Samacheer Class 12 Bio Botany - Economically Useful Plants and Entrepreneurial Botany

• Rich in calcium
• Staple food of south hilly regions in India.
• Ragi is made into porridge and gruel.
• Ragi malt is a nutrient drink
• It is the source of fermented beverage.

Red gram (Pigeon pea) Cajanus cajan is the only pulse native to south India.
Uses:
* Major ingredient of Sambar
* Roasted, salted, unsalted seeds are snacks.
* Young pods are cooked and consumed.

Molecular farming
Natural medicinal plants
It is a bio-technological method of production of valuable pharmaceutical products from transgenete plants.
Natural method of extraction of medicine from cultivated medicinal plants.
Large scale production at cheaper cost bus need bi-technological experts
Simple but can’t produce on very large scale, due to lack of man power, at higher cost.

Aloe gel are used as skin tonic. It has a cooling effect and moisturizing characteristics and hence used in preparation of creams, lotions, shampoos, shaving creams, after shave lotions and allied products. It is used in gerontological applications for rejuvenation of aging skin. Products prepared from aloe leaves have multiple properties such as emollient, antibacterial, antioxidant, antifungal and antiseptic. Aloe vera gel is used in skin care cosmetics.

• These are foods that are prepared and eaten as whole grain. Eg. quinoa (தினை) is a seed from Chenopodium quinoa plant. It belongs Amaranthaceae family.
• It is gluten free, whole grain carbohydrate.
• It is a whole protein with a essential amino acids.
• Taken for 6000 years in Andes hills.

Mango (Mangifera Indica)
Origin and area of cultivation.
* Native of southern Asia, Burma and Eastern India.
* Mango producing states are Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Gujarat and Karnataka.
* Salem, Krishnagiri, Dharmapuri are major mango producing districts of Tamil Nadu.

Teak wood is the ideal type of wood for making household furnitures because, it is highly durable and shows great resistance against the attack of termites and fungi. Moreover it doesnot split or crack and is a carpenter friendly wood.

* Henna is the best alternative dye.
* It is in North Africa, South west Asia. It is in Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh and Rajesthan.
* Orange dye henna is from leaves and shoots of
Lawsonia inermis.
* Principal colouring matter is ‘lacosone’
* It is harmless causing no skin irritation.
* It is u sed to dye skin, hair and finger nails.

• Alternative agricultural system.
• Plants and crops are cultivated in natural ways, by using biological inputs.
• It helps to maintain soil fertility and ecological balance.
• It minimizes pollution, wastage.

Andrographis paniculata is called as King of Bitters. Andrographis is a potent hepatoprotective agent and is widely used to treat liver disorders. Concoction of Andrographis paniculata and eight other herbs (Nilavembu Kudineer) is effectively used to treat malaria and dengue.

Bio-medicines: Medicinally useful molecules obtained from plants are marketed as drugs. These are called bio-medicines.
Botanical Medicines: Medicinal plants are marketed as powders or in other modified forms. They are called Botanical medicines.

Origin and area of cultivation of Green Gram.
* Native of India
* Archaeological evidence is in Maharashtra.
* Cultivated in Madhya Pradesh, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu.
Origin and area of cultivation of Red Gram
* The only pulse native of South India.
* Grown in Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh,
Madhya Pradesh, Karnataka, Gujarat.

Millet’s: Small seeds cultivated by ancient people of Africa, Asia. Gluten-free with the less glycemic index.
Finger Millet (Ragi) (Eleusine coracana)
Came to India from East Africa. It is rich in calcium.’
Uses:
* Staple food in South Indian hills.
* Made into porridge, gruel.
* Ragi malt is a nutrient drink.
* Source of fermented beverages.
Sorghum vulgare.
Native of Africa. Major millet of the world with calcium, iron
Uses:
* Feed to poultry, birds, pigs, cattle
* Alcoholic beverage source.
Fox tail Millet (Setariaitalica)
Oldest traditional millet of India. Domesticated in China about 6000 years.
Uses: Strengthens heart, eye sight, lactation.
Kodo Millet (Paspalum scrobiculatum)
From West Africa.
Uses:
* Flour for pudding
* Diuretic, cures constipation.
* Reduce obesity, blood sugar, blood pressure.

Benefits of Coffee:
* Stimulates central nervous system.
* Mild diuretic
* Enhances acetyl choline release in brain.
* Enhances efficiency.
* Lower fatty liver diseases, cirrhosis, cancer.
* Reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes,

Turmeric is one of the most important and ancient Indian spices and used traditionally over thousands of years for culinary, cosmetic, dyeing and for medicinal purposes. It is an important constituent of curry powders. Turmeric is used as a colouring agent in pharmacy, confectionery and food industry. Rice coloured with turmeric (yellow) is considered sacred and auspicious which is used in ceremonies. It is also used for dyeing leather, fibre, paper and toys.
Curcumin extracted from turmeric is responsible for the yellow colour. Curcumin is a very good anti-oxidant which may help fight various kinds of cancer. It has anti-inflammatory, anti- ‘ diabetic, anti-bacterial, anti-fungal and anti-viral activities. It stops platelets from clotting in arteries, which leads to heart attack.

Traditional System of Medicines (TSM)
It is classified into
* Institutionalized (documented) system
* Non-institutionalized (oral) system
Institutionalized system:
* It includes Siddha, Ayurvedha
* It is practiced for 2000 years.
* Text with symptoms, diagnosis, drugs, preparation of drugs, dosage, diet regimen.
Non-Institutionalized system:
* Do not have any records
* Practiced by rural, tribal people of India.
* Knowledge is in oral form.
Focus of TSM:
* Healthy lifestyle
* A healthy diet for good health
* Disease reversal.
Siddha system
* Siddha is the most popular, widely practiced and culturally accepted systm in Tamil Nadu.
* Siddha is principally based on the pancabute philosophy
* This system specializes in using minerals for preparing drugs with a long shelf-life.
* This system uses about 800 herbs as source of drugs.
* Great stress is laid on disease prevention, health promotion, rejuvenation and cure.
Ayurveda system:
* Ayurveda supposed to have originated from Brahma.
* The core knowledge is documented by charaka, sushruta and vagbhata in compendiums written by them.
* This system uses more of herbs and few animal parts as drug sources.
* Plant sources include a good propertion of Himalayan plants.
* The Ayurvedic pharmacopoeia of India lists about 500 plants used as source of drugs.
Folk system of medicine
* Major tribal communities in Tamil Nadu who are known for their medicinal knowledge indued Irulas, Malayalis, Kurumbas, paliyans and kaanis.
* Folk system survive as oral traditions among innumerable rural and tribal communities of India.

Cashews are commonly used for garnishing sweets or curries, or ground into a paste that forms a base of sauces for curries or some sweets. Roasted and raw kernels are used as snacks.

Role of Jasminum in perfuming:
* Used in India for worship, ceremonial purposes, incense, fumigants.
* For making perfumed hair oil, cosmetics and soaps.
* Essential oil for soothing relaxing, antidepressant qualities.
* Blends with other perfumes.
* Used in modern perfumery and cosmetics.
* Popular in air fresheners, antiperspirants, talcum powder, shampoo, and deodorants.
Rose:
The average oil yield is a little less than 0.5 g from lOOOg of flowers.
Uses:
* Rose oil is largely used in perfumes, scenting
soaps, flovouring soft drinks, liqueurs, and certain types of tobacco, particularly snuff of chewing tobacco.
* In India, water is much used in eye lotions
and eyewashes.
* Rosewater (panner) containing much of phenyl ethyl alcohol and other compounds in dissolved confectioneries syrups and soft drinks.
* In addition, it is sprinkled on guests as a ceremonial welcome.

A) Medical importance of Keezhanelli (Phyllanthus amarus):
Active principle: Phyllanthus is a major chemical component.
Medical Importance:
* Hepatoprotective.
* Used in Tamil Nadu for jaundice treatment.
* Effective against hepatitis B virus.
B) Nilavembu (Andrographis paniculata) (King of Bitters)
Active principle: Andrographolides.
Medicinal Importance:
* Potent hepatoprotective
* Treats liver disorders.
* A concoction of Andrographis + 8 herbs
(Nilavembu Kudineer) treats malaria, dengue.

Rice is the easily digestible calorie rich cereal food which is used as a staple food in Southern and North East India. Various rice products such as Flaked rice (Aval), Puffed rice / parched rice (Pori) are used as breakfast cereal or as snack food in different parts of India. Rice bran oil obtained from the rice bran is used in culinary and industrial purposes. Husks are used as fuel, and in the manufacture of packing material and fertilizer.

THC is used in treating Glaucoma a condition in which presšure develops in the eyes.
* THC is also used in reducing nausea of cancer patients under going radiation and chemotherapy.
* It is an effective pain reliever and reduces hypertension.
III. Three Marks

Siddha system of Medicine:
* It is widely practiced and culturally accepted in Tamil Nadu.
* Based on text of 18siddhars.
* Knowledge is documented as Tamil poems.
* Based on Pancabuta philosophy.
* Vatam, Pittam, Kapam are 3 humors. They are responsible for the health.
* Drug sources are plant, animal parts, marine products, minerals.
* Minerals are used for preparing drugs with long self life.
* 800 herbs are source of drugs.
* Disease prevention, health promotion, rejuvenation and cure are important.

Phytochemicals or drugs from some of the plants alter an individual’s perceptions of mind by producing hallucination are known as psychoactive drugs.
* Marijuana: Marijuana is obtained from Cannabis sativa. The active principle in Marijuana is trans – tetrahydrocannabinol (TCH). It is used as pain killer and reduce hypertension. It is also used in the treatment of Glaucoma, cancer radiotherapy and asthma, etc.
* Opium: Opium is obtained from the exudates of the fruits of papaver somniferum (poppy plants). It is used to induce sleep and relieve pain. Opium yields morphine which is used as a strong analgesic in surgeries.

Queen of Spices: Cardamom (Elettaria Cardamomum)
Origin and area of cultivation:
* Indigenous to Southern India and Sri Lanka.
* Main cash crop in the Western Ghats, North-Eastern India.
Uses:
* For flavouring confectionaries, Bakery products, beverages.
* Seeds are used in curry powder, pickles and cakes.
* Medicinally, a stimulant and carminative (a drug for flatulence)
* Chewed as mouth fresheners.
King of Spices: Black Pepper (Piper nigrum)
Origin and area of cultivation:
* Indigenous to western ghats.
* Black gold of India.
* Kerala, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu are top producers in India.
* Pungency is due to alkaloid piperine.
* 2 types (Black pepper, white pepper)
Uses:
* Flavouring sauce, soup, curry, and pickles
* Aromatic stimulant for salivary gastric secretions as a stomachic.
* Pepper enhances the absorption of medicines.

Preparation of Organic Pesticide:
Step 1: Mix 120 g of hot chilies with 110 g of garlic or onion. Chop them thoroughly.
Step 2: Blend the vegetables together manually or using an electric grinder until it forms a thick paste.
Step 3: Add the vegetable paste to 500 ml of warm water. Give the ingredients a stir to thoroughly mix them together.
Step 4: Pour the solution into a glass container and leave it undisturbed for 24 hours. If possible, keep the container in a sunny location. If not, at least keep the mixture in a warm place.
Step 5: Strain the mixture. Pom- the solution through a strainer, remove the vegetables and collect the vegetable-infused water and pour into another container. This filtrate is the pesticide. Either discard the vegetables or use it as a compost.
Step 6: Pour the pesticide into a squirt bottle. Make sure that the spray bottle has first been cleaned with warm water and soap to get rid it of any potential contaminants. Use a funnel to transfer the liquid into the squirt bottle and replace the nozzle.
Step 7: Spray your plants with the pesticide. Treat the infected plants every 4 to 5 days with the solution. After 3 or 4 treatments, the pest will be eliminated. If the area is thoroughly covered with the solution, this pesticide should keep bugs away for the rest of the season.
12th Bio Botany Guide Economically Useful Plants and Entrepreneurial Botany Additional Important Questions and Answers
I. Choose the correct answer:

• Pseudocereal can be eaten as wholegrain.
• These are botanical outliers from grasses.
• Eg. Seed from the Chenopodium quinoa (Family: Amaranthaceae)
• Gluten-free, whole grain carbohydrate, whole protein with all essential amino acids.
• Eaten for 6000 years in Andes hill region.

• Adaptability and colonisation on every type of habitat.
• Ease of cultivation.
• Tillering property gives high yield per unit area.
• Compact dry grains are easily handled, transported, stored without spoilage.
• High-calorie value provides energy.

• Neem tree leaves are plucked.
• Put chopped leaves in 50 litre container half-filled with water. Leave it for 3 days to brow.
• Strain the mixture and spray on plants.
• 100 ml of cooking oil is added to make the repellent stick to the plants.
• Soap water is added to break down the oil.
• A stewed leaf mixture can be composted around the base of the plant.

Mango (Mangifera indica) belongs to the family Anacardiaceae
Origin and area of cultivation.
* Native of southern Asia, Burma and Eastern India.
* Andhra, Bihar, Gujarat and Karnataka are mango producing states.
* Salem, Krishnagiri, Dharmapuri are mango producing districts of Tamil Nadu.
* Major cultivars of Mango are Alphonsa, Banganapalli, Neelam and Malgova.
Uses:
* Major Indian table fruit.
* Rich in beta carotenes.
* Used as dessert, canned, dried, preserves in Indian cuisine.
* Unripe mangoes are used in chutney, pickle, side dishes, eaten raw with salt, chilli.
* Pulp is made as jelly
* Aerated, non aerated soft drinks are prepared.

Botanical Name: Saccharum officinarum of
Poaceae family
Uses:
* Raw material for white sugar
* Industries supported are
* Sugar mills producing refined sugar
* Distilleries producing liquor grade ethanol.
* Jaggery manufacturing unit.
* Refreshing drink can be extracted.
* Gives molasses. It is the raw material for ethyl alcohol.

• Orange dye henna is from the leaves and shoots of Lawsonia intermis.
• The colouring matter Lacosone is harmless and causes no skin irritation.
• This dye is used for skin, hair and finger nails.
• It is used for colouring leather for tails of horses and in hair dyes.

Botanical Name: Borassus flabellifer of Arecaceae family
Origin and area of cultivation
* Native of tropical Africa, Asia, New Guinea.
* All over Tamil Nadu especially in coastal districts.
Uses:
* Exudate from inflorescence gives palm sugar
* Sap of inflorescence is a healthy drink
* Processed sap gives palm sugar
* Fermented sap gives toddy
* Endosperm is a refreshing summer food
* Elongated embryo of germinated seeds is edible.

Botanical Name: Capsicum annuum of
Solanaceae family
Uses:
* Capsicum annuum is less pungent
* Capsicum annuum includes large sweet bell peppers.
* Long fruit cultivars called ‘Cayenne Pepper’ are crushed, powdered and used as condiment.
* Sauce, Curry powder, pickle can be prepared.
* Capsaicin has pain relieving property. Good source of vitamins A, C, E.

Rubber (Hevea brasiliensis) of Euphorbiaceae.
Origin and Cultivation
* Native of Brazil
* Kerala is the largest Indian producers
Uses:
* Tyre, automobile parts consume 70% of rubber.
* To manufacture footwear, wire, cable insulation, rain coats, household, hospital goods, shock absorbers, belts, sports goods, erasers, adhesives, rubber band
* Hard rubber is used in electrical and radio engineering
* Latex makes gloves, balloons, condoms.
* Foamed latex used for the manufacture of cushion, pillow, life belts.

• Ayurveda system of Medicine
• Core knowledge is documented in compendium of Charaka, Sushruta and Vagbhata.
• It is based on 3 humor principles Vatha, Pitha, Kapha.
• Herbs, few animal parts are drug sources.
• Himalayan plants are plant sources.
• Ayurvedic pharmacopoeia of India list 500 plant sources.

Folk system of Medicine:
* It is a oral tradition in rural, tribal communities.
* Document of plants used by ethnic communities was launched by Ministry of Environment and Forest, Government of India.
* The document is All India Co-ordinated Research Project on Ethnobiology.
* 8000 species of medical plants are documented.
* Major tribal communities with medicinal knowledge are Irulas, Malayalis, Kurumbas, Paliyans and Kaanis.

• One of the largest exported fibre of India.
• Used for safe packaging of natural, renewable, bio degradable, Eco-friendly products.
• Used in bagging, wrapping textile.
• 75% is used to prepare sack, bag.
• Manufacture of blanket, rag, curtain
• Used in textiles recently.

• Organic farming is an alternative agricultural system in which plants / crops are cultivated in natural ways by using biological inputs to maintain soil fertility and ecological balance thereby minimizing pollution and wastage
• Indians were organic farmers by default until the green revolution came in to practice.
• Use of bio-fertilizers is one of the important components of integrated organic farm management, as they are cost effective and renewable source of plant nutrients to supplement the chemical fertilizers for sustainable agriculture.
• Several microorganisms and their association with crop plants are being exploited in the production of bio-fertilizers.
• Organic farming is thus considered as the movement directed towards the philosophy of Back to Nature.

• It is an active component of chillies.
• It has pain relieving properties.
• It gives pungency or spicy taste to chillies.
• Pungency is measured in Scoville Heat Unit (SHU)
• Eg. Naga piper is the hottest chilly of India with 1,349,000 SHU.

• Archeo botanical evidence show the presence of black gram 3500 years ago.
• India gives 80 % of global production.
• Black gram is grown in Uttar Pradesh, Chattisgarh and Karnataka.

• Rayon is purified dis solving pulp is used as a basic material in the manufacture of rayon or artificial silk, fabrics, transport films (cellophane), cellulose, acetate films), plastics.
• This viscose process of making rayon is the most common process.

* Use of biofertilizers is one of the important components of integrated organic farm management, as they are cost effective and renewable source of plant nutrients to supplement the chemical fertilizers for sustainable agriculture.
IV. Five Marks