Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) is a successive neurodegenerative disorder in the aged population. Many chemicals and phytochemicals are used to treat AD. Polyphenols which occur widely in various fruits, vegetables, beverages, and some other plant sources are gaining importance in AD treatment. Polyphenols comprise various subcategories, such as phenolic acids, lignans, tannins, stilbenes, hydroxybenzoic acid, hydroxycinnamic acid, and flavonoids. These compounds, as sole entities or in combination, can be used for treating AD because they have an abundance of antioxidants that are reported to be effective in free radical scavenging, metal ion chelating, and anti-inflammatory activities. Polyphenols of various plant origins have been studied, and these have been supported by in vitro assays and in vivo studies in rodents. These molecules protect neurons against oxidative stress and deposition of amyloid-β (Aβ) and tau proteins which play a vital role in the pathogenesis of AD. Consumption of wine and other foods rich in polyphenols has a beneficial effect on the neuronal signaling pathways, playing a vital role in shielding neuronal cells from neurodegeneration. Their ability to reduce free radicals and chelate metals are of great advantage. In this review, we highlight the various polyphenols that inhibit neuronal damage and progression of AD while also providing a cure. Some of the polyphenols covered are hesperidin, resveratrol, curcumin, catechin, kaempferol, and quercetin. The mechanisms of the actions of three polyphenols are also elaborated.

Genome editing has emerged as a powerful tool for accelerating crop improvement in horticultural crops by enabling precise modifications to their genetic makeup. This review provides an in-depth exploration of the applications, methodologies, and potential impacts of genome editing in horticulture. The review focuses on three major genome editing tools in horticulture, CRISPR-Cas9, TALENs, and ZFNs. The underlying mechanisms, applications, and potential challenges associated with each tool are discussed in detail. CRISPR-Cas9, being a versatile and widely used system, has the potential to enhance traits such as disease resistance, abiotic stress tolerance, nutritional content, and yield in horticultural crops. TALENs and ZFNs, although less commonly used, offer alternative options for targeted DNA modifications, and have demonstrated success in specific applications. We emphasize the potential benefits of genome editing in horticulture, including improved crop productivity, quality, and nutritional value. However, challenges such as off-target effects, delivery methods, and regulatory frameworks need to be addressed for the full realization of this technology’s potential. This review serves as a valuable resource for researchers, policymakers, and stakeholders, providing insights into the opportunities and complexities associated with harnessing genome editing for enhanced traits in horticultural crops. By navigating these challenges, genome editing can contribute to sustainable advancements in horticulture, benefiting both producers and consumers worldwide.

The known species of Allacta Saussure & Zehntner, 1895 in India are reviewed. Three new species, A. jcenpro sp. nov., A. vellimalai sp. nov., and A. kollimalai sp. nov., are described. All are placed under hamifera species group. The new species can be differentiated from other members of hamifera species group by the pronotal and facial markings, the structure of the male genitalia and other morphological characters. Additional reports to A. kalakadensis Prabakaran & Senraj 2019 and A. figurata (Walker, 1871) are provided. A key to the known species of Indian Allacta is provided.

In recent years, Morus sp. (mulberry) has acquired a special importance due to its phytochemical composition and its beneficial effects on human health, including antioxidant, anticancer, antidiabetic and immuno-modulatory effects. The various parts of Morus sp., such as its fruits, leaves, twigs, and roots, are recognized as abundant sources of secondary metabolites, with the leaves containing significant amounts of glycosylated flavonols like quercetin and kaempferol, along with chlorogenic acid as the primary phenolic compound. Overall, it can be considered a multi utility plant and can be exploited as an alternative therapy in various ailments. Xanthine oxidase (XO) is the key enzyme for high serum urate levels which is the main cause of developing gout. Under the urate lowering therapy, allopurinol and febuxostat are the main XO inhibitors used to treat gout. However, mild to severe side effects of these synthetic XO inhibitors lead to finding an effective natural alternative without having any side effects. The present study was designed to find out phytochemical analysis and antigout properties of leaves of white mulberry plant. The phytochemical analysis was performed on quantitative and qualitative basis. The qualitative basis indicated the presence of alkaloids, glycosides, flavonoids, steroids, tannins, saponins and Anthraquinone. Biochemical regulation of extracts on anti-gout property using XO inhibition study. Microbial XO was isolated from the Bacillus pumilus to study the anti-gout effects of plant extracts qualitatively on xanthine – NBT plate. Additionally, image analysis studies revealed more clear aspects toward the inhibition studies by plant extracts. The XO activity observed varied from 2.89 to 13.80 μM of uric acid formed/min/ml of enzyme used. Ethanolic extract of mulberry leaves (EEML) showed higher XO inhibition than allopurinol. This is associated with its total polyphenol content, which ranged from 81.25 to 103.12 mg GAE/g of dried extract used, as reported in the case of EEML. The present study is the very first report of relating polyphenol content of EEML with the anti-gout property. EEML is a potential candidate for anti-gout property due to the presence of higher amounts of total polyphenol content and B. pumilus is the best source to extract microbial XO.

The type materials of seven Indian Rhene species available at the Zoological Survey of India, Kolkata, have been studied. R. mus (Simon, 1889) is illustrated for the first time in 132 years since its first description. Eleven new synonyms and five new combinations are proposed: Zeuxippus Thorell, 1891 syn. n. with Rhene Thorell, 1869; R. biembolusa Song & Chai, 1991 syn. n. with R. flavicomans Simon, 1902; R. haldanei Gajbe, 2004 syn. n. with Bianor angulosus (Karsch, 1879); R. decorata Tikader, 1977 syn. n. and R. pantharae Biswas & Biswas, 1992 syn. n. with R. pallida (Thorell, 1895) comb. n.; R. citri (Sadana, 1991) syn. n., R. danieli Tikader, 1973 syn. n., R. indica Tikader, 1973 syn. n., R. khandalaensis Tikader, 1977 syn. n. and R. sanghrakshiti Gajbe, 2004 syn. n., with R. flavigera (C.L. Koch, 1846); Rhenefictus tropicus Logunov, 2021 syn. n. with Rhenefictus wandae (Wang & Li, 2021) comb. n. (ex. Rhene), Rhene atellana (Thorell, 1895) comb. n., Rhene histrio (Thorell, 1891) comb. n., Rhene pallida (Thorell, 1895) comb. n., and Rhene yunnanensis (Peng & Xie, 1995) comb. n. (all ex. Zeuxippus). Detailed digital illustrations and distributional maps are also provided.