National Innovation Foundation

The effectiveness of herbs for the management of chemically induced hepatotoxicity has been discussed by many researchers. However, there is a paucity of compressive literature on the significance of hepatoprotective plants for the management of anti-TB drug induced toxicity. Anti-TB drugs have been reported to causes hepatic damage, due to which, many patients across the globe discontinued the treatment. Medicinal plants have multiple therapeutic effects. The assessment of biological activity of plants against Mycobacterium and its use for hepatic recovery provides an effective treatment approach. Traditionally used medicinal plants are the rich source of phytochemicals and secondary metabolites. These compounds can restore normal function, enzymatic activity and structure of hepatic cells against anti-TB drug induced hepatotoxicity. The present review covers comprehensive details on different hepatoprotective and antimycobacterial plants studied during past few decades so that potential adjuvants can be studied for Tuberculosis chemotherapy.

BACKGROUND: Shankhpushpi is an Ayurvedic drug, widely used for its actions on the central nervous system, especially to improve intellect and boost memory. Four botanicals viz. Canscora decussata Schult. (CD), Clitorea ternatea Linn. (CT), Convolvulus pluricaulis Choisy. (CP) and Evolvulus alsinoides Linn. (EA) are considered as sources of Shankhpushpi by Indian practitioners on the basis of their morphological descriptions given in ancient texts. OBJECTIVE: The present study was undertaken to evaluate the neuropharmacological effect of four herbs commonly identified as source of Shankhpushpi. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Methanol extracts of all four varieties were tested and evaluated in vitro and in vivo for their neuropharmacological effects. Experiments such as protection against β-amyloid induced neurotoxicity on brain cell line (Neuro 2A), antioxidant potential, AchE (acetylcholinesterase enzyme) inhibition, and 5-LOX (lipoxygenase) enzyme inhibition were conducted for in vitro evaluation. For in vivo evaluation, scopolamine (0.3 mg/kg i.p.) induced memory retrieval using pole climbing apparatus and Morris water maze were performed in rat models. RESULTS: It was found that protective effects of EA and CD against β-amyloid induced neurotoxicity in Neuro 2A cells were significantly higher than CT and CP. EA proved to be superior than other varieties on the basis of antioxidant activity, AchE inhibitory and LOX inhibitory activities. The preventive activity of EA on scopolamine induced memory retrieval in pole climbing and Morris water maze task in rats was found to be higher than that of CD, CT and CP. CONCLUSION: EA has remarkable neuropharmacological effect as compared to other three varieties of Shankhpushpi. This effect may be attributed due to the presence of steroids (stigmasterol and betulinic acid), coumarins (scopoletin) and flavonoids (β-carotene and chlorogenic acid). Hence it can be used as a promising lead in development and management of neuronal disorders including Alzheimer's disease.

Advance in technology leads to economic growth, and in turn to creation of new jobs, while making some old jobs obsolete. However, the rise of exponential technologies such as mobile internet, internet of things, big data analytics, artificial intelligence, etc. is disrupting this cycle dramatically, affecting jobs that used brawn as well as brain. This article analyses the impact of this shift in the Indian context and suggests several policy measures for government, industry and also institutions to prepare for the future of jobs in India, so that we do not face the grim prospect of jobless Indian growth. JEL: O00, 038, E24.

Dengue is endemic in more than 100 countries and it is estimated that annually above 390 million infections occur globally. During the period between 1996-2015, a massive increase of more than 500 per cent has been recorded in number of dengue cases reported in India. Till date, there are no specific globally accepted treatments for dengue fever in any system of medicine. Dengue does not cause very high mortality if properly handled and is currently being managed by clinicians through various adjuvant and alternative therapeutic options. Various plant based preparations have been used in different parts of India for combating dengue and are simultaneously also being scientifically validated by researchers. However, number of such scientific validation studies on phytomedicines are very less in India. Out of twenty-two plants reported against dengue, only four have been studied scientifically. Azadirachta indica, Carica papaya, Hippophae rhamnoides and Cissampelos pareira extracts were found effective and demonstrated improvement in clinical symptoms and direct inhibitory effect on dengue virus. C. papaya clinical trial showed increase in platelet count and faster recovery. These plants may be explored further as probable candidates for drug discovery against dengue. There is a need to search more such herbal formulations, which are being practiced at local level, document properly and validate them scientifically to confirm efficacy, mechanistic action and safety, before use. The herbal formulations being used by communities are the low hanging fruits which may provide alternative or adjuvant therapy if proper validation, value addition and product development steps are followed. This paper aims to review the recent status of dengue cases, deaths and evolving curative herbal solutions adapted and reported from India to combat the disease.

BACKGROUND: The stem barks are the rich sources of tannins and other phenolic compounds. Tannins inhibited the growth of various fungi, yeast, bacteria and virus. Hence, ten stem barks of ethnomedicinally important plants were screened for antibacterial and antifungal activities against human pathogenic strains. METHODS: Air-dried and powdered stem bark of each plant was extracted with 50% aqueous ethanol, lyophilized and the dried crude extracts were used for the screening against 11 bacteria and 8 fungi. Antibacterial and antifungal activities were performed according to microdilution methods by NCCLS. RESULTS: The plants Prosopis chilensis, Pithecellobium dulce, Mangifera indica showed significant antibacterial and antifungal activities against Streptococcus pneumonia, Enterobacter aerogenes, Klebsiella pneumonia and Candida albicans with MIC of 0.08mg/ml. Pithecellobium dulce bark also showed significant antibacterial activity against Bacillus cereus. CONCLUSION: The bark of Pithecellobium dulce has more or less similar activity against the known antibiotic and may be considered as potent antimicrobial agent for various infectious diseases.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to review and highlight traditional and ethnobotanical uses, phytochemical constituents, IP status, biological activity and pharmacological activity of Viscum articulatum. METHODS: Thorough literature searches were performed on Viscum articulatum, and data were analysed for reported traditional uses, pharmacological activity, phytochemicals present and patents filed. Scientific and patent databases such as PubMed, Science Direct, Google Scholar, Google patents, USPTO and Espacenet were searched using different keywords. KEY FINDINGS: Viscum articulatum has been traditionally used in different parts of the world for treatment of various ailments. Almost all the parts such as leaves, root, stem and bark are having medicinal values and are reported for their uses in Ayurvedic and Chinese system of medicine for the management of various diseases. Modern scientific studies demonstrate efficacy of this plant against hypertension, ulcer, epilepsy, inflammation, wound, nephrotoxicity, HIV, cancer, etc. Major bioactive phytochemicals include oleanolic acid, betulinic acid, eriodictyol, naringenin, β-amyrin acetate, visartisides, etc. CONCLUSIONS: Side effects of allopathic medicines have created a global opportunity, acceptance and demand for phytomedicines. Viscum articulatum could be an excellent source of effective and safe phytomedicine for various ailments if focused translational efforts are undertaken by integrating the existing outcomes of researches.

Open innovation2 or user-driven innovation3 models have been recognized as important tools even by large, traditional companies which have long relied on internal R&D as a major source of innovations. These companies are not only often unable to meet the needs of their existing clients from within, but they are also constrained in their ability to identify and meet the needs of excluded clients.

A cadmium (Cd)–tolerant bacterium Ochrobactrum intermedium BB12 was isolated from sewage waste collected from the municipal sewage dumping site of Bhopal, India. The bacterium showed multiple heavy metal tolerance ability and had the highest minimum inhibitory concentration of 150 mg L –1 of Cd. Growth kinetics, biosorption, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy studies on BB12 in the presence of Cd suggested biosorption as primary mode of interaction. SEM and TEM studies revealed surface deposition of Cd. FTIR spectra indicated nitrogen atom in exopolysaccharides secreted by BB12 to be the main site for Cd attachment. The potential of BB12 to alleviate the impact of Cd toxicity in spinach plants ( Spinacia oleracea L.) var. F1-MULAYAM grown in the soil containing Cd at 25, 50, and 75 mg kg –1 was evaluated. Without bacterial inoculation, plants showed delayed germination, decrease in the chlorophyll content, and stunted growth at 50 and 75 mg kg –1 Cd content. Bacterial inoculation, however, resulted in the early germination, increased chlorophyll, and increase in shoot (28.33%) and root fresh weight (72.60%) at 50 mg kg –1 of Cd concentration after 75 days of sowing. Due to bacterial inoculation, elevated proline accumulation and lowered down superoxide dismutase (SOD) enzyme activity was observed in the Cd-stressed plants. The isolate BB12 was capable of alleviating Cd from the soil by biosorption as evident from significant reduction in the uptake/translocation and bioaccumulation of Cd in bacteria itself and in the plant parts of treated spinach. Potential PGP prospects and heavy metal bioremediation capability of BB12 can make the environmental application of the organism a promising approach to reduce Cd toxicity in the crops grown in metal-contaminated soils.

Heavy metal contamination poses a serious threat to both the ecosystem and human and requires expensive cleanup costs. Bioremediation based on microorganisms, plants, or other biological systems offers cost-effective and environment friendly metal clean-up methods. Studies on bacterial diversity in heavy metal contaminated sites have demonstrated a high diversity of microorganisms that are adapted to the new environment. Bacteria that are resistant to and grow on metals play an important role in the biogeochemical cycling of those metal ions. In pursuit to identify bacteria that are tolerant to different heavy metals and can have a potential in bioremediation, surveys, and collection of samples from several presumptive heavy metal-polluted sites of India were carried out. A total of 77 bacterial morphotypes were obtained, and based on minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) of different heavy metals, that is Pb+2, Ni+2, Cd+2, Cr+3, Hg+2, Cu+2, Zn+2, Co+2, and As+2, thirteen potential bacterial isolates were identified possessing very high and multiple heavy metal tolerance like arsenic (50–1100 mg kg−1), lead (100–2000 mg kg−1), chromium (250–500 mg kg−1), cadmium (50–100 mg kg−1), and other heavy metals. All potential bacteria were morphologically characterized, identified based on the 16 s rRNA gene sequences, and studied for plant growth promoting attributes. Bacterial strains were found to be phosphate solubilizers, siderophore and ammonia producers, and nitrate reducers. Bacillus cereus MB1, Bacillus amyloliquefaciens RD4, Bacillus megaterium MF7, and E. cloacae MC4 were evaluated for alleviation of As, Cr, Ni, and Pb toxicity, respectively in spinach. The inoculation of plants with respective heavy metal-tolerant bacteria under study gave higher records of all estimated growth parameters, total chlorophyll content and antioxidant enzyme, superoxide dismutase, activity and differential response in proline biosynthesis when compared to respective uninoculated heavy metal controls. Overall selected plant growth-promoting heavy metal-tolerant bacterial inoculations were found to promote growth and reduce the respective heavy metal toxicity in spinach plant. Since heavy metal contamination in agricultural lands is becoming serious environmental concern, the heavy metal-tolerant plant growth-promoting strains reported in this study can offer suitable economical and eco-friendly base for development of the bioremediation strategies.

In the present study, a defined mixed microbial consortium was investigated for their ability to utilize three different monochlorophenols (MCPs) and 2,4-DCP individually and in the mixture. None of the individual strains were able to utilize 3-CP and 4-CP, but when they were mixed to form defined consortium, they have shown great potential and degradation of high concentration of 3-CP and 4-CP. Spectrophotometric analysis of metabolites during MCPs degradation establishes the presence of 2-chloromaleylacetate. Multi-substrate degradation study of 2,4-DCP in the presence of three MCPs showed the great prospect of microbial consortium for in situ bioremediation. During multi-substrate degradation, the biodegradation rate (mg L−1 day−1) was observed in the order of 2,4-DCP > 2CP > 3CP > 4CP. Biodegradation kinetic of three MCPs using Andrew’s model showed maximum removal rate (R m) of 2.78, 0.91, 1.82 mg L−1 h−1 for 2-CP, 3-CP and 4-CP, respectively.

BACKGROUND: The prevalence and pattern of skin diseases are influenced by the overall ecosystem of the region. There is a dearth of research about prevalence, health-care seeking, compliance, and treatment outcome in skin diseases among scheduled tribes. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study is to understand the magnitude of skin diseases in tribal area of Dahod, Gujarat using a simple "Store and Forward" technique of teledermatology. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted in 10 randomly selected villages of Dahod and Jhalod blocks of Dahod district of Gujarat during June-August 2017. Trained surveyors visited households randomly in different localities (called Faliya) of each village ensuring representativeness. Survey responses were captured on mobile-based MAGPI portal, and images of skin conditions were capture on smart phones, and de-identified images were transferred over WhatsApp. RESULTS: A total of 781 households were approached in 10 villages and 2214 participants consented. Among them, 549 were identified with suspected skin diseases, but 520 consented for photograph. The skin diseases were more prevalent among males, children, and elderly. Of 520, 44 (8.5%) could not be assess due to poor quality photograph and 35 (6.7%) did not have any clinically significant condition. Thus, of 2214 participants, 441 (20%) had skin diseases, and infections and eczema were major conditions constituting two-third of the skin diseases in the study population. The treatment-seeking behavior and compliance to treatment was poor. CONCLUSION: Considering the high prevalence of skin diseases in tribal villages of Dahod, Gujarat coupled with limited availability of trained dermatologist, new innovative avenues like teledermatology should be explored.

International audience

Escalation of drug resistant microbes (bacteria) had forced researchers to search new and improved therapeutic compounds from different possible sources, including metabolites secreted by the actinomycetes. The aim of this study was to evaluate the pattern of antimicrobial actinomycetes from physiologically distinct soil of different geographical locations. Forty five soil samples were collected from 5 districts of Gujarat including two sanctuaries as source of survey for bioactive actinomycetes. Crowded plate technique was used for isolation and Agar cylinder method was employed for the antimicrobial screening. A total of 171 actinomycetes were isolated and screened against eighteen pathogens responsible for causing diseases in plants and humans. Results indicate that 79% of the isolates were active against at least one of the eighteen tested pathogens. Some of the actinomycetes strain had shown strong antibacterial and antifungal activity which may be a good source of obtaining novel antimicrobials.

Tuberculosis (TB), caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis is an infectious deadly disease and the treatment of which is one of the most severe challenges at the global level. Currently more than 20 chemical medications are described for the treatment of TB. Regardless of availability of several drugs to treat TB, the causative agent, M. tuberculosis is nowadays getting resistant toward the conventional drugs and leading to conditions known as Multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) and extensively drug resistant tuberculosis (XDR-TB). This situation has terrified the global health community and raised a demand for new anti-tuberculosis drugs. Medicinal plants have been used to cure different common as well as lethal diseases by ancient civilizations due to its virtue of variety of chemical compounds which may have some important remedial properties. The aim of the present review is to focus the anti-tubercular medicinal plants native to India as well as the plants effective against MDR or XDR-TB across the globe. In the present review, we have addressed 25 medicinal plants for TB and 16 plants effective against MDR-TB testified from India and 23 herbal plants described for MDR-TB across the world during 2011-2015. These herbal plants can serve as promising candidates for developing novel medications to combat multidrug resistant M. tuberculosis.

Questions are raised in effective utilization of farmer's wisdom by communities in their farming. Planners support to livelihood emphasize mostly of inputs from outside and not setting up sustainable goals. Formal institutions and planners of program are finding constraints and sceptical in wider dissemination of indigenous knowledge research system (IKRS). This is in spite of evidence that considerable number of farmer's in livestock sector depends on IKRS. In this context, it is pertinent to showcase dissemination potential of these knowledge system(s) in larger geographical areas. The review illustrates different challenges encountered while control of livestock ailments like ectoparasite infestation through IKRS. Several times, it was opinioned to provide or share IKRS to thwart ailments in a specific region. This is interesting as it was narrated how formal system is unable to recognize farmer's problem and challenges in integrating these sustainable practices. It has to be noted that disseminating activities seldom takes into account the experimental potential of farmers. This review paper articulates various evidences generated in enhancing diffusion thereby dissemination of IKRS. The nature of support extended by IKRS in entrepreneurial activity of smallholder farming units did not get adequate recognition. There needs to be minimum standard protocol in deriving benefit from such low-cost alternative technologies. This will enrich incremental innovation activities as per location specific need and provide scope for wider dissemination.

There are many household products like detergents, disinfectants, stain removers and cosmetics releasing chemicals that may be harmful to human health as well as cause hazardous effect on environment. Global world is now focusing on use of herbal products. They are eco-friendly and more suitable to household applications than chemicals. The present study focused on preparation of three plant-based formulations for household cleaning applications. Result showed antibacterial activity against most commonly available microbes viz. Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. This is the first report of Terminalia chebula for preparation of herbal cleaners.

Abstract Mango ( Mangifera indica L.) anthracnose disease has been a challenging issue for the past several years, causing about 30%–60% economic loss in its annual production. Colletotrichum gloeosporioides survives as an endophyte, during later stages develops infection, thereby causing serious pre‐ as well as postharvest crop losses. Such losses become difficult to overcome as the supply of the fruit gets affected due to quality reduction as a result of anthracnose. For many decades, synthetic fungicides have been used as primary control measures to the disease. However, indiscriminate use of synthetic fungicides against the pathogen has raised concerns due to their detrimental effects on environmental health and residual toxicity in plants and fruits. The disease resistance and resurgence against synthetic fungicides have also been major threat to farming community and stakeholders. Given these harmful effects, researchers, agro‐industries, and farming communities are exploring sustainable alternatives to anthracnose disease in mango with phyto‐extracts and essential oils as promising options globally. This comprehensive review suggests eco‐friendly alternative for combating C. gloeosporioides in mango fruit. The effectiveness of plant‐based extracts and oils in preventing anthracnose‐related postharvest losses is highlighted, along with the future prospects for high‐quality mangoes. The botanical‐based management strategies can also provide a sustainable alternative to conventional synthetic control measures and reduce chemical load in the management of the disease during storage. In the context of climate change, developing and using these options will have a strong potential to address the challenges posed by chemicals.

The research work examines the causal linkage among business analytics, supply chain performance, firm performance and competitive advantage. The conceptual model and hypothesis was developed through literature review and collected data from industries were empirically tested using structural equation modeling technique. The finding suggest that companies that support their analytical capabilities with good information system are likely to be more capable of performing better and better understanding of the factors of business analytics that influences the organizational competitive advantage.

Arthritis is a medical condition that affects the joints and causes inflammation, pain, and stiffness. There are different types of arthritis, and it can affect people of all ages, even infants and the elderly. Recent studies have found that individuals with diabetes, heart disease, and obesity are more likely to experience arthritis symptoms. According to the World Health Organization, over 21% of people worldwide suffer from musculoskeletal problems. Roughly 42.19 million individuals in India, constituting around 0.31% of the populace, have been documented as having Rheumatic Arthritis (RA). Compared to other common diseases like diabetes, cancer, and AIDS, arthritis is more prevalent in the general population. Unfortunately, there is no specific cure for arthritis, and treatment plans usually involve non-pharmacological methods, surgeries, and medications that target specific symptoms. Plant-based remedies have also been shown to be effective in managing inflammation and related complications. In addition to therapies, maintaining a healthy diet, exercise, and weight management are essential for managing arthritis. This review discusses the causes, prevalence, diagnostic methods, current and prospective future treatments, and potential medicinal plants that may act as anti-inflammatory or anti-rheumatic agents. However, more research is necessary to identify the underlying mechanisms and active molecules that could improve arthritis treatment.

M astitis is a disease of economic importance causing havoc in dairy sector throughout the world.National mastitis control program envisages minimizing spread of infection, protecting mammary gland tissue and curtailing entry of pathogens through teat orifice.Farm productivity has been limited with lack of appropriate technologies to meet location specific requirements (Kadivendi et al., 2015).Periodic assessment of milk is important to know the health status of udder (Syed et al., 2009).Dairy farmers differ in undertaking risk, seeking alternative source of employment and level of motivation in any region.The enhanced occurrence of coagulase negative staphylococci (CNS) is cause of concern (Reyher and Dohoo, 2011; El-Jakee et al., 2013).Incidence of subclinical mastitis (SCM) upto 50% in cows was reported in different regions (Gianneechini et al., 2002; Alhussien et al., 2015).In India, SCM occurs forty times more than clinical form with annual economic loss of Rs. 4365.32 crore (NAAS, 2013; Bhanderi et al., 2014).These findings reflect that SCM needs to be given adequate attention (Abrahmsen et al.,