@article {1255, title = {Perspectives in Biomonitoring and Pharmacological Aspects of Parmelia sulcata Taylor}, journal = {Pharmacognosy Research}, volume = {16}, year = {2024}, month = {June 2024}, pages = {457-466}, type = {Review Article}, chapter = {457}, abstract = {

Over the past few decades, the rise in anthropogenic activities has led to environmental pollution. Heavy metals and metalloids like lead, arsenic, cadmium, mercury and aluminium are major pollutants hampering the harmony of the ecosystem. Biomonitoring describes various techniques and approaches for studying biological responses to pollution. The use of lichens in pollution monitoring proved to be an efficient method to curtail it. Representing a complex life form, lichens exist in a symbiotic association connecting algae and fungus. These biosensors are not only used to monitor environmental pollutants but have also been used medicinally since time immemorial. Lichens from Parmelia emerge as a valuable tool for monitoring pollution due to their unique capacity to accumulate heavy metals. Parmelia sulcata Taylor commonly known as shield lichen inhabited on trees, rocks and even on walls and is well distributed throughout the world from cold to temperate regions of the Northern and Southern hemispheres. For centuries, Parmelia sulcata has been used in traditional medicine to cure cranial disorders and also rubbed on the gums of teething babies to alleviate discomfort. It has been found that this lichen constitutes distinctive chemical constituents such as salazinic acid, atranorin, volatile oils, etc. contributing towards the anticancer, antioxidant, anti-microbial, anti-fungal and mosquitocidal potential. The prime objective of this current manuscript is to discuss the biomonitoring and pharmacological potential of Parmelia sulcata Taylor.

}, keywords = {Air pollution, Biomonitoring, Lichen, Parmelia sulcata, Pollution}, doi = {10.5530/pres.16.3.55}, author = {Vikrant Arya and Amandeep Kaur Gill and Anupam Jamwal} } @article {1284, title = {A Review on the Utilization of Epicuticular Wax from Plant Samples as a Hydrophobic Surface Coating Agent}, journal = {Pharmacognosy Research}, volume = {16}, year = {2024}, month = {October 2024}, pages = {671-676}, type = {Review Article}, chapter = {671}, abstract = {

The rapid increase in pollution caused by plastic, especially packaging material, is raising concern across the globe. The statistics are only increasing with time, and without prompt action, this issue shows no signs of slowing down. Various approaches, like the use of paper bags and the introduction of bio-degradable plastics, have been taken in an attempt to reduce plastic waste. Although these approaches help in the reduction of plastic waste the change in numbers is not significant. Biological plant species like Colocasia esculent and many others consist of a layer of bio-wax on their leaves, which is hydrophobic in nature. Numerous research studies have explored the potential of utilizing the bio-wax derived from Colocasia esculenta, apple, tomato, lotus, and other plants for the synthesis of a surface coating agent. A biological hydrophobic surface coating agent might be able to reduce the amount of waste produced due to the use of plastic as a packaging material. It could be used for the production of hydrophobic paper, an alternative packaging material in the form of paper bag. The objective of this review article is to investigate various studies that have examined the use of bio-wax as a surface coating agent, with the intention of exploring its potential as a viable alternative to plastic packaging materials.

}, keywords = {Bio-wax, Colocasia esculenta, Epicuticular, Hydrophobic, Plastic, Pollution}, doi = {10.5530/pres.16.4.78}, author = {Nayan Talukdar and Manash Pratim Sarma and Akash Kalita and Trishna Sharma and Indrani Barman} }