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 LEMON : A JUICY FRUIT RICH IN VITAMIN C FOR HEALTHY LIFE

Lemon or Lime (Nimboo) is a greenish or yellowish juicy Berry fruit, rich in vitamin C and is commonly used as flavour and preservative in culinary and a number of therapeutic applications. It is borne on evergreen thorny bush, shrub or small tree . The plant bears white flowers . Lemon belongs to Family Rutaceae and its Botanical name is Citrus limon/ Citrus medica. Other closely allied fruits are Orange, Malta,Mausambi, Keenu with slightly different taste and texture.
It is found both as wild or cultivated horticultural plant throughout the world supposed to have originated in South East Asia ( India, Burma & China) It is supposed to have originated genetically as a hybrid of sour orange and Citron during 1000 AD.

It prefers temperate as well as sub tropical climatic conditions and is a hardy plant. It bears green shiny leaves with winged petiole . Unripe green fruits turn yellowish on ripening but in some varieties remain green , Fruits are round or elliptical in shape sometimes pointed on one side ranging from 2-4 inches in diameter. Skin of the fruit may be thin and delicate or thick and tough. . It has many varieties such as Eureka, Lisbon, Villafranca, Lucknow seedless, Assam Lemon, Nepali Round etc. From each medium sized lemon 2-3 tablespoons of juice can be squeezed out. The Juice contains Vitamins B_1,B₂,B_3,B₆,B₉ ( Total 18%),minerals like Calcium,Potassium,Iron,Phosphorus,Magnesium,Zinc,Selenium,Copper and about 88% Vitamin C along with carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. It is sour in taste and has unique fragrance.100gm of lemon juice on consumption can provide 29 kcal energy. Other constituents of lemon include volatile oil in the peel, flavonoids,bitter limonoids, citral coumarin, pectins, mucilage and alpha-terpinene.

SIGNIFICANT HEALTH BENEFITS OF LEMON.

Lemon is credited with many virtues but most interesting claim is its ability to kill cancer cell and its use as a substitute to chemotherapy. But all these properties of lemon are still to be proved experimentally. Investigation on chemical constituents of lemon and their relationship to cancer prevention is under progress in some laboratories. Followig are some of its common therapeutic applications.

Helps to tackle skin problems As lemon has antibacterial and antiseptic property it is able to rejuvenate skin and it is rich in vitamin C enhances beauty. It acts as anti –aging remedy and is able to remove wrinkles, blackheads and scar left by burns So is commonly used in soaps, Shampoo, cleansng lotion etc

Helps to tackle mouth and dental problems Lemon juice when applied to gums can stop gum bleeding and also assist in getting rid of toothache. It gives relief from bad mouth smell.

It cures throat infection As lemon juice has antibacterial property ,gargle with lemon water along with a little salt helps in fighting against throat infection and also assist in curing respiratory problem.

It is beneficial in reducing weight It helps in loosing weight faster . For this purpose one has to take one glass of lemon water in the morning with empty stomach. The lemon water is prepared by squeezing juice of one lemon and mixing it in a glass of lukewarm water with 3 spoons of honey and a pinch of salt. It certainly helps in reducing weight on one hand and person consuming it feels energetic and fresh whole day

It controls high blood pressure It controls high blood pressure, dizziness, nausea as well as provides relaxation to mind and body. It also controls mental stress , depression and nervous disorders.

It helps in curing Rheumatism Lemon is also a diuretic and hence lemon water can treat rheumatism and arthritis. It helps to flush out bacteria and toxins out of the body.

It reduces fever Lemon water can treat a person who is suffering from cold, flu or fever. It helps to break fever by increasing perspiration. Half cut lemon slightly roasted on fire with little of salt and black pepper improves the taste after fever

It acts as blood purifier The diseases like cholera or malaria can be treated with lemon water as it can act as a blood purifier.

It is good for relieving stomach problems Due to the digestive qualities lemon juice helps in tackling indigestion, gastric trouble and constipation . It also acts as a liver tonic and in killing parasites. It is antibacterial, antifungal and is also able to control worms. Lemon water with sugar and salt is also prescribed to compensate water loss or dehydration during diarrhoea and dysentery. .

ADVERSE EFFECTS OF LEMO N

Although lemon has so many virtues but some people have skin allergy towards lemon and at the same time it may adversely affect teeth enamel, gasteroesophageal disease and tonsilites. As lemon juice has citric acid may irritate mucosa and decalcify teeth.

USES OF LEMON IN CULINARIS

• Lemon juice, flesh and skin are used in many culinary application and is a common kitchen item throughout the world. Lemon is used to prepare a variety of food recipes as potato chat, mixed chat, cakes, lemon chicken, lemon flavoured drinks..
• It is used to make lemonade (Shikanjee along with sugar), Sharbat, Squash(soft drink )
• It is used as preservative in preparation of short term pickles of ginger,garlic, green Chill etc.
• It is used in dressing onion, tomato, cucumber, radish and beet root salad
• It is also used in fruit salads of apple, banana, guava as its juice is acidic denatures the enzymes and prevent browning and degradation of fruits and keep them fresh for longer duration.
• Lemon juice is also used to marinate fish (reduces smell ) , mutton and chicken for tenderizing collagen fibres.
• While making Ladoos, Shakarpara , Gulabjamun and Jalebi Sugar syrup ( Chasini) is cleared by adding some lemon juice as it contains citric acid.
• Grated dried skin (as that of orange) is used in bakery for flavour and in marmalads, jams, jellies, puddings and biryani.

CERTAIN DOMESTIC USES OF LEMON

Aroma of lemon oil is used in aromatherapy, enhances mood and vigour

It is also used in soaps, body lotion, shampoos and other cosmetics as moisturizer

Sliced lemon is used as freshner in refrigerator

It is used to clean and brighten copper wares and decorative pieces along with salt and baking soda

Half cut lemon is rubbed to remove stains, oil, grease and to clean plastic storage containers.

It is also used for preparation of citric acid

It is used as ubtan (Scrub ) on skin along with gram floor, turmeric ,curd and rose water.

It is applied along with coconut oil on the scalp before head wash to get rid of Dandruff .

CULTIVATION OF LEMON Lemon is cultivated by seeds which germinate on getting moisture or by cuttings, grafting etc. Nursery beds are prepared on light fertile soils . It grows well in wide range of soils. pH range of 5.5 to 7.5 is favourable for lemon plantation . Soil should be well drained. Irrigation improves the plant growth, flowering and fruiting in citrus. Planting should be done from June to August. Inter plant spacing should be 5m x 5m.Mannuring is required thrice in a year. Spray of micronutrients promote growth.Sub tropical climate is best suited for lemon growth and development. Dry and arid conditions having low rainfall are most favourable for the crop. India ranks sixth in production of lemon in the world. In India Citrus fruits are grown in Punjab,Maharashtra, Karnataka. Andhra Pradesh. Bihar, Jharkhand, Orissa, Gujrat ,Assam and Uttaranchal Lemon trees are perennial and produce fruits upto 10 to 15 years and may attain a height of 6-8 feet and canopy of about 4 feet.

DISEASE MANAGEMENT OF LEMON

The most common disease of Lemon and other citrus plants in India is Citrus canker. Kagzi Nimboo becomes infected in rainy season by bacterial pathogen Xanthomonas citri through stomata and wounds. The disease affects leaves,twigs and fruits. All green parts and maturing fruits become covered by brown scabby spots of about 3-4mm. The market value of fruits is reduced due to scabby lesions. To control this disease 1% Bordeaux mixture or 500 ppm solution of Streptomycin sulphate is effective. Gummosis of Citrus is caused by Phytophthora

Species. The symptoms are exudation of gummy substance, yellowing and ultimately falling of leaves. Greening disease of Citrus is caused by Psylla (MLOs).Symptoms are yellowing of midribs and veins of mature leaves. Ultimately whole leaf turns yellow and fall. For its control spray of 0.05% Malathion is used.

Aphids cause a serious damage to Citrus tree during growing season.Aphids suck the sap from leaves so leaves become twisted and deformed.Citrus whiteflies tiny winged insect feeds on underside of leaves and also lay eggs. On hatching of eggs larvae remain attached to leaf and suck the sap. Leaves become curled and covered by a moldy substance.For control of pests gammexane powder can be dusted on leaves and soil surrounding the roots.

POST HARVEST DISEASES OF LEMON

As other fruits and vegetables lemons are also infected by variety of pathogens during storage such as. Alternaria, Fusarium, Botrytis,Geotrichum, Penicillium etc causing black and brown rot, gray and blue green molds resulting in heavy damage. To control these post harvest diseases they should be stored in low temperature and while packing for transportation safe and mild fungicides should be used.

RECIPE FOR PREPARATION OF SOME PICKLES OF LEMON

1. Whole lemon with salt and Ajwain(Carum) I have seen this pickle being prepared since childhood by my mother
Ingredients 25 lemons of medium size,

200-250 gm salt

2 tbs Ajwain

Method - Lemons are washed with water and dried. Both end are cut with knife and with fork lemons were punctured at seven to eight places. The lemons along with salt and ajwain were placed in a clean glass jar with tight lid . The iar was left in sunlight for about 25 days. The jar was shaken after every 2 to 3 days. The colour of lemons gradually changed. It is a long lasting prickle and can be stored. It is very tasty and can be taken with Khichadi or Rice and dal. It is useful in gastric troubles.

2. Sweet and Sour Pickle of Lemon

Ingredients : Lemon -1kg

Salt -150 gms

Sugar -200 gms

Garam Masala(Coarsely Ground )-4 tsps ( Dalchini,Bara Illaichi,Clover and

Pepper)

Method : Lemons are washed with water and dried . With sharp knife two cuts are made to divide the lemon into four pieces joined at the base. In between cuts mixture of salt,sugar and garm masala is filled. These stuffed lemons are placed in a glass jar with the air tight lid. It is left in sun for about a month. The pickle is very tasty and can be stored for 2-3 years.

3. Ginger pickle in lemon juice ½ kg Ginger is peeled off ,washed and cut into long and thin slices. 7-8 Lemons are squeezed to extract the juice. The ginger pieces are kept in a glass jar and about 2 tbs of salt and lemon juice is added and is stirred well. In one or two days colour of ginger pieces turn pink and the prickle is ready to be consumed. It can be used for about two weeks after that colour of ginger pieces starts becoming pale and the taste also changes.

4. Garlic pickle in lemon Juice Peeled cloves of garlic are mixed with little salt and lemon juice in a glass jar. In about 10 to 15 days garlic cloves become tender and sour in taste . It is prescribed in stomach problems, indigestion etc.

5. Green Chilly pickle in lemon juice Green chillies are cut length wise in the middle and then to them salt and lemon juice is added. It is a very tasty pickle ,enhances the hunger.

REFERENCES

Allan DN. Enamel erosion with lemon juice. Br Dent J . 1967;122(7):300-302

Citrus × Limon (L.) Burm. f. (pro sp.) [ medica × aurantifolia ]. USDA, NRCS. 2008. The PLANTS Database . National Plant Data Center, Baton Rouge, LA 70874-4490 USA.
Ensminger A, et. al. Foods & Nutrition Encyclopedia . 2nd ed. Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press; 1994:1299-1302.

Glaspole IN, de Leon MP, Rolland JM, O'Hehir RE. 2007 Anaphylaxis to lemon soap: citrus seed and peanut allergen cross-reactivity. Ann Allergy Asthma Immunol .;98(3):286-289.

Gopalan,C.Rama Sastri,B.V. and Balasubramanian S C 2000 Nutritive value of Indian FoodsRevised by B S Narasinga Rao, Y G Deosthale and K C Pant . National Institute of Nutrition. Hyderabad.Reprint : 2007

Grando LJ, Tames DR, Cardoso AC, Gabilan NH. 1996; In vitro study of enamel erosion caused by soft drinks and lemon juice in deciduous teeth analysed by stereomicroscopy and scanning electron microscopy. Caries Res . 30(5):373-378.
Manners GD. 2007 Citrus limonoids: analysis, bioactivity, and biomedical prospects. J Agric Food Chem .;55(21):8285-8294

Miyake Y, Murakami A, Sugiyama Y, Isobe M, Koshimizu K, Ohigashi H. 1999 Identification of coumarins from lemon fruit (Citrus limon) as inhibitors of in vitro tumor promotion and superoxide and nitric oxide generation. J Agric Food Chem .;47(8):3151-3157

Miyake Y, Mochizuki M, Okada M, Hiramitsu M, Morimitsu Y, Osawa T. 2007 Isolation of antioxidative phenolic glucosides from lemon juice and their suppressive effect on the expression of blood adhesion molecules. Biosci Biotechnol Biochem .;71(8):1911-1919

Pias MJ. 1972 The effects of lemon juice (citric acid) on the surfaces of teeth. Chronicle .;35(8):217-218

Lemon Tree,Leaves,Flowers and Fruits

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The surprising benefits of lemon!Posted by Imran Iftikhar on January 29, 2011 at 1:55pm Institute of Health Sciences, 819 N. L.L.C. Charles Street Baltimore , MD 1201

Read more: https://www.vustudents.org/profiles/blogs/the-surprising-benefits-of#ixzz1Pb1BoDC6

 Cardiospermum halicacabum Linn. belonging to family Sapindaceae is   commonly known as Balloon Vine due to inflated membranous balloon like tri-celled ridged fruits having black seeds with prominent white heart shaped scar.

It is recognized as a medicinal plant of repute in Ayurvedic and Homoeopathic mode of treatment under different names such as Jyotishmati, Kanphuti, Lataphatkari, Indravalli, Heart pea, Love- in-a -puff, Heart seed, Winter cherry etc

NOMENCLATURE OF THE PLANT

The Generic Name Cardiospermum has been derived  from two Greek words Cardia (Heart) and Sperm (Seed) as the black shiny seeds have prominent white heart shaped scar or excrescence.

The Common English Name Balloon Vine refers to tender climber with inflated membranous balloon like hanging fruits which are tri-celled and ridged with sepals attached

   SYSTEMATIC     POSITION

 COMMON NAMES OF CARDIOSPERMUM HALICACABUM

CULTIVATION OF CARDIOSPERMUM HALICACABUM

The plant prefers light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and requires well-drained moist soil mix . It needs full sun to partial shade. In the greenhouse, a soil mix consisting of 2 parts peat moss, 2 parts loam and 1 part sand is used. The plants are kept moist for optimum growth and are fertilized on a weekly basis during the growing season. During the winter months the plants are allowed to go dormant. Germination usually takes place within 3 - 4 weeks at 20°c. February to March is suitable period for its Plantation. It is a frost-tender deciduous climber and can succeed in various types of soils and conditions. Although it is a tender perennial but can be grown as annual.Cardiospermum halicacabum is propagated from seeds. Seeds   are sown directly outdoors or indoors 3-4 weeks before transplanting

BRIEF MORPHOLOGICAL DESCRIPTION

Balloon Vine is a woody perennial vine distributed almost globally in the tropics. It is a fast growing vine up to 10 feet. Stems squared and branches green, slender, glabrous or sparsely hairy. Leaves are deeply cut trifoliate, up to 4 inches long, with highly lobed leaflets. Leaves triangular in outline; petioles 3-4 cm; leaflets subsessile; blades thinly papery, margin sparsely serrate or pinnately parted, abaxially sparsely villous on midvein and lateral veins, terminal blade obliquely lanceolate, apex acuminate. The plant climb with tendrils and needs some form of support. Flower stalk has a pair of axial spiral tendrils at the base. The small white flowers bloom from July onwards , flowers are not very showy.

The bisexual flowers are white in colour and possess 4 unequal sepals, 4 narrowly elliptical white petals ,8 stamens ( 4 larger and 4 shorter), slightly longer than petals; filaments sparsely long villous . single carpel with 3 lobed ovary and tri-fid stigma. Each locule of ovary has one black seed with white heart shaped scar. Ovary subglobose, pubescent. Capsules green in the beginning turns brown on ripening , pearlike, 3-celled obtriangular or sometimes nearly ellipsoid. Disc of two glands present below ovary. Seeds black spherical , shiny, 5 mm in diameter with a conspicuous white heart shaped scar or excrescence.   The fruit appears Balloon like due to inflated membranous seed cover. The fruit is more interesting, from which the plant gets its common name. It is a brown, thin-shelled, inflated membranous balloon like angled capsule up to 3 cm across.

DISTRIBUTION

The plant is distributed mainly in tropical and sub tropical parts of Asia, S America, Africa, Europe and Australlia.It is common naturally growing weed of China, India, Sri Lanka,Pakistan, Bangla Desh,Burma, Guinea,Java,Mexico, Nigeria,Sudan and different parts of europe.It is found in tropical and subtropical plains of India. It is cultivated in Nurseries,Botanical gardens due to possessing immense medicinal importance and attractive climber with membranous ballon like fruits.

ACTIVE INGREDIENTS

The plant possesses active ingredients viz. alkaloids, flavonoids, proanthocyanide, cyanolipids , glycosides, saponins, tri-terpenes, steroids, resins, antibiotics, etc.

 It is noxious due to presence of cyanolipids which may release hydrocyanic acid which can result in depression of central nervous system if administered in high dose.

The levels of hydrocyanic acid are below maximum limits fixed for plant derived food stuffs so can be used as safe drug in Veterinary Homoeopathy

MEDICINAL USE

•            For local inflammation of skin and rheumatic joints

•            For general swelling and tumor

•            For dressing of syphilitic sores

•            For diarrhoea and dysentry

•            For abnormal accumulation of liquid in the tissue

•            Promotes   vomiting and relieves headaches

    Parts used

   Leaves, stem ,roots and seeds are used for medicinal purposes 

 THERAPEUTIC APPLICATION

It is used in treatment of rheumatism, Nervous diseases, stiffness of limbs , snake bite, pulmonary troubles and itchy skin. It is diaphoretic, diuretic, emetic, laxative, stomachic and rubefacient and possesses anti-bacterial, anti- malarial, anti-filarial, anti-epileptic, anti-anxiolytic and anti-convulsant activity.

Roots and leaves are commonly used to cure joint strains.

Decoction of its roots are used to cure bleeding piles.

Decoction of its leaves are used to cure chronic bronchites.

The juice of the leaf is put into the ear to cure earache

When prepared as canjee it is a cooling drink.   

The leaves are applied as poultice for skin eruptions,swellings and tumors.

The infusion of the stalks and leaves is used in diarrhoea and dysentry

The decoction of the root is laxative and muilaginous and relieves inflammation of alimentary tract

The decoction of root is also applied for deworming and subcutaneous skin disease

The steam of decoction of leaves when inhaled relieves headache

The seeds are used as a tonic in fever .

A paste of the leaves is used as a dressing for sores and wounds.

It is also used to cure gastric ulcer and problems in mensural cycle.

Oil of its seeds is applied through nose to cure breathing problem in infants.

The fried leaves of Cardiospermum halicacabum are said to bring on the secretion of the menses.

The leaves may be consumed to cause vomitting

The leaves mixed with jaggary and boiled in oil are specific for eye sore

Whole plant steeped in milk is applied to reduce swellings 

MODE OF APPLICATION AND DOSE

It is used for medicinal purposes as tea,Decoction,Juice, paste, Poultice,oil, chutney, tooth brush etc.

As Decoction of leaves/root, a teaspoon at a time should be taken twice a day 

Leaves and young shoots are edible

Environmental pollution is the contamination of the physical and biological components of the atmosphere to such an extent that normal environmental processes are adversely affected.

Air pollution is contamination of environment by addition of chemical substances,noxious gases ,particulate matter etc which disturb its natural physical and chemical composition.

Air pollution comes from both natural and man made sources  Such as combustion, construction, mining, agriculture,automobiles,industrilisation  and warfare . Common gaseous air pollutants include carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide, chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) and nitrogen oxides    along with particulate matter or fine dust

Consequences of Air pollution.

Pollution causes not only physical disabilities but also psychological and behavioral disorders in human beings such as headache,bronchitis,asthama,irritation of eyes,cardiovascular problems etc.Animals and plants are also affected by pollution.

  The World Health Organization estimates that about two million people die  prematurely every year as a result of air pollution, while many more suffer from breathing ailments, heart disease, lung infections and even cancer.Fine particles or microscopic dust from coal or wood fires and unfiltered diesel engines are rated as one of the most lethal forms of air pollution caused by industry, transport,  household heating, cooking and coal or oil-fired power stations.

INDOOR AIR   POLLUTION 

In addition to outdoor air pollution, Indoor air pollution is now viewed seriously by many health  organizations as one of the greatest risk to human health as most of the people spend about 90% of the time indoor either in home or office. Polluted indoor air quality imposes both short term

( Irritation of eyes,headache,nausea,allergic reactions,asthama) and long term (chronic bronchitis, heart disease,lung cancer,liver and kidney damage ) effects on health. 

Indoor air quality (IAQ) is a term referring to the air quality within and around buildings and structures, especially as it relates to the health and comfort of building occupants.

More than three billion people worldwide continue to depend on solid fuels, including biomass fuels (wood, dung, agricultural residues) and coal, for their energy needs.Cooking and heating with solid fuels on open fires or traditional stoves results in high levels of indoor air pollution. Indoor smoke contains a range of health-damaging pollutants, such as small particles and carbon monoxide.

Indoor Air Pollution is prevalent both at urban and rural levels. Urban Indoor Air pollution can be expierenced in poorly ventilated compact buildings such as Apartments,Auditoriums,theatres,hospitals etc due to human gatherings and modern life style commodities as Air Conditioners,Vacuum cleaners room freshners,sprays,disinfectants, paints,smoking habit etc. Rural Indoor Air Pollution is mainly due to use of traditional stoves using organic fuel(Coal,wood) for cooking which release large amount of smoke and CO which affects respiratory process..

Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) can be affected by microbial contamination ,gases including Radon, CO,CO₂,Volatile Organic Compounds as formaldehyde, benzene, trichloroethylene, xylene, toluene, particulate matter, pollen and fungal spores, pesticides etc or any mass or energy stressor that can induce adverse health conditions . Most of indoor pollutants are carcinogenic and neurotoxins.

IAQ can be improved by proper ventilation, use of filters and exhaust fans upto some extent . Using ventilation to dilute contaminants, filtration, and source control are the primary methods for improving indoor air quality in most buildings

Alternative means to tackle Indoor Air Pollution 

Some plants which can be grown indoor (shade loving plants ) can be safely exploited as good source of reducing indoor air pollution.

Plants by virtue of their ability to photosynthesize can absorb atmospheric carbon dioxide gas through stomata and release oxygen as a by product so make the air suitable to breathe in by human beings.

Plants give off extra water as water vapour through stomata by physiogical process transpiration thus causing coolness and increase humidity in the surrounding enviroment.so plants are able to the function of air purifier. Plants are more effective at filtering pollutants than air purifiers and filters which consume electricity.

Added bonus when plants are used as purifiers is that they are beautiful and provide natural aesthetic scenario( greenary) which induce calmness and peace to the interior.

Plants are inexpensive, require no electricity to operate.

Studies performed by NASA indicate that houseplants remove indoor air pollutants while increasing the amount of oxygen and humidity in the home. Most houseplants have  probably developed from plants that grow in the understory of rainforests and under canopy of huge trees like Banyan,Peeple etc. These plants must be able to survive the high concentrations of mold and mildew and prevent  attack to their own leaves. They have adapted by developing microbes on the root system that serves the purpose of biodegrading mold and mildew and are also able to,

effectively biodegrade common indoor pollutants like carbon monoxide, formaldehyde, and benzene, which are by products of cleaning and household products, and provide protection against airborne fungal spores.

Some house plants which can be grown in shade and indoor  are useful in controlling IAP by absorbing CO₂ and releasing  oxygen. Plants also increase humidity and provide aesthetic sense and natural green scenario to home décors. As per NASA reports plants together with medium in which they are grown are able to remove 99.9% toxins from polluted indoor air particularly VOCs . It is not the foliage but associated soil bacteria which develop in rhizosphere of these potted indoor plants are capable of biodegrading toxic chemicals when activated by plant root growth.

There are about 50 plants which can be grown indoor which have probably developed from plants growing in understorey of rainforests and under canopy of huge trees. Names of Some commonly used plants suitable for Indian environmental conditions is mentioned below : Anthurium,Begonia, Asplenium, Dieffenbachia, Dracaena, Rubber plant ,Fittonia,Maranta, Monstera,Syngonium, Alocasia, Philodendron, Pothos, Bamboo palm, Poinsettia,Peace lily, Azalea, Areca palm, Bosten fern, Lady palm,Dwarf date palm etc As plants remove pollutants and make the environment clean , awareness should be created among masses for their cultivation , propagation and appreciation.

To keep the inner environment healthy and free of pollutants it is advisable to put the potted indoor plants in the room or meeting hall ,hospitals, schools at a place where sunlight enters for sometime during day hours one can be in r touch with nature and enjoy the uplifting and rejuvenating effects that house plants bring to any environment by placing the plants in the living rooms

The idea of common plants solving IAQ problems is attractive. Most people like having plants in their homes and offices and in the hotels and  public buildings they visit. However, important questions exist as to whether plants can actually affect indoor air sufficiently to warrant their use as air cleaners

Some scientists and interiorscapers (people who design and provide plant environments in buildings) say that National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) research demonstrates the efficacy of plants as indoor air cleaners

It was initially assumed that the plants removed the chemicals by uptake through the leaves and photosynthetic processes But by research measuring the amount of pollutants in presence plants with leaves and after removing leaves indicate that it is actually not the leaves but rhizosphere microflora ( soil bacteria ) of these plants are able to degrade and decompose the pollutants.

The scientists identified several common soil bacteria isolates in the root-soil zone. The researchers said they were "common soil microorganisms" most of which are "known to be capable of biodegrading toxic chemicals when activated by plant root growth

As plants remove pollutants and make the environment clean , awareness should be created among masses for their  cultivation , propagation and appreciation

Brahmakamal : Orchid Cactus: Epiphyllum oxypetallum

Epiphyllum  oxypetalum is a very interesting and unique plant. It belongs to Family Cactaceae. It is commonly known as Night blooming Cereus, Queen of the night,Lady of the night as its beautiful Lotus like flower blooms late night. In India it is called as Brahma Kamal ( ब्रह्मकमल  ) and is treated as a sacred plant.It is popularly known as Orchid Cactus as the flower has orchid like beauty and plant resembles cactus in habit. It is known by different common names in different parts of the world viz.  Jungle cactus,   Dutchman's Pipe

The generic name Epiphyllum  of the plant refers to flowers borne on leaf like phylloclade and the Specific name oxypetalum refers to acute petals.

Cereus oxypetalus, Phyllocactus oxypetalus, Cereus latifrons, Epiphyllum latifrons, Phyllocactus grandis, Epiphyllum grande, Epiphyllum acuminatum are the names used for similar plants.

Distribution :

The Plant has many synonyms viz. Cereus oxypetalus, Phyllocactus oxypetalus (de Candolle), Phyllocactus acuminatus , Epiphyllum grande, Epiphyllum latifrons and is often confused with Cereus species. The plants of Cactaceae generally have origin in Central America. Closely allied species like Epiphyllum crenatum , E. Hookerii, E. Anguliger are distributed in Northern and Central America. Epiphyllum oxypetalum Plant is native to Sri lanka where  it is known as Kaduphul ,it is believed that  plant blooms rarely and that too late night. In India this flower has been reported from different parts like Mumbai, Bangalore,Chennai, Ranchi ,Uttrakhand etc.The plant  flowers generally in rainy season from mid June to  mid October.  It has diverse distribution and grows wild in tropical rain forests. A slightly different type is found in Mexico ,Brazil, Venezuela and is  locally described as Phyllocactus purpusii . It is also found as a cultivated plant in some parts of America such as California either as Epiphyte or Lithophyte. Here the flowers bear carmine red coloured outer tepals and instead of sweet fragrance has slightly unpleasant smell.

Systematic Position :

  Cultivation:

It is propagated by  rhizome, herbaceous stem and leaf cutting or layering.Prefers acidic soil and filtered sun light. It can also be grown indoor .To grow the plant , a leaf is planted in the soil or is placed horizontally on soil. The cut phylloclade can also be dipped in water . In about three weeks  adventitious roots come out , then can be planted in pot containing soil.From margins of phylloclade bulbil like structures grow.

Brief Morphological Description :

Stems are erect, climbing or sprawling, profusely branched, primary stems cylindrical, to 1-2-4 m long, flattened laterally. Secondary stems (which look like leaves) are flat, elliptic-acuminate, to 30 cm x 10-12 cm, thin; margins shallowly  crenate and wavy

Flowers are produced from flattened portions,are up  to 30 cm long, 12-17 cm wide, nocturnal, very fragrant. The principal odour component in the aroma is of  benzyle salisylate; pericarpel nude, slightly angled, green, bracteoles short; receptacle 13–20 cm long, 1-2 cm thick, brownish, arching, bracteoles narrow, about  10 mm long; outer tepals linear, acute, 8–10 cm long reddish to amber; inner tepals oblanceolate to oblong, acuminate, to 8–10 cm long and 2,5 cm wide, whitish; stamens many (about 100) white,filament delicate  slender and weak; style greenish white or white, 4 mm thick, as long as inner tepals, pale yellow or white  multilobed  stigma, style is delicate white and long  Fruit is oblong, 12 x 8 cm, purplish red, angled.

 Epiphyllums are indeed true cacti, but are more often labeled as "Epicacti" or "jungle cacti" to differentiate them from related desert flora. Orchid cactus blooms at night, since the flowers are predominantly pollinated by bats and large moths. They have large white star-like flowers to help their pollinators locate the blossoms by moon or star light, and many have very lovely fragrances. Pure white flowers, the size of about  6  to 8 inches in diameter ,blooming takes place  after sunset  and stay open all night, closing in the morning before sunrise.

Features of special interest : Peculirities about the plant :

This flower, named after Brahma, the God of Creation, blooms only for one night in the entire year, somewhere between mid June  and mid October. The blooming lasts only for a few (10 ) hours. Brahmakamal is related with the story of how Brahma emerged from Vishnu’s naval in a lotus flower.It ia also believed that it is a sacred flower and does not bloom in all homes and in the homes where it blooms are considered lucky and is a sign or notation of prosperity. There are some nice stories about the Brahmakamal. It is believed that It is the flower in which Hindu God Brahma resides and the place where it blooms will be the receiver of glad things. People who pray to God while the flower is blooming get their wishes fulfilled.  There is a belief that the Brahmakamal should be gifted and should  not be  sold or  bought from the market . If video recording of  blooming is performed  one can experience  a very pleasant and shoothing  music in complete silence.As its blooming is rare ,people invite their friends and relatives to cherish watch this wonderful and special event.

By

Dr. ICHHA PURAK & Dr. ANITA MEHTA

DEPARTMENT OF BOTANY, RANCHI WOMEN’S COLLEGE, RANCHI

purak.ichha@gmail.com

Cardiospermum  halicacabum Linn. belonging to family Sapindaceae is   commonly known as Balloon Vine due to inflated membranous balloon like tri-celled ridged fruits having black seeds with prominent white heart shaped scar. It is recognized as a medicinal plant of repute in Ayurvedic and Homoeopathic mode of treatment under different names such as Jyotishmati, Kanphuti, Lataphatkari, Indravalli,  Heart pea, Love- in-a -puff,  Heart seed, Winter cherry etc.  The plant possesses active ingredients viz. alkaloids, flavonoids, proanthocyanide, cyanolipids , glycosides, saponins, tri-terpenes, steroids ec .  It is used to cure rheumatism, diarrhoea, chronic bronchitis,  nervous diseases, stiffness of  limbs, snake bite, pulmonary troubles, itchy skin, problems in menstrual cycle, gastric ulcer, earache , eyesore and piles.

Standardization of protocol was undertaken for achieving callus mass from different parts of Cardiospermum halicacabum. Different explants responded differently to chemicals and media they had been  subjected.MS Medium supplemented with low concentration of 2,4 -D had a tendency to regenerate into shoot and complete plantlet but high concentration induced callus formation as well as proliferation . Green embryogenic callus from leaf explants was observed in media containing 2,4-D. Callus tissue is good source of  genetic and karyotypic variability so variants can be regenerated from these genetically variable cells. Callus culture is useful for obtaining  commercially important secondary metabolities. Several biochemical assays  can be performed from callus culture.

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Key words – Balloon Vine, MS Medium, Callus

आज  का  दिन रांची के इतिहास में बहुत महत्वपूर्ण है , क्योंकि  आज पहला इंटरनेशनल मैच खेल जा रहा है भारत और इंग्लैंड के बीच  वह भी धोनी के अपने शहर में  लगता है आज माहि के सितारे बुलंद है और हौसला भी पक्का है धोनी ने टॉस जीतने के बाद फील्डिंग का फैसला किया और कमल की बोलिंग और फील्डिंग की भारतीय खिलारियों ने इंग्लैंड की टीम के छक्के छुरा दिए 155 रन पर ही पूरी टीम आउट हो गई  इंडिया बहुत ही बेहतरीन बलेबाजी कर रहा है 114 रन केवल दो विकेट के नुकसान पर बन चुके है विक्ट्री हमारी है हम सब रांची वासियों के ओर बहुत शुभकामनाये  और वधाई