http://repo.lib.jfn.ac.lk/ujrr/handle/123456789/125 2026-08-30T08:11:52Z http://repo.lib.jfn.ac.lk/ujrr/handle/123456789/12936 Title: The phytochemical, pharmacological, and medicinal properties of Syzygium cumini (L.) Skeels. A review Authors: Vinotha, S.; Rajkumar, G. Abstract: Syzygium cumini (L.) Skeels (S. cumini), (Jambolan, Myrtaceae family) is commonly used to cure several diseases, particularly diabetes mellitus. Several decades ago, the plant became commercially available, and it was recognized as an antidiabetic plant. Numerous scientific studies have documented the antidiabetic properties of this plant. The aim of this study was to present an impression of current state of knowledge and scientific research about S. cumini, using mainstream electronic databases and textbooks. According to this review, S. cumini possesses notable physicochemical and phytochemical qualities, as well as pharmacological actions, along with unique morphological traits. In addition, it is verified that S. cumini is a versatile medicinal herb with a range of applications in nutraceuticals. To develop safer drugs for the treatment of diabetes and other illnesses, further scientific research is required to pinpoint the active principles present in S. cumini. 2025-01-01T00:00:00Z http://repo.lib.jfn.ac.lk/ujrr/handle/123456789/12935 Title: Genetic differentiation among Sri Lankan traditional rice (Oryza sativa) varieties and wild rice species by AFLP markers Authors: Rajkumar, G.; Weerasena, J.; Fernando, K.; Liyanage, A.; Silva, R. Abstract: Traditional rice varieties are one important component of the biodiversity of Sri Lanka. However, no proper studies have been performed on genetic diversity of the Sri Lankan traditional rice varieties used in our breeding programs. In the present study, the genetic diversity of 46 traditional rice (Oryza sativa) varieties and 5 wild rice species is assesed using Amplified Fragment Length Polymorphism (AFLP) markers. Ten primer combinations generated a total of 784 fragments. Of these, 772 fragments were polymorphic (98.4%). UPGMA analysis based on Jaccard’s similarity separated the accessions into four major clusters. A cophenetic correlation with r 0.786 strongly supported the clustering pattern of UPGMA dendrogram. A principal coordinate analysis (PCoA) also confirmed the UPGMA clusters. Accessions referred to the same cluster showed similar morphological characteristics (e.g. height, grain colour etc.) while accessions which are known to be morphologically distinct appeared genetically separated. In addition, the clustering pattern distinctly separated lowland and upland rice varieties. This genetic diversity assessment at the molecular level provides reliable information for selection of germplasm in the development of new rice varieties and in conservation of traditional rice genetic resources. 2011-01-01T00:00:00Z http://repo.lib.jfn.ac.lk/ujrr/handle/123456789/12934 Title: Comparative Study of Nutrient Composition of Selected Cereal Grains Available in Jaffna, Sri Lanka Authors: Rajkumar, G.; Bhaminy, S. Abstract: Grains are the seeds of grass-like plants called cereals. Grains contain important nutrient necessary for human health. Consumption of grains and grain foods is encouraged in dietary guidelines around the world because of the significant contribution of the nutrient content of grains. The present work aims to compare the general nutrient composition of selected seventeen grains available in Jaffna, Sri Lanka to consider them as excellent candidates for consumption. Proximate macronutrient content of the seeds of selected grains were estimated by nutrient content analysis according to the standard protocols recommended by the Association of Analytical Chemists (AOAC), the USA at the Department of Botany, University of Jaffna and compared the general nutrient composition among cereal grains. Grain varieties have moisture contents varied from 3.70% to 14.42%, ash contents varied from 0.66% to 5.52%, fat contents ranged from 2.80% to 52.93%, protein contents varied from 7.44% to 48.47%, and carbohydrate contents varied from 12.39% to 68.58%. Black gram has the highest moisture content (14.42%), soya has the highest ash (5.52%) and protein content of 48.47% while sesame has the highest fat content (52.93%). Among the entire samples, soya possesses some desirable nutritional attributes than other grains with respect lower fat and carbohydrate and greater protein (48.47%) and ash content (5.52%). 2019-01-01T00:00:00Z http://repo.lib.jfn.ac.lk/ujrr/handle/123456789/12933 Title: Comparison of general nutritional composition of wild rice Oryza rhizomatis D.A. Vaughan and the commercial variety Bg352 Authors: Rajkumar, G.; Renuka, S.; Weerasena, J.; Fernando, K. Abstract: Oryza rhizomatis is an endemic wild rice species of Sri Lanka. Numerous studies on nutritional attributes on several wild rice species revealed that some wild rice species contain desirable nutritional qualities than the commercial rice varieties. A preliminary investigation was carried out to compare general nutrition composition of O. rhizomatis seeds and the popular commercial variety Bg352 seeds (Oryza sativa L.). Carbohydrate, protein, fat, moisture and ash content of the seeds of this wild rice species was estimated by nutrient content analysis according to the standard protocols recommended by the Association of Analytical Communities (AOAC), USA. An unpaired t-test indicated that there was a significant difference between nutritional compositions of two samples at 0.05 significant level (P value < 0.05). According to the mean values, the mean protein content of 12.300 g/100 g, carbohydrate content of 69.354 g/100 g and the fat content of 2.528 g/100 g was found in O. rhizomatis. Whereas the moisture and ash content of O. rhizomatis is lower than in cultivated variety Bg352. 2014-01-01T00:00:00Z