Journal of Coastal Life Medicine

175-180

Authors: Mohamed El-Said El-Boshy, Hossam Ali Gadalla, Fatma Mostafa Abd El-Hamied

Objective: To investigate the hematological, biochemical and immunological changes in catfish (Clarias gariepinus) (C. gariepinus) experimental exposed to cadmium. Methods: C. gariepinus were exposed to different concentrations of cadmium (Cd) (0, 2, 5, and 10 mg/L) for 3 weeks. Blood samples were collected for assessing some hematological, biochemical and immunological studies at the end of experiment. Results: The results showed marked normocytic normochromic anemia, leukocytosis, neutrophilia and lymphopenia in 5, 10 mg/L in cadmium exposed fish. Also the blood level activities of ALT and AST significantly increased, as well as glucose, creatinine, urea, potassium and uric acid. Meanwhile total protein, albumin and sodium were significantly decreased at 5, 10 mg/L of cadmium exposed fish. The immunological parameters in cadmium exposed experimental dose groups decreased serum bactericidal activity, lysozyme, neutrophils adhesion test as well as decreased resistance to Aeromonas hydrophilla with increasing exposure dose seemed to correspond with suppressive of non-specific immune functions. Conclusions: The treatment of C. gariepinus with cadmium under the same conditions had immunosuppressive and decrease diseases resistance in a dose-dependent effect.

187-195

Authors: Jairo Rivera-Posada, Ciemon F Caballes, Morgan S Pratchett

Objective: To examine variation in the frequency of arm damage in different sizes of Acanthaster planci (A. planci), assess how this damage is inflicted by fish predators, and infer the potential role of predation in population regulation. Methods: Diameters of A. planci collected from three sites in the Philippines were measured and arm damage frequency and severity was assessed. Frequency of arm damage was compared between sizes. Feeding behavior of fish predators was also observed in the laboratory. Results: This study demonstrates that sublethal predation by triggerfishes on A. planci result in extensive arm damage. Overall, 60% of A. planci sampled across all sites had sublethal injuries. The frequency of individuals with missing or regenerating arms was highest in medium-sized young adults (11-20 cm), which coincides with the phase where A. planci shift from cryptic to exposed daytime feeding. Conclusions: The high incidence of arm damage within intermediate-sized sea stars indicates that predators exercise some level of regulation on A. planci populations at a local scale. Identification and protection of putative predators that target the most vulnerable life history stages of A. planci are essential in developing population control strategies and reverse sustained declines in coral cover.

203-208

Authors: Medhat Abdel Barr, Amany Mohammed Osman, Hayam Abdulla Al Abdulhadi

Objective: To evaluate the stock of Alepes djedaba (A. djedaba) by describing the length composition, growth parameters, mortality rates of A. djedaba captured in Arabian Gulf off Saudi Arabia and adopting yield per recruit and biomass per recruit models. Methods: A random sample of 490 fish representing a moderate range of total lengths (16.5-32.4 cm) and weights (60-410 g) were sampled in Arabian Gulf off Dammam, Saudi Arabia during the period from August 2008 to July 2009. LFD5 software was used for estimation of growth parameters. Total mortality was calculated using the length converted catch curve. Natural mortality was estimated using Pauly and David's formula. Fishing mortality was computed by subtracting natural mortality from total mortality. Per recruit analysis was made using Beverton and Holt model. Results: Length-frequency analysis revealed four peaks and the length range from 22 cm to 27 cm dominated the catch, constituting about 71% of the catch. Values of the von Bertalanffy growth parameters were computed using LFD5 software as follows: the asymptotic length (L曓)=41.71 cm, curvature parameter (K)= 0.36 year-1, and hypothetic age at zero length (t0) = -0.76 year. The total mortality (Z) was estimated as 2.07 year-1, and natural mortality was 0.8 year-1. Fishing mortality F=1.27 year-1 , which was higher than F0.1 (0.3 year-1), FSB(50) (0.59 year-1) and FSB(40) (0.86 year-1). At the current levels of fishing and natural mortality, the biomass per recruit is 34% of the virgin biomass. Conclusions: These may indicate an overexploitation state of the fisheries of A. djedaba in Arabian Gulf .

214-221

Authors: Tesemma Sileshi, Eyasu Makonnen, Asfaw Debella, Birhanu Tesfaye

Objective: To evaluate the antihyperglycemic activity and subchronic toxicity of an extract of Moringa stenopetala (M. stenopetala) leaves in mice. Methods: Antihyperglycemic activities of various solvent subfractions and chromatographic fractions were investigated in alloxan induced diabetic mice. All fractions were administered intragastrically using oral gavage at a dose of 500 mg/kg. For the subchronic toxicity investigation of the 70% ethanol extract of M. stenopetala leaves, a daily dose of 300 or 600 mg/kg body weight was administered to mice over 96 d. Some hematological and plasma biochemical parameters were measured as indices of organ specific toxicity. Preliminary phytochemical screening and antioxidant activity investigation was done using thin layer chromatography method. Results: Among the solvent subfractions of the 70% ethanol extract tested only butanol subfraction exhibited significant reduction of blood glucose level (P<0.05) at 2 h (53.44%) and 4.5 h (46.34%) in diabetic mice and it was further fractionated chromatographically. This resulted in isolation of three chromatographic fractions (fraction 1, 2, and 3) which exhibited maximal blood glucose reduction (P<0.01) at 6 h (77.2%), at 4.5 h (69.1%) and at 4.5 h (71.96%) after administration. Furthermore, these fractions exhibited comparable antioxidant activity, and preliminary phytochemical screening indicated the presence of phenolic compounds which may be phenolic glycoside in all fractions. The subchronic toxicity study of the 70% ethanol extract of M. stenopetala leaves revealed that there were no significant differences in body weight, between controls and treated mice. Hematological analysis showed no differences in most parameters examined. Furthermore, it did not significantly affect plasma creatinine, urea, cholesterol, triglycerides and CA125 levels. It also did not significantly affect the plasma T3, T4 and THS level. It, however, caused a significant dose-dependent increases in aspartate aminotransferase and alkaline phosphatase. The plasma alanine aminotransferase increased in a dose dependent manner, though not significant. Conclusions: The present study revealed that the crude ethanol extract and solvent-solvent fractions as well as chromatographic fractions have antihyperglycemic effect. Furthermore, the crude ethanol extract have some effect on liver of the mice on subchronic administration. Therefore, further study should be done to identify the active principal compound responsible for antihyperglycemic effect and to rule out the safety in other animal model.

225-229

Authors: Anbalagan Santhosh Kumar, Kathirvelu Baskar, Ajith Johnson, Savarior Vincent

Objective: To find out the most resistant strain of Spodoptera litura (S. litura) from Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Karnataka by synthetic insecticide treatment. Methods: Using leaf disc no-choice method, the insects were tested with different doses for pesticides. The LC50 and LC90 values were calculated by probit analysis. Results: In the insect bioassay, the cypermethrin insecticide showed significantly higher LC50 values of 14.699 g/L and 15.738 g/L against the Tamil Nadu and Kerala S. litura insect cultures respectively. The body length of 2nd, 3rd and 4th instar larvae were significantly higher (P≤ 0.05) in TTP insect population [(19.2±2.3) mm, (28.05±3.20) mm, (36.1依2.0) mm], when compared with KTK [(18.5±2.7) mm, (23.38±2.00) mm, (31.75±2.70) mm] and control, KBB [(15.65±2.30) mm, (23.65±2.70) mm, (33.2±2.2) mm] populations. The body breadth of 3rd instar larvae was significantly higher (P≤ 0.05) in TTP insect population (4.9±1.1) mm, when compared with KTK (3.93±0.80) mm and control, KBB (3.65±0.70) mm populations. Conclusions: The present study clearly showed that field collected strains were highly resistant when compared to control. Based on our study, we conclude that reduced use of synthetic pesticides is necessary and IPM is a better way to reduce the development of pesticide resistance among strains of S. litura.

239-252

Authors: Albert Parker

The near future of coastal life is threated by the claim of global warming alarmist that sea levels will rise by one to seven metres by 2100, destroying many coastal cities and habitats. This paper shows that sea levels will more likely rise no more than just a few centimetres during this century as the Earth defrosts from the Little Ice Age 500 years ago with a mild warming.

89-93

Authors: Kaliyamoorthy Kalidasan, Velayudham Ravi, Sunil Kumar Sahu, Murugan Lakshmi Maheshwaran, Kathiresan Kandasamy

Objective: To study the spine structure of stingray Himantura imbricata (H. imbricata) and to evaluate the anticoagulant properties of the spine extract obtained through various solvents extracts followed by antibacterial activity against human pathogens. Methods: Spines of H. imbricata were collected from Nagappattinam coast, Tamil Nadu, India and their spines were observed under the light microscope. The grounded spines were subjected to extraction of metabolites using methanol, ethanol, chloroform and acetone. Antibacterial activity was evaluated by disc diffusion technique against 10 human pathogens. Similarly, anticoagulant activity was also assessed by following United States Pharmacopeia method. Results: Light microscopic observation of spine revealed that the venom apparatus of the stingray H. imbricata consisted of two to three spines, glandular tissue and a sheath. The spine extract showed potent antibacterial activity against all tested pathogen. Maximum activity (14 mm) was found against Staphylococcus aureus. Crude extract showed 91.50 USP units/mg of anticoagulant activity. Conclusions: Microscopic observations gave new insight about the spine structure of the stingray. The spine extracts of H. imbricate showed potent activity against human pathogens revealed by the good zone of inhibition. Chloroform extracts conferred the most prominent antibacterial activity. The anticoagulant activity was also comparable with that of standard heparin.

99-106

Authors: Jairo Rivera-Posada, Leigh Owens

Objective: To test six osmotic stressors as alternative methods to control Acanthaster planci (A. planci) outbreaks by exploiting their incapacity to tolerate drastic changes in osmolarity. Finding more effective ways to control A. planci outbreaks is one of the most immediate and effective ways by which to reverse rapid declines in the abundance of live coral cover in the Indo-Pacific. Methods: A total of 1 0 mL of each of the following chemicals: sodium chloride, ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid, sodium carbonate, sodium cholate, sodium deoxycholate, urea and mannitol were injected into individual healthy sea stars to examine which chemicals induced disease and death. Results: Four out of six chemicals used in this study induced disease. Sodium chloride, sodium cholate, sodium deoxycholate and ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid are capable of inducing death in injected sea stars offering an alternative option to control A. planci outbreaks. Conclusions: Hyperosmotic stress is a viable alternative to control A. planci outbreaks as massive cell death results when acute hypertonicity exceeds a certain level.

112-115

Authors: Pushparaj Arunachalam, Ramesh Uthandakalai, Raubbin rajsmaill

Objective: To investigate the antimicrobial activity of the selected marine green algae Ulva lactuca (U. lactuca), Cheatomorpha linoides and Helimeda macroloba against six strains of Gram-positive bacteria [Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus), Bacillus subtilis and Lactobacillus acidophilus (L. acidophilus)] and Gram-negative bacteria [Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa) and Proteus mirabilis]. Methods: The selected green seaweed extracts were experimented with four different solvents (acetone, ethanol, methanol and chloroform) against the selected pathogens by using agar disc diffusion method. Results: The maximum activity (7 mm) was observed by the extract of U. lactuca against Proteus mirabilis by using methanol as a solvent and the lowest activity (2 mm) was recorded by the extract of U. lactuca against L. acidophilus by using chloroform as a solvent and ethanol extract against P. aeruginosa. The lowest activity (2 mm) was seen in the extract of Cheatomorpha linoides by using ethanol and methanol as a solvent against S. aureus. In Helimeda macroloba extract, the lowest activity was recorded against Escherichia coli by using chloroform as a solvent. The microbial strains S. aureus, P. aeruginosa, Bacillus subtilis and L. acidophilus were resistant to the chloroform and methanol of all selected seaweeds. Conclusions: Further study should be needed to identify the prime compound which is responsible for the activity against the selected pathogens especially those causing the human diseases.

124

Authors: Sora Yasri, Viroj Wiwanitkit

No

132-140

Authors: Pallaval Veera Bramha Chari, Kuchipudi Viswadeepika, Bottu Anand Kumar

Objective: To evaluate the in vitro biofilm forming capacity on abiotic food contact surfaces by Vibrio harveyi (V. harveyi) strains. Methods: Thirty six Gram-negative V. harveyi strains were isolated from various street vended seafood outlets in a food processing line and evaluated for their ability to produce mucoid biofilms on food contact surfaces using a microplate assay. Phenotypic characterization of mucoid biofilm producing V. harveyi strains were screened on Congo red agar, thiosulfate-citrate-bile salts-sucrose agar and tryptic soy agar, respectively. Results: Only five V. harveyi strains (14%) were mucoid biofilm producers characterized by formation of black colonies, whereas the remaining 31 strains (86%) were not capable of producing biofilm characterized by formation of red colonies or pinkish-red colonies with darkening at the centre. The morphological, physiological and biochemical characteristics of these isolates were studied using standard protocols. Strain identification was confirmed by polymerase chain reaction targeted to species-specific polymerase chain reaction primers VH-1 and VH-2 corresponding to variable regions of V. harveyi 16S rRNA sequence. All the biofilm-forming strains showed resistance to at least three antimicrobial compounds tested. V. harveyi strains isolated from various seafood were able to form biofilms of different capacity, and the strains VB267, VB238 and VB166 isolated from cat fish, shrimp and eel fish exhibited significantly greater biofilm forming ability compared to other isolates. Conclusions: It can be concluded from the present study that the strain VB166 was able to better attach and form subsequent biofilms on glass and stainless steel compared to high density polyethylene. These properties allow these bacteria to survive, proliferate and persist in street vended seafood outlets.

146-153

Authors: El Zawane Kamarudin, Qamar Uddin Ahmed, Abul Bashar Mohammed Helaluddin, Zuvairea Nazren Mohd Sirajudin, Ahmad Jalal Khan Chowdhury

Objective: To explore the in vitro antibacterial potential of the peel of Cucurbita moschata Duchesne (tropical pumpkin) (C. moschata) against human pathogenic bacteria. Methods: In the present study, dichloromethane (DCM), methanol (MEOH) and aqueous extracts of C. moschata peel were examined for in vitro antibacterial potency against eight bacterial strains i.e. Bacillus cereus, Burkholderia cepacia, Escherichia coli, Enterococcus faecalis, Staphyloccocus aureus, Pseudomonas aerugenosa, Vibrio alginolyticus, Vibrio parahaemolyticus using KirbyBauer disk diffusion susceptibility and broth micro-dilution methods. Results: DCM extract of pumpkin peel exhibited the maximum zone of inhibition against Staphyloccocus aureus (21 mm) whereas aqueous extract of pumpkin peel revealed the least zone of inhibition against Escherichia coli (8 mm). MEOH extract gave maximum zone of inhibition against Pseudomonas aerugenosa (1 9 mm). Broth micro-dilution method showed minimum inhibitory concentration for the DCM extract against Burkholderia cepacia at 6.25 mg/mL. The minimum bactericidal concentrations were also determined to know the nature of all extracts. DCM and MEOH extracts exhibited bactericidal nature to all bacterial strains except for the Vibrio alginolyticus. The minimum bactericidal concentrations values exhibited bactericidal nature ranging from 3.12 mg/mL to 100.00 mg/mL. The screening of antimicrobial properties of different extracts of C. moschata peel revealed that the DCM extract possessed good antimicrobial efficacy compared to MEOH and aqueous extracts. Conclusions: Peel of C. moschata possesses antibacterial compounds and could be potential source for a new class of antibiotics.

163-168

Authors: Natthanej Luplertlop

Dengue virus, one of the most important arthropod-borne viruses, infected to human can severely cause dengue hemorrhagic fever and dengue shock syndrome. There are expected about 50 million dengue infections and 500 000 individuals are hospitalized with dengue hemorrhagic fever, mainly in Southeast Asia, Pacific, and in Americas reported each year. The rapid expansion of global dengue is one of a major public health challenge, together with not yet successful solutions of dengue epidemic control strategies. Thus, these dynamic dengue viral infections exhibited high demographic, societal, and public health infrastructure impacts on human. This review aimed to highlight the current understanding of dengue mosquito immune responses and role of mosquito salivary glands on dengue infection. These information may provide a valuable knowledge of disease pathogenesis, especially in mosquito vector and dengue virus interaction, which may help to control and prevent dengue distribution.

7-13

Authors: Saurabh RamBihariLal Shrivastava, Prateek Saurabh Shrivastava, Jegadeesh Ramasamy

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are infections that are mainly transmitted from personto-person through sexual contact. Untreated or inadequately treated STIs can have significant impact on the maternal and newborn health. An extensive search of all materials related to the topic was made using library sources including PubMed, Medline and World Health Organization website for a period of one month. Relevant documents, technical publication series, systematic reviews, research articles focusing on the practice of syndromic management in treatment of STIs published in the period 1995-2013 were included in the review. The identified articles were then re-grouped into different sections for better understanding. Keywords used in the search include syndromic management, sexually transmitted infections, women, reproductive agegroup and pregnancy. There is an immense need for implementation of prevention and control of STIs because of the associated morbidity/mortality, association with HIV and adverse outcomes of pregnancy and burdening of the health system. Multiple socio-demographic determinants have been identified, which usually precipitates STIs. In addition, some of the barriers have been recognized which is hampering with the expected utilization of the health care services. To counter the high prevalence of reproductive tract infection/STI, especially in countries with limited resources, syndromic diagnostic approach has been adopted by countries for the standardized management of sexually transmitted disease cases. The aim of syndromic management is to identify a syndrome and treat it accordingly with combination therapy which will cover the main pathogens that cause it. Strategies have been suggested to overcome the limitations of the syndromic approach and bring the problem under control. To conclude, syndromic management is a rapid and cost-effective approach in reducing the transmission of STIs.

22-30

Authors: Muhammad Qasim, Zainul Abideen, Muhammad Yousuf Adnan, Raziuddin Ansari, Bilquees Gul, Muhammad Ajmal Khan

Objective: To document the traditional uses of wild plants as medicine by the villagers along the coastal highway from Karachi to Uthal. Methods: Information presented in this research was gathered from the local people using an integrated approach of floral collections, discussions with the elderly people and traditional medicinal practitioners using semi-structured questionnaire. Results: Ethno-medicinal surveys indicated the medicinal importance of 54 plant species from 27 families in the targeted area. Majority of the plants (54%) from this coastal plant diversity were xerophytes followed by halophytes/xero-halophytes (40%) and glycophytes (6%). The most important uses included gastrointestinal diseases, pain killer, arthritis, skin and sexual disorders, asthma and expectorant. The above-ground parts of plants i.e. leaf, stem and fruit/seed as decoction are used most commonly to cure 23 ailments but root was also used in some cases. Conclusions: This study helps in documenting therapeutic uses of herbal remedies with new phyto-medicinal claim and it is hoped that it will lead to detailed chemical and pharmacological evaluations. This may also lead to a discovery of novel bioactive compounds for food and pharmaceutical industries.

38-43

Authors: Rajnish Kumar Singh, Vaishali, Susanta Kumar Panda, Padala Narasimha Murthy, Ghanashyam Panigrahi, Pramod Kumar Sharma, Ramesh Kumar Gupta

Objective: To evaluate the anti-inflammatory effect of Nardostachys jatamansi (N. jatamansi) rhizome against acute, subacute and chronic models of inflammation in experimental animals. Methods: N. jatamansi rhizome extract (1 50 and 300 mg/kg, p.o. ) and the reference drugs phenylbutazone (100 mg/kg, p.o. ) and acetylsalicylic acid (300 mg/kg, p.o. ) were evaluated using models for inflammation (autacoids induced hind paw oedema, formaldehyde induced hind paw oedema, carrageenin-induced paw oedema, cotton pellet granuloma and subcutaneous air pouch model). Results: In acute inflammation as produced by carrageenin 29.06% and 55.81%, by histamine 25.0% and 39.28%, by 5-hydroxytryptamine 21.37% and 36.95% and by prostaglandin E2- induced hind paw oedema 31.03% and 44.82% protection was observed. While in subacute antiinflammatory models using formaldehyde-induced hind paw oedema (after 1.5 h) 13.88% and 33.33% and in chronic anti-inflammatory model using cotton pellet granuloma 7.4% and 17.58% protection from inflammation was observed. N. jatamansi rhizome extract also inhibited the inflammatory mediators (nitric oxide by 12.81% and 38.41%, by prostaglandin E2 12.58% and 47.82% while by TNF-α 13.51% and 41.89%) produced in the pouch. Conclusions: The results of this study strongly indicate the protective effect of N. jatamansi rhizome extract against acute, subacute and chronic models of inflammation, which may be attributed to its anti-inflammatory potential.

46-48

Authors: Anjo Sunny, Gollapalli Rajeev kumar, Santhosh Kumar Sudhakar, Krishna Murti, Ashok Kumar Gupta

Current treatment options for visceral leishmaniasis (kala-azar) are pentavalent antimony, amphotericin B, liposomal amphotericin B and miltefosine, which achieve long term clinical relief in the majority of HIV patient. Disease relapse is usually provoked by T-cell number or function impairment (corticosteroid or cytotoxic therapy, transplant recipient, advanced human immunodeficiency virus disease). We report a case of visceral leishmaniasis with multiply relapses in a 45 year old Indian HIV positive man. The disease was diagnosed with rK-39 test and confirmed by spleen aspiration test (presence of Leishmania donovani bodies). These findings demonstrate that human immune deficiency virus-positive with visceral leishmaniasis was caused by dissemination of viscerotropic Leishmania donovani parasites as a consequence of immunosuppression.

53-58

Authors: Palanivel Bharadhirajan, Natarajan Periyasamy, Sambantham Murugan

Objective: To assess the nutritions in Mene maculata (Bloch & Schneider, 1801) (M. maculata). Methods: Fishes (14-16 cm) were obtained from the landings at Parangipettai for the evaluation of biochemical composition. The present study deals with biochemical composition such as protein, carbohydrate, lipid, amino acids fatty acids, vitamins and minerals which were evaluated in the moonfish. Results: The results of proximate composition in M. maculata showed that the percentage of protein was high in the tissue (23.16%), followed by the carbohydrate (1.3%) and lipid (2.62%). Totally 20 essential and nonessential amino acids were present at the rate of 46.72% and 43.91%. In the analysis, the fatty acid profile by gas chromatography revealed the presence of higher amount of saturated fatty acid (palmitic acid 22.17%) than monounsaturated fatty acid (oleic acid 14.51%) and polyunsaturated fatty acid (alpha linolenic acid 16.07%). Vitamins were detected in M. maculata. Among them, vitamin A was found in higher levels (124.5 mg/g), whereas vitamin B6 was noticed as lower levels (0.34 mg/g). In the present study, totally 5 macro minerals and 2 trace minerals were reported. The macro mineral calcium (156.7 mg/g) was found at the highest level and other minerals such as sodium (31.98 mg/g), potassium (21.33 mg/g), copper (1.43 mg/g) and magnesium (0.341 mg/g) were also detected in the moonfish. Conclusions: The result showed that the moonfish M. maculata tissue is a valuable food recipe for human consumption, due to its high quality protein and well-balanced amino acids.

64-69

Authors: Raghunathan Ganeshamurthy, Nagarajan Balachandran Dhayanithi, Thipramalai Thankappan Ajith Kumar, Saravanan Kumaresan

Objective: To evaluate the antibacterial activity and immunostimulant of red seaweed Chondrococcus hornemanni (C. hornemanni) (Kuetzing, 1847) against marine ornamental fish pathogens. Methods: In the present study, seaweed extract of C. hornemanni showed significant antimicrobial activity against two fish pathogens and the partially purified potential compound was characterized by GC-MS. Purified seaweed extract was injected to the clownfish, Amphiprion sebae to study the innate immune response of these fishes. Results: The extracts was found effective and had more than 80% inhibitory activity against Aeromonas hydrophila (20 mm) and Vibrio parahaemolyticus (19 mm) at a concentration (25 mg/mL) shown higher antimicrobial activity. The white blood cell count and respirator burst activity was significantly increased in the experimental tanks (E1) and (E2) when compared with control. Conclusions: Hence, it is concluded that the seaweed extracts of C. hornemanni had potential bioactive compounds and act an immunostimulant and improve the immune response to fish.

76-84

Authors: Prabhakaran Priyaja, Puthumana Jayesh, Neil Scolastin Correya, Balachandran Sreelakshmi, Naduthalmuriparambil S Sudheer, Rosamma Philip, Isaac Sarogeni Bright Singh

Objective: To abrogate pathogenic vibrios in aquaculture by testing the potential of Pseudomonas isolates from fresh water, brackish and marine environments as probiotics. Methods: Purification and structural elucidation of antagonistic compound were carried out. Antagonistic activity of the compound against 7 Vibrio spp. was performed. Influence of salinity on the production of pyocyanin and the toxicity was done through the compound using brine shrimp lethality assay. Molecular characterization was performed to confirm that the isolates were Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Results: Salinity was found to regulate the levels of pyocyanin production, with 5-10 g/L as the optimum. All Pseudomonas isolates grew at salinities ranging from 5 to 70 g/L. Isolates of marine origin produced detectable levels of pyocyanin up to 45 g/L salinity. Brackish and freshwater isolates ceased to produce pyocyanin at salinities above 30 g/L and 20 g/L, respectively. Culture supernatants of all 5 Pseudomonas isolates possessed the ability to restrict the growth of Vibrio spp. and maximum antagonistic effect on Vibrio harveyi was obtained when they were grown at salinities of 5 to 10 g/L. The marine isolate MCCB117, even when grown at a salinity of 45 g/L possessed the ability to inhibit Vibrio spp. Conclusions: The present investigation showed that Pseudomonas aeruginosa MCCB119 would be ideal for application in freshwater, MCCB102 and MCCB103 in brackish water and MCCB117 and MCCB118 in marine aquaculture systems as putative probiotics in the management of vibrios.

259-264

Authors: Gurusamy Chelladurai, Jebaraj Felicitta, Rathinasami Nagarajan

Objectives: To evaluate the protective effect of probiotic diets on haemotobiochemical and histopathology changes of Mystus montanus against Aeromonas hydrophila (A. hydrophila). Methods: Three experimental groups of fish were fed with a diet supplemented with Lactobacillus acidophilus (L. acidophilus) (Sporolac), comprising about 0.1 g, 0.2 g and 0.3 g. Control group of fish were fed without L. acidophilus. After 60 d of feeding the fishes in experimental group were injected with 1 mL of A. hydrophila and were supplemented with probiotic diets. The control group fishes were injected with 1 mL of physiological saline solution alone. Results: Blood samples were collected for haematobiochemical analysis, while samples of the liver, and gills were examined for path histology after 7 d of infection. The result showed that the growth parameters, weight gain, specific growth rate were better in infected group maintained on the probiotic diet compared to those in control group. The haematology parameters, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, red blood cell, white blood cell, total serum protein, Mg 2+ , Ca 2+ , Cl, glucose, cholesterol and total immunoglobulin concentration and the pathohistology of the liver, gills were better in the infected fish maintained on the probiotic diet than those in the group fed the control diet. Conclusions: The result of the present study showed that L. acidophilus is useful as a probiotic agent in Mystus montanus against A. hydrophila.

273-277

Authors: Muthusamy Ravichandiran, Selvam Thiripurasalini, Vaithilingam Ravitchandirane, Srinivasa Gopalane, Chelladurai Stella

Objective: To study the chemical constituents and the anti-tuberculosis activity of methanol and chloroform ink extracts of Sepiella inermis. Methods: Pulverized ink powder was extracted separately with chloroform and methanol. Chemical analysis was carried out by UV-VIS spectrophotometer, FT-IR and GC-MS. Crude extracts were tested in vitro for their activity against Mycobacterium tuberculosis using Lowenstein Jensen (L-J) medium. Activity in L-J medium was assessed by mean reduction in number of colonies on extract containing bottles as compared to extract free controls. Results: GC-MS of methanol extract revealed four compounds viz. hexadecanoic acid, 9, 12- octadecadienoic acid, 9-octadecenoic acid and octadecanoic acid. The chloroform extract containing fourteen compounds. The methanol extract exhibited anti-tuberculosis activity in L-J medium at 64 µg/mL with the observed inhibition of 14 CFU. Chloroform extract displayed a weak activity against Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Conclusions: This investigation showed the methanol extract exhibited significant activity against Mycobacterium tuberculosis than chloroform extract. Since ink of sepia is available abundantly as a waste material, further studies aimed at isolation and efficacy of active substances pave the way for new anti-tuberculosis drugs.

282-286

Authors: Thangapandi Marudhupandi, Thipramalai Thankappan Ajith Kumar

Objective: To evaluate the antimicrobial capacity of fucoidan from the brown seaweed Turbinaria ornata against the marine ornamental fish bacterial pathogens. Methods: Fucoidan was isolated by the ethanol extraction method and the functional groups were identified by Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy analysis. Subsequently, structural characterization was done by 1H NMR analysis. In vitro antibacterial activity of fucoidan was performed by the agar plate diffusion method and Minimum Inhibitory Concentration. Results: The characteristic C-O-S bending vibration of sulfate substituent the axial C-4 was observed at 839 cm-1 . Characterisitic signal of the fucoidan was detected in a different ppm of 1H NMR analysis. The maximum antibacterial activity (16.23±0.11) mm was obtained for Vibrio parahaemolyticus and the minimum activity (5.1±0.24) mm was recorded for Yersinia enterocolitica. The Minimum Inhibitory Concentration value was recorded between 2.5 to 10 mg/mL to the respective pathogens. Conclusions: The present study proved that fucoidan possessed the significant antibacterial activity against the tested fish bacterial pathogens. It could be further used as a natural antibiotic in an aquaculture system to control the bacterial diseases. However, the present study suggested that the further in vivo study is required to get the better understanding of the mode of action of fucoidan.

293-299

Authors: Ramesh Kumar Gupta, Ashok Kumar Gupta, Sudhansu Ranjan Swain, Vaishali, Gaurav Gupta, Saifuddin Khalid, Didagi Kulkarni Suresh, Rajnish Kumar Singh

Objective: To assess the hepatoprotective effect of Ipomoea carnea (I. carnea) extract against antitubercular drug-induced liver toxicity in experimental animals. Methods: I. carnea extracts (125, 250 and 500 mg/kg, p.o. body weight) were administered daily for 35 d in experimental animals. Liver toxicity was induced by combination of three antitubercular drugs (isoniazid 7.5 mg/kg, rifampicin 10 mg/kg and pyrazinamide 35 mg/kg) given orally as suspension for 35 d in rats. Treatment groups received I. carnea extracts along with antitubercular drugs. The hepatoprotective activity was assessed using various biochemical parameters like aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatise and total bilirubin. Meanwhile, in-vivo antioxidant activities as lipid peroxidation, reduced glutathione, superoxide dismutase and catalase were measured in rat liver homogenate along with ATPase and G-6-Pase. The biochemical observations were supplemented by histopathological examination. Results: Obtained results demonstrated that treatment with I. carnea extracts significantly (P<0.05-P<0.001) and dose-dependently prevented drug induced increase in serum levels of hepatic enzymes. Furthermore, I. carnea extracts significantly (up to P<0.001) reduced the lipid peroxidation in the liver tissue and restored activities of defence antioxidant enzymes, reduced glutathione, superoxide dismutase and catalase towards normal levels. Histopathology of the liver tissue showed that I. carnea extracts attenuated the hepatocellular necrosis, massive fatty changes and led to reduction in inflammatory cells infiltration. Conclusions: The results of this study strongly indicate the protective effect of I. carnea extracts against liver injury, which may be attributed to its hepatoprotective activity, and there by scientifically support its traditional use.

309-314

Authors: Mamata Jadhav, Sasikumar Menon, Sunita Shailajan

Objective: To investigate the anti-androgenic properties of Symplocos racemosa Roxb. (S. racemosa) in the treatment of hyperandrogenemia associated polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) in a letrozole induced PCOS rat model. Methods: The testosterone levels were used to evaluate the anti-androgenic effect of S. racemosa in letrozole induced PCOS rats for 21 d. The low (250 mg/kg), mid (500 mg/kg) and high dose (1 000 mg/kg) of S. racemosa was given to the PCOS induced rats for 15 d post letrozole induction to determine the effective dose of S. racemosa in the treatment of hyperandrogenemia associated PCOS. The hormones such as estrogen and progesterone were also assayed along with testosterone to determine the fluctuations in sex steroid levels in PCOS rats induced by letrozole. Results: S. racemosa treatment significantly decreased testosterone levels which were found to be elevated in PCOS rats induced by letrozole. S. racemosa significantly restored other blood biochemical parameters such as estrogen, progesterone and cholesterol levels. It also restored the histology of ovarian tissue. The ovarian weights and uterine weights were also significantly recovered after the S. racemosa treatment. Conclusions: The mid dose (500 mg/kg) and high dose (1 000 mg/kg) of S. racemosa were found to be effective in the treatment of hyperandrogenemia in PCOS. This effect of S. racemosa was found to be comparable with clomiphene citrate. Clomiphene citrate which was being used as the major medicine in the treatment of PCOS could now be replaced with S. racemosa in the management of PCOS.

322-325

Authors: Khuraijam Jibankumar Singh, Deepak Huidrom

Objective: To investigate traditional uses of medicinal plant Justicia adhatoda L. by Meitei community in Manipur. Methods: Surveys were carried out in four districts in Central Valley of Manipur viz., Imphal East, Imphal West, Bishnupur and Thoubal between 2008-2013 to collect information on the ethnobotanical uses of the species. Local people and Maiba/maibis (men/women healers) in the study areas were interviewed and preparation techniques of medicine and cuisines from the plant parts were demonstrated and photographed. Results: It was found that Meitei community in the study area extensively used Justicia adhatoda L. as ethno-medicine as well as food. Young and mature green leaves were used as traditional medicine in different ways to cure many ailments like cough, fever, asthma and dysentery. The ethnic community used inflorescences and leaves of the plant to prepare different cuisines for good digestion and health. Conclusions: Documentation of detailed ethnobotanical uses of individual plant species is need of the hour and it will help in understanding the in-depth knowledge about the role of species in the society.

327-329

Authors: Sundram Karupiah, Zhari Ismail

Objective: To investigate the effect of methanolic extract of Melastoma malabathricum (M. malabathricum) in thrombocyte counts in mice. Methods: Methanolic extract of M. malabathricum corresponding to 1.5 to 2 mg/10 g body weight in saline was administered to mices via oral route. Control group was given normal saline. Twenty five microlitres of blood were drawn at 0 h and thereafter at 1, 2, 4, 8, 12, 20 h after dosing via tail bleeding technique. The thrombocytes were counted in the triple laminated middle 25 squares of the haemocytometer using light microscope. Results: The control group showed a moderate rise after the administration of saline whereas the M. malabathricum treated group shows significant rise within 2nd h in thrombocyte counts with an increment of 51.64% compared to baseline count. Conclusions: Based on the results, it can be concluded that M. malabathricum could be a potential remedy in treating thrombocytopenic condition.

175-180

Authors: Durairaj Thirumurugan, Ramasamy Vijayakumar

Objective: To investigate the potentiality of the marine actinobacteria isolated from marine soil against fish pathogenic bacteria. Methods: In the present study, a total of 33 soil samples were collected from the Bay of Bengal, east coast region (ECR) of Tamilnadu, South India. Then they were used for the isolation of actinobacteria by using conventional serial dilution technique on starch casein agar medium. The antibacterial activities of the actinobacteria were screened primarily by using cross streak plate method against fish pathogenic bacteria namely Vibrio alginolyticus, Vibrio parahaemolyticus, Vibrio cholera, Aeromonas sp. and Pseudomonas sp. The antimicrobial efficacy of the selected isolates was carried out with various organic solvents, and finally the active compound was subjected to chromatographic techniques including TLC and GC-MS. Results: Of the 82 actinobacteria isolated, 21 (26%) isolates were possessed antibacterial activity against fish pathogenic bacteria. Out of 21 antibacterial isolates, the isolate ECR77 was selected for further study based on its potential activity against fish pathogenic bacteria. Of the various solvents tested, the ethyl acetate extract had good antibacterial activity against the tested bacterial pathogens. The isolate ECR77 grew well on oat meal agar medium with 2% salt level at 35 °C. GC-MS study found that the presence of bioactive compounds namely tetradecanoic acid, n-hexadecanoic acid and octadecanoic acid. The morphological, physiological, biochemical and cultural characteristics of the potential isolate were supported the identity up to generic level as Streptomyces sp. ECR77. Conclusions: The results obtained from this study concludes that the ECR soils of South India is a hot spot of novel bioactive compound producing marine actinobacteria with great pharmaceutical values.

186-192

Authors: Giji Sadhasivam, Arumugam Muthuvel, Wanjale Mrunal Vitthal, Abirami Pachaiyappan, Mohan Kumar, Balasubramanian Thangavel

Objective: To study the antibacterial and antiamylase properties of methanol and acetone extracts of nudibranchs including Bursatella leachii (B. leachii), Kalinga ornata (K. ornata), Aplysia sp. Methods: Crude methanol and acetone extracts of sea slugs were tested for inhibition of fish bacterial pathogens' growth through disc diffusion method. The activity was measured based on the formation of inhibition zone around the disc impregnated with crude extracts. The α-amylase inhibitory effect was also measured calorimetrically. The chemical fingerprinting of the extract was recorded with HPTLC and GC-MS. Results: The solvent extracts of all the three sea slugs showed antibacterial property. The maximum zone of inhibition (>15-20 mm) was recorded for methanol and acetone extracts of K. ornata. The methanol extract of Aplysia sp. exhibited 93% inhibition against α-amylase, following by B. leachii (methanol) 70.6% and K. ornata (methanol) 49.03% inhibition respectively. The acetone extracts didn' t show any notable inhibition. The presence of free amino acids like lysine, aspartic acid, glutamic acid, arginine etc., terpenoids and pigents were confirmed through HPTLC analysis. The presence of siloxanes and propanoic acid were also revealed through GC-MS. Conclusions: This study suggests that further scrutinisation of the B. leachii, K. ornata and Aplysia sp. will pave the way for development of antibacterial and α-amylase inhibitory agent for therapeutic application.

199-204

Authors: Jeyaraman Amutha Iswarya Devi, Gopalswamy Sathiya Balan, Kasiviswanathan Periyanayagam

Objective: To explore the pharmacognostical and phytochemical properties of Sargassum wightii. Methods: The qualitative microscopy, phytochemical screening, physicochemical evaluation and fluorescence analysis of the plant were carried out according to the standard procedure recommended in the WHO guidelines. Results: Macroscopic study showed that plants were dark brown, 20-30 cm in height, leaves were 5-8 cm length, shape: linear to ovate, apex: midrib in conspicuous and having the entire, serrate margin. Microscopic evaluation of the transverse section of the leaf, stem, air bladder, receptacles showed the presence of epidermis layer followed by thick cuticle, conducting strand, mesophyll and possessed antheridia or oogonia at the swollen terminal portions. The different extracts of Sargassum wightii showed the presence of steroids, alkaloids, phenolic compounds, saponins and flavonoids with varied degree. Conclusions: Various pharmacognostical parameters evaluated in this study help in the identification and standardization of the of the seaweed Sargassum wightii.

210-216

Authors: Kolandhasamy Prabhu, Subramanian Bragadeeswaran

Objective: To isolate and characterize the antibacterial compounds from starfish Stellaster equestris (S. equestris). Methods: The starfish S. equestris was collected from Mudasalodai, southeast coast of India. The whole body was extracted with high polar and medium polar solvents such as methanol and ethanol. The antibacterial activity has been tested against human bacterial pathogens using standard disc diffusion method. Results: The present investigation exhibited that the crude methanol extract showed the maximum zone inhibition [(9.7±0.3) mm] against Escherichia coli (E. coli) and Vibrio parahaemolyticus at 100% concentration and minimum was Staphylococcus aureus [(4.0±0.6) mm]. The crude ethanol extract showed maximum zone of inhibition in E. coli [(9.70±0.33) mm] and the lowest concentration exhibited the minimum inhibition activity against all bacterial pathogens. The fractions showed the maximum inhibition zone in Klebsiella oxytoca (5.00±0.82 mm), Salmonella typhi (S. typhi) (5.00±0.82) and Staphylococcus aureus [(3.0±2.3) mm]. One way ANOVA analysis of antibacterial activity showed no significant difference at 0.05% level (P>0.05). The crude ethanol extract showed the minimum inhibitory concentration against E. coli (100%), Klebsiella pneumoniae (75%), S. typhi (100%) and Vibrio cholerae (100%). The fraction exhibited the minimum inhibitory concentration against Klebsiella pneumonia, Proteus mirabilis, S. typhi, Staphylococcus aureus and Vibrio cholerae at 100% whereas E. coli was at 75% concentration. No bacterial growth was observed against Klebsiella oxytoca at 100% concentration. Conclusions: The result of the present study indicates that the crude and fractions of starfish S. equestris have remarkable antimicrobial activities against human bacterial pathogens. Further fraction has been characterised by using GC-MS and 1 H and 13 NMR spectroscopy analysis.

225-232

Authors: Rameshkumar S, Ramakritinan CM

Objective: To conduct ethno medicinal survey in coastal plant species in Pudhukkottai district and collect information on medicinal plants used for the treatment of various diseases such as pneumonia, asthma, rheumatism, piles, diarrhea, skin diseases, spleen diseases and several other ailments. Methods: The study was conducted during November 2012 to April 2013 by visiting regularly fishery communities and local peoples with the help of interviews. Traditional herbal medicine information was collected as per the described methods. Results: A total of 52 plant species representing 31 families have been reported. Of the 52 plant species, 28 were herbs, 8 trees, 8 climbers, 7 shrubs and one species of aquatic creeper. Conclusions: The study revealed that local communities and fishery communities have a great faith in the traditional healing system and they rely on medicinal plants for treatment of various diseases. Now, the coastal plants have been extensively modified by human activity. Further studies on phytochemistry, pharmacology and pharmacognosy on these species may lead to the invention of novel bioactive compounds to treat pathogenic diseases. Due to continuous loss of coastal vegetation, the associated indigenous knowledge is also gradually disappearing. So, it is imperative to protect and restore the coastal vegetation, as an immediate priority.

241-252

Authors: Levent Bat, Murat Sezgin, Fatih Şahin

There is an increasing demand for energy in the world. It is well known that non-renewable energy reserves will be irreversibly used at some point. The effects of climate change and limited fossil energy resources have led to an increasing interest in generating energy such as electricity from renewable energy resources. Wind energy is currently the most important renewable energy source for electricity generation which is rapidly becoming a key objective of most European and other countries due to a high demand, both economically and politically. Wind energy provides a safe, clean, sustainable and competitive alternative for conventional sources of energy. European countries like Germany, the Netherlands, United Kingdom, Denmark and Sweden are currently operating offshore wind farms (OWFs) and have plans to increase the production of electricity by wind power. The growth of OWFs has raised concerns about their impact on the marine environment. Focus of this review is to show possible impacts of OWFs on the physical and biological environment reviewing existing knowledge from the literature.