016794   Jain S;Gupta P;Kaushik A (NO, Institute of Professional Studies, College of Pharmacy, Gwalior, Email: sandeepjainips@gmail.com) : Anti-diabetic activity of ethanol extract of Praecitrullus fistulosus leaves on streptozotocin induced diabetic - 160 - rats. Int J pharm Sci Res 2017, 8(2), 740-5.

The present study was designed to evaluate the anti-diabetic activity of ethanol extract of Praecitrullus fistulosus leaves on streptozotocin induced diabetic rats. The anti-diabetic activity of plant leaves was investigated in streptozotocin induced diabetes model. Effect of ethanol extract of Praecitrullus fistulosus (EPF) leaves on normal blood glucose levels and oral glucose tolerance test were studied in normoglycemic rats while antidiabetic effect was evaluated in streptozotocin-induced hyperglycemic rats. EPF (200 and 400 mg/ kg) was administered orally for 21 days. Glibenclamide (5mg/kg, orally for 21 days) was used as reference standard. Administration of the EPF caused significant dose-dependent reduction in blood glucose in both normoglycemic and hyperglycemic rats and also improved glucose tolerance test. EPF reduced glycosylated hemoglobin, lactate dehydrogenase and creatinine kinase levels in streptozotocin treated animals. The extract also ameliorated oxidative stress Parameters -TBARS, catalase and superoxide dismutase activity and glutathione content. The ethanol extract of Praecitrullus fistulosus (EPF) leaves exhibited antidiabetic activity possibly through increased secretion of insulin and the effect may be attributed to the presence of flavonoids and phenolic compounds present in extract.

24 ref

016793   Ishwarya M;Narendhirakannan R T;Sharma S; Emilin Renitta R (Bioscience and Technology Dep, School of Engineering and Technology, Karuya Univ, Karunaya Nagar, Coimbatore-641 114, Email: bionaren_phd@yahoo.co.in) : Effect of cardioprotective polyherbal formulation on isoproterenol induced myocardial infarction in experimental animals. Indian J expl Biol 2017, 55(6), 357-64.

Cardiovascular disease (CVD), with annual mortality of 17.5 million people, 31% of all deaths worldwide, is reported to be the World's leading cause of death. More than 75% of CVD deaths occur in low and middle income countries. In India, the prevalence of CVD is 7-13%.The increased risk is due to multiple risk factors with the lifestyle. Herbs are known to have potential benefits against CVD. In this study, we explored the cardioprotective effect of polyherbal formulation on isoproterenol induced myocardial infarction in male Wistar rats. The Polyherbal formulation was prepared using 6 different plant samples that includes Allium sativum (pulp), Androgaphis paniculata (leaves), Boerhavia diffusa (leaves), Moringa oleifera (bark), Piper betle (leaves), Piper longum (seed). The quantitative analysis of phytochemicals revelead the presence of alkaloid, carbohydrates, triterpenoids and phytosterols in CPHF. 100, 250, 500 mg/kg of body wt of CPHF was administered orally to complete the acute toxicity studies. The activity of liver enzymes in serum sample was analyzed and found to be non-toxic with maximum dosage. The cardio protective study was carried out by administering 250 mg/kg of body wt. of the CPHF in the experimental rats for 30 days. After the study period, serum sample was collected for biochemical analysis like cholesterol, free fatty acids, and triglycerides. The activity of cardiac marker enzymes like AST, ALT, ALP, LDH, CK, and CK-MB were also analyzed. The level of cholesterol, LDL, Triglycerides and cardiac marker enzymes activity in treated groups were found to be decreased as compared with the control group rats. The histopathological observations of heart tissue have also confirmed the cardioprotective role of CPHF.

3 illus, 4 tables, 52 ref

016792   Ijaz A;Ahmad S;Gul H;Jabeen N;Gulfraz M (Biochemistry Dep, PMAS Arid Agriculture Univ, Rawalpindi, Pakistan, Email: ammaraijaz018@gmail.com) : Antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of root leaves and flowers of Cichorium intybus. Int J Pharmac 2017, 4(1), 23-32.

A study was conducted to assess root, leaves and flowers extracts of cichorium intybus for their antimicrobial activities (against four bacterial - 159 - and fungal strains), antioxidants activities (DPPH, ABTS H₂O₂ and reducing power assays) and cytotoxicities assays. The results indicates remarkable inhibition of plant extracts for growth of all bacterial and fungal strains as well as appropriate MIC values were observed as compared to standard antibiotics used. The activities of these extracts against four assays like DPPH, H₂O₂, ABTS, and reducing powder was promising. Whereas cytotoxic activity of extracts study against brine shrimp was reliable. The phytochemical analysis of the various parts of cichorium intybus revealed that activities of these extracts are might be due to the presence of various secondary metabolites like phenolics and flavonoids those were analyzed with higher quantities from these extracts. Therefore such study could be useful for the development of new pharmaceuticals that could lead such compounds for preparation of new medicines required for human and animals disorders.

3 illus, 9 tables, 46 ref

016791   Hewawasam R P;Jayatilaka K A P W;Mudduwa L K B;Pathirana C (Biochemistry Dep, Faculty of Medicine, Ruhuna Univ, Karapitiya, Galle, Sri Lanka, Email: ruwaniph@yahoo.com) : Ameliorative effects of Asparagus falcatus L. and Vetiveria zizanioides (L.) nash on carbon tetrachloride induced oxidative stress in mice. Indian J Tradl Knowledge 2017, 16(3), 417-24.

The hepatoprotective and antioxidative effects of two aqueous plant extracts, Asparagus falcatus and Vetiveria zizanioides, were determined against carbon tetrachloride (CCl₄) induced oxidative stress in mice. Hepatotoxicity was induced by the administration of a single intraperitonial dose of CCl₄ (0.5 mL kg^-1 CCl₄ in olive oil) after a 16 hrs fast. Aqueous extracts of the tubers of Asparagus and root of Vetiveria (0.9 gm kg^-1) were used on pre and post-treatment basis. The ability of plant extracts to protect the liver against changes mediated by carbon tetrachloride confirms that plants possess anti-hepatotoxic properties against CCl₄ induced liver damage. Both pre and post-treatment decreased the CCl₄ mediated increase in serum enzyme activities (ALT, AST, ALP) and increased the reduced glutathione concentration in the liver. Administration of Vetiveria alone improved the GSH status significantly. Glutathione reductase and glutathione S-transferase activities were increased significantly (P <60> 0.05) and lipid peroxidation and activity of glutathione peroxidase were reduced significantly in the plant extract treated groups compared to the CCl₄ control group. Histopathological studies provided supportive evidence for the biochemical analysis. The magnitude of hepatoprotective properties varied between the two plant extracts but the hepatoprotection mediated by Vetiveria was more potent than that of Asparagus.

3 illus, 1 table, 27 ref

016790   Hernandez-Almanza A;Navarro-Macias V;Aguilar O;Aguilar-Gonzalez M A;Aguilar C N (Food Research Dep, School of Chemistry, Universidad Autonoma de Coahuila, Saltillo 25280, Coahuila, Mexico, Email: cristobal.aguilar@uadec.edu.mx) : Carotenoids extraction from Rhodotorula glutinis cells using various techniques: A comparative study. Indian J expl Biol 2017, 55(7), 479-84.

Carotenoids are produced by many plants and microorganisms and they have immense application in pharmaceutical, cosmetics and food industries due to their antioxidant, anticancer and anti-inflammatory potential. Microbial production of carotenoids is intracellular, therefore, the study of the most appropriate methodologies for cell disruption is necessary. Rhodotorula glutinis P4M422 was grown in YM broth, subsequently, microwave, ultrasonic waves, enzymatic lysis and bead mill techniques were evaluated for carotenoids extraction. Further, different cyclization inhibitors (imidazole, 2-isopropylimidazole and ketoconazole) were also evaluated in order to to control and direct the metabolism to avoid β-carotene accumulating lycopene. In this study, the highest carotenoids extractability was obtained under bead mill-assisted treatment. The bead mill method does not require use of toxic solvents such as DMSO, and therefore, the risk to health or environmental is reduced. Further, the highest lycopene concentration (18.61 mg/L) was obtained with 2-isopropylimidazole addition.

2 illus, 1 table, 38 ref

016789   Gupta M;Singh V K;Gupta S (NO, Biochemistry and Plant Physiology Div, FOA-Chatha, Email: sachinmoni@gmail.com) : Molecular modeling and virtual docking studies on D1 protein of PHalaris minor biotyupes with isoproturon. Indian J Biochem Biophys 2016, 53(1-2), 39-43.

The target site based resistance of isoproturon, a photosystem II inhibitor is usually associated with resistance involving altered binding site of herbicide to their target protein. In the present study, in silico approach was used to confirm the results of wet experiment conducted on Phalaris minor biotypes (resistant and susceptible), in order to find out the actual binding site of isoproturon on D1 protein of P. minor. Sequence analysis of the fragment from resistant and susceptible biotypes of P. minor (EUI46302 and EU146303) exhibited a substitution from serine to glycine at 136 position of amino acid of the D1 protein encoded by psbA gene. Docking of the predicted D1 protein was made using software packages viz. MOE (Molecular Operating Environment), Spdbv (3D molecular viewer) and the active site was determined using Ac site tool of MOE. Virtual docking of isoproturon to the predicted D1 protein showed only one difference in the active site for Val 185 which was present in the S biotype. Flexible alignment was done to see the fine fit of the ligand (isoproturon) to the receptor D1 protein) and it was found that both the biotypes shared common region from Asp 153 to Trp 187, except that Val 185 was found only in S biotype. Isoproturon showed a slight different binding pattern as compared to other urea herbicides, indicating that isoproturon may have a different active site resulting in slight conformational change in the D1 protein, thereby making P. minor resistant to isoproturon.

6 illus, 17 ref

016788   Genwa C;Gilhotra U K;Varma A K;Rajpurohit B (Pharmacology Dep, G.D. Memorial College of Pharmacy, Jodhpur-342 001, Email: chandangenwa7574@gmail.com) : Evaluation of antiasthmatic activity of Citrullus colocynthis fruit. Int J pharm Sci Res 2017, 8(2), 716-21.

The present investigation was under taken to evaluate the anti-asthmatic activity of ethanolic extract of Citrullus colocynthis Fruits in experimental animals. Citrullus colocynthis Fruits was evaluated for anti-histaminic activity using isolated goat tracheal chain preparation and histamine induced Bronchoconstriction in Guinea pig. Citrullus colocynthis Fruits significantly inhibited dose dependent contraction of goat tracheal chain produced by histamine and also showed significant protection by prolonging Preconvulsion dyspnea time (PCD) in guinea pigs. Thus, Citrullus colocynthis Fruits showed anti-allergic activity against histamine and hence possesses potential role in the treatment of asthma.

16 ref

016787   Geed S R;Raj A;Kureel M K;Singh V P;Kumar S; Giri B S;Rai B N;Singh R S (Chemical Engineering & Technology Dep, Indian Institute of Technology (BHU), Varanasi-221 005, Email: rssingh.che@iitbhu.ac.in) : Removal of atrazine by coupling fenton reactiion with bioreactor in series. Indian J expl Biol 2017, 55(7), 498-505.

Atrazine is a commonly used weedicide in agriculture fields. Owing to its long half-life (125 days) and slow-biodegradability, it adds to problematic residues in the environment. It is known to disrupt endocrine and reproductive systems and has potential to damage vital organs such as liver, kidney and heart. While atrazine is banned in European countries, many countries, such as India, China, and the USA it is still in use widely. In atrazine biodegradation, batch bioreactors are most commmon cost effective alternative to conventional methods. However, it has only major limitation of slow rate of degradation. In this work, we explored coupling of UV-Fenton and biological method for atrazine removal and also optimized the process parameters. In the bioreactor, Loofa was used as the packing media on which consortia was immobilized. The performance of coupled system was studied with an initial atrazine concentration of 300 mg/L. Overall, maximum removal efficiency of 93% was achieved for the coupled system. GC-MS analysis of residual treated effluent sample was performed to identify the intermediate compound. Two metabolites biuret and urea were identified which confirmed the degradation of atrazine. The - 157 - growth kinetic parameters μ_max (0.224 per day) and K_S (106.64) were calculated using Monod model. The coupling method was found superior than individual chemical and biological methods for treatment of atrazine.

7 illus, 40 ref

016786   Gautam A;Verma P;Paswan S K;Shukla I;Rao C V (Pharmacognosy and Ethnopharmacology Div, National Botanical Research Institute, Lucknow-226 001, Email: aarti.goutam@gmail.com) : Antihyperlipidemic activity of ethanolic extract of Amorphophallus paeoniifolius tuber in triton WR 1339 induced hyperlipidemic rats. Int J Pharmac 2017, 4(1), 15-22.

Hyperlipidemia is the most prominent risk factor of coronary heart disease. The present study was designed to investigate the anti-hyperlipidemic activity of Amorphophallus paeoniifolius Tuber in Triton WR-1339 induced hyperlipidemic rats. Amorphophallus paeoniifolius extract was administered at different dose of 250mg/kg, 500mg/kg (p.o) daily for 7 days to hyperlipidemic rats. Gemfibrozil is used as reference standard. The statistical analysis was performed by using one way ANOVA followed by the Dunnet's multiple comparison tests. This is to highlight the presence of the different secondary metabolites, extract by solvents (ethanol) and analyze the content of total phenols from the tuber by the visible UV spectrophotometry method. The results obtained indicate that the tuber of Amorphophallus paeoniifolius contain high concentrations of total phenols (respectively 79, 35 mg GAE/gDM). These polyphenols possess a strong anti-hyperlipidemic activity. Amorphophallus paeoniifolius showed a significant decrease in the levels of serum cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL (low density lipoprotein), VLDL (very low density lipoprotein) and significant increase in the level of serum HDL (high density lipoprotein) at the dose of 500mg/kg (p.o) against Triton induced hyperlipidemic rats. The objective of our work, frame a valorisation of vegetable substances namely Amorphophallus paeoniifolius in the north Indian region. Therefore it effectively suppressed the Triton WR 1339 induced hyperlipidemia in rats, suggesting the potential protective role in Coronary heart disease (C.H.D).

5 illus, 3 tables, 13 ref

016785   Gashlan H M (Biochemistry Dep, King Abdulaziz Univ, KSA, Email: hgashlan@yahoo.com) : Relationship between levels of retinol binding protein 4, and chemerin and insulin resistance in gestational diabetes mellitus. Int J pharm Res Allied Sci 2017, 6(1), 236-50.

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is a common medical complication associated with pregnancy. The incidence of GDM in Saudi Arabia ranged from 3.8% to 12.5 according to the American Diabetes Association and World Health Organization criteria respectively. The goal of the present study was to investigate the changes of some adipokines including: retinol binding protein 4 (RBP4), vaspin and chemerin at 2nd and 3rd trimesters and their associations with markers of insulin resistance in GDM compared to normal pregnancy. The study included 88 pregnant women classified into 4 groups: normal pregnancy (n=19) and pregnancy with GDM (n=25) at 2nd trimester and normal pregnancy (n=18) and pregnancy with GDM (n=26) at 3rd trimester. Both GDM and control groups were matched for maternal age (MA), gestational age (GA) and body mass index (BMI). Results indicated that GDM subjects either 2nd or 3rd trimesters had significantly elevated fasting blood glucose (FBG), glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) and markers of IR compared to matched normoglycemic control. At 2nd trimester, RBP4 was significantly decreased in GDM compared to control, however vaspin and chemerin were comparable between the two groups. RBP4 was significantly correlated with IR in GDM group only. No associations were detected between either vaspin or chemerin with IR in GDM. On the other hand, at 3rd trimester, chemerin was significantly higher in GDM compared to control, while vaspin showed no variations between both groups. In addition, chemerin was correlated with FBG and HOMA1-% B. It could be concluded that RBP4 and chemerin might be involved in the increased of IR in associated with GDM.

8 table, 71 ref

016784   Ganaie M A;Samad A;Ansari M N;Khan T H;Alam P;Ahamad S R (Pharmacology Dep, College of Pharmacy, Prince Sattam Bin Abdulaziz Univ, Alkharj, Saudi Arabia, Email: majidsays@gmail.com) : Phtochemical screening and in-silico investigation of crocin and safranal, constitutents of saffron for their cytochrome P450 2C9 enzyme activity. Int J pharm Res Allied Sci 2017, 6(1), 1-14.

Dietary phytochemicals are important contributors to various diseases prevention, due to their interactions with CYP family enzymes. Safranal and crocin are bioactive compounds present in Crocus sativus L., commonly known as saffron. In present study, we prepared saffron extract and performed its HPLC phytochemical analysis for safranal and crocin content. We have also determined the effect of crocin and safranal on the metabolic activity of CYP2C9 by using in-silico approaches such as 3D-QSAR molecular docking and pharmacophore mapping studies. The extraction method was simple and the content of crocin and safranal was obtained to be 26.45 ° 0.03 and 11.0 ° 0.02 mg/g of saffron respectively. The predictivity of the best 3D-QSAR model developed for flavonoid derivatives was found to be 91.3%. The predicted activities of crocin and safranal for CYP2C9 were found to be 7.805 and 7.120 respectively. Further, docking studies revealed that crocin bonded CYP2C9 protein with binding affinity -9 kcal/mol, whereas, co-crystallized standard flurbiprofen bonded with 8.2 kcal/mol only. The results obtained in the present study furnish primary data for future in vitro and in vivo herb-drug interaction studies involving CYP2C9 enzyme.

7 illus, 4 table, 35 ref

016783   Dutta D;Das M D (School of Biochemical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology, Banaras Hindu Univ, Varanasi, Varanasi-221 005, Email: debnathmira@yahoo.co.in) : Effect of carbon and nitrogen sources on mycelial biomass and biosynthesis of antifungal protein from Aspergillus giganteus MTCC 8408 in submerged fermentation. J scient ind Res 2017, 76(6), 369-75.

The objective of the present study was to determine the role of macroelements (various carbon and nitrogen sources) with various physical parameter (pH, temperature, slant age and inoculum volume) on both mycelial growth and extracellular antifungal protein (afp) production optimization in submerged culture of Aspergillus giganteus MTCC 8408. Maximum production of growth associated afp was observed with soluble starch as carbon source and corn step liquor (CSL) with proteose peptone (PP) as organic nitrogen source. The optimal temperature and initial pH for both mycelial growth and afp production by Aspergillus giganteus in submerge culture were 25°C and 6.3, respectively. Soluble starch at 30 g/1 was the most suitable carbon source for maximum mycelial growth. Shifting from glucose to soluble starch (2%) supplemented with CSL (2%) and Proteos Peptone (1%) caused a shift from pelleted morphology to dispersed, `pulp-like' morphology with consequent increase in afp production. Maximum specific growth rate (μ) and specific rate of product formation (Q_p) were 0.012 h^-1 and 0.0026, respectively. Slant age at 5 days old and inoculum level at 5% (v/v) appeared to have profound effect on afp production. Under optimal culture condition, mycelial biomass growth was enhanced by 1.22 times with growth associated afp production by 2.21 times compared to the basal Olson medium.

4 illus, 4 tables, 29 ref

016782   Dickson R A;Harley B K;Berkoh D;Ngala R A; Titiloye N A;Fleischer T C (Pharmacognosy Dep, Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Health Sci, KNUST, Kumasi/Ghana, Email: bnjmnharley@yahoo.com) : Antidiabetic and haematological effect of Myrianthus arboreus P. Beauv. stem bark extract in streptozotocin - induced diabetic rats. Int J pharm Sci Res 2016, 7(12), 4812-26.

The increasing prevalence of diabetes mellitus worldwide is an issue of major socio-economic concern especially in Sub - Saharan Africa. Indigenous medicinal - 154 - plants are used for the treatment of diabetes mellitus in most developing countries, like Ghana, but remain to be validated. In the present study, the effect of Myrianthus arboreus ethanol stem bark extract (MAB) (100 - 400 mg/kg) on glucose levels in streptozotocin (STZ) (45 mg/kg) induced diabetic rats was investigated using glibenclamide 5 mg/kg/day as the positive control. The effects of the extract on body weight, total protein, serum urea, serum creatinine, bilirubin, lipid profile, haematological indices and serum markers for liver function in normal, treated and untreated diabetic rats were also investigated. Induction of the diabetes in Sprague Dawley rats (150-200 g) resulted in increased levels of serum glucose, total cholesterol, triglycerides and LDL-cholesterol but decreased body weight, serum HDL-cholesterol and haemoglobin levels. Administration of the extract at the three dose levels resulted in significant (P<60>0.001) reduction in the levels of plasma glucose, cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, triglycerides and serum urea and serum creatinine. Alanine transaminase (ALT) and aspartate transaminase (AST) levels were also significantly (P<60>0.001) decreased. The significant decrease in body weight, total protein and HDL-cholesterol which were observed in STZ-induced diabetic rats were normalized after 28 days treatment with the extract. At 200 mg/kg/day, MAB recorded significant (P<60>0.01) reduction in plasma glucose levels compared to glibenclamide (5 m/kg/day). Thus MAB shows significant hypoglycaemic and antihyperlipidaemic activities in STZ-induced diabetic rats justifying its use in traditional medicine.

55 ref

016781   Devi K;Santhi M;Umadevi U (Botany Specialized with Plant Biotechnology Dep, The Standard Firework Rajaratnam College for Women, Sivakasi, Tamilnadu, Email: botany_nat10@gmail.com) : Phytochemical analysis of selected wound healing medicinal plants. Int J pharm Sci Res 2017, 8(2), 852-5.

In the present study, pharmacognostical, qualitative and quantitative phytochemical analysis of Azardirachta indica, Cassia auriculata, Moringa oleifera and Curcuma longa was done. The results showed the presence of various vital secondary metabolites. Primary metabolites was found to be more in Cassia auriculata whereas the secondary metabolites content was higher in Azardirachta indica. In the selected plants, the alkaloid content was found to be high followed by flavonids, proline. This proves that, the selected plants posses good medicinal property and can be recommended for treatment of diseases.

9 ref

016780   Degheidy N S;Al-Malkiand J S;Al-Omari F (Biology Dep, Science Collage Taif Univ, KSA, Email: nabiladegheidy@gmail.com) : Comparative studies on the efficacy of methanolic extracts of (Punicagranatum) and triclabendazoal on haemonuchussp by using scanning electron microscope (SEM) examination. Int J pharm Res Allied Sci 2017, 6(1), 59-73.

Comparative studies on the efficacy of methanolic extracts of (Punicagranatum) and triclabendazoal on Haemonchusspp by using scanning electron microscope (SEM) revealed that,Punicagranatumand ACBZ showed significant effect on adult worms of Heamonchuscontortousafter 24h in vitro cultivation,the worms started to stop motion animation and paralysis leading 100 % to death of worms. Adult H. contortus: Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) of normal fresh worms showed, the mouth of the normal fresh worm was hexagonal with six semicircular rudimentary lips, lateral amphids, papillae and dorsal buccal lancet. The later was a specialized cuticular structure arising from the cuticular lining of the dorsal wall of the buccal cavity. The lancet's anterior tip and lateral edges were slightly rounded. A pair of cervical papillae was prominent and spine-like. The cuticle was transversally striated and with lateral ridges. SEM of Treated WormsH. contortusafter 24 h incubation with 50 mg/ml ethanolic extracts of Punicagranatumpeelshowed the buccal capsule which presented a smooth surface in control worm, lost their normal aspect and showed distortion with severe blebbing of the lips. The cuticle including the lips appeared to be more swollen than normal The transverse striations became less pronounced and lost their normal aspect showing longitudinal wrinkles. The treated worms showed distortion of both buccal capsule and cuticle. The lips were deformed and the cuticular surface had a wrinkled, corrugated appearance. Besides, longitudinal thickening and wrinkling of the cuticular ridges were observed.

16 illus, 2 table, 37 ref

016779   Deepika K;Mahesh Kumar M V S;Radhika T S D; Rajagopal S V (Biotechnology Dep, GITAM Institute of Science, GITAM Univ, Rushikonda, Visakhapatnam-530 045, Email: k_deepurao@yahoo.com) : Isolation, purification and structure elucidation of chemical constituents from methanolic flower extract of Blepharis molluginifolia Pers. and their biological activities. Int J pharm Sci Res 2016, 7(12), 4893-904.

Blepharis molluginifolia (Acanthaceae), is a threatened medicinal herb. The methanolic flower extract of Blepharis molluginifolia was subjected to Silica Gel Column Chromatography for purification of bioactive compounds and structure elucidation of active compounds were studied. DPPH and antimicrobial activities of two isolated compounds were studied. From the analysed data, the compounds identified were 5,7-Dihydroxy-3-(4-methoxyphenyl)chromen-4-one (BiochaninA) C₁₆H₁₂O₅ and 5,7-Dihydroxy-3-(4-hydroxyphenyl) chromen-4-one (Genistein) C₁₅H₁₀O₅. These compounds are first time reported in this plant. Another fraction GF1 was subjected to GCMS analysis and obtained 12 compounds (aminoacid, gamma lactone, sugars and fatty acids).As GCMS profile contained majority of sugars antiglycation was done against arbutrin and found <62>70% inhibition. The present investigation revealed that the methanolic flower extract contained phytoestrogens like Biochanin A and Genistein, the rare aminoacid pyroglutamic acid, gamma lactones, sugars and fatty acids.

21 ref

016778   Davinder Kumar;Singh J;Antil M;Virender Kumar (College of Pharmacy, Pandit Bhagwat Dayal Sharma Postgrduate Institute of Medical Sciences,, Rohtak-124 001, Email: sachdeva.virender5@gmail.com) : Emulgel-novel topical drug delivery system. Int J pharm Sci Res 2016, 7(12), 4733-42.

Emulgel systems are currently of attention to the pharmaceutical scientists because of their substantial potential to act as drug delivery vehicle by incorporating a broad range of drug molecules. These are either emulsion of water in oil type or oil in water, which is gelled by mixing it with a gelling agent. Incorporation of emulsion into gel makes it a dual control release system & also increases its stability. Due to lack of insoluble excipients and excess oily bases, it demonstrates better drug release as compared to other topical drug delivery system. Due to nongreasy because of the presence of gel phase which favors good patient compliance. In order to understand the potential of emulgel as delivery vehicles, this review gives an overview of the ideal properties, formation, and characterization of emulgels. The use of emulgel -based systems as drug delivery vehicles is reviewed, with particular emphasis being placed on recent developments and future directions.

^iia87 ref

016777   Datchinamoorthi S;Vawaja R;Rajagopalan B (Biochemistry Dep, Shri Sathya Sai Medical College and Research Institute, Chennai, Tamilnadu, Email: sarguru2@gmail.com) : Serum vitamin D status with insulin resistance in obese adolescents. Int J pharm Sci Res 2016, 7(12), 5088-91.

Aim was to study the relationship between serum Vitamin D levels and insulin resistance in obese and non obese adolescents. Vitamin D deficiency in obese adolescent is strongly associated with increased risk for diabetes, hyper tension and metabolic syndrome. Vitamin D insufficiency is a risk factor for developing impaired glucose in childhood obesity and is associated with insulin resistance in obese adolescents. In our study, we examined the relationship between Vitamin D and insulin resistance in obese adolescents. The study group included 50 obese adolescent aged (17-19 years) and compared with 50 age and gender matched healthy controls. Anthropometric data were collected and fasting plasma glucose was estimated by (GOD-POD) method, serum Insulin was estimated by (FEIA) method and insulin resistance was calculated by using (HOMA-IR) and serum Vitamin D was measured by using ELISA method. The Vitamin D levels in obese adolescents is - 152 - slightly lower than the controls. The insulin levels in obese adolescents is slightly higher than controls. Insulin resistance was significantly higher in subjects with higher BMI. We found by correlation analysis that HOMA-IR was dependent on degree of obesity and independent of Vitamin D level. The study concludes that in obese adolescents insulin resistance was affected more from BMI than Vitamin D levels. Lower concentration of Vitamin D is also a risk factor for developing insulin resistance independent of adiposity.

20 ref

016776   Dash P R;Mou K M;Erina I N;Ripa F A;Masud K N A;Ali M S (Pharmacy Dep, Jahangirnagar Univ, Savar, Dhaka-1342, Email: pritesh.ju@gmail.com) : Anthelmintic and insecticidal activities of different extracts of Kaempferia galanga. Int J pharm Sci Res 2017, 8(2), 729-33.

Kaempferia galanga has profound implications in the treatment of nematocide, larvicide, abdominal discomfort, cholera, various inflammatory diseases and many more. It is a potential candidate in terms of evaluating its medicinal activities. Therefore, the present study was conducted to evaluate anthelmintic and insecticidal activities of different extracts of the rhizome of Kaempferia galanga. For anthelmintic activity, Pheretima posthuma was selected as test animal while 25, 50, 100 mg/ml concentrations of samples were tested in the bioassay, from which time of paralysis and time of death of worms were estimated. Evaluation of insecticidal activity was performed against Sitophilus oryzae to calculate the mortality rate. In anthelmintic study, extracts exhibited its activity in dose-dependent manner showing higher the concentration, higher the effect. Extracts of ACR, PEF, CHF and MEF in case of 100 mg/ml concentration exhibited its paralytic effect followed by death within a short period of time among which ACR extract gave the best result which only took approx. 20 mins to show paralytic effect and 35 min for death sentence. In insecticidal activity, all extracts showed potent activity with 100% mortality of rice insects Sitophilus oryzae at 80 mg/ml concentration in 24hrs, proving the activity also followed dose dependent pattern. 90% mortality rate observed in case of 80 mg/ml concentration of MEF extract in 12 hr whereas ACR and CHF extracts showed 70% and PEF showed 50% mortality rate in treated rice insects. The present study shows that all the extracts of Kaempferia galanga are found to possess anthelmintic and insecticidal activities.

16 ref

016775   Dadsena R;Anil Kumar (Biotechnology Dep, Govt. V.Y.T. Post Graduate Autonomous College, Durg, Chhattisgarh-491 001, Email: aimum_aishley@yahoo.com) : Evaluation of micronuclei in smokeless tobacco users from Halba and Gond tribes of Durg district of Chhattisgarh, India. J Envir Biosci 2016, 30(2), 493-7.

In the present study genotoxic of smokeless tobacco on halba and gond tribes of Durg district of India was examined. From both tribes three set of experiments were designed comprising 20 population each for 1 year exposure, 5 years expolure and 10 years exposure of smokeless tobacco beside a parallel control group was maintained. To test genotoxicity, micronuclei test was performed from buccal epithelium and maximum micronuclei were found among population with 10 years exposure (6.25 ±0.354 in Halba tribes and 5.80 ± - 151 - 0.360 in Gond tribes) in comparison to control (0.40 ± 0.184 in Halba and 0.50 ± 0.136 in Gond tribes). The development of micronuclei in buccal epithelia explains damage of genetic material under influence of smokeless tobacco exposure which may leads to carcinoma like pathogenecity.

3 illus, 2 tables, 32 ref

016774   Cuce M;Bekircan T;Laghari A H;Sokmen M;Sokmen A;Ucar E O;Kilic A O (Food Technology Dep, Sebinkarahisar School of Applied Sciences, Giresun Univ, 28400 Giresun, Turkey, Email: mustafacuce@windowslive.com) : Antioxidant phenolic constituents,antimicrobial and cytotoxic properties of Stachys anua L. from both natural resources and micropropagated plantlets. Indian J Tradl Knowledge 2017, 16(3), 407-16.

An efficient micropropagation protocol was developed to produce Stachys annua plantlets and the extracts obtained from both micropropagated and naturally growing individuals were evaluated for their possible antimicrobial, antioxidant and cytotoxic activities. Mean number of shoot (4.5 ± 0.54 per explant) and node number (4.56 ± 0.5 per explant) as well as biomass yield based on fresh (0.29 ± 0.02 gm per explant) and dry weight (0.029 ± 0.003 gm per explant) were found to be the highest on MS medium with 6-BA, whilst the highest mean shoot length (36.65 ± 1.58 mm) was obtained from MS medium containing 2iP. Hexane extracts from both sources showed activity against Staphylococcus aureus whilst methanol extracts of micropropagated plantlets exerted activity on Pseudomonas aeruginosa. In antioxidant activity assays, the best antioxidant activity was up to IC₅₀ 9.41 mg/mL in DPPH and 1409.5 (mg/100 gm trolox equivalent) was found in FRAP. Extracts from natural plantlets showed higher cytotoxic activity micropropagated ones, with IC₅₀ of 0.099 μg/mL and IC₅₀of 0.211 μg/mL on HeLa cells, respectively. Total phenolics ranged from 87.47 to 605.12 in micropropagated samples while 771.46 (mg/100 gm gallic acid equivalent) in natural resources.

3 illus, 3 tables, 52 ref

016773   Chouhan M;Chundawat A V S;Chauhan C S (NO, B. N. Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Udaipur, Rajasthan, Email: chundawat.aditya@gmail.com) : Development and characterization of floating microspheres of esomeprazole magnesium trihydrate by solvent evaporation method. Int J pharm Sci Res 2017, 8(2), 686-97.

The objective of this research was to develop and characterize floating microspheres of esomeprazole magnesium trihydrate by solvent evaporation method using various polymers. The esomeprazole magnesium trihydrate floating microspheres was successfully developed by solvent evaporation method using HPMC, CA, Carbopol 940, Eudragit L 100 in various proportions. Further, the prepared floating microspheres were characterized for particle size, morphology, micrometric studies, entrapment efficiency, in vitro drug release, release kinetics, compatibility studies (FTIR), SEM and DSC studies. The EMT microspheres were free-flowing. The mean particle size ranged from 100.08°0.95 to 500.42°1.03μm and the entrapment efficiency ranged from 67.11°3.01 to 96.38°2.34%. SEM revealed a hollow spherical structure of microspheres with a smooth surface morphology and the - 150 - internal surface was porous due to the evaporation of solvent entrapped within the shell of microspheres. The IR Spectrum obtained from EMT and polymers were identical and there was no change in the functional group absorption of any molecule present in formulated product. Formulation F9 was found to be highest in-vitro buoyancy 94.95°1.43. Amongst the formulation, F9 was found to be the best formulation as it release EMT 94.60% in a sustained manner. The results obtained was clearly indicated that prepared floating microspheres of EMT may prove to be potential candidate for safe and effective sustained drug delivery over an extended period of time which can reduce dosing frequency.

33 ref

016772   Chokhone K;Talukdar N;Sarma M P;Das K;Kalita P P (Biotechnology Dep, Assam down town Univ, Assam, Email: parthapratim44@yahoo.com) : Screening of phytochemicals and evaluation of anti-microbial, anti-oxidant and in-vitro antidiabetic activity of Crassula ovata leaves. Int J pharm Sci Res 2017, 8(2), 859-64.

The study involved both aqueous extraction and methanolic extraction of the powered leaves, which ensure all plant components are extracted for better results. Phytochemical analysis from the extracts was performed using the standard protocols. The antimicrobial susceptibility of the extracts was tested against E-coli, Pseudomonas and Klebsilla sp using agar disc diffusion method. Antioxidant property of the plant was evaluated using DPPH Method and Hydrogen Peroxide Scavenging activity method whereas antidiabetic property was evaluated using α-amylase inhibition assay. The plant extracts were used at varying concentrations to ensure which plant extract and concentration causes the most inhibition. Phytochemical analysis of the extract indicated the present of Saponin, phenol, phytosterol, steroid, terpenoid, flavanoid, carbohydrates and proteins while tannin, glycoside, plobatanin were absent. Anti-diabetic property of the plant was observed with a significant result of inhibiting a maximum of 83% of a-amylase activity (700μg/ml concentration of methanol extract) whereas antioxidant property with a maximum of 85% of (200μg/ml concentration of water extract) inhibition. Antimicrobial property of the extract shows effectiveness against Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas and Klebsilla sp. with a maximum inhibition zone of 6.53°0.35mm, 3.46°0.30 mm and 3.76°0.25 mm respectively.Not much work has been done on Crassula ovata to evaluate its efficacy in scientific way. Further large scale studies on animal models need to be carried out before using these extracts for drug designing.

16 ref

016771   Bouzidi N;Dandana A;Hassine M;Khlifi L;Hamda K B;Chahed H;Maatouk F;Gamra H;Ferchichi S (Biochemistry Laboratory, CHU Farhat Hached-Sousse - Research Unit 06/07 - Faculty of Pharmacy -, Tunisia, Email: nadiabouzidi1@gmail.com) : Association of the apolipoprotein B/apoliporotein a-1 ratio with the severity of coronary artery disease in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Int J pharm Sci Res 2016, 7(12), 4848-55.

Although many studies have demonstrated the importance of the apoB/apoA-1 ratio as a risk marker of atherogenicity, less is known about apoB/apoA-1 ratio in predicting and the severity of coronary artery disease (CAD) in T2DM. Our study aimed to assess possible associations between apoB/apoA-1 ratio levels and the severity of coronary artery diseases in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Plasma levels of lipidic profile components, apolipoproteins and the apoB/apoA-1 ratio were determined in 148 CAD patients with T2DM and in 159 patients with only CAD. Cut off value of the apoB/apoA-1 ratio was determined from 207 healthy subjects. Severity of CAD was quantified according to the prevalence of multivessel disease and the degree of coronary stenose. Association between the apoB/apoA-1 ratio and the severity of CAD were evaluated using the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve and apoB/apoA-1 ratio. ApoB/apoA-1 ratio levels didn't show significant differences between DM and NDM patients (DM: 0.9°0.5; NDM: 0.8°0.5; P=0.529). In contrast, difference was significant between these groups when patients were categorized according to low and high levels ApoB/ApoA-1 ratio. Highest levels of ApoB/ApoA-1 ratio were shown in patients with multivessel disease and significant stenose. The area under the ROC curve for ApoB/ApoA-1 in patients with T2DM was (0.513°0.041 (95% CI: - 149 - 0.443, 0.594), P=0.749). The apoB/apoA-1 ratio is not associated with the severity of CAD in patients with T2DM in contrast to its high levels which might be contributed to the assessment of patients at high cardiovascular risk.

21 ref

016770   Biradar S P;Tamboli A S;Patil T S;Khandare R V;Govindwar S P;Pawar P K (Biochemistry Dep, Shivaji Univ, Kolhapur, Email: pkp.biochem@unishivaji.ac.in) : Phytoextracts protect Saccharomyces cerevisiae from oxidative stress with simultaneous enhancement n bioremediation efficacy. Indian J expl Biol 2017, 55(7), 469-78.

Bioremediation efficacies are highly affected by abiotic stresses imparted by a verity of pollutants due to generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). These stressed cells can be treated using natural or synthetic antioxidants. Such an approach could prove beneficial to bioremediation agents as the exogenously added antioxidant compounds would scavenge the generated free radicals. This would definitely lead to increased longevity of the involved organism and carry out superior treatments. In present study, Malachite Green (MG) was found to exert oxidative stress on Saccharomyces cerevisiae through - 148 - generation ROS. A 2 h exposure of MG though achieved 99% decolourization, the cells revealed a significant decrease (97.8%) in colony forming units (CFU) upon further subculture. Natural antioxidants from Centella asiatica, Phyllanthus emblica, Asperagus racemosus and Tinospora cordifolia extracts, however, restored the CFU with a loss of only 16-33%. The MG stressed cells indicated an increase in ROS by 6.7 fold which was reduced to near normal due to augmentation with plant extracts. MG damaged the nuclear material up to 90% and inclusion of phytoextracts protected the cells revealing only 0-7% nuclear damage. Induction in apoptosis (92%) and necrosis (23%) in MG exposed cells was noted, while plant extracts augmentation reduced apoptosis to 15-49% and necrosis to 10-16%. Activities of antioxidant enzymes such as superoxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione peroxidase were significantly decreased in phyto-augmented cells when compared to MG stressed cells. Dye degrading enzymes, namely lignin peroxidase, laccase, NADH-DCIP reductase and MG reductase were found to show induction in activities during MG utilization. Since antioxidants from plant extracts could protect the cells form oxidative stress, they were used to treat MG for 20 continuous decolourization cycles. Augmentation of C. asiatica, P. emblica, A. racemosus and T. cordifolia extracts at 20th decolourization cycle revealed 75, 79, 74 and 93% superior decolorization efficacies as compared to unaugmented cells. These natural antioxidants to protect bioremediation agents form oxidative stress, thus concluded to show enhanced treatment.

5 illus, 32 ref

016769   Bharti;Minhas N;Sharma P C (Microbiology Dep, School of Biotechnology, Shoolini Univ of Biotechnology and Management, Bajhol, Solan Himachal Pradesh, Email: dr.sharmapc@gmail.com) : Molecular characterization of Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolates recovered from human patients in Himachal Pradesh (India) for selective genes: Extended spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL), ampicillin class C (AMPC) and metallo β-lactamase (MBL) genes. Int J pharm Sci Res 2016, 7(12), 4905-16.

The present study highlights the occurrence of β-lactamase (bla) genes belonging to different classes: extended spectrum β-lactamase genes (bla_TEM, bla_SHV, bla_CTX-M and bla_PER), metallo β-lactamase genes (bla_NDM and bla_GIM and Ampicillin class C genes (bla_PDC and bla_CMY) in P. aeruginosa isolates by PCR amplification. The isolates were recovered from human patients of Indira Gandhi Medical College & Hospital at Shimla in the state of Himachal Pradesh (India). We have previously detected different β-lactamases in 180 confirmed isolates of P. aeruginosa by phenotypic methods in our laboratory. Such isolates have been characterized in the present study for their genotypes in respect of the specified genes. Of the 56 phenotypically ESBL positive isolates, the ESBL genes (bla_TEM, bla_SHV and bla_CTX-M) could be amplified in 14 (25%), 1 (1.78%) and 6 (10.71%) isolates respectively. Of these, three isolates had both bla_TEM & bla_CTX-M genes. Of the 29 phenotypically MBL positive isolates, the bla_NDM could be amplified in 11 (37.93%) isolates only. However, no amplification was achieved in case of bla_GIM gene. AmpC-type gene derived from P. aeruginosa (bla_PDC) was successfully amplified in 11 out of 52 phenotypically AmpC positive isolates i.e. (21.15%). However, the amplification was not achieved in case of bla_CMY gene. The data reflect the occurrence of different classes of β-lactamase genes and their co-occurrence in some isolates. Based on nucleotide sequence homologies of amplicons of different genes, the NDM variants were identified as -1 and -7, TEM-1, SHV-12, CTX-M-15 in this geographic region, while the amplicon of bla_PDC showed homology to different bla_PDC variants.

32 ref

016768   Benattouche Z;Raho G B;Sahnouni F;Hariri A; Bouhadi G;Benchohra M (Laboratory of Bioconversion, Biology Dep, Microbiology Engineering and Alimentary Security, Mascara Univ, 29000 Algeria, Email: benattouche_22@yahoo.fr) : Anioxidant activities of sulfated polysaccharide obtained from red algae Corallina officinalis. Int J Pharmac 2017, 4(3), 88-91.

Sulfated polysaccharides (SP) were extracted from Corallina officinalis marine red algae seaweed by using hydrothermal processes at 100 °C. The antioxidant activity of C. officinalis sulfated polysaccharide were determined using the (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl, DPPH) method, showing that this polysaccharide has a moderate effect in inhibiting the formation of those radicals. This study demonstrates that sulfated polysaccharide obtained from marine red algae have the potential for use as natural - 147 - antioxidants in food industrial applications.

1 illus, 18 ref

016767   Baskar G;Lalitha K;Garrick B G;Chamundeeswari M (Biotechnology Dep, St. Joseph's College of Engineering, Chennai-600 119, Email: basg2004@gmail.com) : Conjugation, labeling and characterization of asparaginase bound silver nanoparticles for anticancer applications. Indian J expl Biol 2017, 55(7), 421-6.

Nanomedicine in cancer therapy is an emerging technology over the commercially available drug delivery systems. The loss of drug activity can be prevented by conjugating asparaginase with metal nanoparticles. This necessitates the synthesis of metal nanobiocomposite of L-asparaginase labeled with fluorescein isothiocyanate for better diagnosis and treatment. The present work is focused on the synthesis of silver nanocomposite of fungal L-asparaginase labeled with fluorescein isothiocyanate. The formation of fluorescein isothiocyanate labeled silver nanobiocomposite of asparaginase was confirmed with a broad peak from 360 nm to 500 nm in UV spectrum. The functional group present in the labeled silver nanobiocomposite of asparaginase was analyzed using FTIR spectroscopy while the presence of asparaginase in labeled silver nanobiocomposite was confirmed by ¹H-NMR. The anticancer activity of labeled silver nanobiocomposite of asparaginase as revealed by the fluorescent microscope against MG-63 cancer cell line showed an IC50 value of 62.5 μg/mL.

4 illus, 1 table, 28 ref

016766   Banting M D;Aquino J D C;David E S;Undan J R (Biological Sciences Dep, College of Arts and Sciences, Central Luzon State Univ, Science City o, Nueva Ecija 3120 Philippines, Email: jerwin.undan11@gmail.com) : Phylogenetic analysis of liverworts (Marchantiophyta) in imugan falls, Santa fe, Nueva vizcaya, Philippines using rbcl gene marker. Int J pharm Res Allied Sci 2017, 6(1), 81-8.

A widely held view of land plant relationships places liverworts as the first branch of the land plant tree. In the past several years, the application of molecular methods to the unraveling of liverwort phylogeny has generated new insights into their evolutionary history and revolutionized their classification. There has been no available substantial sequence of - 146 - liverworts so far and molecular approach in identifying complex liverworts species was still a challenge. This study is the first attempt to identify and classify the liverworts from Imugan Falls, Sta. Fe, Nueva Vizcaya, Philippines by molecular approach. The liverworts were collected through transect walk along falls and after initial identification using morphological characterization, the genomic DNA of liverworts were extracted and amplified using rbcL, and then PCR products were purified and were sequenced. Sequences were used for BLAST analysis to determine sequence similarity of the sequences available from NCBI GenBank. We have identified two species; these are Dumortiera hirsuta and Targionia hypophylla both with 99% maximum identity. For phylogeny analysis based on the rbcL region, the proximate clade was made up of complex thalloid genera and comprises the monophyletic marchantiaceae, targioniaceae, and wiesnerellaceae in a well-supported sister relationship, it also includes the simpler thalloid monocleaceae. Accessions of Dumortiera hirsuta and Wiesnerella sp. are in a robust sister relationship and sister to the remainder Targionia hypophylla and Monoclea forsteri.

3 illus, 25 ref

016765   Badore N S;Das P K;Pillai S (Pharmacognosy Dep, GRY Institute of Pharmacy, Vidya Vihar, Borawan, Khargone-451 228, Email: kumar_prabhat3027@yahoo.com) : Pharmacological efficacy of methanolic extract of the plant Ginkgo biloba, against isoproterenol induced cardiac toxicity in rats. Int J pharm Sci Res 2017, 8(2), 722-8.

Ginkgo Biloba is a potent antioxidant dietary source for human health. Oxidative stress through generation of free radicals damages the myocardium in different experimental condition. The present research was designed to evaluate the cardio protective role of chronic oral administration of Ginkgo biloba leaf extract against Isoproterenol induced myocardial injury. Male Wistar albino rates were randomly divided into five groups (n = 6) and treated as per treatment protocol with three different dose of Ginkgo biloba extract (125, 250, and 500 mg/kg b.w.) orally for thirty days. At the end of the treatment all the rats (except control rats) were administered with Isoproterenol (85 mg/kg) two consecutive days and subjected to biochemical and histopathological estimation. Isoproterenol (group II) induced the oxidative myocardial damage via alteration in the endogenous antioxidant enzymes and myocardial marker enzymes. Ginkgo biloba extract in all three dose (group III, IV and V) shows protective mechanism via decreasing thiobarbituric acid reactive substance (TBARS) and enhancing the endogenous antioxidant enzymes ( reduced glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase). Thus, the study shows that Ginkgo biloba extract exhibits significant antioxidant activity and protect the heart from free radical mediated toxicity of Isoproterenol.

39 ref

016764   Attanayake A P;Jayatilaka K A P W;Mudduwa L K B (Biochemistry Dep, Faculty of Medicine, Ruhuna Univ, Sri Lanka, Email: anoja715@yahoo.com) : Antidiabetic potential of ivy gourd (Coccinia grandis, family: Cucurbitaceae) grown in Sri Lanka. Int J Pharmac 2017, 4(3), 79-83.

Leaves of ivy gourd; Coccinia grandis (L.) Voigt (Family: Cucurbitaceae) is one of the well-known leafy vegetables, which has been consumed by Sri Lankans for centuries. The therapeutic potential of ivy gourd against diabetes is brought mainly by its antihyperglycemic, β-cell regenerative, antihyperlipidemic and antioxidant properties. In addition, the optimum effective therapeutic dose of the aqueous C. grandis extract was found to be safe in terms of hepatotoxicity, renotoxicity, hematotoxicity in vivo. The scientific investigations confirmed the effectiveness of this leafy vegetable for the development of potential neutraceuticals against diabetes mellitus.

^iia37 ref

016763   Aslam M S;Ahmad M S;Mamat A S;Ahmad M Z;Salam F (School of Bioprocess Engineering, Universiti Malaysia Perlis, Kompleks Pusat Pengajian Jejawi 3 (KPPJ3), Kawasan Perindustrian Jejawi, 02600, Arau, Perlis, Malaysia, Email: aslammuhammadshahzad@gmail.com) : Reverse phase-high performance liquid chromatography method for estimation of bioactive compounds from different fractions of new polyherbal formulation of Clinacanthus nutans and Elephantopus scaber. Int J pharm Sci Res 2016, 7(12), 4778-86.

Polyherbal formulation is the trend of modern pharmacognosy and holistic approach in the treatment of uncurable diseases such as cancer. Medicinal plants contain many bioactive compounds that give different pharmacological activities. Therefore, it is important to investigate the quality of new polyherbal formulation by identification of bioactive markers. Aim is to identify apigenin (1), luteolin (2), b-sitosterol (9), 3'-hydroxy-5, 6, 7, 4'- tetra methoxy flavone (8), quercetin (3), vanillin(7), gallic acid (5), benzoic acid (6) and rutin (4) as biomarker from different fractions of the new polyherbal formulation of Clinacanthus nutans and Elephantopus scaber by RP-HPLC gradient method. A Shimadzu HPLC was utilized to perform the analysis which was equipped with an autosampler, column oven, and UV/VIS detector. An HPLC column used was Merck Licrochart Purospher Start RP 18 column (250mm, 4.6 mm i.d, 5μm pore size). The temperature was maintained at 40.0 °C throughout the study. The mobile phase isocratic method with acetonitrile 100%. The flow rate was 0.5 mL min^-1. Absorbance was observed at λ = 360 nm. After identification of bioactive compounds it was established that 3'-hydroxy-5, 6, 7, 4'- tetra methoxy flavone, gallic acid, benzoic acid and vanillin was found in a polyherbal formulation that was not present before in Clinacanthus nutans and Elephantopus scaber. Other bioactive compounds such as Apigenin. Luteolin, b-sitosterol, quercetin, and rutin were present in both medicinal herbs as well as inside polyherbal fractions. Vanillic acid was the oxidative product of vanillin that was found in Elephantopus scaber. In the polyherbal formulation, vanillin was found that shows the transformation of vanillic acid into vanillin. Formation of new bioactive compounds from a polyherbal formulation that was not present before in both medicinal plant. Identification of biomarkers helps to increase the quality of the new product for future.

35 ref

016762   Arjun P;Vincent S G P;Kannan R R (Molecular and Nanomedicine Research Unit, Centre for Nanoscience and Nanotechnology, Sathyabama Univ, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, Email: rajeshnbt12@gmail.com) : HPLC-PDA isolation and LC-MS/MS detection of an acetylcholinesterase inhibitory flavonoid from Tephrosia purpurea (L.) Pers. in zebrafish brain. Indian J Biochem Biophys 2016, 53(3-4), 104-11.

Separation of bioactive compounds or therapeutic small molecules from medicinal herbs is challenging due to the complexity of the phytochemicals. Tephrosia purpurea (L.) Pers. (Fam. Fabaceae) is rich in therapeutic compounds, used forisolation of an acetylcholinesterase inhibitor by HPLC coupled with Photo diode array (PDA) and mass spectrometric techniques. The separation was achieved through analytical HPLC by development of gradient mobile phase using methanol and acetonitrile along with 0.1 M ammonium acetate in Milli-Q water by two modes of mobile phase separations to yield the maximum purity, 99.13%. Based on the above-developed strategies, the preparative isolation of the acetylcholinesterase inhibitory flavonoid was purified at 269 nm with a retention time of 13. 9 min. The isolated compound from T. - 144 - purpurea was confirmed as a flavonoid by phytochemical screening tests. The molecular mass was identified as 366.1467 Da by UPLC/Q-ToF-MS for the purified flavonoid.. Further, the molecular formula was found to be C₂₂H₂₂O₅ by HR-MS/MS fragmentation pattern analysis through ChemSpider database search. The fragmentation pattern favoured the purified compound for similarity to Cyqualon. The isolated compound showed acetylcholinesterase (AchE) inhibition with the IC₅₀ value of 54 μM in the zebrafish brain. However, the comparative study on the commercial cyqualon compound and the isolated compound showed different UV spectrum with the values at 269 nm and 257.5 nm, respectively. These findings concluded that the compound might be a novel flavonoid from Tephrosia purpurea which could be used as a therapeutic compound for neurodegenerative diseases after structural characterization.

7 illus, 1 table, 36 ref

016761   Arce F J V;Hermogenes C G M;Prendol R M C;See G L L (School of Health Care Professions, Univ of San Carlos, Robert Hoeppener Building, Nasipit Talamban, Cebu City - 6000, Philippines, Email: florencio_arce@yahoo.com) : Adaptogenic potential of Artemisia vulgaris Linn. (1753) leaf extract on male albino rats. Int J pharm Sci Res 2017, 8(2), 582-90.

Artemisia vulgaris leaves are known to have anectodatal evidence of antioxidant activity which can be of use as an anti - stress remedy. However, this claim is yet to be proven and no available data on its adaptogenic potential hence, this study aimed to determine the adaptogenic potential of Artemisia vulgaris leaf extract on male albino rats using acute restraint stress. Six male albino rats were used as test animals and were subdivided into the following: control group, untreated normal group, negative group, and three doses of the test solution [500mg/200g rat (T1), 250mg/200g rat (T2), and 150 mg/200g rat (T3)]. T3 rats exhibited the highest adaptogenic activity of -3,111.11% based on cholesterol levels and -1916.67% based on glucose levels. Moreover, glucose levels of T2 and T1 rats were -345.41% and -6.60%, respectively while for their cholesterol levels, T2 exhibited -277.78% and T1 exhibited -90.05%. The median effective dose of the test suspension based on cholesterol levels and glucose levels is 169.70 mg/200g rat and 151.81mg/200g rats, respectively. From this study, Artemisia vulgaris leaf extract has the potential protective effect against stress. Flavanoids, tannins and saponins in the leaf extract of Artemisia vulgaris were attributed for its adaptogenic activity.

27 ref

016760   Aravindraja C;Valliammai A;Viszwapriya D; Pandian S K (Biotechnology Dep, Alagappa Univ, Science Campus, Karaikudi-630 003, Email: sk_pandian@rediffmail.com) : Quorum sensing mediated virulence inhibition of an opportunistic human pathogen Serratia marcescens from unexplored marine sediment of palb bay through function driven metagenomic approach. Indian J expl Biol 2017, 55(7), 448-52.

Indiscriminate use of antibiotics in treatment strategies of infections caused by opportunistic pathogen, Serratia marcescens has made the specimen multidrug resistant (MDR). The present study is focused to identify novel metaclones that selectively target quorum sensing mediated virulence factors of S. marcescens through culture independent approach. Metagenomic DNA library was constructed for the isolated marine sediment (Karakadu coastal region, India) metagenome using a copy control Fosmid vector. Quorum quenching activity of the cell free culture supernatants of the obtained metaclones was identified using the reduction in violacein pigment production in Chromobacterium violaceum. Among the obtained metagenomic clones, ethyl acetate extracts (50 μg/mL) of MCS-3 and MCS-4 showed 98 and 100 % of prodigiosin pigment reduction, respectively - 143 - in S. marcescens. The production of secreted caseinase was reduced significantly up to 70 and 78 % when treated with 50 μg/mL ethyl acetate extracts of MCS-3 and MCS-4, respectively. Significant decrease (77 and 73 %) in lipase production was also observed with 50 μg/mL ethyl acetate extract of MCS-3 and MCS-4. This is one of the few reports that highlight the potential of function driven metagenomic approach that explicates the unexplored marine sediment of Palk Bay coastal region as a novel source of anti-QS agents.

3 illus, 18 ref

016759   Anju A J;Binod P;Pandey A (NO, CSIR-National Institute for Interdisciplinary Science and Technology, Thiruvananthapuram-695 019, Email: binodkannur@niist.res.in) : Production and characterization of microbial poly-γ-glutamic acid from renewable resources. Indian J expl Biol 2017, 55(7), 405-10.

Poly-γ-glutamic acid (PGA) is an anionic, naturally occurring, biodegradable, edible and water soluble polyamide that has widespread applications viz., thickener, cryoprotectant, drug carrier, biological adhesive, biopolymer flocculant, heavy metal absorber, bitterness relieving agent, etc. Here, we evaluated effectiveness of renewable resources for production of γ-PGA using an isolated Bacillus sp. Lignocellulosic biomass such as rice straw, sugarcane trash, sugarcane bagasse, cotton stalk and sorghum stover were evaluated for production of γ-PGA. Pretreatment was carried out using 1% (w/w) H₂SO₄ for rice straw and 2.5% (w/w) H₂SO₄ for rest of the biomass, followed by enzymatic hydrolysis using cellulase enzyme. Comparative evaluation of sugar yield from various biomass were done and highest percentage of reducing sugar was obtained from rice straw hydrolysate. The hydrolysate was concentrated to obtain 1.01 g/mL of reducing sugar and was added to the production media for the fermentative production of γ-PGA. The maximum PGA obtained was 82.97 g/L by supplementing rice straw hydrolysate (reducing sugar concentration: 4%) by Bacillus amyloliquefaciens. The γ-PGA was characterized by NMR, FTIR, gel permeation chromatography and amino acid analyzer. Present work shows the feasibility of using lignocellulosic biomass as a cheap and economically efficient carbon source for the fermentative production of microbial γ-PGA.

5 illus, 1 table, 28 ref

016758   Anita;Malar A R (Chemistry and Research Centre Dep, Scott Christian College (Autonomous), Nagercoil - 3, Tamil Nadu, Email: anitavasanthan@gmail.com) : Screening of Aerva lanata Linn. for pharmacognostic and antimicrobial activity. Int J Pharmac 2017, 4(4), 99-108.

Aerva lanata has been used in traditional medicine for many years and used for the treatment of urinary bladder and kidney stones. The aim was to study the pharmacognostic characters and antimicrobial activity of important medicinal plant Aerva lanata (Amaranthaceae). The physicochemical, phytochemical and fluorescence analysis of powdered aerial and root parts of Aerva lanata was performed according to the standardization procedures recommended by the World Health Organization. The physicochemical parameters such as total ash, acid insoluble ash, water soluble ash reveals that the plant has less amount of carbonates, silicates and are less affected by contamination and inorganic compounds. The various colours obtained by fluorescence were analysed and the moisture content of aerial and root parts were found to be 37.5%, 35.33% respectively. The preliminary phytochemical screening showed the presence of alkaloids, saponins, terpenoids, flavonoids, proteins, glycosides, coumarins, carbohydrate, steroids, tannins, phenols and phytosterols. The antimicrobial activity performed of Aerva lanata on Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Klebsiella pneumonia, Bacillus substilis, Streptococcus - 142 - mutants, Escherchia coli, Staphylococcus aureus showed maximum activity against gram negative bacteria on aerial parts of Aerva lanata. Thus the results of the present study can serve as a valuable source for the identification of this plant and their active components in future investigations.

2 illus, 7 tables, 39 ref

016757   Alkhatib M H;Nori D A;Al-Ghamdi M A (Biochemistry Dep, Faculty of Science, King Abdulaziz Univ, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, Email: mhalkhatib@kau.edu.sa) : Antitumour activity and hepatotoxicity effect of sorafenib incorporated into nanoemulsion formulated with flaxseed oil. Int J pharm Res Allied Sci 2017, 6(1), 175-88.

Sorafenib (SRF), an inhibitor of tyrosine kinase used to treat different kinds of cancers, found to have hepatotoxicity effects. The current study aims to fabricate the flaxseed oil in a nanoemulsion containing SRF (SRF-NE) and to evaluate its anticancer activity in vivo. The droplet sizes and charges of SRF-NE were determined by the zetasizer Nano ZS. Five groups (n = 20) of female Swiss Albino mice were used for antitumor activity assessment. Groups I & II served as the untreated mice and mice inoculated with Ehrlich ascietes carcinoma cells (EAC+), respectively. Groups III-V were EAC-bearing mice administered day-by-day via oral gavage with 7 doses of free-NE, 30 mg SRF/kg of mice weight, solubilized in 1:1 ratio of Cremophor and 95% Ethyl Alcohol (SRF-Cremo), and SRF-NE, respectively. The side effect of the subjected formulas on the liver was assessed by determining the relative liver weight, serum biochemical parameters, reactive oxygen species and implementing the histological examination. The z-average diameter and zeta potential of SRF-NE were 77.46 ° 8.28 nm and - 3.4 ° 1.2 mV, respectively. Among all of the treated groups, SRF-NE group has the least tumor volume with increased activity of the lactate dehydrogenase and the greatest survival (28° 2.54 days). Compared to SRF-Cremo, SRF-NE, subjected into the mice, has amended the relative liver weight, decreased the level of alanine aminotransferase and raised the activity of the catalase. In conclusion, encapsulating SRF in a NE formulated with flaxseed oil has improved its antitumor activity and reduced its hepatotoxicity.

1 illus, 4 table, 29 ref

016756   Agbodjogbe K W D D;Houngbeme A G;Haidara M; Sanogo R;Laleye A;Dansou H P (Laboratoire de Physiologie de l'Effort, Institut National de la Jeunesse, d'Education Physique et du Sport (IN, BP 169 Porto-Novo, Benin, Email: albanusphd@yahoo.fr) : In vitro and In vivo toxicological evaluation of aqueous extracts from beninese plants: Senna siamea leaves and Sarcopcephalus latifolus stem roots. Int J Pharmac 2017, 4(2), 60-70.

The toxicity of aqueous extracts of S. siamea leaves, S. latifolius roots collected in Benin and their mixture (1/1, w/w), was evaluated on female non pregnant rats, albino wistar genus. They were treated during two weeks, with various extracts administered by oral way at 2000 mg / kg body weight. The biochemical parameters were determinate, histological analysis of the rats was done and the urinary concentration of Neutral Gelatinased Associated Lipocalin (NGAL) was measured. The treatment of the rats with different extracts not caused undesirable effects and deaths during the fourteen day of observation. Significant changes relative of histologycal aspect of hepatocyte and renal cortex as well as significant increases in activity of enzyme serum alanine amino transferases (ALT) and aspartate amino transferases (AST). The aqueous extracts at 2000 mg/kg were disrupted some biochemical parameters. These changes were confirmed by the rate raised from NGAL noted in the urine of the treated rats.

11 illus, 33 ref

016755   Abhang P;Pathade G (Institute of Bioinformatics and Biotechnology, Savitribai Phule Pune Univ, Pune-411 007, Email: pranayabhang@yahoo.co.in) : Agnihotra technology in the perspectives of modern science. Indian J Tradl Knowledge 2017, 16(3), 454-62.

Agnihotra, the simplest form of 'Yajnya/Homa' performed in many countries all over the world. Although it's an ancient fire ritual, it is based on the scientific aspects. It invokes sunrise and sunset timings, when far infrared radiations are produced from the sun, the burning of cow ghee, dried cow dung, unpolished rice in the typical inverted pyramidal shaped copper pot with the chanting of mantras about sun (Surya) and fire (Agni). It is found that far infrared radiations of sun and that of Agnihotra resonate to generate a huge amount of vital energy useful for life processes. The fumes and ash of Agnihotra are useful to purify water and air, ameliorate agriculture, reduces the pathogenicity of microorganisms and help to improve the health of living beings. Performing Agnihotra with right timings and ingredients will create conducive atmosphere in the surrounding for the well-being of life.

^iia1 illus, 47 ref

016754   Abdou E M;Kandil S M (Pharmaceutics Dep, National Organization of Drug Control and Research (NODCAR), Cairo, Egypt, Email: ebt_mohmed@yahoo.com) : Formulation and evaluation of dorzolamide and timolol ocuserts. Int J pharm Sci Res 2017, 8(2), 915-24.

This study aims to formulate novel dorzolamide hydrochloride and timolol maleate ocuserts to enhance patient compliance through providing controlled drugs release from polymeric matrix. Ocuserts were prepared by solvent-casting method using different polymers Ethyl Cellulose, Eudragit S100 and Hydroxy propyl methyl cellulose in different ratios. The prepared ocusters were physcochemichally evaluated for their weight, thickness, drug content uniformity, surface pH, Swelling Index (SI) and folding - 140 - endurance. In-vitro drug release was studied from the prepared formulas and the results were analyzed by drug release kinetic models. The ocuserts stability after three month's storage at 40 °0.5°C and 75 °5% RH was estimated. In-vivo tests were done to study the release profile and estimate the safety of the incorporated drugs in rabbits' eyes. The prepared ocuserts show uniform weight, thickness and drug content. Their surface pH was in the physiological range and showed acceptable folding endurance. HPMC Formulas had higher SI values. Results of in-vivo testing for one of the prepared ocuserts shows slow release of both drugs up to 24 hours with no signs of eye sensitivity. One of the prepared ocuserts is promising for once-daily effective and safe drug delivery system of DHCL and TM for glaucoma treatment.

38 ref

016753   Abdella E M M (Zoology Dep, Faculty of Science, Fayoum Univ, Egypt, Email: eman_abdella@yahoo.co.uk) : Protective effects of white tea extract against mercuric chloride induced hepatototoxicity in mice. Int J pharm Sci Res 2017, 8(2), 603-10.

The present work was aimed to evaluate the potential protective effect of white tea's extract against the liver injury in an experimental model of hepatotoxicity induced by HgCl₂ in mice. Histopathological investigations, liver functions and flow. Cytometrical analyses were estimated. The experimental mice were divided into four groups, each of eight mice (each mouse weighed 25 - 30gm): Group 1 was served as the control group, the mice were injected i.p. with saline solution (1ml/ day). In group 2, mice were orally administered with freshly prepared aqueous. Extract of white tea (100 mg / kg / day). Mice of group 3 were i.p. injected with HgCl₂ (1mg/ kg / day); The experimental periods of the mentioned three groups were lasted for fourteen days. On the other hand, mice of group 4 were injected i.p. for 14 days with HgCl₂ then administered with white tea extract for another 14 days. The aspartate amino transaminase, alanine aminotransferase levels and alkaline phosphatase level are significantly lower (P<60>0.05) in both groups of the control group, and those treated with mercury and white tea extracted than the mice treated only with mercury. Histopathological examination of liver showed that white tea extracts reduced fatty degeneration, cytoplasm vacuolation and necrosis in HgCl₂-treated mice. The significant increases in apoptotic cells were observed after the animals exposed to HgCl₂ and decreases in the group exposed to HgCl₂ and treated with white tea extract. This study suggests that white tea extracts possesses hepatoprotective effects on acute liver injuries induced by mercury, and these results may be related to the anti-oxidant, anti-toxic and anti-apoptotic properties of white tea.

31 ref

016752   Abd-Ella E M M (Zoology Dep, Faculty of Science, Fayoum Univ, Egypt, Email: eman_abdella@yahoo.co.uk) : Grape seed extracted (vitisvinifera) alleviate hepatic toxicity induced by the anti-oestrogen tamoxifen in female albino rats. Int J pharm Sci Res 2016, 7(12), 4787-97.

The present study has been undertaken to investigate the therapeutic effect of GSE (Grape seed extracts) against Tamoxifen (TAM), induced hepatotoxicity in rat. The rats were divided into four groups ∙ Group 1: rats were injected intraperitoneally (i.p.) with saline for seven days. ∙ Group 2: Rats were treated with TAM in a dose of 45 mg/kg búw/day, i.p., for seven successive days. ∙ Group 3: Rats were administrated orally GSE (100 mg/kg b.w/day) for three weeks. Group 4: rats were injected (i.p.) (45 mg/kg b.w/day) of Tamoxifen for seven days, then treated daily - 139 - with a single dose of GSE (100 mg/kg b.w/day) for three weeks respectively. GSE reduced necrosis in the TAM-treated rat. And significantly increased (p<60>0.05) the levels of MDA and PCC, while the level of GSH was significantly (P<60>0.05) decreased. Treatment with GSE significantly (P<60>0.05) reduced. Tamoxifen significantly decreased (P<60>0.05) the level of NO. GSE significantly increases (P<60>0.05, Table 2) NO level. Flowcytometric analysis in liver cells, significant increases in apoptotic cells treated by TAM and decreases in the group exposed to TAM and treated with GSE. This study suggests that GSE possesses anti-oxidant effects against TAM toxicity.

75 ref

015839   Vutukuru S S;Vutukuru P (Biotechnology Dep, Sreenidhi Institute of Science and Technology, Yamnampet, Ghatkesar, Hyderabad-501 301, Email: vssrinivas@sreenidhi.edu.in) : Trace metal concentrations in the freshwater fish Channa punctatus from a local market in Hyderabad, India - human health perspective. Pollut Res 2016, 35(2), 373-80.

The present study examines the concentration of arsenic, copper, chromium, lead and nickel in brain, gills, muscle and visceral tissues of the widely consumed and commercially important fresh water fish, Channa punctatus purchased from a local market, Hyderabad City, India. The tissue specificity for these metals has been investigated. Consumption of fish contaminated by heavy metals, can lead to deleterious health effects in humans via secondary poisoning. For humans and many animals, heavy metals cause major effects such as central nervous system damage from lead or mercury exposure, especially for developing children while cadmium compounds and hexavalent chromium are known to be human carcinogens. This paper also discusses the toxic effects of arsenic, chromium, copper, nickel and lead concentrations to human health in light of the tolerance limits recommended by WHO Expert Committee for food additives.

9 illus, 30 ref

015838   Syamsudin;Farida Y;Tambunan R M (Pharmacology Dep, Faculty of Pharmacy, Pancasila Univ, South Jakarta 12640, Indonesia, Email: syamsudin.abdillah@gmail.com) : Analysis of some plants extracts used as antimalaria in sei kepayang, North Sumatra, Indonesia. Asian J Chem 2017, 29(3), 592-4.

In recent times, the trend in malaria research is shifting towards identifying new medicines from natural resources for management of malaria. Some Indonesian herbs have been traditionally used as antimalaria by the society in different areas of Indonesia. - 146 - They include papaya leaves (Carica papaya L), meniran (Phyllantus ninuri L), pare (Momordica charantia L), Smallanthus sonchifolia and Cassia siamea L leaves. The antiplasmodium activities of hydro-alcoholic extracts of some standardized plant materials were screened against of P. falciparum strain 3D7. These results indicate the potential of antimalarial herbs.

2 tables, 7 ref

015837   Sharma S;Mittal P (Biotechnology Dep, Mewar Univ, Chittorgarh, Rajasthan, Email: mittal_pallavi@yahoo.com) : Assessment of an effective biotic agent for management of distillery waste through Aspergillusniger and its mutants. Pollut Res 2016, 35(2), 319-26.

The disposal of distillery effluents is one of the main environmental problems. As per the Central Pollution Control Board, Ministry of Environment & Forests (MoEF), Government of India, alcohol distilleries are listed at the top of "Red Category" industries having a high polluting potential. In this concern, Bioremediation plays a vital role. Therefore, the present investigation deals with the bioremediation of distillery waste with Aspergillus niger (wild designated as control)and its mutants has been strategic to improve the eminence of treated effluent, so that it may triumph permissible standards for safe disposal. From this study, it was observed that for spent wash, reduction in COD is best attained by mutant 2 in comparison to control and mutant 1 and it is also reflected in the pH that is why lowest pH is also recorded in case of Aspergillus niger (mutant 2), However, color removal is not significant in case of mutant 2, it is superior in case of mutant 1. After treatment, reduction in COD and color is better attained in case of mutant 1. Although in all cases, best efficiency is obtained on sixth day, after that it has declined and overall mutant 1 (COD reduction up to 79 %) is better in comparisons to control and mutant 2. Hence this approach could be used to develop cost effective, eco-friendly biotechnology package for bioremediation of distillery waste before its disposal.

2 illus, 2 tables, 40 ref

015836   Sekar M;Priya N V;Ramesh R;SureshKumar G; Bharathi A D;Afsha S A (Pharamaceutical Chemistry Dep, Santhiram College of Phamacy, Nandyal, Andhra Pradesh) : Formulation and evaluation of hair tonic from Ziziphus Jujuba leaf extract. Int J pharm chem biol Sci 2016, 6(4), 447-54.

The aim of the study was to formulate and evaluate a Hair tonic from Ziziphus jujuba leaf extract using the coconut oil as a base. This novel formulation maintains acidic pH (= 5), increases blood flow and prevents the scalp infections and the above three parameters promotes the hair growth. Acute toxicity studies were carried out to Ziziphus jujuba extract as per OECD test guidelines 423. The prepared formulations were assessed for Primary skin irritation test. The hair growth was observed for 30 days and evaluated for the qualitative parameters like initiation time, completion time and quantitative parameters like hair length, hair weight. The study of the hair growth revealed that the formulation F3 had similar growth rates comparable to that of standard (2% Minoxidil). From this work, it was concluded that this novel hair tonic formulation possesses hair growth promoting activity.

3 illus, 5 table, 36 ref

015835   Salehzadeh A;Naeemi A S (Biology Dep, Rasht Branch, Islamic Azad Univ, Rasht, Iran, Email: salehzadeh@iaurasht.ac.ir) : Biodiesel production from Anabaena variabilis cyanobacterium. Indian J Geomar Sci 2017, 46(2), 385-90.

The study indicates the production of algal biodiesel from Anabaena variabilis. The research showed that the oil content in Anabaena variabilis was 45% by weight of dry biomass. The oil was extracted from the Anabaena variabilis biomass. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) was used to analyze the extracted oil. Several chemical constituents were defined after GC-Mass analysis. Among them, the constituents that can be used as biodiesel were Palmitic acid (C₁₆H₃₂O₂), 3,3-Dimethoxy-2-butanone (C₆H₁₂O₃), 2,2-Dimethoxybutane (C₆H₁₄O₂) and 2,2-Dimethoxypropane (C₅H₁₂O₂). The percentage of them were (2.3%), (2.18%), (8.51%) and (1.54%) respectively.

3 illus, 1 table, 19 ref

015834   Rudrashetti A P;Dwivedi K;Gandhi D;Juqarkar A A;Sharma A;Pandey R A (Environmental Biotechnology Div, CSIR-National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (CSIR-NEER, Nagpur, Email: ra_pandey@neeri.res.in) : Ozone treatment of sulfamethoxazole in aqueous matric and toxicity of its degradation products on Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Enterobacter xiangfangensis species. J envir Sci Engng 2016, 58(1), 73-8.

Sulfamethoxazole (SMX) is extensively used antibiotic and residue of SMX has been found in surface and drinking water in ng/L concentration. The advance oxidation process such as ozonation has been proposed for removal of SMX into its possible readily biodegradable intermediates and also limits its impact on the environment. About 20 g/h of ozone dosage used for treatment of Sulfamethoxazole (four different concentrations of SMX 10 ppm, 20 ppm, 30 ppm and 40 ppm) resulted in 99 % removal within 60 minutes of ozonation with the leftover of its degradation products. However, the toxicity of degradation products of SMX formed after ozone treatment on soil microorganism (Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Enterobacter xiangfangensis) has not been reported. In the current study toxicity of degradation products using MTT assay has been reported. The study revealed that degradation product of SMX not showing any significant cytotoxic effect on the soil micro-organism compared to pure SMX.

5 illus, 14 ref

015833   Randive D S;Sayyad S F;Devidas S;Bhutkar B M A (Pharmaceutics Dep, Rajarambapu College of Pharmacy, Kasegaon, Walwa, Sangli-415 404, Email: randivendheeraj@gmail.com) : Preparation of Arjunarista using microbes isolated from Woodfordia fruticosa flowers. Ancient Sci Life 2016, 36(1), 42-7.

Objective was to verify the utility of isolated fermentative microbes from Woodfordia fruticosa flowers for preparation of Arjunarista formulation and its comparative evaluation with the same formulation prepared by traditional method. In the present technique, isolated colonies of microorganisms from Woodfordia fruticosa(Dhataki) flowers on Saubroad dextrose media were separated and suspended in sterile water. This suspension was aseptically added in previously sterilized mixtures containing all intended ingredients for Arjunarista which was thereafter incubated for 20 days at 37°C to achieve optimal fermentation. The formulation thus obtained was further subjected to various evaluation tests. Arjunarista was prepared using a new approach, and in that, isolated microorganisms from the flowers of Woodfordia fruticosa (Dhataki) - 144 - were used. It was found that the new approach was successful in generating approximately same quantities of alcohol content in comparison with traditional methods which have shown varying concentration of alcoholic content. Moreover, the new process prevents the growth of unwanted microbes thus, optimizing standards for purity and safety of the formulation. The formulation prepared by a new procedure showed marked uniformity for different parameters such as alcohol production, total phenol content, total solid content as compared to that prepared by the traditional method. Similarly, the results of thin layer chromatography, high performance thin layer chromatography showed marked uniformity related to quality, safety, efficacy, and reproducibility of the new method as compared to the traditional one. Thus, the modern technique was found to show reproducibility and facilitate easier quality assessment.

2 illus, 3 tables, 22 ref