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In the present investigation, changes of photosynthetic parameters including net photosynthetic rate (PN); stomatal conductance (gs), transpiration rate (E), and water-use efficiency (WUE) were studied in Jatropha (Jatropha curcas cv. DARL-2) under different concentrations of cobalt (Co) (0, 100, 200, 400, 600, 800, and 1000 mg kg-1) toxicity. The PN, gs, and E trends were shown in increasing trends up to 200 mg kg-1 Co in comparison to controlled plants. However, trends of WUE and photosynthetic pigments [chlorophyll a, b, (a+b), and carotenoids] were found in decreasing order in all concentrations of cobalt stress as compared to controlled plants. The PN value was ~1.33, and ~2.44 fold higher in 100 and 200 mg kg-1 but decreased ~2.61, ~6.86, and ~15.40 fold in 400, 600, and 800 mg kg-1 cobalt treatment, respectively. Similarly, the gs rate was ~1.33, and ~1.69 fold higher in 100 and 200 mg kg-1 but decreased ~1.89, ~3.38, and ~8.71 fold in 400, 600, and 800 mg kg-1 cobalt treatment. The E was significantly ~1.44, ~2.74, and ~1.35 fold higher in 100, 200, and 400 mg kg-1 decreased ~1.03 and ~1.43 fold in 600 and 800 mg kg-1. The WUE was ~0.93, ~0.89, ~3.50, ~6.51, and ~10.76 fold decreased in all Co treated plants. In addition, the content of photosynthetic pigments [chlorophyll a, b, (a+b), and carotenoids] was varying in all Co treated plants. All studied plants were survived morphologically up to 800 mg kg-1 but seedlings were not survived due to severe cobalt toxicity stress in 1000 mg kg-1. Among studied plants, Jatropha seedlings showed the best survival potential under 200 mg kg-1 Co stress.

Cancer is an abnormal pattern of growth which has ability to spread to the other parts of the body. Many treatment options are available currently such as chemotherapy, radiotherapy and surgery. Presently increasing number of cancer cases globally has made responsible community and researchers to pay attention to establish a sustainable therapy option which is effective both in terms of cost and treatment. Medicinal plants could be the best option for extracting anticancer drugs. Majority of the anticancer drugs currently being used are extracted from natural sources. Catharanthus roseus also known as “Madagascar periwinkle”, belongs to the family Apocynaceae. This splendid and marvelous shrub is a good source of indole monoterpenes and alkaloids which are used as anticancer, antiproliferative and antimitotic drugs. Anticancer drugs extracted from C. roseus, their mechanisms of action, their potential and complications associated with them are discussed.

The genus Ocimum comprises of a large number of species which are widely cultivated in different parts of the world for its pharmaceutical, neutraceutical and other commercial importance. A number of biological activities such as antimicrobial, cytotoxic, anti-nociceptive, anti-inflammatory, hypoglycaemic, hepatoprotective and antioxidant have been ascribed to Ocimum which can be linked to the occurrence of biologically active phytochemicals like phenolic acids, essential oil, flavonoids, and terpenes hence making it a potential source for discovery and development of novel drugs.The present review covers the successive advances in the traditional medicinal aspects, phytochemistry, bioactivities and their bioavailability of four Ocimum species i.e. Ocimum basilicum L., Ocimum sanctum L., Ocimum gratissimum L. And Ocimum tenuiflorum L., in order to explore their applications in versatile industries. Furthermore, this thorough compilation will be used as a potential resource for further Ocimum related medication development and research and also to identify the research gaps to fill.