Marine molluscs from the family Muricidae hold great potential for development as a source of therapeutically useful compounds. Traditionally known for the production of the ancient dye Tyrian purple, these molluscs also form the basis of some rare traditional medicines that have been used for thousands of years. Whilst these traditional and alternative medicines have not been chemically analysed or tested for efficacy in controlled clinical trials, a significant amount of independent research has documented the biological activity of extracts and compounds from these snails. In particular, Muricidae produce a suite of brominated indoles with anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer and steroidogenic activity, as well as choline esters with muscle-relaxing and pain relieving properties. These compounds could explain some of the traditional uses in wound healing, stomach pain and menstrual problems. However, the principle source of bioactive compounds is from the hypobranchial gland, whilst the shell and operculum are the main source used in most traditional remedies. Thus further research is required to understand this discrepancy and to optimise a quality controlled natural medicine from Muricidae.

Muricidae molluscs are the source of a valuable purple dye that was traded as a luxury item in the Mediterranean region and by the late Byzantine was reserved for royalty and priests. Less well known is the use of muricid opercula in sacred incense and traditional medicines, although they are still used as rare ingredients today. This study provides the first chemical assessment of opercula from Muricidae, based on several traditional preparation procedures. Chemical analysis of opercula smoke revealed aromatic phenols, which act as fragrance stabilisers and produce a “medicinal” odour. Analysis of lipid extracts revealed pharmaceutically active compounds, including brominated indoles, choline esters and adenosine, consistent with their traditional medical applications. Depending on the preparation procedures, toxic pyridine was also detected. ICP-MS analysis of muricid opercula shows the presence of essential macro and microelements, as well as metals, some of which exceed the recommended safe levels for human use. Nevertheless, these findings support the Muricidae as an historically important marine resource, providing Biblical dyes, medicines and perfume. The opercula contains biologically active compounds and produces smoke containing volatile scent compounds, consistent with their identification as the most likely source of onycha, a controversial ingredient in sacred incense.

Rhizome rot caused by Pythium spp and Fusarium spp is one of the most devastating diseases of ginger in most of the ginger growing areas of the Nepal. Realizing the context for development of alternative control strategies to reduce dependency on synthetic fungicides, a field experiment on management of rhizome rot disease of ginger using eco-friendly natural products was conducted at GRP, Kapurkot, Salyan during 2012/2013. Fresh and fermented extract of Artemesia vulgaris Linn (Titepati), Urtica dioica (Sisnoo), Zanthoxylumarmatum DC. (Timbur), Allium cepa L., (Onion), Allium sativum L. (Garlic), Capsicum annuum L. (Chili), Nicotiana tabacum (Tobacoo) along with Jeevatu (a mixed product of beneficial microbes) and biofit were tested in the experiment. Experiment was conducted in the naturally inoculated sick plot in RCB design with eight treatments replicated thrice. Each experimental plot area was 3m x1.5m (4.5m2). Observation on plant number, tiller clump-1, plant height, disease incidence, fresh rhizome yield, disease rhizome yield andmother rhizome yield were recorded and evaluated using statistical analysis tool MSTAT-C. Fresh rhizome yield for all the treatments were found lower than national average. Jeevatu (5%) treated plot had highest fresh rhizome yield (7.70 m t ha 1) followed by (onion+garlic+chili) + urine (1:3) fermented extract (4.88 mt ha 1). Similarly, rhizome rot scale (1.66), disease incidence (41.96%) and the diseased rhizome yield (0.74 mt ha 1) was shown least on jeevatu treated plot. Highest disease rhizome yield (2.37 mt ha 1) was obtained in the treatment titepati + urine (1:2) fermented extract followed by control(2.07 mt ha 1).

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