Scientific analysis of indigenous techniques for guggal （Commiphora wightii） tapping in India

Guggal, a threatened species that is endemic to western India, is tapped to extract medicinally important oleo–gum–resin(guggul). However, the plant dies after gum exudation. The indigenous tapping techniques used by local people were examined in Gujarat, India to discover the scientific basis behind these techniques: selection of gum inducer, season of tapping, and plant parts to be tapped. First, the presence of Xanthomonas axonopodis pv. commiphorae(Xac) in the gum suspension used for tapping was established. This bacterium induces gum oozing from the tapped plants and later, causes them to die off. The population of Xac in gum was found to decrease with the age of the gum. With that, fresh gum increased the tapping success. Second, local people preferred tapping during the warm season, which we validated by determining that Xac growth was best at 30 °C. Tapping during September(mean temperature 25.7–30.0 °C) clearly favoured growth of the pathogen and yielded maximum guggul. Multiple tapping on a mature tree ensured maximum gum extraction before its death. Finally, application of indigenous technology under natural plant stands by the local people ensured availability of this important raw drug for consumption. Our study established that the age–old traditional methods have a strong scientific basis. However, it is imperative to formulate strategies based on contemporary scientific understanding to protect this natural resource before it becomes extinct.     

Four new sesquiterpenes from Commiphora myrrha and their neuroprotective effects

Four new sesquiterpenes, myrrhterpenoids K-N (1-4) have been isolated from the resin of Commiphora myrrha. Their structures and relative configurations were elucidated by spectroscopic methods (IR, ESIMS, HR-ESIMS, 1D and 2D NMR). Compounds 1 and 4 showed neuroprotective effects against MPP(+)-induced neuronal cell death in SH-SY5Y cells.     

Domestication potential and marketing of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Canarium indicum</Emphasis> nuts in the Pacific: 1. A literature review

Canarium indicum is an indigenous tree of the lowland forests of Melanesia (Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, Vanuatu) and parts of Indonesia producing edible nuts, commercial timber and some minor products. For thousands of years the nuts have been culturally important and a traditional food. Since the early 1990s there have been a number of projects aimed at the wider commercialization of the species, with mixed success. This review evaluates the biophysical and socio-economic literature and suggests how the domestication and commercialization processes could be taken forwards to improve the livelihoods of rural households in Melanesia. Many of the issues facing the domestication and commercialization of C. indicum nuts as an Agroforestry Tree Product (AFTP) are similar to those that will be important for the development of other AFTPs. Thus there are lessons that can be learnt from this species which make it a model for other agroforestry tree species.