Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi (AMF) are obligate biotrophs living in symbiotic association with roots of plants. They are among the most widespread soil microorganisms that provide the host plant with nutrients and pathogen protection. Modern farming practices like frequent tillage, high input inorganic fertilization and pesticide along changing climatic conditions due to global warming, have huge impacts on AMF colonization, interaction with plants and on crop productivity. AMF positively affect the plant tolerance to biotic and abiotic stresses, harsh ecosystems and plant pathogens by altering root structure, exudation, rhizosphere microflora, production of antifungals, antibacterials, and competing with pathogens for nutrient uptake. Thus, it plays a significant role in plant growth, productivity and quality. Further, the effect of a fungicide is varied depending on its mode of action and the associated AMF species, suggesting that these fungi have a strong potential as a tool for eco-friendly sustainable farming in the present scenario of global warming.

Background: Diabetes, a chronic disease, is presently a rapidly growing epidemic globally. The risk of diabetes type 2 is greatly increasing with change in lifestyle factors, urbanization, high blood pressure, overweight or obesity, physical inactivity and poor diet. It’s one of the reasons for premature death and disability and the number of cases are drastically increasing every year.Methods: 81 subjects above 18 years of age were considered for the screening. Random blood glucose levels were tested using the Thyrocare Sugar scan glucometer strips. Physical activity data was collected using a questionnaire. Based on the extent of physical activity, the subjects we grouped into three different categories. Data was analyzed and expressed using basic statistical tools in MS Excel 2007.Results: 6.17% of the rural population of Kendri, with mean age 47.4 years, had undiagnosed diabetes. The mean blood glucose level in diabetes positive cases was 279.8 mg/dL. A correlation of random blood glucose levels of the subjects with the extent of their physical activity was observed, where a decrease in physical activity/increase in physical inactivity showed an increase in blood glucose levels.Conclusions: From our study we conclude that undiagnosed diabetes is prevalent amongst the rural populations of Kendri, Chhattisgarh and low physical activity correlated with an increase of blood glucose levels, suggesting an urgent need to create health awareness, with emphasis on increase in physical activity, literacy and diabetes management, obesity, specifically among the illiterate and underprivileged rural populations.

Gariyaband districtis in the state of Chhattisgarh in India with a population of 111,614.The famous Udanti wildlife sanctuary is also located in Gariyaband district. A total area of 1547.93 sq km in Gariyaband is covered with dense forest .The type of forest found in this area is tropical deciduous. Medicinal plants in India have been known for their essential role in the development of the Indian culture and tradition, for example they have been used in religious ceremonies which are part of our traditional Indian culture. Plants in themselves are natural industries as they provide good quality food, raw materials for pharmaceuticals, perfumeries and cosmetics industries without causing damage to the environmental. The main aim of the present study is to understand the diversity of medicinal plants in this district. An attempt has been made to study the medicinal plants commonly used in Gariyaband district for the treatment of different diseases. A plant diversity was analyzed during October-December after studying the vegetation of Gariyaband district. The botanical name, family, habit and uses were listed. The total number of medicinal plant species identified was 51 that belonged to10 different families.

Dental and oral hygiene is essential for overall health and well-being. Tooth brush and dental floss help remove food debris and plaque, while tooth paste and mouth wash are a key part of oral hygiene as they reduce bacterial growth. The use of chemical agents in tooth paste formulations are effective but can have undesirable side effects. The use of herbal extracts instead can be equally effective due to the presence of phytochemicals which render antibacterial and antiseptic properties, with no side effects. In this study we have formulated toothpaste using the extracts of orange peel, tomato peel and Eucalyptus leaves. The extracts were positive for phytochemicals like terpenoids, flavonoids and tannins. The formulated tooth paste demonstrated antibacterial and biofilm degrading activity against Staphylococcus aureus isolated from dental plaques. On comparison with commercially available toothpastes, the herbal formulation was observed to be more effective against the biofilm forming Staphylococcus aureus. Rakhi Bajpai3, Chitranshu Pandey4, Varaprasad Kolla*5