Defence Life Science Journal

Eco-Friendly Synthesis of Silver Nanoparticles from Trans-Himalayan Herbs

Priyanka Pandita — 2025-10-07

The current study aims to synthesise silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using three medicinal plants-Inula racemosa, Rhodiola imbricata, and Ephedra gerardiana-native to the Trans-Himalayan region. These plants were specifically selected due to their well-documented ethnomedicinal uses and rich phytochemical profiles, particularly in phenolic compounds. The study aims to harness their bioactive potential for the development of eco-friendly, cost-effective nanomaterials with therapeutic applications. Synthesised AgNPs were characterised via UV–VIS spectrophotometer, SEM, FTIR, DLS, TEM and EDX analysis. The absorption peaks at 410 nm (I. racemosa), 440 nm (R. imbricata), and 420 nm (E. gerardiana), confirming nanoparticle formation via surface plasmon resonance. Phytochemical analysis highlighted phenolics as key agents in nanoparticle reduction and capping. Although the AgNPs showed lower antioxidant activity than the crude extracts but exhibited superior antibacterial efficacy against multidrug-resistant bacterial strains, outperforming the standard antibiotic Ampicillin. Cytotoxicity evaluation against MCF-7 breast cancer cells revealed that I. racemosa root extract and its AgNPs had the highest anticancer activity, with IC₅₀ values of 64.93 μg/mL and 55.88 μg/mL, respectively. This research proposes a sustainable approach to develop alternative antibacterial and anticancer agents, potentially addressing the rising global challenge of antibiotic resistance and cancer burden through plant-based nanotechnology.

A Comparative Study of Insecticidal Activity of Leaf Extract of Zanthoxylum armatum DC (Rutaceae) Prepared in Polar and Non-Polar Solvents against Termites

Nidhi Thakur — 2025-10-07

Plants extracts are rich in phytochemicals and have diverse properties. Odontotermes obesus (Isoptera:Odontotermitidae), the white Indian termite, is a highly destructive polyphagous insect pest cause a great threat to plants, agricultural fields, and structures of economic importance At present time, most of the control measures to control termites rely mainly on synthetic chemicals which are harmful to both the environment and human health. Plants extracts have gained significant attention for their insecticidal properties, offering an eco-friendly alternative to synthetic chemicals. Thus, present research aims to study the insecticidal activity of leaf extracts of Zanthoxylum armatum DC. A comparative study has been done on the efficacy of leaf extracts prepared in polar and non-polar
solvents by contact toxicity test. Solvents used in the preparation of extracts play a crucial role in the extraction of bioactive compounds and also effect the yield, efficiency of plants extracts. In line with this, present work depicts the comparative account of solvents used in preparation of extracts. Results of the present work indicated that leaf extract of Zanthoxylum armatum DC prepared in the polar solvent is most effective as it shows the highest mortality and lowest LC50 value in comparison to non-polar solvent.

The Link between Diabetes and Urinary Tract Infections

Sunil Kumar — 2025-10-07

People having diabetes mellitus, urinary tract infections are more prevalent, more serious, and have worse consequences. The presence of resistant microbes is a common factor in their occurrence. Urinary tract infections (UTI) are more common in these patients for a variety of reasons, including immune system impairments, poor metabolic control, and incomplete bladder emptying caused by autonomic neuropathy. The present review is an amalgamation of existing literature to understand link between diabetes and UTI and the microorganisms responsible for urinary tract infection (UTI) and colonization in diabetic patients, as well as natural treatments effective in treating and preventing urological problems. For solving the purpose, A review of existing literature on UTIs in diabetic patients was conducted, with a focus on the microorganisms responsible for UTI and colonization, as well as natural treatments for urological problems. It was observed from the literatures that the UTIs are more common in diabetic patients due to impaired immunity and incomplete emptying of the bladder. Symptoms of UTIs are similar in diabetic and non-diabetic patients, and prevention depends on the severity and extent of the infection. Antimicrobial resistance is increasing among urinary pathogens, making effective treatment more difficult. Patients with diabetes are at a higher risk of infection in both the upper and lower urinary tracts. Natural treatments have shown promise in treating and preventing UTIs in diabetic patients, although more research is needed to confirm their efficacy. It could be concluded that the UTIs are a significant concern for patients with diabetes, who are at a higher risk of infection due to impaired immunity and incomplete bladder emptying. Effective treatment is becoming more challenging due to increasing antimicrobial resistance. Natural treatments may offer a promising alternative, but further research is needed to explore their potential benefits for UTIs in diabetic patients.

High Energy Foods

Sai Kiran Chikkam — 2025-10-07

Energy foods have gained a special interest all around the globe due to enhanced consumer awareness about activity-based calorie requirements. Energy-specific foods can be prepared in the form of bars/ fluids by using a combination of various types of ingredients such as cereals, pulses, nuts, and seeds. Energy foods provide concentrated calories specifically required for athletes and military personnel, those involved in high-endurance physical activities. The latter group was deployed in challenging terrains associated with harsh climatic conditions (high altitudes, hot and cold environments). In addition to the harsh climate, the situation worsens with limited accessibility and availability of regular food. Therefore, food and fluid intake will be considerably less, which ultimately disturbs the energy metabolism and health of an individual. The research poses challenges in the development of energy foods for specialised requirements and incorporating the highest energy in the lowest volume of foods. This is because of raw material selections, economics, product palatability and stability (shelf life) in adverse conditions. The high energy content, volume, and stability are suitable factors for using certain products as survival or emergency rations. Indeed, there was a necessity to understand the fate of energy metabolism and its medical implications in different harsh climatic conditions. The present review is a brief discussion about the influence of a challenging environment on nutritional and energy requirements and the significance of different energy foods.

Antifungal Potential of Seabuckthorn (Hippophae Rhamnoides L.) Against Rhizopus Azygosporus

Maitri Gupta — 2025-10-07

Rhizopus species are opportunistic fungal pathogens from the Mucorales order, commonly found in soil, decaying organic matter, and indoor environments. While generally harmless, they can cause life-threatening infections in immunocompromised individuals, leading to mucormycosis. During the COVID-19 pandemic, mucormycosis cases surged, particularly in India, due to immune suppression caused by diabetes (present in
66.1 % of cases) and widespread corticosteroid use (80.3 % of cases). Standard treatments include antifungal agents like Amphotericin B, Posaconazole, and Isavuconazole, along with surgical debridement. Mucorales exhibit resistance to many antifungals due to their unique cell wall composition, making azoles like itraconazole and voriconazole ineffective, while echinocandins show minimal activity. Seabuckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides L. ), rich in bioactive compounds, exhibits antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties, making it a promising candidate against Rhizopus infections. This study employs molecular docking using iGEM Dock to evaluate the binding affinity of Seabuckthorn bioactive compounds against ergosterol biosynthesis in Rhizopus azygosporus, a major causative agent of mucormycosis. ADMET analysis is performed to assess the pharmacokinetic profiles of the compounds, ensuring their suitability for therapeutic applications. The present study identifies futuristic novel drug targets and efficient antifungal agents to effectively address mucormycosis.

Harnessing Seabuckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides) Surfactants for Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV)

Tatenda Calshy Mapfumo — 2025-10-07

Human metapneumovirus (HMPV) is a highly mutating respiratory virus that ruses the immune system with frequent mutations, creating a major health challenge. Lacking approved vaccines or treatments, there is a pressing need for effective antiviral therapies. Seabuckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides) has many antioxidants, anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial activity, and might be the key to bridging this gap. In this research, we employed sophisticated computational molecular docking methods to investigate how some of the bioactive compounds of Seabuckthorn-palmitic acid, oleic acid, and palmitoleic acid-bound to the viral proteins of HMPV. We found that these compounds dock strongly to major viral protein targets, helping to indicate that these compounds might inhibit the functioning of the virus. These observations open the exciting possibility of therapeutic development of Seabuckthorn-derived compounds as safe and natural antiviral agents with the potential to overcome viral mutations, thus providing a new therapeutic avenue against HMPV infections.

Isolation and Characterisation of Microorganisms from Rhizospheric Soil of Seabuckthorn from Garhwal Region of Uttarakhand

Anshuman Rawat — 2025-10-09

A plant with significant nutritional and therapeutic value, Seabuckthorn (common name: Badrifal and Family: Elaeagnaceae) is recognised for its abundance of bioactive substances, including vitamins, flavonoids, polyphenols, and vital fatty acids, and possesses various health benefits and has the potential to cure diabetes and cardiovascular disorders. Seabuckthorn is a drought-resistant shrub that flourishes in harsh environments, as climate change is a major driver of biodiversity loss. In India, it is primarily found in high altitudes of the Indian Himalayan Region (IHR), such as Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Sikkim, and Arunachal Pradesh. In the present study, 9 rhizospheric microorganisms have been isolated from a soil sample of Seabuckthorn from Garhwal region of Uttarakhand. Out of 9 isolates, 4 were fungal isolates, 4 were bacterial isolates, and the remaining 1 was an actinobacteria. Furthermore, isolated microbes were investigated for biochemical tests including, catalase, oxidase, siderophore production and phosphate solubilisation assay. The analysis shows that all isolates (bacteria, fungi and actinobacteria) were positive for catalase and oxidase test. The two fungal isolates (GEU_SBT03 and GEU_SBT04) and two bacterial isolates (GEU_SBT05 and GEU_SBT06) were found positive for siderophore production. In addition, three fungal isolates (GEU_SBT01, GEU_SBT02, and GEU_SBT04) and two bacterial isolates (GEU_SBT05 and GEU_SBT06) showed positive response for phosphate solubilisation. These results conclude that isolated microbes (both bacteria and fungi) from the rhizosphere of Seabuckthorn possess plant growth-promoting activity, which can be further applied as biofertilizers for promoting high yield of Seabuckthorn plant and other biotechnological applications.

Seabuckthorn (Hippophae Rhamnoides L.)

Komal Kaushik — 2025-10-07

Seabuckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides L.) is one of the ancient flowering plant species. In India, Seabuckthorn is found naturally growing in cold arid areas of Ladakh, Lahaul and Spiti, Kinnaur, Pangi, parts of Kumaun and Garhwal region and certain areas in northeastern hills of Indian Himalayan region. It can withstand extreme temperature from −40 °C to +40 °C with limited soil nutrients. It has gained global attention for its health benefits, primarily, rich metabolic profile; vitamin C being the most significant nutrient. It is a valuable source for developing and commercialisation of products such as fruit juice, tea, oil, wine and cosmetics. The primary application includes nutritional, pharmaceutical, food and feed, cosmetology and ecological restoration. This study explores the morphology, cultivation, and economic potential of Seabuckthorn, addressing its applications, toxicity, and safety concerns, and paving the way for further research. However, the species has yet to receive focused attention from scientists and conservationists with respect to its cultivation and ecological significance.

Harnessing the Power of Seabuckthorn in Green Synthesis of Nanoparticles

Munzir Akhtar — 2025-10-07

Nanoparticles (NPs) have extended substantial popularity in everyday care products owing to their unique physicochemical features. However, traditional synthesis routes typically involve dangerous chemicals and high-energy processes that are a threat to the environment and safety. Green synthesis is a sustainable strategy for nanoparticle (NP) synthesis that takes advantage of plant-based reducing agents as substitutes for harsh chemicals. Seabuckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides) extract is a prime candidate with an excellent list of bioactive compound profile that includes flavonoids, phenolics, and vitamins. Such natural components provide the possibility of using a cleaner, greener, and sustainable route for the formation of nanoparticles. This review paper explores the potential role of Seabuckthorn extract in the green synthesis protocols of NPs (NPs) based on its exceptional antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial activities. A critical analysis of the synthesis procedure highlights the benefits of using Seabuckthorn extract over conventional approaches in terms of increased biocompatibility and eco compatibility. In addition, this review discusses the variety of nanoparticles that may be synthesised with Seabuckthorn extract. In addition, we critically evaluate the current research scenario, competition in scaling up the synthesis process, and the directions for enhancing the use of Seabuckthorn extract-mediated nanoparticles in diverse applications. The results highlight the significance of sustainable methods in nanotechnology, opening the door for eco-friendly innovations in personal care products.

Biological Enrichment of Hippophae rhamnoides L. (Seabuckthorn) Through Microbial Interventions and Exploring the Probable Role of Plant Growth-Promoting Bacteria from Termite Mounds

Urja Agarwal — 2025-10-07

Seabuckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides L.) is an economically significant shrub, renowned for its oil, containingover 100 bioactive compounds. Phytochemical studies have reported numerous constituents for biomedical applicationshaving nutraceutical and therapeutic properties. However, oil content in the current cultivars is below optimal level.Traditional methods of breeding, employed to reach optimal level are resource-intensive and time-consuming. Asustainable alternative, organic farming has resurfaced with its integration with beneficial soil micro-fauna whichprovides an eco-friendly approach in enhancing crop quality and productivity conventional agricultural practices.Amidst these, Plant Growth-Promoting Bacteria (PGPB) is one promising option. PGPB enhance phytohormoneproduction, nutrient uptake, and secondary metabolites by activating plant’s natural immune response. Few bacteriahave been explored in the rhizospheric soil of Hippophae sp. to enhance its metabolite production. This paperreviews researches done on the PGPB associated with Hippophae sp. and explores the novel idea of using termitemound or termite gut bacteria that could catalyse the production of bioactive content. Termites and their moundsfoster a diverse and underexplored microbiota of PGPB which could promote production of phytohormones andact as a biocontrol agent against pathogens of Hippophae sp. The role of such microbes being used as bio-fertiliserin several plant species gives a new prospect in improving the livelihood of high-altitude farmers, simultaneouslycontributing to sustainable agricultural practices

The Golden Superfruit

Pranjal Singh — 2025-10-07

Seabuckthorn, binomially named Hippophae rhamnoides L., is widely recognised as a nutritional powerhouse due to its exceptional nutrient profile. This hardy shrub produces small, tart berries packed with an array of vitamins, minerals, and bioactive compounds. Seabuckthorn berries are particularly rich in vitamin C and also contain significant amounts of vitamins A and E, as well as B-complex. The berries are an excellent source of essential fatty acids, including the rare omega-7 fatty acid, which is believed to support skin health and mucous membrane integrity. It has also garnered significant attention owing to its potential anticancer properties. The plant contains a rich array of bioactive compounds, including flavonoids like quercetin, carotenoids, and tocopherols, which have been associated with the induction of apoptosis in cancer cells and suppression of angiogenesis, which demonstrates promising antiproliferative and antitumor effects in assorted studies. However, its use as an anti-cancer agent requires further research elucidation for understanding its advantages over conventional cancer therapies. This review article unveils the unique nutritional composition of Seabuckthorn and its significance as a functional food, covering its potential applications in promoting overall health and addressing specific nutritional deficiencies.

Seabuckthorn Hippophae rhamnoides

Vaibhavi Thapliyal — 2025-10-07

A native of northwest Europe and central Asia, including the northern Himalayas and portions of China, Seabuckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides) is a member of the Elaeagnaceae family. Seabuckthorn is a plant that grows well in arid, cold areas; its components, fruit, and leaves are utilised in traditional Asian medicine. Seabuckthorn, which is well-known for its nutrient-dense, tasty berries, has a wide range of bioactive substances, such as polyphenols like flavonoids, phenolic acids, tannins, fatty acids, vitamins, and phytosterols, which support its culinary, cosmetic, and therapeutic applications. The plant is highly valued in traditional medicine, offering a wide range of health benefits having rich antioxidant properties and stress-relief. Seabuckthorn is highly included in daily diets for preventing diet-related diseases. It is especially advantageous for land reclamation and reforestation in vulnerable mountain regions because of its capacity to stop soil erosion, encourage nitrogen fixation, and enhance soil fertility. Seabuckthorn is perfect for agroforestry in climate-vulnerable areas since it grows well in harsh environments.It aids in carbon capture and boosts resilience to climate change. Despite global expansion, improved varieties with higher yields, disease resistance, and enhanced medicinal and culinary traits are still needed for broader, more effective cultivation. The current review describes nutritional, medicinal, and ecological significance of Seabuckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides) as a factor in health, soil fertility, and climate stability. It also expounded and stressed why better varieties were necessary to promote sustainable cultivation.

Seabuckthorn Technologies for Development of Value Chain and Environmental Conservation in Himalayas

Neha Pandey — 2025-10-07

Seabuckthorn (Hippophae spp.), an important high value medicinal plant found in cold areas of Indian Himalayan Region (IHR). In India, it is reported in Chamoli district of Uttarakhand, cold regions of Leh and Ladakh, Kinuar district of Himachal Pradesh, Sikkim and in Dibang valley in Arunachal Pradesh.

Seabuckthorn considered as wonder berry from the Himalayas is known as nature’s most balanced fruit is a highly versatile high-altitude species having a wide range of ecological, medicinal, and economic uses. This hardy species can grow well in the extreme alpine and subalpine environments of the Himalayas, and have the tendency to withstanding at −40°C temperatures, and plays a vital role in nitrogen fixation and soil erosion control through its deep fibrous roots.

Cover page

2025-10-09

Annual index

Annual index — 2025-10-07