General Introduction Tragacanth is a natural gum obtained from the dried sap of several species of the genus Astragalus. It has been used for centuries in traditional medicine and various industries for its excellent emulsifying, thickening, and stabilizing properties. Tragacanth gum is prized for its viscosity, stability in acidic conditions, and ability to form gels. […]
General Introduction Agar, also known as agar-agar, is a gelatinous substance derived from red algae, particularly from the genera Gelidium and Gracilaria. It is widely used in microbiology, food industry, and pharmaceuticals due to its unique gelling, thickening, and stabilizing properties. Chemistry of Agar Chemical Nature: Composition: Agar is a complex polysaccharide primarily composed of […]
General Introduction Acacia, commonly known as gum arabic, is a natural gum derived from the hardened sap of various species of the Acacia tree. Acacia senegal and Acacia seyal are the primary sources of this gum. Gum arabic has been used for centuries in traditional medicine, food, and pharmaceutical industries due to its emulsifying, stabilizing, […]
Teratogens are substances that can cause congenital abnormalities or birth defects in a developing fetus when a pregnant woman is exposed to them. These substances can affect the fetus at any stage of pregnancy but are particularly harmful during the organogenesis period (the first trimester). Biological Sources of Teratogens Teratogens can be of various origins, […]
Hallucinogens are a class of psychoactive substances that alter perception, thoughts, and consciousness. Many hallucinogenic compounds are derived from natural sources, including plants and fungi, and have been used traditionally for religious, medicinal, and recreational purposes. Biological Source of Hallucinogens Hallucinogens from natural sources primarily fall into three categories: Indole Alkaloids (Tryptamines) Phenethylamines Ergolines (A) […]
Biological Source of Hemp Scientific Name: Cannabis sativa L. Family: Cannabaceae Part Used: The bast fibers obtained from the stem of the hemp plant. Chemical Nature of Hemp Hemp fibers are primarily composed of cellulose, hemicellulose, lignin, and pectin. These components contribute to the mechanical properties and versatility of hemp fibers. Chemical Composition of Hemp […]
Biological Source of Cotton Scientific Name: Gossypium hirsutum, Gossypium barbadense, Gossypium arboreum, and Gossypium herbaceum. Family: Malvaceae Part Used: The fibers are derived from the seed coat of the cotton plant. Chemical Nature Cotton fibers are predominantly composed of cellulose, a polysaccharide consisting of β-D-glucose units linked by β(1→4) glycosidic bonds. The high degree of […]
Medicinal plants are invaluable resources for traditional and modern medicine, providing natural remedies for various ailments. However, overexploitation, habitat loss, climate change, and unsustainable harvesting practices pose significant threats to their survival. Conservation efforts are essential to safeguard these plants and ensure their sustainable use for future generations. 1. Importance of Conservation Biodiversity Preservation: Medicinal […]
Medicinal plants have been used for centuries in various traditional medicinal systems for treating ailments and promoting health. With advancements in science and technology, researchers have delved into understanding the genetic makeup of these plants to enhance their medicinal properties. Two key processes that play a significant role in this enhancement are mutation and hybridization. […]
Polyploidy is a genetic condition characterized by the presence of more than two complete sets of chromosomes in an organism’s cells. This phenomenon can occur naturally or be induced artificially and has significant implications for the genetics, evolution, and ecology of organisms. Here’s a detailed note on polyploidy: 1. Types of Polyploidy Autopolyploidy: Autopolyploidy arises […]
