020667   Pal D K;Kumar M;Chakraborty P;Kumar S (Pharmaceutical Chemistry Dep, Natural Products, Research Laboratory, Seemanta Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Jharpokharia, Email: drdilip2003@yahoo.co.in) : Evaluation of the antioxidant activity of aerial parts of Cynodon dactylon. Asian J Chem 2008, 20(3), 2479-81.

The in vitro antioxidant activity of aerial parts of Cynodon dactylon has been investigated by estimating degree of non-enzymatic haemoglobin glycosylation measured colorimetri-cally at 520 nm. The ethyl acetate extract of aerial parts of C. dactylon showed higher antioxidant activity than other extracts of it. The antioxidant activity of the extracts is close and identical in magnitude and comparable to that of standard antioxidant compounds used.

^ssc1 table, 12 ref

020666   Nur N;Yilmaz A;Ersan S;Guler N;Sumer H;Bakir S (Public Health Dep, Faculty of Medicine, Cumhuriyet Univ, Sivas 58140, Turkey, Email: nnur@cumhuriyet.edu.tr) : Effects of cement dust exposure on malonyldialdehyde levels and catalaze activities in red blood cells. Asian J Chem 2008, 20(3), 1815-20.

Study was designed to investigate the plasma oxidant and antioxidant status in both cement plant workers and control subjects. Malonyldialdehyde (MDA) levels and catalaze (CAT) activity were investigated for 42 cement plant workers and the results were compared to 44 control subjects. The MDA levels in erythrocytes were significantly higher in the cement plant workers than in the control group. The CAT activity in the erythrocytes of workers occupation-ally exposed to cement dust was significantly lower than in the erythrocytes of control group. Occupational exposure to cement dust increased MDA but decreased antioxidant levels in cement plant workers.

1 table, 30 ref

020665   Nath S K;Sarma S K (Botany Dep, Gauhati Univ, Guwahati-781 014) : Physico-chemical properties of soil of Laokhowa wildlife sanctuary, Nagaon, Assam. Nat Envir Pollut Technol 2008, 7(3), 561-4.

The study deals with analysis of soil of Laokhowa Wildlife Sanctuary of Assam to understand the physico-chemical properties. The soil is mainly alluvial in nature. The texture varies from sandy and loamy sandy to clay loam. The removal of finer soil particles from the soil surface during rainy season might have contributed to sandy or sandy loam nature, and accumulation of finer soil particles and deposition of clay during flood have resulted in clayey loam nature of soil in different parts of the sanctuary. The soil is acidic in nature with soil pH varying from 4.36-6.86. Logging and grazing have direct effect on physical and chemical conditions of soil, nutrient content and decomposition rate of litter. Organic carbon varies from 0.09-3.24% and the difference may be attributed to recurrent floods and addition of plant litter and animal remains. In general, different chemical properties of the soil show variations to a great extent. The variation in the chemical content in different parts of the sanctuary may be due to periodic flood, siltation and excessive biotic interferences.

1 table, 14 ref

020664   Munjam S;Girisham G;Reddy S M (Microbiology Dep, Kakatiya Univ, Warangal-506 009) : Production of FAA and proteins by anoxygenic purple non-sulphur phototrophic bacteria. Bioinfolet 2009, 6(2), 110-14.

Production of FAA and proteins by Rhodopseudmonas palustris, Rhodobacter sphaeroides, Rhodocyclus gelatinosus and Rc. tenuis, isolated from effluents and waste water was investigated. The organisms differed significantly in the amount of FAA produced. Rb. sphaeroides produced maximum protein and FAA, followed by Rc. gelatinosus and Rc. tenuis. Aerobic (illuminated) and anaerobic (dark and illuminated) conditions were favourable for the production of proteins by Rc. gelatinosus and Rc. tenuis. Rb. sphaeroides preferred illuminated anaerobic conditions for intracellular protein and FAA production. Blue and yellow lights were more favorable than green and red light for growth, protein and FAA production. Anaerobic conditions were better for FAA production by Rc. gelatinosus, while Rb. sphaeroides remained unaffected.

2 tables, 17 ref

020663   Mohideen M B;Nagabhushan Reddy M;Nisar Ahmed G (Environmental Science, Lords Institute Engg. & Technology, Hyderabad) : Variations in protein metabolism in liver and muscle of albino rat Rattus norvegicus albinus fed on different feed formulations of pufa.. Bull envir Sci 2006, 24(2), 145-9.

Levels of soluble, structural and total proteins were found higher in liver than muscle of both male and female Albino rats when fed on different feed formulations of PUFA indicating that these levels were highest (P < 0.001) in high PUFA fed, lowest in normal fed and with intermediate levels in low and medium PUFA fed rats following the order: control low PUFA < medium PUFA < high PUFA fed rats. Both the free amino acid levels and protease activity showed reverse trend to that of soluble, structural and total proteins i.e. lowest (N.S) in high PUFA fed, highest in normal fed and with intermediate levels in low and medium fed in both liver and muscle of male and female Albino rats. These variations in protein metabolism were more pronounced in males over females.

2 illus, 1 table, 17 ref

020662   Merugu R;Prasad M S K;Girisham G;Reddy S M (Microbiology Dep, Kakatiya Univ, Warangal-506 009) : Tolerance of certain pesticides by two nitrogen fixing bacteria anoxygenic phototrophic. Nat Envir Pollut Technol 2008, 7(3), 467-9.

The tolerance of some pesticides by two anoxygenic phototrophic bacteria, isolated from leather industry effluents, was investigated. Rhodobacterium capsulatus was found to be more resistant than Rhodopseudomonas acidophila to the pesticides tried in the present investigation. The pattern of inhibition of growth for both the organisms show that chlorpyrifos was most potent followed by methyl parathion, endosulfan, rogor and kitazin in a descending order.

1 table, 7 ref

020661   Mandal P;Misra T K;Singh I D (Institute of Plantation Science and Management, North Bengal Univ, Siliguri-734 013) : In vitro evaluation of free-radical scavenging potential of tetapati leaves. J Hill Res 2008, 21(2), 31-5.

Tetapati [Artemisia dubia Wallich ox. Bess.] loaves were successively purified with non polar to polar solvents using silica gel column chromatography for the determination of free radicals scavenging and anti-lipid peroxidation activity. Highest DPPH scavenging (96.30%), superoxide scavenging (64.00%) and anti-lipid peroxidation (69.22%) were observed in diethyl ether and ethyl acetate:acetone :: 3:1 fractions among 33 extracts at a dose of 100 μg/ml which were comparable with standards. The fractions executing significant free radical scavenging were further evaluated through TLC. The specific R_f value of bioactive components are 0.982, 0.666, 0.898, 0.148, 0.321 and 0.458, respectively. Our study reveals that tetapati could be commercially exploited as natural antioxidants.

3 tables, 22 ref

020660   Madhusudan Reddy D;Saxena N;Reddy G (Botany Dep, Koti Women's College, Osmania Univ, Hyderabad) : Biodegradation of 2-picoline by immobilized cells of Bacillus cereus GMHS. Bioinfolet 2009, 6(2), 179-81.

Biodegradation of 2-picoline was carried out using Bacillus cereus GMHS. When the bacterium was incubated for 24 hours in mineral salts medium with 2-picoline as a sole source of carbon and nitrogen, 2-picoline degradation ability of the bacterium was found to be high during initial 16 hours after which, it decreased due to sporulation. Immobilization of the bacterium in sodium alginate beads maintained the biodegradation capability for further 2 days under increased concentration of 2-picoline.

4 illus, 12 ref

020659   Madhusudan Reddy D;Baga S R A;Reddy G (Medical Microbiology & mmunology Dep, Faculty of Medicine, Tahady Univ, Sirte, Libya) : Survey of leishmaniasis in out patients of IBN sina hospital, Sirte, Libya. Bioinfolet 2009, 6(2), 182.

1 table

020658   Madhanraj P;Gopalakrishnan K;Sholin G G;Jobit Subitha S;Senthilkumar G;Panneerselvam A (P.G. and Research Dep of Microbiology, A.V.V.M. Sri Pushpam College (Autonomous), Poondi - Thanjavur-613 503, Email: panneer_1959@yahoo.com) : Effect of some medicinal plants, commercial antibiotics and different shampoo on Pityrosporum ovale. Pl Archs 2009, 9(1), 243-5.

Dandruff is a scalp condition and is reflected in itching loses while flakes and loose yellow flakes which fall off and may be noticed on the shoulders, back or scalp dandruff can also lead to other related problems. Its can lead to an inflamed scalp condition hair loss, acne and itchy skin. Morphology and cultural characteristics of Pityrosporum ovale were studied. Morphology of the organism was studied by direct observation under the Microscope by using wet mount technique. The cultural characteristics of the organism were studied on PDA agar. The activities of some commercially important antibiotics were assayed. Antibiotics such as Aphicillin Bacitracin, Penicillin Erythromycine was assayed against Pityrosporum ovale Chloramphenicol, Tetracycline, Streptomycin, Ciproflavin alone inhibited the growth of the test organisms. Some of the commercially available shampoo such as Pantene, Head and Sholder and Clinic all clear were assayed. Head and shoulder was more effective than other group. The presence of antimicrobial properties in some of the plant leaf extract was also tested against Pityrosporum ovale. Among the leaf extract tested Aloe vera and lemon was more effective than other leaf extracts of the plant tested.

11 ref, 3 ref

020657   Krigar A;Himaja M;Sikarwar M S;Patil M B (Maratha Mandal's College of Pharmacy, , Belgaum, Karnataka, Email: asifmpharm@yahoo.com) : Hepatoprotective activity of ethanolic extract of leaves of Polyalthia longifolia. Pl Archs 2009, 9(1), 181-2.

Study was undertaken to ascertain the hepatoprotective effect of dried leaves of Polyalthia longifolia. Ethanolic extract of dried leaves of Polyalthia longifolia was evaluated and subjected for hepatoprotective activity in Wistar strain of albino rats of either sex against CCl₄ induced hepatic damage. SGOT, SGPT, ALP and total bilirubin were used as biochemical marker for assessment of the activity. The increased serum level of enzymes SGOT, SGPT, ALP and bilirubin were monitored in rats treated with carbon tetrachloride, which were very much reduced in the animals treated with the ethanolic fraction.

1 table, 11 ref

020656   Koneri R;Balaraman R (NO, Visveswarapura Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences BSK 2nd stag, Bangalore, Email: rajukoneri@rediffmail.com) : Antidiabetic mechanisms of saponins of Momordica cymbalaria. Pharmacog Mag 2008, 4(15), 198-207.

Antidiabetic properties of Momordica cymbalaria is reported but not the mechanism of action. An attempt is made to study the possible mechanism of action. Saponins were separated from the Ethanolic extract, HPTLC fingerprinting was taken and used for the study. Diabetes was induced in 16 h fasted male Wistar rats by intraperitoneal injection of STZ (65 mg/kg).After 31 days treatment serum was analyzed for glucose, triglycerides, cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol, Insulin. The liver was analyzed for glycogen, mevalonate, HMG CoA, LPO, GSH, CAT and SOD. A portion of the pancreas was subjected to histopathology studies. In another batch of study Hyperinsulinemia was induced by feeding fructose rich diet for 15 days. After 15 days treatment serum was analyzed for glucose, triglycerides, cholesterol, and HDL-cholesterol; and Insulin. The liver was analyzed for HMG CoA and mevalonate. Alpha adrenergic antagonistic activity was studied on isolated rat's aortic strip and on anconccygeous muscle. The concentration of the drug required to bring rightward shift of NA concentration curve with suppression of maxima was observed. Diabetic rats treated with saponins fractions of MC showed significant decrease in serum glucose, cholesterol, triglyceride level where as significant increase in serum insulin and liver glycogen level. HMG CoA reductase activity also showed significant increase. They also exhibited significant reduction in lipid peroxidation or MDA content in the heart and significantly increased the reduced glutathione content, catalase activity and SOD activity in the liver as compared to Streptozotocin control group Histopathological sections of the pancreatic islets in MC treated rats showed increase in the number of pancreatic cell islets which were similar to that of healthy pancreatic islets. Treating FRD fed rats with saponins of MC; the serum glucose, Cholesterol, triglyceride level significantly decreased and significantly increased the ratio of HMG CoA vs Mevalonate. Saponins of MC displayed significant rightward shift of NA concentration curve with suppression of maxima on isolated rat's aortic strip and anconccygeous muscle preparation. The drug may act by reversing the atrophy of the pancreatic islets of β-cells, as a result may increase insulin secretion, increases hepatic glycogen level and attenuates Hyperinsulinemia. α-adrenergic blocking effect might contribute to insulin secretion and sensitizing effect.

3 illus, 3 tables, 9 ref

020655   Kavitha P;Chandra N;Pannerselvam A (Botany and Microbiology Dep, A.V.V.M. Sri Pushpam College, Poondi-613 503) : Effect of physical factors on the production of poly hydroxy butyrate in Azotobacter species. Pl Archs 2009, 9(1), 123-5.

Poly (β-hydroxy butyrate) is a homopolymer of 3 hydroxy butyrate and is the most widespread and best characterized member of the poly hydroxy alkanoates (PHAs). Even though, P (βHB) has been recognized as a good candidate for biodegradable plastics, their higher prile compared with conventional plastics has limited their use in a wide range of applications. Azotobacter species were used for the studies because it is able to utilize source, which suggests a cheap carbon source such as cane molasses. The cost of carbon substrate significantly affected the overall economics in large scale production. The other effects such as substrate concentration, inoculum size and the environmental condition such as pH and temperature were also studied. It was observed that by increasing the inoculum size the time of incubation can be reduced considerably. The optimal pH and temperature were suitable for production of polyhydroxy butyrate. The physical factor such as pH 7 (3.3 mg/1) and temperature 35°C (2.5 g/1) increase yield of PHB in Azotobacter production of poly β hydroxy butyrate by using cane molasses as a medium looks promising, since the use of inexpensive feed stocks for poly β hydroxy butyrate is essential if bioplastics are to become competitive products.

4 tables, 11 ref

020654   Jangwan J S;Painuly A M (Natural Product Lab, Chemistry Dep, H.N.B. Garhwal Univ, Campus, Badhsahithaul, Tehri, Garhwal-249 199) : Phytoconstituents of essential oil of Centella asiatica and their antibacterial activity. Acta Cienc Indica-Chem 2008, 34(1), 137-40.

The Essential oil of vegetative part of Centella asiatica was prepared by hydrodistillation and analyzed for their terpenoides composition by GC-MS. Thirty three major constituents were identified of which the major were maaliol 23.86% and viridiflorol 19.46%, which were isolated by column chromatography. The volatile oil was subjected for antimicrobial activity. It showed antibacterial activity against gram positive and gram negative bacteria.

2 tables, 13 ref

020653   Homayouni A;Ehsani M R;Azizi A;Razavi S H; Yarmand M S (Faculty of Biosystem Engineering, Campus of Agriculture and Natural Re, Tehran Univ, Tehran, Iran, Email: homayouni@ut.ac.ir) : Spectrophotometricaly evaluation of probiotic growth in liquid media. Asian J Chem 2008, 20(3), 2414-20.

A completely randomized design experiment was applied in triplicates to evaluate the survival of four probiotic strains liquid media. The growth and survival rate of these probiotic strains Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus casei, Bifidobacterium lactis and Bifidobacterium langum) in varying amount of sucrose (10, 15, 20 and 25%), oxygen scavengering components (0.05% L-cysteine and 0.05% L-ascorbate) and temperatures (4 and -20 °C) during different periods of time (1, 2 and 3 months) were evaluated in MRS-broth medium. Optical density at 580 nm wavelength was used to measure growth. Lactobacilli strains proved to be highly resistant in comparison with Biffidobacteria strains. Growth and survival rate of Lactobacillus casei showed to be the highest. Spectrophotometricaly measurement of optical density at 580 nm was showed to be the simple, rapid and inexpensive method for evaluation of probiotic growth.

2 tables, 25 ref

020652   Gulcin I;Oktay M;Koksal E;Serbetci H;Beydemir S;Irfan Kufrevioglu O (Chemistry Dep, Faculty of Science and Arts, Ataturk Univ, Erzurum 25240, Turkey, Email: igulcin@atauni.edu.tr) : Antioxidant and radical scavenging activities of uric acid. Asian J Chem 2008, 20(3), 2079-90.

The aim of this research was to examine the antioxidant and radical scavenging activities of uric acid. Several mechanisms of potential antioxidant and radical scavenging activities of uric acid including 2,2-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzthia-zoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS) radical scavenging, 1,1-diphenyl-2-picryl-hydrazyl free radical (DPPH) scavenging, total antioxidant activity, reducing activity, hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) scavenging and metal chelating activitiy on Fe²⁺ ions were examined as in vitro assays. Total antioxidant activity was measured according to ferric thiocyanate method. α-Tocopherol and trolox, a water-soluble analogue of tocopherol, were used as the reference antioxidant compounds. Uric acid neutralized the activities of radicals and inhibited the peroxidation reactions of linoleic acid emulsion. Uric acid showed 67.7% inhibition on lipid peroxidation of linoleic acid emulsion, at the 20 μg/mL concentration. However, α-tocopherol and trolox exhibited 54.7 and 20.1% inhibition on peroxidation of linoleic acid emulsion, respectively, at the above mentioned concentration. Uric acid had also effective DPPH, ABTS'⁺ scavenging, H₂O₂ scavenging, total reducing power and metal chelating on Fe²⁺ ions activities.

4 illus, 1 table, 50 ref

020651   Ezirmik N;Taysi S;Celik R;Celik G;Ahmet Alici H;Turhan H;Cesur M;Keskin D (Biochemistry Dep, Nenehatun Obstetric and Gynecology Hospital, Erzurum 25070, Turkey, Email: seytaysi@hotmail.com) : Oxidant/antioxidant status in pneumatic tourniquet-induced ischemia-reperfusion in meniscal patients undergoing arthroscopy. Asian J Chem 2008, 20(3), 1950-6.

In orthopedic surgeons, tourniquets are commonly applied to reduce blood loss and obtain a clear surgical field. When the tourniquet is released, excessive formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) follows during reperfusion and oxygenation. Glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), glutathione-S-transferase (GST), Cu-Zn superoxide dismutase (Cu-Zn SOD), catalase (CAT), xanthine oxidase (XO) activities, glutathione (GSH) and malondial-dehyde (MDA) levels were investigated before arthroscopy (Baseline), before tourniquet release (BTR), after 1 h tourniquet release (ATR) in patients in pneumatic tourniquet-induced ischemia-reperfusion injury in arthroscopy. Erythrocyte GSH level, GST, SOD, CAT activities was significantly lower in BTR and ATR periods than in baseline. Erythrocyte and plasma MDA levels and erythrocyte XO activity were significantly higher in BTR and ATR periods than in baseline. Erythrocyte GSH-Px activity were significantly higher in BTR and lower in ATR group than in baseline. Erythrocyte and plasma MDA levels, erythrocyte GSH level, GST activity were significantly higher in ATR period when compared to BTR group. However, erythrocyte SOD, GSH-Px, CAT and XO activities were significantly lower in ATR period when compared to BTR period. Results obtained in study indicate significant changes in antioxidant defense system in the patients in pneumatic tourniquet-induced ischemia-reperfusion injury in arthroscopy.

1 table, 21 ref

020650   Esmaeili A;Mirian S;Safaiyan S;Soufi S; Rustaiyan A (Faculty of Marin Sciences and Technology, Islamic Azad Univ, North Tehran Branch, Tehran, Iran, Email: akbaresmaeili@yahoo.com) : Identification and antibacterial activities of composition compounds from liver and texture of Hypophthalmichtys molitrix. Asian J Chem 2008, 20(3), 1866-70.

Investigates the liver and muscle tissues of Hypophthaimichtys molitrix were extracted of their lipid and fatty acid contents using the method of Bligh & Dyer. Chloroform and n-butanol were used as extraction solvents for semi and polar lipids, respectively. After removal of the solvents, the GC/MS spectra of the fractions were obtained. Identification of constituents was made by comparison of their mass spectra and retention indices (RI) with those given in the literature and authentic samples. Seven compounds representing 99.8% of the liver chloroform phase of Hypophthaimichtys molitrix were identified among them palmitic acid (16.7%) and cholesta-3,5-diene (42.5%) were the major ones. Eight compounds representing 97. 9% of tissue chloroform phase were identified among them palmitic acid (26%) and oleic acid (12%) were the major ones. One polar compound representing 99% of the liver n-butanol phase and no polar compound representing of muscle n-butanol phase. Two antibacterial activities were reported in tissue choloroform phase.

1 illus, 5 tables, 9 ref

020649   Digamber Rao B;Srinivas D;Padmaja O;Dayakar G (Chemistry Dep, Kakatiya Univ, Warangal-506 009) : Antibacterial activity of paddy fields cyanobacteria. Nat Envir Pollut Technol 2008, 7(3), 447-50.

Antibacterial activity of some heterocystous cyanobacteria from paddy fields in Warangal district of Andhra Pradesh was studied. Soil samples were collected from various regions of paddy fields of Warangal and cyanobacteria were isolated. Supernatants and methanolic extracts from biomass of 42 strains of cyanobacteria were isolated and screened against four strains of bacteria. Methanolic extracts and culture supernatants of 6 strains of cyanobacteria exhibited significant antibacterial effect. According to these results, it is concluded that Anabaena and Stegonema species have more potential for producing antimicrobial substance than other strains.

32 ref

020648   Demir Y;Ciftci M (Biology Dep, Faculty of Education, Ataturk Univ, Erzurum 25240, Turkey, Email: ydemir_409@yahoo.com) : Effect of continuous light/dark and 2,5-norbornadiene (1,5-cyclooctadiene) on glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase activity in spinach leaves. Asian J Chem 2008, 20(3), 1821-6.

Effects of continuous light/dark and the cyclic olefin 2,5-norbornadiene (NBD; 1,5-cyclooctadiene) on the glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase activity (G6PD, EC. 1.1.1.49) in spinach leaves were investigated. Plants were grown in sand culture under greenhouse (12:12-h light/dark) condition for 30 d. To examine the effect of NBD; 2 μL pure NBD, 5 μL pure NBD and 5 μL NBD/10 mL water were applied to the plants. The results show that G6PD activity was inhibited in the light and was reactivated in the dark both of the opened control and the closed control. It is shown for the first time that G6PD can have low and high activity form in the continuous light and the dark regimes. The G6PD shows circadian rhythm. In the leaves with NBD, G6PD activity values increased with respect to the control group under both light and dark periods. Since G6PD is affected by the cyclic olefin NBD, an inhibitor of ethylene action, ethylene because plants have not NBD in normal conditions can have a role in regulation process of this enzyme or NBD can be a stress factor for plants.

2 illus, 19 ref

020647   Demir H;Coban A;Ciftci M (Biotechnology Application and Research Center, Atturk Univ, Erzurum 25240, Turkey, Email: hdemir@atauni.edu.tr) : Purification and characterization of catalaze enzymes from coriander (Coriandrum sativum) leaves. Asian J Chem 2008, 20(3), 1927-36.

Catalaze (H₂O₂H₂O₂ oxidoreductase; E.C 1.11.1.6) was purified from Coriander (Coriandrum sativum) leaves. The kinetic behaviour and some properties of the enzyme were also investigated. The purification was done at 4 °C in two steps: (a) ammonium sulfate fraction-ation and (b) DEAE-Sephadex A50 ion exchange chomatography. The enzyme was obtained with a yield of 10.67% and had a specific activity of 89.68 EU/mg protein. Optimum pH, stable pH, optimum temperature, molecular weight, K_M and V_max values for H₂O₂ was also determined. The overall purification was about 64.06-fold. SDS-PAGE of the purified enzyme showed a single band. Enzymatic activity was spectrophotometrically measured at 240 nm. The molecular mass was estimated to be 60.95 kDa by SDS-PAGE and 58.12 kDa by Sephadex G-150 gel filtration column chromatography. The enzyme had optimum pH at 7.3 and was stable at pH 7.3 in 0.1 M tris-HCl buffer. The optimum temperature was at 30 °C. The K_M value for H₂O₂ was 7.87 mM. The V_max value for this substrate was 42.19 EU/mL.

9 illus, 1 table, 46 ref

020646   Deepika;Padma Singh;Upadhyay V (Microbiology Dep, Kanya Gurukul Mahavidyalaya, Jwalapur, Haridwar) : Screening of antibacterial properties of leaf extracts of Moringa olifera. Adv Pl Sci 2009, 22(1), 39-41.

Methanol, acetone and diethyl ether extracts of leaf of Moringa olifera were tested lor their antibacterial activity against two human pathogenic bacteria, Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. It was found that all the extracts produced inhibitory effect but the methanol extract of leaves was found to be most effective against these microorganisms.

5 tables, 10 ref

020645   Das D;Chatterjee S N;Dangar T K (Microbiology and Vector Biology Research Unit, Parasitology Laborator, Burdwan Univ, Burdwan-713 104) : Characterization of Bacillus sphaericus, a gut bacterium of Aedes albopictus (SKUSE) larvae and its sensitivity to Hiptage benghalensis kurz leaf extract. J appl Zool Res 2008, 19(2), 221-5.

Bacillus sphaericus, a normal and beneficial gut bacteria of Aedes albopictus (Skuse) larva, was isolated from the midgut of healthy insects. The organism was Gram positive, spore forming and motile rods (1.86-2.5 x 0.50-0.67 urn), tolerated up to 40°C, did not produce acid and gas from different carbohydrates, protease and lipase positive. Adult development from the midgut bacteria free larvae was delayed compared to those of untreated larvae. Aquous, alcoholic, hexane and benzene extracts of Hiptage benghalensis inhibited B. sphaericus of Ae. albopictus larva in the laboratory.

4 tables, 11 ref

020644   Ciftci M;Beydemir S;Ekinci D (Chemistry Dep, Faculty of Arts and Science, Ataturk Univ, Erzurum 25240, Turkey, Email: beydemir@atauni.edu.tr) : Effects of some drugs on enzymatic activity of glucose 6-phosphate dehydrogenase from chicken erythrocytes in vitro. Asian J Chem 2008, 20(3), 2189-96.

In vitro inhibitory effects of some important drugs on glucose 6-phosphate dehydrogenase, the NADP⁺ depending enzyme, from the chicken erythrocytes were investigated. Chicken erythrocytes glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (D-glucose-6-phosphate: NADP⁺ oxidoreductase, EC 1.1.1.49) (G6PD) was purified by using 2',5'-ADP Sepharose 4B affinity chromatography. During the overall purification steps, the enzyme having a specific activity of 17.90 EU/mg proteins was obtained 5343-fold with a yield of 52%. A constant temperature (4 °C) was maintained during the purification process. Enzyme activity was determined with the Beutler's method by using a spectrophotometer at 340 nm. This method was utilized for all kinetic studies. Then, metamizol, ceftriaxone, prilocaine, meloksikam, lidocaine were investigated for in vitro inhibition of this NADP⁺ depending enzyme. The enzyme was strongly inhibited by these drugs. In addition, I₅₀ values of the drugs were determined by plotting activity% vs. drug concentrations. I₅₀ values were 0.57 mM for metamizol, 0.33 mM for ceftriaxone, 28.17 mM for prilocaine, 0.0012 mM for meloksikam and 1.54 mM for lidocaine.

6 illus, 34 ref

020643   Chougule V V;Deshmukh A M (P.G. Dep of Microbiology, Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar Marathwada Univ, Sub Center, Osmanabad-413 501) : Degradation of copper sulphate by actinomycetes. Bioinfolet 2009, 6(2), 131-2.

Three hundred ninety nine actinomycetes were isolated. 124 from DSS (Deep Saline Soil) and 195 from PSS (Partial Saline Soil) of sangli district, Maharashtra. Twelve genera were prominent in the two soils. These included Streptomyces, Sreptoverticillium, Streptosporangium, Micromonospora, Nocordiopsis, Nocardia, Nocardioides, Thermoactinomycetes, Dactylosporangium, Actinoplanes, Thermomonospora and Actinopolyspora. In addition Saccharopolyspora was also observed in PSS (Partial Saline Soil). Streptomyces was most common in both soil types. Seventeen actinomycetal isolates were able to show growth in presence of copper sulphate, out of which only 8 isolates were able to degrade copper sulphate at 15 salt concentration.

9 ref

020642   Chavan S D;Kulkarni N S;Musaddiq M (P.G. Dep of Microbiology, Rajasthan Aryan College, Washim-444 505) : Evidence of translocation of endophytic human pathogens in tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum) grown via geophonics. Nat Envir Pollut Technol 2008, 7(3), 471-4.

Altered environmental conditions have resulted in increased likelihood of pathogen transmission to humans. Amongst the infectious diseases, food-borne diseases are the most serious health problems affecting public health. Vegetables and fruit vegetables (salad ingredients) are frequently identified as a potential source of infection due to its unhygienic cultivation practices. The inner tissues of fruits and vegetables are considered to be sterile. However, bacterial endophytes are known to reside in wide range of plant tissues. Hence, with the view of possible isolation of bacterial endophytic human pathogens in tomato fruit have been investigated geophonically. All the experimental plant units from sowing to seedling level were challenged with pure culture of Salmonella @ 10¹⁸/mL and were analysed for the presence of Salmonella species at 7th day after sowing (DAS) up to fruiting stage. The study revealed presence of Salmonella species at 21st DAS in all the plants analysed, viz., leaf, stem and fruits which indicates that the tomato as salad ingredient may act as an occulant source of enteric infection.

1 illus, 1 table, 9 ref

020641   Chandra V;Taneja S;Kalia M;Jameel S (Virology Group, International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB), New Delhi-110 067, Email: shahid@icgeb.res.in) : Molecular biology and pathogenesis of hepatitis E virus. J Biosci, Bangalore 2008, 33(4), 451-64.

The hepatitis E virus (HEV) is a small RNA virus and the etiological agent for hepatitis E, a form of acute viral hepatitis. The virus has a feco-oral transmission cycle and is transmitted through environmental contamination, mainly through drinking water. Recent studies on the isolation of HEV-like viruses from animal species also suggest zoonotic transfer of the virus. The absence of small animal models of infection and efficient cell culture systems has precluded virological studies on the replication cycle and pathogenesis of HEV. A vaccine against HEV has undergone successful clinical testing and diagnostic tests are available. This review describes HEV epidemiology, clinical presentation, pathogenesis, molecular virology and the host response to HEV infection. The focus is on published literature in the past decade.

5 illus, 127 ref

020640   Buyukokuroglu M E;Berashvili D (Pharmacology Dep, Faculty of Medicine, Afyon Kocatepe Univ, Izmir Yolu 8. km, Afyonkarahisar, Turkey, Email: memin@aku.edu.tr) : Antiinflammatory and antinociceptive properties of luteolin diglucuronide and apigenin diglucuronide obtained from Perilla nankinensis. Asian J Chem 2008, 20(3), 1900-6.

Examines possible antiinflammatory and antinociceptive effects of luteolin diglucuronide (LT), apigenin diglucuronide (AP) and semi-pure luteolin diglucuronide (S-LT) obtained from Perilla nankinensis in rats and mice. Antiinflammatory effects of LT, AP and S-LT were investigated with the carrageenaan-induced rat paw edema tests. It was found that pretreatment with LT, AP and S-LT obtained from Perilla nankinensis reduced inflammagen -induced paw edema in rats. Again, pretreatment with LT significantly diminished the nociceptive response in mice. LT and AP present in the leaves of Perilla nankinensis may partly account for the antiinflammatory and antinociceptive properties of Peril/a nankinensis.

2 tables, 21 ref

020639   Bulut M;Mendes M;Bilen S;Celik I (Faculty of Fisheries, University of Canakkale Onsekiz Mart, Canakkale 17020, Turkey, Email: mbulut@comu.edu.tr) : Investigation on relations of blood chemistry parameters in bluefish (Pomatomos saltatrix L. 1758) using multidimensional technique. Asian J Chem 2008, 20(3), 2264-74.

The relationships among various biood chemistry parameters of Bluefish (Pomatomus saltatrix L. 1758) were investigated by multidimensional scaling technique (MDS). The results of the MSD technique showed that blood chemistry parameters were affected by seasonal changes, total number of parameters in the model and the interactions between the parameters. The relationships among various parameters were more apparent in winter with a coefficient of 87.8%, which was followed by fall with 70.5% and spring with 69.9%. The results of the statistical analysis also indicated that direct bilirubin, total bilirubin, albumin, uric acid, total protein and low-density lipoproteins parameters of winter Bluefish were associated or similar with each other. The blood proteins did not seem to be related to any of the blood minerals except for K in winter. It was found that the relationships among Cl, K, Na and creatine and between uric acid and cholesterol were high in the fall caught Bluefish. The relationships among the blood parameters of the spring caught Bluefish suggested that high-density lipoproteins, total proteins and cholesterol parameters were associated with each other. It is concluded that MDS may be a valuable tool to study relationships and interactions between various blood chemistry parameters and exogenous factors.

7 illus, 3 tables, 26 ref

020638   Bhitre M J;Patil S;Kataria M;Anwikar S;Kadri H (C.U. Shah College of Pharmacy, SNDT Women's Univ, Juhu Road Santacruz (W), Mumbai-400 049) : Antiinflammatory activity of the fruits of Semecarpus anacardium linn.. Asian J Chem 2008, 20(3), 2047-50.

Inflammation is a response of vascularized living tissue to the local injury. It is the body's defense mechanism, which is closely intertwined with the process of repair. It serves to destroy or dilute the injurious agents and also reconstitute the damaged tissue by regeneration. The severe side effects of steroidal and non-steroidal antiinflammatory drug evoked us to search for new antiinflammatory drugs from the indigenous source. The methanolic, ethanolic, chloroform, ethyl acetate and pet ether extracts of fruits of Semecarpus anacardium Linn were tested to study the antiinflammatory activity using the technique of carrag-eenan induced paw edema in albino rats. The extract showed significant antiinflammatory activity comparable to the reference standard aspirin.

1 illus, 1 table, 11 ref

020637   Bhathena Z P;Madkekar A (Microbiology Dep, Bhavan's College Andheri (West), Mumbai-58) : Production and application of compatible solute glycine betaine from halophilic bacteria Actinopolyspora halophila. Ecol Envir Conserv 2008, 14(4), 627-32.

Cell extracts of Actinopolyspora halophila producing a compatible solute glycine betaine was detected qualitatively by HPTLC and extracted by the process of "bacterial milking". It was found that milking along with purification by ammonium reineckate precipitation increases the releases of glycine betaine out of the cell by 4.4-folds. The cryoprotectant activity of glycine betaine when used in combination with Sucrose/BSA, for lyophilization of sensitive cultures, allows one to two log cycle increase in viable counts of test cultures as compared to the mixture of only Sucrose/BSA and, hence, is a more effective cryoprotectant for lyophilization of Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus and Vibrio choleras.

5 illus, 1 table, 19 ref

020636   Bhalla R;Lomte V S;Mule M B (Environmental Science Dep, Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Marathwada Univ, Aurangabad-431 004) : Physico-chemical assessment of water in relation to the primary production of planktons of Godavari river at Nashik. Bull envir Sci 2006, 24(2), 157-61.

The abiotic parametes like temperature, pH, dissolved oxygen content, free carbondioxide, nitrates, phosphates, plankton components along with the primary production of Godavari river water at Nashik was investigated in the winter, monsoon, summer season during 2001-2002. It was observed that the abiotic components are in direct correlation with the biota of an aquatic ecosystem. The zooplanktons were found maximum during the monsoon season, while the phytoplanktons were found to be maximum in summer and minimum in winter. The maximum values of gross primary production (GPP) and net primary production(NPP) were registered in the summer and minimum in the monsoon.

1 table, 30 ref

020635   Avcibasi U;Altunata T (Chemistry Dep, Faculty of Art and Science, Celal Bayar Univ, Muradiye, Manisa 45030, Turkey, Email: ugur.avcibasi@bayar.edu.tr) : Iodine content in breast milk samples in the Aegean region in Turkey. Asian J Chem 2008, 20(3), 1967-74.

The iodine content in breast milk was mea-ured by Sandell-Kolthoff s method. The milk was obtained from 40 healthy mothers, aged 20 to 37, from the pediatric division of Ege University hospital. All mothers were from Aegean region of Turkey. Comparisons were made with commercial milk samples. Destruction of organic matter by using alkaline ash method was carried out prior to determination by Sandell-Kolthoff reaction based on iodine's catalytic effect on the Ce(IV)-As(III) system. The iodine concentration ranges were within 19.1 and 94.2 μg/kg in breast milk samples. Results obtained in this study clearly showed that breast milk samples did not have iodine deficiency which can lead to goiter and iodine concentrations of market miik were at sufficient level in the Aegean region of Turkey.

1 illus, 3 tables, 36 ref

020634   Arbind Kumar;Singh M K;Anil Kumar (P.G. Centre, Chemistry Dep, D.S. College, Katihar, Bihar) : Toxicity of KMNO₄, K₂Cr₂O₇, CuSO₄ and CdCl₂ on haematological parameters of an Indian major carp Catla catla (HAM). Acta Cienc Indica-Chem 2008, 34(1), 31-5.

The effect of KMnO₄, K₂Cr₂O₇, CuSO₄ and CdCl₂ on Haematological parameters was studied on Indian Carp Catla catla (Ham). The effect was estimated at two different concentrations 0.01% and 0.02%. The experimental dosing was carried out for 20 days, after ten injections, blood samples were collected from caudal vein. The collected samples were subjected to haernatological estimation for various parameters such as RBC, WBC, Hb, PVC, MCV, MCH and MCHC to determine the toxic effect of these compounds. The toxic effect was increased considerably with increase of concentration of these metallic compounds. Experimental data revealed that K₂Cr₂0₇and CdCl₂ are more toxic than CuSO₄ and KMnO₄.

2 tables, 18 ref

019715   Wise R (Medical Microbiology, City Hospital, Birming-ham, Uattaranchal, Email: r.wise@bham.ac.uk) : Worldwide threat of antimicrobial resistance. Curr Sci 2008, 95(2), 181-7.

Antibiotics have undoubtedly made a major contribution to improvements in both human and ani-mal health and welfare. The recent years have brought an alarming rise in the prevalence of resistance to some agents among certain groups of bacteria. Concern is growing that therapeutic options will become increasingly limited if resistance rates continue to rise. There is widespread agreement that action is required to reverse or at least slow down this process. Necessary steps to manage the situation include better surveillance to assess accurately the extent of the problems, more prudent use of the available antibiotics to conserve valuable therapeutic resources and improved infection control to limit the spread of resistant organisms. Achieving these goals will not be possible without the government, medical professionals and public being better informed and educated. Regulatory bodies and the pharmaceutical industry need to work together to ensure a steady supply of new antimicrobials. The processes driving resistance at both the molecular and population levels is advancing. However, the relative contributions of the various uses of antimicrobials to the resistance problem and which will be the most effective containment measures are still hotly debated. Progress is being made, but continued concerted action is necessary if the usefulness of this most important group of therapeutic agents is to be preserved.

9 illus, 35 ref

019714   Watve M;Mandani S (Microbiology Dep, Abasaheb Garware College, Karve Road, Pune-411 004, Email: milind_watve@yahoo.com) : Why serum chemokine levels are raised in insulin resistance syndrome: an immune reversal hypothesis. Curr Sci 2008, 95(2), 171-4.

The adipose tissue is an active endocrine organ which also secretes proinflammatory cytokines and chemokines resulting into raised serum levels. Although the pathological role of adipocyte-mediated immune changes in the insulin resistance syndrome or metabolic syndrome is being increasingly recognized, its functional significance in healthy life remains yet unexplained. Suggest a functional role for adipocyte secretion of chemokines based on the behavioural switch hypothesis for the evolutionary origin of insulin resistance. According to this hypothesis, insulin resistance is a physiological adaptation to 'soldier to diplomat' transition in lifestyle. The 'soldier' life is more prone to wounds and injuries. Therefore the immune system should be deployed more in the sub-cutaneous tissue. In 'diplomat' life, where cutaneous injuries are less likely, the immune system could be retracted from the periphery. Suggest here that chemokine secretion by adipo-cytes is one of the mechanisms of this immune reversal. In a physically active lifestyle, stimulated by minor cutaneous injuries, immune cells move towards the periphery under a chemokine gradient formed by the chemokine secretion by the injured tissue. A gradient results from the difference between local and basal levels of chemokines. Secretion of these chemokines by adipocytes increases the basal level, thereby weakening the gradient. Using diffusion kinetics we show that a small rise in basal levels can cause substantial reduction in cell infiltration. This response may have evolved as a mechanism of disinvestment in peripheral immunity resulting into an irnmunological parsimony.

3 illus, 57 ref

019713   Verma Y;Rana S V S (Toxicology Lab, Zoology Dep, Ch. Charan Singh University, Meerut-250 004) : Endocrinal toxicity of industrial solvents - a mini review. Indian J expl Biol 2009, 47(7), 537-49.

Endocrine system can be affected by various organic compounds. The review describes the effects of major industrial solvents on adrenal, thyroid and parathyroid glands in man and experimental animals. Further, their toxicity in pancreas, pituitary, testis and ovary has also been discussed. An attempt has been made to offer a historical and general information on solvent toxicity in endocrine glands. Possible mechanisms, in brief, have also been discussed. Endocrine toxicity caused by industrial solvents deserves more attention than hitherto paid. An understanding of hormonal disorders caused by industrial solvents will be important from occupational health point of view.

019712   Vadivelan R;Elango K;Suresh S;Ramesh B R; Bhadra S;Raghuram A;Sampathkumar R (Pharmacology Dep, J.S.S. College of Pharmacy, Ooty-643 001, Email: velcology@yahoo.com) : Effect of siddha drug (Kantha chendooram) on indomethacin induced gastric ulcer lesions in rats. J Res Educ Indian Med 2008, 14(3), 23-8.

Assesses the possible anti-ulcer effect of Kantha Chendooram.ulcer index, ulcer protection, non-protein sulphydryls (NP-SH) and adherent mucus content were determined in indomethacin induced gastric mucosal injury in rats. Pretreatment with Kantha Chendooram significantly prevented the gastric mucosal lesion development and decreased the gastric toxicity produced by ulcerogen. In addition, ulcerated rats showed depletion of gastric wall mucus and NP-SH levels whereas treatment with Kantha Chendooram reverted this decline in indomethacin induced rats. Histological studies confirmed the results. The finding suggests that Kantha Chendooram promotes ulcer protection by decrease in ulcer index and increase in gastric mucin content and NP-SH concentration. Kantha Chendooram may protect the gastric mucosa against ulceration by its cytoprotective activity.

2 illus, 3 tables, 12 ref

019711   Ucuncu O;Gaydan F;Gulec C;Coskuncelebi K; Yayli N (Chemistry Dep, Faculty of Arts and Science, Karadeniz Technical Univ, 61080, Trabzon, Turkey, Email: yayli@ktu.edu.tr) : Essential oil composition and antimicrobial activity of Inula thapsoides subsp. thapsoides from Turkey. Asian J Chem 2008, 20(2), 1049-54.

The composition of the essential oil isolated from the air-dried Inula thapsoides subsp. thapsoides was analyzed by GC-MS. 51 Components were identified in the essential oil and the main components of this species were dihydro edulan (12.4 %), β-selinene (9.9 %), caryophyllene oxide (9.0 %), pentacosane (8.3 %) and epi-α-cadinol (5.2 %). The isolated essential oil of I. thapsoides subsp. thapsoides was also tested for antimicrobial activity against the bacteria E. coli, Y. pseudotuberculosis, K. pneumoniae, S. marcescens, E. faecalis, S. aureus, B. subtilis and the fungus C. albicans and C. tropicalis at maximum essential oil concentration in acetone of 1000 μg/mL and they showed moderate antibacterial activity against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria.

3 tables, 10 ref

019710   Toker Z;Keskin C (Biology Dep, Faculty of Art and Sciences, Dicle Univ, 21280 Diyarbakir, Turkey, Email: ztoker@dicle.edu.tr) : Composition of essential oil of Carthamus glaucus Bieb. subsp. glaucus. Asian J Chem 2008, 20(2), 1651-63.

The essential oil of water distilled aerial parts of Carthamus glaucus Bieb. subsp. glaucus (Compositae) was analyzed by GC/MS. 23 Components were characterized representing 87.3 % of total component in oil sample. The major components were linalool (38.5 %), longifolene (6.8 %) and caryophyllene oxide (6.2 %).

^ssc1 table, 12 ref

019709   Thakur M C;Reddy C R K;Jha B (Discipline of Marine Biotechnology & Ecology, Central Salt & Marine Chemicals Research Institute (Council of Scienti, Gijubhai Badheka Marg, Bhavnagar-364 002, Email: bjha@csmcri.org) : Seasonal variation in biomass and species composition of seaweeds stranded along Port Okha northwest coast of India. J Earth Syst Sci 2008, 117(3), 211-18.

Studies conducted for quantifying the stranded seaweeds from May 2004 to April 2005 showed an average biomass value of 3.10kg fresh wt/m²/month with maximum being 6.60 kg fresh wt/m² in April. The stranded weeds constituted a total of 62 species during the entire study period. Of this, Rhodophyta ranked high with 26 species followed by Chlorophyta with 22 species and Phaeophyta with 14 species. The stranded seaweeds that were washed ashore provide valuable floristic information about the intertidal and near shore sub-tidal algae of the respective regions. Although natural senescence of seaweeds is one of the major factors, strong currents primarily forced by tides, also contribute to the uprooting and subsequent drifting of seaweeds on to the beach. This ultimately causes changes in floristic features of the existing algal beds.

2 illus, 1 table, 38 ref

019708   Swarna kumari;Vijaya Kumar R M;Tilak K S (Zoology Dep, Acharya Nagarjuna University, Nagarjunanagar-522 510) : Biochemical changes of total proteins and glycogen in the tissus of grass carp Ctenopharyngodon idella (Valenciennes), exposed to an organo phosphate novan (76%) EC). J Aquatic Biol 2008, 23(1), 159-68.

Nuvanr (76% Emulsifiable Concentrate) a commercial formulation of Dichlorvos was determined after exposing them to the fish, Ctenopharyngodon idella to lethal and sublethal concentration for 8 days to study the two biochemical changes; total protein and glycogen, the two important food stuffs for energy metabolism. A decrement as observed in fish tissues: Gill, liver, muscle, brain and kidney can be an indicator of the provoking toxic action, culminating the result of the death.

2 illus, 2 tables, 82 ref

019707   Sunil Kumar;Archana Kumari;Murarka S (Reproductive and Cytotoxicology Div, National Institute of Occupational Health (ICMR), Ahmedabad-380 016) : Lifestyle factors in deteriorating male reproductive health. Indian J expl Biol 2009, 47(8), 615-24.

Many health problems are related to lifestyle and dietary factors. Increasing trend in reproductive disorders observed in recent years may be associated at least in part with these factors, which are compounded by some of the new emergent life styles. The data available suggests that lifestyle factors such as obesity, tobacco smoking or chewing, alcohol and some of the illicit drugs like cocaine, cannabis etc and exposure to extreme heat, have adverse effects on male reproduction. The data on other factors such as use of mobile phone and stress on reproductive health are inadequate and need detailed study. Lifestyle related diseases could be lowered with modification in diet, living and working environment etc. Sub-fertile and/or normal subjects have some control over their reproductive function by adopting healthy lifestyles to avoid additional complications.

019706   Sinha M;Shakuntala;Megha (Prasuti Tantra Dep, Faculty of Ayurveda, Institute of Medical Sciences, Banaras Hindu Univ, Varanasi-221 005) : Clinical evaluation of Shalmali (Salmalia malabarica) in menorrhagia. J Res Educ Indian Med 2008, 14(3), 47-54.

The study is aimed to see the effect of Shalmali (Salmalia malabarica) in excessive bleeding per vaginum. The clinical trial was conducted in 40 patients suffering from excessive bleeding per vaginum, ranging from 15 to 45 years of age were randomly divided in two groups of 20 each. Group A was administered Mocharasa churna 3 gm thrice a day with Durva (Cynodon dactylon) swaras and Group B was kept on Mocharasa churna triturated with swaras of Shalmali flowers 1 gm thrice a day with Durva swaras. Therapeutic efficacy was recorded by scoring system and clinical criteria. Gradual decrease in duration of menstrual bleeding and amount of blood loss along with improvement in interval of menstrual cycle, consistency of blood and associated signs and symptoms were observed which were long lasting. Trial drug Shalmali has shown encouraging results in treatment of excessive bleeding per vaginum especially in Group B (Niryasa i.e. mocharasa and swaras of Shalmali flowers). At the time of first follow up, little improvement in symptoms and bleeding amount in group A & B, in IInd follow up in Group B remarkable improvement of symptoms and little reduction in amount of bleeding was noted in comparison to Group A and very good and encouraging result were noted in IIIrd follow up in Group B.

4 tables, 17 ref

019705   Shendarkar G R;Ghiware N B;Gond N Y (Pharmacology Dep, Nanded Pharmacy College, Shyam Nagar, Nanded-431 605, Email: nbghiware@yahoo.co.in) : Preliminary phytochemical investigation and in vivo antidiabetic activity of Cassia auriculata L. flowers. J Res Educ Indian Med 2008, 14(3), 37-41.

Alcoholic extract, its petroleum ether fraction and their unsaponified matters (USM) of Cassia auriculata (Linn) flowers were subjected to preliminary qualitative chemical investigation. Steroids, triterpenoids, lipids and flavonoids were found to be present in the alcoholic extract while steroids and lipids were found to be present in petroleum ether fraction. Acute toxicity studies were carried out in albino rats. The alcoholic extract, its petroleum ether fraction and their USM were evaluated for in vivo anti-diabetic activity using albino rats at a dose of 200 mg/kg body weight. The USM of petroleum ether fraction exhibited significant anti-diabetic activity in reference to standard anti-diabetic.

2 tables, 20 ref

019704   Sharma N;Garg V (Bioscience and Biotechnology Dep, Banasthali University, Banasthali-304 022) : Antihyperglycemic and antioxidative potential of hydroalcoholic extract of Butea monosperma Lam flowers in alloxan-induced diabetic mice. Indian J expl Biol 2009, 47(7), 571-6.

Daily treatment of alloxan-induced diabetic animals with 50% ethanolic extract of B. monosperma flowers (BMEE) for 45 days significantly lowered blood glucose level thereby preventing steep onset of hyperglycemia which was observed after alloxan administration and maintained body weight and blood glucose level close to the values observed in normal control and glibenclamide-treated diabetic mice. Moreover, the level of serum total cholesterol, triglyceride, low-density lipoprotein and very low-density lipoprotein cholesterol were also lowered, whereas the level of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, which was reduced in untreated diabetic animals, was significantly elevated. Oxidative damage in the liver, pancreas and kidneys of diabetic mice as evidenced by a marked increment in the level of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances and also a distinct diminution in glutathione content was nullified by BMEE. Activities of antioxidant enzymes were also assessed in all the experimental groups. These enzymes registered a decline in their activity in diabetic animals thus revealing the damaging effects of free radicals generated due to alloxan exposure but their activities were reverted towards near normal range in BMEE-administered mice thus indicating the antioxidant efficacy of the drug in resisting oxidative damage.

019703   Sharma J;Kesharwani S;Mandloi A K (Govt M. H. College of H. Sc. & Sc. for Women, , Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh) : Seasonal trends in abiotic factors of a lentic habitat. Bull envir Sci 2007, 25(1), 15-21.

Increased human population and industrial development has put tremendous pressure on the limited fresh water resources. Abiotic factors make up the basic environmental structure and each of these factors act singly or in synchronized manner, exerting significant influence upon the aquatic life. Hence, these are important tools to assess the water quality and improve the productivity of lentic habitats. Soopatal at Jabalpur has good potential for aquaculture, pisciculture and trapa culture. The investigation was carried out for 2 years (1995 to 1997) and attempts were made to analyst, the abiotic factors as well as biotic components for proper management and use. Study deals with abiotic factors.

2 tables, 25 ref

019702   Sharififar F;Pournourmohammadi S;Arabnejad M (Pharmacognosy Dep, Research Center of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmac, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran) : Immunomodulatory activity of aqueous extract of Achillea wilhelmsii C. Koch in mice. Indian J expl Biol 2009, 47(8), 668-71.

Immunomodulatory activity of aqueous extract of Achillea wilhelmsii (25, 50 and 100 mg/kg body weight for 5 days) was evaluated on body weight, relative organ weight, delayed type of hypersensitivity (DTH) response and haemagglutination titre (HT) in female Swiss albino mice. No significant body weight gain differences were recorded in various groups of animals. Significant increase in relative organ weight of spleen at 100 mg/kg was observed. No elevation in the levels of liver function test (LFT) enzymes and kidney relative weight was observed in tested doses of the plant. The extract of A. wilhelmsii elicited a significant increase in the DTH response at the dose of 100 mg/kg. In the HT test, plant extract showed stimulatory effect in all doses, however this changes were significant at 50 mg/kg. No mortality was occurred in tested doses. Overall, A. wilhelmsii showed a stimulatory effect on both humoral and cellular immune functions in mice.

019701   Saraswat P K;Nirwan P S;Saraswat S;Mathur P (Forensic Medicine & Toxicology Dep, J.L.N. Medical College, Ajmer, Rajasthan) : Biodegradation of dead bodies including human cadavers and their safe disposal with reference to mortuary practice. J Indian Acad Forensic Med 2008, 30(4), 273-80.

^iia5 tables, 16 ref

019700   Santhi P R;Anbusrinivasan P (Chemistry Dep, A.V.C. College (Autonomous), Mayiladuthurai-609 305, Email: panbusrinivas@gmail.com) : Phytochemical studies on Parthenium hysterophorus linn.. Asian J Chem 2008, 20(2), 987-91.

Various fractions obtained from Parthenium hystemphoms contains antiinflammatory activities. The fraction obtained from diethyl ether was found to be a flavonol galangin. Aglycone and glucose fractions were also obtained during fractionation. All the fractions were characterized by UV-spectral analysis. The ethyl acetate fraction obtained was analyzed for its microbial activity, which showed a dose-dependent activity against heamolysis.

3 tables, 5 ref