The results demonstrated that different explants were good source of callus induction, morphology analysis as well as indirect plantlets regeneration.

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BackgroundThe present work aimed to find out the antibacterial activity of Nymphaea nouchali flower on human and plant pathogenic bacteria.MethodsAntibacterial potency of methanol, acetone, ethyl acetate and petroleum spirit extracts of Nymphaea nouchali flower has been tested against four human pathogenic bacteria Bacillus subtilis (FO 3026) Escherichia coli (IFO 3007), Klebsiella pneumonia (ATTC 10031) and Sarcina lutea (IFO 3232) and one plant pathogenic bacterium Xanthomonas campestris (IAM 1671) by disc diffusion assay. Zone of inhibition produced by different extracts against the test bacteria was measured and compared with standard antibiotic disc.ResultsMethanol extract possessed better antibacterial activity against two pathogenic bacteria, B. subtilis (FO 3026) and S. lutea (IFO 3232) than commercial antibiotic nalidixic acid. Acetone extract showed moderate sensitivity whereas B. subtilis (FO 3026), S. lutea (IFO 3232) and X. campestris (IAM 1671) showed resistance to ethyl acetate and petroleum spirit extracts. The minimum inhibitory concentrations of various extracts were ranged between 128–2048 μgml-1.ConclusionsNymphaea nouchali flower could be a potential candidate for future development of novel broad spectrum antibacterial herbal formulation.

Context: It is necessary to focus on the importance of adopting micropropagation technique for mass propagation of the plantlets in commercial scale as well as conservation and distribution of germplasm.Objective: The present investigation has been designed with a view to establishing protocol of in vitro regeneration of medicinal plant species i,e., Vitex nigundo L (Verbenaceae). Materials and Methods:Shoot tips and nodal segments were used for multiple shoot induction. All explants were cultured on MS medium supplemented with various plant growth regulators. HgCl2 was used as surface sterilizing agent. For in vitro rooting, individual shoots (3-4 cm) were cut from the proliferated shoot cultures and implanted on half and full strength of MS with different concentrations and combinations of NAA and IAA. The cultures were incubated for 16 h photoperiod at 25 ± 2ºC under a fluorescent light. Visual observation of culture was made every week. Data on shoot induction and proliferation and root induction were recorded after three weeks of inoculation and used for calculation. For each treatment 15 explants were used and all the treatments were repeated thrice. Established plantlets were transplanted in earthen pots under natural conditions and the survival rate was recorded. Results:The most effective surface sterilization treatment has been found 0.1 % HgCl2 for 7 minutes. Highest number of shoot was observed in MS medium supplemented with 3.0 mg/ BAP. It was rooted well in full MS containing 2.0 mg/l IAA. The survival rate was 85 % and propagated plantlets were successfully acclimatized in soil. Conclusion:It was observed that shoot tips are more responsive for micropropagation of Vitex nigundo L . Thus the fruitful utilization of rapid clonal propagation, germplasm conservation and distribution of Vitex nigundo, important medicinal plant of Bangladesh, is possible.

: COVID-19, a viral disease caused by SARS-CoV-2 is the reason of a global pandemic since the starting of the year 2020. The characteristic of the disease varies from mild common cold like symptoms to acute respiratory distress syndrome and multi-organ failure leading to death. World has already observed 213,453 deaths from this disease while 3,095,839 have been infected in 210 countries in total till 28 April, 2020. This disease has a devastating impact over the health care system because of its high infectivity, easy mode of transmission, lack of proper medicine and vaccine and deficiency of enough supportive healthcare arrangement. On verge of this situation scientists are searching the treatment options. However, nature has provided us with enormous herbs which have disease preventive as well as have medicinal properties. In this article we have reviewed several of these plants (ginger, clove, tea, black seed, tulsi, neem) and some vitamins (vitamin C and vitamin D) and zinc which have antiviral, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-asthmatic properties with scientific evidence. The intake of these products regularly to keep the immune system active, to experience its positive aspects might be supportive to prevent infection with the new coronavirus or to treat COVID-19.