Preliminary assessment of phytochemical contents and antioxidant properties of Pistacia integerrima fruit

Present study was focused on the evaluation of preliminary phytochemical screening and antioxidant properties in hydrophilic and lipophilic solvents extracts of Pistacia integerrima fruit, collected from Lesser Himalayas-Pakistan. Ethnobotanical data were collected through semi-structured interviews. Standard analytical methods were followed to estimate the proximate composition of nutrients, trace metals and phytochemical contents including phenolics, flavonoids, flavonols and ascorbic acid. The free radical scavenging activities of aqueous and acetone extracts were carried out against 2, 2-diphenyl-l-picrylhydrazyl, hydroxyl radical, hydrogen peroxide radical, ferrous ion chelation, ferric ion reduction, and phosphomolybdenium complex assay. Comparatively highest value of cultural importance index was determined for Margalla hills than other study sites. Crude fibers contents [33.65%] were found highest among nutrients, while in minerals utmost level was measured for K [947.3mg/kg, FW], followed by Ca, Mg, Na and Fe. Acetone extract exhibited highest total phenolics contents [113.7mg GAE/100g, FW] and antioxidant potential for ferric ion reduction [107.3microM GAE/l00g, FW], phosphomolybdenum complex assay [99.32micro,M AAE/100g, FW] and DPPH radical scavenging [91.89%]. Fruit of P. integerrima was found an excellent source of nutrients, minerals and antioxidants. Crude extracts exhibited noteworthy potential against free radicals and could be of immense significance in the prevention of different diseases related to free radicals. Present data could be an effectual tool for propagation programs intended to enhance the antioxidant and other phytochemical components in foods

Ethnobotanical survey of Lora valley district Abbottabad [Khyber Pakhtunkhwa], Pakistan

The present paper is based on an ethnobotanical research project conducted in Lora Valley and its allied areas. District Abbottabad [Khyber Pakhtunkhwa] Pakistan. The inhabitants of the area used plant species for various purposes such as health care, food, fodder, fuel and shelter. A total of 57 plant species belonging to 35 families were recorded for their ehtnobotanical uses. The ethnomedicinal inventory was developed by botanical name, family name, local name, flowering period, conservation status, part used, and ethnobotanical uses. Plant specimens were collected, identified, preserved, mounted and vouchers were deposited in the Department of Plant Sciences, Quaid-i-Azam University Islamabad, for future reference