Papers by Timir baran Jha
Swertia bimaculata Hook.f. & Thoms., a less bitter species of the genus Swertia, is phytochemical... more Swertia bimaculata Hook.f. & Thoms., a less bitter species of the genus Swertia, is phytochemically important for its bioactive compounds (xanthones). Flower buds and immature capsules were collected from in vivo donor plants from South Sikkim during the month of September 2009. Three to five per cent (3-5%) seeds within the intact or split capsule germinated aseptically in full strength Murashige and Skoog's (MS) medium with low concentration of either benzylaminopurine (BA; 2.22 µM) or kinetin (Kn; 2.32 µM). In vitro grown shoot tips were used as primary explants. Shoot multiplication was obtained on half-strength MS medium (BM) with 3% (w/v) sucrose and with different combinations and concentration of BA (2.22-4.44 µM), Kn (2.32-4.65 µM) and 1-napthalene acetic acid (NAA; 0.54 µM). However, the best response with 15.6 shoots per explants was obtained on BM with 2.22 µM BA, 2.32 µM Kn and 0.54 µM NAA. The number of shoots was further increased to 20.6 on addition of 10 mM KNO 3 in the medium. About 100% healthy root induction on isolated shoots was achieved on BM devoid of any plant growth regulator (PGR) within 5 wk. Complete rooted plantlets were successfully hardened and transplanted in the soil with 80-90% survival rate. Meiotic study from flower buds of donor plants and mitotic chromosome study from regenerated plants revealed n=13 bivalents and 2n=26 chromosomes respectively. The protocol of in vitro propagation and chromosomal database developed for the first time in an unexplored S. bimaculata is highly efficient, repeatable and can be used for conservation of germplasm.
Pharmacognosy Communications, 2013
ABSTRACT Abstract: Introduction: The genus Swertia is known to contain many bioactive compounds h... more ABSTRACT Abstract: Introduction: The genus Swertia is known to contain many bioactive compounds having pharmacological activities. Biochemical fingerprinting can be useful in screening elite populations within and between Swertia species. The present work reports the estimation of two important bioactive compounds: swertiamarin and amarogentin and the evaluation of antibacterial activities in different species of Swertia collected from Eastern Himalayan regions of India. Methods: Chromatography was performed using a CAMAG HPTLC system for estimation of swertiamarin and amarogentin in S. chirayita, S. bimaculata, S. dilatata, S. nervosa and S. paniculata, collected from different regions of Eastern Himalayas. Separation was carried out on thin-layer chromatography aluminium plates pre-coated with silica gel 60 F254, eluted with ethyl acetate-methanol-water (77:15:8 v/v/v). Antibacterial activity against selected human clinical pathogens was tested by the disc diffusion method. Results: This investigation reports for the first time, the presence of swertiamarin in S. dilatata which is conventionally considered as an adulterant species in the chirata trade. The high quantity of swertiamarin detected in S. bimaculata leaves (5.80%) of Mungpoo population suggests that this so called inferior species can be a potential and promising source of swertiamarin in herbal and pharmaceutical industries. Antibacterial activity against Bacillus subtilis, Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa was observed in swertiamarin and amarogentin and in the plant extracts. Conclusions: Synthesis of swertiamarin in reproductive shoots of S. bimaculata, S. nervosa, S. dilatata and S. paniculata may provide a new source of biomass for future use. Activity against selected bacteria tested revealed promising antibacterial potential of the extracts of Swertia.
Protoplasma, 2014
The genus Drimia (syn. Urginea), commonly called squill, represents a species complex, infragener... more The genus Drimia (syn. Urginea), commonly called squill, represents a species complex, infrageneric delimitation being ill-defined due to morphological variability, population variation within species and polyploidy. In the present study, fluorescent chromosome banding and measurements of nuclear DNA content by flow cytometry were performed in five Indian species of Drimia: Drimia indica, Drimia polyantha, Drimia razii, Drimia wightii and Drimia coromandeliana to elucidate taxonomic relationship and obtain possible insights into the evolutionary processes within this group. All taxa analyzed exhibited similar karyomorphology with subtle differences accounted by nucleolar chromosomes. Nuclear DNA content ranged from 20.41 pg/2C in D. polyantha to 40.80 pg/2C in D. coromandeliana and was positively correlated with chromosome number (r=0.67, P=0.02) and total diploid chromatin length (r = 0.59, P = 0.06). Fluorescent chromosome banding revealed the presence of CMA +ve /DAPI −ve signals associated with nucleolar chromosomes presumably coincident with NOR in all species and unique CMA +ve signals in diploid populations of D. indica. Satellite polymorphism between homologous NOR-bearing chromosomes was observed which supports hybrid origin of the taxon. UPGMA dendrogram and scatter diagrams based on karyological parameters indicated a close relationship of D. indica, D. razii and D. polyantha while D. wightii and D. coromandeliana appeared distant. D. wightii appeared more close to D. indica than to all other species based on genome size and karyomorphology. As a whole, D. indica showed high intraspecific variability with populations exhibiting intergrading characters with other species. In conclusion, it is likely that hybridization followed by reproductive isolation of polymorphic forms arising by adaptation to different ecological niches resulted in species diversification of Drimia in India, probably from a common ancestor similar to D. indica.
Asian Pacific Journal of Tropical Biomedicine, 2012
ABSTRACT Objective: The present report embodies detailed diagnostic features of five important Re... more ABSTRACT Objective: The present report embodies detailed diagnostic features of five important Red listed Swertia species for easy and authentic identification along with HPTLC fingerprinting using the c-glucoxanthone mangiferin as a biomarker. The key objectives of this study were to reduce indiscriminate harvesting of different Swertia species from its natural habitat and the development of a reliable kit based on HPTLC fingerprinting to reduce adulteration in commercial trade. Methods: Chromatography was performed on Silica gel 60 F254 TLC plates with ethyl acetate-glacial acetic acid-formic acid- water- 100:11.0:11.0:26 as mobile phase. Densitometric measurement was performed at 毸= 254 nm. The method was found to be simple, reliable, precise and convenient for routine analysis. Results: Although mangiferin was detected in substantial amount from all populations of Swertia chirata irrespective of their geographical locations and to a lesser degree in Swertia nervosa, the biomarker was totally absent in Swertia bimaculata, Swertia dilatata and Swertia paniculata. Conclusions: Floral morphology can be effectively used for the construction of an easy identification tool that can be utilized at the field level to screen out Swertia chirata from other closely related species that flower at the same time along with Swertia chirata. High Performance TLC using mangiferin as a biomarker can be utilized for quality screening and checking adulteration among different species and populations of Swertia.
The Gentianaceae - Volume 1: Characterization and Ecology, 2014
The Eastern Indian area of the Himalaya is highly acclaimed for its rich bioresources and traditi... more The Eastern Indian area of the Himalaya is highly acclaimed for its rich bioresources and traditional repository of medicinal plants. This region is considered to be the natural habitat of many species and populations of Swertia, an important and diverse genus of the Gentianaceae. The genus Swertia, popularly known as chirata, is one of the most important indigenous medicinal plants of India. Habitat destruction, other human-caused stresses, and impacts of climate change have resulted in considerable loss of genetic diversity and necessitate reassessment, documentation, molecular and biochemical screening, and well-formulated biotechnological strategies for sustainable use and improvement of these high-value medicinal crops. Swertia chirata is considered the prized Indian species because of its well-characterized bioactive molecules known as iridoid and secoiridoid glycosides, xanthones and xanthone derivatives, which are effective against many conventional and unconventional ailments. The increasing demand of chirata in national and international markets, the paucity of agricultural practices, and correct exomorphological and molecular screening have resulted in intentional and unintentional adulteration. The prized species, Swertia chirata, has been labeled as being critically endangered and most of the other important species may face similar threats in the near future. The present review discusses the status of Swertia species in the Eastern Himalayas, together with biotechnological approaches for their conservation and future improvement.
Plant Tissue Culture and Biotechnology, 2014
Solanum pseudocapsicum L. is an unexplored plant of Solanaceae having horticultural and medicinal... more Solanum pseudocapsicum L. is an unexplored plant of Solanaceae having horticultural and medicinal importance. Earlier the in vitro morphogenic potential of this plant species has not been explored. Induction of direct organogenesis was obtained from internodes, leaf bases and root explants from in vitro grown seedlings and plants in MS supplemented with different concentrations and combinations of BAP (0.44 - 8.88 µM/l) and IAA (0.29 - 2.85 µM/l). Direct organogenesis was achieved in 90% of internodes, 65% of leaf bases and 75% of root explants. The optimum regeneration medium was MS supplemented with 4.44 µM/l BAP and 1.43 µM/l IAA. The regeneration rate observed six weeks after culture was approximately 20, 9 and 12 shoot buds/explants from internodes, leaf bases and root explants, respectively. cDNA RAPD analysis from organogenic stages was carried out and revealed distinct gene expression pattern. In vitro rooting in 100% shoots was achieved on MS within ten days of culture. Su...
Scientia Horticulturae, 2012
In vitro propagation and molecular evaluation of a Capsicum annuum L. cultivar with a high chromo... more In vitro propagation and molecular evaluation of a Capsicum annuum L. cultivar with a high chromosome number (2n = 48
Plant Tissue Culture and Biotechnology, 2014
Chlorophytum borivilianum is a rare, near-endemic high value root crop. The fasciculated roots of... more Chlorophytum borivilianum is a rare, near-endemic high value root crop. The fasciculated roots of the plant have the potential to synthesize valuable bioactives having aphrodisiac, anti stress and immuno modulatory properties. The present investigation describes an alternative protocol for the development of a stable, fast growing, non-transformed root culture system in C. borivilianum and the simultaneous quantitative analysis of total steroidal saponins, amino acids and sugars. Liquid MS fortified with various concentrations and combinations of BA (0.44 - 8.8 µM), Kn (0.23 µM) and NAA (0.27 - 5.4 µM) was effectively used for the development of root culture system. High performance thin layer chromatography (HPTLC) was used for quantification and comparative analysis of bioactives from in vitro and in vivo grown tuberous roots. D. O. I. http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/ptcb.v23i2.17505 Plant Tissue Cult. & Biotech. 23(2): 133-146, 2013 (December)
Phytochemistry, 1991
Author Keywords: Cephaelis ipecacuanha; Rubiaceae; ipecac; two-stage suspension culture; root cul... more Author Keywords: Cephaelis ipecacuanha; Rubiaceae; ipecac; two-stage suspension culture; root culture; ttained. emetic alkaloids. ... The Wealth of India II, CSIR, New Delhi (1980), p. 119. ... SK Chatterjee In: AW Alfermann and E. Reinhard, Editors, Production of ...
Acta Physiologiae Plantarum, 2012
Acta Physiologiae Plantarum, 2012
Genetic Resources and Crop Evolution, 2020
Hot chilli species of Capsicum are one of the most significant spice crops in India having severa... more Hot chilli species of Capsicum are one of the most significant spice crops in India having several genetically distinct cultivars. The present study was targeted to upgrade chromosomal database of 15 cultivars belonging to C. annuum L., C. frutescens L. and C. chinense Jacq. EMA-based fluorochrome banding with GC-specific stain Chromomycin A3 (CMA) was elemental to reveal specialization in karyotypes that could not be traced out by Giemsastained preparations. CMA banding pattern was combined with karyomorphometric indices to statistically evaluate chromosomal relationship among the cultivars. The marker chromosome pairs 11 and 12 containing nucleolar CMA bands could be suggested as the evolutionary landmarks in 'C. annuum complex'. We found direct correspondence between fruit morphotype variation and CMA banding pattern to demonstrate maximum genetic diversity within C. annuum, followed by C. frutescens while Bhut jolokia of C. chinense displayed genetic uniformity. UPGMA phenogram upheld distinct species separation, cultivar diversity and relationships within and among the species. Out of nine C. annuum cultivars, at least two cultivars showed some sort of genetic relationship with C. chinense, particularly the Ghee cultivar shares more proximity with C. chinense. The fluorescent karyotype database reliably symbolized uniqueness of Capsicum germplasm of India, especially from the NEH sector that grows Bhut jolokia. Our attempt is believed to complement genomic investigation in the popular and exotic chilli cultivars of India and interest breeders in search of alternative genetic resources.
Caryologia, 2013
Seedless cultivars of banana are generally triploids, and diploids or tetraploids are rarer. In t... more Seedless cultivars of banana are generally triploids, and diploids or tetraploids are rarer. In the present study, the karyomorphology of eight edible Musa cultivars of West Bengal was investigated for the first time to contribute to a better understanding of chromosome features and chromosome changes in the way of variation. Among the eight cultivars, seven were triploid and only the eighth seeded cultivar was diploid, all with basic chromosome number of x = 11. Karyotypic differences were observed between the cultivars but not enough to serve as a marker for each cultivar. Karyotype analysis has shown predominance of chromosomes with centromeres in median position with a few submedian centromeres. This report is the first of its kind for Musa cultivars where comparative karyotyping indicate that minor structural alterations of the chromosomes may have resulted in the genetic variability within the cultivated bananas, giving rise to numerous varieties or cultivars.
In vitro germplasms of ipecac (Cephaelis ipecacuanha Rich.), an important medicinal plant, mainta... more In vitro germplasms of ipecac (Cephaelis ipecacuanha Rich.), an important medicinal plant, maintained through reduced growth conditions for more than 12-years, were used as source material for micropropagation. MS with different combinations of Kn (2 mg/l), BAP (2 mg/l), 2iP (2-3 mg/l), NAA (0.2 mg/l) and adenine (40-100 mg/l) as additive was used to induce fresh multiplication of shoots from the nodal meristems and direct shoot bud initiation on the internodal segments. Complete plant regeneration has been achieved from such long term cultures. Regenerated plants maintained their phenotypic and chromosomal stability. Eighty per cent hardened plants, survived in the field condition, are growing well and 25 % of them produced flowers within one year. Long term preservation through reduced growth conditions and successful regeneration of morphologically stable plants with stable chromosome numbers (2n = 22) from such long term cultures of ipecae plants.
Genetic Resources and Crop Evolution
Lentil is a traditional nutritionally enriched crop. India is now the second-highest producer and... more Lentil is a traditional nutritionally enriched crop. India is now the second-highest producer and consumer of cultivated lentils. Out of the seven species, only one is cultivated worldwide, and the remaining are wild species, which are considered valuable plant genetic resources for any future plant breeding programmes in this era of climatic changes. Distinct morphological traits, karyotype diversity assisted by fluorescent banding and ribosomal DNA ITS1-5.8S-ITS2 rDNA ITS sequence analyses are compiled in the present study. Fluorescent banding with two contrasting nucleic acid dyes, chromomycin A3 (CMA) and 4′,6-diamidino-2-phenylindole (DAPI), has been used to characterise the lentil karyotypes of two accessions of L.culinaris Medik (cultivated) and five wild species viz. L.orientalis (Boiss.) M. Popo, L.odemensis Ladiz, L.nigricans (Bieb.) Godr, L.lamottei Czefr. and L.ervoides (Brign.) Grande. This method has unravelled the diverse number and locations of GC/AT-specific heterochromatic regions on chromosomes. The present study provided rDNA ITS sequence-based phylogenetic analysis, which revealed the monophyletic origin of the Indian cultivated and wild species of Lens and grouped them into two possible lineages (clades I and II). Furthermore, this study provided in-depth insights on the interspecies correlation and evolutionary trends within the species of Indian lentil. Detailed knowledge of the genomic structures provides information for any valuable crop species. Thus, the correlation of morphological traits with the results of fluorescent chromosome banding and the generation of an unbiased phylogenetic tree based on rDNA sequence analysis in Indian lentil taxa might be useful in lentil crop improvement programmes.
India holds a significant rank in production and consumption of the age old protein rich crop Len... more India holds a significant rank in production and consumption of the age old protein rich crop Lentil with only one cultivated species and a large number of phenotypically similar cultivars. The need for a reliable and cost effective method of genetic characterization to unravel differences within the Lentil cultivars was felt. The present paper adopted EMA based chromosome preparation followed by staining with two contrasting fluorochromes dyes CMA and DAPI that bind directly to GC and AT rich heterochromatic segments on chromosomes. Analysis of fluorochrome banding pattern furnished a comparative account of genetic diversity within the cultivars that could not be achieved by traditional karyotyping. The marker pair of nucleolar chromosomes (4th and 3rd, majorly) occupied a pivotal position to intensify differences between cultivars in terms of banding patterns around secondary constrictions, suggestive of yet unknown variation in heterochromatin composition. Our study has strength...
Molecular Biology Reports
Capsicum as a spice crop, has wild and cultivated forms admired globally, including Indian subcon... more Capsicum as a spice crop, has wild and cultivated forms admired globally, including Indian subcontinent with vast climatic ranges. Systematic representation of the Indian Capsicum is required to address species relationships and sustainable agriculture, in face of unpredictable climatic conditions. We have updated the catalogue of Indian 'C. annuum complex' with 28 landraces and populations from different agro-climatic regions. The agro-climatic influence on the origin of stable chili landraces in India is remarkable, especially in the North East. The floral and fruit morphotype standards and chromosomal attributes have been considered for four distinct 'C. annuum complex' members under three species. The highlights of study are: (1) comparative profiling of Indian Capsicum species revealing less infraspecific variation within C. frutescens and C. chinense than C. annuum, at par with cultivation status, (2) karyotype analysis of some unique diploid landraces of C. annuum, (3) karyotypic confirmation of the polyploid Dalle Khursani landraces exclusive to India. To obtain more information, we attempted to correlate diversity of fruit and floral morphotype with chromosomal diversity. Existence of elite and rare germplasm found in the regional pockets offer great scope for enriching the agricultural tradition. The present dataset may serve as a template to be continuously upgraded by taxonomists, genomicists and breeders.
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Papers by Timir baran Jha