DOCSLIB.ORG

Phytochemical and the Antibacterial, Antifungal and Cytotoxic Activities of Different Fractional Extracts of Alstonia Scholaris

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Phytochemical and the Antibacterial, Antifungal and Cytotoxic Activities of Different Fractional Extracts of Alstonia Scholaris International Journal of Research in Pharmacy and Biosciences Volume 7, Issue 1, 2020, PP 1-9 ISSN 2394-5885 (Print) and ISSN 2394-5893 (Online) Phytochemical and the Antibacterial, Antifungal and Cytotoxic Activities of Different Fractional Extracts of Alstonia Scholaris Joushan Ara*, A T M Yusuf and Md. Shahidul Islam Department of Pharmacy, University of Science and Technology Chittagong (USTC), Chattogram, Bangladesh *Corresponding Author: Joushan Ara, Lecturer, Department of Pharmacy, University of Science & Technology Chittagong (USTC), Bangladesh. ABSTRACT Though some plants found in nature are poisonous but there are some plants which serve us as source of energy and effective drugs. Considering the medical importance and source of origin, the plant Alstonia scholaris has been subjected for fractionation with different solvents. The different fractions of ethanolic extract of Alstonia scholaris were evaluated for the antibacterial, antifungal activities and cytotoxic activity as well as biological activity. Phytochemical properties of leaves of Alstonia scholaris were also examined. The different solvent fractions showed the presence of tannins, glycosides, steroids and alkaloids. The different fractions of ethanolic extract of Alstonia scholaris were evaluated for the total phenolic content, total flavonoid content, the antibacterial, antifungal activities and cytotoxic activity. The different fractions of ethanolic extract of Alstonia scholaris were also undertaken to investigate for antibacterial activity using well diffusion method on Gram positive (Staphylococcus aureus) as well as Gram negative bacteria (Eacherichia coli). Crude ethanol fraction exhibited highest activity against S. aureus and E. coli, showed the inhibition zone with diameters 14mm and 13 mm respectively. Whereas ethyl acetate, chloroform and Dia-ion resin adsorbed fraction exhibited lesser activity, while petroleum ether fraction showed no inhibition. For screening biological activities, cytotoxicity test was also performed with various extractives of the Alstonia scholaris. From the result it was observed that ethyl acetate fraction had the highest cytotoxicity activity against Artemiasalina (brine shrimp) with LD50 values 944.730, 2819.016, 83.994, 19.012 and 12.213 ppm after 6, 12, 18, 24 and 30 hours’ treatment respectively. Keywords: Phytochemistry, Cytotoxicity test, Alstonia scholaris Chloroform. INTRODUCTION the food materials so essential for sustenance of the life of animals but also certain other In the beginning of the nineteenth century, the substances, such as alkaloids, vitamins, mankind stepped into the industrial life, partly glycosides, toxalbumins, essential oils, resins, neglecting the dependence on plant kingdom. As bitter principles etc. which are necessary for a result, the ecological balance of the plant and growth, maintenance and protection of life. the animal life is disturbed and the world is Many of these are essential for metabolic being threatened by the industrial pollution and activities (3), many are medicines to human and hazards (1). This is why the modern world is animal life. Many of these are harmful to animal interestingly tending to go back to the pre- life, at least under certain conditions. Plants industrialized days, when the mankind used to containing medicinal properties are commonly depend on the plant kingdom for their food, known as medicinal plants (4). The plants shelter, medicine and other essential commodities. containing these principles are capable of acting This is perhaps, the only way to protect the deleteriously, are popularly known as poisonous ecological balance. plants. A poisonous plant is one which, as a The raw materials of the plant kingdom as whole or as a part thereof, under all or certain mentioned above are directly or indirectly conditions, and in a manner and in amount likely produced by the plants, but are very seldom to be taken or by brought into contact with an used by themselves and serve human beings in organism, 'will exert harmful effects or cause many ways (2). These are called the secondary death either immediately or by reason of metabolites or the natural products. By the cumulative action of the toxic property, due to metabolic activity of plants produces not only the presence of known or unknown chemical International Journal of Research in Pharmacy and Biosciences V7 ● I1 ● 2020 1 Phytochemical and the Antibacterial, Antifungal and Cytotoxic Activities of Different Fractional Extracts of Alstonia Scholaris substances in it (5). Although some of these different ethnic communities in India have used plants are once poisons, medicines and food or different species of Alstonia in the treatment of fodder. The genus Alstonia belongs to the various human ailments (7). The common family Apocynaceae. It includes totally 43 Bengali name of the plant Alstonia scholaris are species of which two species namely, A. Satiani, Chattin, Chatium. Alstonia scholaris is scholaris (L.) R. Br. and A. venenata R. Br. are widely distributed in dried forest of India, represented in South India (6). These two Western Himalayas, Western Ghats and in the species can be identified with their habits, shape Southern region (8). It grows more or less in all and texture of the leaves, fruit size and papilla districts of Bangladesh. It grows Malaysia, of the seeds. When these plants are used in Australia and Solomon Islands as an ornamental. It herbal formulations, their botanical identity is distributed in Pakistan, Thailand, Philippines, needs to be established beyond any ambiguity. Indonesia (9) and tropical regions of Africa and The genus Alstonia finds a prominent place in Asia Habitat found to be in deciduous and different Indian systems of medicine. The evergreen forests, also in plains (10). Figure1. Alstonia scholaris plant FLOW CHART OF PLANT EXTRACTION Figure2. Flow chart for the preparation of different fraction 2 International Journal of Research in Pharmacy and Biosciences V7 ● I1 ● 2020 Phytochemical and the Antibacterial, Antifungal and Cytotoxic Activities of Different Fractional Extracts of Alstonia Scholaris METHODS AND MATERIALS yellow or red precipitate was the indication for the presence of tannins. In this study, all the reagents and chemicals were used were purchased from THOMAS BAKER Test for Steroids (MUMBAI, INDIA), BDH (ENGLAND), Libermann-Burchard’s Test FLUKA (SWITZERLAND) and E. MERCK (GERMANY). Rectified spirit and absolute A small amount of different fractionates of the alcohol were available from Carew and company, plant materials was dissolved in 1 mL of Darsana, Chuadanga. The Solvents used mainly in chloroform, 2 mL of acetic anhydride and 1 mL of concentrated sulphuric acid were added to the this work are benzene, acetone, tetrahydrofuran solution. Formation of a greenish color which (THF), ethyl acetate, chloroform, n-hexane, terns blue on standing was the indication for the petroleum ether, methanol, absolute alcohol, presence of steroids. toluene etc. The solvents were dried and distilled when necessary. Test for Alkaloids The Alstonia scholaris plant leaves were Color Test collected from the cultivated neighboring areas About 0.5g of the extract was stirred with 5 mL of BCSIR, Rajshahi. The collected leaves were of 1% hydrochloric acid on a steam bath and cleaned with water. was filtered. 1 mL of the filtrate was treated The whole extraction process is shown in the with a few drops of Dragendorff‟s (Bismuth following flow chart. potassium iodide solution) reagent. Formation of orange-red precipitate was the indication for The Alstonia scholaris leaf extracts of the presence of alkaloids. Petroleum ether, Ethyl acetate, Chloroform, Methanol and Ethanol solvents were used for the Biological Studies are Performed in Two Ways phytochemical analysis for the identification of Anti-bacterial& Anti-fungal screening (in various classes of chemical compounds using vitro) crude methanol extract and different the standard protocol. fractions. SCREENING PROCEDURE Cytotoxicity assay study Test for Saponins DETERMINATION OF ANTI-BACTERIAL & ANTI-FUNGAL ACTIVITY OF THE TEST Frothing Test AGENT BY MEASURING THE ZONE OF About 0.1g of different fractionates of the plant INHIBITION materials was taken vigorously with water. The discs were placed in such a way that they Production of a persistent frothing (which were not closer than 15 mm to the edge of the remains stable on heating) was the indication for plate and for enough apart to prevent the presence of saponins. overlapping the zones of inhibition. Test for Glycosides After 24 hours incubation, the antibacterial General Test activities of the antibiotic extracts were determined by measuring the zone of inhibition A small amount of different fractionates of the in term of mm by a transparent scale. Inhibitory plant materials was taken in a test tube and was zone obtained by samples were compared to that dissolved in 1 mL of water. A few drops of of the standard disc. aqueous sodium hydroxide solution were then added to the test tube. Development of yellow DETERMINATION OF MINIMUM INHIBITORY color was the indication for the presence of CONCENTRATIONS OF THE ANTIBACTERIAL glycosides. AGENTS Test for Tannins Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) may be defined as the lowest concentration of an Lead Acetate Test antimicrobial drug to inhibit the growth of the About 5 mL of aqueous solution of different organism. The data derived from the test can be fractionates of the plant material was taken in a corrected with
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Alstonia Scholaris R. Br
    ALSTONIA SCHOLARIS R. BR. Alstonia scholaris R. Br. Apocyanaceae Ayurvedic name Saptaparna Unani name Kashim Hindi names Saptaparna, Chhatwan Trade name Saptaparni Parts used Stem bark, leaves, latex, and flowers Alstonia scholaris – sapling Therapeutic uses lstonia is a bitter tonic, febrifuge, diuretic, anthelmintic, stimulant, carminative, stomachic, aphrodisiac, galactagogue, and haemo- Astatic. It is used as a substitute for cinchona and quinine for the treatment of intermittent periodic fever. An infusion of bark is given in fever, dyspepsia, skin diseases, liver complaints, chronic diarrhoea, and dysentery. Morphological characteristics Saptaparna is a medium-sized evergreen tree, usually 12–18 m high, sometimes up to 27 m high, with close-set canopy. Bark is rough, greyish- white, yellowish inside, and exudes bitter latex when injured. Leaves are four to seven in a whorl, and are thick, oblong, with a blunt tip. They are dark green on the top, and pale and covered with brownish pubescence on the dorsal surface. 21 AGRO-TECHNIQUES OF SELECTED MEDICINAL PLANTS Floral characteristics Flowers are fragrant, greenish-white or greyish-yellow in umbrella-shaped cymes. Follicles (fruits) are narrowly cylindrical, 30 cm × 3 cm, fascicled, with seeds possessing brown hair. Flowering and fruiting occur from March to July, extending to August in subtropical climate. Distribution The species is found in the sub-Himalayan tract from Yamuna eastwards, ascending up to 1000 m. It occurs in tropical, subtropical, and moist de- ciduous forests in India, and is widely cultivated as avenue tree throughout India. Climate and soil The species can be grown in a variety of climatic conditions in India, ranging from dry tropical to sub-temperate.
    [Show full text]
  • Indigenous Uses of Ethnomedicinal Plants Among Forest-Dependent Communities of Northern Bengal, India Antony Joseph Raj4* , Saroj Biswakarma1, Nazir A
    Raj et al. Journal of Ethnobiology and Ethnomedicine (2018) 14:8 DOI 10.1186/s13002-018-0208-9 RESEARCH Open Access Indigenous uses of ethnomedicinal plants among forest-dependent communities of Northern Bengal, India Antony Joseph Raj4* , Saroj Biswakarma1, Nazir A. Pala1, Gopal Shukla1, Vineeta1, Munesh Kumar2, Sumit Chakravarty1 and Rainer W. Bussmann3 Abstract Background: Traditional knowledge on ethnomedicinal plant is slowly eroding. The exploration, identification and documentation on utilization of ethnobotanic resources are essential for restoration and preservation of ethnomedicinal knowledge about the plants and conservation of these species for greater interest of human society. Methods: The study was conducted at fringe areas of Chilapatta Reserve Forest in the foothills of the eastern sub-Himalayan mountain belts of West Bengal, India, from December 2014 to May 2016. Purposive sampling method was used for selection of area. From this area which is inhabited by aboriginal community of Indo-Mongoloid origin, 400 respondents including traditional medicinal practitioners were selected randomly for personal interview schedule through open-ended questionnaire. The questionnaire covered aspects like plant species used as ethnomedicines, plant parts used, procedure for dosage and therapy. Results: A total number of 140 ethnomedicinal species was documented, in which the tree species (55) dominated the lists followed by herbs (39) and shrubs (30). Among these total planted species used for ethnomedicinal purposes, 52 species were planted, 62 species growing wild or collected from the forest for use and 26 species were both wild and planted. The present study documented 61 more planted species as compared to 17 planted species documented in an ethnomedicinal study a decade ago.
    [Show full text]
  • Morphological, Anatomical and Biochemical Studies on the Foliar Galls of Alstonia Scholaris
    Revista Brasil. Bot., V.34, n.3, p.343-358, jul.-set. 2011 Morphological, anatomical and biochemical studies on the foliar galls of Alstonia scholaris (Apocynaceae) SUSY ALBERT1,2, AMEE PADHIAR1, DHARA GANDHI1 and PRIYANKA NITYANAND1 (received: April 23, 2010; accepted: June 30, 2011) ABSTRACT – (Morphological, anatomical and biochemical studies on the foliar galls of Alstonia scholaris (Apocynaceae)). Morphological, anatomical and biochemical alterations in foliar galls of Alstonia scholaris R. Br. induced by the insect Pauropsylla tuberculata (Psyllidae) are described and quantified. Galls occur isolated or agglomerated on the abaxial surface of the leaf. The insect along with the egg deposits some physiologic fluid which act as a stimulant for the induction of the gall. This stimulus brings about hypertrophy followed by hyperplasia of cells next to the location of the deposited eggs. The psyllid presents three nymphal instars, from eclosion of the egg to the adult. Hyperplasia in the palisade cells is very distinctly noticed. Hypertrophy followed by hyperplasia takes place and brings about elevation of hypodermal and palisade parenchyma which undergoes repeated anticlinal divisions. Neoformation of phloematic bundles were distinctly noticed close to the site of infection. With an increase in the growth of the gall, chlorophyll content in the gall tissue decreases. A steady increase of sugar content is noticed. The immature galled tissue showed almost two fold increases in the protein content. The mature galled tissue showed a very high increase in the proline content compared to the immature galled tissue indicating a stressed condition of the galled tissue. Key words - hyperplasia, hypertrophy, Pauropsylla tuberculata RESUMO – (Estudos morfológicos, anatômicos e bioquímicos em galhas foliares de Alstonia scholaris (Apocynaceae)).
    [Show full text]
  • Research Journal of Pharmaceutical, Biological and Chemical Sciences
    ISSN: 0975-8585 Research Journal of Pharmaceutical, Biological and Chemical Sciences Study Of Soil And Vegetation Characteristics In The Lower Gangetic Plains Of West Bengal Rimi Roy1*, Mousumi Maity2, and Sumit Manna3. 1Department of Botany, Jagannath Kishore College, Purulia -723101, West Bengal, India. 2Department of Botany, Scottish Church College, Kolkata-700006, West Bengal, India. 3Department of Botany, Moyna College, affiliated to Vidyasagar University, Moyna, Purba Medinipur -721629, West Bengal, India. ABSTRACT The Lower Gangetic Plains particularly from Dakhineshwar to Uluberia, West Bengal was investigated for the taxonomic and ecological analyses of its naturalized vegetation. The physicochemical studies of soil were also performed from this site. It was observed mangrove plants prevailed at zones where higher percentage of silt was present, while inland plants were grown where percentage of sand and clay were higher. A total of 95 plant species were recorded and their phytoclimatic study was done and the result revealed that percentage of phanerophytes was maximum among others. From phytosociological study it was observed that mangrove associates such as Cryptocoryne ciliata and Oryza coarctata showed highest IVI values, on the other hand Cynodon dactylon was dominated at non-mangrove site. The present analyses indicated existence of two distinct plant communities in the site with more or less stable vegetation pattern. Keywords: Lower Gangetic Plain, vegetation, diversity, community *Corresponding author May–June 2017 RJPBCS 8(3) Page No. 1558 ISSN: 0975-8585 INTRODUCTION Though India has a wide range of vegetation comprising of tropical rain forest, tropical deciduous forest, thorny forest, montane vegetation and mangrove forest, the Gangetic Plains in India form an important biogeographic zone in terms of vegetation characterized by fine alluvium and clay rich swamps, fertile soil and high water retention capacity.
    [Show full text]
  • 54 a Review On: Nyctanthes Arbortristis Linn. Rejuvinating Herbs
    International Journal of Research in Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences ISSN: 2455-698X www.pharmacysciencejournal.com Volume 1; Issue 1; March 2016; Page No. 54-62 A review on: Nyctanthes arbortristis Linn. Rejuvinating herbs * Jadhav Santosh, Patil Manojkumar Department of Pharmaceutics, Sahyadri College of Pharmacy, Methwade, Sangola, Solapur, Maharashtra, India. Abstract Ayurveda is one of the oldest systems of medicine that uses plants and their extracts for treatment and management of various diseased states. Nyctanthes arbortristis Linn. (NAT) is well known Indian medicinal plant. Phytochemicals like flavanol glycoside, oleanic acid, essential oils, tannic acid, carotene, friedeline, lupeol, glucose, benzoic acid have been reported for significant, hepatoprotective, antileishmaniasis, antiviral, antifungal, antipyretic, antihistaminic, antimalerial, antibacterial, anti- inflammatory, antioxidant activities. Further investigations exploring possible use of these phytochemicals as pharmacological agents are warranted.Each part of the plant has some medicinal value and isthus commercially exploitable. It is now considered as a valuable source of several unique products for the medicines against various diseases and also for the development of some industrial products. The article reviews is an attempt to compile and documented information on different aspect of Nyctanthes arbortristis pharmacological properties and article published on this plant highlighted the need for research and their potential development. Keywords: Nyctanthes arbortristis, Phytochemicals, Ayurveda, Harsingar Introduction Common name of Nyctanthes arbortristis (sad tree) [1] Nyctanthes arbortristisis also called the “tree of sorrow”, because the flowers lose their brightness during daytime; the Common name Area Common name Area scientific name arbor-tristis also means “sad tree”. The Seri gading Malaysia Seri gading Malaysia flowers can be used as a source of yellow day for clothing.
    [Show full text]
  • A Survey of Medicinal Plants Used by the Folk Medicinal Practitioners of Shetabganj Village in Dinajpur District, Bangladesh
    196 American-Eurasian Journal of Sustainable Agriculture, 4(2): 196-203, 2010 ISSN 1995-0748 © 2010, American-Eurasian Network for Scientific Information This is a refereed journal and all articles are professionally screened and reviewed ORIGINAL ARTICLES A survey of medicinal plants used by the folk medicinal practitioners of Shetabganj village in Dinajpur district, Bangladesh 1Mohammed Rahmatullah, Tabibul islam, Md. Ehasanul Hasan, Rasheda Ahmed, Farhana Jamal, Rownak Jahan, 2Mst. Afsana Khatun, Nusratun Nahar, Shamima Ahsan, Aynun Nahar, Ishtiaq Ahmad 1Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Development Alternative, Dhanmondi, Dhaka, Bangladesh. 2Dept. of Pharmacy, Lincoln College, Mayang Plaza, Block A, No 1, Jalan SS 26/2, Taman Mayang Jaya, 47301, Petaling Jaya, Selangor Darul Ehsan, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Mohammed Rahmatullah, Talibur Rahman, Md. Ehasanul Hasan, Rasheda Ahmed, Farhana Jamal, Rownak Jahan, Mst. Afsana Khatun, Nusratun Nahar, Shamima Ahsan, Aynun Nahar, Ishtiaq Ahmad: A survey of medicinal plants used by the folk medicinal practitioners of Shetabganj village in Dinajpur district, Bangladesh: Am.-Eurasian J. Sustain. Agric., C(C): CC-CC, 2010 ABSTRACT Folk medicinal practitioners (Kavirajes) constitute the first tier for provision of primary health care to the rural population of 86,000 villages in Bangladesh. Their treatment method for most ailments is oral or topical administration of decoctions, or direct application of whole plants or plant parts, or juices obtained from crushing or maceration of whole plant or plant parts. This practice has been going on from ancient periods and the volume of patient satisfaction suggests that the treatments are on the whole serving their purpose. The medicinal plants chosen by the Kavirajes vary considerably even between adjacent villages.
    [Show full text]
  • Progress Report - 2 2012
    Rufford Small Grant: Progress Report - 2 2012 Project Title: Assessing the diversity of national red listed vascular plants and hotspots identification at Rema- Kalenga Wildlife Sanctuary, Bangladesh Project leader: Md. Qumruzzaman Chowdhury Project summary Rema-Kalenga Wildlife Sanctuary (RKWS) is one of the most critical protected areas (PA) in Bangladesh where a large number endemic plant and animal species have already disappeared due to severe anthropogenic disturbances. Therefore, assessment of red listed species diversity and identification of biodiversity hotspots are important in conservation management. Hence, the general objective of the work is to develop baseline information on the occurrence and diversity patterns of the national red listed vascular plant species in the PA to foster conservation of these threatened components of nature. Specific objectives (I) Quantification of red listed species diversity and exploration of their distributional patterns in different habitats. (II) Identification of hotspots within the PA. Results Diversity of Red Listed Vascular Plants We found a total of 66 red listed vascular plants of 35 families and 55 genera in the Rema- Kalenga Wildlife Sanctuary (Table 1). Plantation forest consists of 47 species of 42 genus and 28 families. Natural forest has 17 unique species. Highest richness value (18) was found in plot 2 of natural forest and lowest value was observed in sample plot 4 (Figure 1a). Out of 50 plots in 1 Rufford Small Grant: Progress Report - 2 2012 plantation forest 4 plots did not have any red listed species. Richness value ranged from 0 to 14 with a mean value of 5.32. In terms of alpha diversity, mean values were 1.64 and 1.07 for natural and plantation forests, respectively (Figure 1b).
    [Show full text]
  • Information Sheet on Ramsar Wetlands (RIS) Categories Approved by Recommendation 4.7 of the Conference of the Contracting Parties
    Information Sheet on Ramsar Wetlands (RIS) Categories approved by Recommendation 4.7 of the Conference of the Contracting Parties. 1. Date this sheet was completed/updated: FOR OFFICE USE ONLY. 28 January 2002 DD MM YY 2. Country: Nepal Designation date Site Reference Number 3. Name of wetland: Beeshazar and associated Lakes 4. Geographical coordinates: 27° 37'04.6" N, 84° 26' 11.3 E 5. Elevation: (average and/or max. & min.)286 m 6. Area: (in hectares) 3200 ha 7. Overview: (general summary, in two or three sentences, of the wetland's principal characteristics) Forested wetlands having finger-like projection with series of associated lakes, meadows, swamps and marshes present. Rainwater impoundment and additional water supplied from Khageri Dam. The canal runs diagonally through the Tikauli forest which is a wildlife corridor for the animals moving from the Siwalik hill range to the Mahabharat mountains. 8. Wetland Type (please circle the applicable codes for wetland types; in the present document, the “Ramsar Classification System for Wetland Type” is found on page 9) marine-coastal: A• B• C• D• E• F• G •H• I • J • K• Zk(a) inland: L • M• N• O• P • Q• R •Sp• Ss• Tp Ts•U•Va• Vt•W•Xf• Xp •Y•Zg•Zk(b) human-made:1•2•3•4•5•6•7•8•9•Zk(c) Please now rank these wetland types by listing them from the most to the least dominant: Inland Wetlands : O, M, N, P, Xf, Tp, Ts Human made: 9, 6, 2 9. Ramsar Criteria: (please circle the applicable Criteria; the Criteria for Identifying Wetlands of International Importance are reprinted beginning on page 11 of this document.) 1•2•3•4•5•6•7•8 Please specify the most significant criterion applicable to the site: 1 and 2 10.
    [Show full text]
  • Acrobat Distiller, Job 4
    Final Report Habitat Restoration in Royal Bardia National Park (Scaling up Effort to Conserve the Wild Tiger Population in and around Nepal’s Royal Bardia National Park) (Project #: 2000-0182-017) Submitted to Save the Tiger Fund, US Submitted by King Mahendra Trust for Nature Conservation July 2002 Prepared by Shant Raj Jnwali, PhD Abstract The report highlights activities and achievements of Habitat Restoration Program implemented in Royal Bardia NP’s southwestern buffer zone and adjacent areas, mainly in Thakurdwara and Suryapatuwa VDCs. The overall field activities were implemented through KMTNC’s Bardia based Bardia Conservation Program and the financial support was made available from Save the Tiger Fund US. The objectives of the program were to restore potential but seriously degraded habitats for tiger and its prey base and provide economic incentives to the local communities inhabiting southern peripheral areas of the park through ICDP aimed at developing local guardianship in conserving tiger and its prey base in their natural habitats. Over all activities were implemented in direct collaboration with the Royal Bardia National Park, Buffer Zone Development Council, Users Committees, Women Environment Groups, Village Development Committees and local government institutions. An effective linkage was also maintained among the line agencies such as Buffer Zone Development Project, Terai Arc Landscape and Participatory Conservation Program. The current security situation prevailed in the western part of the country hindered the implementation of field activities to a greater extent. Despite this, overall activities were successfully implemented and satisfactory results have been obtained. The main activities undertaken during March 2001 – June 2002 in Thakurdwara- Suryapatuwa area include community forestry program, wildlife monitoring, training to naturalists, micro-enterprise development, community health services, wildlife damage control, conservation education and alternative energy program.
    [Show full text]
  • Alstonia Scholaris R
    Alstonia scholaris R. Br. Apocynaceae white cheese wood, shaitan wood, pulai, chatiyan wood LOCAL NAMES Bengali (satiani,chattin,chatium); Burmese (lettok); English (white cheesewood,birrba,milkwood pine,milk wood,milky pine,black board tree,devil's tree,dita bark); Filipino (dita,dalipoen); Gujarati (satuparni); Hindi (chatian,satni,satwin,saitan-ki-jhad); Indonesian (rite,pulai,pule); Javanese (pule); Lao (Sino-Tibetan) (tinpet); Malay (pulai,pulai linlin); Nepali (chhatiwan,chhataun); Sanskrit (saptaparna); Tamil (elalaipalai,palegaruda,pala); Thai (sattaban,teenpet,teenpethasaban); Trade name (pulai,shaitan wood,chatiyan wood,white cheese wood); Urdu (chatiana); Vietnamese (caay suwxa,caay mof cua) Alstonia scholaris (Chongrak Wachrinrat) BOTANIC DESCRIPTION Alstonia scholaris is a medium to large tree, to about 40 m high with a somewhat tessellated corky grey to grey-white bark. The boles of larger trees are strongly fluted to 10 m. The outer blaze is cream to yellowish in colour with abundant, milky latex that flows rapidly when cut. Leaves in whorls of 4-8 in the upper axils; leaf stalks 1-1.5 cm long, the lamina obovate to elliptical or elliptical-lanceolate, glabrous or sparsely hairy, tapering towards the base, 11.5-23 x 4-7.5 cm. Upper surface is dark green, the lower green-white with 25-40 pairs of lateral veins on each side of the midrib and 2-6 mm apart. The tip of the leaf is rounded or shortly pointed, tapering towards the base. The inflorescence is a much-branched terminal panicle, up to 120 cm long; flowers 7-10 mm long white, cream or green; the tube hairy; lobes sparsely or densely pubescent, 1.5-4 mm long, the left margins overlapping; strongly perfumed.
    [Show full text]
  • Environmental Impact of Coal Based Power Plant of Rampal on the Sundarbans (World Largest Mangrove Forest) and Surrounding Areas
    MOJ Ecology & Environmental Science Research Article Open Access Environmental impact of coal based power plant of Rampal on the Sundarbans (world largest mangrove forest) and surrounding areas Abstract Volume 2 Issue 3 - 2017 The physico-chemical conditions of air, water and soil, and biological conditions of the proposed Coal based Power Plant area (Rampal), Mongla and the Sundrabans were Abdullah Harun Chowdhury studied from August 2011 to July 2013 to assess the possible environmental impact Environmental Science Discipline, Khulna University, Bangladesh on the Sundarbans and surrounding areas. Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) of physical, biological, social and economic environment of the study areas indicate Correspondence: Abdullah Harun Chowdhury, Environmental that most of the impacts of coal-fired power plant are negative and irreversible (-81) Science Discipline, Khulna University, Bangladesh, which can’t be mitigated in any way. It is indicating that climate, topography, land Email [email protected] use pattern, air and water quality, floral and faunal diversity, aquatic ecosystems, Received: February 26, 2016 | Published: May 11, 2017 capture fisheries and tourism of the Sundarbans and the surroundings areas would be affected permanently due to proposed coal fired power plant. Increasing of water logging conditions, river erosion, noise pollution and health hazards; decreasing of ground water table; loss of culture fisheries, social forestry and major destruction of agriculture would be happened due to coal fired power plant. The benefits of proposed coal fired power plant of Rampal is very poor (S+19) than that of negative irreversible impact (-81). So the proposed area is not suitable to establish the coal based power plant as the Sundarbans and surrounding areas would be affected permanently by establishing the proposed coal power plant.
    [Show full text]
  • Biodiversity Conservation in the Kangchenjunga Landscape Final
    Plant Resources in the Protected Areas and Proposed Corridors of Darjeeling, India Abhaya Prasad Das1, Ram Bahadur Bhujel2, Dorje Lama3, 1University of North Bengal, Darjeeling, India, 2Kalimpong College, Kalimpong, India, 3St. Joseph’s College, Darjeeling, India, [email protected] The proposed corridors in Darjeeling are rich in flora, many of which are threatened. Substantial numbers of species are endemic to the region. Introduction Among the nine botanical provinces in the Indian sub-continent, the eastern Himalayas are unique globally because of the diversity of plants and animals found there, and this has drawn the attention of many plant and animal scientists from different corners of the world (Das 1995). The Himalayan region, influenced by various climatic factors, soil characteristics, diversified landforms, and altitudinal variations has a rich and diverse forest structure and an abundant composition of species. The district of Darjeeling is one of the most pleasant and beautiful places in India. It has a blend of nature, culture, wildlife, and adventure. Covering an area of 3,255 sq.km, the district Section 2: Biodiversity Conservation 57 is located between 26°31’ and 27°13’ N and 87°59’ and 88°53’ E. The district has three subdivisions: Kalimpong is the largest (1,057 sq.km) followed by Darjeeling (936 sq.km) and Kurseong (425 sq.km). The district shares its boundaries with Nepal to the west, Sikkim to the north, and Bhutan to the east. The climate is extremely variable with a nearly tropical climate prevailing in the foothills and terai regions and subalpine conditions in the areas above 3,000m.
    [Show full text]