Annual Research & Review in Biology

Taxonomic Study of Eriovixia panigrahii (Araneae: Araneidae) from Kalahandi, Odisha, India

Subrat Kumar Panigrahi — 2025-10-15

Eriovixia Archer, 1951 is a genus of the spider family Araneidae Clerck, 1757, with 35 named species occurring three species in Africa and thirty two species in Asia.Four Eriovixia species were identified during our survey in the hilly area of Kalahandi, Odisha; three were identified as Eriovixia laglaizei, Eriovixia excelsa, and Eriovixia poonaensis and one was a new species. The new one was described as Eriovixia panigrahisis based on morphological characters and the COI mitochondrial gene sequence. But the species epithet was corrected from Eriovixia panigrahisis to Eriovixia panigrahii by the World Spider Catalog and treated as a “nomen nudum”, as the original description did not designate type specimens and lacked genitalia descriptions. This study presents the revised and complete taxonomic description of Eriovixia panigrahii, based on both male and female holotypes. The holotype and paratypes are clearly designated, and detailed observations of genital morphology are provided. Key diagnostic characters are described to support accurate identification of the species. It also registered in ZooBank.

A Review on Uses of Bhilwa (Semecarpus anacardium) in the Indian Context

Dipika Ayate — 2025-09-26

Semecarpus anacardium, commonly known as Bhilwa or the Marking Nut Tree, is a medicinally significant deciduous tree found throughout India and neighbouring regions. This review explores its ethnomedicinal legacy, botanical traits, phytochemistry, and multifaceted pharmacological activities. Bioactive constituents such as biflavonoids, bhilawanols, and phenolic compounds contribute to its documented anticancer, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antiatherogenic, and neuroprotective effects. The species demonstrates potent antimicrobial, antihyperglycemic, and antispermatogenic activities, supporting wide-ranging traditional and contemporary therapeutic applications. Despite promising preclinical evidence, challenges persist regarding standardization, clinical validation, and safety profiling. Additionally, S. anacardium’s role as a boundary tree and host for lac insects provides ecological and socioeconomic benefits. Awareness of its cultivation and responsible utilization is crucial for meeting increasing pharmaceutical demand and sustaining traditional knowledge. Bridging the gap between ethnobotanical practices and evidence-based medicine remains a key priority for future research on this versatile medicinal species.

A Review on the Phytochemical and Pharmacological Characteristics of Cissus quadrangularis L.

Ruchika Khatri — 2025-10-11

Plants are a great source of medication in a herbal way. These extracts are used in the treatment of several diseases. The family Vitaceae consists of several species of plants that have many properties to cure many illnesses and disorders in mankind. Manufacturing and pricing of herbal pharmaceuticals can make them more favourable to be exploited in research and progress of new treatment approaches, permitting patients to connect to new medications which are faster and safer for relexification. This review reveals a species of cissus named Cissus quadragularis, about its medicinal uses and its utilisation in the medical field due to the presence of bioactive compounds such as tannin, alkaloid, and flavonoids, as it is used in the drug and cosmetic industry. This plant shows several properties like antidiabetic, antiobesity, antiulcer, antioxidant, anticarcinogenic, antiglucocoid, antimicrobial, antinflammatory, and bone setter to cure fractures and female health, as it is used to regulate menstruation. Although the review shows therapeutic properties and uses of Cissus quadrangularis as a medicinal herb. It was concluded that the root and stem extracts of the plant C. quadrangularis have therapeutic potential and are acknowledged to possess wound healing, antioxidant, and antimicrobial activity and are regularly used to quicken the process of bone fracture healing. The plant is considered a versatile medicinal plant in both the Ayurvedic and modern drug development fields for its valuable therapeutic uses.

Human Milk Compositional Plasticity as a Link Between Maternal Nutrition and Infant Outcomes: Implications for Policy in Togo

Mlatovi DEGBE — 2025-10-27

Background: Human milk is recognized as the optimal nutrition for infants, and its composition is often presumed to be stable due to potent maternal homeostatic mechanisms. However, this paradigm is challenged by physiological evidence that milk components are derived from the mother's diet and endogenous stores. This review examines the dichotomy between the intrinsic stability and dietary dependence of human milk composition to inform public health policies in nutritionally precarious contexts such as Togo.

Objective: This review aims to synthesize current scientific evidence on the influence of maternal nutrition on the biochemical composition of human milk. The primary goal is to distinguish between biochemically stable and plastic components to evaluate the rationale for targeted nutritional interventions for lactating women in the Togolese public health context.

Methods: A narrative review was conducted using a systematic bibliographic search of the PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, Cochrane Library, and Google Scholar databases between January and March 2024. The search included studies published from 2000 to 2024 that quantitatively assessed the relationship between maternal diet or nutritional status and nutrient concentrations in human milk. Data were organized by nutrient category and a narrative synthesis was employed to identify patterns of stability versus variability.

Results: The evidence reveals a differential homeostasis in human milk composition. The concentrations of energy-providing macronutrients are remarkably stable and preserved even at the expense of maternal tissue reserves. In contrast, the qualitative aspects of milk are highly plastic. The fatty acid profile, particularly the content of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), is directly correlated with maternal dietary intake. Micronutrient concentrations are also highly dependent on maternal status and are classified into two groups: Type I nutrients, which have low maternal storage and directly reflect recent intake, and Type II nutrients, for which maternal reserves can buffer short-term dietary inadequacy but are depleted by chronic deficiency. The presence of bioactive components and environmental contaminants in maternal milk necessitates investigation due to their potential impact on pediatric health.

Conclusion: The nutritional stability of human milk is a nuanced concept rather than an absolute state. While robust homeostasis maintains energy content, the quality of milkis markedly vulnerable to maternal dietary intake. This plasticity is a critical public health concern in regions like Togo. Therefore, policies must extend beyond promoting breastfeeding to include active, evidence-based nutritional support for lactating women to ensure milk provides its full biological potential.

A Comprehensive Review on Xylia xylocarpa (Roxb.) W. Theob.: A Pillar Species in the Dry Tropics of South and Southeast Asia

Madiga Bheemalingappa — 2025-10-28

Xylia xylocarpa, is a moderate to large-sized tree belonging to the family Fabaceae, native to wet tropical forests of India to Indo-China. Traditionally valued for its medicinal properties, it has been used to treat various ailments. Beyond its therapeutic importance, the wood of X. xylocarpais known for being extremely heavy, hard, and durable, making it ideal for heavy-duty construction and agricultural applications. Locally, it acts as a substitute for Sal and Teak in house construction. This comprehensive review compiles updated knowledge on taxonomy, distribution, ecology, wood properties, ethnobotany, seed quality, carbon sequestration, bioprospecting potential and economic uses of the species. In the current scenario of global warming and climate change X. xylocarpa demand more attention to explore its carbon sequestration potential and its adaptability to withstand high temperatures. Due to its utility and restricted natural distribution, the identification of elite genetic resources and development of large-scale plantations is urgently recommended, particularly in India and Southeast Asia, to ensure its sustainable use and conservation. The review also discusses about the medicinal usage and bioprospecting of the species.

Haldina cordifolia (Roxb.) Ridsdale: A Timber Species and Its Significance

Dipika Ayate — 2025-10-07

Haldina cordifolia (syn. Adina cordifolia), commonly known as haldu, is a multipurpose deciduous tree species of immense ecological, economic, and medicinal value. With the growing demand for quality timber, pressure on natural forests has increased, underscoring the significance of this species for sustainable forestry practices. Belonging to the family Rubiaceae, H. cordifolia is widely distributed across the Indian subcontinent and Southeast Asia, thriving in tropical deciduous forests. Its timber is highly valued for durability, fine grain, and its characteristic yellow hue, making it suitable for the manufacture of furniture, flooring, panelling, construction works, turnery, bobbins, and agricultural tools. In addition to timber, the bark serves as a source of natural yellow dye for wool and linen. It exhibits antiseptic properties, while the roots are traditionally used to treat dysentery, demonstrating its strong ethnomedicinal relevance. Silviculturally, the species is promising for plantation development due to its adaptability to diverse site conditions, moderate growth, and wide multipurpose utility. Efficient propagation relies on sound knowledge of its reproductive biology, breeding systems, and seed technology, as successful seed collection, processing, and storage are essential for maintaining viability and supporting large-scale afforestation. Furthermore, phytochemical investigations have revealed the presence of bioactive compounds, broadening its potential pharmacological applications beyond traditional medicine. Given its combined timber, non-timber, and medicinal values, H. cordifolia stands as a valuable forest resource with high socio-economic and ecological significance. This article aims to provide a comprehensive account of the taxonomy, geographical distribution, botanical features, reproductive biology, breeding systems, seed collection and processing techniques, wood properties, plantation establishment strategies, growth performance, phytochemistry, and therapeutic applications of this important species, thereby supporting its sustainable utilization and conservation.

Sarcopenic Obesity in Gastroduodenal Ulcer Disease: A Cross-sectional Study of Nutritional and Biochemical Profiles in Lomé, Togo

Kponou Mathieu Bienvenu TOBOSSI — 2025-09-25

Background: Gastroduodenal ulcer disease (GUD) is a significant health burden in urban West Africa, a region undergoing a rapid nutritional transition. Conventional assessment using Body Mass Index (BMI) may fail to detect complex malnutrition phenotypes like sarcopenic obesity that could impair ulcer healing. This study aimed to characterize the detailed nutritional and metabolic profiles of GUD patients in Lomé, Togo, to unmask these underlying disorders.

Methods: This cross-sectional analytical study, conducted from July to October 2024, recruited 127 patients with endoscopically confirmed GUD. Data were collected on sociodemographic, clinical, and dietary characteristics, with dietary quality assessed via a Dietary Diversity Score (SDA). Body composition, including visceral fat and skeletal muscle mass, was evaluated using multi-frequency bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA). Fasting venous blood was analyzed for key biochemical markers, including albumin, folate, and homocysteine.

Results: The cohort (mean age 43.7; 35.4% Helicobacter pylori positive) presented a paradoxical nutritional profile. While BMI classified only 31.5% as overweight or obese, BIA revealed a high prevalence of sarcopenic obesity: 46.5% exhibited a low protein index and 39.4% had visceral obesity. Poor dietary quality (SDA ≤ 4) was significantly associated with lower concentrations of prealbumin and albumin (p<0.05), reduced serum folate (p<0.01), and consequently higher, detrimental levels of homocysteine (p<0.01). Regular fruit consumption was protective against H. pylori infection (OR = 0.42), while a low education level was an independent risk factor (OR = 2.85).

Conclusion: Patients with GUD in Lomé are affected by a severe "double burden of malnutrition." The high prevalence of sarcopenic obesity, entirely masked by BMI, fosters a systemic metabolic environment of pro-inflammatory visceral adiposity and depleted protein reserves that is fundamentally antagonistic to mucosal healing. These findings highlight the inadequacy of BMI and underscore the urgent need to integrate body composition analysis and key biochemical markers into clinical assessment to guide effective nutritional interventions.

Study of the Effects of Sorghum bicolor (Poaceae) on Duodenal Motility in Rabbits

KAMBOU Sansan Philippe — 2025-09-29

In this study,carried out to evaluate the gastrointestinal tolerance of the aqueous extract of Sorghum bicolor leaf sheath used in the treatment of anemia in Côte d'Ivoire. An aqueous extract of whole Sorghum bicolor seeds was prepared using cold maceration method. Segments of rabbit duodenum were used for the experiment. Aqueous extracts of Sorghum bicolor induce a dose-dependent reduction in duodenal muscle contractions. Aqueous extracts of Sorghum bicolor inhibit acetylcholine-induced tonic concentrations by 94% at a concentration of 1000 µg/mL. The aqueous extract of Sorghum. bicolor had intestinal muscle relaxant properties. These results support its pharmacological potential as an antispasmodic agent.

Smart Detection System for Pesticide Contamination in Fruits and Vegetables

Kannabiran. K — 2025-10-07

Pesticide contamination in fruits and vegetables has become a serious concern due to its detrimental effects on human health and the environment. Currently, the widespread utilization of pesticides such as Glyphosate, Chlorpyrifos, Neonicotinoids, Mancozeb, and Pyrethroids during fruit and vegetable cultivation has been associated with adverse health effects in humans. To grow more food for more people, people developed innovative techniques. These days, fruits and vegetables are essential for providing us with the nutrition and energy we require. But occasionally, chemicals are applied to aid in their growth. The goal of the present study is to use an Arduino Mega 2560 microprocessor, which is integrated with an LCD display, spectral triad sensor, pH sensor, gas sensor, and buzzer, to identify pesticides in fruits and vegetables. The system uses real-time sensor data collection and Random Forest analysis powered by machine learning (ML) and the Internet of Things (IoT). The spectral triad sensor captures comprehensive spectral data while the gas and pH sensors monitor the presence of pesticides and acidity. Using the Random Forest method, the machine learning model examines the sensor data to identify potential pesticide contamination. The results are displayed on LCD in addition to a buzzer alert.

Phytoplankton Diversity and Eutrophication Indicators under Anthropogenic Pressure in the Azagny Canal, Côte d'Ivoire

LOZO Roméo N’Guessan — 2025-10-10

Background: The Azagny Canal is a major artificial waterway in southern Côte d'Ivoire, playing a crucial role in the region's water management and economy. It connects the Ebrié Lagoon to the Bandama River and, thus indirectly, to the Atlantic Ocean. However, this transitional ecosystem is under increasing anthropogenic pressure.

Aims: This study aims to characterize the phytoplankton communities in the Azagny Canal to assess the impact of human activities and environmental gradients, thereby providing biological indicators and essential scientific data for the sustainable management of this ecological corridor.

Methodology: Micro-algae were sampled using a 20 µm mesh plankton net from February to August 2022. The sampling combined physico-chemical and biological analyses across five stations.

Results: A total of 90 taxa were identified, revealing a dominance of Chlorophyta (43%) and Heterokontophyta (24%), with a heterogeneous spatial distribution. Station ST5 exhibited the highest taxonomic richness (45 taxa). Multivariate analyses demonstrated that water temperature, transparency, dissolved oxygen, conductivity, salinity, and nutrient levels (nitrite, nitrate, phosphate, and ammonium) significantly shaped the phytoplankton assemblages. The abundance of Chlorophyta and the presence of indicator species for nutrient enrichment confirm an ongoing process of eutrophication.

Conclusion: This study validates the use of phytoplankton as a diagnostic tool for water quality monitoring and highlights the urgent need for management measures to protect this vital ecological corridor

Resistance Level of Sweet Potato Clones to Sweet Potato Weevil (Cylas formicarius)

Febria C Indriani — 2025-10-15

In Indonesia, the yield losses of local sweet potato variety due to sweet potato weevil (SPW) caused by the Cylas formicarius insect could reach 100%. The most useful C. formicarius control technology is to use the resistant varieties. This study aims to evaluate the level of resistance of six sweet potato clones to SPW. The field test was conducted in dry season (May - October 2024) in two locations in Lumajang Regency, East Java Province namely Karanganom Village, Pasrujambe District, and Sarikemuning Village, Senduro District. Randomized Block Design with four was used replications. Each sweet potato genotype was planted on a plot of 5 m x 5 m, plant distance of 100 cm x 25 cm (1 steck per hole). The clones were tested in the field and in the laboratory. Observation of tuber borer pest attacks on tested clones Laboratory resistant aims to prove and ensure the tolerance level of candidate sweet potato varieties to tuber borer pests. The sweet potato harvest from the field is then cleaned from the soil using water, then healthy tubers (free from C. formicarius) with uniform sizes are selected. Furthermore, the tubers are put into plastic mylar with a height of 20 cm and a diameter of 8 cm. The resistance test method used were choice and without (no)-choice. Results of the trials showed that sweet potato Gatotkoco has a level of resistance to sweet potato weevil equivalent to the check variety Sari which is classified as a resistant, while Bima Pasru has a level of resistance equivalent to the check variety Beta 2 which is classified as an intermediate resistant. These two local varieties of Lumajang (Gatotkoco and Bima Pasru) could be developed to overcome the problem of sweet potato weevil in the field.

Enhancing Productivity of Blackgram through Nano Urea-Based Nutrient Management under Rainfed Conditions

G. Porkodi — 2025-10-16

Pulses are an essential source of dietary protein, vitamins, minerals, and fibre, contributing significantly to nutritional security, particularly in vegetarian diets. Blackgram (Vigna mungo L.), one of the most important pulse crops in India, plays a vital role in food and nutritional security but its productivity is constrained by nutrient limitations, especially under rainfed conditions. However, information on optimal combinations of basal nitrogen and nano urea application timings for blackgram under rainfed conditions is still scarce. Efficient nutrient management, particularly through foliar application, is vital for sustaining growth and yield. To evaluate the effect of nano urea on blackgram, a field experiment was conducted at the Agricultural College and Research Institute, Kudumiyanmalai, Tamil Nadu, using blackgram variety CO 8. The study was laid out in a randomized block design with seven treatments involving different combinations of basal nitrogen and foliar sprays of nano urea at 30 and 45 days after sowing (DAS). Results revealed that 75% basal application of nitrogen along with foliar spray of nano urea at 30 and 45 DAS (T6) significantly improved plant height, dry matter production, leaf area index, pods per plant, pod length, seeds per pod, and 100-seed weight. This treatment also recorded the highest grain yield (860 kg ha⁻¹), which was superior to the recommended dose of fertilizer alone. The findings emphasize the potential of nano urea in enhancing yield attributes and grain yield, thereby offering a sustainable strategy for blackgram production under rainfed conditions. These findings not only offer a sustainable strategy for blackgram production but also support efforts to reduce conventional fertilizer use and enhance national food and nutritional security.

Combined Effects of Three Soil Types and Sowing Density on Agronomic Parameters of Desmodium adscendens (Sw.) Plants Grown under Agroecological Conditions in Daloa (Côte d'Ivoire)

Tahia Jean Yves Koffi — 2025-10-24

This study examined the impact of soil texture and seedling spacing on the germination and growth of Desmodium adscendens, a plant recognised for its medicinal and agroecological uses. Three types of soil were evaluated: sandy, silty and clayey, as well as three spacing between seedlings (0.5 m; 1 m; 1.5 m). The results showed that the sandy and silty soils produced faster and more uniform germination, with germination rates of over 90% by the thirteenth day after sowing. This performance was attributed to their light, well-aerated structure, which facilitated the circulation of oxygen and the lifting of dormancy. In contrast, the clay soil, which is more compact and less permeable, delayed germination and recorded the lowest germination rates. In terms of vegetative growth, plants grown in sandy soil showed the best results in terms of collar diameter, stem length and number of branches, followed by those grown in loamy soil. The clay soil limited the development of the plants, whatever the spacing used. Statistical analysis revealed that spacing had no significant effect on agronomic parameters (P > 0.05), which can be explained by the morphological plasticity of the species and its ability to adapt to different planting densities. These results confirm the potential of Desmodium adscendens to be integrated into sustainable cropping systems in the humid tropics.

Impact of Biochar and NPK Fertilization on Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) Growth, Yield and Soil Properties in Degraded Tropical Soils

IBRAHIM GREMA Maman Hamissou — 2025-10-29

This study investigates the effects of biochar applied at different concentrations on tomato growth, yield, and soil properties. In greenhouse experiments, the application of 2% biochar significantly enhanced plant growth parameters, including height, stem diameter, and number of leaves. It also improved soil physical and chemical properties, such as water retention, aggregate stability, and nutrient availability, ultimately leading to increased tomato yield. In contrast, higher biochar concentrations (5% and 10%) negatively affected plant growth, underscoring the importance of dosage optimization. In field trials, the application of NPK fertilizer (12-22-22) at 200 kg/ha resulted in the highest yield increase, while biochar applied at 1 t/ha improved productivity compared to the control. These findings demonstrate the potential of biochar and NPK as effective soil amendments to enhance crop yield and promote soil sustainability.

Investigation of Methicillin and Antiseptic Resistance Genes in Staphylococcus aureus Isolates from the Milk of Bovine, Ovine and Goat

Azra Demirci Ozdemir — 2025-11-01

The aim of this study was to investigate the presence of methicillin (mecA and mecC) and antiseptic (qacA/B and smr) resistance genes by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in S. aureus isolated from sheep, goat, and cow milk, as well as the resistance of these isolates to various antibiotics by disc diffusion methods. In the study, 694 milk samples from 257 animals (cattle=90, sheep=60, goats=107) in farms with mastitis problems in Burdur province were collected. The milk samples were cultured on Blood agar supplemented with 5% defibrinated sheep blood aerobically for 24 hours at 37°C. The seventy five S. aureus colonies were identified by conventional bacteriological methods. A total of 60 S. aureus isolates were confirmed by detecting the S. aureus-specific nuc gene. As a result of the study, while one isolate was found to be positive for the mecA gene, the mecC gene was not detected in any of the S. aureus isolates. The presence of the qacA/B gene was detected in 3 isolates from bovine milk, and smr gene was detected in 2 S. aureus isolates (1 from sheep, 1 from bovine). The qacA/B and smr genes were not detected together in any isolate. In this study, methicillin and antiseptic resistance genes were also not detected in the same isolate. 58 of S. aureus isolates were susceptible to gentamicin and oxacillin, 56 to cefoperazone and ceftiofur, 55 to cefoxitin, 54 to amoxicillin clavulonic acid, 50 to oxytetracycline. In conclusion, the results of this study was showed that methicillin and antiseptic resistance in livestock animals is currently not a significant problem in Turkey, and no assocation between methicillin and antiseptic resistance was found. It has been concluded that the frequent use of antiseptics in human and animal health practices may lead to serious problems in the future, such as antibiotic resistance, and therefore antiseptic resistance should be monitored.