Occurrence of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi in some medicinal plants of kerala
Journal name: Ancient Science of Life
Original article title: Occurrence of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi in some medicinal plants of kerala
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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Abraham Mathew, M.R. Malathy
Ancient Science of Life:
(A quarterly multi-disciplinary scientific research journal in Ayurveda)
Full text available for: Occurrence of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi in some medicinal plants of kerala
Year: 2006
Copyright (license): CC BY-NC-SA
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Summary of article contents:
Introduction
The study explores the occurrence of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) in 40 selected medicinal plants in Kerala, India. With the rising significance of Ayurveda, there is an increasing necessity to cultivate medicinal plants using organic farming practices. The reliance on chemical fertilizers and pesticides has deteriorated the quality of medicinal products, prompting a shift towards more sustainable agricultural practices. The study posits that the use of AMF as a biofertilizer can significantly enhance plant growth and yield while also increasing plants' resilience against pathogens.
Enhancing Mycorrhizal Colonization
The research reveals varying levels of AMF colonization among the selected medicinal plants. Very low levels of colonization were identified in species like Desmodium gangeticum and Hedychium coronaria, while the strongest associations were noted in Physalis minima and Acorus calamus, among others. This suggests that although all the medicinal plants analyzed showed AMF associations, the degree of colonization fluctuated significantly. Furthermore, it was found that specific mycorrhizal fungi could be added to those plants exhibiting lower levels of colonization, thereby potentially enhancing their vigor and overall medicinal quality, particularly in avoiding the use of harmful pesticides and chemicals.
Conclusion
The findings underscore the potential of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi as an effective biofertilizer in the cultivation of medicinal plants. By improving mycorrhizal colonization, the growth, resilience, and yield of these plants can be optimized, leading to superior quality medicinal products. Further research is recommended to identify the most suitable mycorrhizal species for each medicinal plant, which could play a crucial role in future organic farming practices aimed at preserving the integrity and efficacy of Ayurvedic medicine.
FAQ section (important questions/answers):
What is the focus of the study on medicinal plants in Kerala?
The study examines the occurrence of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi in 40 selected medicinal plants in Kerala to establish their potential as biofertilizers for enhancing growth and yield.
What method was used to estimate mycorrhizal colonization percentage?
Mycorrhizal colonization percentage was estimated using the method of Phillips and Hayman, involving the collection, fixation, clearing, staining, and observation of root samples.
Which plants showed high levels of mycorrhizal colonization?
High levels of colonization were found in Physalis minima, Bacopa monnieri, Aporosa lindleyana, Chlorophytum borivillianum, Acorus calamus, and Vetiveria zizanioides.
How can mycorrhiza benefit medicinal plant cultivation?
Mycorrhiza can enhance plant growth, nutrient uptake, and resistance to pathogens, resulting in superior quality medicines with reduced reliance on harmful chemical fertilizers and pesticides.
Glossary definitions and references:
Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for “Occurrence of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi in some medicinal plants of kerala�. 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) Aporosa lindleyana:
Aporosa lindleyana is a medicinal plant that showed high arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) colonization in the study. This association implies that it benefits from improved nutrient uptake, particularly phosphorus, which can enhance its growth and potentially its medicinal properties, making it significant for cultivation and use in herbal medicine.
2) Vetiveria zizanioides:
Vetiveria zizanioides, commonly known as vetiver, is recognized for its dense root system and significant medicinal characteristics. In the study, it demonstrated high AMF colonization, which suggests it may be more resilient to environmental stress, thereby influencing its effectiveness and quality as a medicinal plant in traditional medicine practices.
3) Desmodium gangeticum:
Desmodium gangeticum exhibited very low AMF colonization in this study, indicating a potential limitation in nutrient uptake. This low colonization may affect its growth and efficacy as a medicinal plant, prompting further investigation to enhance mycorrhizal associations, which could improve its cultivation and therapeutic value.
4) Acorus calamus:
Acorus calamus, commonly known as sweet flag, showed high AMF colonization percentages, suggesting beneficial mycorrhizal relationships that may enhance its growth and medicinal properties. This emphasizes the importance of AMF in promoting the health and efficacy of medicinal plants like Acorus calamus in herbal remedies.
5) Pesticide:
Pesticides are chemicals used to eliminate pests but have raised concerns regarding toxic residues in medicinal plants. The study highlights the necessity of organic farming and the use of biofertilizers like AMF to prevent reliance on harmful pesticides, thereby promoting the production of safer medicinal products.
6) Medicine:
Medicine refers to substances used for therapeutic purposes. The quality of medicines derived from medicinal plants is crucial, and the study underscores how enhancing mycorrhizal colonization can contribute to better growth and yield, ultimately leading to the production of effective and high-quality medicinal products.
7) Quality:
Quality in the context of medicinal plants pertains to the efficacy, potency, and safety of the herbal products derived from them. The study suggests that improving AMF colonization can result in better quality plants, leading to superior medicinal outcomes and supporting the movement toward organic and sustainable agriculture.
8) Cinnamomum zeylanicum:
Cinnamomum zeylanicum, or Ceylon cinnamon, is a significant medicinal plant known for its numerous health benefits. Its AMF colonization aspects were studied, indicating the plant’s ability to absorb essential nutrients effectively. This component reinforces the importance of utilizing beneficial fungi in cultivation for enhanced medicinal properties.
9) Emblica officinalis:
Emblica officinalis, commonly known as Indian gooseberry, is renowned for its antioxidant properties and health benefits in traditional medicine. Findings showed high AMF colonization in this plant, suggesting that these fungi may enhance nutrient uptake, thus promoting its medicinal efficacy and overall plant health.
10) Ocimum sanctum:
Ocimum sanctum, or holy basil, is widely used in traditional medicine for its adaptogenic properties. The study revealed significant AMF colonization, suggesting improved growth and health benefits. Such robust associations indicate the essential role of AMF in enhancing the therapeutic potential of this revered medicinal plant.
11) Abrus precatorius:
Abrus precatorius, known as rosary pea, is a plant with medicinal properties, but it also contains a highly toxic compound. The study’s findings on its AMF colonization can guide sustainable cultivation practices that could mitigate risks and increase the plant’s beneficial properties while minimizing adverse effects.
12) Gloriosa superba:
Gloriosa superba, or flame lily, is a recognized medicinal plant with significant therapeutic properties. The study indicated moderate AMF colonization, which could improve its nutrient absorption, thus enhancing its growth and potential medicinal applications within herbal medicine, emphasizing the need for further research in this area.
13) Discussion:
Discussion in the context of the study allows for the interpretation of findings related to AMF colonization in medicinal plants. Analyzing the results helps identify relationships between mycorrhizal associations and plant health, ultimately guiding future research strategies for enhancing cultivation practices for medicinal plants.
14) Ayurveda (Ä€yurveda, Ayus-veda):
Ayurveda, an ancient system of medicine in India, emphasizes the use of natural medicinal plants. The study aligns with Ayurvedic principles by advocating for organic farming and the use of AMF as biofertilizers, which can lead to the cultivation of high-quality herbs necessary for effective herbal treatments.
15) Science (Scientific):
Science encompasses a systematic study of the natural world, including the relationships between organisms and their environment. This study utilizes scientific methods to explore mycorrhizal fungi in medicinal plants, highlighting the importance of scientific research in enhancing agricultural productivity and the efficacy of herbal medicines.
16) Botany:
Botany, the scientific study of plants, is fundamental to understanding plant biology and cultivation. The research on AMF colonization within various medicinal plants demonstrates its relevance in botany, contributing to knowledge that can optimize plant growth and support sustainable practices in herbal medicine.
17) Salt (Salty):
Salt can impose stress on plants, negatively affecting their growth and health. The study emphasizes the role of AMF in enhancing plant tolerance to salt stress, suggesting that mycorrhizal associations can improve resilience and facilitate growth in challenging environments, ultimately benefiting medicinal plant cultivation.
18) Cita:
Sida refers to the genus encompassing various species such as Sida rhombifolia, which were studied for their AMF associations. The results indicating moderate colonization underscore the importance of understanding these relationships for enhancing the nutritional profiles and medicinal efficacy of plants within this genus.
19) Soil:
Soil is the foundational medium for plant growth, containing nutrients essential for health. The study highlights investigating AMF colonization in the roots of medicinal plants, showing how soil health and microbial communities are vital components in enhancing nutrient uptake and promoting the overall growth of these plants.
Other Science Concepts:
Discover the significance of concepts within the article: �Occurrence of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi in some medicinal plants of kerala�. Further sources in the context of Science might help you critically compare this page with similair documents:
Ayurveda, Medicinal plant, Biofertilizer, Quality of medicine, Nutrient uptake, Chemical fertilizer, Pathogenic attack, Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi.