The use of the medicinal herbs for curing disease has been documented in history of all civilizations. With introduction of scientific procedures, researchers isolated active constituents of the medicinal herbs and after testing, some were found to be therapeutically active. Trace elements are important constituents of active principles of medicinal plants which affect the human body. The aim of this study was to determine qualitatively and quantitatively trace elements in these plants and their medicinal roles in the human body. Analysis of medicinal plants of various biological activities, commonly used in Northern India, was carried out using PIXE technique. Plant samples were collected from Chandigarh (India), which is located at the foothills of the Shivalik ranges, which form a part of the fragile Himalayan ecosystem. PIXE measurements were carried out using 2.4 MeV collimated protons from the 3 MV Tandetron (accelerator) of NCCCM, Hyderabad, India. Various elements namely S , Cl , K , Ca , Ti , V , Mn , Fe , Ni , Cu , Zn , Se etc. were detected with different concentrations. Many of these elements play significant roles in human metabolism and are very important with regards to life processes in man.

Background: Asthma is a very common and chronic disease in which there is an inflammation of the lungs. Inflammatory airways and narrowing, spasms, over-secretion of mucus, bronchoconstriction, and eosinophilic airway inflammation are generally seen in the asthmatic condition. Globally, its prevalence is rising constantly. The extracts of Lonicera obovata and Morina longifolia of the Caprifoliaceae family were traditionally used by the Himalayan local people to treat asthmatic and inflammatory conditions. Objectives: The goal of this experimental study was to identify the phytochemicals of the plants through GC-MS. To investigate and compare the anti-asthmatic potential of methanolic whole plant extracts of L. obovata and methanolic root extracts of M. longifolia through in-vivo experiments. Materials and Methods: The anti-asthmatic potential of extracts was determined by the method of leukocytosis and eosinophilia induced by milk in the Swiss albino mice model. Results: Various secondary active phytoconstituents were detected through the GC-MS screening method, some of which have anti-allergic (anti-asthmatic) and antihistaminic properties. The in vivo experiment result showed that in the case of increased leukocyte count, M. longifolia shows better results than L. obovata, and in the case of increased eosinophil count, L. obovata shows better results than M. longifolia to reduce the increased count. Conclusion:The anti-asthmatic potential of plant extracts could be due to the presence of the phytoconstituents like 1-Monolinoleoylglycerol trimethylsilyl ether in the L. obovata extracts and Octadec-9-enoic acid and Cis-vaccenic acid in both L. obovata and M. longifolia extracts. Hence, through the experiments, the unexplored anti-asthmatic properties were revealed and justifies the traditional usage of both plants to treat asthma.

This research was conducted to detect corosolic acid, in vitro antioxidant and antidiabetic effect of Prunus padus leaf, also called Bird cherry and is a member of Rosaceae. It is a medium-sized tree with obovate, fine serrated leaves and white flowers. According to the HPLC Chromatogram of standard corosolic acid, leaf samples of Prunus padus displayed a peak with a retention time of 9.855 min. Quantitative analysis revealed a good concentration of corosolic acid i.e 8.032 μg/20 mg d w. In vitro studies showed potent antidiabetic and antioxidant activities DPPH radical scavenging test of Prunus padus showed 91.90 per cent inhibition and standard ascorbic acid showed 82.39 per cent inhibition at 250 μg/ml concentration. Acarbose and Prunus padus both have IC50 values of 193.62 ± 0.634 μg/ ml and 114.72 ± 1.038 μg/ ml, accordingly, as determined by an alpha amylase inhibition experiment. The results demonstrate that Prunus padus possesses a good amount of corosolic acid and can be considered a natural source, which is very influential in neutralizing the reactive oxygen species and damage caused by diabetes and has strong antioxidant and antidiabetic effects.

Ethnobotanical exploration was undertaken to document the Wild edible plants (WEPs) utilised by the inhabitants of the Leh district. Traditionally exploited WEPs are an indispensable part of every household culinary. This place is known for its unique culture and cuisine which diversifies it from the rest of India. Pre-structured questionnaires, guided field visits, field examinations, and group discussions were conducted to gather ethnobotanical data. Detailed inquiries were made on the plant’s part used, time of collection and method of food preparation. In the present study, 40 wild consumable plants were documented, these belong to 18 families and spreads to 31 genera; out of which four are new records as wild food plants. They are Cotoneaster integerrimus, Dracocephalum heterophyllum, Astragalus frigidus, and Turritis glabra. Diverse use of wild leafy plants was observed and some of the most famous dishes are ‘Shangsho tsodma’ and ‘Kabra tsodma’ vegetables. The utilisation of wild plants helps enrich diet diversity and enhances the availability of green vegetables hence broadening food choices. Our study also reveals that the gathering of wild plants is confined to village people, shepherds, and farmers, and a majority of this knowledge exists in the memory of the elderly and these wild resources are under threat due to various anthropogenic activities. Therefore, the present finding highlights the value of these plants along with maintaining regional traditional knowledge and preserving the old ethnic traditional way of living and eating. Further, this information will provide baseline data to upcoming researchers dealing with nutrition and nutraceutical aspects. In addition, these wild plants are nutritionally rich and their consumption should be encouraged.

Wild edible plants are used as a source of food by local people where they still rely on natural resources to meet their daily needs. The study was conducted in the rural communities of the Shimla district to document wild edible plants and their edible uses known to local people. The study documented 103 wild edible plant species belonging to 75 genera and 46 families. Rosaceae is the most dominant family with 18 species occupying 17 % of the total use reports. Of the reported plants 43% were used as fruits, 42% as vegetables and remaining have used as juice, gums, spices and condiments. As many as 74 ways of consumption methods shows a Fidelity level (FL) of more than 80%. The use category of vegetables shows highest degree of consensus factor followed by fruit category. Horticultural land expansion is the major threat to the natural habitat of wild edible plants followed by overgrazing. Field visits to various villages in 16 regions of the study area were carried out in different phases from May 2015- September 2018. A total of 102 informants were involved in field investigation and a semi-structured questionnaires and participatory rural appraisal method were used to analyze and study the traditional wild edible plants.