Asian Journal of Research in Biology

Bonsai as a Tool for Biophilic Urbanism: A Review of Ecological, Aesthetic and Psychological Benefits in Indoor Environments

2026-01-13T12:40:57+00:00

Rapid urbanization has intensified the demand for efficient indoor greening approaches that enhance ecological quality, spatial aesthetics, and human well-being. This review synthesizes the empirical evidence and relevant theoretical perspectives on indoor plants, with a special focus on bonsai, as beneficial resources for urban greening. The literature was examined thematically, focusing on aesthetic, ecological, and psychological aspects, as well as cultivation limitations and potential avenues for future research. Indoor bonsai positively impact the indoor environment by improving air filtration, moderating interior microclimates, and subtly sequestering carbon. Within this context, bonsai offer distinct advantages over conventional indoor plants due to their compact growth form, endurance, sculptural architecture, and ability to replicate mature tree characteristiAesthetic valuescs within confined areas. These traits support biophilic design concepts while requiring minimal spatial footprint. Empirical studies demonstrate that exposure to indoor plants, including bonsai, is associated with substantial psychological restorative effects, reduced stress, enhanced cognitive function, and support for rehabilitation, particularly among elderly individuals and those with limited mobility. The review also discusses species selection, essential maintenance requirements, and the practical challenges of indoor bonsai cultivation, including limited light availability, reduced humidity, and the need for specialized horticultural care. Emerging research trajectories and technological innovations, such as smart horticulture technology, are also discussed. Overall, this review highlights the transformative potential of bonsai as a functionally distinct category of indoor plants, reconnecting modern society with nature and human well-being.

Ecotoxicological Assessment of Thiamethoxam on the Behavior and Population Dynamics of Eisenia fetida

2026-01-03T11:58:17+00:00

Neonicotinoid insecticides, such as thiamethoxam, imidacloprid, acetamiprid and others are widely used in agriculture, but their impact on non-target organisms, particularly soil invertebrates like earthworms, is a growing concern. This study investigated the ecotoxicological effects of thiamethoxam on Eisenia fetida, a key soil organism, focusing on behavioral alterations and population dynamics. Earthworms were exposed to varying concentrations of thiamethoxam (control (0mg/kg), low-dose(6mg/kg), and high-dose(26mg/kg)) for 28 days. The results demonstrated dose-dependent detrimental effects. The high-dose group exhibited significant mortality, reduced biomass, aberrant behavior, and cyst formation. Hydro taxis, photo taxis, chemotaxis, and geotaxis tests revealed significant impairments in the high-dose group. These findings underscore the need for rigorous regulation of thiamethoxam and the promotion of sustainable pest management strategies to protect soil biodiversity and ecosystem health.

Anti-diabetic Property of the Crude Ethanol Extract of a Combination of V. amygdalina and Z. officinale in Wistar Albino Rats

2026-01-14T12:49:10+00:00

Hyperglycemia, which is linked to decreased insulin production, peripheral sensitivity, and b-cell dysfunction, is a hallmark of diabetes mellitus (DM), a metabolic disease. This research aimed at investigating the antidiabetic potentials of a combination of Vernonia amygdalina and Zingiber officinale in diabetic Wistar rats. Extraction was done using maceration method. A total of thirty-five male Wistar rats weighing between 160g ± 10g were randomized into 5 groups of 7 rats each and used for the study. Group A was used as a normal control. Diabetes was induced by an intraperitoneal injection of alloxan (130mg/kg) in groups B-E. Group B was left untreated, group C was treated with 100mg/kg gluformin while groups D and E were treated with 100 and 200 mg/kg bodyweight respectively of the combination of ethanol extract of V. amygdalina and Z. officinale. Ethanol extraction was done using maceration method. Fasting blood glucose concentrations were measured at three-day intervals for a period of two weeks using a One-Touch glucometer and test strips. Lipid profile and liver function parameters were determined using standard diagnostic methods. Ethanol extract of a combination of V. amygdalina and Z. officinale caused a significant (p<0.05) weight gain and significantly (p<0.05) reduced the alloxan-induced increases in fasting blood glucose. There was a significant (p<0.05) decrease in total cholesterol, triglyceride, low-density lipoprotein concentration, aspartate transaminase activity, alanine transaminase activity and alkaline phosphatase activity compared to the diabetic untreated. The results obtained suggest that the ethanol extract of a combination of V. amygdalina and Z. officinale can be considered as an alternative remedy for diabetes and a substitute for drugs in the treatment of diabetic conditions due to its pharmacological activity.

Extraction and Characterization of Hedyotis purpurascens Hook.f. Ethanolic Leaf Extract by Using HPLC and FTIR Techniques

2026-03-13T06:29:58+00:00

Medicinal plants remain a vital reservoir of structurally diverse bioactive compounds with significant therapeutic potential. In this context, the present study aimed to explore and analyze the phytochemical profile of Hedyotis purpurascens Hook.f. through advanced analytical techniques. The ethanolic leaf extract was subjected to High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) to establish a reliable chemical fingerprint. HPLC analysis, performed using Ampelopsin, quercetin, and myricetin as reference standards, revealed twelve distinct chromatographic peaks. A prominent peak at a retention time of 4.919 min closely matched that of Ampelopsin (4.992 min), strongly indicating its presence in the extract. This comparative chromatographic evaluation enhances the precision of compound identification and ensures reproducibility, which is crucial for quality control. Complementary FTIR analysis further confirmed the existence of key functional groups, including phenolic, aromatic, carbonyl, amine, and alkane moieties, reflecting the extract’s rich phytochemical complexity. The integration of HPLC and FTIR methodologies provides a robust, reproducible, and scientifically validated chemical signature for H. purpurascens. These findings not only substantiate its phytochemical diversity but also lay a strong analytical foundation for future pharmacological validation, standardization, and the development of evidence-based herbal formulations.

Protective Effects of the Ethanolic Pulp Extract of Lycium barbarum (Goji Berry) on Carbon Tetrachloride–Induced Nephrotoxicity, Cardiac Dysfunction, and Oxidative Stress in Wistar Rats

2026-04-11T11:26:46+00:00

Aim: The study on the Protective Effects of the Ethanolic Pulp Extract of Lycium barbarum (Goji Berry) on Carbon Tetrachloride–Induced Nephrotoxicity, Cardiac Dysfunction, and Oxidative Stress in Wistar Rats has been investigated. This study examined the reno- and cardioprotective capacity of LBEP against CCl₄-induced toxicity in Wistar rats.

Methods: The study sample comprised of thirty rats assigned to five groups: Group 1 (normal control), Group 2 (CCl₄), Group 3 (CCl₄ + LBEP 100 mg/kg), Group 4 (CCl₄ + LBEP 300 mg/kg), and Group 5 (CCl₄ + Vitamin E 100 mg/kg). Renal function indices (urea and creatinine), cardiac biomarkers (CK-MB and LDH), and oxidative stress parameters (MDA, SOD, CAT, and GSH) were assessed using standard methods, supported by histopathological evaluation of kidney and heart tissues.

Results: The results indicated that CCl₄ significantly elevated urea, creatinine, CK-MB, LDH, and MDA levels while suppressing antioxidant enzymes relative to Group 1. Co-administration of LBEP at 100 + 300 mg/kg produced dose-dependent reductions in biochemical markers of toxicity and significantly restored antioxidant defences. Histological observations confirmed progressive tissue recovery, with Group 4 showing near-normal architecture comparable to Group 5.

Conclusion: The findings validate that LBEP provides significant protection against CCl₄-induced renal and cardiac damage through antioxidant-mediated mechanisms.

Antioxidant Evaluation of Jatropha gossypiifolia Leaf and Stem Bark Extract: Phytochemical Assays, Chemical Fingerprinting, and Molecular Docking Studies

2026-07-03T05:49:02+00:00

Jatropha gossypiifolia is used in traditional medicine for the management of wounds, infections, inflammation, fever, and gastrointestinal disorders; however, comparative information on the chemical profile and antioxidant activity of its leaf and stem bark extracts remains limited. This study evaluated the phytochemical composition, in vitro antioxidant activity, FTIR-based chemical fingerprinting, and molecular docking profile of J. gossypiifolia leaf and stem bark extracts. The extracts were prepared and analysed in triplicate. Quantitative phytochemical assessment showed that the leaf extract recorded higher values for tannins (0.190 a.u), phenols (0.368 a.u), and alkaloids (0.050 a.u) than the stem bark extract, which recorded tannins (0.168 a.u), phenols (0.311 a.u), and alkaloids (0.048 a.u). In contrast, the stem bark extract had a higher flavonoid value (0.012 a.u) than the leaf extract (0.002 a.u). Antioxidant activity was assessed using the DPPH radical scavenging assay, with absorbance measured at 517 nm and inhibition calculated relative to the methanol control. The stem bark extract showed stronger radical scavenging activity, increasing from 54.39% to 77.03%, with an IC₅₀ of 1.5 µL, whereas the leaf extract increased from 44.48% to 71.68%, with an IC₅₀ of 37.3 µL. FTIR analysis indicated hydroxyl, carbonyl, aromatic, glycosidic, aliphatic, and nitrile-associated functional groups in the extracts and DPPH-treated complexes. The observed spectral changes after DPPH treatment supported the involvement of oxygen- and nitrogen-containing functional groups in radical scavenging. Molecular docking results reported for DNA gyrase B (PDB ID: 4GGL) showed that lupeol had the most favourable MolDock score (−168.539 kcal/mol), followed by ellagic acid and gallic acid.

Inhibition of Hepatic Gluconeogenic Enzymes by Selected Medicinal Plant Extracts in Alloxan-Induced Diabetic Rats

2026-07-09T12:56:49+00:00

Background: Diabetes mellitus is characterised by persistent hyperglycaemia partly caused by increased hepatic gluconeogenesis mediated by glucose-6-phosphatase (G6Pase) and fructose-1,6-bisphosphatase (FBPase).

Aim: This study investigated the inhibitory effects of selected medicinal plant extracts on hepatic gluconeogenic enzymes in alloxan-induced diabetic Wistar rats.

Study Design: This was an experimental laboratory-based study.

Materials and Methods: Thirty-five Wistar rats were divided into seven groups. Diabetes was induced using alloxan monohydrate (150 mg/kg). Ethanolic leaf extracts of Vernonia amygdalina, Moringa oleifera, Cymbopogon citratus, Ocimum gratissimum, and Azadirachta indica were administered orally at 100 mg/kg for 28 days. Fasting blood glucose (FBG), hepatic G6Pase and FBPase activities were evaluated. Phytochemical screening was also conducted.

Results: The findings showed that the extracts contained flavonoids, phenols, alkaloids, tannins, saponins, terpenoids, glycosides and steroids. Significant reductions in FBG were observed in treated groups, with V. amygdalina and M. oleifera showing the greatest effects. C. citratus showed the highest inhibition of G6Pase activity (16.0%), whereas V. amygdalina and M. oleifera showed the highest inhibition of FBPase activity (16.7%).

Conclusion and Recommendations: The plant extracts showed antidiabetic potential and may serve as complementary agents in diabetes management. The antihyperglycaemic effects could be due to the inhibition of hepatic gluconeogenesis, enhancement of insulin signalling, AMPK activation and reduction of oxidative stress. Further studies on mechanisms, safety and clinical efficacy are recommended.

Preliminary Pilot Study on Fungal Contamination in Treated Drinking Water Collected from Saidapet, Chennai, India

2026-07-23T12:37:46+00:00

Safe drinking water is essential for human health, yet fungal contamination receives less attention than bacterial contamination. This preliminary pilot study assessed the possible occurrence of fungi in treated drinking water collected from Raghava Colony, Saidapet, Chennai, India. A single 100 mL sample was collected aseptically and analysed using the Indian Standard method IS 5403:1999 with Yeast Extract Dextrose Chloramphenicol agar. Following incubation at 25 ± 1°C for 3–5 days, colonies were evaluated by macroscopic morphology and microscopic examination using Lactophenol Cotton Blue staining. The isolates were presumptively identified as Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus niger. Characteristic colonies of Candida albicans and Saccharomyces cerevisiae were not detected. These observations indicate that fungal propagules may be present in treated drinking water despite filtration and chlorination; however, they do not establish the extent, frequency, or public health significance of contamination. Interpretation is limited by the analysis of one sample, the absence of replicate sampling, quantitative colony enumeration, statistical analysis, and molecular confirmation. The findings therefore provide only preliminary baseline evidence for the selected location. Further investigations using multiple samples, seasonal sampling, quantitative fungal counts, and molecular identification are required to characterise fungal occurrence more reliably within the drinking water distribution system at this location.

Comparative Evaluation of Conventional and Onion Peel-enriched Vermiwash on Seed Germination and Early Seedling Growth of Coriandrum sativum L. in a Hydroponic System

2026-07-23T12:44:02+00:00

Objective: The present study evaluated the effects of conventional vermiwash and onion peel-enriched vermiwash on seed germination and early seedling growth of Coriandrum sativum L. under hydroponic conditions and determined the optimum vermiwash concentration for improved plant growth.

Methods: Vermiwash was prepared using Perionyx excavatus in two experimental set-ups: conventional vermiwash and onion peel-enriched vermiwash. Five treatments were evaluated in each set-up: 100% water (control) and 10%, 20%, 40%, and 60% vermiwash. Twenty-five healthy coriander seeds were used per treatment, with three independent replicates, in a hydroponic cup-culture system. Germination percentage, plant height, shoot length, root length, number of leaves, and leaf length were recorded on days 15, 20, and 25. The biochemical characteristics of the vermiwash, including total nitrogen (TN), total phosphorus (TP), and total potassium (TK), were also determined. Data were expressed as the mean ± standard deviation (SD).

Results: The onion peel-enriched vermiwash showed higher potassium concentrations across corresponding treatments and a higher maximum nitrogen concentration, whereas phosphorus concentrations varied among treatments. For conventional vermiwash, the 20% treatment (T2) produced the greatest plant height (6.07 ± 0.035 cm) and the highest germination percentage (20%). For onion peel-enriched vermiwash, the 40% treatment (T3) produced the highest germination percentage (56%), whereas the 10% and 20% treatments produced the greatest plant height (7.03 cm). The 60% concentration did not provide the best response for either germination or seedling growth.

Conclusion: Onion peel enrichment altered the nutrient composition and biological performance of vermiwash under the tested hydroponic conditions. Moderate dilutions were more favourable than the highest concentration, with the best responses occurring at 20% conventional vermiwash and at 20–40% onion peel-enriched vermiwash. These findings indicate that diluted vermiwash may have potential as an organic nutrient input for early coriander growth in hydroponic cup culture; however, further replicated and longer-duration studies are required before broader recommendations can be made.