Aquilaria malaccensis is the agarwood yielding species of India, which is now being planted by farmers.  The silviculture of the species is reviewed in order to incorporate the latest findings in its nursery and plantation management, which can improve the productivity of agarwood. The review covers it's taxonomy, description, morphology, phenology, natural regeneration, artificial regeneration and population trends.

Roses are valued for their ornamental, therapeutic, and commercial importance; their petals possess antibacterial properties, while the leaves are rich in vitamins and essential nutrients. Present work aimed to identify the optimal growth regulators and basal medium for the propagation of Rosa indica. The study revealed that an MS medium supplemented with 2.0 mg L^-¹ BAP and 1.5 mg L^-¹ IAA was optimal for shoot initiation, with shoot formation observed within two weeks from nodal explants. Maximum shoot multiplication was achieved using a combination of 2.5 mg L^-¹ BAP and 1.5 mg L^-¹ kinetin under optimized PGR concentrations. For rooting, MS medium fortified with 2.0 mg L^-¹ IBA in combination with 1.0 mg L^-¹ BAP proved most effective. Subsequently, well-rooted plantlets were acclimatized under ex vitro conditions by washing the roots with distilled water and transferring them to small cups containing a sand:soil:manure mixture (1:1:1), resulting in vigorous growth and a survival rate of 65%.

The genus Sida (family Malvaceae) includes more than 200 species, several of which are of significant medicinal value. Traditionally, Sida species have been used to manage ailments such as diabetes, neurological disorders, pain, inflammation, rheumatism, kidney disorders, hysteria, and cardiac depression. Pharmacological studies report activities including antimicrobial, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, anti-ulcer, hepatoprotective, nephroprotective, analgesic, adaptogenic, cytotoxic, and cardiovascular effects. Approximately 142 phytochemicals have been identified from this genus. This review consolidates data on phytochemistry, traditional uses, pharmacological activities, toxicology, standardization, and patents of Sida species, highlighting their potential in drug discovery and pharmaceutical development.

The present study documented the diversity of fauna associated with the lac insect Kerria lacca (Kerr) during October–December 2022, a critical maturity period of the rangeeni strain (Katki crop), when associated fauna emerge from lac encrustations and are easily detectable. Lac insect samples were collected from two major lac-growing districts and five non-lac-growing districts of Maharashtra (India), selected based on natural occurrence of lac insects on host plants. A total of 13 associated species were recorded, comprising five parasitoids, four predators, and four hyper-parasitoids. In lac-growing sites, associated fauna abundance ranged from 0.34–72.07%, with the parasitoid Tachardiaephagus tachardiae showing maximum dominance (72.07%), followed by Parechthrodryinus clavicornis (12.41%) and the predator Eublemma amabilis (10.69%). Shannon–Wiener diversity (H'), evenness (J), and dominance (D) indices were 0.97, 0.42, and 1.83, respectively. In non-lac-growing sites, fauna abundance ranged from 0.20–60.20%, with H', J, and D values of 1.18, 0.51, and 2.29. Lac-associated fauna significantly influence lac production, emphasizing the need for their identification and management to support sustainable lac cultivation and biodiversity conservation.

The present study aims to document vegetative propagation and ex-situ conservation of important medicinal plants used in the homeopathy system in India, with emphasis on meeting the increasing demand for herbal drugs and conserving genetic diversity. One hundred medicinal and aromatic plant species representing diverse families and growth habits were propagated using mature stem cuttings. Cuttings were raised in polybags containing a mixture of sand, manure, and soil (1:1:2) under regulated watering to ensure root initiation and growth. Well-established plantlets were transplanted into prepared beds in the Centre of Medicinal Plants Research in Homoeopathy (CMPRH) Herbal Garden for ex-situ conservation. The study primarily evaluated propagation success and growth performance. Results highlight that favourable climatic conditions and proper management practices significantly enhance the successful cultivation and conservation of medicinal plants. The aim of the present study is to document the propagation and ex-situ conservation of some important medicinal plants that are being used in Homeopathy medicine system in India.

Essential oils comprise volatile aromatic compounds responsible for their characteristic fragrance and biological activities. Pelargonium graveolens L'Hér. (Geraniaceae), native to South Africa, is an important aromatic medicinal plant widely used in aromatherapy. GC–MS analysis of its essential oil has identified key marker constituents, including citronellyl formate, geranyl formate, guaia-6,9-diene, geraniol, linalool, and isomenthone, while semi-automated HPTLC further confirmed the presence of linalool and geraniol. Traditionally, the plant has been used to treat wounds, abscesses, fever, colic, urinary disorders, colds, sore throat, haemorrhoids, and gonorrhoea. Owing to its aromatic nature, P. graveolens exhibits sedative, anxiolytic, antidepressant, and calming properties and is effective in relieving premenstrual and menopausal symptoms, circulatory disorders, nausea, tonsillitis, and digestive problems. Due to high demand, it is commercially cultivated, and its oil serves as an economical substitute for rose oil in the fragrance industry. This review highlights its therapeutic significance and future drug discovery potential.

Local communities across Himachal Pradesh have traditionally used ethnomedicinal plants since the Vedic period. The present study, conducted in Ramshehar tehsil of Solan district, documents 65 plant species representing 60 genera and 40 families. Lamiaceae emerged as the dominant family, followed by Fabaceae and Euphorbiaceae. Leaves were the most frequently used plant part (50%), followed by fruits (12%). Dermatological ailments showed the highest informant consensus factor. The findings highlight the continued reliance on ethnomedicinal plants by local communities and emphasize the need for future pharmacological validation of these traditional remedies.

The present study was carried out to explore the sacred plants in total sacred 7 sites of Rudraprayag and Pauri districts of Uttarakhand state of India. A total of 35 plant species belonging to 28 genera and 17 families have been documented from these sacred sites. The recorded plant species have been presented based on their scientific and vernacular names, family and their religious beliefs.

Eucalyptus essential oil, extracted from fresh leaves, holds considerable potential for strengthening rural livelihoods in regions where these trees are cultivated. Rich in bioactive compounds with diverse biological properties, the oil is widely used in traditional medicine and has expanding applications in the pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and aromatherapy industries, ensuring sustained market demand. However, systematic research is urgently needed to quantify variations in essential oil content alongside timber yield among different clones to identify site-specific, high-performing genotypes. Such a selection would enhance productivity and promote wider adoption of Eucalyptus under agroforestry and block plantation systems. Additionally, large quantities of leaves and small twigs generated during harvesting remain underutilized and may exert allelopathic effects if left in the field. Their efficient utilization for essential oil extraction can provide an additional income stream, contributing to sustainable economic development in rural areas.

This study documents the diversity of medicinal and aromatic plants (MAPs) in the SRT Campus and surrounding villages of the Chamba block, Tehri Garhwal, Uttarakhand. Conducted during 2023–2024, the ethnobotanical survey covered eight villages using questionnaires, interviews, and field observations in the local Garhwali dialect. The study documented 37 MAP species of 24 families, belonging to 34 genera. Traditional remedies—including decoctions, infusions, powders, and pastes—are commonly used to treat ailments such as diarrhoea, diabetes, and cancer, particularly in areas with limited access to modern healthcare. The study also noted a decline in traditional knowledge due to urban migration and growing dependence on allopathic medicine. It emphasizes the economic potential of MAPs for livelihood support and their importance in pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries, highlighting the need for scientific validation and sustainable conservation.

Traditional food habit of the ethnic communities are mostly dependent on natural resources which indicate societal identity of the particular indigenous group. The ‘Toto’s are one of the three Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) of the state of West Bengal, India who owns their specific traditional culinary habit through generations. A standard questionnaire based interview was conducted among Toto people during field trip to Totopara village and primary data of food pattern were recorded. Beside simple foods taken daily, special dishes along with millet based drink ‘Eu’ are prepared in social or religious gatherings. The present work is an attempt to focus on ethnic food habit of ‘Toto’ people which is cultural symbol of the community.