Cajanus cajan shows multiple novel adaptations in response to regular mechanical stress.

Cajanus cajan is one of the least studied crop plants regarding its responses to stress conditions. Regular mechanical stress suppresses plant physiology and growth at the cellular and systemic levels. In the current study, we have explored morphological, physiological, and anatomical adaptations of C. cajan seedlings to regular mechanical stress. Young seedlings of C. cajan were given mechanical stress in the form of touch for fifteen days and observed for various changes. Touch stimuli caused an immediate release of oxidative burst, suppressed plant growth, increased compactness of the stem tissue, and altered the chlorophyll a/b ratio. We have also identified two novel phenotypes; regular touch stimuli affected the nyctinasty movements of the leaves and also affected the root nodule development. We have identified and studied the expression of four putative touch responsive calcium binding genes, TCH gene homologs, in C. cajan using Arabidopsis TCH gene sequences. At an early time point, the expression of two TCH gene homologs (CcTCH1-1 and CcTCH2-2) were found to be upregulated. This study unravels the novel adaptation displayed by C. cajan in response to mechanical stress that can be used as a phenotypic marker for future studies in this plant.

Standardization of Feronia limonia L. leaves by HPLC, HPTLC, physico-chemical and histological parameters / Estandarización de hojas de Feronia limonia L. por HPLC, HPTLC, parámetros fisicoquímicos e histológicos

Feronia limonia (Family Rutaceae, subfamily Aurantioideae), commonly known as kaitha or wood apple, is widely used as an ethnomedicine in India. Its leaves are prescribed for a wide variety of ailments like diarrhoea, urinary disorders, treatment of piles or haemorrhoids, acidity, ulcers, ringworm and other chronic skin infections. However, detailed scientific information is not available to identify the plant material and to ascertain its quality and purity. In the present communication, a qualitative fingerprinting of Feronia limonia (FL), extracts have been performed by HPTLC and HPLC methods, which provide qualitative insights into the bioactive constituents present in the extracts. Also, morphological anatomical and physico-chemical characters, along with phytochemical screening and fluorescence analysis of powdered crude drug were carried out for systemic identification and authentification of leaves. This study provides referential information for identification and characterization of FL leaf and its extracts.

Feronia limonia (Familia Rutaceae, subfamilia Aurantioideae), comúnmente conocida como kaitha o manzana de madera, y es extensamente usada como una ethnomedicina en India. Sus hojas son indicadas para una amplia variedad de dolencias como diarrea, desórdenes urinarios, el tratamiento de hemorroides, acidez, úlceras, tiña y otras infecciones crónicas de la piel. Sin embargo, la información científica detallada no está disponible para identificar el material de la especie y averiguar su calidad y pureza. En la presente comunicación, un análisis cualitativo de extractos de Feronia limonia (FL), se realizó por HPTLC y HPLC, lo que proporcionó información cualitativa de los componentes bioactivos presentes en los extractos. También, los caracteres anatómicos, fisico-químicos y morfológicos, junto con un examen fitoquímico y análisis de fluorescencia de la planta en polvo fueron realizados para la identificación sistémica y autentificación de las hojas. Este estudio proporciona la información de referencia para identificación y caracterización de las hojas de FL y sus extractos.