Which Indian plants have either been patented or attempts have been made to patent them by western nations for their commercial use ?

Options

A. Basmati rice
B. Turmeric
C. Neem
D. All of these have been targeted

Explanation

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Understanding the Context**: The question asks about Indian plants that have been patented or have had attempts made to patent them by Western nations for commercial use. This highlights the issue of biopiracy, where companies exploit indigenous knowledge and resources without consent.

2. **Identifying Indian Plants**:
- **Piper nigrum (Black Pepper)**: This plant is known for its culinary and medicinal uses and has been patented by foreign companies.
- **Oryza sativa (Basmati Rice)**: Basmati rice is a traditional Indian rice variety that has faced patenting attempts by Western entities.
- **Brassica campestris (Indian Mustard)**: This plant has also been targeted for patenting due to its agricultural significance.
- **Punica granatum (Pomegranate)**: Known for its health benefits, this fruit has been included in patenting efforts.
- **Curcuma longa (Turmeric)**: Widely recognized for its medicinal properties, turmeric has been patented by foreign companies.
- **Azadirachta indica (Neem)**: This plant is famous for its medicinal uses and has been subject to patenting attempts.

3. **Identifying the Companies Involved**: The principal companies involved in these patenting efforts are primarily from the USA, Japan, and Germany.

4. **Conclusion**: All the mentioned plants (Basmati rice, turmeric, neem, black pepper, Indian mustard, and pomegranate) have been targeted for patenting by Western nations.

5. **Final Answer**: The correct answer is that all of these plants have been patented or have had attempts made to patent them.