Objective: The present study was designed to investigate phytopromotional effects of Sebacina vermifera on economically and medicinally important aromatic plant - Coriandrum sativum (coriander). Methods: Phytopromotional effects of Sebacina vermifera were evaluated on coriander, under greenhouse and field conditions. The evaluations were carried out with reference to emergence, growth promotion and quantitative as well as the qualitative composition of essential oil. Beside this the overall effects were comparatively assessed with the effects of (a) Phosphate solubilizing bacteria (Pseudomonas fluorescens) (b) Nitrogen-fixing bacteria (Azotobacter chroococcum) on coriander using same parameters. Results: Mycorrhizal fungus (Sebacina vermifera) was observed with the most significant effect in all aspects viz. emergence, growth promotion and quantitative as well as the qualitative composition of essential oil. Conclusion: Based upon the observations, Sebacina vermifera is highly recommended as a potential biological agent that could be applied for phytopromotional effects and economic cultivation of aromatic plants.

Colon cancer is one of the most common and most diagnosed types of cancer. It is a major cause of increased rate of morbidity and mortality across the globe. Currently, the focus has been shifted towards natural remedies for the treatment of colon cancer. These new methods of treatment include prebiotics and probiotics, as they offer great potential for alleviating symptoms of cancer. These are more promising and have lesser side effects than existing medications. Probiotics are living organisms which confer health benefits when ingested into adequate amounts. Prebiotics are non-digestible ingredients which promote the growth of beneficial bacteria, which produce metabolites for stimulation of apoptosis of colonic cancer cell lines. Apart from it, prebiotics are helpful to modify the activity of enzymes to be produced by beneficial bacteria as well as for inhibition of several bacteria able to produce carcinogenic enzymes. This review has been collated to present tremendous benefits and future potential of pro- and prebiotics in the treatment of colon cancer and to overview the mechanisms of probiotic actions along with their impact on humans.

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Sustainable plant production with the integration of eco-friendly agricultural practices, low chemical inputs, minimal deleterious effects on human health and low cost methods, is the need of the moment. In this direction, scientific/industrial community, continuously exploring novel and reliable methods. Plant growth promoting microbes are proving more promising to achieve eco-friendly and sustainable agricultural outcomes. In the present study, individuals of Foeniculum vulgare, a valuable aromatic plant species with potential medicinal value, were inoculated with different plant growth promoting microorganisms: (1) Arbuscular mycorrhizal like fungi (Sebacina vermifera) (2) Phosphate solubilizing bacteria (Pseudomonas fluorescens) (3) Azotobacter (Azotobacter chroococcum). Response of individual microorganism species was evaluated with reference to the emergence, plant growth and yield of essential oil along with qualitative effects on essential oil. Comparatively, significant response of Sebacina vermifera, in the stimulation of emergence of seeds, growth of plant and yield enhancement of essential oil was observed. An enhanced synthesis of anethole (major chemical constituent) was also recorded. Moreover, the enhancement in growth of plants was dependent on the extent of colonization percentage. A periodic study of growth parameters indicates plant’s health and vitality influenced by Sebacina vermifera. The enhanced essential oil of seeds along with enhanced synthesis of anethole was in agreement with the assumption that Sebacina vermifera trigger defensive responses and hence improve phytochemical production. A mechanistic insight is also illustrated. In conclusion Sebacina vermifera possesses immense potentials in the pursuit of agro-ecological attributes of medicinal plant cultivation and crop production. It exerts excellent growth effects and enhances phytochemical production in medicinal plants.

Pistacia integerrima J.L. Stew. Ex Brandis belonging to the family Anacardiaceae and subfamily Anacardioideae is one of the widely accepted plants used to cure a vast array of diseases. Various ethnomedicinal and traditional database of different medicinal systems revealed a diverse array of curative and protective therapeutic potential of this plant. Since ancient times different parts of the plants are still in prevalence in the formulation of herbal medicines. This plant is being used in treating various ailments like Gastrointestinal tract (GIT) and respiratory tract disorders. The aim of the present review is to explore the traditional and modern knowledge including the botanical description, ethnomedicinal claims, pharmacognostic parameters, phytochemicals and pharmacological potential of P. integgerima. The comprehensive literature and relevant information regarding the plant were gathered through electronic databases including Google Scholar, Pub Med, Science direct, online open access databases and books from the college library. The review represents consolidated summary in all aspects of plant with a special emphasis on reported phytochemicals isolated from plant and their therapeutic potential. The rearranged data in the form of a single review will be essential in providing updated knowledge to the readers regarding the plant and it will act as a baseline for future exploration of P.integerrima in terms of its phytochemistry and pharmacology.