Flower-fruit dynamics, visitor-predator patterns and chemical preferences in the tropical bamboo, Melocanna baccifera.

Mast seeding and associated events in Melocanna baccifera, the largest fruit producing bamboo, is an enigma. So far there are no comprehensive accounts on its flowering phenology, fruiting dynamics and animal interactions. In this study, spanning over 13 years (2009 to 2022), we observed eight M.

Assessment of major centelloside ratios in Centella asiatica accessions grown under identical ecological conditions, bioconversion clues and identification of elite lines.

Centellosides viz., asiatic acid, madecassic acid, asiaticoside, madecassoside, are the major bioactive molecules in Centella asiatica. In this study madecassic acid:asiatic acid, madecassoside:asiaticoside (C6-hydroxylation versus non-hydroxylation) and asiaticoside:asiatic acid, madecassoside:madecassic acid (C28-glycoside versus aglycone) ratios in 50 C.

Antidiabetes constituents, cycloartenol and 24-methylenecycloartanol, from Ficus krishnae.

Ficus krishnae stem bark and leaves are used for diabetes treatment in traditional medicines. Stem bark of F. krishnae was sequentially extracted with hexane, methanol and water, and these extracts were tested for their antihyperglyceamic activity by oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) in overnight fasted glucose loaded normal rats.

Secondary metabolites from the unique bamboo, Melocanna baccifera.

Phytochemistry of fruits and leaves of the unique bamboo Melocanna baccifera resulted in the isolation of 27 secondary metabolites, including 4-Oxabicyclo[3.2.2]nona-1(7),5,8-triene and Verbacine.

Nepenthes pitchers are CO-enriched cavities, emit CO to attract preys.

Carnivorous plants of the genus Nepenthes supplement their nutrient deficiency by capturing arthropods or by mutualistic interactions, through their leaf-evolved biological traps (pitchers). Though there are numerous studies on these traps, mostly on their prey capture mechanisms, the gas composition inside them remains unknown. Here we show that, Nepenthes unopened pitchers are CO-enriched 'cavities', when open they emit CO, and the CO gradient around open pitchers acts as a cue attracting preys towards them.

Nutritional properties of the largest bamboo fruit Melocanna baccifera and its ecological significance.

Melocanna baccifera is a unique bamboo which produces the largest fruits in the grass family. Its gregarious flowering once in 45-50 years in north east India and adjacent regions is a botanical enigma, resulting in a glut of fruits. Proper utilization of M.

Secondary metabolites from Ganoderma.

Ganoderma is a genus of medicinal mushrooms. This review deals with secondary metabolites isolated from Ganoderma and their biological significance. Phytochemical studies over the last 40years led to the isolation of 431 secondary metabolites from various Ganoderma species.

UV induced visual cues in grasses.

Grasses are traditionally considered as wind pollinated, however, field observations confirmed frequent insect visits to grass flowers, suggesting insect pollination. Fruit and seed predators inflict heavy losses to cereals and millets during their growth, maturation and storage. The actual factors guiding insects and predators to grass flowers, fruits and seeds are not clear.