Archives - Allelopathy Journal

We evaluated the herbicidal potential of Argemone mexicana extracts against Ageratum conyzoides, a problematic agricultural weed. Aqueous extracts were prepared from driedA. mexicana plant material and tested at concentrations of 10,50,100 and 200 mg/ml. Laboratory bioassays assessed seed germination, seedling growth, biomass accumulation, photosynthetic pigments and protein content. Bioactive compounds were identified using GC-MS analysis. Field trials evaluated weed control efficacy under natural conditions using a randomized complete block design. Extract significantly reduced seed germination from 83.33 % (control) to 20.0 % at 200 mg/mL (p <0.001). Seedling growth, biomass, chlorophyll content and protein levels decreased proportionally with extract concentration. Complete plant mortality occurred at the highest concentration. GC-MS analysis identified 23 bioactive compounds, primarily alkaloids (protopine, sanguinarine and berberine) and phenolic acids (caffeic acid and ferulic acid). Field trials demonstrated 96.5 % weed control efficacy at 200 mg/mL within 7-days, comparable to synthetic herbicides. A. mexicana extracts exhibited herbicidal activity through multi-compound synergistic effects. While promising for bioherbicide development, practical application requires addressing concentration requirements, cost-effectiveness and broader spectrum validation. The findings support the continued research into plant-derived herbicides as sustainable alternatives for weed management.

Plant-parasitic nematodes (PPNs) such as Meloidogyne incognita are a serious threat to many crops and causes substantial reduction in productivity. We evaluated the nematotoxic effects of aqueous leachates prepared from Azadirachta indica A. Juss. and Cymbopogon citratus DC. at 6-concentrations (10,20,40,60,80 and 100 %) against second stage Juveniles (J2) of M. incognita. Laboratory bioassays were done to estimate the impact of leachate concentrations against J2 mortality at 24, 48 and 72 h. Results demonstrated concentration and time dependent mortality responses. The 100 % neem leachate exhibited the highest nematicidal activity after 72 h, resulting in complete mortality (100 ± 9.1), similarly, 80 % lemongrass leachate achieved 99 ± 0.9 % mortality at 24 h. In addition to this, GC-MS profiling of both the leachates were performed to identify bioactive compounds potentially responsible for the nematicidal activity. These leachates showed the presence of 2-propyl-1-pentanol, phytol acetate, phytol and squalene at > 90 % similarity index. Overall, neem and lemongrass leachates exhibited 90 % nematicidal activity at higher concentrations and longer exposures, underscoring their potential as biorational alternatives to synthetic nematicides. Given their wide availability, low cost and environmental safety, these botanicals can be effectively integrated into sustainable PPNs management strategies to combat M. incognita in agricultural systems

Lung cancer remains one of the most prevalent and deadly malignancies worldwide, necessitating the development of more effective and less toxic therapeutic strategies. Phytochemicals-bioactive compounds derived from plants have garnered significant attention for their potential anticancer properties. This review highlights the phytochemical constitution of various medicinal plants and their mechanistic roles in combating lung cancer. Key classes of phytochemicals, such as flavonoids, alkaloids, terpenoids and phenolic acids, demonstrate anticancer effects through multiple pathways, including the induction of apoptosis, inhibition of cell proliferation, suppression of angiogenesis, and modulation of signaling pathways like PI3K/Akt, MAPK, and NF-?B. Compounds such as curcumin, resveratrol, quercetin and epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) have shown promising results in preclinical and clinical settings. Moreover, phytochemicals may enhance the efficacy of conventional chemotherapeutics while reducing their side effects. This review highlights the potential of plant-derived compounds as complementary or alternative therapeutic agents for lung cancer and encourages further research into their clinical applicability and molecular mechanisms.

We investigated the phytochemical profiling and pharmacognostic assessment of medicinally species: Matricaria chamomilla L. (Asteraceae) and Petroselinum crispum (Mill.) Fuss (Apiaceae). The ethanol extracts were prepared using Soxhlet extraction, resulting in yields of 7.5 % w/w for M. chamomilla and 10 % w/w for P. crispum. Ash value and stomatal index (11.76 % for M. crispum and 13.63 % for P. crispum) were determined to support botanical authentication. Phytochemical screening confirmed the presence of diverse bioactive constituents (flavonoids, alkaloids, terpenoids, phenolic compounds, saponins and tannins). Notable constituents such as apigenin and myristicin were identified as pharmacologically relevant markers. Solvent-specific differences in phytochemical solubility were observed. These findings highlight the therapeutic use of both species and reinforce their relevance in herbal and integrative medicine.

We investigated the interactions of gabapentin and coumarin using UV Spectrophotometric estimation and molecular docking studies. UV-vis spectrophotometry was utilized to design and validate a method for the simultaneous measurement of the two substances. The absorbance maxima for gabapentin (572 nm) and coumarin (274 nm) were found. The method's specificity, accuracy (% recovery from 98-102 %), precision (intra/inter-day % RSD < 2 %), linearity (r2 > 0.99) and sensitivity (LOD < 0.4 µg/mL) were all validated by ICH guidelines. Swiss Dock molecular docking tests indicated that gabapentin (-4.375 kcal/mol) and coumarin (-5.499 kcal/mol) had relatively favourable binding affinities, indicating a moderate interaction with the enzyme binding site. This study concluded that these chemicals may be compatible and potentially co-formulated to treat neurological aspects of disease conditions.

Research on the biochemical interactions among plants started in the former USSR and in Germany in late 1920s. Boris Tokin, a Russian embryologist, reported in 1930 that plant excretions contains substances which possess antimicrobial activity and termed them as Phytoncides. Later, Molish in 1937 published the first book on allelopathy and concluded that chemicals released by plants take part in plant interactions. Numerous scientists of the former USSR worked in allelopathy during 1960-90. This review summarises their most outstanding researches done in the world-renowned Soviet Scientific Schools lead by Boris Tokin, Andrei Grodzinsky and Valentina Roschina. The topics covered include investigations on Plant excretions, Biocenology, Ecology, Plant physiology, Biochemistry, Immunology, Pharmacology and Agronomy.

Sustainable pests (insects, nematodes, pathogens) management is necessary due to environmental drawbacks caused by use of pesticides for pests control. Allelopathy is promising alternative for pests control. Many crops have allelopathic pesticide potential; hence, it is essential to evaluate them to integrate into sustainable pests management strategies. This review aimed to explore the allelopathic potential of plants for crop pests control. The allelochemicals present in essential oils of medicinal plants (Thyme, oregano, rosemary, lavender, fennel and laurel) are fungitoxic against both foliar and soil-borne pathogens. Natural pesticides, offer an environmental friendly alternative to present synthetic pesticides.

Biotic weed management is increasingly needed in sustainable rice production. Plant-based extracts and residues offer environmentally friendly alternatives to decrease neighbouring plant growth. This study examined the inhibitory effects of Marsilea crenata Presl.extracts and residues on weed growth and rice (Oryza sativa L.) yield in pot and field settings. The pot employed M. crenata extracts at 0 % (control), 25 %, 50 %, 75 % and 100 %, whereas the field experiment used residues (0, 1.0, 2.0 and 3.0 t ha-1 including farmer practices (2-hand weedings) and three rice varieties (BRRI dhan28, BRRI dhan29 and BRRI dhan60). Rice cultivars, M. crenata extracts and residue treatments significantly influenced weed dynamics. Higher extract concentrations of M. crenata reduced weeds biomass in pots, while in field study, residue application of M. crenata at 3 t ha?¹ reduced weeds density. This highest residue level also maximized rice tillers hill-1, 1000-grain weight and grain yields. These findings suggested that M. crenata residues effectively suppressed the weeds growth and increased rice yield, offering a promising bio-based strategy for sustainable weeds management

This study investigated the allelopathic effects of leaf leachates of invasive weed Ageratum houstonianum Mill. on two crop plants viz. Raphanus sativus L. and Vigna mungo (L.) Hepper in both petri-plates and pots culture. In petri-plates, the leachate had no effect on seed germination of R. sativus. However, in V. mungo, germination was reduced by higher concentrations of leachates. The leachates also reduced root and shoot length and biomass. In pot experiment, shoot and root growth, leaf number and biomass were reduced in both species. The phytotoxic effects of A. houstonianum on both crops suggested that the weed has potential threats to agro-ecosystems where these plants are cultivated. As the allelochemicals responsible for these effects were not identified due to resource limitations, further research should concentrate on identifying the key allelochemicals responsible for the effects on specific plants and on exploring management strategies to mitigate the impact of this invasive species

Vitex negundo L. family Verbenaceae, a medicinal shrub holds immense therapeutic potential owing to its diverse biochemical constituents. Traditionally recognized for its role in Ayurvedic, Unani and Chinese medicine. Every part of the plant viz. leaves, roots, bark, flowers, seeds and fruits-exhibits significant pharmacological activities such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anticancer and antimicrobial properties. Its phytochemical composition includes flavonoids, terpenoids, phenolics, alkaloids and lignans, many of these are under investigation for novel drug development. However, due to overexploitation, habitat loss and lack of sustainable harvesting practices, V. negundo faces a decline in its natural populations. This review aimed to analyze the phytochemical profile, biological activities and pharmaceutical applications of Vitex negundo and further proposes urgent conservation strategies to safeguard this plant for future biomedical applications.

Heart failure, myocardial infarction, and stroke are among the major cardiovascular problems that can arise from high blood pressure, which is a common non-communicable condition. Beyond traditional medications, new herbal treatment techniques seek to treat hypertension by focusing on blood vessel smooth muscle function, inflammatory routes and pathways in the central nervous system. Novel approaches are intended to treat resistant hypertension, enhance blood pressure management, and accomplish further risk reduction beyond blood pressure reduction. Novel targets for antihypertensive treatment are also expected to be connected to RAAS. This review aimed to provide an in-depth mechanistic analysis of the intriguing new targets and the pharmacological action of phytochemicals associated with hypertension. These phytochemicals (Allicin, S-allyl cysteine) from Allium sativum L. (Garlic) and terpinen-4-ol from Alpinia zerumbet Pers. (Shell ginger), showed anti-hypertensive action, increasing NO activity. The other, crocin from Crocus sativus L. (Carl Linnaeus) (Saffron crocus), EGCG from Camellia sinensis (L.) (Tea plant), reduced oxidative stress by its antihypertensive action.

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the most prevalent malignancie worldwide and stands as the 2nd leading cause of cancer-related mortality and the 3rd most frequently diagnosed cancer, showing its substantial impact on global health. While advances in screening and treatment have improved, the clinical management of CRC, mainly in advanced stages pose substantial encounters. Immunotherapy, especially immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) targeting PD-1 and CTLA-4 pathways, has emerged as a promising therapeutic strategy. Agents such as ipilimumab, nivolumab and pembrolizumab have demonstrated clinical benefits in select CRC populations, notably those with mismatch repair deficiency or high microsatellite instability. However, the broader application of ICIs is often constrained by immune-related adverse events (IRAEs), including colitis and severe diarrhea, which compromises treatment adherence and patient quality of life. Increasing attention has turned to natural bioactive compounds (curcumin and resveratrol)-for their immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory properties. Preclinical and early clinical evidence suggests these compounds may not only enhances the efficacy of ICIs but also reduces the IRAEs. This review explores current immunotherapeutic strategies in CRC, evaluates the role of natural immunomodulators as adjuncts to ICIs, and discusses emerging tools such as the immunoscore (IS) for predicting treatment response. By integrating novel combination approaches and predictive biomarkers, future strategies may improve both the effectiveness and safety of immunotherapy in CRC management.

This study aimed to determine the pharmacognostic markers through comprehensive pharmacognostic, physicochemical and phytochemical evaluations, including chemical profiling by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and allelochemicals analysis of the leaves. Organoleptic examination revealed fibrous, lanceolate leaves with a slightly bitter and astringent taste and a mild earthy odour. Macroscopically, the fresh leaves measured 30-60 × 10-15 cm and were ribbed and glabrous. Microscopically, transverse sections exhibited dorsiventral symmetry, a cuticularized upper and lower epidermis, distinct palisade and spongy parenchyma and a collateral vascular bundle encased in a parenchymatous bundle sheath. Microscopic examination of the leaf epidermis exhibited a paracytic stomatal arrangement, characteristic of the species. The stomatal index was recorded as 14.27 % on the adaxial surface and 19.32?% on the abaxial surface. The determined physicochemical parameters, total ash (8.3?%), acid-insoluble ash (1.0 %), water-soluble ash (2.5?%) and moisture content (6.8?%). All values were expressed on an air-dried basis and demonstrated consistent and reliable pharmacognostic markers, indicative of the plant’s authenticity and phytochemical integrity. Fluorescence analysis under UV and visible light revealed distinctive colour responses, aiding in the authentication of crude drugs. Phytochemical screening of leaf extracts revealed the presence of bioactive metabolites including flavonoids, alkaloids, glycosides, and phenolics. The methanolic extract exhibited a yield of 15 % w/w. Furthermore, GC-MS analysis of the methanolic extract identified multiple phytoconstituents, thereby, providing a chemical rationale for its observed biological activities. These findings establish comprehensive pharmacognostic and phytochemical profiles essential for the authentication, standardization and future phytopharmacological investigations of C.capitulata (Lour.) Kuntze.

This study aimed to enhance and assess the efficacy of film hydration-prepared allopurinol and lycopene blended transferosomes (ALT). It was found that there were no changes in the FTIR spectra, i.e. no chemical interactions between the components. The average particle size of the ALT was 165 nm. The study concluded that lycopene (natural phytoconstituent), can be used with allopurinol to enhance the anti-gout potential of later

This study evaluated the chemical composition of essential oil and aqueous leachate from seeds of the invasive neophyte Heracleum mantegazzianum and tested their larvicidal activity against the invasive mosquito Aedes japonicus. Octyl acetate (58.65 %), followed by hexyl 2-methylbutyrate (10.61 %) and hexyl butyrate (9.37 %) dominated the essential oil. Therefore, the larvicidal activity of octyl acetate was tested as well. The 3-hydroxybenzoic acid, syringic acid, and chlorogenic acid were dominant polyphenols in the aqueous leachate. The LC50 and LC90 values of essential oil were 0.067 mg/mL (0.050-0.088) and 0.179 mg/mL (0.135-0.239), those of octyl acetate were as follows: LC50 0.052 mg/mL (0.041-0.065), LC90 0.103 mg/mL (0.082-0.130). The larvicidal effect of the aqueous leachate was expressively lower; values of LC50 and LC90 were 9.235 mg/mL (7.144-11.94) and 32.88 mg/mL (25.44-42.50) respectively. Essential oil, octyl acetate, and aqueous leachate caused some mortality in non-target organisms, too; however, they were significantly lower than those of Asian bush mosquito larvae.

We investigated the effects of Alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) and Bermudagrass (Cynodon dactylon L.) extracts concentrations on callus induction and rye (Secale cereale L.) embryo regeneration and growth of rye seedlings in both greenhouse and in-vitro conditions. Immature rye embryos were used as explants for generating callus, and water extracts of alfalfa and bermudagrass were added to the environment with a concentration of 5, 10, 15, 20, 25 and 30 %. This extract was also used in the regeneration period. The use of 25 and 30 % alfalfa extracts stopped callus induction and its components. The application of bermudagrass extract with a concentration of 30 %, reduced rye callus induction to 50 %. Alfalfa extract concentrations of 20 and 25 %, respectively caused a reduction of 35 and 75 % in callus fresh weight in comparison with the control conditions. Applying 25 and 30 % concentrations of bermudagrass extract led to a reduction of 68 and 80 % respectively. Alfalfa extracts with 15, 20 and 25 % concentrations caused reductions of 40, 63 and 69 % in rooting. The 30 % concentration of M. sativa extract stopped rooting in rye callus. Concentrations of 15, 20, 25 and 30 % caused reductions of 31, 50, 55 and 81 % in the shooting of rye callus, respectively. The results indicate that alfalfa extract had greater effect on rooting, and the bermudagrass extracts had greater effect on shooting. The analysis of the results shows that Alfalfa and bermudagrass extracts have a strong allelopathic effect, which can be used in the production of herbicides of natural origin.

Majority of cash crops have the problem of continuous cropping in the planting process, especially the genus Panax. A series of diseases occur in the process of ginseng planting, which will aggravate the obstacle of continuous cropping, directly lead to the significant decline of ginseng yield and quality, and seriously affect the development of ginseng planting industry. Taking two main species of Panax plants, namely Panax ginseng C. A. Mey and Panax notoginseng (Burkill)F.H. Chen ex C.H., this paper explains the three main factors affecting their continuous cropping, namely (i). Allelopathic autotoxic substances, (ii). Soil microbial community and (iii). Soil physico-chemical properties. The main methods to overcome continuous cropping obstacles were listed, including (i). Biological breeding, (ii). Soil sterilization, (iii). Establishment of reasonable farming system, (iv). Use of microbial fertilizer and (v). The directions of future research were discussed to provide scientific reference for the cultivation and management of alleviating or overcoming the obstacle of continuous cropping of ginseng.

When the kidneys produce a crystallized substance, it acts as a kidney stone. Usually, it is affected by various risk factors (obesity, diabetes, hypertension and age) and treatments are available. Even though renal stone disease occurs in the older people, but the precise mechanisms of kidney stone formation and growth are still not entirely understood. Urinary stones are formed by crystals of phosphate, uric acid, magnesium ammonium phosphate, apatite and struvite. This review describes the (i). Pathogenesis, (ii). Stone formation and (iii). Prevention approaches. It also compares the surgical, herbal and allopathic urolithiasis treatments. The minerals in the body are depleted by kidney stones. Patients who have higher blood lipid levels may be more likely to develop kidney stones than healthy people. The patients are advised to consume low-fat foods, plant-based fibers and herbal treatments. Many people seek herbal therapy, because plant-based medication has fewer side effects and more efficient. To remove any kidney stone-related issues, combining herbal remedies with allopathic treatment is best option.