Research Papers
Metabolite Profiling of the Indian Food Spice Lichen, Pseudevernia furfuracea Combined with Optimised Extraction Methodology to obtain Bioactive Phenolic Compounds
Kalra Rishu, Conlan Xavier A. , Areche Carlos , Dilawari Rahul, Goel Mayurika
| 2021
Pseudevernia furfuracea (L.) Zopf (Parmeliaceae) is a well-known epiphytic lichen commonly used in Indian spice mixtures and food preparations such as curries. This study is an attempt to find the best extraction methodology with respect to extractive yield, total polyphenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content and antioxidant activities of lichen P. furfuracea.
Role of fungi in neurodegenerative diseases
Chaudhary Renu, Kalra Rishu, Goel Mayurika
| 2020
Thousands of patients with dreadful diseases are treated every year with medicines obtained by fungi. In fact, the medicinal value of fungal metabolites has been known for centuries, however, there has been an unprecedented change in the pattern and the prevalence of mycotic infections in humans due to the opportunistic and pathogenic fungi during the last 15-20 years.
Fungi as a potential source of pigments: Harnessing filamentous fungi
Kalra Rishu , Conlan Xavier A, Goel Mayurika
| 2020
The growing concern over the harmful effects of synthetic colorants on both the consumer and the environment has raised a strong interest in natural coloring alternatives. As a result the worldwide demand for colorants of natural origin is rapidly increasing in the food, cosmetic and textile sectors. Natural colorants have the capacity to be used for a variety of industrial applications, for instance, as dyes for textile and non-textile substrates such as leather, paper, within paints and coatings, in cosmetics, and in food additives.
Endolichenic fungi: a hidden source of bioactive metabolites
Agrawal Shivankar, Deshmukh Sunil K, Reddy M. Sudhakara , Ram Prasad, Goel Mayurika
| 2020
Lichens are synergetic organisms composed of a mycobiont in relationship with one or more photosynthetic partners (photobiont). These organisms grow on various substrates and sometimes under extreme ecological environments. A different group of non-obligate micro-fungi also resides inside the internal tissues of the lichen thalli without causing any harm to them. These microfungi are called as endolichenic fungi (ELF).
Endophytic Fungi - An Untapped Source of Potential Antioxidants
Mishra Rahul C., Goel Mayurika , Barrow Colin J, Deshmukh Sunil K.
| 2020
Antioxidants are the substances that interact inside and outside of a biological system against the damaging effects of highly reactive free radicals produced during metabolism. Among various natural alternative sources of bioactive metabolites, endophytic fungi ave emerged as a significant reservoir of potent antioxidant compounds. These scantly explored micro-organisms are prolific producers of novel compounds and have the capability to produce metabolites that are exclusively isolated from Plantae.
COVID-19: a wake-up call to protect planetary health
Pachauri Ash, Sevilla Norma Patricia Muñoz, Kedia Shailly, Pathak Drishya, Mittal Komal, Magdalene Philo
| 2021
Set from the perspective of planetary health, the objective of this chapter is to examine the trends set in motion by Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), attempting to discuss the long-term environmental and humanitarian implications. The emergence of zoonotic diseases has underscored that risk-based interventions need to be designed from the perspective of planetary health. The pandemic response must account for its implications on humans and the planet.
Vulnerability of Child Health to Climate Related Agricultural Productivity Threat in India
Sehgal Meena , Kumar Sujit, Kanwal Ghosh, Singh Nayan, Gupta Vidhu, Lal Kanhaiya, Sehgal Anu, Ajay Mathur
| 2021
India faces the burden of under-nutrition, especially among children under five years of age. The gap in nutritional needs and intake, point to the inadequacies in the food and nutrition security of India. This study examines data at the district level to identify vulnerable populations across the geographical expanse of the country. In order to identify districts appropriate for improving the food and nutrition security, a statistical approach was developed to prioritize areas for public health interventions.
Energising change: Clean cooking and the changing social position of women
Govindan Mini, Murali Rashmi
| 2021
The development community clearly recognises the urgency of switching to clean cooking solutions while also creating just energy systems by gainfully involving women as entrepreneurs in the clean cooking value chain.
Influence of Electricity Access on Gender: Evidences from Nepal
Murali Rashmi, Brahmachari Deborshi, Govindan Mini
| 2019
Access to modern energy has been found to especially benefit rural women, in terms of reducing their drudgery and increasing their efficiency of time use. This paper draws from the findings of a primary household survey and qualitative study in Nepal in order to analyse how access to modern energy affects gendered aspects of health, education, income generation, and decision-making. It was found that a higher percentage of children (boys and girls) from households with electricity access were enrolled in schools and spent more hours studying.