Variability and traits in rose-coloured leadwort (Plumbago rosea).
Journal name: Ancient Science of Life
Original article title: VARIABILITY AND CHARACTER ASSOCIATION IN ROSE COLOURED LEADWORT (PLUMBAGO ROSEA Linn.)
The ANSCI is a peer-reviewed, open-access journal focused on Ayurveda and traditional medicines. It publishes original research, reviews, and literary studies linking traditional knowledge with modern science, covering disciplines like botany, ethnomedicine, pharmacology, and clinical research.
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Original source:
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Alice Kurian, C.A. Anitha, E.V. Nybe
Ancient Science of Life:
(A quarterly multi-disciplinary scientific research journal in Ayurveda)
Full text available for: VARIABILITY AND CHARACTER ASSOCIATION IN ROSE COLOURED LEADWORT (PLUMBAGO ROSEA Linn.)
Year: 2001
Copyright (license): CC BY-NC-SA
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Summary of article contents:
Introduction
Plumbago rosea, commonly known as rose-coloured leadwort, is a perennial shrub belonging to the Plumbaginaceae family. It is recognized for its medicinal properties, particularly its roots that contain plumbagin, a compound used in treating skin diseases like leucoderma. Despite its historical significance in Ayurvedic medicine, systematic crop improvement efforts for Plumbago rosea have been limited. This study focused on assessing the variability among 45 accessions of Plumbago rosea collected from various regions of Kerala in terms of morphological characteristics, yield-related traits, and plumbagin content.
Character Association with Yield
One of the key findings of the research was the identification of significant positive correlations between several morphological traits and root yield. The study revealed that shoot weight showed the highest correlation (0.96) with root weight, indicating that accessions with heavier shoots tend to produce more root biomass. Other positive correlations were observed with number of branches (0.63), number of leaves (0.61), plant spread (0.59), and plant height (0.56). Conversely, leaf length and leaf breadth demonstrated a negative correlation with yield, suggesting that accessions with smaller leaf sizes may have a higher capacity for photosynthesis and overall better yield performance. This insight emphasizes that selecting high-yielding types may be effectively achieved by focusing on vegetative characteristics rather than leaf size.
Conclusion
The research successfully established the presence of considerable variability among the assessed Plumbago rosea accessions, paving the way for future breeding and improvement programs. Accessions PR 25 and PR 31 were identified as promising candidates due to their high root yield and plumbagin content. The study's findings highlight the importance of certain morphological traits in predicting yield potential, advocating for further exploration and selection of elite varieties to enhance the commercial viability of Plumbago rosea. Overall, the systematic evaluation of this medicinal plant holds significant promise for advancing its cultivation and utilization in traditional medicine.
FAQ section (important questions/answers):
What is Plumbago rosea commonly known for?
Plumbago rosea, also known as rose coloured leadwort, is recognized for its medicinal properties, particularly in treating skin diseases like leucoderma and baldness due to its active compound, plumbagin.
What are the main morphological characters studied in Plumbago rosea?
The study evaluated various morphological characters, including plant height, number of branches, plant spread, number of leaves, leaf length, and leaf breadth, to assess variability among different accessions.
How was the plumbagin content in Plumbago rosea measured?
Plumbagin content was measured by extracting dried and powdered root samples with acetone, followed by fractionation and chromatography. The orange-red band representing plumbagin was collected and weighed.
What was the correlation between root yield and other characters?
Significant positive correlations were found between root yield and characters such as shoot weight, number of branches, number of leaves, plant height, and root length, indicating their importance in selection.
Glossary definitions and references:
Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for 鈥淰ariability and traits in rose-coloured leadwort (Plumbago rosea).鈥�. This list explains important keywords that occur in this article and links it to the glossary for a better understanding of that concept in the context of Ayurveda and other topics.
1) Plumbago zeylanica:
Plumbago zeylanica, a related species to Plumbago rosea, is significant in traditional medicine, especially in northern India, where it is recognized for its therapeutic applications. It highlights the diverse uses of the Plumbago genus in treating skin ailments like leucoderma, showcasing the botanical importance in herbal remedies.
2) Drug:
The term 'drug' in this context refers to the medicinal properties derived from Plumbago rosea, particularly its root which contains plumbagin. This emphasizes the plant鈥檚 role in herbal practices, suggesting its efficacy in treating skin diseases and its incorporation into Ayurvedic medicine, augmenting our understanding of phytotherapy.
3) Purification:
Purification is crucial in the therapeutic preparation of Plumbago rosea to eliminate harmful effects, such as burning sensations caused by compounds like plumbagin. It underscores the need for safe application of medicinal plants, reinforcing the importance of traditional preparation methods to enhance their efficacy while minimizing adverse effects.
4) Burning sensation:
The burning sensation refers to a common side effect associated with the application of Plumbago rosea鈥檚 root, due to its active compound plumbagin. Understanding this sensation is integral for proper usage, pointing out the necessity for careful preparation, dosage, and consumer education in medicinal practices to avoid adverse reactions.
5) Discussion:
Discussion in this research context highlights the analysis of variability and character association among accessions of Plumbago rosea. It suggests a critical examination of data and correlation of morphological characteristics with yield, offering insights into potential breeding programs and emphasizing the academic discourse surrounding plant studies in horticulture.
6) Medicine:
Medicine encompasses the broader scientific and therapeutic use of plants, including Plumbago rosea. This term underscores the historical and contemporary relevance of botanical sources in treating diseases, advocating for the integration of traditional phyto-medicinal methods in modern healthcare practices and the significance of natural remedies in holistic health.
7) Citraka:
Citraka is the Sanskrit name for Plumbago rosea, reflecting its historical significance in traditional medicine systems like Ayurveda. This terminology emphasizes cultural heritage in herbal practices, revealing the longstanding recognition and application of the plant鈥檚 medicinal properties, which continue to be relevant in contemporary herbal therapies.
8) Science (Scientific):
Science in this context refers to the systematic study and evaluation of Plumbago rosea, including its morphological traits and chemical constituents. It represents the intersection of botanical research, pharmacology, and agronomy, stressing the importance of empirical evidence in validating traditional uses and discovering new therapeutic potentials.
9) Blood:
Blood is mentioned in relation to the pharmacological effects of plumbagin, particularly its role in lowering blood pressure. This highlights the significance of active compounds in plants and their potential systemic effects, emphasizing the need for further research on how herbal medicines can integrate with conventional treatments for cardiovascular conditions.
10) Agni:
Agni, meaning 'fire' in Sanskrit, is associated with the burning effects of Plumbago rosea鈥檚 root when improperly used. This term symbolizes traditional understanding in Ayurveda, emphasizing safe application of medicinal plants and the necessity of using natural remedies with care to optimize benefits while reducing risks of adverse effects.
11) Post:
Post refers to the post-harvest phase where various physiological and biochemical analyses of Plumbago rosea are conducted. This term highlights the significance of this phase in evaluating yield characteristics, emphasizing the value of understanding post-harvest processing in maximizing the utility of medicinal plants and their compounds.
12) Soil:
Soil is an essential factor influencing the growth and chemical composition of plants like Plumbago rosea. Understanding the relationship between soil quality and plant health highlights the environmental aspects crucial for medicinal plant cultivation, stressing the importance of optimal growing conditions to enhance yield and efficacy of medicinal properties.
Other Science Concepts:
Discover the significance of concepts within the article: 鈥�Variability and traits in rose-coloured leadwort (Plumbago rosea).鈥�. Further sources in the context of Science might help you critically compare this page with similair documents:
Skin disease, Plumbagin content, Root weight, Negative correlation, Morphological character, Ancient Science of life, Root bark, Commercial cultivation, Randomized block design, Plumbago rosea.