Unveiling the drought adaptations and pharmacological potential of Blepharis sindica for alternative forage, arid land restoration, and medicinal uses

Rajneesh Sharma; Shikha Roy; Manish Mathur; Apexa Pareek; Kavi Gour; Laxman Singh Rajput; Girija Choudhary; Ashok Yadav; Kuldeep Kumar; Charu Lata

doi:10.59515/rma.2026.v47.i1.36

Authors

Rajneesh Sharma University of Rajasthan, Jaipur-302004, India; ICAR-Central Arid Zone Research Institute, Jodhpur-342003, Rajasthan.
Shikha Roy University of Rajasthan, Jaipur-302004, India
Manish Mathur Jai Narayan Vyas University, Jodhpur-342011, India
Apexa Pareek University of Rajasthan, Jaipur-302004, India
Kavi Gour University of Rajasthan, Jaipur-302004, India
Laxman Singh Rajput ICAR-Central Arid Zone Research Institute, Jodhpur-342003, India
Girija Choudhary Rani Lakshmi Bai Central Agricultural University, Jhansi-284003, India
Ashok Yadav ICAR-Central Agroforestry Research Institute, Jhansi-284003, India
Kuldeep Kumar ICAR-National Institute of Plant Biotechnology, New Delhi-110012, India
Charu Lata ICAR-Indian Institute of Wheat and Barley Research, Karnal-132001, India

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.59515/rma.2026.v47.i1.36

Keywords:

Asiaticoside, arid-zone adaptation, phytochemical profiling, rangeland restoration

Abstract

Blepharis sindica T. Anders, an endangered xerophytic plant from the Indian Thar Desert, possesses adaptation traits essential for survival in dry environments and shows potential as a nutraceutical fodder. This research investigated the morpho-phytochemical characteristics by utilizing Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FESEM), Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDS), and High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC). SEM examination identified xeromorphic adaptations, including thick cuticles, elongated glandular trichomes, and hygroscopic seed hairs, which contribute to drought resistance and water-mediated seed dissemination. Elemental analysis by EDS revealed that leaf tissues included intricate mineral compositions, including Ca, K, Mg, and Si, which underpin their metabolic and ecological roles. The seed coat and fruit capsule had a more basic structure, indicating their primary function as protective entities. Phytochemical analysis confirmed the presence of the anticarcinogenic compound asiaticoside, a bioactive triterpenoid, with concentrations of 8.37% in the seeds and 3.87% in the leaves. Current findings confirmed B. sindica as a dual-purpose plant for the regeneration of dry rangelands and the sustainability of cattle.