) in six populations viz. A-44, A-51, A-52, A-57, A-58 and A-59. All the low B-asarone containing populations belong to various parts of the Kashmir valley except A-44, which was collected from Himachal Pradesh.
Project No. : UA-06/2006-07
Year. : 2006-07
Project Title: A study on prioritization & categorization of ailments specific medicinal plants and their contribution in traditional health care systems of tribal & non-tribal communities of high alititude region of Alaknanda catchment of Uttaranchal
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Principal Investigator & Organization : Dr. R.K. Maikhuri, G.B. Pant Institute of Himalayan Environment and Development, Garhwal Unit, P. Box 92, Srinagar (Garhwal)
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Summary of Project / Major Outcome /Achievements : The Traditional Medicinal System (TMS) of Uttarakhand is a vast treasure of herbal medicine, which needs to be thoroughly studied and used for the income generation of the local people, as also for the medical benefit of the world at large. The traditional beliefs and indigenous knowledge of the people are now being questioned by the young generations who are supposed to keep the culture and tradition alive. The documentation of indigenous knowledge and evaluation of the use of plants for a variety of purpose as described here assumes greater significance not just to store it, but also to keep it alive and make it available for future use because of rapid socio-economic and cultural changes that are taking place across the tribal community of the region. This implies maintaining the ecosystems or natural habitat as well as the socio-cultural organizations of the local people. The material base of these practices includes the knowledge of about more than 400species of plants, regarding processing and administration of medicinal plants. There is, therefore, an urgent need for protecting the rights of Bhotiya farming communities and local people with regard to indigenous knowledge of medicinal plant cultivation and uses. Besides, efforts have to be made to bring together different interest groups i.e. industry, intellectual property experts, traditional/tribal communities so as to devise appropriate mechanisms for effective benefits sharing with providers of indigenous/traditional knowledge holders.
Project No. : UA-05/2006-07
Year. : 2006-07
Project Title: Biological control of root diseases of some important medicinal plants by using selected antagonistic fungi
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Principal Investigator & Organization : Dr. N.S.K. Harsh, Scientist - E, Forest Pathology Division, Forest Research Institute, P.O. New Forest, Dehardun - 248 006
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Summary of Project / Major Outcome /Achievements : Surveys of medicinal plant nurseries in and around Rishikesh and Dehradun were conducted for the collection of diseased medicinal plants. Samples were brought to the laboratory and associated pathogens were isolated and identified. Isolation of fungal cultures was done on PDA plates and slants. Associated pathogens were identified with the help of related papers, monographs and books. Vascular wilt diseases in Asaparagus racemosus caused by Fusarium solani, in Stevia rebaudiana by Fusarium solani and Sclerotium rolfsii, in Wrightia tomentosa by Fusarium sp., in Rheum australis by Fusarium solani, in Withania sominfera by Fusarium solani and in Valeriana wallichi by Macrophomina phaseolina have been identified and their pathogenicity was established. All these diseases are new records for India. Eight isolates of Trichoderma species have been screened against Fusarium solani and Sclerotium rolfsii for their antagonistic efficacy. T. harzianum (I), T. piluliferum and T. viride were found effective against S. rolfsii whereas T. piluliferum, T. harzianum (II), T. viride and T. virens were effective against F. solani. Field experiments were conducted against Sclerotium rolfsii vascular wilt of Stevia rebaudiana, Fusarium solani vascular wilt of Asparagus racemosus and Fusarium solani vascular wilt of Withania somnifera using six effective Trichoderma species. Biocontrol formulations were prepared in bagasse powder and applied as soil mix. Trichoderma viride formulation was found significantly superior to all the treatments and control in increasing the number and biomass of leaves of Stevia rebaudiana. In Asparagus racemosus, Trichoderma piluliferum and T. viride were significantly superior to other treatments and control in increasing the root biomass. In Withania somnifera, T. harzianum was highly significant in reducing the disease incidence and for the growth promotion of the plants. Based on the study, it can be construed that the biocontrol agents Trichoderma spp. not only control the wilt diseases, but also act for growth (yield) promotion of the medicinal plants tested.
Project No. : UA-01/2006-07
Year. : 2006-07
Project Title: Evaluation and propagation of two vitality strengthening Astavarga plants in the West Himalaya
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Principal Investigator & Organization : Dr. Indra Dutt Bhatt, G.B. Pant Institute of Himalayan Environment & Development, Kosi-Katamal, Almora - 263 643
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Summary of Project / Major Outcome /Achievements : Two ‘Ashtvarga’ plants, Habenaria edgeworthii and H. intermedia were selected for study. Both the target species have emerged as source of minerals, phytochemicals and possess higher antioxidant properties. H. intermedia appear a potent source of total phenols, thiamine, tannins and calcium, and H. egdeworthii emerged as a good source of sodium. Presence of various phenolic compounds such as gallic acid, hydroxylbenzoic acid, catechin, ρ- coumaric acid in these species would serve as potent free radical scavenger, thereby establishing these species as a promising source of antioxidants. Screening of the phenolics and flavonoids content and antioxidant activity among different populations of both the target species reveals a significant variation among the populations. The higher content of total phenolic content and flovonoids of H. edgeworthii in Pithoragarh population and in H. intermedia, Nainital population can be considered elite population. Antioxidant activity measured by three different in vitro assay namely ABTS, DPPH and FRAP assay revealed a significant variation (p<0.01) among populations and showed significant positive relationship (p<0.01) with total phenolic and flovonoids content. An efficient in-vitro propagation protocol for Habenaria edgeworthii using seed derived callus was established, which can provide a basis for germplasm conservation and harnessing the total phenol and phenolic compounds of H. edgeworthii. Further, the methods can open avenues for application in other Orchidaceous plants of the Indian Himalayan Region. An in-vitro method was developed for the production of phenolic compounds from callus suspension cultures of Habenaria edgeworthii. The result indicate that callus grown on medium supplemented with 3.0 µM BA showed high phenolic content along with increased antioxidant activity, however, callus growth was higher with 1.0 µM BA. The result of this investigation has commercial applications as increased biomass production will yield active compounds, much needed by the pharmaceutical and nutraceutical industries.
Project No. : UA-18/2004-05
Year. : 2004-05
Project Title: Development of Silvicultural Practices for promoting cultivation of Taxus baccata, Rhododendron arboreum and phyllanthus amarus
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Principal Investigator & Organization : Dr. R.K.Srivastava, Forest Research Institute, (ICFRE) PO-New Forest, Dehradun
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Summary of Project / Major Outcome /Achievements : Taxus baccata is a high end medicinal plant and used against cancer. Its natural regeneration through seed is very poor and vegetative propagation is the only option for increasing its population for large-scale afforestation programmes. Small twigs were collected from the Chakrata forest were treated with a solution 0.1% Bavestein for 5 minutes. After treatments with this fungicides the cutting were treated with growth hormones (different doses of viz. IBA, IAA, NAA). The study revealed that application of 10,000 ppm IBA concentration was found most suitable for a better rooting percentage in T. baccata. It also proves that IBA is a most effective phytohormones for the induction of higher percentage of rooting in the juvenile cuttings of T. baccata. For Rododendron arboreum cutting treated with IBA 10,000 ppm showed highest number of sprouts and rooting. Matured Seeds of Phyllanthus amarus were sown and found that N30 and P50 had highest the plant height, number of branches, collar diameter, root length fresh and dry weight of shoot. Further increase in level caused general decrease in plant growth rate of Phyllanthus.
Project No. : UA-12/2004-05
Year. : 2004-05
Project Title: Habitat ecology and distribution pattern of Yar Tsa Gumba Cordyceps Sinensis in the Central Himalayas
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Principal Investigator & Organization : Sh. Chandra Singh Negi, Department of Zoology, Govt. Post Graduate College, Pithoragarh (U.A.)
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Summary of Project / Major Outcome /Achievements : The increasing international demand and anthropogenic pressure and degradation of habitat of caterpillar fungus (Ophiocordyceps sinensis) commonly known as Yar tsa Gunbu, is leading towards low availability, thus endangering its future viability. Attempts were made for assessment of its habitat ecology and distribution pattern in the Central Himalayas. The study revealed that there is an urgent need to aware the villagers for sustainable harvesting and resource management of Ophiocordyceps sinensis for future demands. Protection of the natural habitats may be an effective mechanism at the village level to ascertain the Biodiversity Management at Van Panchayat level.
Project No. : UA-135/2001-02
Year. : 2001-02
Project Title: Assessment of existing stock and scaling up productivity of selected high value Himalayan medicinal plants through biological and biotech. approaches
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Principal Investigator & Organization : Dr. Upendra Dhar, G.B. Panth Institute of Himalayan Environment and development, Kosi-Katarmal, Almora-263643
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Summary of Project / Major Outcome /Achievements : For assessment of existing stock and scaling up productivity of selected high value Himalayan medicinal plants natural populations of Picrorhiza kurrooa (11 no.) and Aconitum balfourii (6 no.) were assessed in different parts of Kumaon and Garhwal Himalaya in Uttarakhand. The experiments were run for morphological variability and plants were also conserved in herbal garden at Lata (1ha) in Chamoli Garhwal and maintained the live germplasm of selected species at different altitudes (Kosi-1240 m; and Lata-2220 m asl). Standardized seed germination protocols for Picrorhiza kurrooa and Aconitum balfourii, achieved vegetative propagation through stolon cuttings in Picrorhiza kurrooa and through tuber cuttings in Aconitum balfourii, beside this Picrorhiza kurrooa plantlets were raised using tissue culture technique. Standardized acclimatization protocols for Picrorhiza kurrooa and Aconitum balfourii. Analysed the effect of different PGR combination on explant establishment and multiplication of Aconitum balfourii. Plants specimens were also maintained in Institute herbarium and workshop were also organization for community mobilization.
