Master's Thesis from the year 2015 in the subject Biology - Botany, grade: -, , language: English, abstract: The inhibitory or delaying action of both the synthetic chemicals and naturally occurring phytochemicals against oxidative damage to tissues by free radicals produced in biological system of living organisms is known as antioxidant activity. Since some phytochemicals are responsible for biological as well as medicinal activities, nine wild orchids of Nepal were assessed for total polyphenolics and flavonoids content along with the antioxidant activity. The ethanolic extract of Eria graminifolia pseudobulbs, Gastrochilus acutifolius leaf and root, G. distichus whole plant, Luisia trichorhiza leaf and root, Otochilus albus pseudobulbs, Papillionanthe uniflora whole plant, Pholidota articulata leaf and pseudobulbs, Rhynchostylis retusa leaf, and Trudelia cristata leaf and stem were prepared by Soxhlet extraction. Phytochemicals were detected by previously established protocols with minor modifications. The total flavonoids were estimated with aluminium chloride method and total polyphenolics content with Folin-Ciocalteu phenol reagent method. Antioxidant activity was assessed by DPPH (2, 2-diphenyl-1-picryl hydrazyl) free radical scavenging assay. There was significant variation of total flavonoids, total polyphenolics content and antioxidant activity among the orchid extracts at P = 0.05. The total flavonoids varied with highest in Rhynchostylis retusa leaf (110.68 ± 4.52 mg QE/g) and lowest content in Gastrochilus acutifolius root (22.32 ± 1.10 mg QE/g); total polyphenolics with highest in Trudelia cristata stem (69.68±2.78 mg GAE/g) and lowest content in Gastrochilus acutifolius leaves (11.89±0.64 mg GAE/g). Also, the antioxidant activity varied with highest in Trudelia cristata stem (IC50 79.69 μg/ml) and lowest DPPH radical scavenging activity in Gastrochilus acutifolius leaf (IC50 341.79 μg/ml). However, none of the orchid extracts were as effective as quercetin – the reference compound – in radical scavenging activity (IC50 32.90 μg/ml). Total polyphenolics and flavonoids content and antioxidant activity of selected orchid extracts in this study were higher or lower than medicinal plant and orchid extracts of previous studies with considerable margin. Again, their antioxidant activity was positively associated with total flavonoids and total polyphenolics content. [...]

Handbook of Flowering Plants of Nepal (Shrestha et al. 2018) is an updated version of 'Enumeration of the Flowering Plants of Nepal Vols. 1-3 (Hara et al. 1978-1982)' and 'Annotated Checklist of Flowering plants of Nepal (Press et al. 2000)' • Arrangement of orders and families, based on relationships on the basis of DNA sequences, according to Angiosperm Phylogeny Group (APG IV, 2016) Whereas, genera and species are arranged in alphabetical order • The book covers basic information on global biodiversity; vegetation, forest types and flora of Nepal • The Handbook of Flowering Plants of Nepal will be published in two volumes Volume 1 comprises 91 families (Cycadaceae – Betulaceae), 696 genera and ca. 3004 taxa (2857 species, 33 subspecies, 113 varieties, and 1 forma) of gymnosperms and flowering plants (nearly 40 percent species of Nepal flora) • It also includes 103 species of exotic species, and 137 species of doubtful or uncertain species • The volume two will comprise remaining species belonging to Coriariaceae–Apiaceae • Additional information includes information on Type specimen of endemic species of Nepal • Similarly, Nepali names, English names, life forms, elevation ranges, and general distribution are provided for each species • Furthermore, economic use values of most of the species (with parts use), and information on species with IUCN Red List category, and CITES Appendices are also provided. “This book represents a major stepping-stone on the pathway in completing the Flora of Nepal, and is an indispensible resource for anyone working on Nepalese plants”. Foreword: Dr. Mark F Watson, Editor-in-Chief, Flora of Nepal Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, UK.

This unique book brings together a wealth of data on the botanical, ethno-medicinal and pharmacological aspects of over 500 species of Asian medicinal orchids. It starts off by explaining the role and limitations of complimentary and herbal medicines, and how traditional Asian medicine differs from Western, “scientific” medicine. The different Asian medical traditions are described, as well as their modes of preparing herbal remedies. The core of the book presents individual medicinal orchid species arranged by genera. Each species is identified by its official botanical name, synonyms, and local names. Its distribution, habitat and flowering season, uses and pharmacology are described. An overview sums up the research findings on all species within each genus. Clinical observations are discussed whenever available, and possible therapeutic applications are highlighted. The book closes with chapters on the conservation of medicinal orchids and on the role of randomized clinical trials.

An accessible, comprehensive and beautifully illustrated guide--the only one to cover all the orchids found in Britain and Ireland Covering more than fifty species as well as hybrids and variants, this is an engaging, intuitive and in-depth identification guide to all the orchids of Britain and Ireland at all stages of development, from first emergence through to setting seed. Drawing on the authors' extensive field experience and the latest scientific research, Britain's Orchids uses multiple techniques to help both beginner and more advanced orchid enthusiasts to identify even the trickiest plants. The book is beautifully illustrated with plates by talented artist Sarah Stribbling as well as more than 1,000 detailed, instructive and evocative photographs by the authors. Orchids have long fired the imagination with their beauty and rarity. This book aims to ignite or increase your passion for these special plants and for the conservation of their habitats, from remote mountaintops to urban wild spaces. The first book to cover all the species, subspecies and varieties, as well as hybrids, at all stages of development Lavishly illustrated with close to 100 stunning plates drawn to scale to show key identification features and more than 1,000 stunning photo showing orchids in their natural settings Simple, step-by-step system for identifying almost any orchid Up-to-date distribution maps and seasonal charts showing when each species can be seen in its various stages Special-feature identification keys that can be used on difficult plants