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Objective: The aim of this study was to characterize Spanish cedar (Cedrela odorata L.) fruits and seeds, and to evaluate the effects of provenance, substrata, and fertilizer on germination and plant quality in nursery. Design/Methodology/Approach: The fruits and seeds from Spanish cedars were collected in three different towns: C-32 (Francisco Trujillo Gurria), C-40 (Ernesto Aguirre Colorado), and C-41 (Carlos A. Madrazo). Those towns are in Plan Chontalpa, Tabasco, Mexico. After they were harvested, the samples were morphometrically characterized. Seed production efficiency (SPE), germination (%), and Dickson Quality Index (DQI) were estimated. Two completely randomized experimental designs with factorial arrangement of treatments were used. The factors were the provenance, four or three substrata, and two levels of GreenfoolR 600 fertilizer. Results: Fruits of 3.46 cm in length and 1.81 cm in width were collected;the mean number of seeds per fruit was 49.36. Seed production efficiency ranged from 48.1% to 52.72%, with 32.86% germination. The seeds from Town C-41 obtained the highest germination percentage, with the use of black soil:sand as substrate. The plants fertilized and developed in black soil:sand substrate obtained a higher DQI. Study Limitations/Implications: The activity restriction caused by the Sars-Cov-2 pandemic was the main limitation. The lower number of producers and plantations from Town C-32 was the implication. Findings/Conclusions: Fruit and seed characteristics were different among provenances. The provenance impacted on seed germination, but not on the plant quality index (DQI). Instead, the substrate and fertilizer impacted on the DQI.
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Marketing involves assembling, storing, processing, packaging, grading, transportation and distribution of agricultural commodities from farmers to consumers. Marketing plays an important role in accelerating the pace of economic development of farmers. The present study mainly deals with the impact of COVID-19 on marketing behaviour of mango growers in Prakasam district of Andhra Pradesh. The paper deals with changes that occurred in marketing behavior before and during pandemic, problems faced by the mango growers during pandemic. The study area was selected by purposive sampling and 50 respondents were selected randomly from three villages. The impact of pandemic on marketing behaviour was analyzed with the help of frequency, percentage and paired t-test using SPSS software. Before pandemic 78.40 per cent of mango growers sold their produce when prices are attractive,80.00 per cent sold to the export organization,86.00 per cent to nearby town,78.00 per cent by means of tractor and 82.00 per cent received their market information through fellow farmers. During pandemic, 80.00 per cent of the respondents sold their produce immediately after the harvest, 84.00 per cent of mango growers sold directly to the consumers, 64.00 per cent sold to nearby villages, 64.00 per cent sold by means of other transport sources, 78.00 percent received their market information through social media. Indicators of marketing behaviour such as time of sale, mode of sale, place of sale, mode of transport, source of market information had significant mean difference and showed decrease in mean values during pandemic when compared to before pandemic. The findings of the study revealed that there is a significant impact of pandemic on marketing behaviour of mango growers. Major problem faced by the mango growers during pandemic is inadequate transport facilities (Garrett score 69.32) followed by export organizations remain closed(67.68) and fluctuations in price(60.54).
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This study aims to analyze the AntiCovid effect of Phytocompounds extracted from Native Indian Plant species by computational methods such as Molecular Docking. Through this study keeping the Indian Heritage alive we characterized the ability of these phytochemicals as inhibiting agents of the Main Protease enzyme of this Virus. The lack of any effective treatment and the reoccurrence of cases despite Vaccination necessitates the quick provision of anti-SARS-CoV-2 drugs. Natural substances are getting a lot of attention for SARS-CoV-2 therapy as they have proven antimicrobial activities and are a key source for numerous antiviral drugs. Despite the fact that this virus has several identified target receptors, Main Protease (Mpro) is crucial for viral replication. In this study, 26 phytochemicals from 10 native Indian plant species were studied. Our docking studies demonstrated that compounds Quercetin, Withaferin A, Sominone, and Nimbin were likely to be more favorable than the natural inhibitor N3, with binding energies of-8.42, -9.21, -9.95, and -8.88 kcal/mol, respectively. These four candidate natural compounds were further examined for their bioavailability scores through ADMET analysis to prove the safety of these compounds as well as their drug likeliness. Through the results it was indicated that these natural phytochemicals have a significant potential of inhibiting the SARS-CoV-2 Mpro enzyme and might be utilized to treat SARS-CoV-2 and manage public health, subject to in vitro validation in the future.
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Adequate nutrition has become a priority for the psychologically and emotionally affected population, especially those under stress due to quarantine and people affected by Coronavirus Disease in 2019 (COVID-19). However, records on eating behavior variations due to Brazil's pandemic are still incipient, and it is crucial to know and identify frequent incentives that arouse interest in a class of products. Therefore, this study aimed to analyze the final consumer behaviors and the consumption influence of citrus fruits and their products, as a vitamin C source, in the COVID-19 pandemic in Brazil. By applying an online questionnaire prepared on the Google.. Forms platform, a survey was conducted with the voluntary participation of 546 unidentified respondents. The answers obtained made it possible to trace the participants' sociodemographic characteristics and consumption habits. According to the interviewees, there was a predominance of adults between 25 and 34 years old, female, single, living in the Southeast macro-region, and people with a master's and doctorate. level education. With the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, most of the population interviewed did not change their consumption of citrus fruits and their products, but the place of purchase changed, possibly due to social isolation. Marketing is of fundamental importance in the Brazilian citrus industry, which is facing the challenge of encouraging a healthier diet and searching for expansion of the fresh fruit market.
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In this study eco-friendly antimicrobial finish was developed by Azadirachata indica, Butea monosperma and Litchi chinensis and then applied on 100% silk fabric. The effectiveness of antimicrobial finish was checked up to 25 washes. The antimicrobial finish was extracted from leaves of these plants and applied on silk fabric by using pad dry cure method. It is true experimental study with pre-test and post-test control group design. FTIR and SEM tests were used to observe the presence of antimicrobial finish on silk fabric. The antimicrobial finish was fixed on silk fabric by the use of poly urethane binder. The antimicrobial activity of treated and untreated fabric and durability to successive washes were assessed by using ASTEM E2149 shake flask method. The treated fabric with A. indica and B.monosperme showed 100% reduction in microorganism presence while L. chinensis revealed 60% reduction against microorganisms. The antimicrobial finish showed 100% reduction after successive laundring up to 25 washes. This fabric is beneficial for home furnishing, sportswear and footwear industry as well as in apparel sector such as in formal wear and making matching face mask against COVID-19 pandemic.
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Objective: To explore the network regulation mechanism of Huoxiang Zhengqi Oral Liquid(HXZQ) in the treatment of coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19).
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Diosmin is the 7-rutinoside of 3 ', 5,7-trihydroxy-4'-methoxyflavone (7-O-rutinoside of diosmetin), and hespheridine is the 7-rutinoside of 3', 5,7-trihydroxy-4'-methoxyflavanone (7 -O-rutinoside hesperetin). Diosmin, is a gray-yellow or pale-yellow, hygroscopic powder, whereas hesperidine is in the form of light-yellow spherocrystals. Diosmin was isolated from fruits of the Citrus genus (C. sinensis, C. limonia), now it is obtained semi-synthetically from natural hesperidin. These flavonoids have, among others: antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, anti-diabetic, anti-cancer, analgesic, antioxidant and possibly anti-virus activity, that cause COVID-19. The metabolism of diosmin takes place initially in the small intestine and involves demethoxylation and hydrolysis. In contrast, oxidation and conjugation take place in the liver. There is no presence of diosmin and diosmetin in the urine, which are mainly eliminated in the form of glucuronic acid conjugates. The dominant metabolite detected in urine samples is m-hydroxy-phenylpropionic acid, excreted in conjugated form. Diosmin may reduce the aggregation of Red Blood Cells, and thus it is able to reduce blood viscosity. The LD50 of the mixture of 90% diosmin and 10% hesperidin for rats is over 3 g/kg. The tests did not reveal any mutagenic effects or effects on reproductive functions. It also does not pose a significant threat during breast feeding, as it poorly passes into breast milk.
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Background: Recently, a new and fatal strain of coronavirus named as SARS-CoV-2 (Disease: COVID-19) appeared in Wuhan, China in December of 2019 and was officially named severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) by the International Committee on Taxonomy of Viruses based on phylogenetic analysis. Because of its highly contagious nature, there is an urgent need for suitable drug which can control the viral infection. The covid 19 main protease was found to be the best target for drug synthesis as it involved in viral replication.
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Spondias mombin is one of the species belonging to the (Family: Anacardiaceae), its ethnomedicinal uses may be justified through many studies that reported potential pharmacological properties due to its phytochemical compounds. This review aimed at examining the ethnomedicinal uses, phytochemical compounds and pharmacological properties of S. mombin leaf extracts on the African continent, to justify its use in the management and/ or treatment of viral infections and cancers. Electronic databases such as Google Scholar, SciHub, PubMed and Science Direct with search dates between 1999 and 2019 were used. Findings from this review confirm the ethnomedicinal uses, of decoctions and infusions of S. mombin leaf extracts for management diseases such as malaria, sore throat, and inflammation disorders;studies confirmed the presence of phytochemical compounds such as Geraniin, 2-O-Caffeoyl-(+)-allohydroxycitric acid, Quercetin-3-O-beta-D-glucopyranoside and pelandjuaic acid, responsible for the antiviral and chemotherapeutic properties. However, there is a need for bio-assay guided extractions, isolation, identification and characterization of phytochemical compound(s) in the leaf extracts of S. mombin that may be responsible for antiviral and anticancer activity. Investigations of the pharmacological action, in silico and in vitro studies of known and /or newly isolated compounds are warranted in the management and /or treatment of viral infections such as, Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2, and cancers to justify the use of leaf extracts of S. mombin on the African continent for the management of viral infections and or cancer.
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The entire world is entrapped by the contagious, lethal infectious Corona disease, brought about by the extreme intense respiratory syndrome corona virus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). The second wave of the Covid-19 pandemic has been more devastating than the first. The arrival of corona virus vaccines has meant good news for resuming a normal life. However, there are some cases that have been reported that the persons who have been vaccinated still test positive for COVID-19. Unlike the first wave (in 2020), the younger population is getting infection by a corona virus, especially those with comorbidities are at high risk. Evidence from the first wave of data on the mortality rate also suggests that people with weak immune systems, e.g., older people, children, and those with underlying medical issues, are more likely to be affected by Covid-19 disease. Therefore, by improving the human body's immunity, the risk of SARS-CoV-2 infections can be reduced. In this regard, medicinal plants can play an effective role in improving the body's immunity. Thus, in this paper, attempts are made to compile and discuss the use of various plants to boost immunity and also for the prevention of many respiratory diseases having symptoms and signs similar to Corona disease.
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The researchers use a primary data set from a survey of medium and large firms and farms in the beef, citrus, and maize value chains in South Africa during March-June 2020, the early and late phases of the initial COVID-19 lockdowns. The researchers have five main findings. (1) The initial lockdown regulations declared as "essential" the product (vertical) value chains but left as "inessential" the important "lateral" value chains delivering labour, materials, and logistics to the segments of the vertical value chains. This hurt the three vertical value chains as constraints in the laterals choked key segments of the verticals. (2) Vulnerability of the whole value chain emanated from vulnerability to shocks of critical "hotspot" linchpin segments (such as livestock auctions) or infrastructure (such as at ports). (3) Collective, industry-level "pivoting" was crucial both to organize the private sector response and to interact with government to course-correct on COVID-19 policies. (4) Responses to pre-COVID-19 challenges (such as drought and international phytosanitary rule changes) had prepared the beef and citrus value chain actors to respond collectively to the pandemic challenges. (5) Individual firm- and segment-level "pivoting" was also crucial for resilience, such as cattle auctions going on-line with the help of e-commerce firms.
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Neem (Azadirachta indica) a member of Meliaceae plays an immense role in human health and disease which is attributed to its composition of Bioactive Secondary Metabolites (BASM). It has been widely used in Indian Traditional Systems of Medicine that includes Ayurveda, Siddha, Unani, Homeopathy and other Folklore Systems of Medicine practiced in the Indian Subcontinent for the treatment and prevention of various diseases. Current global health perspectives and medical practice in the post COVID era has no other way but to seek to merge alternative systems of medicine with evidence-based therapeutic aspects for a better understanding of the metabolic process and its effects in the human body. The studies based on animal model established that neem and its chief constituents play pivotal role in anticancer management through the modulation of various molecular pathways including p53, pTEN, NF-B, PI3K/Akt, Bcl-2, and VEGF. Besides, NEEM plays a vital role in the management of diabetics and its associated long term complication through ROS scavenging and ameliorative potentials to restore oxidative injury/inhibit enzymes linked to. Overall NEEM is considered as GRAS medicinal plant that modulates metabolic inflammations without side effects. Though it has been confirmed that neem and its constituents play role in the scavenging of free radical and prevention of disease pathogenesis, a clear scientific basis of its pharmacoinformatics is still lacking. Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectroscopy (GC-MS) analysis of the fractions revealed the presence of 62 metabolites.
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Objective: This study was conducted to identify medicinal plants in the fight against Coronavirus disease, influenza and colds cited by travelers who came for their Covid test at the Institut Pasteur of C..te d'Ivoire. Methodology and Results: A semi-structured interview was conducted with 527 travelers from April 1 to June 30, 2021. The interviewed travelers were predominantly male (69.4%). Travelers going to France (28.46%) were the most numerous. The most represented age groups were 41-64 (43.83%) and 25-40 (43.26%). When the level of education is considered, the surveyed travelers have a higher level of education (89.94%). Entrepreneurs (13.85%), traders (12.66%), company directors (12.33%), students (8.54%) and health workers (6.45%) are the majority. Only 21.63% of travelers used traditional medicine in the last 12 months prior to the survey. Various plants are used to fight (33.43%) or prevent (56.57%) Coronavirus disease (7.02%), influenza (3.60%) and colds (2.84%). In total, 13 species of medicinal plants divided into 13 genera and 13 families were cited. Azadirachta indica (Meliaceae) with citation frequencies (cf) of 22%, Zingiber officinale (Zingiberaceae) with cf of 21% and Citrus limon (Rutaceae) with cf of 14% were the most cited species. Conclusion and application of results: These plants could be used for research and development of phytomedicines against Coronavirus, influenza and cold.
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Background: Up to date drug-based treatments for COVID-19 have not been approved. The most effective way to face this public health problem is prevention with adequate nutrition, hygiene, and protection measures. Food has historically been used by people to improve their nutrition and complement the treatment or prevention of diseases. The various bioactive compounds of some foods are known, which in experimental studies demonstrated their antiviral and immunomodulatory action.
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At the beginning of the health crisis due to COVID-19 some observers alerted the decision makers of a possible food crisis in the coming months in West Africa. In order to feed this debate, the researchers conducted a study by interviewing 75 actors of the agricultural sector in two regions of Burkina Faso - the Yatenga and the High Basins. In both situations, farmers and pastoralists were able to continue their activities, but some experienced marketing difficulties. Market gardeners and tree growers have been the most affected by this crisis because of difficulties in selling their perishable products on West African markets. Livestock farmers were less affected by the drop in prices, but traders of live livestock also encountered difficulties exporting to coastal countries. Finally, cotton companies have had to face a drop in the international price of cotton fiber and cotton producers will have to face a drop in the purchase price of seed cotton at the end of 2020. Despite this crisis, Burkina Faso's agriculture has continued to fully play its nurturing role thanks to the mobilization of farmers, traders and transporters, even though it is showing weaknesses due to its heavy dependence on external markets for, among other things, vegetables, livestock, cotton, mangoes, cashew nuts and agricultural and livestock inputs. This crisis is an opportunity to consider areas for intervention to make Burkina Faso's agriculture less dependent on external markets and imported factors of production. This implies the substitution of imported food products by local products and an agro-ecological transition to reduce the importation of synthetic inputs.
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Background: Up to the 21st century, Traditional, Complementary and Alternative Medicine (TCAM) is still used despite the wide spread of orthodox medicine. The magnitude, predictors and types of herbal remedies used for COVID-19 are assessed to tailor evidence based policy and drug formulation against COVID-19.
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Introduction: Bioinformatics is a multi-disciplinary field that usually uses approaches in Computer Science such as algorithms and machine learning to solve problems in the domains of Biology, Biochemistry, and other domains involving molecular biology data. This approach can also be used to screen natural products that have certain properties. Jamu or Indonesian herbal medicine works with the principle of multi-component multi-target. This principle focuses on the complex interactions of system components that describe how multi-components (compounds) can work together to affect multi-targets (protein targets). This mechanism is also popularly called Network Pharmacology. In this study, we introduce a workflow to screen herbal compounds based on Network Pharmacology and machine learning approach.
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Quercetin (3,3',4',5,7-Pentahydroxyflavone) is the one among the bioactive secondary metabolite (BASM) in neem seed of Azadirachta indica A. Juss. Quercetin (Que) and its derivatives hold promising pharmacological effects. Antidiabetic, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-Alzheimer's, antiarthritic, cardiovascular, and wound-healing effects of Que have been extensively investigated, recently lot of work has been carried out on its anticancer activity against different cancer cell lines. Recently, in silico/in vitro studies have demonstrated that Que interferes with different stages of coronavirus entry and replication cycle (PLpro, 3CLpro, and NTPase/helicase). Due to its pleiotropic effects in human health and disease and lack of systemic toxicity, Que and its derivatives could be tested for their efficacy on human target system in future clinical trials. In the present study, an attempt has been made to evaluate the physicochemical, druggable properties of Que from A. indica to prospect its ADMET properties.