Inventum Biologicum: An International Journal of Biological Research

Roadside Tree Plantations: A Review of Their Role in Pollution Control and Ecological Importance

Prashant H. Shende — Sat, 01 Nov 2025 00:00:00 +0000

This paper provides a comprehensive review of roadside tree plantations, highlighting their critical function as essential green infrastructure in mitigating various forms of environmental pollution and enhancing urban ecological health. It details the intricate mechanisms by which trees contribute to air, noise, and water quality improvements, alongside their broader ecological significance in supporting biodiversity, regulating microclimates, and stabilizing soil. The review also addresses the inherent challenges in establishing and maintaining these green assets within the complex roadside environment. Furthermore, it examines the diverse methodologies employed to assess their effectiveness and identifies key research gaps. The synthesis underscores the multidisciplinary benefits of roadside tree plantations and emphasizes the imperative for strategic planning and integrated management to foster sustainable and resilient urban environments.

Microgreens as Nutritional, Functional and Agricultural Potential

Prerna Mitra, V. Sudhakar Rao, R. P. Singh — Wed, 15 Oct 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Microgreens, the tender seedlings of vegetables and herbs harvested shortly after cotyledon development, have emerged as a high-value crop in both culinary and nutritional contexts. This review synthesizes existing literature on their origin, cultivation methods, nutritional composition, phytochemical profile, functional properties, market potential, and safety considerations. Evidence indicates that microgreens contain significantly higher concentrations of vitamins, minerals, and bioactive compounds than mature plant tissues, offering antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and potential chemopreventive benefits. Advances in controlled environment agriculture, including hydroponics and LED lighting technologies, have enabled consistent production with optimised yield and quality. However, challenges remain in ensuring microbial safety, extending post-harvest shelf life, and standardising cultivation protocols for diverse climatic conditions. The growing consumer demand for nutrient-dense, sustainable foods positions microgreens as a promising component of urban agriculture and public nutrition strategies. Further interdisciplinary research is essential to fully realise their potential in health promotion and sustainable food systems.

Protective Effects of β-carotene Against Sodium Dodecyl Sulfate Induced Stress in Male Swiss Albino Mice (Mus musculus)

Fri, 21 Nov 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Sodium Dodecyl Sulfate (SDS) is a very common anionic surfactant, which is extensively used in daily life. SDS finds applications in the food industry, cosmetics industry and other healthcare products. Regular exposure to SDS in day-to-day life may be hazardous due to its potential cytotoxic nature. Hazardous effects can be seen when animals are exposed to it via oral and dermal routes. There have been four experimental groups, Gr. I (negative control), Gr. II (200mg/ Kg for 7 consecutive days β-carotene positive control), Gr. III (0.06 g/Kg body weight SDS control) and Gr. IV β-carotene for 7 consecutive days and then β-carotene for another 7 consecutive days along with SDS). It has been shown that organs like liver, pancreas and testis of animals of Gr. III are adversely affected and disruption of hepatocytes, pancreatic cells and testicular cells have been observed. SDS adversely affects haematological parameters by lowering haemoglobin level and erythrocyte count, and increasing leukocyte count. From the biochemical point of view SDS has been found to increase Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS), lower tissue protein content and catalase activity. In addition to testicular histopathological effects, SDS has lowered sperm count, sperm motility, and increased sperm head anomalies. Apart from these, the cytotoxicity of SDS is recorded concerning cell viability, mitotic index, micronuclei as well as chromosome aberrations. β-carotene has been known as a potent antioxidant and it might have some role on amelioration of the harmful effects of SDS. With this hypothesis and consideration, SDS-induced mice have been exposed to β-carotene (Gr. IV) to obtain the amelioration effect on toxicity that involve oxidative mechanisms. From the results of our investigation, it is evident that SDS causes wide ranging toxic effects on the health of male Swiss albino mice, affecting growth, organ function, blood profile, sperm quality, genetic integrity and oxidative balance. These adverse effects appear to be closely linked with oxidative stress and cellular damage. β-carotene, on the other hand, is able to reduce or prevent many of these SDS-induced effects. It may be thought that antioxidants like β-carotene might work in the pathway that neutralizes ROS generated by SDS exposure, thereby reducing oxidative stress, and preventing cellular damage.

The Impact of Nature Walks on Depression and Mood Disorders

Ujjwala Kakarla — Wed, 15 Oct 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Depression and mood disorders are increasingly prevalent across the globe, presenting one of the most pressing challenges to public health systems. With rising cases affecting individuals of diverse age groups, there is a need to identify effective, accessible, and affordable strategies to complement conventional treatment methods. This study explores the therapeutic potential of nature walks, highlighting their role as a natural, cost-effective, and non-invasive intervention to improve mental well-being.

Objectives - The primary objective of this research is to evaluate the psychological impact of engaging in regular nature walks on individuals experiencing depression and mood-related disturbances. A further aim is to understand whether the environment, natural versus urban plays a role in shaping the outcomes of such practices.

Methodology - This study draws upon existing scholarly literature in the field of environmental psychology, complemented by observational data from participants who consistently engaged in nature walks across different settings such as parks, forests, riversides, and green trails. The intervention period spanned approximately 8–12 weeks, during which participants were encouraged to document changes in mood, energy, and overall mental health.

Results - Findings indicate that individuals who walked in natural settings experienced noticeable reductions in symptoms such as sadness, anxiety, fatigue, and irritability. Improvements were reported in mood regulation, quality of sleep, attentiveness, and energy levels. Participants also expressed a greater sense of calmness, emotional balance, and connectedness to nature. Comparatively, urban walks were less effective, with nature-based environments offering a deeper sense of mental rest, emotional restoration, and relief from recurring negative thoughts.

Conclusion - Although nature walks cannot be regarded as a substitute for professional therapy or medical treatment, the evidence strongly supports their use as a complementary approach in mental health programs. By incorporating nature-based practices into public health strategies, societies can enhance individual resilience, reduce stress levels, and promote holistic well-being. The study further underscores the importance of protecting, preserving, and promoting accessible green spaces as essential resources for collective mental health.

Guardians of the Grove: The Role of Tribal and Dalit Women in Biodiversity Conservation through Sacred Forests

Priyanka Gupta, Amita Arjariya, Sadhana Chaurasia — Wed, 01 Oct 2025 00:00:00 +0000

This study explores the ecological and cultural significance of sacred groves in Chhatarpur District, Madhya Pradesh, emphasizing the pivotal role of tribal and Dalit women in biodiversity conservation. Unlike urban temples that are architecturally ornamental and often disconnected from natural ecosystems, sacred groves are reserved forest patches sustained through indigenous spiritual practices and community-based stewardship. Symbolically marked by tridents, flags, and shrines, these groves serve as sanctuaries of untouched vegetation and medicinal flora.

Fieldwork was conducted across ten tribal-dominated villages, combining qualitative interviews, focus group discussions, and direct botanical observations. The findings reveal that tribal and Dalit women are active managers of these ecosystems, guided by seasonal rituals, spiritual taboos, and sustainable harvesting techniques. Their intimate knowledge of sacred plants such as Peepal, Tulsi, Neem, and Ashoka underscores the integration of religious belief with traditional medicine and ecological resilience.

The research identifies sacred groves as one of the oldest forms of community-led conservation rooted in cultural heritage. However, modern pressures such as urbanization and erosion of belief systems threaten their sustainability. The paper argues that recognizing and empowering these women through legal frameworks, education, and inclusive forest governance is crucial for both biodiversity preservation and cultural continuity. Through this lens, sacred groves emerge not just as biological hotspots but as living embodiments of spiritual ecology and grassroots environmentalism.