Researchers have identified the therapeutic potential of seed pods from the traditional medicinal plant Subabul in managing insulin resistance related to type II diabetes and developed a marker-assisted fraction and four active compounds from it.
Subabul or Leucaena leucocephala is a fast-growing leguminous tree commonly found in tropical and subtropical regions. The leaves and immature seeds are eaten raw or cooked in the form of soup or salad, providing a rich source of protein and fibre. Several ethnic communities consume it and also use it as animal feed.
Researchers at the Institute of Advanced Study in Science and Technology, Guwahati, investigated the therapeutic potential of the seed pods of medicinal plant subabul in managing insulin resistance related to type II diabetes.
A team consisting of Abhipsha Saikia, Pranamika Sarma and Prof Jagat C Borah developed a bio-activity guided fraction and four active compounds after screening all the fractions for their bio-activity.
Fermented bamboo for weight management
Extract from a traditional fermented bamboo shoot variety of Tripura, popularly called ‘melye-amiley’, has anti-obesity effects, offering a solution to weight management and metabolic health, according to a new study. It reduces lipid accumulation and increases fatty acid beta-oxidation.
The techniques of fermentation are as old as human civilisation and have been passed down through generations, and mainly used to preserve food, and enhance nutritional quality, taste and flavour. Based on the environment, availability of food materials and the traditional knowledge of the community, the techniques and products vary.
A study — led by Prof Mojibur R Khan from the Institute of Advanced Study in Science and Technology, Guwahati — looked into the anti-obesity effects of different varieties of traditional fermented bamboo shoots of the northeastern region.
Based on in-vitro cell culture studies, the team observed that the traditional fermented bamboo shoot variety ‘melye-amiley’ can reduce intracellular lipid accumulation.
Fire-resilient flowering species
A new fire-resilient, dual-blooming species — which experiences a burst of flowering triggered by grassland fires and has an inflorescence structure that is rare among Indian species — has been discovered in the biodiversity hotspot Western Ghats.
Over the past few decades, scientists at the Agharkar Research Institute, Pune, have been studying the region’s rich biodiversity.
A recent discovery by a team led by Dr Mandar Datar, which included Talegaon-Dabhade based botanist Adittya Dharap and PhD student Bhushan Shigwan, has added a new species — Dicliptera polymorpha.
The name of the species is meant to reflect its diverse morphological traits, including fire-resilient, pyrophytic habit and an unusual dual-blooming pattern. In addition to its typical post-monsoon flowering, the species exhibits a second, vigorous burst of flowering triggered by the grassland fires that are commonly ignited by locals.
This species is taxonomically unique, with inflorescence units (cymules) that develop into spicate inflorescences. It is the only known Indian species with this spicate inflorescence structure.
