A bioassay-guided fractionation and chemical investigation of the petroleum ether and chloroform extracts of the stem of Derris scandens resulted in the isolation of fourteen prenylated isoflavones, prenylated 3-aryl coumarins (1-14). In isolated compounds 4′-O-methyl osajin (1), osajin (2) scandenone (5), scandinone (6), Derrisisoflavone (10), scandenin A (12) and scandenin (13) displayed good antibacterial activity. The results of the present work are discussed in the light of existing literature.

Worldwide, infectious disease is the number one cause of death accounting for approximately one-half of all deaths in tropical countries. Resistant to conventional antibiotics is an important health concern and reason for the problem of multidrug resistance (MDR) reside on the fact that the current arsenal of antibiotics has been largely designed on limited chemical scaffold with only few innovation leaving an opportunity for pathogens to develop and spread antibiotic resistance mechanisms worldwide. The complex molecules in nature have evolved over millennia to provide robust, disease-fighting mechanisms, intense biological activity as a result of natural selection. In present study Sapindus emarginatus fruits commonly known as soap berry, ritta whose aqueous extract of pericarp is used as detergent that is evaluated for its antimicrobial potential and found to be have significant antimicrobial potential with lowest of 7.8 mg/ml against yeast Candida albicans, at 15.6 mg/ml against dermatophyte Trichophyton rubrum, at 62.5 mg/ml against Epidermophyton floccosum and found not active against bacteria selected.

Rapidly increasing world population (7 billion! and growing fast) coupled with widening economic divide between the poor and the rich is a serious global problem associated with the affordability of expensive quality healthcare by the economically weaker sections. World Health Organization’s (WHO) recognition of traditional (TM) and complementary and alternate (CAM) systems of medicine to provide health security to the poor in developing nations is a welcome step. These systems widely use medicinal plants (MPs) for preparing drugs. Globally 77000 (18% of world flora) plants are presently used for healthcare. Global imports and exports (2005-2010) of medicinal plants and plant parts are to the tune of US$ 2.09 and 2.08 billion/year, respectively. Out of the 3000 medicinal plants traded in global markets, only 900 are cultivated in different countries, mostly in developing economies. Unfortunately majority of the exported biomass is harvested from the wild often following non-scientific and unsustainable practices. Rapid loss of habitat, indiscriminate over harvesting, global warming and climate change are fast depleting MP populations, threatening the existence of about 15000 species and their future use. To conserve the natural biodiversity wealth of MPs to posterity, cultivation is an economically viable emerging option. Many exporting developing nations are favouring this option as cultivated MPs are accepted by user industries dealing with pharmaceutical botanicals. India with a wealth of 8000 MPs, availability of high yielding cultivars, cultivation and processing technologies, has excellent potential to harness the economic power of MPs.

In diabetes mellitus 60% to 70% of morbidity causes due to Diabetic neuropathy. It is a complication of long term diabetes mainly caused by hyperglycemia and produces oxidative stress in the central nervous system which causes an imbalance in the oxidative status of nervous tissue and leads to micro vascular cerebral diseases. The reason for high risk of micro vascular cerebral diseases, despite the fact that brain consumes 20% of the oxygen in the body, is that it has a low content of antioxidants and high content of unsaturated fatty acids and catecholamines that are easily oxidized, making the brain more vulnerable to oxidative damage than any other organs in the body. Oxidative stress plays important role in the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative changes. The objective of the present study was to investigate the possible neuroprotective effect of Catharanthus roseus leaf extract against streptozotocin-induced hyperglycaemia in the rat brain. Thirty two adult male Wistar rats were divided into four groups as follows: control group, control C. roseus treated group, streptozotocin-induced diabetic-untreated group, and streptozotocin-induced diabetic C. roseus -treated group. Diabetes was induced by a single injection of streptozotocin (STZ) (55 mg/kg body weight). Three days after streptozotocin injection, C. roseus (100 mg/kg body weight) was given orally daily over 8 weeks to the rats in the treatment group. Eight weeks later, all rats from each group were killed and the brain was removed and used for biochemical studies (lipid peroxidation measuring malondialdehyde [MDA], xanthine oxidase [XO], Sorbitol DH [SD] and glutathione). MDA, XO and Sorbitol DH levels in brain of streptozotocin-induced diabetic-untreated group increased significantly. Treatment with C. roseus significantly reduced MDA, XO and Sorbitol DH production and increased glutathione levels when compared to the streptozotocin-induced diabetic-untreated group. This study demonstrates that C. roseus leaf extract is a potent neuroprotective agent against diabetic oxidative damage.

Callus cultures derived from the nodal portions of in vitro germinated plantlets of Pongamia glabra Vent were established. Accumulation of karanjin, a furanoflavanoid was detected and confirmed by thin layer chromatography, 1HNMR and high-pressure liquid chromatography analysis. Hormones and media composition greatly influenced the growth of callus cultures. The accumulation of karanjin was more in the nodal callus grown on Half strength Murashige and Skoog’s medium fortified with 1mg/l 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid and 2mg/l 6-benzylaminopurine than in Full strength MS medium and Woody plant medium. This is the first report on in vitro production of a pharmacologically important compound karanjin from callus cultures of Pongamia glabra.

Laboratory tests were conducted with physical and chemical treatments on germination percent and vigour of certain medicinal plants viz., Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera L.), Senna (Cassia angustifolia L.), Tulasi (Ocimum sanctum L.) and Adavi vulavalu (Cassia absus). The physical treatments given are: Hot water treatment, Pin pricking and Sand paper scarification. The chemical treatments consists of : KNO3 (0.5 and 1.0% ), GA3 (500 and 1000 ppm), NAA (200, 500 and 1000 ppm). The results revealed that among the physical seed treatments, Sand scarification gave the highest germination (85%) in Adavi vulavalu compared to pin pricking (70% ). Hot water treatment also recorded high germination% and vigour in Senna (92% ), Tulasi (84% ), Ashwagandha (70% ) and Adavivulavalu (50% ) compared to control.

The leaf extract of Vitex negundo, an important medicinal plant found throughout India inhibited growth and differentiation of the ovary of Corcyra celphalonica, a serious pest on rice and pulses. The treated early last instar larvae of Corcyra cephalonica resulted in various development aberrations in the ovary. Treatment of one and three day old pupae produces serve alternations in the ovarian anatomy with many aberrations. The production of only a few fully-grown oocytes by a female obtained after pupal treatment illustrates the partial sterility of the insects. These defects are possibly caused by the Vitex negundo since it inhibits synthetic activity in the fat body and germinal part of the growing ovariole.

In the ethno-botanical survey of medicinal plants of Hassan district, about 93 sps, of naturally growing and frequently used medicinal plants were collected belonging to 48 families. Of which 31 sps. Trees, 18 sps. shrubs, 26 sps. herbs, and 18 sps. climbers. Among these population, Costus speciosus (Koem.ex.Retz) Sm., Rauvolfia serpentina (L.) Benth.ex Kurz., Tinospora cordifolia (Willd.) Miers. Saraca asoca (Roxb)de Wilde)., Adathoda zeylanica Medic., Cassia fistula L. Abrus precatorius L. Terminalia bellirica (Gaerth). Roxb. etc., are reducing day-by-day due to over-exploitation for medicinal purposes by ethnic people, felling for timber, etc. During the exploration, emphasis was given on herbal treatment for everyday common ailments and diseases particularly used by the ethnic people of Hassan district such as Arakalagud, Holenarasipura, Alur and Hassan taluks. The study gives an account on the diversity and uses of medicinal plants and priority medicinal plants for conservation.

Kinnerasani region of A.P., India is rich in ethno botanical plants. The tribal population existing in and around the area depend on ethno medicinal plants in the area and near by forest for various diseases. They use more than two hundred plants for various purposes. The present study deals with 56 plant species used by them for wounds, boils, snake, scorpion and dog bites. These plant species are listed alphabetically with their botanical names, vernacular names, families and ethno medicinal uses.

Centella asiatica belonging to family Umbelliferae (Apiaceae) is an important medicinal plant. It contains pharmaceutically important bioactive compounds viz triterpenoid saponins and sapogenins, among which the asiaticoside and madecassoside are of particular interest. Asiaticoside derivatives are considered to have therapeutic importance in the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease as they have shown to potentially protect cells from β-amyloid induced cell death. A soil borne gram negative bacterium, Agrobacterium rhizogenes, is the causative agent of hairy root disease in plants. Hairy roots are unique in being able to grow in vitro in the absence of exogenous phytohormones. In recent past, hairy root cultures from plants are getting considerable attention for their genetic and biosynthetic stability, rapid growth rate and ability to synthesize secondary products at levels comparable to the original plants. Centella asiatica plants were transformed with Agrobacterium rhizogenes 8196 strain to induce hairy roots. Response of different explants viz root, leaf, petiole, nodal parts and incubation time was evaluated for hairy root induction and for their further growth.

Neurodegenerative disorders have great social impact and are important factors determining the maximum healthy age and the mortality in the modern times. Some of the well known neurological disorders are Parkinson's, Alzheimer's, Huntington's, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and Creutzfeldt-Jakob’ s. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the UN’s health agency, mental and neurological disorders ranging from depression to Alzheimer’s currently strike 400 million people globally and are set to surge in the next two decades. Non- availability of drugs for the prophylaxis and treatment of these disorders throws a challenge for the researchers. The abundant natural molecules of plant origin and their modification has yielded not only the new lead molecules for drug discovery and development but also the nutraceuticals. Historically, Withania somnifera commonly known as Ashwagandha is being used as neurotonic for anxiety and neurological disorders. In the present study, culture conditions such as hormone and temperature were optimized for both direct and indirect organogenesis to obtain 60-80 shoots from nodal explants of Withania somnifera. The in-vitro cultured plantlets were rooted and acclimatized for field conditions. The methanolic extract prepared from the roots of these plantlet were subjected to HPLC for detection of compounds. These extract are being further characterized for the presence and detection of withanolides via Mass spectroscopy.

Winter cherry or Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) is an important medicinal plant native to India. The roots are widely used in Indian systems of medicine for more than 4000 years. The roots are credited with several medicinal properties. Recent research suggests phytochemical withaferin A present in the leaves possess antitumor activity. It is drought tolerant annual, hence is cultivated under rainfed condition in marginal soils by small and marginal farmers of Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka and other Indian states. The ease of cultivation and high price for the roots is attracting farmers for large scale cultivation. In addition to the roots, leaves and seeds are also marketed enhancing the profits of the farmers. The future is excellent for extending its cultivation and production of numerous value added products from its roots.

The field experiment was conducted in Alfisols at AICRP on Agroforestry, ANGRAU, Rajendranagar, Hyderabad during kharif season of 2008-09 and 2009-10. The present investigation comprised of two agroforestry models i.e., aswagandha and andrographis intercropped agri-horticultural systems laid out separately in split plot design with three replications in four year old amla and terminalia plantations. The treatments in aswagandha based agri-horticultural system consisted of three cropping situations as main plots viz., intercropping of aswagandha in amla, intercropping of aswagandha in terminalia and sole cropping of aswagandha while in andrographis based agri-horticultural system, the treatments included three cropping situations as main plots viz., intercropping in amla, terminalia and sole cropping of andrographis. The results indicated that among the different cropping situations studied in aswagandha based agri-horticultural system, growth parameters like plant height, dry matter production and leaf area per plant of aswagandha were markedly higher under sole cropping situation when compared to intercropping situation both in amla and terminalia. Days to physiological maturity of aswagandha was delayed by 9-10 days in intercropping situation in terminalia when compared to intercropping in amla. Root and seed yields (kg ha-1) of aswagandha were the highest with sole cropping situation compared to either of the intercropping situations. Aswagandha performed better to some extent as an intercrop in amla as compared in terminalia. Withanolide content (%) was significantly more under sole cropping. PAR was more under sole cropping compared to intercropping situation. Andrographis intercropped agri-horti system revealed that growth parameters of andrographis i.e., plant height, dry matter production and leaf area per plant were found maximum in sole cropping of andrographis followed by intercropping in amla and terminalia. Days to 50% flowering and physiological maturity were delayed by 3-4 days under intercropping situation over sole cropping. Herbage yield (kg ha-1) of andrographis and andrographolide content (%) were the highest in sole cropping of andrographis compared to intercropping situations. The total gross and net monetary returns from the system (tree + crop) were the highest with andrographis intercropped in terminalia when compared to sole cropping of andrographis.

The Deccan or Dakshin (southern) region of India that came into existence some 65-67 million years ago due to volcanic activity encompasses eight Indian states with Western Ghats, Eastern Ghats and Vindhya and Satpura ranges as its western, eastern and northern boundaries. Godavari, Krishna, Cauvery, Tungabhadra, Narmada and Tapti are the major rivers. The region experiences semi-arid to tropical climate with south-west and north-east monsoons as the main rainy seasons. The region is agriculturally rich with agricultural, horticultural, spice and commercial crops under large scale cultivation. The Western (3500 species) and Eastern (>1500 species) Ghats are rich repositories of medicinal plants (MPs). The region is globally known for its sandalwood (Santalum album L., Santalaceae) and red sanders (Pterocarpus santalinus L.f., Fabaceae) reserves. A number of economically important MPs such as senna (Cassia senna), winter cherry (Withania somnifera), long pepper (Piper longum), glory lily (Gloriosa superba), basil (Ocimum sanctum), carry me seed (Phyllanthus amarus), periwinkle (Catharanthus roseus), Indian goose berry (Emblica officinalis), blue gum (Eucalyptus globulus), sweet flag (Acorus calamus), aloe (Aloe vera), coleus (Plectranthus forskohlii), safed musli (Chlorophytum borvilianum), itching bean (Mucuna pruriens/ cochinchinensis), ambrette (Abelmoschus moschatus), king of bitters (Andrographis paniculata), aromatic ginger (Kaempferia galanga), greater galangal (Alpinia galanga) etc. are cultivated by the farmers of the region. The region has vast potential to cultivate many more medicinal herbs, shrubs, trees, climbers and creepers on a large scale to cater to the growing local and international demand for MPs.

Chlorophytum borivilianum belonging to the family Liliaceae is commonly called safed musli. It is a perennial rhizomatous herb widely distributed in the pan tropical regions which contains pharmaceutically important saponins. Among the saponins, stigmasterol and hecogenin are considered as the major secondary metabolites and are responsible for its various biological activities viz. aphrodisiac, antioxidant, anticancer and immune booster. Present study reports production of medicinally important phytopharmaceuticals from in vitro cultures of Chlorophytum borivilianum. Leaf sheath from in vitro raised plants was used as explants for induction of callus on MS basal media fortified with 1mg/l of 2,4-D. Somatic embryogenesis and plant regeneration was observed from callus on MS basal media. Production of pharmaceutically important saponins stigmasterol and hecogenin was studied in callus and in vitro regenerated plants of C.borivilianum. Maximum stigmasterol production (3.265 mg/gm dry weight) was recorded from plants regenerated from somatic embryos which is 5.4 fold higher than the amount of stigmasterol in undifferentiated callus cultures (0.6 mg/gm). Maximum hecogenin production (43.55 mg/g) was recorded in plants regenerated from somatic embryos which is 27.9 fold higher than the amount of hecogenin in callus cultures (1.56 mg/gm)

The present investigation aims at developing rapid micro propagation protocol, which can be used for conservation of Centella asiatica and mass multiplication of a valuable medicinal plant to meet out the pharmaceutical demand. Attempts were made to evolve a low cost rapid micro propagation technology to conserve this valuable medicinal herb within a month of period. The combinations of BAP (1.0 mg L-1) with IAA (0.5 mg L-1) showed good callus proliferation. The combination of cytokinin with auxin (3:1) in modified MS media showed higher response in shoot elongation. Among the combinations of BAP with IAA (4:1) showed good response in shoots elongation. BAP (1.5 mg L-1) with IAA (0.5 mg L-1) showed higher shoot multiplication within a month and the difference were significant among the trials.

Natural products isolated from plants, animals and microorganisms have made an important impact on curing the dreadful human diseases for example taxol, vinca alkaloids (vincristine and vinblastine), podophyllotoxin derivatives (etoposide, teniposide), camptothecin derivatives (topotecan and irinotecan) for cancer treatment; quinine and artemisinin for malaria treatment, captopril for hypertension treatment, premarin for induction of ovulation, pencillins, streptomycins, tetracyclines for the treatment of bacterial infections, Limitations to the wider therapeutic use of these natural products are: limited supply of the drugs from the natural sources, low yields, slow growth and sparsely distribution of the species, and commercially not viable total synthetic methods. For example Artemisnin isolated from the dried leaves and influorescences of Artemisia annua is the only drug for the treatment of malaria caused by the chloriquine resistant Plasmodium falciparum. The plant has lengthy growing cycle (12-18 months) to produce Artemisinin. The yield of Artemisnin could be around 5 Kg per 1000 Kg of dry leaves, which were produced from 1 ha of A. annua plantation. In 2004 an estimated 4700 ha Artmesia was grown all over the world. An estimated 17,000 ha are required to produce enough Artemisinin to manufacture 100 million adult treatments for year, where as the projection of global demand is 400 million ACT treatment per year. Similar problem exist with anticancer drug Taxol, which was produced by the Pacific Yew tree (Taxus brevifolia) and related Yew species. It takes roughly three trees to obtain a gram of pure Taxol and stripping the tree of it's bark, where most of the taxol is found, kills the Yew. The bark required to yield 1 kg of taxol is about 7000 kg. Although total synthesis of Taxol was achieved chemically using more than twenty steps and ended up with mg of synthetic Taxol and it is economically not at all viable. It is therefore essential to explore the alternative approaches and also to understand the biosynthesis of natural products. During the latter half of the twentieth century, investigations of biosynthetic pathways progressed from purely hypothetical speculation to studies of isotopically labelled precursors by whole cells or partially purified enzymes. To a lesser extent, these studies were complemented by the preparation of random mutants of fungi and actinomycetes and the identification of accumulated intermediates and shunt metabolites. Recent developments in the biotechnology, genetic engineering, synthetic biology (biosynthetic pathways, gene cluster identification, cloning of genes, recombinant DNA techniques, c-DNA) techniques, tissue culture and endophytes used in the production of important life saving drugs such as artemisnin, taxol, and other natural products including bioactive compounds in the form of neutraceuticals and dietary supplements will be discussed.

Global preference for bio-chemicals and products obtained from herbs has created tremendous opportunities for biomass producers and enterprises that manufacture herbal products. India with a medicinal herbal wealth of 8000 species and aromatic plant treasure of 1200-2500 species has become global destination for phyto-molecules and products. Several technologies are currently available for commercial utilization by small and medium enterprises and the international market is ready to accept quality herbal products from India.

Microbial fermentation of feed in the rumen may result in considerable dietary protein and energy losses as ammonia nitrogen and methane. Many plants contains secondary metabolites such as phenolic compounds, essential oils, flavonoids and saponins that affect the microbial activity and reduced the ruminal methane production, ammonia nitrogen concentration and ciliate protozoal population resulting in better dietary energy and protein utilization. A large number of plant extracts were tested for their potential to inhibit methanogenesis and ciliate protozoa in an in vitro gas production test using cattle rumen liquor as inoculum. Leaves of several medicinal plants were collected, dried at 45-50°C and ground to pass through 2 mm sieve. Extracts of each tested medicinal plants were prepared in three solvents e.g., in water, 50% methanol and 50% ethanol at the rate of 10 g dried and ground plant material per 100 ml solvent. The effect of these medicinal plant extracts on ruminal methanogenesis and protozoal population, were tested using rumen liquor of cattle under in vitro condition. Among the 96 tested plant extracts of 32 plants, only 29 plant extracts (30.2%) were found to be effective (reduce more than 20% methane) against in vitro methanogenesis. Out of these 29 plant extracts, 24 were ethanol extracts and 05 were methanol extracts. None of the water extracts was effective to reduce in vitro ruminal methanogenesis significantly. Ruminal methane production decreased about 71.5 and 65.9% due to inclusion of ethanol extracts of Piper betle and Psidium guajawa leaves in incubation media, respectively. Rumen ciliate protozoa present in the collected rumen liquor as well as incubation media is the B-type population due to presence of Polyplastron multivesiculatum protozoa. Among the 32 tested medicinal plants, maximum anti-protozoal activities were observed in the ethanol extracts of Piper betle leaves followed by ethanol extracts of Jatropha gossipifolia, Costus spaciosus, Solanam nigram and Psidium guajawa leaves in the incubation media. It was noticed that ethanol extracts of these tested medicinal plants were more effective to reduce ruminal methanogenesis and ciliate protozoal population than the methanol extract. Whereas, water extracts of tested medicinal plants had no effect on ruminal methanogenesis and ciliate protozoal population. In vitro true dry matter digestibility (IVTDMD) was suppressed by all the tested extract.

Shikimic acid has been isolated from the whole plant of Ludwigia alternifolia Linn. as a major compound (1). Along with it, a ellagitannin strictinin (2), and two pairs of C-glycosidic flavanoides vitexin (3), isovitexin (4), Orientin (5) isoorientin (6) and a benzoic acid derivative (7) were isolated for the first time from Ludwigia alternifolia. The structures of the isolates were established on the basis of spectroscopic methods and available literature. The compounds were screened for antimicrobial activity but significant activity could not be recorded. Significance of the above investigation is presented in this communication.

The laboratory bioassay of the essential oil and the isolated compounds from Chloroxylon swietenia against Aedes aegypti and Anopheles stephensi was carried out to evaluate the Larvicidal activity of leaf extract and the isolated coumarins, xylotenin and heliettin. All the bioassays were run with different concentrations ranging from 1-200 mg/ml and in quintuplicate. LC50 value estimated for Aedes aegypti and Anopheles stephensi were 55.1 & 49.3 mg/ml and 74.5 & 67.5 mg/ml for xylotenin and heliettin respectively. The results obtained are remarkable and the present study thus indicates that the extracts and isolated compounds of C. swietenia have potent larvicidal properties and compared favorably with the commercially available insecticide Malathion as a positive control which can be a promising larvicidal agent as an alternative to the synthetic compounds.

Wild curry leaf (Murraya koenigii) samples collected from seven locations of three provinces from Western Ghats, one of the 34 biodiversity hot spots of the world were examined for differences in their essential oil profiles and yields. Forty components accounting for 89.53-97.24 % of the essentials were identified by GC-FID-LRI and GC-MS analysis. The essential oil yields varied from 1.6-3.70 mL/kg with Bisalakoppa, Serisi recording the highest yield. Essential oil chemical profiles exhibited significant variations with respect to monoterpene hydrocarbons α-pinene (1.93-63.66%), β-phellandrene (1.39-45.89%), sabinene (6.90-40.59%), and sesquiterpene hydrocarbon β-caryophyllene (6.68-18.46%). Essential oils of all the locations exhibited predominance of monoterpene hydrocarbons (58.04-81.14%) with two of them having significant amounts of sesquiterpene hydrocarbons (27.9-28.46%). The essential oils were categorised into four chemotypes with α-pinene and β-caryophyllene predominant is proposed as new chemotype. Chemical diversity is useful for the flavour industry in selecting curry leaf plants with desirable essential oil composition.

Hyptis suaveolens, belonging to Labiatae family is common aromatic weed and a potent invader in Deccan peninsular region. Samples collected from ten locations of four provinces from Western Ghats, one of the 34 biodiversity hot spots of the world were examined for differences in their essential oil profiles and yields. Forty eight components accounting for 72.94-99.63% of the essentials were identified by GC-FID-LRI and GC-MS analysis. The essential oil content of the leaf obtained by hydro distillation varied from 0.09% to 0.41%. β-Caryophyllene (7.31-36.57%), sabinene (1.50-20.76%), 1:8 cineole (1.02-37.4%), terpinolene (0.11-16.19%), bergamotol (0.83-7.70%), abietatriene (0.18-7.24%), and β-pinene (0.52-6.40%) were identified as the major components. Sesquiterpenes along with diterpenods were predominant in all of the studied accessions and β-caryophyllene was more than 15.77%, except the samples collected from Bangalore and Hyderabad plains. The essential oils showed significant differences in their compositions.

Corcyra cephalonica is a serious stored product pest. The IV and V Instar larvae of Corcyra cephalonica were treated with medicinal plant extract Vitex negundo. The Vitex negundo treated resultant Corcyra cephalonica showed varied morphogenetic deformities. The treated IV Instar larvae showed prolongation of the larval period. The surviving Vitex negundo treated resultant larvae moulted into V Instar larvae and exhibited moult disruption. Some of the IV Instar larvae were unable to moult into next Instar stage, however few developed into larval pupal intermediates. The treated V Instar larvae developed as adults with deformed wings and unable to fly and reproduce thus ruling out the possibility of further propogation of stored pest.

A number of CSIR institutions have developed technologies, processes and products based on medicinal and aromatic plants. Many of these technologies have successfully been adopted by industries. This paper provides information on some of the processing technologies developed by CSIR institutions on medicinal and aromatic plants.

The essential oil from the shoot biomass of lemongrass (Cymbopogon flexuosus) obtained by field distillation and the water-soluble oil recovered from the distillation water (bye product of field distillation) employing different solvents and charcoal were analyzed by gas chromatography for their chemical compositions. The major compounds identified were (Z)-citral (1.96% - 34.8%), (E)-citral (12.32% - 42.07%), 6-methyl hept-5-en-2-one (1.93% - 32.89%) and geraniol (0.44% - 5.08%). The field distilled essential oil as well as the recovered water-soluble oils were evaluated for their antimicrobial activity against two gram-positive and two gram-negative bacteria and four pathogenic fungi by agar disc diffusion method. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values were determined by broth microdilution. All the samples exhibited antimicrobial activity against the tested microorganisms. Among the bacteria Staphylococcus aureus was the most sensitive. The water-soluble oil recovered by redistilling the hydrosol showed strong activity with zones of inhibition of 16 - 22 mm. Among all the tested fungi, Aspergillus niger was inhibited effectively with zones of inhibition of 11 - 17 mm.

Amla (Emblica officinalis) is the most celebrated herb of traditional systems of medicine in Asia particularly in South and Southeast Asia and is Called Amalaki or Dhatriphala in Sanskrit. The tree is found in all deciduous forests throughout the Indian subcontinent. Amla is a commonly used ingredient in most of the Ayurvedic preparations in the form of Fresh Fruits, Dried Fruits, Fruit Pulp or as Extract. Chyavnaprash which constitutes 70% 0f the Amla formulations is immune enhancer and a health tonic for both Children and Elders. The eminence of amla is so well recognised in Ayurveda that all the famous ancient texts have discussed its preventive, restorative and curative usefulness and extolled its extraordinary medicinal qualities. It promotes iron absorption and hence can combat anaemia which is prevalent among women and children in rural areas. It is also helpful in curing skin problems, hair problems acidity, diabetes, asthma, cholesterol and cholesterol induced atherosclerosis. Charaka has specifically mentioned it as a great rasayana that helps protect people from disease and keeps away the manifestations of premature ageing. Since amla pacifies all the three doshas - vata, pitta and kapha - it has a wide range of corrective and curative effects on the human body. It is rightly called sarvadosha hara - a remover of all diseases and therefore National Medicinal plants board took up a national campaign to promote this valuable herb in the country. Dry amla is wrinkled and of grey-black colour. Amla is a rare fruit which contains all tastes except salty. With sourness as the foremost taste, it is at the same time sweet, astringent, bitter and pungent. It is light, dry and cold in effect and the richest source of vitamin C. Laboratory tests show that every 100 gm of fresh amla provides nearly 700 mg of this vitamin which is 20 times higher than what is found in an orange. Latest investigations show that Vit. C present in Amla is not as a free Vit. C, but in a Complex Form. Emblicanins, the active ingredient of Amla constitutes Gallic acid or Ellagic acids structures attached to the Vit. C. The fresh fruit contains more than 80 per cent water besides protein, minerals, carbohydrates and fibre. The mineral and vitamin contents include calcium, phosphorus, iron, carotene and vitamin B complex. Even if dried in shade, amla retains much of its vitamin C. The leaves and bark of the tree are rich in tannin.