Informatics Publishing Limited

Animesh Sinha ¹, Rameshwar Das ¹, Bibhuti Deka ¹, Syam Viswanath ¹, B. S. Chandrashekar ¹, Sandeep Chakraborty ¹

Affiliations
1 Institute of Forest Productivity, (Indian Council of Forestry Research and Education), Lalgutwa, Ranchi – 835 303, IN

Abstract

Embelia ribes Burm. f. is an important medicinal plant resource in Indian System of Medicine, Homeopathy and many other herbal products. It is mainly used as an anthelmintic, anti-diabetic, anti-fertilitic and antibacterial agent. Embelin is a characteristic chemical constituent of many species belong to the family Myrcinaceae. Among these species, seeds of Embelia ribes contain the highest content of embelin. Due to over exploitation of this species, the natural population is diminishing day by day and the adulteration has become a common feature. Hence, the problems in natural regeneration, adulteration, propagation and conservation efforts for this species are critically reviewed in the paper. Market survey revealed that E. tsjeriam-cottam was commonly sold as E. ribes. Molecular markers are being used for identification of E. ribes and to distinguish it from common substitutes and adulterants. Its natural regeneration is poor and artificial regeneration is difficult. It is a dioecious species with low male female ratio and bears short-lived male flowers as compared to female flowers. This may be the reason for less production of fruits. The in vitro technique is a promising area of research in the propagation as well as ex situ conservation of threatened plants. Very few reports are available on micropropagation of E. ribes. Again some doubts over previous report have also been observed. Therefore, the development and refinement of protocols for large scale micropropagation and conservation of authenticated plants of the species are greatly felt.

Keywords

Adulteration, Anthelmintic, Conservation, Embelin, In-vitro Propagation

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A. V. Raghu ¹, M. Amruth ¹, Syam Viswanath ¹

Affiliations
1 Kerala Forest Research Institute, Peechi 680 653, IN

Abstract

Increasing frequency of zoonotic diseases put the human populations in and around the biodiversity-rich tropical forests under constant risk of epidemic outbreak. However, an integrated strategy for awareness and development and real-time data gathering from among the susceptible localities are wanting. We suggest widening the scope of forestry and wildlife extension programmes to address this challenge by adopting the principles of One Health approach in combating zoonosis.

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A. V. Raghu ¹, Syam Viswanath ¹

Affiliations
1 Kerala State Council for Science Technology and Environment-Kerala Forest Research Institute, Peechi 680 653, IN

Abstract

This note illustrates the unique characteristics of ‘kannadipaya’ (specially woven bamboo mirror mat), the importance of conserving the traditional knowledge and skill inherited by tribal communities of Idukki district, Kerala, India, and the significance of geographical indication tag for this heritage product

Keywords

No Keywords.

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