018662   Yadav A S;Bhagwat V R (NO, , 5A, Suyog Nagar, Wadi-Bhokar Road, Devpur Dhule-424 001, Email: bhagwatvr@yahoo.co.in) : Pre-analytical errors in blood homocysteine assays. Al Ameen J med Sci 2009, 2(1), 78-81.

Blood homocysteine is a major biomarker for cardiovascular disorder as well as other disorders. Several published studies reported inconsistent homocysteine levels with variable ranges. The reference intervals are variable hence the comparison of studies is difficult. Pre-analytical factors that influence homocysteine testing such as the storage, processing and transportation of blood samples, often pose severe problems in clinical settings. Total homocysteine levels were determined in 36 blood samples collected from normal healthy subjects by HPLC with fluorescence detection. The results indicate that delay separated samples stored at ambient temperature have significantly higher values than the delay separated samples stored at 2-8°C. The rise was 41.9% in 3 hours that amounts to a rate of ≈14% per hour. It is concluded that there is a strong need for standardization of blood sample collection and processing in homocysteine assays. It is strongly advocated that homocysteine should never be measured in serum and that it is ideal to use plasma specimens preserved at 2-8°C.

^ssc1 table, 13 ref

018661   Vyas G;Agarwal M M;Pandey H K;Bhojak N (Chemistry Dep, Government Dungar College, Bikaner-334 001, Email: narendarbhojak@rediffmail.com) : Phytochemical investigations of the pollens of Prosopis juliflora. Asian J Chem 2007, 19(5), 4113-14.

The amino acids contents in the pollens of Prosopis juliflora have been analyzed.

^ssc1 table, 5 ref

018660   Urek R O;Kayali H A;Tarhan L (Chemistry Dep, Faculty of Education, Dokuz Eylul Univ, 35150 Buca-Izmir, Turkey, Email: leman.tarhan@deu.edu.tr) : Characterization of the antioxidant properties of seeds and skins in selected turkish grapes. Asian J Chem 2008, 20(5), 3750-62.

1,1 -DiphenyI-2-picryl-hydrazyl (DPPH), hydroxyl (HO), superoxide anion (O₂) radicals scavenging activities and total antioxidant capacities; total phenolic, catechin and epicatechin contents were determined in ethyl acetate-water extract (EAWE) and methanol-water extract (MWE) extracts of selected six varieties of Vitis vinifera L. from Turkey grape seeds and skins. DPPH scavenging capacities of 95% were determined for 0.14 μg/mL of seed and 2.01 μg/mL of skin EAWEs of Eksi kara grape. O₂ scavenging capacities were observed only in EAWEs of all grape seeds. The highest HO scavenging capacity was also reached to 98% with 0.5 pg/ mL of EAWE of Eksi kara grape seed. Total antioxidant capacities of seed extracts were generally higher than skin extracts. Total phenolic contents in seed EAWEs were ranged from 5.34 to 101.7 μg gallic acid/μg extract. Catechin and epicatechin levels in seeds and skins were higher in EAWEs by comparison with MWEs. The radical scavenging capacities of Eksi kara grape seed and skin extracts, which had the highest values, were decreased between 10-20% after heating process although the increases of their total phenolic contents.

1 illus, 6 tables, 37 ref

018659   Thetwar L K;Deshmukh N C;Jangde A K;Keshkar G K;Tripathi N K;Sharma S;Tandon R C (Chemistry Dep, Government Medel Science Postgraduate College, Bilaspur-495 001) : Effects of flyash and plant hormones on soil metabolic activities. Asian J Chem 2007, 19(5), 3515-18.

In the work, flyash, plant hormones have been used in pot experiments on wheat to study their effects in plant growth parameters, protein and amino acid contents.

4 tables, 20 ref

018658   Sundaram E N;Singh K P;Uma P;Maheswara Reddy P (Drug Standardisation Unit, Osmania Univ, Building No. 32, Street No. 4, Vikrampuri, Habsiguda, Hyderabad-500 007, Email: sundaram_crn@yahoo.in) : Comparative evaluation of hypocholesterolaemic and hypotriglyceridaemic activity of Indian medicinal plants in streptozotocin diabetic rats. J Res Educ Indian Med 2009, 15(1), 33-8.

In rat, intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin (STZ) in a single dose of 30 mg/kg body weight produced significant hypercholesterolaemia and hypertriglyceridaemia in addition to hyperglycaemia. On the contrary, alcoholic extract of M. charantia, A. marmelos and E. jambolana caused dose and duration dependent significant hypocholesterolaemia and hypotriglyceridaemia in STZ diabetic rats. At the end of one month, the observed total serum cholesterol and serum triglycerides levels in STZ diabetic rats with 500 mg/kg doses of alcoholic extracts of three medicinal plants were comparable to that of healthy rats as well as to that of glibenclamide (300 μg/kg dose). The result suggests that a herbal medicine prepared from these plants either alone or in combination would be more useful in the management of diabetes mellitus of those patients, whose diabetes mellitus is associated with hypercholesterolaemia and hypertriglyceridaemia, and who developed side effects when modern drugs are used in higher doses for lifelong period.

2 tables, 17 ref

018657   Sukari M A;Tang S W;Kasim S H;Rahmani M;Lajis N H;Ee G C L (Chemistry Dep, Faculty of Science, Univ Putra Malaysia, 43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia) : Antimicrobial and cytotoxic properties of the extracts of Alpinia conchigera Griff. (Zingiberaceae). J Ultra Chem 2007, 3(1), 65-8.

Alpinia is a genus of about 200 species of ginger-scented, rhizomatous perennials natives to Asia and Australia. Alpinia conchigera Griff, is one of the Alpinia species which is also known as joint-whip ginger, lengkuas ranting or lengkuas genting. Soaking with hexane, dichloromethane, ethyl acetate and methanol successively carried out the extractions and the crude extracts were further screened for bioaclivities. Crude hexane, dichloromethane and ethyl acetate extracts were strongly active against Salmonella choleraesitis in antimicrobial assay. In antifungal screening test, hexane extract showed slight inhibition on Aspergillits ochraceaus and Saccharomyces cerevisiae while ethyl acetate extract was active towards S. cerevisiae as well. All crude extracts except methanol extract exhibited very strong activity in cytotoxic screening test against HL-60 ceil line (human promyelocytic leukemia) with IC₅₀ values < 5 ug/mL.

1 illus, 1 table, 9 ref

018656   Srivastava S K;Bahadur F (Chemistry Dep, K.N. Government P.G. College, Gyanpur-221 304, Email: dr_sharad@rediffmail.com) : Phytochemicals studies on J.prostrata and J. aurea. Asian J Chem 2007, 19(5), 4132-4.

The antioxidant and hepatoprotective activity of J. prostrata and J. aurea have been investigated. Ethanolic extract of J. prostrata (100 mL/kg p.o. for 7 d) provided hepato protection against CCl₄ by significantly decreasing SGPT and SGOT levels to 272.63 ± 5.26 and 98.16 ± 3.50, respectively which were comparable to nirocil (p < 0.02. p < 0.05) found in Phyllanthus amarus (P. niruri).

1 table, 9 ref

018655   Singhal A (Chemistry Dep, M.L.C. Government Girls Postgraduate College, Khandwa-450 001, Email: manku_sinhal@yahoo.co.in) : Chromatographic analysis and anthelmintic activity of the seed oil of Caesalpinia crista. Asian J Chem 2007, 19(5), 3577-80.

The seed oil obtained from the seeds of Caesalpinia crista is analyzed for its chemical composition and anthelmintic activity.

1 table, 15 ref

018654   Shoeb M;Xiao T L;Hodge R P;Ansari N H (Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Dep, Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas 77555-0647, Email: nansari@utmb.edu) : Specific and sensitive enzyme activity assay for aldehyde dehydrogenase 1A1 (ALDH1A1). J Cell Tissue Res 2008, 8(1), 1203-9.

Oxidative stress is known to induce age-related cataract, the leading cause of blindness worldwide. 4-Hydroxynonenal (HNE) is a cytotoxic lipid peroxidation product generated in abundance in the lens epithelium under conditions of oxidative stress and if not detoxified, can result in the loss of lens transparency and promote cataractogenesis. Aldehyde dehydrogenase 1A1 (ALDH1 Al) is an NAD-dependent ALDH isozyme that oxidizes HNE to form 4-hydroxynonenoic acid (HNA). Previous studies have demonstrated the essential role ofALDHlAl in the maintenance of lens clarity as well as viability of human lens epithelial cells (HLEC) under conditions of oxidative stress. To further investigate the physiological role of this enzyme a convenient enzyme activity assay is necessary. Due to the overlapping substrate specificity of ALDH1 Al with the other ALDH isozymes, it is difficult to determine the enzyme activity of ALDH1A1 in the tissues without its purification. Here standardized a specific and sensitive fluorescent method to assay ALDH 1A1 in ocular tissues using a synthetic substrate, 7-methoxy-1-napthaldehyde (MONAL-71). The ALDH1A1 activity determined by this method was approximately 10 times higher than with propionaldehyde as the substrate measured spectrophotometrically. Moreover, compared to the spectrophotometric assay, the fluorometric assay detected higher specific activity of ALDH 1 Al hi bovine and rat lens epithelium as compared to other ocular tissues consistent to the presence of ALDH1A1 as the main ALDH isozyme in the lens epithelium, shown earlier. These results suggest that fluorometric method using MONAL-71 is specific and sensitive for the determination of ALDH1 Al activity and can be used as an effective tool for further investigating the role of ALDH1A1 in the lens and other tissues.

5 illus, 2 tables, 20 ref

018653   Sacan O;Orak H;Yanardag R (Chemistry Dep, Faculty of Engineering, Istanbul Univ, Avcilar 34320, Istanbul, Turkey, Email: refiyeyanardag@yahoo.com) : Antioxidant activity of water extract of Eruca sativa Mill.. Asian J Chem 2008, 20(5), 3462-74.

Study examines the antioxidant activities of water extract of Eruca sativa Mill., which is a plant used as both herbal medicine and food in Turkey. The antioxidant activity of water extract of Eruca sativa Mill, was evaluated using different antioxidant test such as reductive potential, free radical scavenging, metal chelating activity, hydroxyl radical activities. In addition, total phenolic compounds in the extract of Eruca sativa Mill. were determined as pyrocatechol equivalent. Those various activities were compared to standard antioxidants such as, α-tocopherol, butylated hydroxyanisole and butylated hydroxytoluene. The results obtained in this study indicate that Eruca sativa Mill, is a potential source of natural antioxidant.

6 illus, 3 tables, 38 ref

018652   Sacan O O;Yanardag R (Chemistry Dep, Faculty of Engineering, Istanpul Univ, 34320 Avcilar, Istanbul, Turkey, Email: refiyeyanardag@yahoo.com) : Effect of Melissa officinalis L. extract on the skin tissues of hyperlipidemic rats. Asian J Chem 2007, 19(5), 4007-19.

The effects of Melissa offlcinalis L. on hyperlipidemic rats were investigated biochemically. The animals were fed a lipogenic diet consisting of 2% cholesterol, 20% sunflower oil and 0.5% cholic acid added to normal chow and were given 3% ethanol for 42 d. The extract was given gavage technique to rats a dose of 2 g/kg everyday for 28 d, after 14 d, experimental animals done hyperlipidemia. In hyperlipidemic groups, a reduction of the skin glutathione level (GSH), skin superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity and serum catalase (CAT), paraoxonase (PON) activity and an increase in serum cholesterol, total lipid, triglycerides and uric acid, <103>-glutamyl transferase activity (GGT) and skin cholesterol, total lipid, lipid peroxidation (LPO), non-enzymatic glycosylation (NEG) and skin CAT, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), glutathione peroxidase (GP_X) and myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity were observed. Treatment with Melissa officinalis L. extract reversed these effects. Results show that Melissa officinalis L. extract has a protective effect against skin tissue damage as result of hyperlipidemia, in addition to hypolipidemic effect.

4 tables, 77 ref

018651   Saadoun I;Al-Momani F;Ababneh Q;Bonjar S (biological Sciences Dep, Jordan Univ of Science and Technology, Irbid-22110, Jordan, Email: isaadoun@just.edu.jo) : Comparative UV-spectra of fermented cultural extract of antifungal-active Streptomyces isolates recovered from different ecological habitats. Curr Trends Biotechnol Pharm 2009, 3(2), 155-61.

UV-spectra of antifungal-active Streptomyces isolates were compared to previously reported spectra and analyzed under different extraction conditions. MU123 Streptomyces isolate from Turkey exhibited a UV spectrum similar to 23₇ isolate from Jordan with 2 maximum absorbance peaks at (226 and 260 nm) and at (220 and 260 nm), respectively. This spectrum was repeated by the C5P1 -6 isolate from Jordan with 2 maximum absorbance peaks at 225-250 and 300 nm. The aquatic species identified as S. violaceusniger showed 2 maximum absorbance peaks at 231 and 258 nm similar to the UV spectrum of a clinical isolate of actinomycetes (Streptomyces sp. 96.0333) that exhibited 2 absorbance peaks at 220-225 and 262 nm. When C1P2-6 isolate from Jordan was compared to Ir 102 from Iran under same cultural, extraction and UV analysis conditions, data revealed similar UV spectra with 2 absorbance peaks for both isolates at 200-225 and 275-300 nm. Approximately 50% of reported active screened isolates exhibit similar UV-spectra which might reflect their habitats, culture and UV analysis conditions. Comparison of UV-spectra and absorption peaks of known antibiotics to that of active Streptomyces isolates might explain the ability of the same Streptomyces sp. to produce several antibiotics.

3 illus, 1 table, 23 ref

018650   Rema Devi (NO, , ) : Blood Culture. J Acad clin Microbiol 2008, 10(1), 21-8.

4 tables, 7 ref

018649   Ramalingam P;Baburao C;Ganapaty S (Pharmaceutical and Medicinal Chemistry Dep, Siddharth Institute of Pharmacy, Nalanda Educational Campus, Kantepudi, Sattenapalli (M), Guntur-522 438, Email: rammpharm@rediffmail.com) : Michael addition to nalidixic acid and its antitubercular activity. Asian J Chem 2008, 20(5), 4135-7.

α,β-Unsaturated site of nalidixic acid was subjected to Michael addition that afforded 14 new derivatives. All the compounds were characterized by, spectral data and evaluated for its antitubercular activity against Mycobacterium tuberculosis H₃₇ Rv by Alamar blue assay.

^ssc1 table, 4 ref

018648   Raja K (NO, Medical College, Thiruvananthapuram-695 011) : Editorial on blood culture. J Acad clin Microbiol 2008, 10(1), 15-19.

13 ref

018647   Pathak M S;Durve A A;Pandey A C;Sharon M (MONAD Nanotech Pvt. A-702 Bhawani Towers, Powai, Mumbai-400 076, Email: sharonmadhuri@yahoo.om) : Bioconversion of mandelonitrile to mandelic acid using plant extracts from barley, cabbage and radish. Asian J Chem 2008, 20(5), 3502-6.

Bioconversion of mandelonitrile to R-mandelic acid, an α-hydroxy phenyl acetic acid, using crude plant extracts reported here. Chemical process of conversion of mandelonitrile yields both R- and S-enantiomers of mandelic acid. The objective was to convert it to only R- enantiomers. Nitrilases are capable of synthesizing only R-enantiomers. Some plants have been reported to be rich source of nitrilases. Based on the screening results of plants containing nitrilases; cabbage, radish and barley extracts were used for this purpose. The conversion rate was maximum (15 g) with barley leaf extract at 28 °C; cabbage and radish converted 3.23 and 2.45 g, respectively at 32 °C. The preliminary results indicated plants can be used for conversion of mandelonitrile to mandelic acid; though lot of optimization and various parameters need to be studied further.

1 illus, 3 tables, 4 ref

018646   Paliwal P;Khemani L D (Chemistry Dep, Faulty of Science, Dayalbagh Educational Institute, Dayalbagh, Agra-282 005) : Protective roles of extract of Coccinia Indica in diabetes caused by alloxan in rats. Bull chem Sci 2005, 4(1), 13-17.

Diabetes is known to involve oxidative stress and change in lipid metabolism. Many secondary plant metabolites have been shown to possess antioxidant activities, improving the effects of oxidative stress on diabetes. In the present study, the antihyperglycemic and antioxidative potential of the plant extracts of Coccinia indica was assessed in alloxan induced diabetic rats. Blood glucose, Super oxide dismutase (SOD) and Catalase (CAT) levels were determined in normal as well as diabetic animals after single oral administration of both the extracts (ethanolic leaf and ethanolic root) of Coccinia indica. A comparable antihyperglycemic effect was evidenced from the data obtained after 5 h of single oral administration of the ethanolic leaf extract and the standard drug glibenclamide. Observed statistically significant lowering of the blood glucose and rise in the CAT and SOD activity as a function of time exposure, clearly point out the existence of antioxidative property in the ethanolic leaf extract of the plant under study. Results indicate that Coccinia indica not only reduces the Blood sugar level but also strengthens the antioxidative potential.

1 table, 22 ref

018645   Nagata T (Anatomy and Cell Biology Dep, Shinshu Univ School of Medicine, Matsumoto 390 8621, Email: nagatas@po.cnet.ne.jp) : Electron microscopic radioautographic study on mitochondrial DNA synthesis in adrenal cortical cells of developing mice. J Cell Tissue Res 2008, 8(1), 1303-12.

In order to study the aging changes of intramitochondrial DNA synthesis of mouse adreno-cortical cells, 5 groups of developing mice, each consisting of 3 individuals, total 15, from fetal day 19 to postnatal day 1, 3, 9 and 14 were injected with ³H-thymidine, sacrificed 1 hr later and the adrenal tissues were processed for electron microscopic radioautography. On EM radioautograms obtained from each animal, number of mitochondria and the mitochondrial labeling index labeled with ³H-thymidine showing DNA synthesis in each adreno-cortical cells, in 3 zones, were counted and the results in respective developing groups were compared. From the results, it was demonstrated that the numbers of mitochondria and the labeling indices of intramitochondrial DNA syntheses in zona glomerulosa,fasciculata and reticularis of mice at various ages increased from fetal day 19 to postnatal day 14 due to development of animals.

19 illus, 60 ref

018644   Nagarajan K;Mazumder A;Ghosh L K (Pharmaceutical Chemistry Dep, Periyar College of Pharmaceutical Sciences for Girls, Trichy-620 021, Email: nagarajan_mph@yahoo.co.in) : Comparative antihyperglycemic activity of alcoholic leaf and bark extract of Wrightia tomentosa in streptozotocin induced diabetic rats. J Cell Tissue Res 2008, 8(1), 1289-92.

Ethanolic bark and leaf extract of Wrightia tomentosa (200 and 400 mg/Kg) given 48 hrs after streptozotocin treatment in rats decreased the blood glucose level significantly to greater extent (88.5 ± 10.13 mg/dl for 400 mg/Kg of bark extract) after 10 days indicating the antihyperglycemic activity of the plant product.

1 table, 26 ref

018643   Mohamed L I;Mukhtar M M (Bacterial Vaccines Production Dep, Central Veterinary Research Laboratories, P.O. Box 8067 Khartoum, Sudan, Email: layamohamed@hotmail.com) : Cellular immune response of sudanese cames to brucella abortus strain 19 vaccine. J Camel Pract Res 2008, 15(1), 7-10.

Colorimetric assay using MTT salt was used to measure the in vitro proliferative response of peripheral blood monocytes (PBMs) of Sudanese camels vaccinated with Brucella abortus strain 19 vaccine. The mean stimulation index of PBMs of camels after vaccination was significantly higher than before vaccination (P < 0.01). The results suggest possible protection of camels from brucellosis using strain 19 Brucella abortus vaccine.

2 tables, 12 ref

018642   Mistry S;Patidar R;Dubey D;Mahajan S C;Parial S D;Dutt K R (NO, Mahakal Institute of Pharmaceutical Studies, Dewas Road, Ujjain-456 664, Email: mistrysunil80@gmail.com) : Assessment of safety profile of Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni on human semen : an In vitro study. J Res Educ Indian Med 2008, 14(4), 9-13.

Purpose of the study was to evaluate the safety of a non-caloric sweetener, Stevia rebaudiana, Bertoni, on human semen. Stevia rebaudiana leaf was investigated for phytochemical screening firstly. Aqueous extract of the Stevia rebaudiana leaves were used at concentrations of 0.02g/ml, 0.04g/ml, 0.08g/ml, 0.16g/ml and 0.32 g/ml. Sperm motility was assessed immediately after addition of extracts and every 5 minutes thereafter for 20 minutes. The phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of tannins, alkaloid, cardiac glycosides, saponins, sterols and triterpenes, reducing compounds and anthraquinones. There was a dose-dependent sperm motility effect showing an instant fall in the sperm motility at 0.32g/ml concentrations. The results reveal decreased sperm motility activity in vitro of the extract of Stevia leaves at higher concentration and this is not a concern at normal dose.

2 tables, 16 ref

018641   Marshell J (Physics Dep, Loyola College, Chennai-600 034, Email: jmarshell@rediffmail.com) : Comparative study of constituents of fresh raw milk of buffalo, cow and Equus asinus (Donkey). Asian J Chem 2008, 20(5), 3563-8.

Study investigates the qualitative differences in the spectrum of milk of three mammalian species buffalo, cow and Equus asinus (donkey) in the mid-infrared region corresponding to the amide I, amide II and amide III bands of casein micelles that form about 80% of the protein in bovine milk. The absorptions of other principal constituents; fat content due to carbonyl stretching and lactose with characteristic C-OH band for all three species have been studied and compared with available quantification data. In addition, milk proteins also play an important role in dairy and food products.

3 illus, 10 ref

018640   Koyuturk M;Ozsoy-Sacan O;Yanardag R;Bolkent S (Histology and Embryology Dep, Faculty of Medicine, Istanbul Science Univ, Vefa Bey Sok No. 5, 34349, Gayrettepe, Istanbul, Turkey, Email: mkoyuturk1@yahoo.com) : Effect of parsley (Petroselinum crispum) extract and glibornuride on the kidney of streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. Asian J Chem 2007, 19(5), 3894-902.

The purpose of study was to investigate the effect of parsley (Petroselinum crispum) extract and compare the effects with a hypogly-cemic agent glibornuride on the kidney as histological and biochemical in normal and streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. The parsley extract was administered by gavage technique to rats a dose of 2 g/kg daily for 28 d; 14 d after experimental animals were made diabetic. 5 mg/kg glibornuride were given by same method, 14 d after the experimental animals were made diabetic, to one of the diabetic group and also one of the control group, daily for 28 d. The kidney tissues were examined histologically, blood glucose, serum urea and creatinine levels were determined, spectrophotometrically. The distinct degenerative changes were observed in the kidney tissue of streptozotocin-induced rats. On the other hand, the injury to kidney tissue was minimal or absent in diabetic group given parsley extract. The damage of kidney tissue was minimal in streptozotocin-induced group given glibornuride. Blood glucose, serum urea and creatinine levels significantly increased in diabetic groups. Administration of parsley extracts and glibornuride significantly reduced blood glucose, serum urea and creatinine levels in diabetic groups. According to these results, it is concluded that parsley extract is more effective in comparison to glibornuride in the protection of kidney tissue from the damage of streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats.

1 illus, 2 tables, 40 ref

018639   Kayakirilmaz K;Bayol E;Yilmaz H B;Ozgun H K; Ozbek T;Topuz D;Battaloglu R (Chemistry Dep, Faculty of Sciences and Arts Nigde Univ, 51200, Nigde, Turkey, Email: emelbayol@nigde.edu.tr) : Nutritional status and calcium levels in serum and urime of primary hypertensives and normotensives. Asian J Chem 2008, 20(5), 3598-3616.

The research has been designed for the determination of the nutritional status, serum and urinary calcium (UCa) levels and correlation between UCa and blood pressure (BP). 31 Volunteers' patients with essential hypertension (HT) and 31 age- and gender-matched normotensive (NT) control subjects living in Ankara and Nigde from Turkey have participated in this study. 62 Subjects' 24 h urinary samples were collected. Besides, for determination of the correlation between 24 h UCa and overnight UCa (12 h UCa), 38 urine samples (9 patients and 29 control subjects) were collected. Nutritional status was evaluated according to their food consumption and physical examination. After analyzing the collected blood and urinary samples, the mineral status was also evaluated. Urinary and serum Ca levels were determined by flame atomic adsorption spectroscopy. The mean 24 h urinary Ca excretion rates (24 h UCaV) in hypertensive and normotensive subjects were 101 ± 69 and 128 ± 85 mg/day, respectively (n = 62, t = 1.378, p > 0.05). The mean serum Ca levels in HT was significantly decreased when compared with the controls (n = 26, t = 2.54, p < 0.05). In NT subjects systolic blood pressure (SBP) correlated positively with diastolic blood pressure (DBF) (r = 0.588) and UCaV (r = 0.516) and negatively with dietary Ca (r = -0.617, for all p < 0.05). In NT group DBF correlated positively with body mass index (BMI) (p < 0.05). In HT subjects, SBP correlated positively with DBF (r = 0.741) and negatively with serum Ca (r = -0.633), DBF also correlated negatively with serum Ca (r = 0.727). Among the 38 subjects, overnight calcium excretion rate (12 h UCaV) was correlated with the 24 h UCaV (y = 0.8279x + 42.735, r = 0.81, R² = 0.653, p < 0.05).

1 illus, 7 tables, 40 ref

018638   Iri R;Gokdemir K;Gicioglu I (School of Physical Education and Sport, Nigde Univ, Nigde, Turkey, Email: r_iri51@hotmail.com) : Effect of 15 days zinc loading upon zinc, lactic acid and creatine kinase levels of wrestlers. Asian J Chem 2007, 19(5), 3979-90.

In order to investigate the effect of zinc loading upon the performance of the sportsmen, some wrestlers were subjected to a 15 d zinc loading and completion period training and their effects on lactic acid, zinc and creatine kinase levels were monitored at rest and after heavy exercise. The study covered 20 wrestlers in University wrestling team. The average ages of the wresters was 23.1 ± 2.46 years for group I and 20.8 ±1.16 years for group II. The average weights and height of the groups I and II are 81.4 ± 18.18 kg and 173.50± 9.61 cm and 72.6 ± 5.67 kg and 169.47 ± 8.65 cm, respectively. The MaxVO₂ values of group I and group II were 2.82 ± 0.20 L/min and 2.70 ± 0.10 L/min, respectively. Group II (the control group) was given fruit juice during the 15 d experimental period while the Group I (the experimental group) was administered 2 mg/kg day Zn with fruit juice in the same period. The blood samples necessary for the determination of plasma zinc, lactic acid, creatine kinase and hemograms levels were taken from the wrestlers prior to the zinc loading at resting (D1, D2) and after being subjected to a cycling exercise(D2, K2). The second stage was taking the blood samples after 15 d of loading zinc again at resting (D3, K3) and after cycling exercise (D4, K4). The arithmetic means and standard deviations of the data obtained were computed and V test was applied to the differences between the dependent and independent groups and the data were evaluated at p < 0.05 and < 0.01 significance level. It was determined that the administration of zinc increased the muscle strength of the wrestlers and has a positive effect against exhaustion and on performance by inhibiting the lactic acid release following a 15 d competition period training. The increased levels of zinc were both due to the administration of zinc and heavy training. However the CK levels of the wrestlers were found to be effected from the training but insensitive to zinc loading.

4 tables, 34 ref

018637   Guzel N A;Coskun S;Gonul B;Balabanli B (Exercise Physiology Dep, School of Physical Education and sports, Gazi Univ, Besevler, Ankara, 06500, Turkey, Email: natalay@gazi.edu.tr) : Effect of ascorbic acid supplementation of lipid peroxidation and glutathione levels in exhaustive physical exercise. Asian J Chem 2008, 20(5), 3556-62.

Purpose of the study was to examine the effects of exhaustive physical exercises on lipid peroxidation in Wood, liver and skeletal muscle and also to assess the effect of ascorbic acid on the differentiation in antioxidant mechanism in rats. For this purpose rats were divided into four groups; control, exhaustive exercise, ascorbic acid supplementation + exhaustive exercise and ascorbic acid supplementation. Exercised rats were run on a rodent treadmill at a speed of 27 m/min at% 15 grades. Average exhaustion time was determined as 55 min. Ascorbic acid was administered 20 mg/Kg/d i.p. for 45 d prior to exercise. Thiobarbituric acid reactive substance, glutathione and ascorbic acid amounts were measured by spectrophotometer. As a result of study, statistical significance of changes were observed in thiobarbituric acid reactive substance amounts in liver and plasma; glutathione levels in muscle and plasma and ascorbic acid amounts in liver especially in the group in which ascorbic acid was supplemented. The fact that the ascorbic acid supplement was performed in exhaustive physical exercises comprised the different responses in the distinct tissues due to the antioxidant effects. On the other hand ascorbic acid supplementation without exercise played an oxidant role in different tissues.

3 tables, 33 ref

018636   Gupta M K;Lagarkha R;Sharma D K;Sharma P K; Ramesh Singh;Ansari H S (Institute of Pharmacy, Bundelkhand Univ, Jhansi-284128, Email: mkgupta2004@yahoo.com) : Antioxidant activity of the successive extracts of Grewia asiatica leaves. Asian J Chem 2007, 19(5), 3417-20.

Plants containing flavonoids have been reported to possess biological properties. The successive extracts of Grewia asiatica leaves were screened for in vitro antioxidant properties using standard procedures. The successive extracts such as petroleum ether, benzene, ethyl acetate, methanol, water and 50% crude methanol extracts exhibited IC₅₀ values of 249.60 ±7.37, 16.19 ±2.132, 26.17 ± 1.49, 27.38 ± 1.80, 176.14 ± 5.53 and 56.40 ± 3.98 μg/mL, respectively in DPPH and 2.12 ± 02.65, 27.00 ± 01.62, 47.38 ± 05.88, 56.85 ± 06.16, 152.75 ± 5.76 and 72.75 ± 13.76 μg/mL, respectively in nitric oxide radical inhibition assays. These values are comparable with standards such as an ascorbic acid and quercetin. The Grewia asiatica leaves are showing antioxidant activity.

2 tables, 7 ref

018635   George K;Nair L;Sudarsana (Microbiology Dep, Medical College, Trichur, Kerala) : RAPID drug sensitivity test for M.tuberculosis by slide culture. J Acad clin Microbiol 2008, 10(1), 5-13.

Study was conducted to compare drug sensitivity testing of M.tuberculosis on LJ medium with Rapid Slide culture (RSC) method using human blood medium in a tertiary care public sector hospital in South India. 41 isolates of M. tuberculosis grown on LJ medium were subjected to sensitivity testing on LJ medium and by RSC (Absolute Concentration Method). For RSC, outdated, citrated human blood medium (antibiotics and antifungals added to prevent contamination) was used. Sensitivity to INH, Rifampicin, Ethambutol and Streptomycin were tested in both media. 25/41 (60.9%) were sensitive to all 4 drugs, 6/41 (14.6%) resistant to a single drug and 10/41 (24.3%) resistant to multiple drugs (six resistant to all four and four to INH and Rifampicin). Drug sensitivity was reported at 28 days. 37/41 isolates (90.2%) were grown by RSC method. Results were read on 8th day. 26/37 (70.2%) were sensitive to all four drugs, three resistant to a single drug (8.1%) and eight resistant to multiple drugs (21.6%). Agreement between the two methods was calculated by kappa statistics. Significant agreement was shown for INH (.871), Rifampicin (.924) and Ethambutol (.874). Streptomycin (.226) failed to show agreement.

5 illus, 6 tables, 18 ref

018634   El-Dwairi O A (Anatomy Dep, Faculty of Medicine, Jordan Univ of Science and Technology, P.O. Box 3030, Irbid 22110, Jordan, Email: qadwairi@yahoo.ca) : Histo-functional effects of Peganum harmala on female albino rats fertility and pregnancy. Asian J Chem 2007, 19(5), 3887-93.

Study was conducted to investigate the effects of Peganum harmala oral administration on fertility and pregnancy outcome of female albino rats. Exposure to Peganum harmala for 4 weeks did not have significant effect on most parameters investigated. However, a slight decrease in the relative ovarian and embryo weights was observed. Administration of Peganum harmala for 12 weeks significantly reduced the percentage of pregnancies and the number of implantation sites when compared with controls. In addition, a decrease in ovarian weights and in viable fetuses' number was also observed.

2 tables, 25 ref

018633   Ebadi A G (Biology Dep, Islamic Azad Univ, Sari Branch, 48164-195, Sari Iran, Email: dr_ebadi2000@yahoo.com) : Determination of residues of triclopyr in fishes of Caspian sea (Iran). Asian J Chem 2008, 20(5), 3497-501.

The remains of chloride organochlorine insecticide sprays such as triclopyr(2,4,5-T), in the four the most consumed kinds of fishes found in Caspian sea were investigated. Four different kinds of fishes (Sefid, Koli, Kilca and Kafal fish) were selected. 100 Samples of fishes were collected from four different hunting regions (Chalous, Babolsar city, Khazar Abad and Miankaleh) in 2004. After cleaning, Hun muscle of the samples were prepared, then after the process of extraction, the fishes were distilled in vacuum by means of organic solvent. The results of insecticides analyzed in four kinds of fishes showed that Kafal in the hunting region of Khazar Abad had greatest amount of 0.037 ppm. Kilca from Chalous had the highest amount of triclopyr(2,4,5-T), 0.029 ppm (p < 0.05). In case of Sefid and Koli fishes, significant difference was not seen. It is nesserary to mention that no research has so far been done to be a criterion for comparison in this area, But, fortunately the amounts of the insecticide sprays has not reached to standard level in fishes and it raises the alarm health.

1 table, 19 ref

018632   Dulger B;Hacioglu N;Dulger G (Biology Dep, Faculty of Science & Arts, Canakkale Onsekiz Mart Univ, 17100 Canakkale, Turkey, Email: basarandulger@yahoo.com) : Antimicrobial activity of endemic Hypericum havvae from Turkey. Asian J Chem 2008, 20(5), 3889-92.

n-Hexane, ethyl acetate, ethanol and aqueous extracts of Hypericum havvae A.Guner (Hyperiaceae) were tested for their antimicrobial activity against Escherichia coli ATCC 11230, Enterobacter aerogenes ATCC 13048, Alcaligenes faecalis CCM 3763, Salmonella typhimurium CCM 5445, Citrobacter freundii ATCC 8090, Staphylococcus aureus 6538P, Bacillus cereus ATCC 7064, Bacillus subtilis ATCC 6633, Bacillus brevis ATCC 9999, Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 27583, Proteus vulgaris ATCC 8427, Micrococcus luteus CCM 169, Micrococcus flavus ATCC 14452, Candida albicans ATCC 10231, Rhodotorula rubra DSM 70403 and KluyveromycesfragilisKfCC 8608. While extracts of the plant have shown strong antimicrobial activity against the tested bacteria, they have weak activity against the tested yeast cultures.

1 table, 20 ref

018631   Dulger B;Hacioglu N;Aydin G;Uzun Y (Biology Dep, Faculty of Science & Arts, Canakkale Onsekiz Mart Univ, Canakkale 17100, Turkey, Email: basarandulger@yahoo.com) : Antimicrobial activity of three Macrolepiota species from Turkey. Asian J Chem 2008, 20(5), 3945-8.

Three Macrolepiota species (M. heimii, M. rachodes and M. puellaris) were tested for their antimicrobial activity by using the disc diffusion method. The ethanol extract from the fruit bodies of mushrooms were assayed against 16 microorganisms. In comparison with the test antibiotics amikacin, chloramphenicol and nystatin, the ethanol extract obtained from M. heimii presented significant activity against Micro-coccus species and Citrobacter freundii. The extracts have weak anti-yeast activity against the yeast cultures.

1 table, 12 ref

018630   Dulger B;Hacioglu N (Biology Dep, Faculty of Science & Arts, Canakkale Onsekiz Mart Univ, 17100, Canakkale, Turkey, Email: basarandulger@yahoo.com) : Antimicrobial activity of some endemic Verbascum and Scrophularia species form Turkey. Asian J Chem 2008, 20(5), 3779-85.

The methanol extracts obtained from three endemic Verbascum L. species (V. cariense Hub.-Mor., V. adenophorum Boiss. and V. inulifoliwn Hub.-Mor.) and two endemic Scrophularia L. species (S. depauperata Boiss. and S. mersinensis Lall) have been investigated for their antimicrobial activity. Antimicrobial activity was determined with Escherichia coli ATCC 11230, Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 6538-P, Kleb-siella pneumoniae UC57, Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 27583, Proteus vulgaris ATCC 8427, Bacillus cereus ATCC 7064, Mycobacterium smegmatis CCM 2067, Listeria monocytogenes ATCC 15313, Micrococcus luteus CCM 169, Candida albicans ATCC 10231, Rhodotorula rubra DSM 70403, Kluyveromyces fragilis ATCC 8608, Debaryomyces hansenii DSM 70238 and Hanseniaspora guilliermondii DSM 3432 by the disk diffusion method. The extracts of all plant species had strong antimicrobial activity against the Gram-positive bacteria and yeasts, but no activity was observed against the Gram-negative bacteria used in the study.

2 tables, 31 ref

018629   Chundawat R S;Misra S;Sood P P (Zoology Dep, FASCL, Modi Institute of Technology and Science, Laxmangarh, Sikar-332 311, Email: ppsood@yahoo.com) : Efficacy of herbal and inherent antioxidants on hexavalent chromium induced lipid peroxidation: a comparative study. J Cell Tissue Res 2008, 8(1), 1275-80.

Hexavalent chromium exerts its effect on the cellular system by generating free radicals and increasing lipid peroxidation. Therefore, any agent that reverse these phenomena would certainly prove to be an ideal therapeutic agent. An experiment was set in laboratory taking developing chick (broiler) as an experimental model. The animals were intoxicated with Cr(VI) with a daily dose of 10mg/Kg/day for 7 days and thereafter, administered with physiological (vitamin B complex, vitamin E, glutathione) and herbal products (ashwagandha and garlic) for another 7 days and screened for GSH, sulfhydral groups, glutathione peroxidase and malondialdehyde levels in liver, kidney and serum. Study shows decrease of first three components and increase in malondialdehyde content indicating the increase of lipid peroxidation. Application of therapeutics reversed all the parameters which reveal decreased lipid peroxidation. Further, the study also shows that vitamins and glutathione show better results than herbal products suggesting long term therapy is require in later case.

2 illus, 1 table, 40 ref

018628   Celik S;Yucel E (Higher School of Vocational Education, Technical Programs, Kirikkale Univ, Kirikkale, Turkey, Email: sezgin_celik@yahoo.com) : Conservation strategy of critical endemic Centaurea hausknetchii Boiss. (Section: Cyanoroides) and effects of different salt, nitrate and acid concentrations on the germination of seeds. Asian J Chem 2008, 20(5), 4051-8.

The germination behaviour of the seeds was studied and for this purpose seeds were left under two different photoperiods (8 h light-16 h darkness and 16 h light-8 h darkness) and treated with different concentratios of NaCl, KNO₃, H₂SO₄ and HC1 solutions There was no germination in 3% NaCl, 1 -3% KNO₃, 1 -3% H₂SO₄, and 2-3% HCl concentrations in each photoperiod. According to the univariate variance analysis of germination test results, germination media with different salts, nitrate and acid concentration (e.g., 0.5%, 1.0%, 2.0% NaCl; 0.5%, 1.0%, 2.0%, 3.0% KNO₃; 0.5% H₂SO₄; 0.5%, 1.0% HC1) under different photoperiods (8 h light-16 h darkness and 16 h light- 8 h darkness and 24 h light) and control have been investigated. The photoperiod and photoperiod-treatment interaction had a significant impact on the germination percentage and rate (p < 0.05). C. hausknetchii is in the critically endangered category (CR) in the IUCN 2000 Red Data Book. The habitat characteristics of the distribution sites were thus investigated, vegetative growth behaviour followed and interrelations between the increase and spread of populations recorded. The factors effecting the productivity were determined. This report will be helpful in the population biology studies and development of alternatives for effective protection programme.

3 tables, 31 ref

018627   Brujeni G N;Tabatabaei S;Ashrafi I;Khormali M (Microbiology and Immunology Dep, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Tehran Univ, Tehran, Iran, Email: nikbakht@ut.ac.ir) : Antigenic similarities between camel, cattle and sheep immunoglobulins. J Camel Pract Res 2008, 15(1), 15-19.

Little is known of the immunological and functional contributions of camel immunoglobulins to immune defence. We have produced and characterised IgY specific for conventional immunoglobulins of camel, cattle and sheep. Generated IgY's specificity was shown by immunoelectrophoresis, and Western blotting. Western blotting revealed that IgY antibodies recognise the IgG heavy chain in a number of mammalian species. Anti-camel antibodies bound camel IgG subclasses, but except for sheep no reactivity was observed to all heavy chains in cattle and horse antibodies. Polyclonal IgY were specifically light chain reactive. Overall, the potential was demonstrated of using egg yolk immunoglobulins as a convenient source of anti antibodies to camel, cattle and sheep immunoglobulins.

3 illus, 1 table, 21 ref

018626   Bhure S K;Mehta S C;Raghvendar S (Project Directorate on Animal Disease Monitoring and Surveillance, , Hebbal, Bangalore-560 024, Email: sdbhure@rediffmail.com) : Comparative genomic organisation of camel beta casein gene promoter: a computational gene regulation study. J Camel Pract Res 2008, 15(1), 25-33.

Camel milk proteins have pronounced differences in quantitative distribution of caseins as compared with other species. We have analysed the structural organisation of μ-CSNGP 5'-flanking sequences of camel, bovine and porcine species. The camel μ-CSNGP comprised of 1763bp of 5'-flanking region and 36bp of exon I sequence. The regulatory elements are distributed in 4 clusters between -1270 to -961, - 892 to - 650, -523 to -230 and -152 to -11. The basal promoter showed the presence of TATA box, CAAT box, binding motifs for Oct 1, Oct 2, Oct 4, AP2, GR half, YY1, C/EBP and MGF/STAT5. The promoter had insertional sequences which are shown to be the binding sites for C/EBP and PRL. A camel μ-casein enhancer region at -1762 to -1371 showed presence of transcription factor binding motifs for C/EBP, MGF/ STATS, GR half, Oct2, Oct3, AP1 and SP1. The overall comparison of structural organisation of camel μ-CSNGP for key regulatory elements such as GR half, YY1, Octl, Oct2, Oct3 and SP1 showed presence of multiple number of each transcription factor binding motif as compared to bovine species that may be resulting in higher expression of μ-CSN gene in camel. The striking difference has been the clustering of 6 GR halves in porcine μ-CSNGP and 6 YY1 motifs in camel μ-CSNGP clearly suggested that prolactin and glucocorticoid with their co-activators of transcription play a key regulatory role in over expression of μ-CSN in camel and porcine species, respectively. These findings facilitate the transgenic researchers to concentrate and simplify their experiment targeting few key regulatory elements.

4 illus, 4 tables, 37 ref

018625   Bhattacharjee M;Ghosh A;Acharya S;Sarkar P; Chaudhuri S;Chaudhuri;Swapna (Cellular and Molecular Immunology Lab, Physiology, Dr. B.C. Roy Postgraduate Institute of Basic Medical Scien, 244B, A.J.C. Bose Road, Kolkata, Email: swapna_chau@rediffmail.com) : Differential functional modulation of the death proteins in In Vivo and In Vitro microenvironments in experimental brain tumors (GLIOMA). J Cell Tissue Res 2008, 8(1), 1211-24.

Experiments in field of oncology mostly require an in vitro experimental setup. However, the in vitro tumor environment may not always simulate the in vivo milieu. The basic aim was thus to find out the differential modulation of the same proteins in the two environments. For the purpose, the most extensively studied proteins- "the death proteins" were chosen of which Fas/FasL belonged to the surface receptor group, while the cytosolic proteins of choice were the intrinsic death regulators- Bcl-2, Bax, p53, caspase-8, caspase-9 and caspase-3. A distinct disparity in orientation of the surface receptors were observed with that of the cytosolic proteins when the two microenvironments were compared. The death receptor (in this case Fas/CD95) of freshly isolated (in vivo) glioma cells helps the cells to escape immune surveillance while the same receptors in the culture microenvironment primes it towards an apoptotic death. In contrast, the cytosolic death regulators (p53, Bcl-2, Bax) of cultured glioma cells as compared to freshly isolated cells strongly stabilizes the cultured cells in favor of survival. The caspases also behaved differentially in the two microenvironments. The study clearly points out that the same proteins orients themselves in different functional patterns in two microenvironments even though the cells belonged to the same tumor type. Though it is known that the culture microenvironment does not always suffice the in vivo condition, the study is the first of its kind in analyzing, documenting and elucidating the functional disparity of the same proteins in two aforesaid microenvironments.

8 illus, 32 ref

018624   Baruah I;Laishram S K S;Das S C;Kalita J (Defence Research Laboratory (DRDO), , P.B No. 2, Tezpur-784 001, Email: indrabaruah@yahoo.co.in) : Larvicidal activity of indigenous entomopathogenic soil bacteria from northeastern region of India. J Cell Tissue Res 2008, 8(1), 1271-4.

During a search for entomopathogenic bacteria, 1154 bacterial isolates were obtained from 246 soil samples of different mosquito breeding habitats of Sonitpur district of Assam, India. Seven bacterial isolates (0.6%) that showed mosquito larvicidal activity was identified as Bacillus sphaericus GC subgroup IV (4), Bacillus brevis (2) and Bacillus circulans (1). LC₅₀ and LC₉₀ values ofB. sphaericus GC subgroup IV against Culex quinquefasiatus, Anopheles stephensi and Aedes albopictus were 0.02 mg/l and 0.05 mg/l, 0.03 mg/l and 0.06 mg/l and 1.0 mg/l and 1.8 mg/l respectively. While LC₅₀ and LC₉₀ values of B. brevis and B. circulans against Cx. quinquefasiatus was recorded as 0.2 mg/l and 0.4 mg/l and 1.8 and 3.0 mg/l respectively. B. sphaericus GC subgroup IV was found more potential when compared to the commercial formulations Spherix with LC₅₀ and LC₉₀ values, as 0.025 mg/l and 0.06 mg/l while that of BG6262 were 0.03 mg/l and 0.075 mg/l respectively. It was revealed that B. phaericus GC subgroup IV was highly toxic, B. brevis moderately toxic while B. circulans was poorly toxic against the tested mosquito larvae.

4 tables, 21 ref

018623   Al-Nazawi M H (Physiology Dep, Biochemistry and Pharmacology, College of Veterinary M, King Faisal Univ, P.O. Box 3498, Al-Ahsa 31982, Saudi Arabia, Email: malnazawi@hotmail.com) : Some immune responses to oxytetracycline formulations in camels. J Camel Pract Res 2008, 15(1), 11-13.

Intramuscular administration of 5 mg/kg conventional and 10 mg/kg long-acting oxytetracycline to camels have produced serum concentration of more than 1 μg/ml oxytetracycline. Both formulations have significantly reduced concentration of total protein, albumin, globulin and lysosomal enzymes in treated animals compared to control. The formulations also reduced leukocyte, lymphocyte and neutrophil count. It is suggested that chronic administration of oxytetracycline may produce an immunosuppression in camels.

1 table, 19 ref

018622   Abdelghani T;Kurad B R;Poluri E (Medical Lab Sciences Dep, Faculty of Allied Medical Sciences, Arab American Univ, P.O. Box 240, Jenin, Palestine, Email: t.abdelghani@aauj.edu) : Antibacterial activity of bacterial isolates of soil bacteria collected from Palestine. Curr Trends Biotechnol Pharm 2009, 3(2), 197-203.

A total of 5 1 Actinomycetes were isolated from different soil samples of Palestine. Preliminary screening by cross-streak method was carried out for all the 51 isolates. After preliminary screening, 17 isolates which showed antimicrobial (antibacterial, antifungal) activity were selected for further study. Among these 17 isolates tested, 5 isolates which were found to be promising were subjected to detailed taxonomic studies. A novel strain of S. albovinaceus (isolate 10/2) which was found to be maximum antibiotic producer and which has shown both broad spectrum antibacterial and antifungal activities was isolated and is been selected for further detailed optimization studies.

39 ref

017580   Yuvaraj G;Vijyalakshmi M;Nema R K (Industrial Biotechnology Dep, Dr. M.G.R. Educational and Research Institute, M.G.R. University, Chennai-600 095) : Cytotoxic activity of Derris brevipes variety coriacea induces apoptosis in HCT 116 cells. Int J Pharmac biol Sci 2009, 3(1), 39-44.

Derris brevipes variety coriacea has been used as an herbal medicine in India for epilepsy, nervous disorders, and bronchitis and liver aliments. It is also being used in Chinese medicine for the treatment of cancer. The study shows the cytotoxic activity and mechanism of cell death exhibited by the ethanolic extracts Derris brevipes variety coriacea against human colon cancer cell line like HCT 116. Treatment of HCT 116 cell lines with various conccntrations of MEIT resulted in growth inhibition and induction of apoptosis in a dose-dependent manner as determined by cell viability. DNA fragmentation and comet assay. These results suggest that MEIT exhibits antiproliferative effect on HCT 116 cells via apoptosis and it may be a potential candidate in the field of anticancer drug discovery.

5 illus, 20 ref

017579   Yigit D;Yigit N;Mavi A;Yildirim A;Guleryuz M (Science Education Dep, Erzincan Education Faculty, Erzincan Univ, 24030 Erzincan, Turkey, Email: demyigit@hotmail.com) : Antioxidant and antimicrobial activity of methanol and water extracts of fruits, leaves and seeds of Vitis vinifera L. cv. karaerik. Asian J Chem 2009, 21(1), 183-94.

Antioxidant and antimicrobial studies were performed on methanol and water extracts of leaf, fruit and seed of Vitis vinifera L. cv. Karaerik. Lipid peroxidation inhibition, 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging activity and the amount of total phenolic compounds present in the extracts were determined. All parts of the plant have antioxidant potential. While seeds have the highest antioxidant potential, fruits have the lowest one. Antimicrobial activities of the above extracts were also tested against 96 clinical isolates of bacteria strains (Entembacter aerogenes, Escherichia coli, Proteus miribalis, Pseudomonas aeroginosa, Staphylococcus aureus) and 90 Candida strains (Candida albicans, Candida glabrata, Candida guillermondii, Candida kefyr, Candida krusei, Candida parapisilosis, Candida pseudotropicalis, Candida tropicalis, Geotricum candidum) by disc-diffusion method and minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) values of each active extract were determined. Water extracts of the grape leaves had shown the anticandidal activity against 3 Candida spp. (C. albicans, C. glabrata, C. tropicalis) and 1 bacteria species (S. aureus), and methanol and water extract of it have shown antibacterial activity against only Staphylococcus aureus with 13 mm inhibition zone and 0.625 mg/mL MIC value-amoung the tested microorganisms. The highest anticandidal activity of leaves extract was found to be in their water extract against Candida albicans with 20 mm inhibition zone and 1.25 mg/mL MIC. Each one of the water and methanol extracts of seeds had shown antibacterial activity against three bacteria with inhibition zone range of 10-30 mm and 0.312- 2.5 mg/mL MIC values. The highest activities were shown by water and methanol extracts of the seed against Staphylococcus aureus with 30 mm inhibition zone and 0.312 to 0.156 mg/mL MIC values, respectively. Unlike leaves and seeds extracts, none of the fruits extracts had shown antimicrobial activity.

3 illus, 2 tables, 43 ref

017578   Yeshowardhana;Bansal G;Sharma S (Chemistry Dep, D.N. College, Meerut, Uttar Pradesh) : Toxic effects of D.D.T. on albino rats. Acta Cienc Indica-Chem 2008, 34(3), 399-401.

DDT is an organochlorine pesticide which acts as a poison to a wide variety of insects and mites on contact. The rats were administered with dose of 5 mg/kg body weight/day and 10 mg/kg body weight/day of DDT for 7 and 15 days. Different biochemical parameters like LDH, GOT, GPT and Bilirubin were significantly increased. This shows that the pesticide cause considerable damage to liver even if it is taken for a short duration and in very low quantity. A significant decrease in sugar, proteins, Alkaline phosphatase and acid phosphatase was observed. The insignificant variation In creatinin shows that this pesticide has not caused any damage to the renal tissue.

12 ref

017577   Vijayakumari B;Hiranmai Yadav R;Thenmozhi M; Parimaladevi R (Botany Dep, Avinashilingam University for Women, Coimbatore-641 043) : Pharmacognostic studies of Ficus carica, Emblica officinalis, Cephalandra indica and Terminalia chebula. Int J Pharmac biol Sci 2009, 3(1), 133-8.

Fruits of four selected medicinal plants were processed and observed for pharmacognostic activities. The results of organoleptic study offer a scientific basis for the traditional use of F carica, E. officinalis, C. indica and T. chebula which possess characters like varied green colour, pleasant and pungent odour and bitter taste. The fluorescence analysis under visible light showed colour changes such as green, yellow and brown. The observation under UV light also showed similar results. The presence of cellulose, phenols, tannins, saponins, flavonoids, quinone was confirmed during preliminary phytochemical screening. All the phytochemical tests showed positive results in the case of F carica, E. officinalis, C. indica and T. chebula except starch. C. indica showed the absence of quinone.

4 tables, 10 ref

017576   Vijaya Sri K;Vijaya Ratna J;Annapurna A;Ravi Kumar B V V (Pharmaceutical Technology Div, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Andhra Univ, Visakhapatnam-530 003, Email: vijaya_ratna@yahoo.com) : Reversed-phase HPLC method for determination of quercetin in human plasma. Asian J Chem 2009, 21(1), 101-4.

A simple reversed-phase liquid chromatography method was developed for the quantitative determination of quercetin. The method is simple, sensitive and highly selective and involves single extraction of drug from plasma in (4:1) ratio of methanol: DMSO. The mobile phase was pumped at a flow rate of 1.0 mL/min and the effluent was monitored at 370 nm. The retention time of quercetin was 2.72 min. The limit of detection of drug in plasma was found to be 0.2 μg/mL. The method was validated for its linearity, precision and accuracy.

2 tables, 10 ref

017575   Tripathi P;Banji D;Banji O;Tripathi R (Pharmacology Dep, S.K. Patel College of Pharmaceutical Education & Research, Mehsana Kherva-382 711) : Comparative assessment of the effect of quinapril and captopril on inflammation induced by carrageenan in rats. Adv Pharmac Toxic 2009, 10(1), 97-100.

Quinapril and Captopril posses many pharmacological activities and currently they are used as Angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEI). Captoprii when it is investigated for anti-inflammatory activity in our laboratory; it has shown dose dependent activity at various doses studies. Inspired with that result, we, therefore, wanted to know and assess the anti-inflammatory activity of Quinapril. Wistar rats of either sex, weighing from 130-170 gm were maintained at standard laboratory conditions. The rats were divided in six groups of five animals each. Drug solutions of Captoprii and Quinapril were prepared using 1 % acacia. 3mg & 5mg/kg body weight were the doses selected for both Captopril and Quinapril and it was administered orally to test animals. Control animals received 1 % acacia prepared in saline & the standard group of animals was given ibuprofen at the dose of 30 mg/kg orally. Inflammation was produced by sub plantar injection of 0.1 ml of 1 % of canageenan in saline to all the. groups as per the study design. Paw volume was measured plethysmometrically at 1.2, 3.4.5 & 6hrs after carrageenan injection. All the results were statistically analyzed using student 't' test at p>0.05 significance level. Quinapril & Captopril at the doses of 3 & 5 mg/kg body weight have shown dose dependent antiªinflammatory activities which are significant compare to control animals. However, between Quinapril & Captopril treated animals, Quinapril has exhibited better anti-inflammatory activity. Qumapril has shown better & prolonged anti-inflammatory activity than Captopril.

1 illus, 1 table, 11 ref

017574   Toroglu E;Unaldi U E;TOroglu S (Biology Dep, Faculty of Science and Arts, Kahramanmaras Sutcu, Imam Univ, 46045 Kahramanmaras, Turkey, Email: storoglu@ksu.edu.tr) : Properties, ecological characteristics and antimicrobial activities of ebe black pine (P. nigra spp. pallasiana var. seneriana). Asian J Chem 2009, 21(1), 763-70.

Turkey is one of the richest areas in the middle latitudes in terms of plant diversity. One of Turkey's (Anatolia) endemic plants is Ebe Black Pine (P. nigra ssp, pallasiana var. seneriand). This study was carried out to investigate the properties, distribution area, climatic conditions and the antimicrobial activities of this plant. According to de Martonne, this plant lives in passing climates between semi arid and humid climatic conditions and according to Erinic, it grows in semi humid climatic conditions. Additionally, when the results of this study were compared with ampicillin (10 mcg) and nystatin (30 mcg) standards, it was found that extracts of Ebe Black Pine were found to particularly possess stronger antimicrobial activities.

1 illus, 1 table, 26 ref

017573   Thakur C;Kala Kumar B;Gopala Reddy A; Rajashekar Reddy A;Reddy Y N (NO, Acharya NG Ranga Agricultural University, Rajendranagar, Hyerabad-500 030) : Antioxidant and immunomodulatory effect of cholorphyllin on induced aflatoxicosis in broilers. Indian J Anim Sci 2008, 78(7), 696-9.

Chlorophyllin a known antioxidant was assessed against aflatoxin induced toxicity in broilers. Day-old male broiler chicks (60) were randomly divided into 4 groups (15). Group 1 (basal diet) served as healthy control, group 2 (aflatoxin @ 1 ppm) as toxic control, group 3 (chlorophyllin @ 500 ppm) as chlorophyllin control throughout the experiment of 6 week, and group 4 was fed aflatoxin @ 1 ppm of feed up to 4 weeks and thereafter treated with chlorophyllin @ 500 ppm of feed till the end of sixth week. Antioxidant action was assessed by glutathione, immunity status was evaluated by haemagglutination inhibition, aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and total protein served as hepatototxic biomarkers and lipid profile (total cholesterol, triglycerides, HDL and LDL) at the end of fourth and sixth week. Histopathological studies of bursa, liver and thymus were done to draw possible conclusions at the end of the experiment. Aflatoxin adversely affected the above parameters. Chlorophyllin was able to restore these parameters at par with healthy control group. Thus, chlorophyllin was found to be effective as an antioxidant in preventing and countering aflatoxin induced toxicity by scavenging free raicals and restoring the activity of antioxidant defense mechanism.

3 tables, 32 ref

017572   Tembhurne S V;Jagtap A G;Shaikh F (Pharmacology and Toxicology Dep, Bombay College of Pharmacy, Kalina Santacruz (E) Mumbai-400 098) : Possible anticholinesterase mechanism of MP-1 a polyherbal formulation: reversal of scopolamine induced dementia in maze performance. Adv Pharmac Toxic 2009, 10(1), 29-36.

Central cholinergic system is considered as the most important neurotransmitter involved in regulation of cognitive function. Cholinergic neuronal loss in hippocampal area is the major feature of Alzheimer's disease (AD) and the enhancement of central cholinergic activity by use of anticholinesterase is presently the mainstay of the pharmacotherapy of senile dementia of Alzheimer's type. In the study the effectiveness of MPl, a polyherbal formulation was investigated on cognitive performance and its possible anticholinesterase mechanism in mice. The effect of oral administration of the formulation in cognitive function was evaluated using scopolamine induced dementia in Elevated plus maze (EPM) and Morris water maze (MWM). Possible mechanism in cognitive performance was evaluated by Anticholinesterase assay in scopolamine induced dementia in mice. The results of the study indicate that, oral administration of MP1 at a dose of 300mg and 400mg/kg for 6 days in MWM and 2 days in EPM augmented the cognitive function. The results also indicate the ability of MP1 to inhibit cholinesterase enzyme as evaluated by ex-vivo assay. Results in both invivo cognitive performances as well as anticholinesterase activity were comparable to standard Mentat used. The results suggest the possible nootropic action of MP1 involving cholinesterase mechanism.

3 tables, 15 ref