PLANTARUM

A BRIEF REVIEW OF THE PHYTOCHEMICAL CONSTITUENTS AND ANTIBACTERIAL POTENTIAL OF TRIBULUS TERRESTRIS

MUHAMMAD KHALID AFZAL — 2025-06-15

Tribulus terrestris (Puncture vine) is a medicinal herb found worldwide. Its therapeutic efficacy as Eastern medicine has been known since ancient times. For thousands of years, TT's fruits and roots have been utilized as traditional medicine in India, Pakistan, and China. Several bioactive phytochemicals, including flavonoids and saponins, have been discovered from Tribulus terrestris and are responsible for a variety of pharmacological actions, either alone or in combination. This plant is known to have antioxidants, antibacterial, antidiabetic, antihelmintic, larvicidal, anti-inflammatory, cardiotonic, antispasmodic, diuretic, analgesic, immunomodulatory, hepatoprotective, and anticancer activities. Phytochemical investigations have revealed significant differences in the number of active compounds present in this plant, particularly the concentration of spirostanol and furostanol saponoside, which are thought to be the primary active elements involved in the therapeutic activity of Tribulus terrestris. Several in vitro investigations have shown that Tribulus terrestris extracts in both whole and fractionated forms exhibit antibacterial potential against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacterial pathogens. Tribulus terrestris aqueous extract exhibited greater antibacterial properties than methanol extract and inhibited selective bacterial growth, proposing the existence of bioactive compounds throughout a vast range in Tribulus terrestris. The current study clearly showed that Tribulus terrestris is an abundant source of phytochemicals and has excellent pharmacological properties. Therefore, it is concluded that this plant is very therapeutic and may be utilized to make powerful pharmaceuticals that are beneficial to people.

ANATOMICAL STUDIES OF SOME HYDROPHYTES COLLECTED FROM DISTRICT BHIMBER, AZAD JAMMU KASHMIR, PAKISTAN

Uzma Hanif — 2025-06-15

Hydrophytes play a crucial role in maintaining the ecological balance in aquatic ecosystems. They are bioindicators for water quality, pollution and eutrophication, ultimately assisting habitat restoration. The unique anatomical features of hydrophytes are essential for their survival in waterlogged or submerged environments. Studying these traits reveal how plants evolve to overcome challenges like, low oxygen availability, nutrient absorption and reduced mechanical support. The present study was carried out for the anatomical study of hydrophytes collected from district Bhimber, Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Pakistan. Total three species, Hydrilla verticillata (L.f.) Royle, Eichhornia crassipes (Mart.) Solms and Nymphaea alba L. were collected and preserved in the fixative solutions and subjected to anatomical characterization using a light microscope. In the T.S. of the stem of Nymphaea alba L., trichomes were observed (L=4.50±0.7, W=2.11±0.48) profusely surrounding the layer of epidermis. Larger aerenchyma was observed (L=121.50±47.34, W=92.76±32.26). In the T.S of Hydrilla verticillata (L.f.) Royle, larger aerenchyma cells were also observed (L=41.84±8.86, W=29.49±2.1). In the T.S of Eichhornia crassipes (Mart.) Solms aerenchyma was larger among other cells (L=40.50±1.00, W=28.25±1.48). Trichomes were also examined (L=3.46±1.06, W=1.73±0.20). Larger aerenchyma and multicellular trichomes were observed, indicating that these species are better adapted to the influx of excessive water in their aquatic habitats. Overall, the research is correlating the anatomical characterization of the hydrophytes with their environmental and climatic factors helping to understand the mechanism of ecological adaptations to their aquatic environment.

GLOBAL STANDARDS AND LEGISLATION: ENSURING FOOD SAFETY AND MITIGATING HAZARDS

JAWAD AAMIR — 2025-06-15

Approximately 1 billion cases of infections, especially in the developing world, are spread by biological infectious agents annually. Some of these conditions comprise Botulism, Shgellaiosis, and Campylobacteriosis. In most instances, distress with the stomach, blotting, excessive perspiration, and recurrent fever are often recorded. Physical, chemical, and biological health consequences are few of the variables that threaten food safety. In developing countries, the major cause of contaminants and hazards is primarily linked to underground water sources. The negligence of proper sanitation and drainage system leads to mixing sewage waste into portable water leading to contamination and infestation of many microbes. The habitual practice of dumping the industrial waste into rivers, lakes and other sources of ground water is also responsible for contamination of physical and chemical origin leading to development of various symptoms which could be associated with disease or food poisoning. Another very common practices in developing countries is the habitual adulteration in developing countries, and the use of untreated water for the preparation of various products. These food laws and legislations are implemented to mitigate the hazards and prevent the plausible food born infections, by ensuring food safety and enhancing the quality of the products. In conclusion, using laws like FSMA, GMP, and HACCP to address biological, chemical, and physical risks is necessary to ensure food safety, while also mitigating the various possible hazards of biological, chemical and physical origin.

ALLELOPATHIC EFFECTS OF AQUEOUS EXTRACT OF PHRAGMITES AUSTRALIS ON GERMINATION AND GROWTH OF BRASSICA NIGRA

Ikramullah Khan — 2025-06-15

Brassica nigra was most negatively affected by the allelopathic effects of Phragmites australis aqueous extracts, especially at higher extract concentrations. Higher quantities, particularly of stem extracts, consistently hindered biomass production, root and shoot elongation, and germination, while low doses of leaf extracts marginally promoted germination and growth parameters. Furthermore, biochemical tests showed that whereas leaf extracts at lower concentrations encouraged the formation of flavonoids, high concentrations of stem extracts decreased levels of chlorophyll, carotenoids, and IAA, suggesting stress and repression of metabolic activities. These results support the idea that allelopathy is a mechanism for the invasive success of P. australis, as demonstrated by the considerable inhibitory (phytotoxic) impact of leaf and stem extracts on the germination, growth, and physiological characteristics of nearby plants. Allelochemicals from P. australis had a detrimental overall effect on B. nigra, particularly at higher extract concentrations, underscoring the invasive species' potential danger to agricultural production and plant community structure.

REMOVAL OF COPPER HEAVY METAL BY USING BIOSORPTION TECHNIQUE

Ayesha Shafqat — 2025-06-15

The suitability of agricultural waste material such as Orange (Citrus sinesis L.), Lemon (Citrus limon L.), and mousami (Citrus limetta Risso.) peels to eliminate heavy metal Cr (VI) was investigated using a batch biosorption technique. The amount of metal ions removed from solution is determined by the contact duration between the metal ion substrate and the ions, as well as the ion concentration and type. For all three substrates, contact times were chosen at 15, 30, and 60 minutes. When compared to other biosorbents, such as mousami peels (76 to 89 pp ) shows higher biosorption efficiency as compared to orange and lemon peels i.e.; (40 to 68 ppm) and (44 to 66 ppm) in the aqueous metal solution. In all cases mousami (C. limetta) peels exhibited greatest adsorptive capacity for Cr (VI) ions removal than other biosorbent.

MOLECULAR AND PHENETIC EVIDENCE FOR TWO DISTINCT MORUS SPECIES (MORUS MACROURA MIQ. AND MORUS CATHAYANA HEMSL.) IN PAKISTAN

Hafeeza Amna Saleem — 2025-06-15

Morus is a versatile plant genus with significant economic and medicinal value. It contributes to economic development and is used in the production of various important medicines. To fully utilize its medicinal properties, it is essential to understand its taxonomic and phylogenetic relationships. Morphological and phylogenetic studies have identified two monophyletic species, Morus macroura and Morus cathayana. In Pakistan, Morus macroura is characterized by greenish-white infructescences when mature and has largely ovate to orbicular leaves, often lobed with 2–3 sinuses, measuring 7–15 cm in width and 10–20 cm in length. In contrast, Pakistani Morus cathayana displays red to dark purple infructescences at maturity and features lanceolate to cordate leaves, sometimes lobed on one side with 2–3 sinuses. Despite these differences, the two species are nearly indistinguishable at first glance due to their many shared morphological traits.

ALI ONION (ALLIUM CEPA L.): BIOACTIVE COMPOUNDS, HEALTH BENEFITS, AND POTENTIAL APPLICATIONS OF BY-PRODUCTS

2alizeeshan5 kamboh — 2025-06-15

Onions (Allium cepa L.) are extensively farmed and often used as food which contains numerous bioactive molecules with medicinal importance. This review covers the bioactive compounds, health benefits and uses of onions as well as onion by-products. Onions contain many phytochemicals such as polyphenols, flavonoids and organosulfur compounds that contribute to antioxidative property, antimicrobial activity and prevention of diseases. Onions are also antioxidant, containing a particularly high amount of flavonoid quercetin, thus offering more protection from oxidative stress and chronic diseases. Antibacterial effects of onion extracts Studies have even shown anticancer effects where onion compounds were potentially inhibiting the growth of certain tumors and affecting apoptosis in some cancer cells. Onions could also protect the heart through reducing cholesterol and platelet aggregation. This review highlights the hepatoprotective and neuroprotective effects of onion bioactive compounds. The non-edible outer layers of onions are particularly rich in bioactive compounds and have new trade applicability as functional foods or nutraceuticals. Although onions offer healthful but unexplored potential as a source of chemo preventive agents, additional studies are warranted to understand better their mode of action allowing the optimization for dietary applications as well food industry uses. This review overall highlights the promising role of onions as a functional food and bioactive agent to control various disease-states.

ETHNOMEDICINAL PLANTS USES FOR THE TREATMENT OF DIFFERENT AILMENTS BY LOCAL PEOPLE OF DISTRICT BHAKKAR, PUNJAB, PAKISTAN

Adeel Mustafa — 2025-06-15

Many human illnesses are addressed by plant-based medicines because medicinal plants are a rich source of bioactive chemicals. The major goal of this study is to compile information on the traditional uses of medicinal plants by indigenous groups in District Bhakkar, Punjab, Pakistan. Ethnobotanical data were collected from 130 local informants to document health problems prevalent in the region. The information was gathered through structured questionnaires and in-person interviews during field excursions. District Bhakkar, with its diverse habitat including the Thal desert and fertile lands along the Indus River, hosts 69 plant species across 36 families used by locals. Poaceae was the dominant family, represented by six species. Ethnobotanical data revealed that 52% of the species were used for medicinal purposes, 16% as food, 13% as fodder, 5% for wood, 6% as ornamentals, 2% for crafts, and 2% as insect repellents. Among the 69 documented species, 21 were trees, 26 were shrubs, and 22 were herbs. Poaceae dominates with 6 species. Ethnobotanical data shows 52% medicinal, 16% food, 13% fodder, 5% wood, 6% ornamental, 2% for crafts, and 2% as insect repellents. Of 69 species, 21 are trees, 26 shrubs, 22 herbs. The findings demonstrate that the indigenous population continues to rely on medicinal plants for treating various ailments in their daily lives. This study highlights the importance of ethnobotanical knowledge and can inform local government agencies in developing strategies to conserve these valuable natural resources.

PHYTOCHEMICAL PROFILING AND ALLELOPATHIC IMPACT OF CONOCARPUS ERECTUS L. ON SELECTED AGRICULTURAL CROPS

Maliha Nawaz Mokal — 2025-06-15

The role of phytochemicals in agricultural system is increasingly recognized for its potential to supress or promote plant growth. The study was aimed to screen major phytochemicals and evaluate allelopathic potential of Conocarpus erectus plant parts against germination and growth of wheat, barley and spinach. For phytochemical analysis, four different solvent extracts (aqueous, methanol, acetone and petroleum ether) of plant parts (stem, leaf and bark) were used. Tannins, phenols and quinones were present while flavonoids, alkaloids and phlobatannins were absent in all extracts of C. erectus L. plant parts. For allelopathic evaluation of plant parts, filter paper method was used to apply different concentrations (0.5%, 1% and 2%) of aqueous extracts. Leaf and bark extracts mostly stimulated the germination of spinach and wheat at all concentrations. However, the hypocotyl and radicle growths of wheat were mostly inhibited by all plant parts. The inhibition was found to be concentration dependent. The maximum inhibition of radicle growth was observed by bark extract. Results from experiments showed that C. erectus has some allelopathic effects on crops. It has the potential to cause biochemical and physiological damage to cultivated crops. Therefore, pro-active preventative management of C. erectus L. is required around the crops like wheat, spinach and barley. It should be planted carefully as a boarder cover. Further investigations are required for the possible phytochemicals present in C. erectus.

EFFECTS OF ANTIBIOTIC STRESS ON GERMINATION OF RADISH (RAPHANUS SATIVUS L.) AND TURNIP (BRASSICA RAPA SUBSP. RAPA) CROPS

Hussan Bano — 2025-06-15

Antibiotics are beneficial in combating disease-causing agents. However, their excessive usage has led to environmental contamination through wastewater, manure, and effluents from livestock facilities, classifying them as emerging contaminants. To assess the phytotoxic effects of antibiotic stress, erythrocin and doxycycline (0, 5, 10, and 15 mM) were applied to radish (Raphanus sativus L.) and turnip (Brassica rapa subsp. rapa.) in a petri plate germination experiment, conducted at the Physiology Laboratory, Department of Botany, The Women University, Multan. Both crops exhibited distinct germination responses under antibiotic stress. Turnip (var. PT) showed complete germination inhibition (0%) at 15 mM erythrocin, whereas radish (var. R Manu) retained 77% germination at the same concentration. Antibiotic stress significantly reduced radicle length more than germination rates. Erythrocin caused a 17% reduction in radish (var. R 40), 3% in radish (var. R Manu), and 92% in turnip (var. TG), while doxycycline led to reductions of 50% in (var. R 40, 92% in (var.TG), and 77% in (var. PT). Erythrocin demonstrated greater phytotoxicity than doxycycline, highlighting species- and concentration-dependent effects.

ANTIFUNGAL EFFICACY OF BUTANOLIC ROOT EXTRACT OF CHENOPODIUM MURALE

Arshad Javaid — 2025-06-15

Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. lycopersici (FOL) is a very detrimental fungal pathogen that affects tomato crops. This study employed the n-butanol fraction of the root extract of nettle-leaved goosefoot weed (Chenopodium murale L.) to control this pathogen. The dried and crushed roots of C. murale were extracted using methanol. After removing the soluble components of n-hexane, chloroform, and ethyl acetate, the n-butanol fraction was finally recovered. Laboratory bioassay was conducted using concentrations of this fraction ranging from 1.562 to 200 mg mL-1. The antifungal effect of 12.5 mg mL-1 and greater dosages was significant, with a 48–99% reduction in FOL biomass. GC-MS analysis revealed the presence of eighteen phytochemicals in the extract. These included 2-methylnonane (13.20%), 1-hexanol (11.07%), 1-heptanol (10.38%), 3-hexanol (9.55%), γ-sitosterol (6.79%), oleic acid (6.64%), 2-hydroxyoctanoic acid (6.29%), 1-nonyne (6.12%), acetoxyacetone (5.79%), decane (5.39%), palmitic acid (4.95%), 1,1-diethoxypropane (3.54%), acetic acid, hexyl ester (3.11%), methyl oleate (2.37%), stigmasterol (1.87%), β-sitosterol (1.35%), 17-octadecenoic acid (0.93%), and stearic acid (0.56%). A literature survey revealed that the compounds namely 1-hexanol, 1-hepanol, palmitic acid, oleic acid, stearic acid and β-sitosterol are antifungal in nature and may be responsible for FOL control in the current investigation.

NUTRIENT MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES TO ENHANCE CHICKPEA PRODUCTION USING RESIDUAL RICE MOISTURE IN THE ARID CONDITIONS OF DERA ISMAIL KHAN

Iqtidarhussain — 2025-06-15

Application of macro and micronutrients is vital for raising the yield of crops and yield contributing parameters. The current research was led to applying macro and micronutrients on rice harvest residue moisture to enhance growth of chickpea and grain production. Throughout the course of the study, information was gathered on the following parameters crop growth rate, chlorophyll content, nodules count per plant, days to 50% flowering, plant height (cm), branches count per plant, pods count per plant, seed count per plant, pod weight, 100 seed weight, grain yield, biological yield, harvest index, and economic analysis. The means of the various treatments differed significantly from one another. Using all macro and micromanagement approaches, nipping management yielded the maximum grain production (2505 kg ha^-1), nutrients in relation to the reference (809.7 kg ha^-1). Therefore, applying macro and micronutrients (foliar application) is advised for rice harvest in arid places to increase seed yield and improve economic return per unit area from chickpea crop using pinching management approach.