The seeds of Acampe praemorsa (Roxb.) Blatt. & McCann successfully germinated in vitro on 0.8% (w/v) agar solidified KC, MS, MVW,
and PM basal media and developed into seedlings. Both in vitro raised seedlings and in vivo obtained plant parts (leaf, stem, and root) were
investigated for antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and cytotoxic activities. The moderate antioxidant activity was showed in methanolic crude
extract of leaf (IC50= 229.55 μgml-1), stem (IC50= 103.86 μgml-1), root (IC50= 222.22 μgml-1), and in vitro seedlings (IC50= 208.47 μgml-1)
samples. Strong anti-inflammatory activity was observed on leaf (IC50= 95.15 μgml-1), stem (IC50= 63.87 μgml-1), and in vitro developed
seedlings (IC50= 80.39 μgml-1), whereas root sample showed the moderate (IC50= 137.50 μgml-1) anti-inflammatory activity. The cytotoxic
activity of methanolic crude extract of leaf, stem, root, and in vitro raised seedlings exhibited moderate activity with the LC50 values as
265.20, 224.13, 357.73, and 160.21 μgml-1, respectively.
The flowers of family Orchidaceae are mono-symmetric and show a great level of specialization in pollination mechanism. Zygomorphy is
perceived to be an added advantage for pollination. It is also thought that pollinator driven selection pressure might have evolved
zygomorphy over ancestral actinomorphy in both Eudicots and Monocots. The floral contour of orchids often helps in guiding its pollinators
to accomplish pollination, without reward-wastage or pollen robbing. The present communication gives a glimpse of orchid floral morphology
in relation to their pollination mechanism.
Since ancient times, people have been using therapeutic herbs; in fact, this practice might have been the forerunner of modern medicine.
It has been noted that the focus of worldwide research is shifting away from the cultivation or domestication of plant species and toward
the discovery of novel medications or active chemicals. Because contemporary synthetic medication is unavailable to the developing
world, traditional medicine based on the direct application of medicinal plants is still practiced in many parts of the world due to its low cost.
Bulbophyllum is the largest genus of the family Orchidaceae. Bulbophyllum crassipes Hook.f. is one of the most important epiphytic orchid
species amongst the 2199 species (POWO, 2025) of the genus Bulbophyllum. It has the special characters of single noded pseudobulb
and basal inflorescence. Since ancient times, Bulbophyllum orchids have occupied a distinct place in human’s life for treatment of a variety
of ailments. Owing to insufficient data of this species on the medicinal aspect, there is an immediate need to carry out research on this
particular area. In the present communication, pharmacognostic study such as organoleptic characters, macroscopic study, microscopic
study, physicochemical analysis, phytochemical screening, and in vitro anti-oxidant, and anti-inflammatoy activity of B. crassipes are
reported. The IC50 values for in-vitro anti-oxidant activity were reported to be 193.92, 192.12, 204.43, 406.86, 515.52 μgml-1, and 34.01 μgml-
1 for different extracts (hydroalcohol, methanol, ethyl acetate, petroleum ether, and ascorbic acid, respectively). For anti-inflammatoy
activity the IC50 of hydroalcohol, methanol, ethyl acetate, and petroleum ether extracts were found as 695.09, 689.65, 728.06, 831.60,854.75
μgml-1 respectively, where the IC50 of diclofeinac sodium was observed as 167.30 μgml-1.
Climate change, unregulated commercial collections, and poor natural regeneration have adversely affected habitats and natural populations
of charismatic orchids which have complex life strategies. Mycorrhizal fungi are obligatory for the growth and development of orchids as
these are associated with stimulating seed germination, protocorm development, and seedling growth in vivo. In the present study, fungal
isolate was recovered from root sample of a terrestrial orchid, Oreorchis indica (Lindl.) Hook.f. and was identified based on micromorphological
features and molecular characteristics [sequencing the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region of ribosomal DNA]. The
slow growing isolated fungus showed barrel shaped moniloid cells and ITS sequence of isolate (accession number OP467009) possesed
92.24% similarity with Tulasnella spp. (Basidiomycetes) in NCBI mega BLAST search. These mycorrhizal interactions have a referential
value to be utilized in symbiotic seed germination experiments and thus protecting rare and endemic orchid plants. This is the first report
of fungal endophyte (Tulasnella spp.) isolation and identification through morpho-molecular techniques in Oreorchis indica from India.
Mature micro-seeds procured from the dehisced capsules (12 WAP) were also evaluated for in vitro germination potential under both
symbiotic and asymbiotic environment. The germinating entities failed to exhibit any response, either symbiotically or asymbiotically,
despite repeated subculturing on fresh media even after four months of inoculation, indicating thereby that either the isolated fungus was
incompatible or the nutrient medium and culture conditions were not suitable. Therefore, our findings suggest that orchids may require
different fungal partners during symbiotic germination of seeds and seedling development.
Geodorum densiflorum (=Eulophia picta (R.Br.) Ormerod) is highly vulnerable to various environmental factors, yet it is renowned for
its significant therapeutic properties, largely due to its key chemical components. Its flavonoids, alkaloids, and terpenoids play a
crucial role in delivering a wide array of health benefits, from antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects to antimicrobial and analgesic
properties. These compounds make Geodorum densiflorum a valuable species in traditional medicine and modern therapeutic
applications. Mycorrhizal studies revealed the association of Rhizoctonia solani in its roots. Chloroplast studies disclosed the
presence of 132 genes in the whole chloroplast genome, comprising 36 tRNA, 8 rRNA, and 76 protein-coding genes. By squash
technique, karyotype was identified as 2C type and the chromosome count was observed as 2n=54. Methanol extract of pseudobulbs
showed slight analgesic effect. Antioxidant activity of the stems and tubers ranged from very strong to minimal. Extracts showed a
substantial way to obtain new therapeutic agents from this species against sedative, anxiolytic, and associated central nervous
system disorders at a higher dose (400 mg/kg p.o.). Pyridinium, 2-Piperidinone, (E)-9-Octadeconoic acid ethyl ester (3.891%), 1-
amino-chloride (3.305%), 1H-Pyrrole-2-Carbonitrile (3.778%), and 4H-Pyran-4-one, 3,5-dihydroxy-2-methyl-(3.274%), N-[4-bromon-
butyl]-(4.004%), exhibit a range of biological activities. FTIR analysis detected distinct peak values and their corresponding
functional groups, indicating the existence of hydrogen-bonded alcohols, nitrogen compounds, phenols, bromides, alkenes, alkanes,
aliphatic esters, and aromatic groups in the extract. The ethyl acetic extract of G. densiflorum has shown both cytotoxicity and
antibacterial activity against Bacillus cereus, B. subtilis, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Salmonella typhi, and
Staphylococcus aureus. In order to examine the sedative and anxiolytic properties of root extracts, many mice behavioral models
were employed, including the open field, hole cross, thiopental sodium-induced hypnosis, and elevated plus maze tests. The
ethanolic extract exhibited potent inhibitory action against strains of MRSA and MSSA. Treatment with GDL resulted in a reduction
in WNT and an upregulation of FAS and FADD expression. AgNPs effectively inhibit the growth of Ehrlich ascites carcinoma (EAC)
cells and anti-cancer characteristics against GSCs, MCF-7, and BxPC-3 cells. In vitro propagation seems to be the only alternative
way for increasing number of its populations and to conserve the species. A high rate of seedling development is achieved when
NAA levels are kept low and BAP levels are high. Tomato extract has been identified as the most effective organic additive, while ½
MS medium proves to be the best for seed germination. BAP stands out as the most effective cytokinin for promoting rhizomemediated
proliferation. TDZ appears to be beneficial for rapidly generating leafy shoots. Additionally, a combination of IAA and BAP,
supplemented with activated charcoal, results in the production of healthy plantlets.
Habenaria crinifera is a terrestrial orchid that grows in the dense moist deciduous forest, evergreen forest, and grasslands of the Western
Ghats. Megasporogenesis and development of female gametophytes in H. crinifera showed that the ovary is inferior and unilocular with
many ovules born on the parietal placenta. The ovules were found to be anatropous, bitegmic, and tenuinucellate. The development of the
female gametophyte confirms the monosporic 8-nucleate type in H. crinifera.
The present study investigates the phytochemical activity of a few endemic and medicinally important orchids of NorthEast India,
highlighting their potential as valuable sources of bioactive compounds for pharmaceutical, nutraceutical, and industrial applications. The
species exhibited substantial variation in total phenol content (TPC), ranging from 15.70 to 83.16 mg GAE g-¹, with a mean value (43.70 mg
GAE g-¹). Total flavonoid content (6.86-29.54 mg QE g-¹) and flavanol content (0.09-2.35 mg QE g-¹) were similarly diverse, with
Bulbophyllum odoratissimum consistently demonstrating the highest levels across phenolic and flavonoid categories. Antioxidant activity,
measured by FRAP (3.25-16.59 mg FeSO4 g-¹), also varied significantly amongst species, with Liparis odorata exhibiting the greatest
reducing potential. Sugar profiling revealed notable differences in total sugar, reducing sugar, and non-reducing sugars, with sucrose
identified as the predominant carbohydrate in orchid leaves. Correlation analysis indicated a strong positive relationship between total
sugar and reducing sugars (r = 0.998; p < 0.01), while other biochemical parameters showed no significant associations. Overall, the
present findings underscored the biochemical richness and interspecific variability amongst medicinal orchids, suggesting promising
opportunities for further phytochemical characterization, pharmacological evaluation, and potential biotechnological applications.
Satyrium nepalense D.Don is a terrestrial, multi-purpose orchid with therapeutic, nutritional, and aesthetic benefits as well as aroma. Its
extensive elemental composition which contains triterpenes, alkaloids, flavonoids, and unsaturated sterols, makes it eligible to be classified
as a medicinal orchid. The juice of the plant is used to treat fever as well as cuts and wounds, and the dried tubers are used as a dysentery
preventative. The survival of the species is threatened by natural factors including habitat loss triggered by undulating topography and
landslides sparked by heavy rains. Its multiplication by conventional and micropropagation methods, as well as its restoration into natural
habitats and niche regions will prove to be a significant conservation effort. Mature seeds (20 wap) procured from dehisced capsules
(pods) of S. nepalense were cultured on MS Medium with or without growth hormones [Auxins (Indole-3-Acetic acid, IAA and 1-Napthalene
Acetic acid, NAA; 0.5 mgL-1 each); Cytokinins (6-Benzylaminopurine, BAP, Kinetin, KN, and Thidiazuron, TDZ; 0.5 mgL-1 each); and
activated charcoal (0.2%)]. MS medium fortified with AC+BAP (0.5 mgL-1) proved an optimal nutritional combination during germination and
seedling development. However, the medium supplemented with NAA (0.5 mgL-1)+BAP (1.0 mgL-1) proved beneficial for rapid protocorm
multiplication. The in vitro seed culture protocol established from the present study may be employed for large scale propagation of this
commercially important S. nepalense and other related taxa.
Species of Dendrobium are revised to 50 from 37 based on the specimens deposited in herbaria namely National- Central National
Herbarium (CAL) Howrah; Regional- herbarium of the Eastern Regional Centre of the Botanical Survey of India (ASSAM), Shillong; and
State- Orchid Herbarium of the Tropical Forest (OHT), Tipi, West Kameng (Arunachal Pradesh), and Arunachal Pradesh Regional Centre
of the Botanical Survey of India (ARUN). The number of specimens is 359 in CAL representing 21 species representing, 251 in ASSAM,
and 240 specimens representing 41 species in OHT. The present communication reports examination of specimens for each Dendrobium
species reported from Arunachal Pradesh.
Orchids are amongst the most prized flowering plants which are traded as cut flowers and pot plants. These belong to the second largest
family of the flowering plants, with 29,481 orchid species worldwide. The Eastern and NorthEastern Himalayas, NorthWestern Himalayas,
Peninsular India, and Andaman and Nicobar Islands are the major orchid regions of India. There are three prominent methods of
conserving the genetic resources of orchid species: i) Legislative measures; ii) in situ conservation in sanctuaries, National Parks, and
Secred Groves Reserves; and iii) ex situ conservation in Orchidaria, field gene banks, in vitro conservation, cryo-preservation, and
Botanic gardens. Globally, trade in artificially propagated live plants is dominated by orchid hybrids (28.7%), Cymbidium species (26.9%),
Orchidaceae species (18.9%), Phalaenopsis hybrids (10.1%), Phalaenopsis species (4.4%), Dendrobium species (3.4%), Cymbidium
hybrids (3.3%), Dendrobium hybrids (2.3%), Cattleya species (0.4%), and Oncidium species (0.2%). Indian orchid species with high
ornamental values are used as breeding material. In India, some of the native genera like Arachnis, Cymbidium, Dendrobium, Paphiopedilum,
and Vanda are cultivated on a large scale for cut flower production. Cymbidium is mainly grown in NorthEastern Himalayan Region, Sikkim,
Darjeeling hills, Arunachal Pradesh, and Assam. Tropical orchids are cultivated in Kerala and some parts of Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and
Maharashtra. There is a need to prefer those species which flower during winter and spring months so as to export their flowers to
temperate regions from December to May.
Aerides multiflora Roxb. is an epiphytic orchid with significant medicinal and ornamental value. The present study was aimed to standardize
mass multiplication through in vitro asymbiotic seed germination on M and MS nutrient media, with and without growth additives. The
investigation focused on evaluating the effects of different combinations of growth regulators on seed germination, protocorm formation
and their subsequent development into seedlings. The highest germination rate (98.75%) was achieved on M medium supplemented with
kinetin (KN) and activated charcoal (AC). Furthermore, M medium enriched with IBA (0.5 mgL-¹) proved suitable for seed germination,
protocorm multiplication, and development of seedlings. The standardized protocol offers an efficient method for the large-scale propagation
of A. multiflora and provides a potential strategy to reduce commercial collection pressures on natural populations of this species.
The present communication reports the ecological, phytochemical, and pharmacological significance of an endangered terrestrial orchid
Geodorum densiflorum (Lam.) Schltr.(=Eulophia picta (R.Br.) Ormerod). An examination of its populations in relation to vegetative
characteristics and habitat disturbance, revealed that environmental factors such as grass density and canopy cover influence its
distribution. During phytochemical analysis of the its pseudobulbs using FTIR and UV-Visible spectroscopy, bioactive compounds with
pharmaceutical potential were identified. Investigations of the flowers revealed that the endophytic fungi community varied within different
floral parts, highlighting variations across them. In vitro propagation techniques were developed for the conservation through optimizing
seed germination, protocorm growth, and seedling development using various nutrient media and plant growth regulators. Efficient
protocols for micropropagation, using rhizome section culture, and protocorm-like body induction were established, achieving high
seedling survival rates. The evaluation reported the biological activities including antibacterial, anti-infective, and anti-biofilm properties
against antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Lectins extracted from the rhizome demonstrated cytotoxicity against Ehrlich ascites carcinoma
(EAC) cells. Additionally, root extracts exhibited sedative, anxiolytic, and analgesic effects in animal models. GC-MS analysis identified 21
bioactive compounds, supporting the potential of this species for drug development. These findings contribute to the conservation and
pharmaceutical applications of this endangered orchid species.
The Northern Western Ghats are popularly known as the Sahyadri Mountains. It is a chain of mountains running about 750 km in length
parallel to the West Coast of Peninsular India from the river Tapi, South Gujarat to the Northern region of Karnataka till the Kali River. The
Northern Western Ghats is characteristic of having flat table top mountains and lateritic plateaus well known for their rich plant diversity
including orchids. Several exploration tours were conducted by Botanical Survey of India during 2012 to 2024 to study the family
Orchidaceae, in the different parts of the Northern Western Ghats (Goa, Maharashtra, and Karnataka) so as to assess the diversity and
status. The present study revealed that there are 109 species belonging to 37 genera. A total of 35 orchid species are reported to be
endemic to the Northern Western Ghats. The best represented genus was found as Habenaria with 21 species, followed by Dendrobium
(10 sp.), Oberonia (7 sp.), Eria (6 sp.), Eulophia and Peristylus (5 sp.) each. The study also identified five major habitats for orchids in
Northern Western Ghats. The highest species diversity was found in semi-evergreen forests, followed by moist deciduous forests and
lateritic plateaus.
Orchids are diverse members of one of the largest plant families, the Orchidaceae. These plants are extremely diverse and species rich
and apparently the major causes of their diversification can be attributed to their pollination mechanism, symbiotic relationship, and shift in
their trophic modes. Starting from fully autotrophic to holomycoheterotrophic (MH) forms, these plants show a clear transition, with
evolutionary gene loss, mainly in photosynthetic genes (ndh-family) and subsequent a few housekeeping genes. On the other hand, fungal
partners have also lost a few essential genes for their pathogenicity and became completely adapted to symbiosis with, often, reversal of
nutrient flow. The physiological impact of gene loss is enumerated to be quite profound on hosts, which is yet to be learnt. During the
course of evolution of MH, orchids have also evolved many pseudogenes, which probably helped in their diversification. The present
communication attempts to compile the fungal-mediated diversification of orchids with a view to understanding the process.
The Western Ghats is a biodiversity rich region with remarkable diversity of wild orchids, especially terrestrial orchids occupying highly
diverse environments. The present study was conducted to explore the terrestrial orchid diversity in Western Ghats of Chikkamagaluru
(Karnataka). Extensive field surveys were conducted across various vegetation types using stratified random sampling method. It
revealed the occurrence of 35 species belonging to 15 genera. The maximum species diversity was observed in the genus Habenaria
(12). With regard to density, Habenaria heyneana was densely populated (111.11), whereas the lowest density was observed in Eulophia
picta (earlier known as Geodorum densiflorum) (0.02). Similarly, H. heyneana was found to be the most abundant species (118.33), while
Eulophia picta and Calanthe tricarinata exhibited the lowest abundance (0.20). Due to high species richness and evenness, Devaramane
region recorded the highest Shannon (2.41) and Simpson (0.88) diversity index while Sakkarayapattana and Kalasapura regions recorded
the lowest. The present communication was an attempt to provide important insights on the population dynamics of terrestrial orchids and
richness of different habitats. Sustained research and targeted management interventions are crucial to safeguard these species and to
maintain the ecological integrity of the Western Ghats.
The present study was aimed to describe the morphological and anatomical characteristics of the leaf, stem/pseudobulb, and root in
Coelogyne ovalis Lindl., (classified under section Fuliginosae) with a view to understand adaptations related to water regulation and their
taxonomic implications. The vegetative tissues were fixed and preserved in 70% alcohol, and sections were prepared using a rotary
microtome. Anatomical observations revealed that the key features namely the leaf exhibits stomata, a thick cuticle, and a vascular bundle
in the mid-rib; the stem contains specialized water storage cells and distinct tracheids; and the root possesses a multilayered velamen and
endodermal lignification. The inflorescence of Coelogyne ovalis is characterized as a stachyoid (or stachyoid-type) structure, which is
defined as a closed, determinate bracteous spike.