Energy is considered as a key factor which determines the economic development in the entire sector of any region. Biomass is one of the primary energy sources in rural areas. The study was carried out to examine the utilization pattern of biomass energy and socioeconomic dimensions associated with rural areas of Yelandur, Karnataka, India. Field studies in these villages covering 645 households were made to collect the data and assess the socioeconomic conditions that govern the biomass utilization pattern for meeting energy requirements. Firewood is the primary energy source (94.78 %) for cooking and heating among these rural folk. Most of them are illiterates (60 %) with 28.96 % of them having a meagre income. Traditional biomass stoves are used predominantly. The study shows that there is a positive correlation (R 2 = 0.98) between the households size and volume of firewood consumption. The study has revealed that the firewood fuels are the dominant source of energy for cooking and heating purposes.

Medicinal plants are well known for their therapeutic potential. The present study explored some of the selected medicinal plants for their bioactive potential. Fruits of selected plants were evaluated for their antibacterial and antioxidant activities. These plants extract were also subjected for the determination of functional groups present. All the test extracts showed good antibacterial and antioxidant properties. Methanolic extract of Bridelia scandens fruit was found to be more potent in inhibiting all the test cultures used, with a better zone of inhibition. It also revealed to possess stronger antioxidant ability by scavenging 87.62 % of DPPH radicals, 80.12 % of superoxide radical and by inhibiting 77.27% of lipid peroxidation process compared to other test extracts. FTIR studies of these species have shown the common and uncommon functional groups. Fruits of Bridelia scandens appeared to be a promising source compared to other test plants in the further isolation of bioactive compounds for determining bioactivities.