Synthesis, characterization and pharmacological activities of silver nanoparticles using leaves extract of turmeric plant

In present manuscript describes synthesis of silver nanoparticles using turmeric leaves extract, traditional turmeric is a common spice that comes from the root of Curcuma longa, chemical called curcumin. Turmeric has a warm, bitter taste and is frequently used to flavor or color curry powders, mustards, butters, and cheeses. People commonly use turmeric for osteoarthritis, hay fever, depression, high cholesterol, liver disease, itching. There is also no good evidence to support using turmeric for COVID-19. Synthesis of silver nanoparticles AgNO powder was dissolved in distilled water to prepare 10 mM AgNO stock 3 3 solution from which different composition prepared. The AgNO solutions were mixed with urmeric plants 3 t leaves extract in equal proportion in flask. The flask was wrapped with an aluminum foil and was then heated in a water bath at 50-60 C for 2 hours. The synthesis of nanoparticles, which was confirmed by UVSpectra and TEM. UV-Vis spectra and visual observation showed that the color of the fresh leaf extractsof Vinca rosea turned into brownish yellow, respectively, after treatment with silver. In addition, TEM analysis confirmed that AgNO solutions for all concentrations produced ilver nanoparticles and their average size 3 s was less than 20 nm. Turmeric plants extract of fresh leaves can be used as bioreducing agents, drug resistant strains, toxic nature towards microbial agents, play an important role in nanoscience and nanotechnology, particularly in nanomedicine and potential applications in cancer diagnosis and therapy.

Antiviral activitiy of curcumin, demethoxycurcumin, bisdemethoxycurcumin and cyclocurcumin compounds of Curcuma longa against NSP3 on SARS-CoV-2

SARS-CoV-2 genome encodes two large polyproteins (pp), pp1a and pp1ab which are cleaved and transformed into a mature form by a protease, non-structural protein 3 (NSP3). NSP3 is encoded by open reading frame (ORF) 1a/b. Curcuma longa (C. longa) or turmeric has been documented to have antiviral effects. The aim of this study was to assess the viral activities of C. longa against SARS-CoV-2 focusing on its potency to inhibit viral replication by targeting NSP3. PubChem databases were used to obtain the metabolic profile of C. longa. The compound's interaction with nucleocapsid was analyzed using molecular docking with Molegro Virtual Docker. Bioinformatics analysis based on rerank score presents all compounds of C. longa have higher binding affinity than the native ligand with cyclocurcumin as the lowest score (-128.38 kcal/mol). This anti-viral activity was hypothesized from the similarity of hydrogen bonds with amino acid residues Ser 128 and Asn 40 as key residues present in Ribavirin. This study reveals that C. longa is the potential to be developed as an antiviral agent through replication inhibition in SARS-CoV-2 targeting its replication mediated by NSP3.

Application of Benford's law in agricultural production statistics

The importance of food supply throughout the world has once again shown its significance in the COVID-19 pandemic period. A continuous food supply is possible with correct agricultural programming. An effective agricultural product programming can only be possible by obtaining precise agricultural data. However, it is very difficult to gather accurate agricultural production statistics from all over the world and confirm their accuracy. In this study, the compatibility of the production statistics of six important agricultural products (wheat, rice, potato, onion, banana, apple) which had been collected from local sources, and had published as opensource by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, with Benford's law was examined for the first time. Data for the last two decades are used to ignore the impact of annual fluctuations. The compatibility of theoretically expected and observed data was tested by Chi-square (X2) and Mean Absolute Deviation (MAD) tests. Although inconsistencies were found in some data by examining the numbers in the first, second, and first two digits, in general, the MAD test results gave a mostly concordant result.

Effect of coronavirus (COVID-19) on production of spices and its economy in Bangladesh

Coronavirus was detected in Bangladesh first time on March 8, 2020 officially. But Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19), first reported in December 2019 from Wuhan in China, had reached the stage of a pandemic. This study was conducted to know the effects of spices against Covid-19 disease, impact of Covid-19 on agro-economy of spices crop and point out of mitigating of spices problem in Bangladesh. Major production of spices was severely affected, causing raw material shortages to the spice production of Bangladesh. Major for spices crop problem were shortages caused by the migration of the workforce due to lockdown. Continuing operation on the industry floor, in the midst of social distancing, and ensuring safety of the spices production, was also a major issue. Although the entire sectors were hit by the economic disruptions, the small-scale spice producers and processors most severely affected. The novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic and the prolonged lockdown have made thousands of farmers, labours and traders feel the pinch of a falling spices yield and sale. Increased production cost of onion, chilli, garlic, ginger, turmeric, coriander and black cumin due to Covid-19 situation over normal situation were 10.33, 9.54, 9.04, 11.46, 9.58, 6.21 and 7.21%, respectively. Market price of onion, chilli, garlic, ginger, turmeric, coriander and black cumin were also increased 5.00, 3.90, 1.39, 3.13, 1.40, 1.25 and 2.67 times, respectively, due to the influence of Covid-19.

Growth acceleration/deceleration in Indian spices economy

The consumption of spices is growing in India with an increase in purchasing power. It is forecasted that everyone in the country would be consuming one spice or the other with a high per capita consumption. It is estimated that we may have a population of around 1.69 billion people during 2050 and approximately the per capita consumption of turmeric, ginger, black pepper and cardamom is expected to be about 1.6 kg, 1.2 kg, 148 g and 54 g, respectively. This may increase further owing to rapid urbanization which needs spices as natural food preservatives. Hence, the present study was conducted to analyze the growth trend in spices economy of India during the period 1990-91 to 2021-22 with reference to the selected growth indicators such as area, production, domestic market, export and export value. For estimating the acceleration in the growth rates, the paper uses semi-logarithmic specification of a non-linear (quadratic) equation. From the analysis, it is observed that there is a huge scope for output and export of spices. Despite the Covid pandemic, spices export from India has continued its upward trend during 2020-21 and has attained an all-time high of US $ 4.0 billion mark for the first time in the history of spices export. It also implies that there is strong domestic market for spices in India.

Immunomodulatory meaning of diet and COVID-19

Introduction and objective:The latest scientific reports showed that there is a relationship between the state of the gastrointestinal tract and the immune system, and the incidence of COVID-19. Diet can exert an immunomodulatory effect and regulate the immune response of an organism. The aim of the review is to show the effects of immunomodulators contained/supplemented in a diet on the infection SARS-CoV-2 and the course of COVID-19. Review methods:The literature review was conducted using PubMed, Google Scholar and the Medline database. Abbreviated description of the state of knowledge:Regular vitamin D supplementation significantly reduces the risk of respiratory infection with SARS-CoV-2;vitamin C may inhibit the expression of the ACE2 receptor in human small alveolar epithelial cells and limit the penetration of SARS-CoV-2;reduced iron levels predispose people to severe COVID-19 symptoms;selenium deficiency may be responsible for a decreased level of antibodies and NK cell cytotoxicity. Alo.. vera isolated polysaccharides strengthens the immune system;the quercetin and ellagic acid in combination with virus proteins show potential antiviral activity against SARSCoV- 2. Subsequently, adaptogens, ginger, echinacea and curcumin - showed anti-inflammatory effects. Also, the optimal composition of the gut microbiota improved/maintained the integrity of the lymphoid tissue found in the gastrointestinal tract (GALT) and the functioning of the gut-pulmonary axis. Summary:Natural immunomodulators may be a relatively safe therapeutic option in patients during the course of COVID-19, but there are still no official recommendations for their practical use in therapy. It should be emphasized that there is a need for further scientific research into the mechanisms of action and efficacy of phytotherapy in the context of the effectiveness of plant-based immunostimulants in alleviating the course of COVID-19 disease.

In silico-based studies on phytochemicals from native Indian plants as potential inhibitors of SARS-CoV-2

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.

Evaluation of antiviral effects and toxicity of herbal medicine Vipdervir capsules

Background: Antiviral vaccine is not effective, synthetic antiviral drugs are highly toxic, leading to increased interest in herbal medicines as promising antiviral drugs. Recently, Vipdervir has been developed from medicinal herbs with the aim to support and treat diseases caused by viruses such as H5N1 and SARSCoV- 2. In the present study, we assessed Vipdervir's antiviral activity against H5N1 and SARS-CoV-2. In addition, we also evaluated the acute toxicity and repeated dose toxicity of Vipdervir in mice and rabbits, respectively. Methods: H5N1 inhibitory effect of Vipdervir was assessed using hemagglutination inhibition assay. Vipdervir's SARS-CoV-2 inhibitory effect was evaluated by Plaque Reduction Neutralization assay. Acute and repeated dose oral toxicities of Vipdervir were determined according to OECD 423 and OECD 407 guidelines, respectively. Results: Data show that Vipdervir is effective against both H5N1 and SARSCoV- 2. At concentrations of 3 mg/mL and 5 mg/mL Vipdervir completely inhibits H5N1. At a concentration of 50 g/mL Vipdervir showed an inhibitory effect on SARS-CoV-2. Acute toxicity data revealed that the LD50 of Vipdervir is greater than 35200 mg/kg, b.wt. in mice. Repeated toxicity data indicated that Vipdervir did not induce significant differences in body weight gain, hematology and clinical biochemistry in compared to the control group. The No Observed Adverse Effect Level of Vipdervir is greater than 613.8 mg/kg b.wt./day in rabbits. No delayed toxicity effects of Vipdervir were observed. Conclusion: Vipdervir capsules were found to be antiviral effective and relatively safe in the tested doses and experimental conditions.

Banana research and development activities in Indonesian tropical fruit research institute to improve the community welfare

Indonesia is a country with a very high diversity of bananas (Musa spp.). The diversity of bananas can be found in Indonesia ranging from wild to commercial ones. Banana research activities at Indonesian Tropical Fruit Research Institute (ITFRI) started with the Musa germplasm collection, comprising local cultivars from several regions in Indonesia in 1987. In 1995, ITFRI introduced several accessions of bananas and plantains from International Network for the Improvement of Banana and Plantain (INIBAP), and at about the same time Musa exploration activities intensively took place to collect both local cultivars and wild species in several main islands of Indonesia. In line with the collection of Musa genetic materials, cultivar development activities were also carried out, including the selection and evaluation of superior characters of local and introduced cultivars, and breeding programs to produce superior quality and disease-tolerant bananas. Some of the superior cultivars resulting from selection and hybridization that have been released were, Ketan-01, Kepok Tanjung, Raja Kinalun, INA-03, and Sang Mulyo. With the outbreak of the current COVID-19 pandemic, public awareness of fruit consumption, including bananas, has also increased. The availability of superior disease-tolerant and high-yielding cultivars such as Kepok Tanjung and Sang Mulyo will greatly assist the availability of domestic bananas.

Edible vaccines: a nutritional substitute for traditional immunization

Edible vaccines are created from transgenic plants and animals and contain immunostimulant. Edible vaccines, to put it simply, are medications generated from plants or animals. In underdeveloped countries, oral vaccines are less expensive and more widely available. Researchers came up with the idea of edible vaccines, in which edible plant pieces are employed as a vaccine factory. To make edible vaccinations, scientists put desired genes into plants and then force the plants to generate the proteins expressed in the genes. Transgenic plants are the result of transformation, whereas transformation is the act of converting plants. The edible vaccination promotes mucosal immunity. Dendritic cells in the gut can assist native T cells activate and differentiate into follicular T-helpers (Tfh). T and B cells will respond precisely to a reliable, digestible immunization. Potato, tomato, banana, carrots, tobacco, papaya, algae, and a variety of other plants are utilised as alternative agents for standard vaccinations. Malaria, cholera, hepatitis, rabies, measles, rotavirus, diarrhoea cancer treatments and treatment of covid-19 are among the illnesses for which plant-based vaccines have been created. It takes time and dedication to develop and sell edible vaccinations. Many edible vaccines for animal and human ailments have been developed and have gone through various levels of clinical testing. The importance of plant-based vaccinations is emphasized in this article.

Mechanism of Huoxiang Zhengqi oral liquid in the treatment of COVID-19 based on biological information technology

Objective: To explore the network regulation mechanism of Huoxiang Zhengqi Oral Liquid(HXZQ) in the treatment of coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19).

Philippine medicinal plants with potentialimmunomodulatory and anti-SARS-CoV-2 activities

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) continues to devastate the world's health and economy, affecting all aspects of life leading to widespread social disruption. Even as several vaccines have been developed, their availability in developing countries is limited and their efficacy against the variants of SARS-CoV-2 (severe acute respiratory syndrome-coronavirus 2) needs to be continuously assessed. The World Health Organization (WHO) has acknowledged that vaccines alone will not overcome the global challenges of COVID-19. Medicinal plants may provide the needed support. Herein, we identify Philippine medicinal plants that possess phytochemicals with potential anti-SARS-CoV-2 activity and/or immunomodulatory properties that may strengthen one's immune system against COVID-19. These plants were selected from 100 of the best-studied Philippine medicinal plants with antiviral and immunomodulatory properties. The general antiviral and specific anti-SARS-CoV-2 activities and immunomodulatory properties of the phytochemicals that these plants contained were searched. While many compounds assessed individually using in vitro and in silico techniques suggest potential anti-SARS-CoV-2 or immunomodulatory effects, this review sought to identify the medicinal plants which contain these compounds and which, based on literature, have the best potential application against COVID-19. These plants are Allium spp. bulbs (bawang), Andrographis paniculata (Burm.f.) Nees leaves (sinta), Cocos nucifera L. oil (niyog), Euphorbia hirta L. leaves (tawa-tawa), Euphorbia neriifolia L. leaves (sorosoro), Moringa oleifera Lam. leaves (malunggay), Ocimum basilicum L. leaves (balanoy), Piper nigrum L. seeds (paminta), Vitex negundo L. leaves (lagundi), and Zingiber officinale Roscoe rhizome (luya). This review provides a shortlist that can guide research on possible solutions to COVID-19 using Philippine medicinal plants.

Investigation on the impact of potential phytocompounds from Curcuma longa against COVID-19

Background and Objective: COVID-19 is a new viral infectious disease caused by SARS-CoV-2 and there are no vaccines or drugs available to treat this deadly disease. Curcuma longa is a well-known medicinal plant with the antiviral property. So, the present study aims to evaluate the antiviral activity of phytocompounds from Curcuma longa against SARS-CoV-2. Materials and Methods: The phytocompounds from the Curcuma longa were docked with the main protease of SARS-CoV-2 (SARS-CoV-2 Mpro) by Autodock 4.2 to analyze the possibility of inhibiting the SARS-CoV-2 Mpro. Protein-ligand interaction profiler and ligplot+v.1.4.5 were used to analyze the interactions between the ligand and protein molecules. The toxicity and pharmacophore of the phytocompounds were determined by SWISSADME and PharmaGist web server.

Curcumin (active component of turmeric): new therapeutic option against COVID-19. (Special Issue: Covid-19 in India.)

As the world has laid down its arms in the battle against the deadly Coronavirus, researchers around the world are trying their best to find a cure from this virus. Till date there is no specific antiviral therapy available to treat COVID-19 patients. Recent studies have shown that turmeric has potent antiviral properties. In India turmeric has been a quintessential part of Indian households. Right from its use in religious rituals to using it for medicinal purposes to using it as a spice for cooking, turmeric has been an inseparable part of our life. Since ages this spice has been used extensively as an immunity booster and for its health enriching properties. With the deadly Corona virus attack, this spice is being used more-than-ever to prepare medicines. Curcumin, the yellow pigment of turmeric is extensively used in our Indian traditional herbal medicines to cure many diseases associated with infection and inflammation for many decades. Curcumin exerts antiviral activities against broad spectrum of viruses including HIV, HSV-2, HPV viruses, Influenza virus, Zikavirus, Hepatitis virus and Adenovirus. It has shown promising efficacy against influenza A viral infections. Scientific evidence suggests that curcumin could have a potential role to treat COVID-19. Nutritional supplements of curcumin with vitamin C and zinc have showed promising results in boosting the natural immunity and protective defense against the CoV infections. Well-defined studies should be performed to evaluate the efficacy of curcumin against SARS-CoV-2 and assess its value as a possible treatment for this deadly virus.

From field to lab

The Crawford Fund has supported a long-running program providing plant pathology and entomology support for smallholder farmers and provincial and district staff in southern Lao PDR. The program has involved over 32 volunteers, mentors and students covering 55 cash crops involved in poverty alleviation. The program has focused on identifying the key pests and diseases while working directly with the farmers to develop appropriate management practices. We endeavour to empower government advisers to work with farmers to alleviate poverty, for example through the production of high value horticulture crops. Activities have included workshops, establishment of small diagnostic laboratories, and the development of pest and disease checklists and extension materials. Benefits also flow to Australia, with volunteers and mentors gaining exposure to pests and diseases not present in Australia, and the opportunity to build professional networks. This case study describes the 'field to lab' approach that has characterised this program and made it successful. Dr Anderson visited Savannakhet and Champasak provinces in February and March 2019 as a volunteer with the Australian Volunteer Program. She worked with local government advisers to visit smallholder farmers and survey the leaf diseases that affect bananas in southern Lao PDR. In-field training for identification of banana leaf diseases was undertaken. Samples were taken to the laboratory for preliminary identification, providing the opportunity for training in specific techniques for working with banana leaf pathogens. Samples were sent to colleagues in internationally recognised laboratories for formal identification, making use of specialised resources not present in Lao PDR. During COVID, ongoing support for the identification of pest and diseases and their management has been through the use of social media such as WhatsApp which link the network of past volunteers, mentors and Lao counterparts.

In silico studies to identify potential natural antiviral agents to treat and control SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19). (Special Issue: Covid-19 in India.)

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.

Empowering the Magersaren community: technology dissemination for ground coffee added value improvement

This paper is aimed to share the community service experiences held at Boro Sumbersari hamlet which is located at 98A UB forest plot. Boro Sumbersari hamlet is inhabited by Magersaren community. The Magersaren community are farmers and forest workers who depend on forest for their livelihoods. Magersaren has been practicing agroforestry for a long time. They grow Robusta and Arabica coffee among other forest plants. Currently coffee is a favorite beverage, the number of its consumers continues to increase. Many people are interested in the ground coffee beans made by Magersaren traditionally, but it has not been widely marketed. The purpose of this community service program is to generate an alternative source of Magersaren household income, through the added value improvement of local flavored ground coffee beans they have. The added value of magersaren's ground coffee beans can be increased through product development technologies such as attractive packaging techniques and the creation of new variants ground coffe beans by adding brown sugar and powdered ginger. The execution of community service activities that have been carried out consists of: (1) program socialization;(2) focus group discussion;(3) production, packaging and management training;(4) small-business starting up;(5) program evaluation. These community service activities are held during the social distancing due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This condition becomes an obstacle to the effectiveness of program implementation. The start-up small business needs to be continuously supported in order to survive through a critical period of business development, especially under economic pressure during the pandemic.

Some immunity-boosting plants used during the COVID-19 pandemic to prevent corona virus infection in Kumaun Himalyan region of Uttarakhand, India

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.

Coping strategies of farm women during Corona pandemic in North Karnataka

Indian population depends on agriculture for their livelihood and they face many problems like flood, drought but COVID-19 was new challenge to the farmers. It created many problems like non availability of labour, equipments, transport facilities, storage facilities, marketing and many more. The study was conducted in Dharwad district of Karnataka during 2020 for 60 farm women from two villages of Hubli taluk by simple random method. The results revealed that 55 per cent of the farm women were in the age group of 31-50 years with medium sized family. Around 88.00 per cent knew COVID-19/Corona is a viral disease and cent per cent of the respondents knew that cough and fever were the sympots of Carona and should stay at home and not to go for work also. Three fourth of the farm women (78.33) expressed that they used to consume hot water. Indigenous practices like turmeric in hot water and ginger tea are the regular practice of the people and regularly they wash all vegetables and fruits before consumption. Eighty per cent said they are aware of only few things to develop immunity against Covid-19. Efforts by different departments should be made to create awareness regarding farming families health and other problems.

A cross-sectional survey of herbal remedy taking to prevent COVID-19 in Turkey. (COVID-19 dedicated issue.)

The Coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19), caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2), has led to unprecedented challenges for human life. During this pandemic, Turkish people have used various herbal remedies for both the prevention of Covid-19 and the alleviate of its symptoms. The present study aimed to investigate the herbal remedies used to prevent Covid-19 in Turkey and to determine whether the usage of herbal remedies was associated with sociodemographic properties. A cross-sectional study using an online questionnaire was conducted between November and December 2020. A total of 871 individuals (15 years of age or older) who lived in various provinces of Turkey participated in this study. Analysis was made in SPSS version 26.0 software using the descriptive statistics and appropriate tests of statistical significance for the comparisons. About 54.4% (n=474) of the participants reported that they have used herbal remedies during the pandemic period. We identified a total of 45 plant species, the most frequently cited were ginger (Zingiber officinale Roscoe), linden (Tilia spp.), elderberry (Sambucus nigra L.), sage (Salvia spp.), and rosehip (Rosa canina L.), respectively. It has been found that the usage of herbal remedies was associated with several demographic variables. A considerable proportion of the participants reported the use of herbal remedies in order to prevent disease. This paper demonstrated the potential herbal remedies that can be used against Covid-19. Further research should be carried out to evaluate the efficacy of these medicinal plants and should control the flow of misleading information.