Asian Pacific Journal of Tropical Biomedicine

253–255

Authors: Ahmed Moussa, Djebli Noureddine, Hammoudi SM, Aissat Saad, Akila Bourabeh, Hemida Houari

Objective To evaluate the additive action of ginger starch on the antifungal activity of honey against Candida albicans (C. albicans). Methods C. albicans was used to determine the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of four varieties of Algerian honey. Lower concentrations of honey than the MIC were incubated with a set of concentrations of starch and then added to media to determine the minimum additive inhibitory concentration (MAIC). Results The MIC for the four varieties of honey without starch against C. albicans ranged between 38% and 42% (v/v). When starch was incubated with honey and then added to media, a MIC drop was noticed with each variety. MAIC of the four varieties ranged between 32% honey (v/v) with 4% starch and 36% honey (v/v) with 2% starch. Conclusions The use of ginger starch allows honey benefit and will constitute an alternative way against the resistance to antifungal agents.

262–268

Authors: Subramaniam Ramachandran, Aiyalu Rajasekaran, KT Manisenthilkumar

Objective To investigate the hypoglycemic, hypolipidemic and antioxidant activities of aqueous extract of Terminalia paniculata bark (AETPB) in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats. Methods Acute toxicity was studied in rats after the oral administration of AETPB to determine the dose to assess hypoglycemic activity. In rats, diabetes was induced by injection of STZ (60 mg/kg, i.p.) and diabetes was confirmed 72 h after induction, and then allowed for 14 days to stabilize blood glucose level. In diabetic rats, AETPB was orally given for 28 days and its effect on blood glucose and body weight was determined on a weekly basis. At the end of the experimental day, fasting blood sample was collected to estimate the haemoglobin (Hb), glycosylated haemoglobin (HbA1c), serum creatinine, urea, serum glutamate-pyruvate transaminase (SGPT), serum glutamate-oxaloacetate transaminase (SGOT) and insulin levels. The liver and kidney were collected to determine antioxidants levels in diabetic rats. Results Oral administration of AETPB did not exhibit toxicity and death at a dose of 2 000 mg/kg. AETPB treated diabetic rats significantly (P<0.001, P<0.01 and P<0.05) reduced elevated blood glucose, HbA1c, creatinine, urea, SGPT and SGOT levels when compared with diabetic control rats. The body weight, Hb, insulin and total protein levels were significantly (P<0.001, P<0.01 and P<0.05) increased in diabetic rats treated with AETPB compared to diabetic control rats. In diabetic rats, AETPB treatment significantly reversed abnormal status of antioxidants and lipid profile levels towards near normal levels compared to diabetic control rats. Conclusions Present study results confirm that AETPB possesses significant hypoglycemic, hypolipidemic and antioxidant activities in diabetic condition.

276–280

Authors: Krishna Murti, Upendra Kumar

Objective To establish the wound healing activity of aqueous and ethanolic extract of roots of Ficus racemosa (F. racemosa). Methods Two models were performed to evaluate the wound healing activity i.e. incision and excision models. In incision model the parameter which was carried out was breaking strength of wounded skin. In excision model percentage wound contraction and period of epithelialization were established for both the extracts. Reference standard drug was povidone iodine ointment for comparison with other groups. Results From the observation in both two models, aqueous extract of F. racemosa was found to have greater wound healing activity in terms of breaking strength in incision model and percentage wound contraction, period of epithelialization in excision model than that of other groups. Conclusions In conclusion, our findings suggest that aqueous extract of F. racemosa possesses better wound healing ability than the ethanolic extract.

287–293

Authors: Hosny H Kesba, Hossam S El-Beltagi

Objective To investigate the effect of humic acid on nematode infected, resistant and susceptible grapes in relation to lipid peroxidation and antioxidant mechanisms on selected biochemical parameters known as proactive substances. Methods The grape rootstocks, superior, superior/freedom and freedom were reacted differently to Meloidogyne incognita and Rotylenchulus reniformis according to rootstock progenitor. Two weeks after inoculation, two commercial products of humic acid were applied at the rate of (2, 4 mL or grams/plant) as soil drench. After 4 months, nematode soil populations were extracted and counted. A subsample of roots from each plant was stained and gall numbers, embedded stages per root were calculated, final population, nematode build up (Pf/Pi), average of eggs/eggmass were estimated. Subsamples of fresh root of each treatment were chemically analyzed. Results Freedom reduced significantly the nematode criteria and build up. Humic acid granules appeared to be more suppressive to nematode build up on superior and the higher dose on superior/freedom than liquid treatments. On freedom, all treatments reduced significantly the nematode build up regardless to the material nature. The higher dose was more effective than the lower one. As a result of humic acid applications, the malondialdehyde (MDA) and H2O2 contents were significantly reduced after humic acid treatments while the antioxidant compounds glutathione (GSH), ascorbic acid (ASA) and total phenol contents were significantly increased when compared with check. Antioxidant defense enzymes ascorbate peroxidase (APX), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and polyphenol oxidase (PPO)showed significant increase in their specific activities in treated plants compared with nematode treated check. Conclusions Humic acid treatments improve the yield of grape by increasing the contents of antioxidant compounds and the specific activities of antioxidant enzymes.

298–300

Authors: Hazrat Bilal, Soaib Ali Hassan, and Imtinan Akram Khan

Objective To isolate the entomopathogenic fungus Metarhizium anisopliae (M. anisopliae) in the local environment, and evaluate its efficacy against the suspected dengue vector Aedes albopictus in Pakistan. Methods According to the standard procedure, M. anisopliae was isolated from the dead mosquitoes which were collected from the field or dead after the collection. Bioassay was performed to determine its efficacy. Results The results indicated that M. anisopliae had larvicidal effect with LC50 value 1.09×105 and LC90 value 1.90×1013 while it took 45.41 h to kill 50% of tested population. Conclusions Taking long time to kill 50% population when compare with the synthetic insecticides, is the only drawback for the use of entomopathogenic fungus but these bio-pesticides are safe for the use.

304–306

Authors: Shumaila Kiran, Arif Mahmood Bhutta, Bakhtyawar Ali Khan, Sobia Durrani, Muhammad Ali, Muhammad Ali, Furhan Iqbal

Objective To report and compare the hematological and serum biochemical profile of goat and sheep from Rahim Yar Khan district in Southern Punjab. Methods One hundred and twenty blood samples (98 goat and 22 sheep) were collected and their blood glucose, hemoglobin and serum biochemical parameters, cholesterol, aspartate transaminase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) were determined by using spectrophotometer. Parameters were compared between goat and sheep. Results It was observed that glucose (P=0.001), LDH (P=0.001) and ALT (P=0.001) concentrations differed significantly between sheep and goats. The studied parameters were compared between buck and goats and also between young goats (less than 12 months old) and adults (more than 12 months old). It was found that age and gender did not affect these hematological and serum biochemical parameters. Conclusions It can be concluded that sheep have overall higher values than goats for studied hematological and serum biochemical parameters.

311–314

Authors: Esmail Abolghasemi, Seyed Hassan Moosa-Kazemi, Maryam Davoudi, Ahmad Reisi, Mohammad Taghi Satvat

Objective To evaluate the effects of quinine and chloroquine against male mice infected with Plasmodium berghei and their adverse effects on the mice testes. Methods In this study, 48 adult male mice, (20–25 g), aged 8 to 12 weeks were divided into four groups. This study was carried out from December 2009 until May 2010 in the School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences. Results The results showed that 58.33% of mice treated with chloroquine were completely recovered. Parasitemia was 4% on day 8 when compared to that on day 0, whereas it was 9% on day 9. There was no orchitis found in this group. The mortality of mice after exposing to quinine on day 5 was 8.3%, whereas from day 10 to day 14 it was 91.7%. We found 75% orchitis occurred in quinine treated group. There was a significant difference between quinine and chloroquine effects on the parasite and also mice testes (P<0.05). Conclusions In this study, It can be concluded that male mice have full resistance to the quinine. Quinine does not only make male mice recover completely, but also cause inflammation on mice testicles tissue.

320–33

Authors: Patel DK, Prasad SK, Kumar R, Hemalatha S

Diabetes mellitus is one of the common metabolic disorders acquiring around 2.8% of the world's population and is anticipated to cross 5.4% by the year 2025. Since long back herbal medicines have been the highly esteemed source of medicine therefore, they have become a growing part of modern, high-tech medicine. In view of the above aspects the present review provides profiles of plants (65 species) with hypoglycaemic properties, available through literature source from various database with proper categorization according to the parts used, mode of reduction in blood glucose (insulinomimetic or insulin secretagogues activity) and active phytoconstituents having insulin mimetics activity. From the review it was suggested that, plant showing hypoglycemic potential mainly belongs to the family Leguminoseae, Lamiaceae, Liliaceae, Cucurbitaceae, Asteraceae, Moraceae, Rosaceae and Araliaceae. The most active plants are Allium sativum, Gymnema sylvestre, Citrullus colocynthis, Trigonella foenum greacum, Momordica charantia and Ficus bengalensis. The review describes some new bioactive drugs and isolated compounds from plants such as roseoside, epigallocatechin gallate, beta-pyrazol-1-ylalanine, cinchonain Ib, leucocyandin 3-O-beta-d-galactosyl cellobioside, leucopelargonidin-3- O-alpha-L rhamnoside, glycyrrhetinic acid, dehydrotrametenolic acid, strictinin, isostrictinin, pedunculagin, epicatechin and christinin-A showing significant insulinomimetic and antidiabetic activity with more efficacy than conventional hypoglycaemic agents. Thus, from the review majorly, the antidiabetic activity of medicinal plants is attributed to the presence of polyphenols, flavonoids, terpenoids, coumarins and other constituents which show reduction in blood glucose levels. The review also discusses the management aspect of diabetes mellitus using these plants and their active principles.

333–335

Authors: Reza Kheirandish, Shahrzad Azizi, Soodeh Alidadi

Pulmonary sequestration is a rare congenital anomaly in the veterinary literature. This malformation is characterized by a cystic mass of non-functioning primitive lung tissue that does not communicate with the tracheobronchial tree or with the pulmonary arteries. This article describes gross and histopathological characteristics of extralobar pulmonary sequestration in a dog. Grossly, a mass was observed in the left side of the thoracic cavity, closed to the caudal lobes of the lung, without communication with the tracheobronchial tree and the pulmonary arteries that was separated by pleural covering. Histopathologic examination showed emphysematous alveoli and bronchi, hypertrophy of smooth muscles and presence of the undifferentiated mesenchymal tissue. Therefore, based on microscopic findings, extralobar pulmonary sequestration was diagnosed. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of extralobar pulmonary sequestration in dog.

169–175

Authors: Dinesh Kumar, Karunesh Kumar, Sunil Kumar, Tarun Kumar, Ajay Kumar, and Om Prakash

Objective To evaluate the pharmacognostic characters of an important medicinal plant, Holoptelea integrifolia (H. integrifolia) Roxb. Methods The pharmacognostic studies were carried out in terms of organoleptic, microscopic, macroscopic and fluorescence analysis. Results The characteristic microscopic features of leaves were observed as trichomes, multicellular trichomes, xylem cells, phloem cells, collenchyma, vascular bundles, spongy parenchyma and palisade cells. The characteristic microscopic features of root bark included cork cambium, primary cortex, phloem fibers, medullary rays, endodermis, pericycle and lignified fibers in the transverse section and longitudinal section. The characteristic microscopy of root bark powder showed the presence of cortex cells, sieve tubes, calcium oxalate crystals and lignified fibers. Macroscopic study showed that leaf shape-oval, apex-acute, base-cordate and leaf margin was entire with glabrous surface, bitter taste and characteristic odour. The morphological features of root bark showed deep fissured, rough and firm surface with rhitydome and the periderm parallel to cambium. Conclusions Various pharmacognostic characters observed in this study help in the identification and standardization of H. integrifolia.

181–184

Authors: MA Momoh, U Muhamed, AA Agboke, EI Akpabio, Eke Osonwa Uduma

Objective To investigate the immunological effect of Vernonia amygdalina (V. amygdalina) leaf extract and immunace® on HIV infected patients taking highly active antiretroviral therapy. Methods Fresh V. amygdalina leaves were collected within Nsukka area in Enugu State. The leaves were rinsed with distilled water. Two handful of cleaned fresh leaves were soaked in 200 mL water and squeezed gently by hand to a mixture. Clients were divided into four groups and each group was given different combination. They took the medication for four weeks. The immune effect was tested against marketed immune booster in some retroviral clients. Results The mean absolute CD4 count was increased in the client who took the extract or supplement. And the clients who took both the extract and supplement had a greater increase in the CD4 count. The increased CD4 was significant as compared with the control group (P<0.05). The skin rashes were also improved in the entire groups. Conclusions It can be concluded that the aqueous extract of V. amygdalina and immunace or both have immunological effect on HIV infected patients. Therefore, we suggest that the V. amygdalina extract or immunace or both could be used as adjuvant in the management of HIV/AIDS clients.

189–194

Authors: Abdul Viqar Khan, Qamar Uddin Ahmed, Indu Shukla, Athar Ali Khan

Objective To investigate antibacterial potential of Trifolium alexandrinum (T. alexandrinum) Linn. against seven gram positive and eleven gram negative hospital isolated human pathogenic bacterial strains responsible for many tropical diseases. Methods Non-polar and polar extracts of the leaves of T. alexandrinum i.e., hexane, dichloromethane (DCM), ethyl acetate (EtOAc), methanol (MeOH) and aqueous (AQ) extracts at five different concentrations (1, 2, 5, 10 and 15 mg/mL) were prepared to evaluate their antibacterial value. NCCL standards were strictly followed to perform antimicrobial disc susceptibility test using disc diffusion method. Results Polar extracts demonstrated significant antibacterial activity against tested pathogens. EtOAc and MeOH extracts showed maximum antibacterial activity with higher inhibition zone and were found effective against seventeen of the tested pathogens. While AQ plant extract inhibited the growth of sixteen of the test strains. EtOAc and MeOH plant extracts inhibited the growth of all seven gram positive and ten of the gram negative bacterial strains. Conclusions The present study strongly confirms the effectiveness of crude leaves extracts against tested human pathogenic bacterial strains causing several tropical diseases. Since Egyptian clover is used as a fodder plant, it could be helpful in controlling various infectious diseases associated with cattle as well.

203–209

Authors: Abd El-Moneim MR Afify, Hossam S El-Beltagi,Samiha M Abd El-Salam, Azza A Omran

Objective To investigate the changes in total phenols, flavonoids, tannins, vitamin E, β-carotene and antioxidant activity during soaking of three white sorghum varieties. Methods The changes in total phenols, total flavonoids, tannins, phenolic acids compounds, flavonoid components, vitamin E, β-carotene and antioxidant activity during soaking of sorghum grains were determined. Results Total phenols, total flavonoids, tannins, vitamin E, β-carotene and antioxidant activity in raw sorghum were ranged from 109.21 to 116.70, 45.91 to 54.69, 1.39 to 21.79 mg/100 g, 1.74 to 5.25, 0.54 to 1.19 mg/kg and 21.72% to 27.69% and 25.29% to 31.97%, respectively. The above measured compounds were significantly decreased after soaking. p-Hydroxybenzoic acid, vanillic acid, syringic acid and cinnamic acid represent the major phenolic acids in Dorado variety. While ferulic acid, p-coumaric acid, gallic acid and caffeic acid represent the major phenolic acids in Shandaweel-6. On the other hand, protocatechuic acid represents the major phenolic acids in Giza-15. Regarding flavonoids components, Dorado was the highest variety in kampferol and naringenin while Shandaweel-6 was the highest variety in luteolin, apigenin, hypersoid, quercetin and christen. Finally, Giza-15 was the highest variety in catechin. Phenolic acids, flavonoid compounds and antioxidant activities were decreased after soaking. Conclusions Sorghum varieties have moderate quantities from total phenols, total flavonoids, tannins, phenolic acids compounds, flavonoid components, vitamin E, β-carotene and antioxidant activity which decreased after soaking.

215–219

Authors: ubhankari Prasad Chakraborty, Sumanta Kumar Sahu, Panchanan Pramanik, Somenath Roy

Objective To evaluate the acute toxicity of carboxymethyl chitosan-2, 2′ ethylenedioxy bis-ethylamine-folate (CMC-EDBE-FA) and as well as possible effect on microbial growth and in vitro cell cyto-toxicity. Methods CMC-EDBE-FA was prepared on basis of carboxymethyl chitosan tagged with folic acid by covalently linkage through 2, 2′ ethylenedioxy bis-ethylamine. In vivo acute toxicity, in vitro cyto-toxicity and antimicrobial activity of CMC-EDBE-FA nanoparticle were determined. Results Vancomycin exhibited the antibacterial activity against vancomycin sensitive Staphylococcus aureus, but CMC-EDBE-FA nanoparticle did not give any antibacterial activity as evidenced by minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC), minimal bactericidal concentration (MBC), disc agar diffusion (DAD) and killing kinetic assay. Further, the CMC-EDBE-FA nanoparticle showed no signs of in vivo acute toxicity up to a dose level of 1 000 mg/kg p.o., and as well as in vitro cyto-toxicity up to 250 µg/mL. Conclusions These findings suggest that CMC-EDBE-FA nanoparticle is expected to be safe for biomedical applications.

223–227

Authors: Ernieenor Faraliana Che Lah, Mariana Ahamad, Mohd Subail Haron, Ho Tze Ming

Objective To establish a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technique based on cytochrome b (cytb) gene of mitochondria DNA (mtDNA) for blood meal identification. Methods The PCR technique was established based on published information and validated using blood sample of laboratory animals of which their whole gene sequences are available in GenBank. PCR was next performed to compile gene sequences of different species of wild rodents. The primers used were complementary to the conserved region of the cytb gene of vertebrate's mtDNA. A total of 100 blood samples, both from laboratory animals and wild rodents were collected and analyzed. The obtained unknown sequences were compared with those in the GenBank database using BLAST program to identify the vertebrate animal species. Results Gene sequences of 11 species of wild animals caught in 9 localities of Peninsular Malaysia were compiled using the established PCR. The animals involved were Rattus (rattus) tanezumi, Rattus tiomanicus, Leopoldamys sabanus, Tupaia glis, Tupaia minor, Niviventor cremoriventor, Rhinosciurus laticaudatus, Callosciurus caniseps, Sundamys muelleri, Rattus rajah and Maxomys whiteheadi. The BLAST results confirmed the host with exact or nearly exact matches (>89% identity). Ten new gene sequences have been deposited in GenBank database since September 2010. Conclusions This study indicates that the PCR direct sequencing system using universal primer sets for vertebrate cytb gene is a promising technique for blood meal identification.

233–234

Authors: Adil Edan Alsaimary, Hayder M Abdulnbi, Abdulhadi Laibi, Ahmed Rasheed Jwad

Objective To detect the prevalence of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) in hydatid liver disease. Methods A total of 58 patients with hydatid liver disease attending AL-Sadder Teaching Hospital in Al-Najaf and Al-Basrah governorate from February to August, 2008 were included in the study and served as group A. One hundred and twenty 1st degree relative patients (group B) and 20 normal persons including 10 male and 10 female (group C) as control were detected for the presence of H. pylori infection in general population. Chest X-ray was done for the above groups to exclude lung hydrated cyst. The patients were screened by ultrasound to obtain intra abdominal hydrated cyst and enzyme-linked immuno sorbent assay (ELISA) test was utilized to detect the H. pylori infection. Results Fifty eight patients from group A with hydatid liver disease, 30 male (51.7%) and 28 female (48.3%) were screened for the presence of H. pylori infection by using ELISA test. We found that 28 patients from group A had positive ELISA test including 19 male (32.8%) and 9 female (15.5%) (P<0.01). However, there were no positive results of H. pylori infection in group B and C by chest X-ray, ultrasound and ELISA test. Conclusions It can be concluded that there is a strong relationship between hydatid liver disease and presence of H. pylori.

240–246

Authors: Muniappan Ayyanar, Pandurangan Subash-Babu

Syzygium cumini (S. cumini) (L.) Skeels (jambolan) is one of the widely used medicinal plants in the treatment of various diseases in particular diabetes. The present review has been primed to describe the existing data on the information on botany, phytochemical constituents, traditional uses and pharmacological actions of S. cumini (L.) Skeels (jambolan). Electronic database search was conducted with the search terms of Eugenia jambolana, S. cumini, jambolan, common plum and java plum. The plant has been viewed as an antidiabetic plant since it became commercially available several decades ago. During last four decades, numerous folk medicine and scientific reports on the antidiabetic effects of this plant have been cited in the literature. The plant is rich in compounds containing anthocyanins, glucoside, ellagic acid, isoquercetin, kaemferol and myrecetin. The seeds are claimed to contain alkaloid, jambosine, and glycoside jambolin or antimellin, which halts the diastatic conversion of starch into sugar. The vast number of literatures found in the database revealed that the extracts of different parts of jambolan showed significant pharmacological actions. We suggest that there is a need for further investigation to isolate active principles which confer the pharmacological action. Hence identification of such active compounds is useful for producing safer drugs in the treatment of various ailments including diabetes.

250–252

Authors: S Lanitis, MAA Khan, G Sgourakis, C Kontovounisios, T Papaconstandinou, C Karaliotas

Eight percent of necrotizing soft tissue infections (NSTI) are attributable to group A Streptococci (GAS), and among these, 50% develop streptococcal toxic shock syndrome. The reported mortality associated with NSTI reaches 32%. We present cases of two healthy individuals with minor GAS skin infection which developed to a rapidly progressed NSTI and sepsis despite of the antibiotic treatment, aiming to discuss the lessons learned from the course and management of these patients.

1212-1216

Authors: Patil PS, Venkatanarayanan R, Argade PD, Shinde PR

Objective: To Assessment of pharmacognostic and phytochemical parameters of root of Thespesia populnea (L.) soland. Methods: Macroscopical, miscroscopical, physico-chemical evaluation, florescence analysis, behavior of root powder and preliminary phytochemical analysis, quantitative estimation of phytoconstituents were determined of various extracts of T. populnea. Results: microscopic study shows the general characteristic of root with presence of periderm, cortex, xylem and phloem region, abundant starch grains. Physico-chemical investigation shows the total ash, acid insoluble ash, water soluble ash and sulphated ash values were 10.59±0.02 % w/w, 1.02±0.03 % w/w, 2.72±0.03 % w/w and 8.56±0.02 % w/w respectively. However, the aqueous soluble, alcohol soluble extractives and moisture content were found to be 14.23±0.46 % w/w, 10.54±0.23 % w/w and 4.60±0.01% w/w respectively. The preliminary phytochemical assessment revealed the presence of glycosides, steroid/triterpenoids, flavonoids, tannins, phenolic compounds saponins, carbohydrates and proteins. Total phenolic and flavonoids content of root was 0.271% and 0.344% respectively. Behavior of root powder with various chemicals confirmed the presence of phytoconstituents. Conclusions: The pharmacognostic and phytochemical assessment of T. populnea may helpful towards founding for quality, purity and sample identification and standardization.

1221-1226

Authors: Kripi Vohra, Vivek Kumar Gupta

Objective: To present a detailed pharmacognostic study of the Lens culinaris Medikus (Fabaceae) seeds, a food grain used as Dhal in India. Methods: The macroscopy, microscopy, fluorescence analysis of powdered drug, physicochemical analysis, preliminary testing and other WHO recommended methods for standardization were investigated. Results: Seeds are greyish brown in colour. Treatment of powdered drug with various chemical reagents showed the presence of proteins, cellulose, lignins and fixed oils. Microscopy of seeds revealed the presence of starch grains in seed. The colour of seed coat changed from brown to greenish grey in day light and brown to black at 254nm when treated with acetic acid. Total ash value of the seeds was found to be 1.86% w/w whereas fo reign organic matter was found to be nil. Qualitative phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of tannins and flavonoids in acetone extract. Conclusions: The present study on pharmacognostic profile of Lens culinaris Medikus seeds provides an important tool in identification and authentication of this plant to researchers in future.

1232-1236

Authors: Kalaskar Mohan G, Saner Sachin Y, Pawar Manohar V, Rokade Dipak L, Surana Sanjay J.

Objective: Celastrus paniculatus Willd. is an important Indian medicinal plant and widely used in the treatment of the verity of disease and well explored scientifically for their pharmacological properties. The current study was therefore carried out to provide requisite pharmacognostic details about the plant. Methods: Pharmacognostic investigation of the fresh, powdered and anatomical sections of the leaves of Celastrus paniculatus Willd. was carried out to determine its morphological, anatomical, and phytochemical diagnostic features. Quantitative diagnostic characteristics, physicochemical properties and quantitative phytochemical measures were established. Results: The morphology of leave reveled, leaves are alternate, acute, acuminate or obtuse, rounded with cuncate base,; margin is finely crenate, venation is reticulate. The microscopy reveals the dorsiventral type of leave, with anomocytic stomata, covering (lower epidermis) and glandular (upper epidermis) trichomes. The collateral vascular bundle crowned with sclerenchymatous fiber, ideoblast of calcium oxalate. The Quantitative diagnostic characteristics such as leaf constant were measured. Physicochemical properties such as ash, extractive values and fluorescence analysis were established. Quantitative phytochemical revealed presence of carbohydrates, fixed oil, glycosides, cumarines, tannins, flavonoids, saponins, steroids and triterpenoids. Conclusion: The results of the study could be useful in setting some diagnostic indices for the identification and preparation of a monograph of the plant.

1241-1244

Authors: Susaimanickam Maria Packiam, Kathirvelu Baskar, Savarimuthu Ignacimuthu

Objective: To evaluate the ovicidal activity of different botanical oil formulations against Helicoverpa armigera and Spodoptera litura. Methods: Different botanical oils were formulated with different ratio to evaluate the ovicidal activity against H. armigera and S. litura at 5, 10, 15 and 20µl/L concentrations. Results: All the oil formulations showed the ovicidal activity against H. armigera and S. litura. The maximum ovicidal actvity of 76.74 and 69.36% was noticed at 20µl/L concentration in formulation 3 PONNEEM. Formulation 4 Pongam oil showed lower ovicidal activity of 31.34 and 24.76% against H. armigera and S. litura respectively. Among the fo rmulations, PONNEEM exhibited statistically superior ovicidal activity against both insect pests. Conclusions: the present study clearly showed PONNEEM as a pontenial biopesticide to control the egg stage of economically important pests of H. armigera and S. litura. This is the first report fo r the ovicidal activity of PONNEEM against these two insect pests.

1254-1260

Authors: Manjusha, Neha Aggarwal, Nitesh, Pankaj Gupta

Objective: The present study was carried out to investigate the hypoglycemic effects of the petroleum ether extract of Sesbania sesban (SS)(Merr.) roots, which are widely used in inflammation, fever, ulcers, leucoderma and diabetes in various parts of India. Methods: SS was administered orally at different doses (250, 500 and 1000mg/kg) to normal and streptozotocin (STZ) induced type- 2 diabetic mice. The fasting blood glucose (FBG), biochemical parameters in serum, change in body weight, internal organs weight, food intake, water intake and glycogen level in livers were performed for the evaluation of hypoglycemic effects.Results: All the doses of SS caused a marked decrease of FBG in STZ induced type -2 diabetic mice. SS decreased the cholesterol, triglyceride (TG), urea, creatinine level and increased the insulin, HDL cholesterol, and total protein level. Decrease in body weight and glycogen level induced by STZ was restored. Increase in water and food intake induced by STZ was decreased. Conclusions: The results suggest that SS may have hypoglycemic potential for the type 2- diabetes and support the traditional use of the roots of plant as a hypoglycemic agent.

1266-1269

Authors: Pierre Watcho, Fabien Zelefack, Silvere Ngouela, Telesphore Benoît Nguelefack, Pierre Kamtchouing, Etienne Tsamo, Albert Kamanyi

Objective: The aim of the study was to investigate the prosexual activity of two compounds isolated fr om the hexane extract of the dried roots of Mondia whitei in rats. Methods: β-sitosterol and the mixture of α and β-amyrin acetate were isolated and characterised using several reagents, chromatography, mass spectrometry and physical analysis (RMN, 1H and 13C). Sexually inexperienced adult male rats were orally treated with these compounds at doses of 0mg/kg (control), 10mg/kg or 50mg/kg. 1h after the treatment, mount and intromission latencies and frequencies, penile erection, ejaculation latency and post-ejaculatory interval were measured for 60 minutes. Results: β-sitosterol and the mixture of α and β-amyrin acetate significantly increased the mount frequency (p<0.05), penile erection (P<0.001) and the ejaculation latency when compared to control. The intromission fr equency remained unchanged (P>0.05) when compared to control. The two purified compounds were efficient at the lower dose (10 mg/kg b.w) with β-sitosterol being the most potent. Conclusion: Results of the present work give added value to the aphrodisiac property of Mondia whitei and further justify its popular use as a sex stimulant.

1276-1279

Authors: Ramaraj Thirugnanasampandan, Rajarajeswaran Jayakumar, Murugaiyan Prabhakaran

Objective: To analyse the chemical composition of essential oil isolated from the leaves of Toddalia asiatica (L.) Lam. and to test its bioactive properties. Methods: Gas chromatographymass spectrometry (GC/MS) analysis and antigenotoxicity, cytotoxicity and antioxidant studies of isolated oil. Results: GC-MS analysis of oil revealed the presence of 42 compounds. The major compound in the oil was β-phellandrene (21.35%). DNA protecting activity of oil was considerably significant against H2O2 induced genotoxicity in human lymphocytes. Concentration of oil needed to protect 50% of DNA was calculated as 100 µg/mL. Cytotoxicity of oil against breast (MCF-7) and colorectal (HT-29) cancer cells were observed with the IC 50 value of (7.80±0.03) µg/mL and (100.00±0.16) µg/mL respectively. Considerable DPPH free radical, hydroxyl radical scavenging, iron chelation and inhibition of lipid peroxidation activities of oil were also studied. Conclusions: The results of the present study clearly indicate oil could be a promising candidate for food and drug preparation.

1285-1288

Authors: K. Sathiyaraj, A. Sivaraj, T. Thirumalai, B. Senthilkumar

Objective: An ethnobotanical study was undertaken to collect information from local people about the use of contraceptive medicinal plants in Kathiyavadi Village. Methods: Kathiyavadi Village was surveyed through interviewing of randomly selected 321 participants using semistructured questionnaire and regular field visits. Results: The investigations revealed that there are about 25 species of medicinal plants which were used by local peoples. Conclusions: The study revealed that the local peoples are using folklore medicinal plants for contraceptive purpose. This survey is mostly useful for rural area of local people.

1293-1298

Authors: Priya Alphonso, Aparna Saraf

Objective: To establish the chemical fingerprint of various secondary metabolites of Zanthoxylum rhetsa (Roxb.) DC, a medicinally important plant. Methods: Preliminary phytochemical screening for various secondary metabolites was carried out. HPTLC profiles of various individual secondary metabolites were done and profiles were developed for authentication. Result: The ethanolic extract of the fruit showed the presence of 8 Glycosides, 10 Flavonoids, 6 Essential Oils, 5 Anthraquinones, 9 bitter principles, 7 Coumarins and 8 Terpenoids. Conclusions: The development of such fingerprint for the fruits of Zanthoxylum rhetsa (Roxb.) DC is useful in differentiating the species from the adulterant and also act as biomarker for this plant in the Pharmaceutical industry.

1303-1307

Authors: Pavan Bhausaheb Udavant, Suggala Venkata Satyanarayana, Chandrashekhar Devidas Upasani

Objective: Evaluation of preliminary antiinflammatory and cytotoxic activities of a parasitic plant Cuscuta reflexa. Methods: Human red blood stabilizing activity was used for the evaluation of in vitro antiinflammatory activity and Brine shrimp lethality assay was used to assess the cytotoxic potential of extract of stems of Cuscuta reflexa. Results: Methanolic extract and Ethyl acetate fraction of methanolic extract of Cuscuta reflexa (MECR & EAMECR resp.) were found to have significant antiinflammatory and cytotoxic activity with inhibitory concentration IC50% values 277.83 µg/ml & 214.94 µg/ml in HRBC stabitlity assay[table 01], and lethal concentration LC50% 257.73 µg/ml 184.86 µg/ml in BSLA respectively[table 02]. Conclusions: Amongst various extracts evaluated for cytotoxicity and antiinflammatory activities, methanolic extract of Cuscuta reflexa (MECR) and its ethyl acetate soluble fraction (EAMECR) show significant cytotoxic as well as antiinflammatory activities which may be due to the presence of phenols, polyphenols and flavonoids.

1312-1316

Authors: Femina Wahab, Kalidass Subramaniam, Sembian Suriyamoorthy, Sweetin Preethi Subburaj

Objective: The present investigation was an attempt to identify the potent drug principles of Ixora macrothyrsa flower against Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus aureus and Acinetobacter baumannii. Methods: Hot extraction soxhlet method was performed for the extraction of Ixora macrothyrsa flower powder with different solvents. Antagonistic activity checked for all extracts with MTCC standard pathogenic strains and multiple drug resistant strains. Followed this minimal inhibitory concentration, phenol estimation, High performance thin layer chromatography analysis and Gas chromatography- mass spectrometry analysis were performed for Ixora macrothyrsa ethanolic extract. Results: The results from the present study indicate that the flowers of the plant has rich source of phytochemicals in ethanol extracts compare to acetone and methanol extracts. The quantitative estimation of ethanolic extracts of Ixora macrothyrsa showed phenol content 83.67±.04 µg/g of ascorbic acid equivalent. The ethanol extract exhibited good antibacterial activity against all tested pathogens. In this study we point out that ethanol and methanol extracts showed supreme activity against Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and Acinetobacter baumannii. The MIC of Ixora macrothyrsa ethanolic extract was identified as 22µg/ml for MRSA and 200µg/ml for Acinetobacter baumannii. The HPTLC analysis of the ethanol plant extract inferred that it contain both polyphenol and terpenoids. In GC-MS analysis the major constituent was identified as Ethene (2-chloroethoxy)-, 1-propanol 2-chloro, urethane with 16.39 area %. Conclusions: Hence it is inferred from our study that the plant flower would be a promising source of phytomedicine against multidrug resistant strains MRSA and Acinetobacter baumannii.

1323-1328

Authors: Mohammad Khalid, H. H. Siddiqui

Objective: To evaluate the weight reduction and hypercholesteremic potential of punarnava root extract induced with high fat diets in experimental rodents by administrating oral doses (100, 200 and 400 mg/kg). Methods: Thirty six female Sprague-Dawley rats were divided in six groups and each group had six animals. Group-I administered laboratory diet, control obese group-II induced with high fat diet (HFD), group-III standard drug plus HFD rats (5 mg/kg) and Boerhaavia diffusa root extract (BDRE) were administered (100, 200 and 400 mg/kg) plus HFD rats (group-IV, V and VI). After the end of experimental period (60 days) the body weight, organ fat pad weight, lipid profile, liver and kidney marker enzyme were estimated along with histopathological examination in experimental groups of animals. Results: The obtained results showed that the significant reduction on administration of BDRE (200 and 400 mg/kg) in body weight, visceral fat pad (P<0.01- ), lipids level (P<0.01), AST and ALT (P<0.01), urea (P<0.01) and creatinine (P<0.01) when compared with HFD groups II. The biochemical estimation were supplemented by histopathological examinations. Conclusions: The results of this study scientifically supported its traditional uses of Boerhaavia diffusa as antiobesity activity by normalizes the elevated body weight and organ fat pad weight as well as antilipidemic property by lowering the altered levels of lipid profile in female Sprague-Dawley

1333-1337

Authors: Daya L. Chothani, N. M. Patel

Objective: The aim of present study was to carry out preliminary phytochemical screening, detailed pharmacognostic profile and physicochemical evaluation of leaf of Gmelina arborea. Methods: Fresh leaf and dried power of the leaves were studied by morphology, microscopy, preliminary phytochemical screening, and florescence analysis of powdered drug. Other physicochemical parameters were also performed as per WHO guide lines. Result: The detailed microscopy revealed that the presence of anomocytic stomata and covering uni-multicellular trichome. Leaf constant such as stomatal number, stomata index, vein islet number, vein termination number were also determined. Physicochemical parameters and florescence analysis were also studied. The preliminary phytochemical screening showed the presence of steroid, triterpenoid, saponin, protein, phenolic compound, flavanoid and carbohydrates. Conclusions: The result of these studies could be useful for correct identification and detection of adulterants of this plant material.

1341-1346

Authors: M.Kalaiselvi, D.Gomathi, C.Uma

Objective: Ananus comosus (L.) is belonging to the family Bromeliaceae used to cure various diseases. The present study is focus to evaluate the HPTLC fingerprinting analysis and phytochemical analysis of Ananus comosus peel. Methods: HPTLC fingerprinting profiles was done by using Hamilton syringe and CAMAG LINOMAT 5 instrument. Results: Among all solvents, most of the secondary metabolites such as alkaloid, flavanoid, phenol, tannins, steroids etc were present in ethanolic extract of Ananus comosus peel and the yield of plant extract in different solvents were analyzed, from which ethanolic extract gave 2.40g/100g. The quantitative assay was also analyzed in flavanoid, alkaloid, phenols, carotenoid and lycopene. HPTLC fingerprinting profile confirms the presence of phenols, flavanoid and alkaloid. Conclusion: From the above results ethanolic extract of Ananus comosus peel can be used as therapeutic agents to treat various disorders caused by free radical and chemical substances due to presence of its secondary metabolites.

1351-1356

Authors: Santoshkumar R Jeevangi, S Manjunath, Sachidananda G. Shetti, Chetan Manjunath, Prashant Dass

Objective: To study the anti-inflammatory activity of Lovastatin, Simvastatin, Atorvastatin, and Rosuvastatin on acute and chronic models of inflammation, to compare with the effect of Diclofenac sodium and amongst themselves in rats. Methods: Carrageenin induce rat paw edema method in which 5 animals of each group (6 groups) received orally 4% gum acacia, Diclofenac and 4 statins respectively 1 h before Carrageenin injection in paw. The paw edema volume measured with plethysmograph after 3 h and percentage inhibition of edema in various groups calculated. Rexin pellet granuloma method in which 4 rexin pellets were implanted into dorsum of skin of each rat of 6 groups (n=5) including control, Diclofenac and 4 statin groups respectively. Rats were orally fed with drugs daily for 7 days and on 8th day rexin pellets were removed after sacrificing the rat and dried in incubator 60°C overnight. Pellets were then weighed and percentage inhibition of granulation tissue was calculated and sent for histopathological examination. Results: All the 4 statins showed significant anti-inflammatory activity in the present study in both acute as well as chronic models of inflammation. The anti-inflammatory activity of the 4 statins was significant on comparison with Diclofenac. Lovastatin and Simvastatin demonstrated 10-20% more anti-inflammatory activity than Atorvastatin and Rosuvastatin. Conclusions: The present study revealed the anti-inflammatory effect of statins and thus suggests that the statins have a potential anti-atherosclerotic activity along with its lipid lowering property.

1362-1366

Authors: P. P. Singh, S. Jha, R. Irchhaiya

Objective: To study sailent diagnostic pharmacognostical characters of the leaves of Calamintha officinalis Moench along with their phytochemical analysis, physicochemical parameters, fluorescence analysis of leaf powder and HPTLC study. Methods: Fresh leaf and dried powder sample of leaf were studied macro-morphologically and microscopically. Preliminary phytochemical investigation of leaf for the standardization was performed. HPTLC analysis of ethanolic extract was performed using solvent system benzene: methanol in the ratio (9:1). Result: Epidermis of leaf was found to be formed of a single row of cells, those of the upper epidermis being larger than those of the lower epidermis and uniseriate non-glandular and glandular trichomes were observed. Mesophyll was heterogeneous and asymmetric; two types of parenchyma was clearly differentiated; palisade and spongy. The upper one (palisade parenchyma) was formed of a single row of elongated cells. Abundant chloroplasts were observed. The lower, spongy parenchyma was formed of irregularly shaped cells with large intercellular spaces. Vascular tissue was found at the level of the spongy parenchyma. Prismatic shape of calcium oxlate crystals has been found. The preliminary phytochemical screening shows the presence of carbohydrate, flavonoids, steroid and triterpenes. HPTLC analysis of ethanolic extract showed eight peaks confirming the presence of eight compounds in the ethanolic extract of the leaves. Conclusions: The pharmacognostical and phytochemical parameters are major reliable and inexpensive criteria for confirmation of the crude drugs. The present work therefore attempts to report various necessary standards for the leaf of Calamintha officinalis Moench.

1372-1376

Authors: Abirami.R.G, Kowsalya.S

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the toxicity of Kappaphycus alvarezii methanolic extracts in albino rats. Methods: Sub-chronic toxicity was tested with a single dose of intraperitonal administration of the extract as per the OECD guidelines in the experimental group rats and the control group rats was fed with standard diet and water ad libitum. Mortality, behaviour changes, clinical signs and symptoms, food intake, body weight and any abnormalities of the visceral organs were observed. Results: The results revealed that the algal extract resulted in neither mortality nor any abnormalities. The Most of the serum biochemical parameters and hematological values were similar in control and experimental groups, histopathological examination of the vital organs like liver, kidney, spleen, brain and heart revealed no obvious abnormality in the control group and Kappaphycus alvarezii treated group. Conclusion: It may be concluded that Kappaphycus alvarezii rich in nutrient and nutraceutial potentials and also safety food for human consumption.

1382-1387

Authors: Das Surya Narayan, Patro Varanashi Jagannath, Dinda Subas Chandra

Objective: To evaluate the anti-inflammatory and antidiabetic property of Bauhinia vahlii (stem bark) with preliminary phytochemical profile of the extracts. Methods: The dried whole plant material (1 400 g) was packed in soxhlet apparatus and extracted successively with Pet. Ether (PE) to defat the drug, petroleum ether was removed from the powdered defatted drug which was then extracted with benzene (BE), chloroform(CE) and 95% of Ethanol (EE) as increasing polarity and all extracts screened for anti-inflammatory and antidiabetic activity using carrageenan induced paw edema and streptozotacin induced diabetic respectively. The toxicity and phytochemical screening were done using standard procedure. Result: The preliminary phytochemical tests revealed the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, phytosterol, phenolic compounds, and glycoside. While carbohydrates, protein, gums and amino acids were absent. The acute toxicity study of various extracts of Bauhinia vahlii was conducted and dose of 353 mg/kg is fixed for antiinflammatory and antidiabetic perperty. The pet ether, chloroform and ethanolic extract of Bauhinia vahlii significantly decreased the paw edema induced by carrageenin in rats at a dose of 353 mg/kg comparable to standard ibuprofen (100 mg/kg). Similarly in case of antidiabetic property, the ethanolic and chloroform extract of Bauhinia vahlii at a dose level 353 mg/kg, showed significant reduction in blood sugar level from 2 to 24 h in progressive manner comparable to standard glibenclamide (5mg/kg).

1392-1395

Authors: G. Abraham, Vidhu Aeri

Objective: To evaluate the role of seasons on the phytochemical properties of Azolla microphylla. Methods: Dried and powdered leaves (50g) were extracted with 300 ml of methanol using soxhlet extractor for 16 h at a temperature not exceeding the boiling point of the solvent. Standard methods have been used to screen the phytochemical constituents. Conclusions: From the observations it can be concluded that the plant extracts show the presence of several bioactive compounds which could be exploited further.

1400-1406

Authors: Papiya Mitra Mazumder, Anindita Mondal, Dinakar Sasmal, Sinnathambi Arulmozhi, Paramaguru Rathinavelusamy

Objective: Barleria lupulina Lindl (Acanthaceae) (B. lupulina) has been traditionally used in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis but, no scientific data has been published supporting the claimed ethnomedical use. This study was designed to investigate the anti-arthritic potential of B. lupulina leaves and its role in immunomodulation. Methods: Methanol extract of B. lupulina (MEBL) leaves (300 and 600 mg/kg BW) was tested for its antiarthritic activity by various models namely, formalin-induced arthritis, adjuvant induced arthritis, collagen type II-induced arthritis and monosodium iodoacetate induced osteoarthritis. Immunomodulatory activity of the same was tested by measuring WBC Count, Spleen Weight, Spleen WBC Count and Delayed Type Hypersensitivity (DTH) Reaction.Results: MEBL extracts 300 mg/kg and 600 mg/ kg showed statistically significant inhibition (P<0.05 and P<0.001) of the edema formation and Myeloperoxidase (MPO) during experimental period and activities of antioxidants were restored significantly. MEBL extracts 300 mg/kg and 600 mg/kg significantly increased the Hemoglobin (Hb) level, serum albumin, total protein, calcium and phosphorus levels and reverted back the levels of WBC count and Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR) (P<0.05 and P<0.01). Histopathological studies of ankle joints also supported this finding. Immunomodulatory study revealed an increase in the blood leukocytes count, weight of spleen, spleenic leukocytes count and increase in paw volume on delayed type hypersensitivity footpad thickness suggesting an uplift of immune status. Conclusions: The present study concluded that, MEBL holds antiarthritic and Immunomodulatory activity. Although subsequent study is required to evaluate the active constituents responsible for the activity.

1412-1414

Authors: Binu Thomas, Konickal Mambetta Prabhu Kumar, Satheesh George, Arumugam Rajendran, Indira Balachandran

Objective: A new variety of Crotalaria ramosissima is described from the Western Ghats of India. Crotalaria ramosissima Roxb. var. kanuvayensis Binu T., K. M. Prabhu et A. Rajendran (Fabaceae) from Kanuvai hills, Coimbatore district of Tamil Nadu. Methods: Compare this species with available varieties of Crotalaria and cross checked with previous literature for authetification of this taxa. Results: The current paper provides a detailed description of the new taxa along with illustrations, colour plates and other relevant notes. Conclusions: The present study concluded that this taxa is new to science from the Southern Western Ghats of Tamil Nadu, India.

1418-1422

Authors: FK Saikot, Alam Khan, MF Hasan

Objective: To evaluate the antimicrobial and cytotoxic activity of acetone extract of leaves of Abroma augusta. Methods: Disc diffusion method was used to demonstrate antibacterial and antifungal activities. Cytotoxicity was determined against brine shrimp nauplii. In addition, minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) was determined using serial dilution technique to determine antibacterial potency. Results: The extract showed significant antibacterial activities against three gram-positive (Bacillus subtilis, Bacillus megaterium and Staphylococcus aureus) and four gram-negative (Escherichia coli, Shigella dysenteriae, Shigella sonnei and Salmonella typhi) bacteria. The antifungal activity was found strong against five fungi (Aspergillus flavus, Aspergillus niger, Candida albicans, Rhizopus oryzae and Aspergillus fumigatus). In cytotoxicity determination, LC50 of the extract against brine shrimp nauplii was 7.06 µg/ml. Conclusions: The Abroma leaves extract may be consider as a potent antimicrobial and cytotoxic agent for further advance research.

1431-1435

Authors: Mythili Sathiavelu, Sathiavelu Arunachalam

Objective: To study the phenols, flavonoids, saponin profile of the medicinal plant Cassytha filiformis (C. filiformis) using high performance thin layer chromatography (HPTLC). Methods: The extracts were tested to determine the presence of various phytochmeicals like alkaloids, phenolic compounds, flavonoids, carbohydrates, glycosides, saponins, terpenoids, tannins, fixed oils, fats and protein and aminoacids (Harborne and Harborne, 1998). HPTLC studies were carried out by Harborne and Wagner et al method. Different compositions of the mobile phase for HPTLC analysis were tested in order to obtain high resolution and reproducible peaks. Results: The results of the preliminary phytochemical studies confirm the presence of phenols, alkaloids, carbohydrates, saponins, flavanoids, terpenoids and tannins in the methanolic extracts of C. filiformis. The methanolic extracts of C. filiformis displayed the presence of 13 types of phenolic substances with 13 different Rf values ranging from 0.01 to 0.96. The results illustrated the presence of 9 different types of flavonoides with 9 different Rf values ranging from 0.01 to 0.97. The results of HPTLC analysis of saponins demonstrated the presence of 11 different types of saponins with 11 different Rf values ranging from 0.04 to 0.92. Conclusions: In the present study we observed the phenols, flavonoids, saponin profile of the medicinal plant C. filiformis using high performance thin layer chromatography (HPTLC). Hence it was concluded that the phenolic compounds present in the methonolic extract could be responsible for antioxidant activities. Plant derived antioxidants, especially phenols and flavonoids, have been described to have various properties like anticancer, antiaging and prevention of cardiovascular diseases. Furthur, separation and characterization of the bioactive compound from the plant is to be evaluated and reported in near future.

1440-1442

Authors: K. Deepti, P.Umadevi, G.Vijayalakshmi, B.Vinod polarao

Objective: The objective of the present work is to evaluate the presence of Phytochemical constituents and antimicrobial activity of different extracts of leaves of Morinda tinctoria Roxb. Methods: The serial exhaustive extraction was done with a series of solvents: Hexane, Chloroform, Ethylacetate and Methanol with increasing polarity using soxhlet apparatus. The Phytochemical analysis was done by using the standard procedures. Antimicrobial activity was evaluated by Agar well diffusion method against nine human pathogens. Results: The results revealed that the leaf extracts contain a broad spectrum of secondary metabolites: Alkaloids, Phytosterols, Flavonoids, Phenols and Triterpenes in major proportion. Methanol extract was shown to be more effective against all the organisms followed by Ethylacetate, Chloroform and Hexane extracts. Proteus vulgaris (24mm) was found to be most sensitive organism followed by Klebsiella pneumonia (21mm) and Enterococcus feacelis (21mm). Conclusions: The present study concludes that the different extracts of M. tinctoria leaves contain a broad spectrum of secondary metabolites and also exhibit antimicrobial activity against all the tested microorganisms. It can also be concluded that Morinda tinctoria plant can be exploited to discover the bioactive natural products that may serve as leads in the development of new pharmaceuticals.

1446-1449

Authors: Mohammad Amzad Hossain, Roudha Ali Al-Hashmi, Afaf Mohammed Weli, Qasim Al-Riyami, Jamal Nasser AlSabahib

Objective: The aim of this present study was to isolate and analyze the chemical composition of essential oils from two different imported brands of Syzigium caryophyllatum (clove) samples using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Methods: The two essential oils were isolated by hydrodistillation from two different brands of Syzigium caryophyllatum (clove) such as Guzal and Shahi clove samples using Clevenger type apparatus. Results: Eleven chemical components were identified in the essential oil isolated from Guzal clove imported from Indonesia. The isolated components representing 99.03% of the Guzal clove oil were identified as eugenol (51.51%), caryophyllene (36.20%), α- caryophyllene (4.26%), acetyleugenol (2.64%), carvacrol (2.42%), α-cubebene (0.77%) and thymol (0.42%) were the major components with some other minor components isolated from the same. About twenty two components representing 99.73% were identified within the essential oil isolated from the Shahi brand clove which was imported from India with the main components being eugenol (46.53%), caryophyllene (43.03%), α-caryophyllene (4.61%), aceteugenol (2.54%), copaene (0.80%), α-farnesene (0.72%), germacrene (0.43%) and δ-cadinene (0.27%). Conclusions: Both the isolated essential oils were found to be rich in eugenol and caryophyllene. The clove essential oil from Guzal and Shahi was found to be comparable in terms of its eugenol and caryophyllene contents. According to the above findings, it is suggested that both brands of clove are of similar quality.

1457-1460

Authors: I.M. Bagban, S.P. Roy, A.Chaudhary, S. K. Das, K.J. Gohil, K.K. Bhandari

Objective: To investigate hepatoprotective activity of the methanolic extract of Fagonia indica Burm. on CCl 4 induced hepatotoxicity in albino rats. Methods: Animals in Group 1 served as vehicle control, Group 2 served as hepatotoxin (CCl4 2ml/kg, s.c) treated group, Group 3 served as standard (Silymarin 50mg/kg, p.o.) treated group. Group4 and 5 served as methanolic extract of Fagonia indica (MEFI) in different doses (200 mg/kg and 400 mg/kg b.w., p.o).The degree of protection was determined by measuring levels of biochemical marker like SGOT, SGPT, ALP, Bilirubin (Total & Direct) and Cholesterol. The histopathological studies also show the hepatic protection of the test extracts. Results: The levels of the biochemical parameters such as SGPT, SGOT, ALP, Total bilirubin, Direct bilirubin and Cholesterol were significantly increased in CCl 4 treated rats when compared with the normal group (P<0.05), but the MEFI (400 mg/kg, bw) treated rats showed maximum reduction of SGOT (114.83±1.51), SGPT (164.33±1.25), ALP (154.83 ±1.53), Total bilirubin (1.55±0.01), Direct bilirubin (0.65±0.009) and Cholesterol (193.00±1.06) in a significant manner. Histopathological studies also reveal the hepatoprotection property of MEFI in a dose dependent manner. Conclusions: These results suggest that MEFI in different doses showed significant hepatoprotective activity against CCl4 induced hepatotoxicity and this might be due to the presence of flavonoids and tannins. Further research is sought to explore the exact mechanism of action and phytoconstituents responsible for the pharmacological response.

1466-1470

Authors: Kalpna Rakholiya, Sumitra Chanda

Objective: To evaluate the in vitro interaction between methanolic extracts of Terminalia catappa (Combretaceae) (T. catappa) and Carica papaya (caricaceae) (C. papaya) leaves and certain known antimicrobial drugs like penicillin G (P), ampicillin (AMP), amoxyclav (AMC), cephalothin (CEP), polymyxin B (PB), rifampicin (RIF), amikacin (AK), nilidixic acid (NA), gentamicin (GEN), chloramphenicol (C), ofloxacin (OF) against five Gram positive and five Gram negative bacteria. Methods: Evaluation of synergy interaction between plant extracts and antimicrobial agents was carried out using disc diffusion method. Results: The results of this study showed that there is an increased activity in case of combination of methanolic plant extracts and test antimicrobial agents. The more potent result was that the synergism between methanolic extract of C. papaya and antibiotics showed highest and strong synergistic effect against tested bacterial strains; though methanolic extract of C. papaya alone was not showing any antibacterial activity. Conclusions: These results indicate that combination between plant extract and the antibiotics could be useful in fighting emerging drug-resistance microorganisms.

1477-1486

Authors: Sourav Kanti Roy, Pratyush Kumar Mishra, Subhangkar Nandy, Rana Datta, Bodhisattwa Chakraborty

Objective: To establish the wound healing activity of methanolic, ethyl acetate and chloroform extracts of plant of Typhonium trilobatum. Methods: Two models were performed to evaluate the wound healing activity i.e. excision and incision models. In incision model the parameter which is carried out was breaking strength of the wounded skin. In excision model the percentage wound contraction and period of epithelialization were established for three extracts. Reference standard drug was povidone iodine ointments for comparison with other groups. Results: From the observation in both two models, methanolic and ethyl acetate extract were found greater wound healing activity than chloroform extract in terms of breaking strength in incision model and percentage wound contraction, period of epithelialization in excision model than that of other groups. Conclusions: The results indicate that the different extracts of Typhonium trilobatum has significant wound healing activity.

1493-1497

Authors: L. Rasingam

Objective: To conduct an ethnobotanical studies and collect information about the wild edible plants collected and utilized by the Irula tribes of Pillur valley, Coimbatore District, Tamil Nadu, India. Methods: The study was conducted among the Irula peoples of Pillur valley through survey, interview and field work along with the knowledgeable individuals during January 2009 - September 2010. All the traditional and other knowledge related to the collection and consumption of wild edible plants on which the communities depend was documented. Results: A total of 74 plant species have been recorded as wild edible in the study areas, of which, fruits yielding plants ranked first with 42 species, green leaves, tubers, young shoots and flowers ranked next with 26, 7, 4 and 2 species respectively. Conclusions: Our study revealed that the adivasi community in the Pillur Valley continues to have and use the knowledge about the wild edible plants, including their habitat, collection period, sustainable collection, mode of preparation and consumption. To date, this knowledge appear to be fairly well conserved and used as a result of continued reliance of local community on the wild uncultivated foods.

1504-1508

Authors: Jaganathan Anitha, Indira A. Jayraaj

Objective: To evaluate the acute toxicity effects of earthworm powder (EWP) obtained from Eudrillus euginae on wistar male rats. Methods: The animals are treated orally with EWP at the doses of 100 mg/kg, 200 mg/kg and 300 mg/kg bodyweight daily for 12 days. Results: There was no significant mortality and changes in body weight noticed at all the doses tested. No gross significant changes observed in the hematological indices (HB, RBC and WBC), Hepatic, serum markers (AST, ALT, ALP, and protein) and renal indices (Urea, Uric acid and Creatinine). The EWP did not show any significant effects in the clinical signs, behavioral changes and examined toxicological endpoints in experimental animals. The histopathological studies provide supports to the safety data of above parameter of EWP dosing. Conclusions: Thus, it can be inferred from the present study that EWP (Eudrillus euginae) is devoid of toxic effects in rats and suggested to utilize the EWP as novel medicine.

1520-1525

Authors: Bikram K. Mallik, Tribhuban Panda, Rabindra N. Padhy

Objective: To record ethnoveterinary information of numerous aboriginal tribes of Kalahandi district of Odisha state, India. Methods: A survey of about 20 hamlets in the district was done with a questioner and personal interviews using the snowball technique in survey and sampling. Results: Seventy-three plants belonging to 41 families (Acanthaceae, Alangiaceae, Amaranthaceae, Amaryllidaceae, Anacadiaceae, Annonaceae, Araceae, Arecaceae, Asclepiadaceae, Asteraceae, Bombaceae, Brassicaceae, Caesalpinaceae, Cucurbitaceae, Combretaceae, Convolvulaceae, Ebenaceae, Euphorbiaceae, Fabaceae, Lamiaceae, Lecythidaceae, Loganiaceae, Malvaceae, Meliaceae, Menispermaceae, Mimosaceae, Moraceae, Moringaceae, Musaceae, Myrtaceae, Piperaceae, Plumbaginaceae, Poaceae, Ranunculaceae, Rubiaceae, Rutaceae, Solanaceae, Umbelliferae, Verbenaceae, Vitaceae and Zingiberaceae) are used by aborigine tribes of Kalahandi district, Odisha, India, for treating ailments of domestic animals. Conclusion: Aborigine tribes of Kalahandi district use about 73 plants for treating ailments of animals.

1534-1541

Authors: Repon Kumer Saha, Srijan Acharya, Syed Sohidul Haque Shovon, Apurba Sarker Apu, Priyanka Roy

Objective: Nyctanthes arbortristis is a common plant in Bangladesh. The objective of our research was to biochemical and biological analysis of the methanolic extract of the dried leaves of Nyctanthes arbortristis found in Bangladesh. Methods: We investigated the presence of polyphenols, flavanoids and other types of compounds by thin layer chromatography, infrared spectroscopy, and UV spectroscopy analysis. We performed antioxidant assay by colorimetric methods. We investigated antibacterial assay by disk diffusion method. Cell surface receptor binding assay was performed by hemagglutination inhibition assay and hemolysis assay. Results: Methanolic extract of the leaves of Nyctanthes arbortristis contains flavanoids and other biologically active compounds. The extract showed antioxidant, peroxide scavenging and total reducing activity. The extract also showed antibacterial activities against several strains of bacteria. It also showed hemaglutination inhibition activities and hydrogen peroxide induced hemolysis inhibition activity in human blood cells. Conclusions: Therefore, Nyctanthes arbortristis may be considered as a plant of various health benefits.

1548-1555

Authors: Abd El-Moneim MR Afify, Hossam S El-Beltagi, Amina A Aly, Abeer E El-Ansary

Objective: To study the capability of gamma irradiation for inhibiting sprouting of potato tubers. Methods: The enzymes activities i.e. peroxidase (POD), polyphenol oxidase (PPO), glutathioneS-transferase (GST), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT), in addition to lipid peroxidation level were tested in potato tubers stored for 3, 6 and 9 weeks. Gamma irradiation with five treatments (0, 30, 50, 100 and 200 Gy) was used to control germination process of potato tubers. Results: Gamma radiation was able to maintain potato tuber for 6 weeks. The main biomarkers for validity of potato tuber during storage were studying antioxidant enzyme activities i.e. POD, PPO, GST, SOD, CAT enzyme activities as well as lipid peroxidation during storage time. Conclusions: The optimum dose was 50 Gy which prevented the sprouting initiation all over the storage period without casting undesirable rotting for potato tubers. At this dose all antioxidant enzyme activities i.e. POD, PPO, GST, SOD, CAT enzyme activities as well as lipid peroxidation level during storage time recorded the best rates.

1561-1567

Authors: Venugopalan Santhosh Kumar, Visweswaran Navaratnam, Aiyalu Rajasekaran, Narenk Nair, Dorai Soundaraj Priya Matharasi, Srinivasan Narasimhan, Subramaniam Ramachandran

Objective: To evaluate the potential immunostimulant activity of glucosamine from Azadirachta indica leaves in mice. Methods: The hexane, chloroform, methanol and aqueous extracts of Azadirachta indica leaves were prepared and its immunostimulant activity was studied. The aqueous extract of Azadirachta indica leaves (AEAIL) showed significant (P<0.001) higher immunostimulant activity than other extracts. Hence, isolation of possible phytoconstituent(s) from AEAIL was carried out and glucosamine was isolated. The Azadirachta indica leaves glucosamine (AILG) was administered at 266, 400 and 800 µg/kg of mice, intraperitoneal route weekly for 4 weeks to evaluate immunostimulant activity. The serum interleukin-2 (IL-2) level and histopathological studies on thymus were performed to confirm AILG immunostimulant activity. Results: The administration of above doses of AILG has significantly (P<0.001) increased serum IL-2 levels in mice than control mice. The dose dependent effect on IL-2 was noticed in AILG treated mice. The weight of thymus, liver and kidney were significantly (P<0.001) increased after the AILG treatments compared to control mice. Also, body weight of AILG treated mice showed significant (P<0.001) increment from second week to fourth week than control mice. The proliferation of T-lymphocytes in thymus after the administration of AILG was observed in histopathological study. Conclusion: The glucosamine was isolated from Azadirachta indica leaves aqueous extract and its immunostimulant activity was confirmed in mice.

1572-1577

Authors: Velusamy Kalpanadevi, Veerabahu Ramasamy Mohan

Objective: To evaluate the total phenolic, flavonoid contents and in vitro antioxidant activity of methanol extracts of Begonia malabarica Lam. and Begonia floccifera Bedd. whole plant. Methods: Total phenolic content was estimated using the Folin Ciocalteu method. The flavonoid content was determined using aluminium chloride. In vitro antioxidant activities and reducing power capacity were determined using standard methods. Results: The total phenolics and flavonoids were estimated. The methanol extracts of whole plants of Begonia malabarica and Begonia floccifera showed potent in vitro antioxidant activities using various models viz, DPPH, hydroxyl, superoxide and ABTS radical scavenging activity. Conclusions: The present study confirmed that methanol extracts have potential in vitro antioxidant activity. The phytochemical phenolics and flavonoids could be the reason for its antioxidant activity.

1583-1587

Authors: Periyar Selvam Sellamuthu, Palanisamy Arulselvan, Balu Periamallipatti Muniappan, Murugesan Kandasamy

Objective: The present investigation was to evaluate the possible anti-diabetic effect of mangiferin from Salacia chinensis (S. chinensis) on the activities of kidney carbohydrate metabolic enzymes in chemically induced diabetic rats. Methods: Diabetes was induced by streptozotocin (STZ) in adult male rats, as a single intraperitoneal injection at a dose of 55 mg/ kg body weight. The STZ-induced diabetic rats were treated by mangiferin and glibenclamide (positive control drug) for 30 days. At the end of the experiment, the rats were sacrificed and carbohydrate metabolic enzyme activities were analyzed in the kidney. Results: Diabetic control rats showed a significant increase in the level of fasting blood glucose and also increase the activities of carbohydrate metabolic enzymes in kidney on successive days of the experiment as compared with their basal values. Daily oral administration of mangiferin showed a significant decrease in the blood glucose when compared to diabetic control. The anti-hyperglycemic effect was obtained with the dose of 40 mg/kg b.wt. In addition, treatment of mangiferin shows alteration in kidney carbohydrate metabolic enzymes including gluconeogenic enzymes like glucose-6- phosphatase and fructose-1,6-disphosphatase. These results were comparable with positive control drug, glibenclamide. Conclusions: The results obtained in this study provide evidence of the anti-diabetic potential of mangiferin, mediated through the regulation of carbohydrate key metabolic enzyme activities.

1592-1599

Authors: Anand Thiru, Gokulakrishnan Kannan, Kalaiselvan Ashokan, Velavan Sivanandam

Objective: To evaluate the restorative effect of (5E, 13E)-5,13-Docosadienoic acid on carbon tetrachloride induced oxidative stress in rats. Methods: Wistar strain male albino rats, weighing 180-200 g/bw were selected for the study. Rats were divided into four groups. Group I animals were served as normal control. Group II was administered with corn oil (3 ml/kg, i.p.) as vehicle control. Group III was given single dose (29th day) of CCl4 in corn oil (1:1 v/v, 3 ml/kg, i.p.). Groups IV was treated with (5E, 13E)-5,13-Docosadienoic acid (DA) (6 mg/kg body weight) for 28 days and given single dose of (29th day) CCl4 in corn oil (1:1 v/v, 3 ml/kg, i.p.). Six hours after CCl4 intoxication, the experimental animals were sacrificed. The blood samples were collected. Liver was excised immediately and immersed in physiological saline. Results: The lipid peroxidation was initiated in CCl4 intoxicated rats which is evidenced by thiobarbituric acid (TBARS) and diminution of GSH content in liver. Super oxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), vitamin C and E in CCl4 intoxicated rats retrieved towards near normalcy. After treating with DA which significantly altered (P<0.001) serum marker enzyme level and antioxidant level near normal against CCl4 treated rats. Conclusions: It was observed that the entire variable tested i.e., SOD, CAT, GPx, reduced glutathione, vitamin C and E recorded a significant decline on CCl 4 treatment. However, treatment with DA restored the levels to near normal value, suggesting the therapeutic effect of DA to counter the oxidative stress.

1606-1610

Authors: Alemayehu Toma, Eyasu Makonnen, Asfaw Debella, Birhanu Tesfaye

Objective: The present study was conducted to evaluate the antihyperglycemic activity on chronic administration of the butanol fraction of the ethanol extract of Moringa Stenopetala leaves in alloxan induced diabetic mice. Methods: The mice were grouped in four groups; Normal control, Diabetic control, Butanol fraction treated and standard drug treated groups. The Diabetic mice received the butanol fraction of Moringa stenopetala daily for 28 days. Results: The butanol fraction of Moringa stenopetala treatment resulted in significant reduction of fasting blood glucose level, serum total cholesterol and triglycerides level. This fraction also showed a tendency to improve body weight gain in diabetic mice. Its oral LD50 was found to be greater than 5000mg/Kg indicating its safety in mice. Conclusions: Though the mechanism of action of Moringa stenopetala seems to be similar to that of sulfonylureas, further studies should be done to confirm its mechanism of antidiabetic action. Furthermore the active principle(s) responsible for the antidabetic effects should also be identified.

1615-1619

Authors: Homayoon Babaei, Reza Kheirandish, Laya Ebrahimi

Objective: Exposure to environmental toxicants such as copper has been suggested to have adverse effects on male reproduction. Therefore, our aim in the present study was to investigate morphometrical changes of rat testes following long term consumption. Methods: Animals were divided into three experimental groups. Two different doses of copper sulfate were applied once a day for 8 weeks by gavage. The first treatment group received copper sulfate at a dose of 100 mg/ kg (Cu100 group) and the second treatment group was given copper sulfate at a dose of 200 mg/ kg (Cu200 group). Control animals received normal saline using the same method. Testes from five cases of 15 animals of each group were removed for histopathological examinations on days 14, 28 and 56. Morphometrically, seminiferous tubules diameter, spermatogonial cells nuclei diameter, sertoli cells nuclei diameter and epithelial height were measured in the experimental groups. Meiotic index and the percentage of spermatogenesis were also calculated.Results: The mean values of about mentioned morphometrical parameters in copper treated groups showed significant decrease on 14th day compared to the control group. Copper administration caused a significant damage to morphometrical parameters on 28th day compared to the day 14. Also, in some parameters further decreases were observed specially in the Cu200 group on 56th day such as the diameter of seminiferous tubules, spermatogonial and sertoli cells nuclei and epithelial height of germinal layer (P<0.05). Conclusions: The results show that exposure to copper has the deleterious effects on morphometrical structure of testes which are appeared as early as two weeks.

1625-1629

Authors: Sharmishtha Purkayastha, Rittee Narain, Praveen Dahiya

Objective: The inhibitory effects of essential oils including fennel, juniper and kalonji from Foeniculum Vulgare, Juniperus Osteosperma and Nigella Sativa on multi drug resistant clinical isolates were investigated. All the oils have been evaluated for phytochemical constituents, antibacterial activity and TLC bioautography assay. Methods: Preliminary phytochemical analysis was performed. The antibacterial potential of essential oils from fennel, juniper and kalonji fennel, juniper and kalonji was evaluated by agar well diffusion method against multi drug resistant clinical isolates. The antibacterial effect was investigated using the TLC-bioautographic method. Results: Preliminary phytochemical analysis demonstrated the presence of most of the phytochemicals including saponins, cardiac glycosides, steroids, terpenoids, flavonoids and tannins. Antibacterial activity of essential oils was assessed on eight multi-drug resistant (MDR) clinical isolates from both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria and two standard strains. All the oils tested showed significant to moderate antibacterial activity toward all tested strains except Acinetobacter sp and Staphylococcus aureus MRSA. The maximum zone of inhibition was found to be 25±0.12 mm for juniper oil followed by 21±0.085 mm for kalonji oil against Staphylococcus aureus 2. Thin layer chromatography and bioautography assay demonstrated welldefined growth inhibition zones against Staphylococcus aureus 2 and E. coli for juniper essential oil in correspondence with tannins observed at Rf values of 0.07 and 0.57. Conclusions: Based on the present study, the essential oils from juniper and kalonji possess antibacterial activity against several multi drug resistant pathogenic bacteria and thus can be used as a base for the development of new potent drugs and phytomedicine.

1633-1636

Authors: Durre Shahwar, Muhammad Asam Raza, Sana Bukhari, Gulshan Bukhari

Objective: Eucalyptus and Curcuma species are well reputed for their traditional medicinal uses in south east Asia, therefore, the present study was designed to determine reducing potential of their essential oils. Method: Essential oils of the selected medicinal species Eucalyptus sideroxylon, E. teriticornis, E. citriodora, Curcuma longa and C. aromatic were extracted using hydro distillation method, separated with diethyl ether and dried over anhydrous sodium sulphate. Column chromatography of Curcuma aromatica was carried out and six fractions were collected using gradient solvent system of n-hexane-ethyl acetate. Ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) of oils were evaluated using standard protocol and results were expressed in µM equivalent to FeSO4.7H2O. Results: The essential oil of Eucalyptus sideroxylon was found to possess highest reducing potential among the Eucalyptus species. Curcuma longa essential oil showed most significant reducing potential with 138.4±1.1 FRAP equivalents. Conclusions: It was concluded that the all essential oil and the column fractions of C. aromatica possess significant reducing capacity ranged from 95.8±1.0 to 152.4±1.4 µM in a dose dependent manner.

1643-1646

Authors: Grasian Immanuel, Berkmans Jude Thaddaeus, Muthusamy Usha, Ramasamy Ramasubburayan, Santhiyagu Prakash, Arunachalam Palavesam

Objective: Some of the products derived from marine organisms have been recommended in alternative system of medicine especially Siddha medicine for several treatments. Among the marine molluscs, Cypraea moneta shell has been used as siddha medicine from ancient days. But no systematic study has been done on its efficacy as antipyretic, wound healing and as antimicrobial agent. In the present study, the protective action of processed shell powder of C. moneta was evaluated by us in an animal model for the above treatments. Methods: C. moneta shell powder was prepared by standard method described in Siddha medicine. Then the antipyretic, wound healing as well as antimicrobial effect of the processed powder was tested in Wister albino rats. Results: By the intravenous injection of yeast cell suspension into albino rats, the antipyretic effect of the shell powder given orally was studied by various concentrations of 0, 10, 20 and 30 mg/ml. The body temperature of the albino rat became normal within a short duration (3h). The wound healing effect of the shell powder was very effective. In the thigh region 2 cm wound was made and the different dosages of shell powder (C -Control, SD - Single dose, DD -Double dosage and TD -Triple dose/day) were applied externally as ointment. The scar was produced in eighth day onwards in DD and TD. Antimicrobial activity was studied in three different oppurtunistic human pathogens such as Micrococcus sp., Proteus vulgaris and Salmonella abory in different concentrations (2, 3, 4 and 5% w/v) of C. moneta shell powder extract. Among these, Proteus vulgaris showed the maximum zone of inhibition (15mm size) against 5% w/v concentration, followed by Micrococcus sp. (12mm) and S. abory (10mm) against the same concentration. Conclusions: The present observation suggested that, processed C. moneta shell powder can be used as an alternative medicine, and it has antipyretic, wound healing as well as antimicrobial properties.

1653-1659

Authors: Kulanthaivel Langeswaran, Rajendran Revathy, Subbaraj Gowtham Kumar, Shanmugam Vijayaprakash, Maruthaiveeran Periyasamy Balasubramanian

Objective: The present study was aimed to scrutinize the anticancer consequence of kaempferol against aflatoxin B1 induced hepatocarcinogenesis. Epidemiological studies of the incidence of liver cancer in the population, where dietary aflatoxin exposure is high, have provided much circumstantial evidence for the development of aflatoxin B1 induced primary liver cancer in humans. Methods: In the present investigation, aflatoxin B1 (2 mg/kg body weight i.p) was used as a hepatocarcinogen to induce hepatocellular carcinoma in experimental animals. Results: In the present analysis, on treatment with bioflavonoid kaempferol (100 mg/kg body weight p.o) the nucleic acids levels were brought back to normal and also the altered levels of biological enzymes such as membrane bound ATPase, carbohydrate metabolizing enzymes and mitochondrial TCA cycle enzymes levels (P<0.01). Conclusions: Membrane bound ATPase, carbohydrate metabolizing enzymes and mitochondrial TCA cycle enzymes were modulated by kaempferol evaluated on aflatoxin B1 induced primary liver carcinogenesis.

1664-1666

Authors: M. Abu Hena Mostofa Jamal, Shahedur Rahman, Md. Azizul Islam, Md. Rezaul Karim, Md. Samsul Alam, Md. Ziaur Rahman

Objective: In this present study, it is tried to find out the antimicrobial effect and Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) of Nerium oleander against Bacillus subtilis (IFO 3026), Sarcina lutea (IFO 3232), Escherichia coli (IFO 3007) and Klebsiella Pneumoniae (ATTC 10031). Methods: Powered leaves were prepared and used for extraction with various solvents, viz, the petroleum ether, and chloroform extract of the oleander. All the solvent extracts were evaporated to dryness. Using the disc diffusion method, the bacterial growth were inhibited, Results: Among the solvent extracts tested, petroleum ether extract inhibited the growth of all the tested bacteria having various degrees of inhibition zones. Highest inhibitory activity was observed against E. coli (1.9 cm) and minimum inhibitory concentration was observed 2µg/ml also against E. coli. Both results were observed in case of petroleum ether extract. Petroleum ether extract also showed inhibitory zones of 1.8 cm, 1.4 cm and 1.5cm against B. subtilis, S. lutea and K. pneumoniae. On the other hand chloroform extract was observed to have inhibition zones of 1.2 cm, 1.6 cm, 1.8 cm and 1.5 cm against B. subtilis, S. lutea, E. coli and K. pneumoniae respectively. Conclusions: The study demonstrated that the petroleum ether extract of N. oleander is potentially good source of antibacterial agents. Further evaluation is necessary to identify the specific bioactive compounds, their mode of action and their nontoxic nature in vivo condition.

1671-1674

Authors: Sachin Jain, Gajendra Pratap Choudhary, Dinesh Kumar Jain

Objective: Anti-fertility activity of ethanolic extract of Jatropha gossypifolia leaf in female albino mice. Methods: Jatropha gossypifolia leaf extract, when administered orally, altered the estrous cycle pattern in female mice, prolong the length of estrous cycle with significant increase in the duration of diestrus stage and reduced significantly the number of litters in albino mice. Treatment of mice with extract of 250 and 450 mg/kg body weight/day for 21 days caused a prolonged estrous cycle with significant increase in the duration of diestrus phase and elongation of estrus stage in treatment with higher dose (450 mg/kg body weight/day). Results: The analysis of the principal hormones involved in estrous cycle regulation showed that the plant extracts altered gonadrotrophin release (LH, FSH and prolactinn) and estradiol secretion. Conclusions: The results indicated the anti-fertility effect of Jatropha gossypifolia leaf extract in female albino mice.

1680-1682

Authors: Mohammad Hossein Farjam

Objective: In this study, antimicrobial activity of essential oil, ethyl acetate and ether extracts of S. urmiensis Bunge were screened against some species of bacteria and fungi. Also, the essential oil of the aerial part of S. urmiensis Bunge was examined by GC and GC-MS. Methods: The oils obtained by hydrodistillation in a Clevenger apparatus from fresh and dried aerial parts of S. urmiensis Bunge were analyzed by GC and GC-MS to investigate the variations of oil components. Ethyl acetate and ether extracts of S. urmiensis Bunge were obtained using powdered aerial part and appropriate amounts of each solvent (ethyl acetate, ether) by maceration method. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of essential oil and extracts against the bacteria and fungi was determined using broth microdilution method. Results: In the essential oil of S. urmiensis Bunge 27 Compounds have been identified. Benzyl benzoate (60.3 %), n-hexyl benzoate (16.7 %), Amyl benzoate (5.2 %) and 2- octyl benzoate (4.2 %) were the main components of the essential oil. The essential oil analysis showed greatest antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus epidermidis (5.3 μg/ml) and S. cerevisiae (9.3 μg/ml). The ethyl acetate showed greatest antimicrobial activity against Bacillus subtilis (106.7 毺g/ml), Candida albicans (5.3 μg/ ml) and ether extract showed greatest antimicrobial activity against Klebseilla pneumoniae (10.7 μ g/ ml) and Saccharomyces cerevisiae (10.7 μg/ml). Conclusions: we suggest that the antimicrobial activity of S. urmiensis may be due to its content of germacrene and linalool.

1691-1695

Authors: Alok Maithani, Versha Parcha, Geeta Pant, Deepak Kumar, Ishan Dhulia

Objective: To evaluate the fasting serum glucose (FSG) lowering potential of different fractions (C & D) and subfraction (D1 & D2) from aqueous extract of Aloe vera leaf on normal and alloxan induced type 2 diabetic rats. Methods: Two fractions (C & D) obtained by common chemical treatment of the aqueous extract of Aleo vera leaf and subfraction (D1 & D2) from fraction D were administered to the alloxan induced (150mg/kg i.p.) diabetic rats. The FSG lowering capacity, of different fractions and subfractions, was then evaluated in terms of percentage reduction in blood glucose level. Results: Oral administration of fractions C & D and subfraction D1 & D2 for 15 days led significant (P<0.05) reduction to the elevated FSG level of alloxan induced diabetic rats. Percentage reduction in blood glucose level and comparison with standard drug glibenclamide suggest the superiority of fraction D and subfraction D1 in hypoglycaemic potential. Conclusions: The results suggest that fraction D and subfraction D1 from aqueous extracts of Aloe vera leaf possesses the maximum FSG lowering capacity and further investigation is required for determination of anti-diabetic principal(s) and exact mechanism of their hypoglycaemic action.

1701-1706

Authors: Antony Nishanthini, Veerabahu Ramasamy Mohan

Objective: To evaluate the total phenolic, flavonoid contents and in vitro antioxidant activity of methanol extract of Xanthosoma sagittifolium corm. Methods: Total phenolic content was estimated using the Folin Ciocalteu method. The flavonoid content was determined using aluminium chloride. In vitro antioxidant activities were evaluated by studying DPPH radical scavenging activity, hydroxyl radical scavenging activity, superoxide radical scavenging activity, ABTS radical cation scavenging activity and reducing power capacity were determined using standard procedure. Results: Xanthosoma sagittifolium corm exhibited 0.32g100g-1 total phenolic; 0.26g100g-1 flavonoid and better scavenging activity of DPPH (78.22±0.56%), hydroxyl radical (69.11±0.21%), superoxide radical (83.27±0.08%) and ABTS radical cations(76.11±0.07%).Conclusions: The present studies confirm the methanolextracts have potential in vitro antioxidant activity.

1711-1719

Authors: Sudarshan K. Singh and Agham A. Sameer

Objective: Lisinopril is the drug of choice in hypertension. Bioavailability of the drug is 25% of orally administered dose. An attempt was made to provide safe medicine meeting pharmacokinetics requirement of plasma concentration by formulating a sublingual tablet of Lisinopril. The Objective of present study is to develop the sublingual tablet of Lisinopril and improve its bioavailability, in view to maximize therapeutic effect of the drug. Method: The directly compressed tablet of Lisinopril was formulated using Mannitol, Micro Crystalline Cellulose and Kyron T-314 as super disintegrant. Formulation (F1-F7) was evaluated for disintegration time and in vitro release study. Further the optimized sublingual formulation (F6) and marketed formulation was subjected to in-vivo comparative bioavailability study using white New Zealand rabbits. Results: It was observed that concentration of Micro Crystalline Cellulose, Kyron T-314 has significant effect on the disintegration time of Lisinopril sublingual tablet formulations. The super disintegrant concentration 5% w/w (Kyron T-314) was found optimum in all tablet formulations. AUC of optimized sublingual tablet and oral tablet are 925.35 μg×h/ mL and 641.97 μg×h/mL with Cmax of 60.80 μg/mL and 41.21 μg/mL and Tmax of 4 h and 4 h respectively. The bioavailability of optimized sublingual tablet of Lisinopril was improved by 1.44 times as compared to conventional oral marketed tablet of Lisinopril. Conclusions: The present approach of formulating sublingual tablet of Lisinopril would definitely improve bioavailability leading to reduced conventional dose of this drug. The administration of sublingual tablet becoming easy and it will improve patient compliance to therapy for hypertension for pediatrics, geriatric and bed ridden patient.

1728-1734

Authors: Nidhi Mishra, Narayan P Yadav, Jaya Gopal Meher, Priyam Sinha

Objective: To discuss the preparation, characterization, targeting and formulation aspect of phospholipids based drug delivery system i.e. Phyto-vesicles. Methods: The methods of phytovesicles preparation on R & D scale and different analytical techniques to characterize them have been discussed. Result: Phyto-vesicles are the advanced form of herbal drug delivery systems as its structure includes water soluble head and two fat soluble tails which act as an effective emulsifier. Conclusion: It is concluded that phytovesicular delivery system has improved pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic parameter as compared to conventional system Therefore, phyto-vesicles are called as conduit between conventional and novel drug delivery system.

1738-1741

Authors: Asha Peter, Radhakrishnan E.K, Jyothis Mathew, Shini Zacharia

Objective: The study was undertaken to investigate the genomic and phenotypic relationship among E.faecium strains isolated from chicken and clinical sources. Methods: Enterococci were isolated and identified by conventional biochemical methods and the antibiotic susceptibility was determined by disk diffusion methods. Phenotypes and genotypes of vancomycin resistance were detected by E tests and PCR amplification techniques respectively. Genotyping of the vancomycin resistant E.faecium from two sources were done by RAPD typing. Results: The Vancomycin resistant E.faecium identified was selected for this comparative study. Among the VREF from two sources minor biochemical difference with regards to raffinose fermentation and haemolytic properties was observed. The RAPD tests using random primers also showed polymorphism. Conclusion: The results of the study showed that the strains from two different sources were not identical.

1747-1753

Authors: K. Dhananjaya, Sibi G, H. Mallesha, K.R. Ravikumar, Saurabh Awasthi

Objective: To evaluate potential use of daidzein and genistein in the prevention of breast cancer. Methods: Molecular docking of human estrogen receptor α (HER α) with daidzein and genistein were done by using Discover studio 3.1. Various analogs of daidzein and genistein were docked with HER α to enhance the binding affinity and locate the pharmacophoric groups. Results: Replacement of pharmacophoric group with methylsulphonmide (-NH-SO2-CH3) in daidzein and cyanide (-CN) in genistein were found to be sterically more compatible with significant increased energy values and could serve as probable lead molecules. The docking sore (E-value) obtained for genistein and daidzein was -217.67 and -220.63 respectively which shows their high affinity for HER α. Conclusions: Lower affinity and the side effects associated with conventional drugs needs an improved solution. The present findings showed that daidzein and genistein can play a potent role in breast cancer prevention.

1764-1769

Authors: Anusha Bhaskar, Anish Kumar

Objective: To investigate the antihyperglycemic, hypolipidemic and antioxidant effects of aqueous and ethanolic flower extracts of Punica granatum (P. granatum) in streptozotocin (STZ) induced diabetes mellitus in wistar rats. Methods: Antihyperglycemic, hypolipidemic and antioxidant effect of P. granatum aqueous (PGFAet) and ethanolic extracts (PGFEet) at doses of 200 and 400 mg/kg bw was evaluated in streptozotocin induced diabetic rats. Glycosylated hemoglobin, plasma insulin, cholesterol and lipoprotein levels, lipid peroxide levels and the antioxidant enzyme levels were determined. Results: The administration of the extracts markedly reduced blood glucose and glycosylated hemoglobin increased the levels of plasma insulin and liver glycogen. The extract also had a hypolipidemic activity decreasing the levels of total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, VLDL-cholesterol and triglycerides. The levels of lipid peroxides in terms of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) were remarkably reduced and the activities of the enzymes SOD, CAT and GPx and GSH were increased. We also saw an increase in the activity of the enzyme glucokinase and decrease in glucose-6-phosphatase. It can be concluded that the flower extracts of P. granatum (PGFAet and PGFEet) has significant restorative effect on the blood glucose, hyperlipidemia and oxidative stress. Conclusions: It can be concluded from the studies that the ethanolic extracts of the flowers of P. granatum at dosage 400 mg/kg/day exhibit significant effect in lowering blood sugar and lipid levels and increasing the antioxidant enzymes when compared to the aqueous extract. Glycosylated hemoglobin levels were reduced and the extract exhibited a stimulatory effect on insulin.

1775-1779

Authors: Margaret Beula Banerjee, Sundaram Ravikumar, Murugesan Gnanadesigan, Banerjee Rajakumar, Muthusamy Anand

Objective: To identify the antiviral antioxidant and toxicological evaluation of marine halophyte. Methods: Mangrove associates such as Salicornia brachiata, Clerodendron inerme, Rhizophora lamarckii, Suaeda maritima were collected. In vitro antiviral studies such as HBsAg binding assay, DNA polymerase inhibition assay, RT inhibition assay were carried out. Moreover, antioxidant properties, ash content, elemental analysis, LD50 analysis were measured for the S. maritima leaf extract which was the most potent. Results: S. maritima leaf extract showed minimum concentration of IC50 value with HBsAg binding assay, DNA polymerase inhibition assay, RT inhibition assay as 325.98, 843.09 and 587.32 μg/ml concentrations respectively. Antioxidant properties of S. maritima leaf extract showed the minimum concentration (23.64± 5.27μg/ml) of IC50 value with the nitric oxide scavenging assay, followed by DPPH assay (112.03 ±18.39μg/ml). The ash content of S. maritima leaf extract was varied between 8.05% to 87.30% concentrations. The elemental analysis of S. maritima showed the values within the limits of WHO guidelines. The lethal dose of S. maritima leaf extract was identified as 3000 mg/kg/body weight. The sub acute toxicity was not showed any significant differences with organ weights between control and extract treated animals. Biochemical parameters such as SGOT, SGPT, ALP, sugar and urea were not showed any significant variations between control and extract treated animals. But, the results of haematological parameters such as WBC (6600±234.90 cells/cumm), lymphocytes (69依14.09), polymorphs (38±9.38), eosinophils (02±0.00) were found significantly increased with extract treated animals. Phytochemical analysis of S. maritima leaf extract showed the presence of various phytochemical constituents such as reducing sugars, polyophenols, flavonoids and tannins with the leaf extract. Conclusions: The results of the present findings pave the way for the identification of novel molecules for the possible utilization of antiviral and antioxidant drugs from Suaeda maritima leaf.

1784-1789

Authors: Maushmi S. Kumar, Asim. K. Pal

Objective: Sponges (phylum Porifera) are sessile marine invertebrates and are known to be the richest source of pharmacologically-active compounds. This work was taken to investigate the antibacterial, antifungal activity and cytotoxicity from marine sponge. Method: In this study the marine sponge Spongosorites halichondrioides crude extracts were investigated for three bioassays. The first is an antimicrobial test against Proteus vulgaris, Bacillus subtilis, Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella typhi, Klebsiella pneumonia, Escherichia coli, P. aeruginosa and the second is an antifungal test against three pathogenic fungi, Aspergillus flavus, Aspergillus niger and Metarhizium anisopliae. The third is a cytotoxicity test using larva of Artemia salina, for detection of cytotoxic activity in the extracts. Result: For all the three bioassays, extracts were fo und to be bioactive. This result suggests that this marine sponge is able to produce biologically active agents required for an overall defense against their predators. Conclusions: Further GC MS was done and the fragmentation pattern, showed the presence of sterol esters and terpenoids in the active extracts.

1798-1801

Authors: V. Karthikeyan A. Gopalakrishnan R. Vijayakumar, P. Bharathirajan

Objective: Molluscs are highly delicious seafood and they are also very good source for biomedically imported products. Among the molluscs some have pronounced pharmacological activities or other properties which are useful in biomedical area. Methods: In the present study GAGs was isolated from the bivalve such as Donax incarnates. Results: The isolated GAGs were quantified in crude samples and they were estimated as 6.84 gm/kg crude GAGs in Donax incarnates. The bivalve showed the anticoagulant activity of the crude samples 124.53 USP units/ mg in Donax incarnates. FTIR analysis reveals the presence of anticoagulant substance signals at different ranges. Conclusions: The determined in this research show that gastropod Donax incarnates tissue is value medicinal due to high quality of anticoagulant compounds.

1808-1810

Authors: Ali Asghar Mozaffari, Mohammad Khalili

Objective: Bluetongue virus is an arthropod-borne Orbivirus in the family Reoviridae which infects both domestic and wild ruminants. Bluetongue disease is a "List A" disease of the Office of International Epizootics. To the best of our knowledge, no report has been published on bluetongue disease of sheep flocks of Southeast of Iran. The objective of this study was to describe the seroprevalence rates of BTV in sheep flocks in southeast of Iran. Methods: The blood samples were collected randomly from herds of Southeast of Iran. A total of 188 sera samples (94 male, 94 female) collected between 2009 and 2010, were available. Antibodies to BTV in sera were detected by using a commercial competitive ELISA (Institute Pourquier, Montpellier, France) according to manufacturer’s instructions. Results: The seroprevalence rates were 6.57 % fo r sheep herds. Within a herd, prevalence of BTV seropositive animals ranged from 0% to 42.85%. 33.3% sheep flocks were positive to BTV antibodies. Sex didn't affect the rate of seropositivity, but the rate of seropositivity was significantly changed in different age groups. Conclusion: This study describes the seroprevalence rates of Bluetongue virus (BTV) in sheep flocks in southeast of Iran for the first time.

1817-1821

Authors: Annadurai Hemalatha, Panneerselvam Karthikeyan, Kuppusamy Manimaran, Perumal Anantharaman,Pitchai Sampathkumar

Objective: To study the combined effect of temperature, nitrate and silicate on the growth, of the marine diatom, Chaetoceros simplex (Ostenfeld, 1901). Methods: Samples were analysed for the effect of temperature, nitrate and silicate on the growth, chlorophyll ‘a’, protein and carbohydrate contents. Totally fifteen experiments were conducted for 12 days under three different temperature (20, 25 and 29 °C), 68 μmol photon m-2 s-1 light intensity and at five concentrations of nitrate: silicate propositions (882 μM [NO3-] -106μM [SiO32-], 1323μM [NO3] -159 μM [SiO32-], 1764μM [NO3-] -212μ M [SiO32-], 2205μM [NO3-]-265μM [SiO32-] and 2646μM [NO3-]-318 μM [SiO32-] respectively). Result: The maximum cell density reached 23.5*105 cells ml-1 with 1764 μM [NO3-] and 212μM [SiO32-] concentrations at 29 μ, in 10th day of culture. The high chlorophyll ‘a’ content of 1.57±0.05 pg/ cell at 20°C and 2205μM [NO3-]-265μM [SiO32-]. The high protein content of 4.48± 0.17 pg/cell was found in 2205 μM [NO3-]-265 μM [SiO32-] at 25°C. The high carbohydrate contents of 0.78±0.03 pg/cell were found in 1764 μM [NO3-]-212μM [SiO32-] at the temperature of 25°C. Conclusions: The growth rate was directly proportional to nutrient concentration and temperature whereas chlorophyll ‘a’ and biochemical concentration was directly proportional to nutrient concentration. Based on the present results, furture work on growth optimization with the other physical and nutritional factors will yield noteworthy information on the mass cultivation of C. simplex for aquaculture purposes.

1827-1834

Authors: S.Chacko Vijai Sharma, Ernest David

Objective: To isolate and make a comparative study of marine sediments actinomycetes from Pulicat estuary, Muttukadu estuary and Ennore estuary, TamilNadu, India. Methods: A unique selective enrichment procedure has resulted in the isolation and identification a total of 304 actinomycetes colonies which were isolated from different stations of marine soil sediments in Pulicat estuary, Muttukadu estuary and Ennore estuary, TamilNadu, India. Results: Among them, 277 isolates were morphologically distinct on the basis of spore mass colour, aerial and substrate mycelium formation and production of diffusible pigment. The majority (60%; 162 isolates) were assigned to the genus Streptomyces. (35%; 104 isolates) were assigned to the genus Actinopolyspora, (5%; 11 isolates) were assigned to the genus Nocardiodes. Conclusions: The present study concluded that the physiological characteristics of actinomycetes Streptomyces, Actinopolyspora and Nocardiodes varied by available nutrients in the medium and the physical conditions.

1842-1844

Authors: Samuel Tennyson, K. John Ravindran and S. Arivoli

Objective: To determine the bioefficacy of plant extracts viz., whole plants of Sphaeranthus indicus (Asteraceae) and Citrullus colocynthis (Cucurbitaceae), leaves of Abutilon indicum (Malvaceae), Cleistanthus collinus (Euphorbiaceae), Leucas aspera (Lamiaceae) and Murraya koenigii (Rutaceae), and aerial parts of Hyptis suaveolens (Lamiaceae) against the dengue and chikungunya vector Aedes aegypti. Methods: The larvicidal activity was determined against the early third instar larvae at concentrations of 250, 500, 750 and 1000 ppm. Larval mortality was assessed after 24 h. Results: The ethyl acetate extract of Sphaeranthus indicus (201.11ppm) and hexane extract of Abutilon indicum (261.31ppm) was found to be effective. Conclusions: Further in-depth investigations on the crude extract/phytotoxic compounds of Sphaeranthus indicus are needed to elucidate the larvicidal activity against a wide range of all stages of mosquito species and also the active ingredients of the extract responsible for larvicidal activity in Aedes aegypti should be identified, and small scale field trials are needed for usage of this plant as a mosquitocidal agent.

1852-1857

Authors: Asmita A. Mehta, V. Anil Kumar, Kumari Indira K, Suresh G. Nair, Kavitha R. Dinesh, Sanjeev K. Singh

Objective: To determine the risk factors associated with mortality in Acinetobacter calcoaceticus– baumannii (Acb) complex blood stream infection. Methods: This was an observational study conducted in tertiary care hospital of South India. All patients with blood culture positive for Acb complex from January 2008 to December 2009 were included and a standardized abstraction form was used to abstract data. P value was calculated by Chi square test. Univariate analysis was done by using 2x2 tables and the variables with P value of <0.1 were further subjected to multivariate analysis. Multivariate analysis was done by logistic regression method. Results: After excluding the polymicrobial infections and duplicate isolates from the same patients, 81 cases were included in our study. Out of 81 patients, 20 (24.6%) patients had positive isolate from body secretion other than blood for Acb complex, majority were hospitalized in intensive care unit (74%), had indwelling vascular catheters (68%) and were mechanically ventilated (61%). Multi drug resistant phenotypes were seen in 56 (69.1%) isolates and among them 13 (16%) were resistant to carbapenems. Univariate analysis showed renal disease, diabetes mellitus, use of mechanical ventilation and absence of appropriate antibiotic therapy, leucopenia, thrombocytopenia and raised prothrombin time were related to increased mortality in Acb complex bacteraemia. However, in multivariate analysis independent risk factors for mortality in Acb complex bacteraemia were platelets of less than 1.5 lacks and inappropriate empirical antibiotics. Conclusions: Thrombocytopenia and absence of appropriate antibiotics were risk factors associated with mortality in Acb bacteraemia. Patients with blood culture showing Acb complex bacteraemia with above findings should be attended with aggressive management. Clinician of hospitals with high incidence of Acb complex bacteraemia, should predict the chances of such infection even prior to blood culture reports are available, and should initiate appropriate antibiotics according to their institution antibiogram.

1862-1866

Authors: K. Samidurai

Objective: This study was undertaken to assess the larvicidal and ovicidal potential of the crude methanol, benzene and acetone solvent extracts from the medicinal plant Pemphis acidula (Pe. acidula) against the medically important mosquito vectors, Culex tritaeniorhynchus (Cx.tritaeniorhynchus) and Anopheles subpictus (An. subpictus) were exposed to various concentrations and (Diptera: Culicidae). Methods: Twenty five late third instar of Cx. tritaeniorhynchus and An. subpictus were exposed to various concentrations and were assayed in the laboratory by using the protocol of WHO 2005. The larval mortality was observed 24 h of treatment. Hundred eggs of Cx. tritaeniorhynchus and An. subpictus were exposed to various concentrations and were assayed in the laboratory by using the protocol of Su and Mulla 1998. The ovicidal activity was observed 48 h of treatment. Results: The LC50 and LC90 values being 10.81and 20.64 and 22.10 and 43.71 ppm and hundred percent of egg mortality was observed at 350 and 400 ppm methanol extract of Pe. acidula against Cx. tritaeniorhynchus and An. subpictus, respectively. Conclusion: These results suggest that the leaf extracts have the potential to be used as an ideal ecofriendly approach for the control of mosquitoes.

1869-1873

Authors: Manas Paramanik, Indranil Bhattacharjee, Goutam Chandra

Objective: To obtain a complete and systematic data about the breeding habitats and density of vector immatures (larvae & pupae) in a filarial endemic area. Methods: All the possible permanent and temporary water bodies were surveyed systematically. Four hundred samples were taken in each season from each type of habitats. Sampling was done with a 250 mL dipper and immature mosquitoes were identified following standard keys. Results: In summer, rainy and winter seasons, overall 49.64%, 44.64%, and 28.57% of the habitats were positive for immature filarial vector (Culex quinquefasciatus) respectively; 36.93%, 35.11%, and 21.18% of the samples were positive for immatures respectively and overall per dip densities (PDD) of them were 10.29, 10.18, and 4.40 respectively. In the study year overall PDD were much higher in open cesspits (19.53) and drains (17.24) than in other habitats. Peak PDD of vector immatures in Dobas (ditches), open cesspits and drains were in March whereas in paddy fields and temporary water bodies peak PPD were in September. Conclusion: Dobas, paddy fields, open cesspits, drains, and temporary water bodies were found to be the main breeding sites of filarial vector, Cx. quinquefasciatus in different months. Open cesspits and drains were suitable almost throughout the year with peak in summer. Dobas also act as a steady breeding site throughout the year, whereas temporary water bodies immerge as strong breeding site during pre-monsoon and monsoon seasons. Information about the breeding habitats will be helpful to formulate a filarial vector control strategy and in turn to control the filarial diseases in the study area.

1879-1882

Authors: Akshatha Venugopalan, Parvatam Giridhar

Objective: To study the antibacterial efficacy of Bixa orellana leaves and deseeded fruit capsule extracts against both Gram positive and Gram negative bacteria. Methods: The antibacterial activity of the ethanolic, methanolic, acetone and dimethyl sulphoxide extracts of B. orellana were tested against Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Bacillus subtilis, Bacillus cereus and Staphylococus aureus by disc diffusion method. Results: The antibacterial activity of leaf was more pronounced even at low concentrations and fruit extracts exhibited the same at relatively higher concentrations. Only DMSO extract of seeds showed growth inhibition of S. aureus, B. subtilis, B. cereus, and P. aeruginosa. Conclusions: The present study suggested that the leaves and deseeded capsule extracts of B. orellana possess significant antibacterial activity thereby providing substantial support for the ethanobotanical applications of this plant.

1888-1891

Authors: Ladan Mansouri-Najand

Objective: Background and aim: The most common and the best way of preventing microbial decay of marine foods is using freezing technology and the cycles and methods of defrosting have considerable effect on microbial changes of frozen shrimp. Shrimp is one of the marine foods that due to high active water (aw) and neutral PH and autolytic enzymes have high decay. Thus, in this study the effect of various methods of defrosts on microbial contamination of shrimp was investigated. Methods: This study was an empirical design on Penaeus merguiensis. The shrimps were divided into three groups including 1- peeled and headless (PUD), 2- Complete, 3- Headless (with skin) being frosted and defrosted in three cycles. Each group of shrimp was classified in terms of the type of defrosting method in three groups as 1- Microwave, 2- Refrigerator, 3- Water and were investigated in 3 cycles with the interval of 4 days. In this investigation, the total bacteria, Psychrophil bacteria, coliforms and Staphylococcus aureus were counted in private culture mediums. For data analysis, repeated measure Anova was used. Results: All the bacteria including Psychrophil bacteria, coliforms and Staphylococcus aureus during the cycles had significant reduction process and this reduction showed significant reduction in complete shrimp and defrosting with refrigerator compared to other groups (P<0.05). Conclusions: According to the results, complete shrimp was the best kind of shrimp in terms of microbial load. Thus, avoiding temperature changes during transportation and avoiding unduly defrosts in maintaining the quality of the frozen shrimp is proposed.

1896-1899

Authors: Anil Chander, Chandrika Devi Shrestha

Objective: To assess the levels of adenosine deaminase (ADA) in serum in patients with sputum smear negative pulmonary tuberculosis (SNPTB) and to compare it with serum ADA levels in patients with non-tuberculous pulmonary disease - chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and with healthy control group and to explore its validity as a diagnostic marker in serum in SNPTB patients. Methods: Three groups of study populations were made. Group I: SNPTB - 142 cases, Group II: non-tubercular pulmonary disease - COPD - 40 cases, Group III: healthy controls - 80 cases. Serum samples were collected and ADA assay was done by the method of Guisti and Galanti. Results: ADA levels (Mean±SD, U/L) in the three groups were as follows: Group I: 42.26±21.22, Group II: 23.31±8.22, Group III: 18.88±6.67. Difference between Group I and Group III was statistically significant (P < 0.0001). The test showed a high specificity 91.25% (95% confidence interval - CI 83.00 - 95.7) and a sensitivity of 83.10% (95% CI 76.08-88.37) in Group I. Positive predictive value, negative predictive value, positive likelihood ratio, negative likelihood ratio and accuracy in Group I were 94.00%, 69.52%, 9.49, 0.18 and 82.43% respectively.Conclusions: Overall assessment of the use of serum ADA levels as a diagnostic biochemical marker in smear-negative pulmonary tuberculosis patients showed promising results. Studies with a larger population group are required to validate its use as a routine diagnostic test in these cases.

1906-1909

Authors: Praveen Kumar Goyal, Renuka Jain, Shweta Jain, Archana Sharma

Objective: The large flowering plant genus Callistemon is belongs to family Myrtaceae and reported for its medical importance. Various parts of different species exhibit different medicinal importance and yet to be phytochemically investigated. In the different time various scientist have investigated the genus and reported the chemical constituents. A survey of literature on genus Callistemon reported the isolation of triterpenoids and steroids from leaves, seeds and stem bark of different species.

1918-1923

Authors: Mahendra Jain, Rakhee Kapadia, Ravirajsinh Navalsinh Jadeja, Menaka Chanu Thounaojam, Ranjitsinh Vijaysinh Devkar, Shri Hari Mishra

The aim of the present review is to present comprehensive information of the traditional uses, phytochemistry and pharmacology of Tecomella undulata (Family, Bignoniaceae) and to discuss future scope of research. Tecomella undulata (TU) is commonly known as desert teak (ver.Rohiro) and is traditionally for treating liver and spleen diseases, tumours, conjunctivitis, hepatosplenomegaly, syphilis, gonorrhea, hepatitis, as a blood purifier and in wound healing. Compounds such as naphthaquinone derivative, iridoid glucoside, phytosterol, fatty alcohol, flavonols, flavonoid glucoside and triterpenoids have been reported from TU. Anti HIV, antibacterial, anti microbial, immune modulator, analgesic and hepatoprotective activities have been reported from its various aerial parts. In the present review, attempts have been made to compile research reports on TU, to assess current research trends with possible future avenues of research.

1938-1944

Authors: agdish Narain Sharma

All the components of the kallikrein-kinin system are located in the cardiac muscle, and its deficiency may lead to cardiac dysfunction. In recent years, numerous observations obtained from clinical and experimental models of diabetes, hypertension, cardiac failure, ischaemia, myocardial infarction and left ventricular hypertrophy, have suggested that the reduced activity of the local kallikrein-kinin system may be instrumental for the induction of cardiovascular - related diseases. The cardioprotective property of the angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors is primarily mediated via kinin releasing pathway, which may cause regression of the left ventricular hypertrophy in hypertensive situations. The ability of kallikrein gene delivery to produce a wide spectrum of beneficial effects makes it an excellent candidate in treating hypertension, cardiovascular and renal diseases. In addition, stable kinin agonists may also be available in the future as therapeutic agents for cardiovascular and renal disorders.

1954-1962

Authors: Arin Bhattacharya, Rahul Mishra, Prashant Tiwari

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune disease in which body's immune system eats away the protective sheath that covers nerves which interferes with the communication between brain and the rest of body. Ultimately this may result in deterioration of the nerves themselves a process that’s irreversible. Symptoms vary widely, depending on the amount of damage and the type of nerves affected. Patients with severe cases of multiple sclerosis may lose the ability to walk or speak. Multiple sclerosis can be difficult to diagnose early in the course of the disease because symptoms often come and go sometimes disappearing for months. There’s no cure for multiple sclerosis. However treatments can help treat attacks, modify the course of the disease and treat symptoms.

1975-1978

Authors: Askari Nasrin, Akhtardanesh Baharak, Kheirandish Reza

A 6-year-old female nulliparous Dutch Rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus) was presented in shock status with a history of abdominal distention, inappetance, lethargy, polydipsia, diarrhea and weight loss since 2 weeks ago. There was no breeding history. Radiographic survey showed increased soft tissue opacity dorsal to the urinary bladder and ventral to the colon on the lateral view consistent with uteromegaly and severe intestinal distention resembling intussusceptions. Conservative treatment was failed and the animal died. In necropsy, ileocecal intussusception was noted as the main death factor. Thickened uterine endometrium in both horns was observed and the uterus was filled with mucoid fluid. Both ovaries were multilobulated and distended. On the other hand, a small cyst sized 1.5 × 2.5 cm was diagnosed on the liver surface. Several samples were obtained from lesions for histopathological evaluation. Histopathologically, dilated cystic glands of variable size lined by densely packed epithelium and hyperplasia of the endometrium resulting in irregular folds or papillar projection into the lumen were evident and the sections of ovaries revealed ovarian luteoma that composed of polyhedral cells with pale stained vacuolated cytoplasm, centrally located nuclei with distinct cytoplasmic borders and the cytoplasm of cells contain lipid droplet. The occurrence of biliary cyst adenoma was confirmed by microscopic examination of the mass that composed of multicystic space in different sizes lined by flattened to cuboidal biliary epithelium with papillary projections. These cysts were seperated by variable amount of connective tissue. The lack of postmortem investigations in aged rabbits reduced the incidence of neoplastic disease diagnosis in this species. Whereas uterine adenecarcinoma and lymphosarcoma were commonly reported in rabbits, luteoma and biliary cyst adenoma that are well described in this case report were uncommon in rabbit medicine.

1981-1982

Authors: Bafende Aombe Eric. ,Guilavogui Agathe., Kolié Cece.

The authors are reporting the first case of Human pentastomiasis in the forest region of Guinea in West Africa. The 52 years old man Guinean farmer has a history of eating snakes.The authors recommend to cook well snake before consumption and a moderation on the snake consumption.

85–87

Authors: Juraj Majtán, Jaroslav Černy, Alena Ofúkaná, Peter Takáč, Milan Kozánek

Objective To investigate a case of mass mortality of Garra rufa (G. rufa) from a fish hatchery farm in Slovakia. Methods Causative bacterial agent was swabbing out of affected fish skin area and subsequently identified using commercial test system. Antibiotic susceptibility was determined by the disk diffusion method. Results Infected G. rufa was characterized by abnormal swimming behaviour, bleeding of skin lesions and local haemorrhages. Despite of using recommended aquatic antibiotic treatment no improvement was achieved and Aeromonas sobria (A. sobria) was identified as a causative agent of fish mortality. Due to massive fish mortality, antibiotic susceptibility of pure isolated culture of A. sobria was evaluated employing eight antibiotics against human infections. A. sobria was resistant only against one antibiotic, namely ampicilin. Conclusions These results indicate that A. sobria can act as a primary pathogen of G. rufa and may be a potential risk factor for immunodeficient or immunoincompetent patients during the ichthyotherapy.

92–96

Authors: S Ravikumar, M Fredimoses, M Gnanadesigan

Objective To investigate the anticancer property of marine sediment actinomycetes against two different breast cancer cell lines. Methods In vitro anticancer activity was carried out against breast (MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231) cancer cell lines. Partial sequences of the 16s rRNA gene, phylogenetic tree construction, multiple sequence analysis and secondary structure analysis were also carried out with the actinomycetes isolates. Results Of the selected five actinomycete isolates, ACT01 and ACT02 showed the IC50 value with (10.13±0.92) and (22.34±5.82) µg/mL concentrations, respectively for MCF-7 cell line at 48 h, but ACT01 showed the minimum (18.54±2.49 µg/mL) level of IC50 value with MDA-MB-231 cell line. Further, the 16s rRNA partial sequences of ACT01, ACT02, ACT03, ACT04 and ACT05 isolates were also deposited in NCBI data bank with the accession numbers of GQ478246, GQ478247, GQ478248, GQ478249 and GQ478250, respectively. The phylogenetic tree analysis showed that, the isolates of ACT02 and ACT03 were represented in group I and III, respectively, but ACT01 and ACT02 were represented in group II. The multiple sequence alignment of the actinomycete isolates showed that, the maximum identical conserved regions were identified with the nucleotide regions of 125 to 221st base pairs, 65 to 119th base pairs and 55, 48 and 31st base pairs. Secondary structure prediction of the 16s rRNA showed that, the maximum free energy was consumed with ACT03 isolate (-45.4 kkal/mol) and the minimum free energy was consumed with ACT04 isolate (-57.6 kkal/mol). Conclusions The actinomycete isolates of ACT01 and ACT02 (GQ478246 and GQ478247) which are isolated from sediment sample can be further used as anticancer agents against breast cancer cell lines.

102–103

Authors: Shiwen Wang, Jing He, Lijuan Zhang

Objective To evaluate the Anaplasma phagocytophilum (A. phagocytophilum), Ehrlichia canis (E. canis), Dirofilaria immitis (D. immitis) (canine heartworm), Borrelia burgdorferi (B. burgdorferi) infections in countryside dogs from Yunnan, Hainan and Anhui provinces. Methods Serum samples were collected from 26 dogs in Yunnan, Hainan and Anhui provinces. The samples were tested using a commercial ELISA rapid diagnostic assay kit (SNAP® 4Dx®; IDEXX Laboratories, Inc. U.S.A.). Meanwhile, indirect immunofluorescence assay (IFA) recommended by WHO was conducted to detect IgG to A. phagocytophilum. Two methods were analyzed and compared. Results The number of serologically positive dogs for IgG to A. phagocytophilum was only 2 which was from Hainan province and none of the 26 dogs responded positive for E. canis, D. immitis (canine heartworm), and B. burgdorferi by ELISA rapid diagnostic method. The number of serologically positive dogs for IgG to A. phagocytophilum was 13 (50%) by IFA method. Data of the two methods were analyzed by statistical software and the difference was statistically significant (P=0.002). Conclusions It can be concluded that IFA method was more sensitive than ELISA rapid diagnostic method. However, we need conduct further and intensive epidemiology survey on tick-born diseases pathogens including A. phagocytophilum, E. canis, D. immitis (canine heartworm), and B. burgdorferi which have public health significance.

109–117

Authors: S Bhagavathy, P Sumathi

Objective To identify the available phytochemicals and carotenoids in the selected green algae and evaluate the potential genotoxic/antigenotoxic effect using lymphocytes. Methods Organic solvent extracts of Chlorococcum humicola (C. humicola) were used for the phytochemical analysis. The available carotenoids were assessed by HPLC, and LC-MS analysis. The genotoxicity was induced by the benzo(a)pyrene in the lymphocyte culture, the genotoxic and antigenotoxic effects of algal carotenoids with and without genotoxic inducer were evaluated by chromosomal aberration (CA), sister chromatid exchange (SCE) and micronucleus assay (MN). Results The results of the analysis showed that the algae were rich in carotenoids and fatty acids. In the total carotenoids lutein, β-carotene and α-carotene were found to be present in higher concentration. The frequency of CA and SCE increased by benzo(a)pyrene were significantly decreased by the carotenoids (P<0.05 for CA, P<0.001 for SCE). The MN frequencies of the cells were significantly decreased by the treatment with carotenoids when compared with the positive controls (P<0.05). Conclusions The findings of the present study demonstrate that, the green algae C. humicola is a rich source of bioactive compounds especially carotenoids which effectively fight against environmental genotoxic agents, the carotenoids itself is not a genotoxic substance and should be further considered for its beneficial effects.

125–127

Authors: Shakhawoat Hossain, Golam Kader, Farjana Nikkon, Tanzima Yeasmin

Objective To investigate the cytotoxicity of the crude ethanol extract of the rhizome of Zingiber zerumbet (Z. zerumbet) (L) Smith. and Curcuma zedoaria (C. zedoaria) Rosc. against Artemia salina Leach. Methods Fresh rhizomes of Z. zerumbet (L) Smith. and C. zedoaria Rosc. were extracted separately in cold with ethanol (2.5 L) and after concentration a brownish syrupy suspension of ethanol extracts of Z. zerumbet (L) Smith. and C. zedoaria Rosc. was obtained. The cytotoxic effect of the crude ethanol extracts of both plants was determined by brine shrimp lethality bioassay. Results Crude ethanol extracts of the rhizome of Z. zerumbet (L) Smith. showed the highest cytotoxicity (LC50 was 1.24 µg/mL) against brine shrimp nauplii as compared with C. zedoaria Rosc. (LC50 was 33.593 µg/mL) after 24 h of exposure. Conclusions It can be concluded that the rhizome of Z. zerumbet (L) Smith. and C. zedoaria Rosc. can be used as a source of cytotoxic agent.

134–139

Authors: Patel DK, Kumar R, Kumar M, Sairam K, Hemalatha S

To evaluate the aldose reductase inhibitory (ARI) activity of different fractions of Hybanthus enneaspermus for potential use in diabetic cataract. Methods Total phenol and flavonoid content of different fractions was determined. ARI activity of different fractions in rat lens was investigated in vitro. Results The results showed significant level of phenolic and flavonoid content in ethyl acetate fraction [total phenol (212.15±0.79 mg/g), total flavonoid (39.11±2.27 mg/g)] and aqueous fraction [total phenol (140.62±0.57 mg/g), total flavonoid (26.07±1.49 mg/g)] as compared with the chloroform fraction [total phenol (68.56±0.51 mg/g), total flavonoid (13.41±0.82 mg/g)] and petrolium ether fraction [total phenol (36.68±0.43 mg/g), total flavonoid (11.55±1.06 mg/g)]. There was a significant difference in the ARI activity of each fraction, and it was found to be the highest in ethyl acetate fraction [IC50 (49.26±1.76 µg/mL)] followed by aqueous extract [IC50 (70.83±2.82 µg/mL)] and it was least in the petroleum ether fraction [IC50 (118.89±0.71 µg/mL)]. Chloroform fraction showed moderate activity [IC50 (98.52±1.80 µg/mL)]. Conclusions Different fractions showed significanct amount of ARI activity, where in ethyl acetate fraction it was found to be maximum which may be due to its high phenolic and flavonoid content. The extract after further evaluation may be used in the treatment of diabetic cataract.

144–148

Authors: Jude E Okokon, Anwanga E Udoh, Samuel G Frank, Louis U Amazu

Objective To evaluate the anti-inflammatory and analgesic activities of leaf extract of Melanthera scandens (M. scandens). Methods The crude leaf extract (39–111 mg/kg) of M. scandens was investigated for anti-inflammatory and analgesic activities using various experimental models. The anti-inflammatory activity was investigated using carragenin, egg-albumin induced oedema models, while acetic acid, formalin-induced paw licking and thermal-induced pain models were used to evaluate the antinociceptive property. Results The extract caused a significant (P<0.05 – 0.001) dose-dependent reduction of inflammation and pains induced by different agents used. Conclusions The leaf extract possesses anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects which may be mediated through the phytochemical constituents of the plant.

152–155

Authors: Radhika Warikoo, Ankita Ray, Jasdeep Kaur Sandhu, Roopa Samal, Naim Wahab, Sarita Kumar

Objective To assess the larvicidal and irritant activities of the hexane extracts of leaves of Citrus sinensis (C. sinensis) against the early fourth instars and female adults of Aedes aegypti (Ae. aegypti). Methods The larvicidal potential of the prepared leaf extract was evaluated against early fourth instar larvae of Ae. aegypti using WHO protocol. The mortality counts were made after 24 h and LC50 and LC90 values were calculated. The efficacy of extract as mosquito irritant was assessed by contact irritancy assays. Extract-impregnated paper was placed on a glass plate over which a perspex funnel with a hole on the top was kept inverted. Single female adult, 3-day old unfed/blood-fed, was released inside the funnel. After 3 min of acclimatization time, the time taken for the first take-off and total number of flights undertaken during 15 min were scored. Results The citrus leaf extracts from hexane possessed moderate larvicidal efficiency against dengue vector. The bioassays resulted in an LC50 and LC90 value of 446.84 and 1 370.96 ppm, respectively after 24 h of exposure. However, the extracts were proved to be remarkable irritant against adults Ae. aegypti, more pronounced effects being observed on blood-fed females than unfed females. The extract-impregnated paper was thus proved to be 7–11 times more irritable as compared with the control paper. Conclusions The hexane extracts from C. sinensis leaves are proved to be reasonably larvicidal but remarkably irritant against dengue vector. Further studies are needed to identify the possible role of extract as adulticide, oviposition deterrent and ovicidal agent. The isolation of active ingredient from the extract could help in formulating strategies for mosquito control.

159–162

Authors: Orawan Khow, Sunutcha Suntrarachun

Bacteria have long been the favorite expression system for recombinant protein production. However, the flaw of the system is that insoluble and inactive proteins are co-produced due to codon bias, protein folding, phosphorylation, glycosylation, mRNA stability and promoter strength. Factors are cited and the methods to convert to soluble and active proteins are described, for example a tight control of Escherichia coli milieu, refolding from inclusion body and through fusion technology.

166–168

Authors: Suman S Karanth, Hariharan Regunath, Kiran Chawla, Mukhyaprana Prabhu

Burkholderia cepacia (B. cepacia) infection is rarely reported in an immunocompetent host. It is a well known occurence in patients with cystic fibrosis and chronic granulomatous disease where it increases both morbidity and mortality. It has also been included in the list of organisms causing nosocomial infections in an immunocompetent host, most of them transmitted from the immunocompromised patient in which this organism harbors. We report a rare case of isolation of B. cepacia from the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid of an immunocompetent agriculturist who presented with productive cough and fever associated with a pyopneumothorax. This is the first case of community acquired infection reported in an immunocompetent person in India.

464-469

Authors: Ramadoss Karthikeyan, PannemVenkatesh, Nesepogu Chandrasekhar

Objective: To evaluate the pharmacognostic parameters of the leaves of Abutilon indicum (Linn.) Sweet which will assist in standardization, quality assurance, purity and sample identification of the species. Methods: The pharmacognostic studies were carried out in terms of organoleptic, microscopic, powder microscopic, leaf constants and fluorescence analysis. Results: Macroscopic study showed that the leaf shape -cordate, Size -2-4 cm long, Colour - Green, Odour -Characteristic, Taste -Characteristic, Surface - Smooth, Apex -Acute to acuminate, Lamina-Simple, Cordate, Reticulate, Dentate, Margin-Crenate-Dentate. The microscopic features of leaves were observed as covering trichomes, glandular trichome, vascular bundles, crystals, stomata ,mucilage secretory cells adaxial epidermis, palisade mesophyll, spongy mesophyll and lateral vein. Further the study was evaluated leaf constants, powder microscopy and fluorescence study of leaf powder. Conclusion: Various pharmacognostic characters observed in this study help in the identification and standardization of Abutilon indicum (Linn.) Sweet.

477-483

Authors: Md. Sarfaraj Hussain, Sheeba Fareed, Mohammad Ali

Objective: A simple, accurate, and rapid high-performance thin-layer chromatographic (HPTLC) method for simultaneous quantification of the two biologically active flavonoidal compounds, gallic acid and quercetin, in Hygrophila auriculata (K. Schum) Heine (HA) has been established and validated. Methods: Chromatography was performed on aluminium foil-backed silica gel 60 F254 HPTLC plates with the binary mobile phase toluene: ethyl acetate: formic acid (5:4:1, v/v/v). Ultraviolet detection was performed densitometrically at the maximum absorbance wavelength, 270nm. The method was validated for precision, recovery, robustness, specificity, and detection and quantification limits, in accordance with ICH guidelines. Results: The system was found to give compact spots for gallic acid (GA) and quercetin (QE) (Rf value of 0.31 and 0.50, respectively). The limit of detection (23 and 41 ng band-1) limit of quantification (69 and 123 ng band-1), recovery (99.4-99.9 and 98.7-99.4%), and precision (i.e ≤1.98 and 1.97) were satisfactory for gallic acid and quercetin respectively. Linearity range for GA and QE were 100-1000 (r2= 0.9991) and 150-900 ng band-1 (r2= 0.9956) and the contents estimated as 0.28±0.01% and 0.41±0.01% w/w respectively. Conclusions: This simple, precise and accurate method gave good resolution from other constituents present in the extract. The method has been successfully applied in the analysis and routine quality control of herbal material and formulations containing Hygrophila auriculata (K. Schum) Heine.

488-493

Authors: Pramod V. Pattar, M. Jayaraj

Objective: An efficient reproducible protocol has been developed for in vitro regeneration of plantlets from leaf and nodal explants of Aristolochia indica L. Methods: Wild grown plants Aristolochia indica L. were collected and grown in the departmental garden. Leaf and nodal segments (0.5-1.0 cm) from young healthy plants were first washed thoroughly under running tap water for 15 - 20 minutes and then treated with liquid detergent [5% (v/v) Tween-20] for 5-10 minutes. Later these explants were washed with double-distilled water for 5 minutes. Subsequently, explants were immersed in 70% (v/v) ethanol for 2 - 3 minutes and washed with sterile glass double distilled water for 2-3 times. Eventually, the explants were treated with an aqueous solution of 0.1% (w/v) HgCl2 for 1 - 2 minutes and rinsed for two-to-three times in sterile ddH 2O to remove all traces of HgCl2. The sterilized explants were inoculated aseptically onto solid basal Murashige and Skoog’s medium with different concentrations and combinations of BAP and NAA for in vitro regeneration of plants. Results: Both leaf and nodal explants cultured on MS medium supplemented with 0.8 mg/L BAP developed into mass of callus. These calli were subcultured for the induction of shoots and roots. Shoots were induced from both calli on MS medium supplemented with 0.8 mg/L BAP+0.5 mg/L NAA. Roots were induced from in vitro shoots on MS medium supplemented with 0.8 mg/L NAA for 4 weeks. Nodal explants were more regenerative with 95 % response compared to leaf explants with 85%. Finally, these in vitro regenerated plantlets were hardened, acclimatised and successfully transferred to the field. Conclusions: The present protocol for in vitro regeneration of Aristolochia indica L. can be used to make this plant available throughout the year for traditional healers, pharmaceutical usages, germplasm conservation, commercial cultivation, and also for the production of secondary metabolites.

501-505

Authors: Deenanath Jhade, Sachin Jain, Ankit Jain, Praveen Sharma

Objective: Pharmacognostic Screening and evaluate the in-vitro free radical scavenging activity of roots Acacia leucophloea. Methods: Pharmacognostic Standardization, Physico-chemical evaluation of the roots of Acacia leucophloea was carried out to determine its macro-and microscopical characters and also some of its quantitative standards. Microscopical studies were done by using trinocular microscope. Microscopically, root showed cork, cortex, stellar region and calcium oxalate crystals. Petroleum ether, ethanol, aqueous extracts of Acacia leucophloea were prepared, with successive extraction in soxhlet apparatus. Each extract was selected to study the free radical scavenging activity by superoxide scavenging assay method. Results: It was found that aqueous extract contained carbohydrates, glycosides amino acids flavonoids, tannins, alkaloids, steroids; ethanolic extract contained glycosides amino acids flavonoids, tannins, alkaloids, steroids. Ethanolic extract of Acacia leucophloea shows maximam inhibition in superoxide scavenging model. Aqueous extract also showed almost similar activity compared to ethanolic extract), while Petroleum ether extract showed poor inhibition of superoxide scavenging activity. Conclusion: The present study on pharmacognostic standardization, physico and phytochemical evaluation of Acacia leucophloea root might be useful to supplement information about its identification parameters assumed significantly in the way of acceptability of herbal drugs in present scenario lacking regulatory laws to control quality of herbal drugs.

511-513

Authors: P.K. Chauhan, V. Singh

Objective: To evaluate acute and subacute toxicity of the acetone extract of Centella asiatica (Brahmi). Methods: Toxicity of Centella asiatica was evaluated in Swiss mice after ingestion of the extract during one day (acute model) and during 15 days (subacute model). The Biochemical parameters evaluated included creatinine, calcium, inorganic phosphorous, alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) were assessed using commercial kits. Results: The results of the present investigation revealed that the LD50 of the extract is higher than 4000mg/kg and subacute treatment did not shows any change in corporal weight and hematological parameters. However, a change in liver weight but not in hepatic enzymes was observed. This suggested that the liver function is not altered by Centella asiatica. Some changes in the creatinine content were observed but could not be relative with the extract dose. Conclusions: The results suggest that the plant seems to be destitute of toxic effects in mice.

519-525

Authors: P Vijayabaskar, ST Somasundaram

Objective: To investigate the potent and specific anticoagulant activity of molluscan glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) isolated from whole clam tissue Donax cuneatus (D. cuneatus). Methods: Purification of few milligram quantities of GAGs from this tissue sample permitted a thorough examination of its anticoagulant activity characterization, which was partially purified by fractionation by anion exchange chromatography using DEAE cellulose column. The isolated crude and partially purified fractionated sample was showing metachromatic shift while using azure-A. The sample also exhibited prominent of biological and anti-fXa anticoagulant activity assays. Mobility was analyzed by two different buffer systems using agarose gel electrophoresis. Results: The fractionated molluscan GAG was also found to have similar peaks as that of standard heparin when assessed by the FT-IR spectrum. Finally molecular weight was determined by the gradient PAGE for crude and fractionated-II GAG, which were found to be 65 000 Da and 50 000 Da, respectively. Conclusions: The bivalve GAG was subjected to fractionation for further purification and its chemical components were analyzed. The fractionated clam heparin also showed substantial in vitro anticoagulant activity than that of commercial heparins.

532-535

Authors: Joghee Suresh, Jitin Ahuja, Nallupillai Paramakrishnan

Objective: To investigate the pharmacognostic characters of important medicinal plant, Artemisia parviflora (A. parviflora) Roxb. Methods: The pharmacognostic studies were carried out in terms of macroscopical, microscopical characters, physicochemical parameters of A. parviflora. Samples of different plant parts were fixed with formalin, acetic acid and ethyl alcohol (FAA), sectioned with rotary microtome and studied under microscope. Results: Some of the diagnostic features of the leaves and stems are the presence of amphistomatic epidermis, cyclocytic stomata, and collateral vascular bundles. Macroscopic study showed basal and lower stem leaves cuneate, oblong-obovate to flabellate, coarsely dentate to incised-dentate at the apex; middle and upper stem leaves mostly basally auriculate, palmatifid to deeply palmatisect or irregularly incised laciniate into linear to narrow lanceolate, acute segments. Further, ash and extractive values were calculated as per WHO guidelines. The preliminary phytochemical screening showed the presence of alkaloids, sterols/terpenoids, flavonoids, tannins, phenols and coumarins. Conclusion: Various pharmacognostical characters were observed in study which can help in identification and standardization of A. parviflora.

539-542

Authors: Narender Prasad D, B Ganga Rao, E Sambasiva Rao, T Mallikarjuna Rao, VS Praneeth D

Objective: To investigate the quantification of total phenolic, alkaloid content and in-vitro antioxidant activity of ethanol (70%), methanol, ethyl acetate and hexane extracts of Mesua ferrea (M. ferrea) leaves. Methods: The quantification of the total phenolic and alkaloid contents were estimated by taking gallic acid and atropine are as a standard; In-vitro antioxidant activity was evaluated for extracts by using different free radicals (superoxide, hydroxyl and DPPH). Results: M. ferrea leaves ethanol (70%) extract have more phenolic and alkaloidal content than other extracts. The selected plant extracts were produced concentration dependent percentage inhibition of different free radicals and produced maximum activity at a concentration of 1 280 µg and there after the percentage inhibition were raised gradually to its maximum level with higher concentrations. Conclusion: In the present study we found that the extracts of M. ferrea showed good antioxidant activity. Among the four extracts, the ethanol (70%) extract showed better activity than other extracts.

547-549

Authors: Keivan Saeb, Sara Gholamrezaee

Objective: To determine the best time of harvest for Melissa officinalis (M. officinalis) L. to gain highest amounts essential oil.Methods: M. officinalis leaves were harvested in three different stages (before flowering stage, flowering stage and after of flowering stage) and were dried. The essential oils were isolated by hydro- distillation and analyzed by GC/MS.Results: It showed that most essential oils of plants were in before flowering stage. In before flowering stage 37 compounds were identified in leaves oil of M.officinalis. The major components before flowering stage were decadienal (29.38%), geraniol (25.3%), caryophyllene oxide (8.75%), geranyl acetate (5.41%). In the flowering stage 36 compounds were identified as the major components of plant essential oils: decadienal (28.04%), geraniol (24.97%), caryophyllene oxide (7.55%), caryophyllene E (4.65%) and 16 components in the after flowering stage of plant were identified as the major components carvacrol (37.62%), methyl citronellate (32.34%), geranyl acetate (5.82%), caryophyllene (5.50%).Conclusions: The essential oils yields vary considerably from month-to-month and is also influenced by the micro-environment (sun or shade) in which the plant is growing. We found that the essential oil content of M. officinalis L. of leaves is significantly affected by harvesting stages.

555-558

Authors: R. Subramanian, P. Subbramaniyan, V. Raj

Objective: To determine the minerals, Iron (Fe), Sodium (Na), Potassium (K), Manganese (Mn) and trace elements, Lead (Pb), Copper (Cu), Cadmium (Cd) and Zinc (Zn) in two tropical medicinal plants (Syzygium caryophyllatum and Syzygium densiflorum). Methods: All the elements were determined by using atomic absorption spectrophotometer (AAS). Results: The average concentrations of Fe, Zn, Cu, Mn, Pb and Cd detected in leaves of Syzygium caryophyllatum and Syzygium densiflorum were 99.275±0.022, 17.302±0.010, 45.498±0.072, 47.344±0.021, 7.634±0.050, 0.253±0.003 and 93.829±0.015, 17.412±0.064, 64.866±0.058, 31.777±0.051, 6.768±0.010 and 0.343± 0.004, respectively. Conclusions: The mineral contents in the medicinal plants are at different levels. Therefore, these medicinal plants are rich in some essential elements and very least amount in trace elements, especially Fe and Mn which are essential for human health.

568-574

Authors: Krishnaveni Eahamban, Johnson Marimuthu, Antonisamy

Objective: The present study aimed to investigate the preliminary phytochemical analysis and UV-VIS, HPTC profiling and the antibacterial activity of Gracilaria corticata J. Ag extracts against the Gram positive and Gram negative bacteria. Methods: Preliminary phytochemical screening was carried out by Harborne method. The G. corticata extracts were tested against bacteria by the agar disc diffusion method. Results: The results of the presence study showed the presence of alkaloids, steroids, phenolic groups, saponins, tannin, flavonoids, terpenoids, glycosides and sugars. Proteins, xantoproteins, coumarins and catechin did not show any positive result for their presence in any of the six extracts of Gracilaria corticata tested. The result of the present study revealed the various behavior character of Gracilaria corticata crude drug. The UV-VIS spectrum profile of Gracilaria corticata methanolic, petroleum ether, benzene and aqueous extracts profiles were recorded. The HPLC profile of Gracilaria corticata petroleum ether benzene and aqueous extracts were tabulated. The maximum (9/12 bacterial pathogens) degree of antibacterial activity was observed in isopropanol soxhlet extracts followed by isopropanol cold extracts (7/12 bacterial pathogens). Conclusion: The results of the present study showed that G. corticata may be rich sources of phytoconstituents which can be isolated and further screened for different kinds of biological activities, depending on their reported therapeutic uses.

580-583

Authors: Akpera T. MANASSEH (FIMLS), Jombo T.A. Godwin (FMCPath), EMANGHE E Ubleni (FMCPath), Oguntayo O. Borisde (MSc)

Objective: This study was set up to review the phytochemistry of Ganoderma applanatum, its potentiality in nanotechological engineering for clinical use as well as impact of aqueous extracts of Ganoderma applanatum on laboratoery rats infected with Trypanosoma brucei brucei. Methods: Aqueous extracts of Ganoderma applanatum were obtained using hot sterile distilled water and whatmann filter paper. The presence of saponins, alkaloids, tannins, anthraquinones, flavonoids, cardiac glycosides and steroids were tested using standard procedures. Acqueous extracts were also inoculated into laboratory rats infected with Trypanosoma brucei brucei along with both positive and negative controls. Blood samples were collected daily, stained with Giemsa’s stain and examined for the presence of parasites.Results: Ganoderma applanatum aqueous extracts contained detectable levels of saponins, flavonoids, cardiac glycosides and steroids but undetectable levels of alkaloids, tannins and anthraquinone. All the infected rats died by day 12 from overwhelming trypanosomal infections.Conclusion: The biochemical constituents of Ganoderma species should be subjected to nanotechnological engineering in order to probably discover more of its wider therapeutic benefits, and to further disprove its suitability or otherwise in the treatment of African sleeping sickness.

589-592

Authors: SS Saboo, GG Tapadiya, SS Khadabadi

Objective: To study the morpho-anatomy of the leaf, stem and root of these plants to increase the knowledge and standardization parameters of Trichodesma sedgwickianum (TRS) and Trichodesma indium (TRI) of Borginaceae family.Methods: Transverse section of different organs of plants carried out by free hand and various types of histochemical tests were performed for the identification of microchemical by using different reagents.Results: Transverse section of TRS leaf shows presense of phloem tissue and anomocytic stomata with both glandular and covering trichomes. Stem contain epidermal brown tissue and collenchyma. Root shows presence of xylem and starch grains. TRI leaf contains radiating arc of xylem, phloem and pericyclic fiber. Stem shows presence of cortex with chlorenchymatous cells. Anatomically roots revealed the presense of xylem, phloem and oil globules. Unicerate covering trichomes and anisocytic stomata are present. Conclusions: The pharmacognostic constants and diagnostic microscopic features reported in this work could be useful for the compilation of a suitable monograph and its proper identification and standardisation of these two species.

601-604

Authors: Arokiyaraj S, Sripriya N, Bhagya R, Radhika B, Prameela L, Udayaprakash NK

Objective: To evaluate methanolic extracts of leaves of Artemisia nilagirica, Mimosa pudica and Clerodendrum siphonanthus for phytochemical analysis, antibacterial activity and free radical scavenging activity. Methods: Antibacterial activity was performed by disc diffusion method against two gram positive and four gram negative strains. Free radical scavenging potential was evaluated using total antioxidant activity (thiocyanate method) and diphenyl-picryl-hydrazyl (DPPH) assay. Results: Results of the present study showed that Clerodendrum siphonanthus exhibited significant antibacterial effect against Klebsiella pneumoniae (30 mm), Proteus mirabilis (16 mm), Salmonella typhi (16 mm), Staphylococcus aureus (12 mm), Escherichia coli (11.5 mm) and Bacillus subtilis (10 mm). Mimosa pudica and Artemisia nilagirica showed good antibacterial effects. Clerodendrum siphonanthus was found to be extremely effective in scavenging lipid peroxide (IC50 8 mg/mL) and DPPH radicals (IC50 7 mg/mL), whereas Artemisia nilagirica and Mimosa pudica showed moderate activity. Phytochemical analysis of these plants revealed presence of tannins, alkaloids, flavanoids, terpenoids and glycosides. Conclusions: This study showed that Artemisia nilagirica, Mimosa pudica and Clerodendrum siphonanthus may serve as a potential agent for new therapeutics.

612-617

Authors: Md Sarfaraj Hussain, Sheeba Fareed, Mohammad Ali

Objective: To analyse the two marker compounds lupeol (LP) and stigmasterol (ST) from methanolic extract of Hygrophila auriculata (H. auriculata). Methods: Separation was achieved on aluminium plates precoated with silica gel 60F254 with toluene-methanol-formic acid (7.0: 2.7: 0.3 v/v/v) as mobile phase. Results: Densitometric analysis was performed at 530 nm in the reflectance mode. Compact bands for LP and ST were obtained at RF 0.52 ± 0.02 and 0.28 ± 0.05. Linearity (r2=0.998 5 and 0.993 7), limit of detection (45 and 18 ng/band) limit of quantification (135 and 54 ng/band), recovery (98.2%-99.7% and 97.2%-99.6%), and precision (<2.18 and 1.91) were satisfactory for LP and ST respectively. Linearity range for LP and ST were 100-1 000 and 50-500 ng/band and the contents estimated as (0.19±0.1)% and (0.47±0.1)% w/w respectively. Conclusion: The method demonstrated efficient analysis testing of LP and ST in samples; therefore it can be used for routine analysis.

623-626

Authors: Deepak M Kasote, Anand A Zanwar, Santosh T Devkar, Mahabaleshwar V Hegde, Keshav K Deshmukh

Objective: To investigate the immunomodulatory activity of ether insoluble phenolic components of n-butanol fraction (EPC-BF) of flaxseed in rat. Methods: Immunomodulatory activity of EPC-BF was assessed in rat at oral doses of 150 and 300 mg/kg using neutrophil adhesion test, heamagglutination test and measuring delayed type hypersensitivity response. Results: EPCBF modulates immune response by significantly reducing cell-mediated immune response at oral dose 150 mg/kg but not at dose 300 mg/kg. However, EPC-BF did not affect on the neutrophil adhesion and humoral immunity at both the studied doses. Conclusion: EPC-PC modulates immune response by reducing cell-mediated immune response at lower dose but not at higher dose, which could be due to the presence of both immunostimulant and immunosuppressant phenols together in EPC-BF. These studies suggest that EPC-BF could be a promising source for new immune modifier.

632-636

Authors: Sanchita Das, Asis Bala, Manas Bhowmik, Lakshmi Kanta Ghosh

Objective: To investigate Schima wallichii (S. wallichii) Choisy (Ternstroemiaceae) which is a well known plant of Sikkim in the Himalayan region, India. Methods: Therefore three major flavonoid enriched fractions (FPet.Ether, FChloroform and FEthylacetate) were isolated by petroleum ether chloroform and ethyl acetate successively. The reactive nitrogen species scavenging activity of the flavonoid fractions was established using biochemical assay to measure scavenging of 2, 2 diphenyl picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), nitric oxide (NO) and peroxinitrite. Results: FEthylacetate showed maximum scavenging activity: their IC50 being (7.33 ± 3.32), (7.11 ± 2.21), and (6.67 ± 2.23) µg/mL in DPPH, NO, peroxinitrite radical respectively. Presence of (57.32 ± 2.31) and (163.4 ± 2.22) µg of flavonoids and phenolic compound in 1 mg of extract is assumed to be responsible for free radical scavenging activity. Conclusion: Taken together S. wallichii has potent free radical scavenging property indicating its importance in food supplement as a rich source of active flavonoid and phenolic compounds in ethyl acetate fraction which is responsible for its free radical scavenging as well as antioxidant activity.

641-645

Authors: Vinod Kumar Nathan, Johnson Marimuthu Antonisamy, Wesely Edward Gnanaraj, Kavitha Marappampalayam Subramanian

Objective: The present study was aimed to investigate the preliminary phytochemical analysis and HPTLC profiling and the antibacterial activity of P. pterocarpum methanolic flower extracts against the bacteria isolated from human infections. Methods: The preliminary phytochemical screening was performed according to the Harborne method. HPTLC studies were carried out using Harborne and Wagner et al method. The methanolic flower extracts of P. pterocarpum were tested against Salmonella typhi (MTCC 733), Staphylococcus aureus (MTCC 96), Proteus mirabilis (MTCC 742), Bacillus subtilis (MTCC 441) and Escherichia coli (MTCC 443). The antimicrobial activity was tested through well diffusion method. Results: The phytochemical studies on methanolic flower extract of Peltophorum pterocarpum (DC.) Baker ex Heyne. revealed the presence of glycosides, flavonoids, phenolics, saponins, catechin and alkaloids. The HPTLC separation was achieved using ethyl acetate-methanol-ethanol-water (8.1: 1.1: 0.4: 0.8) as the mobile phase. The methanolic extract of P. pterocarpum showed four different Rf values 0.16, 0.31, 0.77 and 0.82 which indicated various glycosides present in the flower extract. The methanolic extract of P. pterocarpum showed the maximum zone of inhibition against Proteus mirabilis followed by Salmonella typhi. Conclusion: Bio-assay revealed the presence of specific and selective antimicrobial compounds in the fractions. Broad range activity of plant extracts as per observations in this study was due to presence of multiple antimicrobial compounds or synergic effects of these compounds. Therefore, standardization of active fractions and study for in vivo efficacy may result in development of better antimicrobial drugs.

656-661

Authors: Monjoy Kumar Choudhury, S Venkatraman, Lokesh Upadhyay

Objective: To investigate the anti-hyperglycemic and peripheral glucose utilization activity of petroleum ether extract of leafs of Streblus asper (SAPE) as well as to find out the hypoglycemic property of Apiol and its presence in the SAPE. Methods: The GCMS analysis was conducted to identify the Apiol present in the SAPE. Six groups of animals, containing six animals in each, were selected for this study. The first group served as control and provided only vehicle solution. Group second served as vehicle control and treated with 0.5% CMC (carboxy methyl cellulose) orally. Group third to sixth, were treated with glibemclamide (600 ug/kg bw) and SAPE 100 mg/kg bw, 250 mg/kg bw and 500 mg/kg bw respectively. In the second experiment, three groups of animals containing six animals in each were selected and were made diabetic as described earlier and simultaneously treated with pure Apiol at the dosages of 50 mg/kg bw, 75 mg/bw and 100 mg/ kg bw respectively. Results: The GCMS analysis reviled the presence of Apiol molecules in the leaves of SAPE. Administration of SAPE and Apiol to the diabetic rats exhibited significant anti diabetic property (P<0.01). After 30 days of SAPE treatment, the fasting blood sugar levels of the diabetic rats were significantly reduced (P<0.001) along with restoration in their glycolytic and gluconeogenic enzyme activities, glycogen content and insulin level. Conclusions: The SAPE exhibited remarkable anti diabetic activity and excellent control over peripheral glucose utilization. Thus, it can be concluded that Apiol may be responsible for its anti-diabetic property.

667-669

Authors: Hema Lohani, Harish C. Andola. Nirpendra Chauhan, Ujjwal Bhandari

Objective: To evaluate the variation of Cinnamomum tamala leaf essential oil in respect with months and tree size class. Methods: By fallowing standard laboratory methods using capillary GC-FID and GC-MS. Results: The oil samples were analyzed for two months and two different tree size classes. cinnamaldehyde, was the principal component, was higher in the both months i.e. October and January, highest in 30 cm girth class tree in January month (59.23%) and lowest in 60 cm girth class tree in a month of October (41.90%). Smaller size class tree contained greater amount of cinnamaldehyde as compared to higher size class. Conclusions: Consequences of the present study need to selection of proper, tree size and month for harsh economic potentials of such valuable resources.

680-684

Authors: Kalpna Rakholiya, Sumitra Chanda

Objective: The aim of the present study was to investigate the morphological and microscopical characters of Mangifera indica L. leaf collected from Gujarat region and its phytochemical and physicochemical analysis. Methods: Microscopic characters and powder analysis was done under microscope. The physiochemical properties such as loss on drying, total ash value, acid insoluble ash value, water soluble ash value, pH, solubility and extractive values of M. indica were carried out. Results: The upper epidermis was irregular, wavy with thick epidermal layer; and prismatic, rosette and cluster types of calcium oxalate crystals were found. In phytochemical analysis, cardiac glycosides and tannins showed maximum amounts. Conclusions: The present study provides pharmacognostical, physicochemical and phytochemical details of the M. indica leaf which are useful in laying down standardization and pharmacopoeia parameters.

689-694

Authors: Saboo Shweta, Tapadiya Ganesh, Khadabadi Somshekhar

Objectives: To study the morpho-anatomy of the aerial parts of Rivea hypocrateriformi (Convolvulaceae) to increase the knowledge and standardization parameters of these plants and its family. Methods: Morpho-anatomical studies of aerial parts of have been carried out by free hand. The different types of histochemical tests were performed for the identification of micro-chemical by using staining reagents. Preliminary phytochemical and quantitative estimation has been determined along with HPTLC fingerprinting. CAMAG HPTLC system equipped with Linomat V applicator, TLC scanner 3, Reprostar 3 and WIN CATS-4 software was used for fingerprinting. Results: The morpho-anatomical structure of plant revealed the presence of thick wall collenchyma cell and parenchyma cells along with spharaphides and columnar palisade cells. Presense of numerous covering trichomes, parasitic stomata, oval shaped vascular bundles and calcium oxalate crystals were observed. In powder microscopy lignified xylem vessels, and covering trichomes were clearly seen. Physicochemical parameters, ash value, inorganic elements, moisture content and extractive value were determined to develop the stringent pharmacognostic standards. Qualitative standardization and HPTLC fingerprinting of phytochemical revealed the presense of various plant secondary metabolites. Conclusions: These findings will be useful in establishing pharmacognostic and phytochemical standards for identification, as well as assessment of purity and quality of this plant, which definitely gaining the relevance in plant drug research and establishment of plant monograph.

700-705

Authors: Smilin Bell Aseervatham G, Shamna R, Sangeetha, Sasikumar JM

Objective: To evaluate the in vivo activity of bark extract of Bixa orellana L. (B. orellana) against acetaminophen induced oxidative stress. Methods: In the present study, antioxidant activity of B. orellana was evaluated by using normal and acetaminophen induced oxidative stressed rats at the dose of 100 mg/kg and 200 mg/kg p.o. oraly daily for 20 days. The animal's body weight was checked before and after treatment. Different biochemical parameters such as serum glutamate pyruvate transaminases, serum glutamate oxalo transaminases, alkaline phosphatase, total bilirubin, cholesterol, protein, lactate dehydrogenase, superoxide dismutase, catalase, ascorbic acid, lipid peroxide was performed. Histopathological analysis of the control and the hepatotoxicity induced rats were performed. Results: It was observed that the B. orellana bark extract showed significant protective activity against acetaminophen induced damage at 200 mg/kg dose level, while the 100 mg/kg dose showed moderate activity. Conclusions: From the result obtained in the present study suggest that B. orellana bark extract elicit protective activity through antioxidant activity on acetaminophen induced hepatic damage in rats.

712-715

Authors: Nidhi Gupta, Aditya Ganeshpurkar, Nishikant Jatav, Divya Bansal, Nazneen Dubey

Objective: To investigate chick pancreatic lipase inhibitory activities of the Abroma augusta (A. augusta). Methods: A. augusta was first extracted with methanol and subjected to phytochemical screenings. Quantitative estimation of flavonoids, phenolics and alkaloids was done. Pancreatic lipase from chick pancreas was isolated and used as substrate for anti-lipase studies. Results: A. augusta extract effectively inhibited concentration dependent lipase activity, whereby extract at concentration 100 µg/mL inhibited 88.6% enzyme activity. Conclusions: From these results, it could be concluded that A. augusta can be used as a potential source anti-lipase agents.

723-726

Authors: Jimuty Roy, Mohammad Kuddus, Bilkis Begum, Choudhury Hasan

Objective: To investigate the crude methanolic extract of whole plant part of Sansevieria roxburghiana Schult. and Schult. f. (Agavaceae) and the possibility of analgesic, cytotoxic and antioxidant activities. Methods: The analgesic activity was assessed by acetic acid induced writhing test in mice. The cytotoxic activity was evaluated by brine shrimp lethality bioassay while antioxidant effect was measured by 1, 1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl-hydrate (DPPH) free radical scavenging assay. Results: The ethyl acetate soluble fraction of the crude extract was fo und to have significant (P<0.001) analgesic activity at the oral dose of 100 mg/kg body weight. In brine shrimp lethality bioassay, the aqueous soluble fraction exhibited maximum toxicity towards the shrimp with LC50 value of 0.735 µg/mL compared to 0.544 µg/mL exhibited by standard vincristine. The crude methanolic extract along with its all partitionates revealed mild to moderate free radical scavenging activity. Conclusions: These primary findings suggest that the extract might possess some chemical constituents that are responsible for analgesic, cytotoxic and antioxidant activities.

732-736

Authors: Thambiraj J, Paulsamy S

Objective: The in vitro antioxidant capability of methanolic leaf extract of the medicinal plant, Acacia caesia (L.) Willd (Mimosaceae) was evaluated by different assaying. Methods: The in vitro antioxidant activity was evaluated for total antioxidant, 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging, hydroxyl radical scavenging and metal chelating activities. Ascorbic acid and butylated hydroxy toluene (BHT) were kept as standards. Results: IC50 values observed fo r DPPH, hydroxyl radical scavenging and metal chelating assays were 109, 177 and 295µg/ ml respectively. Conclusions: The results clearly indicate that the methanolic leaf extract of the study species is effective in scavenging free radicals and has the potential to be powerful antioxidant.

741-749

Authors: Malairaj Sathuvan, Anadhan Vignesh, Ramar Thangam, Perumal Palani, Ramasamy Rengasamy, Kandasamy Murugesan

Objective: To evaluate the antioxidant and anticancer potential of different fractions of bark of Costus pictus using various in vitro antioxidant assay systems. Methods: In this study, assay like DPPH radical, superoxide anion radical scavenging activity, nitric oxide scavenging activity, hydrogen peroxide scavenging activity, metal chelating activity and reducing power were used. The concentrations of total phenolic and flavonoids were also calculated for the extracts. Result: The present study elucidated for the first time the antioxidant property of bark of C. pictus. This study suggested that, among the three fractions, the chloroform fraction possesses high antioxidant activity which might be helpful in preventing or slowing the progress of various oxidative stress related disorders. Moreover, all fractions possess potent anticancer properties against colon cancer cells of HT29 and lung carcinoma cells of A549. Conclusions: It can be concluded that the extract of the bark of C. pictus has potential natural antioxidant and this can be used in food industries. There are few reports on the antioxidant capacity of bark of C. pictus and the mechanism of different fractions of bark of C. pictus as antioxidative agents is still not fu lly understood. Hence further research is underway to analyse and isolate the active compounds responsible for the antioxidant and anticancer activity of different fractions of the bark of C. pictus.

753-756

Authors: Subash vijayakumar, Ramaiyan Dhanapal, I. Sarathchandran, A. Saravana Kumar, J.Vijaya Ratna

Objective: To study the effect of antioxidant activity of the ethanol extract of whole plant of Ammania baccifera, Linn (EEAB). Methods: To investigate in rats against carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) induced erythrocyte damage. Simultaneous intraperitoneal administration of the crude extracts (600 or 800 mg/kg body weight/day) with carbon tetrachloride (1ml/kg of body weight) to rats for alternate days of two weeks protected the loss of functional integrity and membrane lipid alteration in red blood cells induced by oxidative stress. Results: EEAB inhibited the accumulation of lipid peroxidation products in the plasma as well as maintained the activities of antioxidant enzymes such as superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase. The extracts further had the ability to decrease the membrane fluidity induced by carbon tetrachloride. Conclusion: It can therefore be suggested that the whole plant of Ammania baccifera, Linn possess an erythrocyte protective activity against drug induced oxidative stress. These findings also provide a rationale for further studies on isolation of active principles and its pharmacological evaluation.

765-771

Authors: Ayyakkannu Purushothaman, Elumalai Nandhakumar, Panchanatham Sachdanandam

Objective: To investigate the therapeutic efficacy of a Shemamruthaa (SM), (combination of Hibiscus rosasinensis (H. rosasinensis) flowers, fruits of Phyllanthus emblica (P. emblica) and pure honey in definite ratio), against lipid peroxidation (LPO) and antioxidant status in experimentally induced mammary carcinoma rats. Methods: Adult female Sprague-Dawley rats were used for the study and were divided into four groups. Group I control animals received standard pellet diet and water ad libitum. Group II rats were induced with 7,12-dimethyl benz[a]anthracene (DMBA) (25 mg in 1 mL olive oil) by gastric intubation, whereas another set of DMBA-induced rats were treated with SM (400 mg/kg body weight/d) in olive oil orally by gastric intubation for 14 d after 3 months of induction period (group III). Group IV rats served as SM-treated control animals. At the end of the experimental period, the rats were anaesthetised and sacrificed and used for biochemical measures and histology studies. Results: The LPO was increased and antioxidant levels were decreased in the serum, liver and mammary tissues of cancer-induced rats. The administration of SM drug significantly (P<0.05) decreased LPO and reversed the status of antioxidants to near normal level in cancer-bearing animals. Conclusions: The results obtained indicate the additive and synergistic action of constituents’ plants in the SM drug against oxidative damage and its protective role in DMBA induced mammary cancer.

781-787

Authors: Manish Kumar, Madhu Chandel, Neha Sharma, Subodh Kumar, Satwinderjeet Kaur

Objective: To investigate the antioxidant and genoprotective potential of the methanol extract (METH-KP) along with its hexane fraction (HEX-KP) from the leaves of Koelreuteria paniculata (K. paniculata) Laxm. Methods: The antioxidant potential was checked using metal chelation assay, ABTS, DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-2-picryl-hydrazyl), reducing power and superoxide anion radical scavenging assay, Folin-Ciocalteu reducing capacity (FCR assay), Total flavonoid content (TFC assay) and genoprotective activity against the DNA damage induced by Fenton's reagent using pUC18/calf thymus. Results: Results showed that radical scavenging activities of the both test extract/fraction revealed a concentration-dependent antiradical activity in all the assays. In Metal chelation assay, METH-KP and HEX-KP showed 39.04% and 32.51% of scavenging at highest tested concentrations. The METH-KP exhibited IC50 of 54.54 µg/mL in ABTS, 115 µg/mL in DPPH, 110 µg/mL in reducing power and 135 µg/mL in superoxide anion radical scavenging assay while that HEX-KP was found to be very poor in radical scavenging in all the above assays. The phytochemical analysis showed good amount of phenolic and flavonoid compounds in METHKP while the HEX-KP fraction lacks phenols. The METH-KP extract and HEX-KP fraction both showed DNA protective effect in Calf thymus/pUC18 DNA protection studies. Conclusions: The activity of METH-KP may be attributed to its polyphenolic constituents which needs further isolation of its active constituents which may lead to the development of novel drugs to combat cancer.

796-799

Authors: Supaluk Prachayasittikul, Apilak Worachartcheewan, Sakda Yainoy, Natthakaln Lomchoey, Paveena Kittiphatcharin, Somsak Ruchirawat, Virapong Prachayasittikul

Objective: To investigate antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of Saraca thaipingensis Cantley ex Prain; and isolation of its flower extracts. Methods: The plant species (flowers, leaves, and twigs) were extracted by hexane, dichloromethane, ethyl acetate and methanol; and tested for antioxidant activity (DPPH assay) and antimicrobial activity (agar dilution method) against twenty-seven strains of microorganisms; gram positive and gram negative bacteria, and diploid fungus. Bioactive constituents were isolated by column chromatography. Results: The plant extracts has been firstly reported to display strong antioxidant activity and antimicrobial activity selective against gram positive bacteria (Corynebacterium diphtheriae NCTC 10356 and Streptococcus pyogenes) with MIC of 256 µg/mL. Stigmasterol and a mixture of triterpenoids and phenolic compounds were isolated from the flower extracts. Conclusions: The study revealed that the S. thaipingensis is a new source of natural antioxidants and antimicrobials with potential fo r medicinal uses.

808-811

Authors: Sharma KK, Kotoky J, Kalita JC, Barthakur R

Objective: To investigate the in vitro antifungal activity of Ranunculus sceleratus (R. sceleratus) and Pongamia pinnata (P. pinnata), collected from North East India. Chloroform, Methanol and Water extracts of the plants were evaluated for anti-ringworm activity against five strains of dermatophytes viz., Trichophyton rubrum (T. rubrum), Trichophyton mentagrophytes (T. mentagrophytes), Trichophyton tonsurans (T. tonsurans), Microsporum gypseum (M. gypseum) and Microsporum fulvum (M. fulvum). Methods: Agar well diffusion method was used to determine the inhibition zone of the different extracts. The minimum inhibitory concentrations of the extracts were determined by broth macro dilution method. Results: When compared, the chloroform extracts of both the plants were found to be highly active against all the tested fungi fo llowed by the methanol extract. The water extract showed the least activity. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of the extracts was ranging from 1.25-10.00 mg/mL for chloroform and methanol extracts and greater that 10 mg/mL for the water extracts. Conclusion: The results obtained from the experiments suggest the anti-dermatophytic nature of the plants.

818-829

Authors: Shakti Rath, Debasmita Dubey, Mahesh C Sahu, Nagen K Debata, Rabindra N Padhy

Objective: To evaluate antimicrobial potencies of 25 plants with reports on ethnomedicinal uses fo r infectious ailments by the aborigine Kandha tribe of Kalahandi district, Odisha state, India fo r urinary tract infections. Methods: Over a period of 6 months, multidrug resistant (MDR) strains of 6 uropathogenic bacteria Acinetobacter baumannii (A. baumannii), Citrobacter freundii (C. freundii), Klebsiella oxytoca (K. oxytoca), Proteus mirabilis (P. mirabilis), Proteus vulgaris (P. vulgaris) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa) were isolated from clinical samples in a teaching hospital; their antibiograms were ascertained. Concentrated aqueous and ethanolic extracts of leaves and barks of plants were used for monitoring their antimicrobial potencies, by the agar-well diffusion method. Phytochemical analyses of plant parts were done. Results: All isolated bacterial strains were resistant to 15 antibiotics of 6 groups including β-lactams. From a surveillance of bacterial isolates, it was evident that the distribution of MDR strains of each was more in hospital acquired isolates than the community acquired ones. Both aqueous and ethanolic extracts of plants, Aegle marmelos (A. marmelos), Azadirachta indica (A. indica) and Withania somnifera (W. somnifera) were highly effective against MDR isolates of all these pathogens. Several plants were moderately effective during in vitro control of the pathogens. Plants, Anthocephalus cadamba (A. cadamba), Cleistanthus collinus (C. collinus) and Oroxylum indicum (O. indicum) were totally ineffective in the control of isolated MDR uropathogen. A. indica, T. arjuna and T. alata contained the full range of phytochemicals (alkaloids, glycosides, terpenoids, reducing sugars, saponins, tannins, flavonoids and steroids), which could be attributed to the significant anti-uropathogenic activities. Conclusion: Plants, A. indica, A. marmelos, Cassia fistula (C. fistula), T. arjuna, Salvadora persica (S. persica), W. somnifera and Vitex negundo (V. negundo), particularly could be useful for an use as complementary/ supplementary medicines for MDR uropathogens.

838-845

Authors: P Srinivas, S Ram Reddy

Objective: To investigate the antibacterial principle and activity of Aerva javanica, a medicinal plant. Methods: Crude extracts of different parts of Aerva javanica were made with hexane, chloroform and methanol. Phytochemical analysis of the crude extracts was done by following the standard methodology, and antibacterial activity was evaluated by inhibition zone and MIC values. Crude extracts were resolved through HPTLC and the antibacterial activity of the separated compounds was evaluated by bioautography. Results: The yields of crude extracts made from different plant parts varied both with plant part and solvent. Methanolic extracts of leaf and flower have shown a wide range of phytochemicals and more antibacterial activity. HPTLC separation of extracts coupled with bioautography studies revealed that apigenin followed by rutin and kaempferol has shown antibacterial activity against more number of bacteria. Conclusions: The present study supports the use of Aerva javanica in the traditional medicine, and it can be used against bacterial infections.

855-858

Authors: Saravana Kumar Arthanari, Jayachandran Vanitha, Mani Ganesh, Krishnasamy Venkateshwaran, De Clercq

Objective: To investigate the cytotoxicity and antiviral activity of methanolic extract of S. grandiflora flowers using different cell lines and viruses. Methods: The methanolic flower extracts were prepared and evaluated for their antiviral and cytotoxic activities using viruses like herpes simplex-1 and 2, vaccinia, vesicular stomatitis, cox sackie, respiratory syncytical, fe line corona, feline herpes, para influenza, reo-1, sindbis and punta toro viruses in different cell lines, like Hel, HeLa, Crandell Reus feline kidney and Vero cell cultures. Results: Among the viruses used the extract possessed strongest antiviral activity against herpes simplex 1 and 2, repiratory syncytical, para influenza, reo, sindbis, cox sackie and punta toro viruses that was (EC50 =20 µg/mL and 45 µg/mL) and moderate activity for remaining viruses (EC50= 100 µg/mL). The antiviral activities assessed by calculating the selectivity index may be due to the presence of fl avonoids in the extracts there by inhibit the virus cell fusion in the early and replication stages. The cytotoxicity effect was evaluated using MTT assay and the results revealed that the extracts exhibited cytotoxicity from the range of 20 to 100 µg/mL. Conclusions: Present results confirmed that the S. grandiflora used as a good antimicrobial agent in future.

863-869

Authors: Venkatachalam Uthayakumar, Venkatachalam Ramasubramanian, Dhanabalan Senthilkumar, Venkatesan Brindha Priyadarisini, Ramasamy Harikrishnan

Objective: To characterize the biochemical, antimicrobial and hemolytic activities of Mastacembalus armatus skin mucus. Methods: Antimicrobial and antifungal activities of mucus extractions against human and fish pathogens were tested along with ampicillin as control. Hemolytic activity of the extraction was evaluated against sheep and cow blood cells. Amino acid and fatty acid profiles were analyzed by HPLC and gas chromatography in the mucus of fish. SDSPAGE analysis of mucus and muscle tissue was done. Oneway-ANOVA was performed against all extraction and pathogens, amino acids and fatty acids. Result: All the mucus extracts exhibited higher inhibitory activity than antibiotic ampicillin against bacterial and fungal pathogens. The hemolytic activity was increased with higher mucus concentrations in both sheep and cow blood cells. The protein content soluble and insoluble fractions of mucus were 63.22 µg/g and 55.79 µg/g, respectively. Out of 17 amino acids leucine was higher (8.54 mole %) in soluble gel, and glutamic acid was higher (6.92 mole %) in the insoluble gel, Histidine was very low (i.e. 0.20 mole %) both in soluble and (0.30 mole %) insoluble gel. In SDS-PAGE analysis, 6 bands of mucus and 9 bands of muscle were observed. Conclusions: The soluble and insoluble proteins are responsible fo r antimicrobial and hemolytic activity, these results indicate that mucus gel was prospective applications in fish and human therapeutics.

876-880

Authors: Kalpna Rakholiya, Sumitra Chanda

Objective: To evaluate the in vitro interaction between methanolic extracts of Terminalia catappa (T. catappa) (Combretaceae) and Carica papaya (C. papaya) (caricaceae) leaves and certain known antimicrobial drugs like penicillin G (P), ampicillin (AMP), amoxyclav (AMC), cephalothin (CEP), polymyxin B (PB), rifampicin (RIF), amikacin (AK), nilidixic acid (NA), gentamicin (GEN), chloramphenicol (C), ofloxacin (OF) against five Gram positive and five Gram negative bacteria. Methods: Evaluation of synergy interaction between plant extracts and antimicrobial agents was carried out using disc diffusion method. Results: The results of this study showed that there is an increased activity in case of combination of methanolic plant extracts and test antimicrobial agents. The more potent result was that the synergism between methanolic extract of C. papaya and antibiotics showed highest and strong synergistic effect against tested bacterial strains; though methanolic extract of C. papaya alone was not showing any antibacterial activity. Conclusions: These results indicate that combination between plant extract and the antibiotics could be useful in fighting emerging drug-resistance microorganisms.

884-887

Authors: Shashi Kant Singh, Rupali M Tiwari, Saurabh K Sinha, Chhanda C Danta, Satyendra K Prasad

Objective: To isolate the mangiferin from Mangifera indica (M. indica) and assess the antimicrobial activity of different analogues synthesized from mangiferin. Methods: Mangiferin was isolated by column chromatography from the ethanolic extract of stem bark of M. indica. Mangiferin was further converted to 5-(N-phenylamino methyleno) mangiferin, 5-(N-pchlorophenylamino methyleno) mangiferin, 5-(N-2-methyl phenylamino methyleno) mangiferin, 5-(N-p-methoxy phenylamino methyleno) mangiferin, 5-(N, N-diphenylamino methyleno) mangiferin, 5-(N-α-napthylamino methyleno) mangiferin and 5-(N-4-methyl phenylamino methyleno) mangiferin. Mangiferin and its analogues were characterized by melting point and Rf value determination and through spectral technique like UV, IR, and NMR spectral analysis. The antimicrobial effect of mangiferin and its derivatives was studied according to the disc diffusion method. Results: The solutions of mangiferin and its derivatives in polyethylene glycol-400 showed an activity with regard to four bacterial species-Bacillus pumilus (B. pumilus), Bacillus cereus (B. cereus) and Salmonella virchow (S. virchow) and two fungal species-Thermoascus aurantiacus (T. aurantiacus) and Aspergillus flavus (A. flavus). Conclusion: The present study confirms the antimicrobial activity of different analogues of mangiferin which could be further processed for the development of a potential antimicrobial agent.

892-894

Authors: Alwar Vidyalakshmi, Kandaswamy Kruthika

Objective: To test efficacy of Parmelia perlata (P. perlata), which is used in traditional medicine fo r rapid wound healing against test bacteria that cause wound infections. Methods: Different solvents such as methanol, ethyl acetate and acetone were used for extraction of P. perlata. The sensitivity of the test bacteria to solvent extracts of P. perlata was tested by measuring the zone of inhibition on growth media and by determining the minimal inhibitory concentration and minimal bactericidal concentration. Results: Methanol, ethyl acetate and acetone extracts of P. perlata have shown inhibitory activity against Staphylococcus aureus (S.aureus). Conclusions: The results of the present study indicate that P. perlata has potential antibacterial compounds against S.aureus that causes multitude of skin infections among human beings. Development of drugs fr om natural compounds can help us to combat antibiotic-resistant bacteria.

901-904

Authors: M. Karunai Raj, V. Duraipandiyan, P. Agastian, S. Ignacimuthu

Objective: To investigate the antibacterial and antifungal properties of crude methanol extract of Peltophorum pterocarpum (P. pterocarpum) flower. Methods: Disc diffusion method was used fo r preliminary screening of extracts against microbes. The micro-dilution method was used fo r the determination of the minimal inhibition concentration (MIC). The isolated compound was identified by crystallography (XRD) technique. Results: Bergenin (C-glycosyl benzoic acid) was isolated from methanol fraction of P. pterocarpum flowers and confirmed using X-ray crystallography. It was tested against bacteria and fungi. Bergenin showed antifungal activity against Trichophyton mentagrophytes (T. mentagrophytes) (MIC 250 µg/mL), Epidermophyton floccosum (E. floccosum) (MIC 500 µg/mL), Trichophyton rubrum (T. rubrum) (MIC 500 µg/mL), Aspergillus niger (A. niger) (MIC 500 µg/mL) and Botrytis cinerea (B. cinerea) (MIC 250 µg/mL). No antibacterial activity was seen. Conclusion: The present study was helpful to discovery of new drug and complimentary of alternative medicine.

910-913

Authors: T.Thirumalai, Beverly C David, K.Sathiyaraj, B.Senthilkumar, E David

Objective: To conduct an ethnobotanical survey and to collect information from local people of Javadhu hills about the use of traditional medicinal plants diabetes treatment. Methods: Javadhu hills were surveyed through interviewing randomly selected 312 local participants using semi-structured questionnaire and regular field visits. Results: The investigations revealed that about 40 traditional plant species and their local names with parts used for the treatment were recorded by the local people of Javadhu hills. Conclusions: The study led to the abundant knowledge of wealth of traditional medicinal plants that are being used for the diabetes treatment by the local people of Javadhu hills.

919-923

Authors: Sunil Jawla, Y Kumar, MSY Khan

Objective: Bougainvillea spectabilis (B. spectabilis) is one of the main constituent of various herbal formulations available for diabetes. The aim of present study was to screen hypoglycemic potential of B. spectabilis stem bark extracts in albno rats (Wistar strain). Methods: The EtOH extracts (100, 250 and 500 mg/kg/day) of the B. spectabilis were administered to both normal and alloxan induced diabetic rats at defined time intervals. Blood glucose levels were measured at 0, 0.5, 1, 2, 4, 6 h, and on 0, 1, 3, 5, 7th day after oral administration of extracts. Of the doses test, highest anti-hyperglycemic effect was observed by the extract of stem bark at 250 mg/kg after a week treatment. Results: B. spectabilis stem bark extract exhibited significant hypoglycemic activity at different doses and intervals. Stem bark extract was found to be 22.2% more potent than standard oral hypoglycemic drug, glibenclamide 0.2 mg/kg. Conclusion: Treatment of alloxan induced diabetic rats up to a week with stem bark extract reversed the permanent hyperglycemia. Hence, B. spectabilis stem bark alcoholic extract exhibited potent hypoglycemic activity.

930-933

Authors: R Karthic, S Nagaraj, P Arulmurugan, S Seshadri, R Rengasamy, K Kathiravan

Objective: To study the antidiabetic effects of suspension cell extract of Gymnema sylvestre (G. sylvestre) along with field grown and wild plants. Methods: The effect of ethanolic extracts of the in vitro grown suspension cells of G. sylvestre along with field grown and wild plant leaves of G. sylvestre was tested on alloxan induced diabetic rats. Results: While oral administration of the extracts reduced the glucose content in blood and urine, sugar and lipids in serum significantly (P≤0.05), it also increased the body weight, total haemoglobin and plasma protein content. Conclusions: It can be concluded that G. sylvestre suspension cell extract show excellent antidiabetic potential against alloxan induced diabetic albino male rats therefore be considered as potent antidiabetic drug.

941-946

Authors: David Hansi Prisilla, Rangachari Balamurugan, Harshit R Shah

Objective: To investigate the antihperglycemic activity of methanol extract of Acorus calamus (AC) rhizome in streptozotocin (STZ) induced diabetic rats. Methods: Oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) was performed in normal rats. Male albino rats were rendered diabetic by STZ (40 mg/kg, intraperitoneally). 200 mg/kg of AC extract was administered orally to diabetic rats for 21 days to determine the antihyperglycemic activity by estimating various biochemical parameters. Results: Oral administration of AC methanol extract showed significant restoration of the levels of blood glucose level. After 21 days of treatment, blood glucose, lipid profile (total cholesterol, LDL and HDL-cholesterol), glucose 6-phosphatase, fructose 1,6 bis phosphatase levels and hepatic markers enzymes (aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase) were decreased when compared with diabetic control. Plasma insulin, tissue glycogen, glucose- 6-phosphate dehydrogenase levels were increased significantly compared to diabetic control. Concurrent histopathological studies of the pancreas showed comparable regeneration by extract which were earlier necrosed by STZ. Conclusions: The results exhibited that AC methanol extract possess potent antihyperglycemic activity in normal and STZ induced diabetic rats and so might be of useful in the management of diabetes. The phyto-treatment showed more efficient antihyperglycemic effect than the standard drug glibenclamide.

953-961

Authors: Raja Chakraborty, Biplab De, Nayakanti Devanna, Saikat Sen

Objective: To evaluate analgesic, anti-inflammatory and in vitro antioxidant potential and determine total phenolic, total flavonoid content of leaves extracts of Phyllanthus acidus, a folk medicinal plant of India. Methods: Anti-inflammatory activity was evaluated using carrageenan induced paw oedema, cotton pellet induced granuloma, membrane stabilizing activity method. Analgesic activity of the extracts was estimated against acetic acid induced writhing, tail immersion method, formalin test. Free radical scavenging and antioxidant potential of the extracts of Phyllanthus acidus leaves was performed using several in vitro and ex vivo assay models. Total phenolic and total flavonoid contents of the extracts were determined using standard chemical methods. Results: The extracts exhibited significant anti-inflammatory and analgesic activities at dose dependent manner. Methanol extract at a dose of 500 mg/kg showed superior activity which was comparable with the standard drugs. Ethyl acetate extract showed moderate activity while petroleum ether extract showed least activity. Total phenolic and total flavonoid content in methanol extract were 73.08±0.682 mg GAE/g and 61.28±0.062 mg QE/g respectively. The extracts possess significant antioxidant activity, methanol extract showed highest IC50 value. The contents of flavonoids and phenolic compounds could be correlated with the antioxidant, analgesic and anti-inflammatory activities observed for Phyllanthus acidus leaves. Conclusion: Our findings suggest that Phyllanthus acidus contains potential antioxidant, analgesic and antiinflammatory compounds which could be tested as drug candidates against oxidative stress, pain and inflammation related pathological diseases.

970-975

Authors: Sheetal S Chaudhari, Sanjay R Chaudhari, Machindra J Chavan

Objective: To evaluate the analgesic, anti-inflammatory and anti-arthritic activity of leaves of Cassia uniflora (C. uniflora) Mill. Methods: Petroleum ether, ethyl acetate and methanolic extract of C. uniflora (100 and 200 mg/kg, body weight) was screened for analgesic (Eddy's hot plate and acetic acid induced writhing), anti-inflammatory (Carrageenan induced paw edema) and anti-arthritic (Complete Freund's Adjuvant induced arthritis). In Complete Freund's Adjuvant arthritis model degree of inflammation was evaluated by hind paw swelling, body weight, and biochemical parameters and supported by radiological analysis. Results: Treatment with extracts of C. uniflora showed significant (P<0.05) and dose dependant increase in paw licking time in Eddy's hot plate method. In writhing test, extracts were significantly reduced the number of writhes. A dose dependant and significant inhibition of edema was observed in carrageenan induced paw edema. Petroleum ether extract at a dose of 100 mg/kg body weight showed most potent and significant activity which is supported by the results of body weight, biochemical parameters and radiological analysis in complete Freund's Adjuvant arthritis model. Conclusion: The extract possesses analgesic, anti-inflammatory and anti-arthritic activity which may be mediated through the phytochemical constituents of the plant.

981-984

Authors: Oluwatoyin Adenike FABIYI, Olubunmi ATOLANI, Oluyomi S. ADEYEMI, Gabriel Ademola OLATUNJI

Objective: The objective of this work was to determine the beta-amyrin acetate fraction in leave extract of Bridelia ferruginea and evaluate for its antioxidant and cytotoxicity potentials. Methods: The dried and pulverized leaves of Bridelia ferruginea was extracted with hexane and then with ethyl acetate. The concentrated ethylacetate extract subjected to silica gel column chromatography and eluted with a mixture of equal volume of hexane and dichloromethane afforded two major fractions. The more polar fraction was concentrated and subjected to GCMS analysis which afforded the steroid, 12-Oleanen-3yl acetate commonly known as beta-amyrin acetate (66.14%). Its ability to act as a scavenger of DPPH radical and its cytotoxicity potential based on brine shrimp assay were investigated. Results: The DPPH antioxidant assay revealed that the fraction had a higher antioxidant potential with an IC50 value of 158.2µg/mL relative to gallic acid which had IC50 of 201.1 µg/mL. The cytotoxicity assay using the brine shrimp a gave LC 50 values of 319 and 5.86 µg/mL for acute and lethal doses respectively indicating extreme toxicity when compared to reference drug, cyclophosphamide which had LC50 value of 2506 µ g/ mL. Conclusions: Thus, the beta-amyrin acetate has been identified for the first time in the leave of Bridelia ferruginea. The data here suggest that the beta-amyrin acetate fraction of the leave of Bridelia ferruginea could be further explored in biological profiling requiring antioxidant and cytotoxic dependent therapeutics as the plant could be a viable source of antioxidant and cytotoxic agents in cancer chemotherapy in the near future.

988-994

Authors: Bikram K. Mallik, Tribhuban Panda, Rabindra N. Padhy

Objective: To record ethnobotanical information from a hill-dwelling aboriginal tribe of Odisha. Methods: Gathering information on medicinal uses of plants by moving door to door for conducting personal interviews with socio-economically backward tribals (aborigine people) of Niyamagiri hill area of Kalahandi district, Odisha state, India and recording the accumulated knowledge with the snowball technique. Plants were identified by the users on forest floor and were botanically classified. Results: This communication consists of uses of parts of 111 plant species belonging to 105 genera of 59 plant families, against 68 human ailments, diarrhoea, dysentery, scabies, intestinal worms, gastrointestinal disorders, venereal disease, gynecological disorders, gingivitis, rheumatism, joint pains, wounds, cut injuries, mouth troubles, ear diseases, acute eye infections, foot inflammation, foot crack and eczema, particularly. These plants are used as herbal healing sources, as a part of cultural practice of aborigines down the ages. Among these plants, many are specific to the climate identified zone of the hilly forest patches of the district. Conclusions: The present record of ethnomedicinal data indicated that the backward local ethnic people use plants from their surroundings, as healing sources for all possible ailments.

1002-1009

Authors: Rajaretinam Rajesh Kannan, Samuel Gnana Prakash Vincent

Objective: To screen the herbal extracts influencing the hematopoietic stem cells (HSC) in zebrafish embryos and their chemical genetic effects. Methods: The herbals used in this study had been widely applicable in Siddha medicines in South India. Herbal extracts were treated in zebrafish embryos at 4 d post fertilization and the extracts inducing the HSC were enumerated in hemocytometer. The biocompatibility and the organogenesis of the screened extracts were assessed in the zebrafish embryos for their chemical genetic effects. The LC50 values were calculated with their parallel control. The blood cells were enumerated. Results: The level of RBC was found increased in the Bergera koenigii (B. koenigii) at 15 µg/mL (P<0.05), Mimosa pudica (M. pudica) at 20 µg/mL (P<0.05) and Solanum trilobatum (S. trilobatum) at 25 µg/mL (P<0.05) and decreased RBC level was found in Phyllanthus niruri (P. niruri) at 30 µg/mL (P<0.05). The WBC count was found increased in S. trilobatum at 20 µg/mL (P<0.05) and Annona muricata (Annona muricata) at 15 µg/mL (P<0.05) and the Vitis quadrangularis (V. quadrangularis) at 20 µg/mL (P<0.05) decreased the WBC level. There were no notable effects in heart beats and the chemical genetic effects were observed at higher concentration of the extract resulting in Pericardial bulging, trunk tail flexure with heart edema, fin fold deformities etc. Conclusions: This in vivo based screening of Hematopoiesis is an inexpensive assay to screen herbal compounds and found that S. trilobatum extract influenced embryonic HSC in zebrafish, which could be a therapeutic fo r blood related disorders.

1013-1016

Authors: Rasingam L, Jeeva S, Kannan D

Objective: To identify and understand the utilization and prioritization of medicinal plants used as tooth sticks by the select communities of Andaman and Nicobar islands. Methods: The information was collected through questionnaires and discussions among the informants in their local language regarding the plant parts used. Results: A total of 11 plant species belonging to 10 genera and 8 families were enumerated as tooth sticks, used by the Chota Nagpuri and Tamil inhabitants of Andaman and Nicobar islands to treat dental caries. Conclusion: The most important plant species harvested for tooth sticks belongs to the family Euphorbiaceae (3 species) and important as the tribal have used these plants since time immemorial and found effective in their teeth and gums health and this study has scopes on the conservation of certain medicinal plants, through sustainable utilization.

1024-1030

Authors: Ramaiyan Dhanapal, J.Vijaya Ratna, I. Sarathchandran, Malaya Gupta

Objective: To explore the antispermatogenic and testicular antisteroidogenic activities of Feronia limonia fruit pulp used traditionally to induce sterility in men in southern India. Methods: Fourty Wistar male albino rats (Rattus norvegicus) were equally divided into four groups. Experimental groups were administered with the ethanolic extract of Feronia limonia fruit pulp at doses of 250 and 500 mg/kg body weight once daily for 55 days. All the treated rats had corresponding recovery groups. At the end of each treatment periods, various spermatological indices, tissue biochemicals and testicular enzymes levels were analysed. Blood profiles were also estimated. Results: Compared with the control, the F. limonia fruit pulp at both dose levels did not decrease body weight, while the testes, epididymides and seminal vesicles were significantly (P<0.01) reduced this effects were associated with decline in epididymal sperm count, motility, viability and increased percent of abnormal sperm. Further, the Feronia limonia fruit pulp at 500 mg/kg body weight markedly reduced the epididymal and testicular protein content by 24.58 and 29.86%, respectively, as well as the glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G-6-PDH) and ∆5-3β-hydroxy steroid dehydrogenase (∆5-3β-HSD) levels by 42.82% and 38.08%, respectively, while a significant elevation was observed in testicular cholesterol and ascorbic acid content. A gradual recovery of all the parameters was observed after 55 days of treatment withdrawal. No significant alterations in haematological indices were observed. Conclusion: The present findings indicate that F. limonia fruit pulp may have reversible antispermatogenic and antisteroidogenic properties, and could partially support the traditional use as male contraceptive.

1036-1039

Authors: Shaikh M Mohsin Ali, Mele Jesmin, M Abul Kalam Azad, M Khairul Islam, Ronok Zahan

Objective: To study anti-inflammatory and analgesic activities in swiss albino mice, two schiff bases namely acetophenone semicarbazone (ASC) and benzophenone semicarbazone (BSC) were synthesized and characterized. Methods: Two doses of the test compounds 25 and 50 mg/kg (p.o) fo r each were selected throughout the research work. The anti-inflammatory activity of the test compounds was determined by ‘carragenan induced mice paw edema inhibition’ method. The analgesic activity was determined by both, ‘acetic acid induced writhing’ and ‘tail immersion' methods. All such data were compared with standard drugs at the dose of 10 mg/kg (p.o.). Results: Both ASC and BSC have showed positive effects as anti-inflammatory and analgesic agents. Anti-inflammatory and analgesic activities of the test compounds at 50 mg/kg (p.o.) were quite comparable to those of standard drugs at 10 mg/kg (p.o.). Conclusion: Both ASC and BSC can be considered as potent anti-inflammatory and analgesic agents.

1047-1051

Authors: Ramachandran M, Elumalai EK

Objective: To investigate the definite crystal structure of UDP-glucose 4-epimerase enzymes (EC 5.1.3.2) from Catharanthus roseus (C. roseus) for further research activities. Methods: The structure was modeled using homologous templates. The model validated under PROCHECK and WHAT-IF. Results: The model constructed using Modeller9v7 was validated. Moreover, 89% of residues lie in the most favored region. The model was checked for its grand average of hydropathicity and three binding sites were predicted using Molsoft ICM Pro v3.5. Conclusions: The model was suggested to be the good model. The constructed model can be used for further pharmacological studies and it can act as potential target against novel inhibitors.

1060-1063

Authors: Atul G. Babar, Anant Pande, Balasaheb G. Kulkarni

Objective: To identify the bioactive potential of crude methanolic extracts of five gastropods and one bivalve collected from the west coast of India (Mumbai coast). Methods: Discdiffusion assay and micro-dilution technique were used to test the bioactive potential of these molluscs against six pathogenic bacteria. Results: The crude methanolic extracts of all the molluscs showed significant activity against one or more bacteria tested. Minimum inhibitory concentration of crude methanolic extracts was found in the range of 0.10–0.35 mg/mL against human pathogenic bacterial strains. Hemifusus pugilinus and Nerita sp. extracts were most effective showing activity against all bacterial strains. Hemifusus pugilinus extract exhibited good activity against Vibrio cholerae contrary to earlier reports. Methanolic extract of Gafrarium divaricatum demonstrated considerable activity against both Escherichia coli and Streptococcus pyogenes. Trochus radiatus extract was inactive against all the bacteria tested except Escherichia coli. Euchelus asper extract was active against Klebsiella pneumoniae and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Conclusions: All the molluscs screened exhibited potential activity against one or more bacterial strain. Further work is in progress to isolate the active constituents of the extracts.

1070-1076

Authors: Palavesam Suganthi, Sundaram Ravikumar

Objective: To investigate the crude extract of marine actinomycetes with adverse effect locally on the adult Wister albino rats or systematically in the blood circulation. Methods: Acute toxicity, sub acute toxicity, biochemical and histopathological were tested. Results: In the results acute toxicity (LD50=2 500 µg/kg bw), sub acute toxicity study (2 500 µg/kg bw) were significant at 5% level of each experimental groups compared to the control group. Biochemical and histopathological study also showed better as compared with control group Conclusion: This crude microbial extract from Streptomyces sp. RSAUT 20 and Streptomyces scabiei (S. scabiei) RSAUK 49 is potential source for novel antimicrobial compounds. The crude extract of Streptomyces sp. RSAUT 20 and S. scabiei RSAUK 49 were tested for in vivo toxicity study.

1081-1085

Authors: Alaganadham Elavarasi, Gnanaprakash Sathiya Rathna, Murugaiyan Kalaiselvam

Objective: To find out the anticancer properties of Taxol (paclitaxel) isolated from mangrove endophytic fungi. Methods: An endophytic fungus Fusarium oxysporum was isolated from Rhizophora annamalayana, a mangrove plant and analysis for Taxol production. The fungus was identified based on morphology and spore characteristics. The secondary metabolites Taxol were extracted with ethyl acetate. Taxol extracted was characterized by chromatographic and spectrometric analysis. Results: Thin layer chromatography plate shows violet red and IR spectrum values were conformed as group of terpenoid functional groups. The HPLC analysis showed the higher yield of Taxol 172.3 µg/L from potato dextrose liquid medium. Conclusion: The bioprospecting of entophytic fungus F. oxysporum isolated from mangrove is discussed and may serve as a potential material for the production of Taxol for anticancer treatment.

1090-1095

Authors: Samuel Jacob Inbaneson, Sundaram Ravikumar

Objective: To identify the possible antiplasmodial drugs from bacteria associated with marine sponge Clathria indica. Methods: Clathria indica samples were collected from Thondi coast and subjected for enumeration and isolation of associated bacteria. Filter sterilized extracts (100, 50, 25, 12.5, 6.25 and 3.125 µg.mL-1) from isolated bacterial isolates were screened for antiplasmodial activity against Palsmodium falciparum and potential extracts were also screened for biochemical constituents. Results: The count of bacterial strains were maximum in November 2007 (19× 104 CFU.g-1) and the average count was maximum during the monsoon season (107×103 CFU.g-1). Thirty one morphologically different bacterial isolates were isolated from Clathria indica and the ethyl acetate bacterial extracts were screened for antiplasmodial activity against Palsmodium falciparum. The antiplasmodial activity of a isolate THB23 (IC50 28.80 µg.mL-1) extract is highly comparable with the positive control chloroquine (IC50 19.59 µg.mL-1) and 17 bacterial extracts which showed IC 50 value of more than 100 µg.mL-1. Statistical analysis reveals that, significant in vitro antiplasmodial activity (P<0.05) was observed between the concentrations and time of exposure. The chemical injury to erythrocytes showed no morphological changes in erythrocytes by the ethyl acetate extract of bacterial strains after 48 h of incubation. The in vitro antiplasmodial activity might be due to the presence of carbohydrates and alkaloids in the ethyl acetate extracts of bacterial isolates. Conclusions: The ethyl acetate extracts of THB23 possesses novel compounds for the development of antiplasmodial drugs.

1102-1115

Authors: G.Marichamy, M.A.Badhul Haq, R.Vignesh, R.Shalini, A.R.Nazar

Objective: The objective of the study was to evaluate the essential and non essential fatty acids and the distribution of Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids in twenty commonly consumed edible fi shes of parangipettai coastal waters. Methods: For fatty acid analysis, each fish specimens were beheaded, eviscerated and filleted manually. The tissue samples were oven dried at 67°C for 24hrs.After that the samples ware grounded finely with pestle and mortar. The saponified samples were cooled at room temperature for 25 min, they were acidified and methylated by adding 2 ml 54% 6 N Hcl in 46% aqueous methanol and incubated at 80°C for 10 min in water bath. Following the base wash step, the FAMEs were cleaned in anhydrous sodium sulphate and then transferred in to GC sample vial for analysis. FAMEs were separated by gas chromatograph. Results: The results of the present study revealed that the most abundant individual FAs were Palmitic acid, Oleic acid, Arachidonic acid (AA), Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) in most the tissues. The total Arachidonic acid (C20:4ω-6) was found to be higher proportion (0.17-4.86%), when compared with other Omega-6 fatty acids. The values found for Linoleic acid (C18:2 ω-6) ranging from 0-7.23%. Siganus javus has 7.23% of Linoleic acid. Conclusion: Fatty acids are the principle components in lipids. The nutritional importance of fish consumption is in great extent associated with the content of omega-3 fatty acids. Sea food is an important dietary food for human beings. It constitute higher amount of protein, lipids, vitamins and essential and nonessential metals and low concentration of carbohydrates.

1120-1129

Authors: MA Badhul Haq, K Kalai Priya, R Rajaram, R Vignesh, M Srinivasan

Objective: To investigate the level of WSSV transmission from the infected tiger prawn Penaeus monodon (P. monodon) to specific pathogen free Litopenaeus vannamei (L. vannamei) in laboratory captivity condition in relation to PCR detection, histopathological observation and viral genome sequence. Methods: Viral DNA was isolated from purified virions by treatment with proteinase K (0.2 mg/mL) and Sarkosyl (1%). The purity and concentration of the DNA were determined by agarose gel electrophoresis. Moribund and dead shrimp were removed and processed for indirect immunofluorescence (IIF) analysis. Histological observation of infected L. vannamei shrimps were revealed by the degenerated cells which were characterized by intranuclear inclusions in the tissues of WSSV infected mid-gut gland, lymphoid organ, gill lamellae and gut epithelium. Total DNA was extracted, from shrimp hemolymph and tissues, with a High Puree PCR template preparation kit. WSSV-DNA was detected using a commercial 2-step PCR detection kit. Results: The present study compares the real-time PCR results with SYBR Green I concentration ranging fr om 0.2 to 0.7×. The positive standard was used in the range of 102, 104 106, 108 and 1010 copies/ng of DNA in general. The PCR analysis showed the appearance of a prominent band from the PCR amplified product of WSSV-DNA at internal control band of 848 bp. Moderate and severe levels were observed as 650 bp and 910 bp (200 & 2 000 copies) in various transmission routes. The WSSV content in moribund shrimp of all the experimental species (L. vannamei) approximately ranged in nucleotide application by quantification method from 0.000 001 WSSV copies/µg of total DNA. In whole moribund infection animal, approximately 0.02 WSSV copies/µg of DNA was detected in nucleotide applied animal. Conclusion: These results indicate that wild brood stock and native culture shrimp P. monodon may be infected with WSSV and can get transferred into the SPF L. vannamei farming environment. Based on the studies, we made in captivity condition in different WSSV transmission route in dissimilar infection range with the use of nucleotide for antiviral drugs. There is an urgent need to address and develop antiviral drugs and molecular based viral genome technique for control measures to salt away the aquaculture environments.

1135-1137

Authors: Faranak Firoozfar, Nahid norjah, Mojgan Baniardalani, Seyed Hassan Moosa-Kazemi

Objective: The study was carried out to determine the knowledge, believe and practice of students about insects for forthcoming research due to tropical medicine. Its application to tropical medicine is acceptable. Methods: The study was conducted among 300 students by pretrained interviewers using a pre-test questionnaire in secondary, high school, and university in the Tehran city from June 2008 to May 2009. All statistics analysis was carried out the spss ver 11.5 EPI6, stata 80, chi-square and fisher exact test. Results: Significantly, 82.3% of the interviewers had problem when expose to insects (P<0.05). Domestic animals and unhygienic human habitant most importantly incriminate to present of insects. Out of 73.8% of the respondents believed the association between entomophobia and human habitat. Entomophobia was significantly associated with density and size of insects (P<0.05). Out of 37% of the respondents agree with killing of insects pest (P<0.05). Significantly steers was the common sign of entomophobia among the respondents (P<0.05). Out of %49.7 of audiences belived to association between entomophobia and age.Conclusion: In conclusion important the education and communication messages against entomophobia take in to consideration the local practice.

1147-1150

Authors: Smriti Singh, Pramod Kumar, N Gopalan, Bhuvnesh Shrivastava, RC Kuhad, Hotam Singh Chaudhary

Objective: To isolate strains of Actinomycetes from different locations of Gwalior to evaluate its antimicrobial activity against multidrug resistant pathogenic strains. Method: Soil samples collected from different niche habitats of Gwalior were serially diluted and plated on selective media. Potential colonies were further purified and stored in agar slants and glycerol stocks. Isolates were biochemically characterized and purified isolates were test against pathogenic microorganisms for screening. Isolates with antagonistic properties were inoculated in production media and secondary metabolites or antimicrobial products were extracted. Result: The seven actinomycetes strains showing maximum antibacterial activity were isolated further characterized based on their colony characteristics and biochemical analyses. The isolates were screened for their secondary metabolites activity on three human pathogenic bacteria are Escherichia coli (E. coli), Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) and Vancomycin-Resistant Enterococci (VRE). Discussion: The strain MITS 1005 was found to be more active against the test bacteria.

1156-1158

Authors: Saraei M1, Zakilo M, Tavazoei Y, Jahanihashemi H, Shahnazi M

Objective: To define contamination of parks to Toxocara eggs in Qazvin city which is the nearest province center to Tehran, capital of Iran. Methods: A total of 180 soil and grass samples were collected from three city parks and examined for Toxocara spp. eggs by sedimentationfl otation method. Results: Overall, 5.8% of samples were positive for Toxocara spp. eggs with contamination rate of 3.15% and 8.42% for soil and grass samples (P>0.05), respectively. The fr equency of egg numbers in positive samples was between 1 to 5 and all unembryonated. Conclusions: It seems that the low frequency of pet dogs is the main cause of low contamination by Toxocara spp. eggs in this city.

1162-1168

Authors: Atanu Bhattacharjee, Shastry Chakrakodi Shashidhara, Aswathanarayana

Crataeva nurvala Buch-Hum (Varuna) is well known traditional Indian medicinal plant used to treat various ailments in particular urolithiasis. During last two decades, numerous ethnopharmacological and scientific reports have been cited in the literature to support its multidirectional therapeutic potential. The plant is rich in alkaloids, saponins, triterpenes, tannins, fl avanoid glycosides, glucosinolates and phytosterols. The review emphasizes primarily on fo lkloric uses, biological activities of isolated compounds, pharmacological activities of the extracts, clinical studies and safety profile of Crataeva nurvala to provide a comprehensive data fo r researchers to hit upon new chemical entity responsible for its claimed traditional uses.

1176-1188

Authors: Mayank Gangwar, Ragini Singh, RK Goel, Gopal Nath

Liposomes have been widely investigated since 1970 as drug carriers for improving the delivery of therapeutic agents to specific sites in the body. As a result, numerous improvements have been made to make this technology potential the treatment of certain diseases in the clinics. This review mainly focused on various aspects related to the vesicular system, including method of preparation, stabilization, drawbacks, and applications. Various types of vesicular systems such as liposomes, niosomes, transfersomes, pharmacosomes, and nanoparticle have been discussed briefly along with some other emerging vescicular systems (photosomes, archaesomes, genosomes, cryptosomes, discomes) focusing on cell specific gene transfer, photodynamic therapy and ligand mediated drug targeting. Present applications of the liposomes are in the immunology, dermatology, vaccine adjuvant, eye disorders, brain targeting, infective disease and in tumour therapy. The new developments in this field are of specific binding properties of a drug-carrying liposome to a target cell such as a tumor cell and specific molecules in the body (antibodies, proteins, peptides etc), stealth liposomes which are especially used as carriers for hydrophilic (water soluble) anticancer drugs like doxorubicin, mitoxantrone and bisphosphonate-liposome mediated depletion of macrophages. This review would help researchers working in the area of liposomal drug delivery.

1194-1199

Authors: CP Kashyap, Vikrant Arya, Narender Thakur

Traditional herbal medicines are practiced in the entire world and their ethnopharmacological records reveal that most of the people of the world have been using plants, animals, microorganisms and minerals for treating various diseases. Crataegus oxyacantha (C. oxyacantha) Linn. (Rosaceae) commonly known as Hawthorn is an official plant in Homeopathic System of Medicine to treat various conditions of cardiovascular system. In recent times, this drug has been subjected to phytochemical, pharmacological, pre-clinical and clinical investigations and many new investigations have been indicated. Current review finds ethnomedicinal and phytopharmacological potential of leaves, flowers, berries, bark etc. for exploring the immense medicinal potential of Hawthorn. At the same time, studies to evaluate the dosage, toxicity and interactions with drugs and herbs on simultaneous use, which is imperative for optimal and safe utilization of this plant, are explained. There are few comprehensive reports available on clinical use of Hawthorn in chronic heart failure patients have shown promising results.

1206-1208

Authors: Ali Raghibi, Wan Hazabbah Wan Hitam, Raja Azmi Mohd Noor, Zunaina Embong

A 58-year-old Malay lady, presented with gradual loss of vision in the right eye for 1 month duration. It was associated with right sided headache, nausea and vomiting. Patient had a history of contact with tuberculosis patient. On examination, visual acuity in right eye was no perception of light with presence of relative afferent pupillary defect. The left eye visual acuity was 6.0/7.5. There was a total restriction of extraocular movement in all direction (frozen eye) in the right eye. Both anterior segments were unremarkable. Fundoscopy in both eyes showed normal appearance of optic disc and retinal vessels. Other cranial nerves were normal. Lungs were clear and had no lymphadenopathy. Chest radiograph was normal. Erythrocyte sedimentation rate was elevated by 35 mm/h and Mantoux test was positive (20 mm). MRI of brain and orbit demonstrated thickening and irregularity of the right optic nerve on axial view with doughnut sign on coronal view. Patient was diagnosed to have optic perineuritis secondary to tuberculosis. She was treated with anti-TB drugs. Systemic corticosteroid was commenced after 2 weeks. The visual acuity was improved to hand motion after 1 month with almost complete resolution of extraocular movement.