009650   Benazir F;Abhinayani G (Pharmaceutics Dep, Geethanjali College of Pharmacy, Keesara, Hyderabad, Telangana, Email: akshabenazir1@gmail.com) : CRISPR/Ca9 technology- a new boon in genome editinbg. Int J pharm Sci Res 2016, 7(8), 3336-47.

Targeted genome engineering provides the ability to precisely modify genetic information in order to study gene function, biological mechanisms, and disease pathology. Historically, random mutagenesis or low-efficiency homologous recombination were used to modify the genomes of cell lines or animal models. However, new advances in the design of sequence-specific endonucleases have enabled more effective, targeted editing of the genome. The most recent and fastest growing method for genome editing is based on the Clustered Regions of Interspersed Palindromic Repeats (CRISPR) viral defense system found in bacteria and archaea. The CRISPR/Cas9 system is much easier to customize and optimize because the site selection for DNA cleavage is guided by a short sequence of RNA rather than an engineered protein as in the systems of zinc finger nucleases (ZFN), transcription activator-like effect or nucleases (TALEN), and meganucleases. Derived from a remarkable microbial defense system, Cas9 is driving innovative applications from basic biology to biotechnology and medicine. The simplicity of the CRISPR-Cas9 system has enabled its widespread applications in generating germline animal models, somatic genome engineering, and functional genomics screening and in treating genetic and infectious diseases. This technology will likely be used in all fields of biomedicine, ranging from basic research to human gene therapy.

51 ref

009649   Batra S;Ashwani Kumar;Sharma A (University Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Panjab Univ, Chandigarh-160 014, Email: bashwani@pu.ac.in) : Authentication of morphologically similar rhizome drugs based on TLC fingerprint profiles and valerenic acid content. Int J pharm Sci Res 2016, 7(8), 3428-31.

The study involved comparison of thin layer chromatograms and quantification of valerenic acid (VA) in four morphologically similar rhizome drugs - Valeriana jatamansi, Nordostachys jatamansi, Selinum vaginatum and Ferula sumbul. Ethanol extract of the four drugs were prepared under standard conditions and VA content was determined using TLC densitometry. Comparative fingerprint chromatograms of the four drugs were developed and mean content of VA was calculated. S. vaginatum contains maximum VA content (360.22 μg/g). The four closely allied drugs could easily be differentiated based on thin layer chromatograms and VA content.

11 ref

009648   Azab E A;Elsilk S E;El-Salam I S A;Tahwash A M (Bacteriology Unit, Botany Dep, Faculty of Science, Tanta Univ, Tanta 31527, Egypt) : Determination of the bacteriocin-like substances produced by Enterococcus hirae isolated from traditional Egyptian food (Koskos). Biosci Biotechnol Res Asia 2016, 13(2), 803-13.

The isolated organisms are screened for their antimicrobial activities against different microbial indicators. These activities expressed in inhibition zones against all tested indicator organisms. PCR products used to assess the DNA similarities and multiple sequences showed 92% identity to Enterococcus hirae (accession no.HM584102). Further identification to species level, E. hirae was based on pigment and carbohydrate formation. The SDS-PAGE analysis was indicated that bacteriocin of E. hirae is a two peptides of approximately 42 and 52 kDa. No antimicrobial activity after treatment of the cells with NaCl at pH 2.0. The leakage of K^{+ ion increased as the concentration of bacteriocin increased. The bacteriocins had a negative effect on the respiration, where the amount of consumed oxygen decreased by increasing the bacteriocins. No toxic effect against Artemia salina larva was recorded. Complete inactivation of antimicrobial activity was observed with Proteinase K and trypsin, respectively, after incubation at 37°C. No antimicrobial activity was recorded at pH values from 5 to 10. On the other hand, high antimicrobial activity was obtained at pH 3. Heat treatment on bacteriocin showed stability whereas non-significant results at 70°C or 100°C after 15 minutes while complete loss after incubation at 70°C, 100°C and by autoclaving.}

11 illus, 27 ref

009647   Asgharzadeh M;Samadi Kafil H;Fahmi A;Yousefi M;Aghazadeh M;Hanifi G R;Pourostadi M (Biotechnology Research Center and Faculty of Paramedicine, Tabriz Univ of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran, Email: kafilhs@tbzmed.ac.ir) : Optimizing the use of Sporosarcina pasteurii bacteria for the stifening of sand. Asian J Microbiol Biotechnol envir Sci 2016, 18(2), 391-4.

Sporosarcina pasteurii is one of the soil inhabitant and urease-producing microorganisms from which urease enzyme is made, causing bio-calcification. In this research, optimizing of urease enzyme produced by Sporosarcina pasteurii bacteria was targeted to connect the sand particles and stiffen them by the production of calcite precipitation. Bacterium was cultivated aerobically in a culture medium containing yeast extract, lacto pepton and urea at the temperature of 25°C. Different conditions of cultivation with Urea concentration calcium chloride and pH were examined to obtain optimal results. The optimum condition for the stiffening of sand grains was attained in the presence of urea (20 g/L), calcium chloride (30mM) and the pH of 9. The results of this research indicated that the sand calcification via urease enzyme produced by Sporosarcina pasteurii could be employed for the hardening of the sand provided that the efficient factors of calcite precipitation could be optimized.

009646   Arasu P;Ganesan N;Sivasubramanian S; Gunasekaran P (Biochemistry Dep, SRMC & RI, Sri Ramachandra Univ, Chennai-116, Email: nalinisrmc@gmail.com) : Antitumoral and apoptotic effects of magainin II against colo 320 DM cancer cell line. Int J pharm Sci Res 2016, 7(7), 2951-8.

Antimicrobial peptides (AMP) showed a broad spectrum of cytotoxic activity against cancer cells, which could provide a new class of anticancer drugs. In this study, we have evaluated the cytotoxic and apoptotic activity of magainin II, an AMP compared with 5-Fluorouracil (5-FU) in colo320 DM cancer cells, and magainin II cytotoxicity was assessed on vero cell line by MTT. The cells cultured in the presence or absence of magainin II and 5-FU. The magainin II inhibited cell viability in dose dependent manner was quantified by MTT assay. The IC₅₀ of magainin II was found to be 89.3nM and at this concentration the cytotoxicity was not observed in vero cell line. The cytotoxicity of the magainin II was further confirmed by lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) assay and neutral red uptake assay (NRU). Apoptosis induction was verified by DNA fragmentation analysis. The morphological changes in colo 320 DM cells was measured by DAPI and acridine orange/ethidium bromide staining, showed nuclear condensation, and this substantiates the apoptotic action of magainin II. The cell cycle analysis by FACS revealed that there was a accumulation of cells at G0/G1 phase in magainin II treated cells. Overall, these results revealed that magainin II has selective cytotoxicity in cancer cells and has the potential to induce apoptosis. Magainin II may offer a novel and effective therapeutic candidate in the treatment of colon cancer with potentially low cytotoxic effects on normal cells. These findings highlight the importance of magainin II as a drug capable of exerting an in vitro antitumoral activity by triggering apoptosis.

31 ref

009645   Anuranjeeta;Saxena S;Shukla K K;Sharma S (School of Biomedical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology (Banaras Hindu Univ), Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh-221 005, Email: anuranjeeta.rs.bme11@itbhu.ac.in) : Cellular image segmentation using morphological operators and extraction of features for quantitative measurement. Biosci Biotechnol Res Asia 2016, 13(2), 1101-12.

To address the issue of blurriness, artifacts, overlapping of cells and uneven dying of histopathology images of breast cancer cells, a computer assisted image analysis and feature extraction method has been proposed in the present paper which include pre-processing, enhancement, segmentation and features extraction. The proposed method is based on the dysplastic features that work on the computation of features for differentiation of benign and malignant cells. Morphological measures have been significantly used to analyse these features. The purpose of choosing morphological operators is based on the fact that these operators principally utilize regularities and distribution of the structural features of cells. Analysis of cell morphology is an important factor as it aids in the complete evaluation of the microscopic cells, examination of the cell behaviour, and also provides the quantitative measure of area, perimeter, intensity and texture, etc. present in large populations of cells. For the implementation of proposed method publicly available image data set of 58 images (26 malignant and 32 benign) has been used. It is observed that malignant cells have considerably greater magnitude for computed features as compared to benign. Significant variation in feature values is also found in case of malignant cells. Apart from this, an efficient approach of segmenting cells present in the histopathology images has been shown, that will provide assistance to the pathologist to identify malignant cells. The results reported here can be further used in the classification of cells into benign and malignant categories.

6 illus, 6 tables, 35 ref

009644   Amutha K;Shamini S (Biotechnology Dep, Vels Univ, Pallavaram, Chennai-600 1176eamutharavi40@gmail.com) : Isolation and characterization of symbiotic endo bacteria from Gigaspora albida. Asian J Microbiol Biotechnol envir Sci 2016, 18(2), 443-6.

The aim of the work is to identify the bacteria associated with arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi. Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi can host endobacteria (BLOs) in their cytoplasm. The isolated BLO strains are identified as Cronobacter pulveris Strain SMSA-KF534713, Bacillus cereus Strain KM111172 and Bacillus cereus Strain KM111173 on the basis of morphological, biochemical and molecular characterization.

2 illus, 1 table, 18 ref

009643   Alnaggar W A;Taha T H;El-Deeb N M;Arafat H H (Health Sciences Dep, Faculty of Pharmacy, Northern Border Univ, Rafha, KSA, Email: t_tarek7946@yahoo.com) : Efficacy of non-cytotoxic doses of some medicinal plant extracts as antibacterial and anti-biofilm agents against cariogenic bacterium Streptococcus mutans. Biosci Biotechnol Res Asia 2016, 13(2), 1279-84.

Oral diseases are major health problems with dental caries and periodontal diseases among the most important preventable global infectious diseases. Increasing of refractory periodontal diseases is due to non-sensitivity of cariogenic bacteria to antibiotics, and the lack of new alternatives will be threat to danger imminent. This serious increase in the non-sensitivity of microbes to antibiotics may be opened to search for alternative approaches for exploring of new drugs with specific therapeutic activities. In this study cariogenic bacterium Streptococcus mutans strain ATCC 25175 was used as a test organism for evaluation the efficacy of water extracts of eight different medicinal plants as antibacterial and anti-biofilm agents. The best percentage of inhibition of these extracts against S. mutans strain ATCC 25175 was recorded as; Pomegranate peelA CloveA CoffeeeA green tea. The cytotoxicity of the most potent extracts has been measured against fibroblast cells. Generally, the green tea extract was the safer extract followed by coffee, pomegranate peel and clove extracts. The recorded IC₅₀ of the all used plant extracts on fibroblast cells ranged from 10-1.25%. with exception for green tea extract that didn't show IC₅₀ even with the maximum used concentration. The potency of the three selected extracts to to inhibt the biofilm formation by the tested strain could be summarized by the following order: pomegranate peelA coffeeA clove. Oral health influences the general quality of life and poor oral health is linked to chronic conditions and systemic diseases. Finally, give a recommendation for using some of these extracts to restrict the bacterial growth and reduction of the prevalence of periodontitis and cariogenic diseases.

5 illus, 2 tables, 22 ref

009642   Al-saraireh Y;Alrawashdeh F;Alshuneigat J; Alsbou M;Al-nawaiseh N;Alshagahin H;Youssef A (Pharmacology Dep, Faculty of Medicine, Mutah Univ, Al-karak, Jordan, Email: Yousef.sar@mutah.edu.jo) : Screening of glypican- 3 expression in human normal versus benign and malignant tissues: a comparative study glypican- 3 expression in cancers. Biosci Biotechnol Res Asia 2016, 13(2), 687-92.

Glypican-3 is a heparan sulfate proteoglycans (HSPGs) expressed at plasma membrane surface. Several studies demonstrated the re-expression of glypican-3 during the malignant transformation. Glypican-3 expression in hepatocellular carcinoma was suggested to be a diagnostic marker for differential diagnosis of hepatic nodules. The aim of the study is to evaluate the diagnostic value of glypican-3 as tumor marker not only in liver tumors but also in tumors of the other organs. A total of 95 surgically excised human tissues were subjected to immunohistochemical staining using a monoclonal antibody specific for glypican-3. These human tissues cover most of the common normal, benign, malignant and metastatic tumors originated from 27 anatomic sites. The immunohistochemical results revealed that glypican-3 was expressed in 21.7% of the normal tissues studied including stomach, small intestine, kidney (Normal cortex), and pancreas, while, the expression for glypican-3 was positive in 42.4% of the benign and malignant tumors. The most frequent expressing tumor was hepatocellular carcinoma. Moreover, for the first time, several tumor entities showed glypican-3 expression including malignant meningioma, Hodgkin's lymphoma, B-non Hodgkin's lymphoma,T-non Hodgkin's lymphoma.

2 illus, 28 ref

009641   Agarwal S;Mishra M;MIshra V K;Vinod D;Verma E;Kashaw S K (Pharmaceutical Sciences Dep, Dr. H.S. Gour Central Univ, Sagar, Madhya Pradesh, Email: sushilkashaw@gmail.com) : In-silico pharmacophore mapping and docking studies of indole/benzoximidazole-s-carboximidine derivatives as anti-cancer agents. Int J pharm Sci Res 2016, 7(8), 3243-61.

The present research has been focused on the development of pharmacophore mapping and docking studies of indole/benzoximidazole-5-carboximidine derivatives as anti-cancer agents that can explore basic pharmacophore responsible for biological activity of structurally diverse compounds and also their binding affinity to the urokinase-type plasminogen activator (uPA). For pharmacophore mapping, a highly predictive pharmacophore based 3D-QSAR model was generated. Molecular docking experiments were carried out by means of the Glide module of the Schrodinger. A cubing receptor grid was centred around the co-crystallized ligand where the active binding site is present. The XP (extra precision) scoring function of GLIDE 6.0 was used. The scoring function of GLIDE docking program is presented in the G-score form which indicates the binding affinity of the designed compound to the receptor. A five point pharmacophore (APRRR) with one acceptor atom, one positively charged group and three aromatic rings as pharmacophore was developed. The generated best pharmacophore hypothesis yielded a statistically significant QSAR model, with a correlation coefficient of R2 = 0.8548 for training set molecules. The same sets of molecules were docked with urokinase-type plasminogen activator as target protein. The Gscore of the ligand 25 was found to be -11.89 as comparable with the G-score of reference drug (132: 6-CHLORO-2-(2-HYDROXY-BIPHENYL-3-YL)-1H-INDOLE-5-CARBOXAMIDINE) i.e.-11.626. The present study aimed to develop ligand based pharmacophore hypothesis and an interaction pattern by docking. Both studies rendered significant information which highlights important binding features of uPA inhibitors which can be utilized further in the successful designing of novel highly active analogues against uPA.

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009640   Abdullahi I I;Abdullahi N;Abdu A M;Ibrahim A S (NO, , Biotechnology Dep, Faculty of Science and Humanities, SRM Univ, Email: ismaibangis.iia@gmail.com) : Proximate, mineral and vitamin analysis of fresh and canned tomato. Biosci Biotechnol Res Asia 2016, 13(2), 1163-9.

Many forms of preserved tomato are today available in the market. They range from dried, canned juiced and some other forms. These are to ensure nonstop supply of the fruit throughout the year and to prevent spoilage. However, in many cases; when a food item is subjected to the preservation techniques, they tend to lose some nutrients compared to the fresh food item. The current study aimed at comparing the nutritional contents of canned and fresh tomato obtained from the market. Proximate, mineral and vitamin analysis conducted on three samples of canned tomato paste (C1, C2 and C3) and fresh tomato (Cf) show that, the fresh tomato has high percentage composition of moisture (93.8±3.00) and fat (0.62±0.08) than the three canned tomato. However, it has the least percentage composition of carbohydrate (2.52±0.01), protein (1.00±0.49), crude fibre (1.21±0.99) and ash (0.85±0.01) compared to canned tomato (p<60>0.05). When Mineral analysis was conducted, it indicate that sodium, potassium, and calcium concentrations are significantly higher in canned tomato (p<60>0.05), while the iron was found to be significantly higher in fresh tomato (p<60>0.05). Vitamin A content of fresh tomato is higher while that of vitamin C is higher in canned tomato.

3 tables, 17 ref

008715   Zhu Y;Zhang H (School of Chemistry & Chemical Engineering, Xian Shiyou Univ, Xi'an, P.R. China, Email: zhuyq@xsyu.edu.cn) : Preparation and desulfurization of unsupported nano-MoS₂ catalyst. Asian J Chem 2016, 28(3), 691-4.

Nano-sized unsupported MoS2 catalysts for hydro-desulphurization of diesel oil were synthesized by a hydrothermal reduction and characterized. The influence of synthetic temperature on the growth morphology, specific surface areas, mean particle sizes of MoS2 catalysts and desulfurization performance were investigated. The MoS2 fibers showed lots of defects and they were easily bended, which increased the number of active sites on the catalyst. Under the reactive conditions of 360 °C, 6.0 MPa, 600 ratio of hydrogen to oil (volume ratio) and 2 h^{-1 of volumetric space velocity in a fixed bed reactor, the desulfurization rate to the straight run diesel was about 98.23%, that is, the total amount of sulfur by 565 μg/g fell to 10 μg/g, which met the requirements for the hydrodesulphurization of diesel oil.}

6 illus, 4 tables, 16 ref

008714   Zebrowska J;Zolnierkiewicz O;Skowron M A; Zylicz-Stachula A;Jezewska-Frackopwiak J;Skowron P M (Molecular Biotechnology Dep, Institute for Environment and Human Health Protection, Faculty of Chem, Wita Stwosza 63, 80-308 Gdansk, Poland, Email: piotr.showron@ug.edu.pl) : Putative type IIS restriction endonuclease GeoICI from Geobacillus sp. - a robust, thermostable alternative to mezophilic prototype BbvI. J Biosci, Bangalore 2016, 41(1), 27-38.

Screening of extreme environments in search for novel microorganisms may lead to the discovery of robust enzymes with either new substrate specificities or thermostable equivalents of those already found in mesophiles, better suited for biotechnology applications. Isolates from Iceland geysers' biofilms, exposed to a broad range of temperatures, from ambient to close to water boiling point, were analysed for the presence of DNA-interacting proteins, including restriction endonucleases (REases). GeoICI, a member of atypical Type IIS REases, is the most thermostable isoschizomer of the prototype BbvI, recognizing/cleaving 5'-GCAGC(N_8/12/12)-3' DNA sequences. As opposed to the unstable prototype, which cleaves DNA at 30°C, GeoICI is highly active at elevated temperatures, up to 73°C and over a very wide salt concentration range. Recognition/cleavage sites were determined by: (i) digestion of plasmid and bacteriophage lambda DNA (T); (ii) cleavage of custom PCR substrates, (iii) run-off sequencing of GeoICI cleavage products and (iv) shotgun cloning and sequencing of λ DNA fragmented with GeoICI. Geobacillus sp. genomic DNA was PCR-screened for the presence of other specialized REases-MTases and as a result, another putative REase-MTase, GeoICII, related to the Thermus sp. family of bifunctional REases-methyltransferases (MTases) was detected.

8 illus, 1 table, 29 ref

008713   Wong Y C;Mohamed M;Taufiq-Yap Y H (Faculty of Agro Based Industry, Universiti Malaysia Kelantan, Locked Bag 100, 17600 Jeli, Kelnatan Darul Naim, Malaysia, Email: yeeching@umk.edu.my ) : Sonochemically assisted Ni-Ce oxide catalyst for gasification of coconut shell. Asian J Chem 2016, 28(3), 585-8.

Catalysts containing mixtures of nickel oxide and cerium oxide with ratio, 1:1 were prepared by the sonochemical treatment. The sonication was prolonged for 15, 45 and 75 min, different for each of the catalyst prepared supported by alumina. The resultant catalysts were characterized using X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscope, Brunauer-Emmet-Teller surface area measurement (S_BET) and temperature programmed reduction in H₂. The syngas production was detected using temperature programmed gasification and it was done under 5% oxygen in helium. The coconut shell in powder form (3 μm) was used as a feedstock. X-ray diffraction patterns shows that all of the catalyst was perfectly matched to the XRD patterns standard of NiO, CeO₂ and alumina, indicating that the catalyst produce through this method were in high purity. Catalyst with 45 min sonication shows the highest syngas production (H₂/CO) with ratio 0.76 followed by 15 and 75 min with 0.66 and 0.35, respectively. Compared to the standard optimum ratio of syngas can be used for production of acetic acid and acetyl oxide.

3 illus, 4 tables, 12 ref

008712   Vineet Kumar;Anita Rani;Husain L (NO, ICAR-Directorate of Soybean Research, Khandwa Road, Indore-452 001, Email: vineetksahni@yahool.com) : Investigations of amino acids profile, fatty acids composition, isoflavones content and antioxidative properties in soy okra. Asian J Chem 2016, 28(4), 903-6.

Soy okara powder was evaluated for protein content, oil content, in vitro digestibility, amino acids profile, fatty acid composition, isoflavones content and antioxidative properties. Besides, okara powder was also assessed in terms of meeting the daily requirement of essential amino acids. Dry okara contained 31.06% protein and 8.62% oil content and exhibited 48.5% in vitro protein digestibility. Branched chain amino acid e.g., leucine was the most concentrated essential amino acid (3.37 g/100 g), followed by phenyalanine (3.03 g/100 g). Methionine was the least concentrated (0.52 g/100 g) essential amino acid. Concentration of genistein (57.9 mg per100 g) was found to be higher than daidzein (33.0 mg per 100 g). Single serving of okara (6 g protein) was the most efficient in meeting the daily demand of aromatic amino acids (phenylalanine + tyrosine). Total phenolic content, ferric reducing antioxidative power and free radical scavenging activity was found to the magnitude of 0.65 mg GAE/g, 0.248 mmol/100 g and 5.21% DPPH reduction, respectively. The study exhibited the nutritional and the nutraceutical value of okara.

2 tables, 27 ref

008711   Vijayasekhar V E;Satya Prasad M;Suman Joshi D S D;Narendra K;KrishnaSatya A;Sambasiva Rao K R S (Biotechnology Dep, Acharya Nagarjuna Univ, Nagarjuna Nagar, Guntur-522 510, Email: krssrao@gmail.com) : Evaluation of phytochemicals and In vitro pharmacological activity of Acacia sinuata plant leaves. Int J pharm Sci Res 2016, 7(6), 2423-34.

The present work is aimed to screen phytochemicals, in vitro antimicrobial and antioxidant activity of the non polar and polar extracts of Acacia sinuata. Leaves of Acacia sinuata- were collected, dried and powdered. The powdered material is subjected to soxhlet extraction using various polar to non polar solvents and allowed for evaporation. The crude extracts thus obtained were used for further screening of phytochemicals, in vitro antimicrobial activity and antioxidant activities. Phytochemical evaluation of Acacia sinuata proved that most of the secondary metabolites are extracted in polar solvents than non polar solvent like hexane. All the extracts of the Acacia sinuata possess significant amount of phenols and flavonoids and they also showed antimicrobial and antioxidant activity. Out of all the extracts of Acacia sinuata, methanol extracts showed better antibacterial, antifungal activity and antioxidant activity. The present work concluded that the methanol extract of Acacia sinuata was useful to develop new plant based dugs against various pathogenic bacteria as well as fungal species.

22 ref

008710   Vannini S;Villarni M;Levorato S;Salvatori T; Fatigoni C;Pagiotti R;Moretti M (Pharmaceutical Sciences Dep, (Sectional of Biochemical and Health Sciences), Perugia Univ, Via Del Giochetto, Perugia, Italy) : In vitro evaluation of cytotoxic, genotoxic and apoptotic properties of herbal products from leaves of Gymnema sylvestre. Int J herb Med 2017, 5(3), 33-8.

Gymnema sylvestre is a woody vine common in tropical areas of Asia, Africa and Australia and it is believed that this plant possesses antiviral, antibacterial, anti-allergic, anti-oxidants and hypoglycemic properties. Many studies conducted on this plant have actually shown that it has remarkable hypoglycemic and antioxidants properties. However, data in the scientific literature are scarce to definitively assess its safety for humans. The purpose of this study was to evaluate in vitro, in human-derived cancer cells (HepG2 and K562), the cytotoxic, genotoxic and pro-apoptotic activities of three extracts of Gymnema sylvestre. The cytotoxicity was assessed by the lactate dehydrogenase assay (LDH assay), genotoxicity was evaluated by the comet assay and the ability to induce apoptosis was assessed by the mitochondrial potential assay and the DNA fragmentation assay. Gymnema sylvestre was found to induce a strong hyperpolarization of mitochondrial membrane in both cell lines; furthermore, Gymnema sylvestre caused DNA damage in HepG2 cells.

3 illus, 3 tables, 28 ref

008709   Valarezo E;Arias A;Cartuche L;Meneses M; Ojeda-Riascos S;Morocho V (Departamento de Quimica, Universidad Tecnica Particular de Loja, P.O. Box 11 01 608, Loja, Ecuador, Email: bevalarezo@utpl.edu.ec) : Biological activity and chemical composition of the essential oil from Chromolaena laevigata (Lam.) R.M. King & H.Rob. (Asteraceae) from Loja, Ecuador. J essential Oil Bearing Pl 2016, 19(2), 384-90.

The chemical composition, antifungal and antibacterial activity of essential oils isolated by hydrodistillation from the aerial parts of Chromolaena laevigata (Asteraceae) growing wild in Ecuador, were evaluated. The chemical composition was analyzed by Gas chromatography/Mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and GC/Flame ionization detector (GC/FID). Twenty-five volatile components were identify in essential oils, corresponding to 96.13% of the total oils. Essential oils was rich in laevigatin (46.84%), germacrene D (15. 38%), viridiflorol (11.37%), bicyclogermacrene (4.14%), limonene (4.94%) and a-pinene (2.85%). The antibacterial and antifungal activities were studied by the broth microdilution method. The antibacterial activity was tested against Gram-negative bacterial strains [Pseudomonas aeruginosa (ATCC 27853), Klebsiella pneumoniae (ATCC 9997), Proteus vulgaris (ATCC 8427), Escherichia coli (ATCC 25922) and Salmonella typhimurium (LT2)] and Gram-positive bacterial strains [Enterococcus faecalis (ATCC 29212) and Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 25923)] and antifungal activity was determined against Trichophyton rubrum (ATCC 28188) and Trichophyton mentagrophytes (ATCC 28185). The essential oil from C. laevigata exhibited activity against Trichophyton rubrum (ATCC 28188) and Trichophyton mentagrophytes (ATCC 28185).

3 tables, 24 ref

008708   Thirugnanasampandan R;Ramya G;Gogulramnath M (Biotechnology Dep, Laboratory of Plant Tissue Culture and Molecular Bioprospection, Kongu, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, Email: rtsampandan@yahoo.com) : Antigenotoxic and apoptotic activities of essential oil of Atlantia monophylla correa. Indian J Pharmac 2016, 48(6), 720-4.

Objective is to study antigenotoxic and apoptotic activities of hydrodistilled essential oil from the leaves of AtalanSa monophylla Correa. Antigenotoxic activity of essential oil was tested against hydrogen peroxide (100 nM)-induced deoxyribonucleic acid (DMA) damage in 3T3-L1 cells. Cervical cancer cell (HeLa) growth inhibitory effect of essential oil was measured by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazoliumbromide assay. Annexin V-fluorescein isothiocyanate/propidium iodide (FITC/PI), Hoechst 33258, and acridine orange/ethidium bromide (AO/EtBr) staining techniques were used to identify apoptosis. DNA protecting the activity of A. monophylla essential oil was high at 125 μg/mL. HeLa cell growth was inhibited dose-dependently and inhibitory concentration 50% was calculated as 43.08 ± 0.02 μg/mL. Annexin V-FITC/PI double staining showed membrane breakage and nuclei staining. Further, Hoechst 33258 and AO/EtBr stain aiso confirmed the apoptosis in essential oil-treated HeLa cells. The results obtained suggest that A. monophylla essential oil is a promising natural agent which may be used in preparation of herbal medicine to treat cancer and other diseases.

^ssc5 illus, 14 ref

008707   Syed F;Asad M J;Ali K;Gulfraz M;Ahmad A;Khan Z;Imran M;Taj R;Khan S (Institute of Chemical Sciences, Peshawar Univ, Peshawar, Pakistan, Email: fatimasyed_chem81@yahoo.com) : Optimization of various parameters for maximum production of glucoamylaze by Neurospora sitophila. Asian J Chem 2016, 28(3), 669-74.

Glucoamylaze production by Neurospora sitophila was investigated under solid state fermentation. A number of process parameters including moisture content (%), pH, incubation temperature (°C), inoculum size (%), nutrients and duration of fermentation (h) were optimized using response surface methodology. The statistical results showed that the best culture conditions for glucoamylaze production were pH 5, temperature 37.5 °C and 72 h of incubation period while the optimum medium conditions were 15 g wheat bran, moisture content 65%, inoculum level 20%, starch 1.17%, NH₄NO₃ 0.66% and SDS 0.3% of the substrate weight. Under these optimized conditions, the enzyme production was enhanced to 335.2 ± 12 U/gds which is approximately 2.6-fold increase in the enzyme production when compared with the initial fermentation conditions. To our best of knowledge, this is the first report on optimization of process variables using response surface methodology for glucoamylaze production under solid state fermentation from Neurospora sitophila.

3 illus, 33 ref

008706   Suyono E A;Nuhamunada M;Ramadhani N; Ramdhaniyah (Laboratory of Biotechnology, Faculty of Biology, Universitas Gadjah Mada, Yogyakarta, DI Yogyakarta, Province, Indonesia, Email: oko_suyono@ugm.ac.id) : Lipid content from monoculture of microalgae Chlorella zofingiensis Donz and mixed culture of Glagah isolate in laboratory scale and Raceway pond for biodiesel production. Asian J Microbiol Biotechnol envir Sci 2016, 18(1), 101-6.

Mixed cultures of Glagah isolate is potentially used for enhancing the content and productivity of lipid in the biomass produced from large scale cultivation of microalgae. Therefore, it can be used to replace monoculture systems for the production of biodiesel. Thus, this study was conducted to determine the content and productivity of lipid in the biomass produced from Glagah isolate as model of mixed culture system and Chlorella zofingiensis as a model of monoculture systems, both on laboratory scale and raceway pond. This study used Chlorella zofingiensis Donz and mixed culture from Glagah isolate. The algae was cultivated for 7 days on laboratory scale using the Bold's Basal Medium and on raceway pond with modified Walne's medium and BG11. Growth was measured by counting the cell density. Neutral lipid content was measured using Nile Red staining method. Dry weight was calculated every 2 days to get lipid productivity. It can be concluded that the highest lipid percentage was shown by isolates Glagah in raceway pond, which was about 2.29%. The highest lipid content was achieved by Glagah isolates were cultivated in raceway pond, reaching 4.5 mg L^{-1. The cell lipid quota Glagah isolates cultivated in raceway pond was higher than other cultures, reaching 2.64 ng-1 cells. In raceway pond, isolates Glagah had higher productivity accounted for 0.71 mg L-1 day-1.}

3 illus, 35 ref

008705   Surya S;Hari N (Researh Scholar, CMS College, Kottayam, Kerala) : Preliminary phytochemical study and HPTLC valuation of leaves of grey mangrove Avicennia marina. J Pharmac Phytochem 2017, 6(3), 46-50.

Mangroves are the chemical factories of nature and extensive sources of organic chemical matter on this planet. The conventional methods are poor, time consuming as well as less systematic, so there is a need to use appear technological knowledge and sophisticated scientific methods to fulfill this knowledge gap. Therefore, present study is an attempt to study the preliminary phytochemistry and distinguish HPTLC pattern of Avicennia marina leaf. To check presence or absence of photochemical compounds like alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, terpenoids, saponins. reducing sugar, phenols, steroids and glycosides were identified by preliminary analysis. Toluene: Ethyl Acetate: Formic acid: Methanol: 7:5:1:0.5 as solvent system is the best solvent system for measuring the establishment of phytochemicals of A. marina. HPTLC analysis of methanol extract showed nine peaks and the Rf values ranged in between 0.07 to 0.80 at 254nm and Rf values ranged in between 0.07 to 0.81 showing six peaks at 366 nm. It is used as a phytochemical identification tool to check genetic variability in various plant species.

3 illus, 3 tables, 11 ref

008704   Suganthy N;Pandima Devi K (Biotechnology Dep, Alagappa Univ, Karaikudi-630 003, Email: devikasi@yahoo.com) : Nutritional evaluation of asiatic mangrove Rhizophora mucronata - its proximate composition, amino acid profiles and physico-chemical properties. Int J pharm Sci Res 2016, 7(6), 2537-45.

The present study explores the nutritional properties of R. mucronata leaves, an edible red mangrove which has been proven as an antidiabetic and as an alternative source of tea leaves and animal feed. Proximate composition, amino acid profiles and physico-chemical properties were analyzed to evaluate the nutritional property. Nutritional evaluation of R.mucronata illustrates it as a rich source of essential aminoacids and unsaturated fatty acid (alpha linoleic and linoleic acid). Total dietary fiber content, protein, ash, carbohydrate and lipid content was found to be 11.9 ± 0.2, 2.445 ± 0.179, 13.5 ± 0.0021, 79.277± 0.079 and 0.749 ± 0.049% DW respectively. Mineral and vitamin analysis per 100 g (DW) showed the presence of sodium (80.804 ± 4.0 g), calcium (22.32± 1.1g), potassium (7.96 ± 3.9 g), iron (53.6 ± 0.5mg), magnesium (38.15 ± 0.38 mg) and Vitamin A (2.2 ± 0.02 mg), Vitamin C (3.23 ± 2.3g), Vitamin E (1.180± 1.8 g), vitamin B1 and B2 (18.04 ±0.1 and 0.89 ± 0.08 mg). Swelling, water-holding and oil-holding capacity showed strong positive correlation with their total fiber and protein content. Hence, the leaves of R. mucronata could be used as a supplement for complementing nutritional deficits prevailing in developing countries.

42 ref

008703   Sridevi V;Kiranmai A;Anvesh P (Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology Dep, Anil Neerukonda Institute of Technology and Sciences, Sangivalasa, Visakhapatnam-531 162, Email: hodbiotechanits@gmail.com) : Comparative study on biodegradation of ammonium nitrogen to nitrite in fertilizer effluent by Nitrosomonas species (NCIM 5071) and Nitrosomonas europaea (MTCC 134). Asian J Microbiol Biotechnol envir Sci 2016, 18(1), 205-9.

The biodegradation of ammonium nitrogen to nitrite in fertilizer effluent by two nitrifying bacteria such as Nitrosomonas species (NCIM 5071) and Nitrosomonas europaea (MTCC 134) was compared in suspension and solid state cultures. Biodegradation was effective in suspension culture than solid state culture. In suspension cultures, the maximum rate was observed in the presence of medium at equivalent ratio (50:50) of effluent to medium. Moreover, the study also reveals that the rate of biodegradation was same irrespective of the initial concentration of ammonium nitrogen. The rate of biodegradation for Nitrosomonas species is 80% and that of Nitrosomonas europaea is 86% at 120h of incubation. Kinetics of biodegradation of ammonium nitrogen followed the first order kinetics.

3 illus, 5 tables, 11 ref

008702   Sravanthi K N;Rao N R (Pharmacology Dep, Univ College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Acharya Nagarjuna Univ, Guntur, Andhra Pradesh, Email: sravanthi_1521@yahoo.com) : Cerebroprotective activity of Pentapetes phoenicea on global cerebral ischemia in rats. Indian J Pharmac 2016, 48(6), 694-700.

The study was performed to evaluate the cerebroprotective activity of methanolic extract (ME) of Pentape'es phoenicea - a folk medicine used as anti-inflammatory and in central nervous system ailments. It has high phenolic and flavonoid contents including rutin. Global cerebral ischemia was induced in male albino Wistar rats by temporary bilateral carotid artery occlusion (BCAO) for 30 min, followed by 4 h reperfusion. Groups of rats were pretreated for 10 days with 100, 200, and 400 mg/kg of ME of P. phoenicea and 3 mg/kg of edaravone, a marketed cerebroprotective agent, as standard. Antioxidant enzymes such as, the levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), glutathione reductase (GR), glutathione-S-transferase (GST), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂), protein content, brain water content, cerebral infarct size and the histopathological changes were measured. P. phoenicea-pretreated groups restored the biochemical parameters significantly in a dose-dependent manner. The ischemic changes were involved with an increase in the concentration of MDA and H₂O₂, followed by decregsed SOD, CAT, GPx, GR, and GST activity in rat brain. The neurodegenaration and its attenuation by P. phoenicea were confirmed by examination of triphenyl tetrazolium chloride staining and histopathological changes in the cerebral ischemic rat brains. Similarly, P. phoenicea reversed the brain water content in the ischemia-reperfusion animals. The result of the study indicates that the treatment with P. phoenicea enhances the antioxidant defense against BCAO-induced global cerebral ischemia/reperfusion and exerts cerebroprotection.

3 illus, 3 tables, 22 ref

008701   Soufi W;Merad M;Lebbad F;Ghalem S;Hacene F B (Laboratory of Natural Products and Bio actives-Lasnabio, Abou Bekr Belkaid Univ, Tlemcen, Algeria, Email: soufi_chimie@yahoo.fr) : Interaction of monoamine oxidase-B with a series of coumarin by molecular modeling methods. Asian J Chem 2016, 28(3), 634-8.

Molecular docking studies were performed with UCSF Chimera, to derive the affinity and mode of binding of the inhibitors to the active site of the monoamine oxidase-B. The optimization of the geometry of monoamine oxidase-B was performed using the force field AMBERff03.r1 and calculations the energy by AutoDock Vina implanted in the UCSF Chimera software. This work is to study the inhibition of monoamine oxidase-B which is an enzyme involved in the Parkinson's disease by methods of molecular modeling. These results will probably help in the development of an effective therapeutic tool in the fight against the development of Parkinson's disease.

5 illus, 3 tables, 37 ref

008700   Singh V;Jain P;Dahiya S (Biotechnology Engineering Dep, Institute of Engineering and Technology Univ, Kurukshetra Univ Kurukshetra 136 119, Haryana, Email: vipinsingh@uietkuk.org) : Isolation and characterization of bacteriophage from waste water against E. coli, a food borne pathogen. Asian J Microbiol Biotechnol envir Sci 2016, 18(1), 167-74.

Bacteriophages are the entities that require host's metabolic processes to replicate itself. In the present study, phage has been isolated from stagnant water by overlay method against host bacteria. Titer of phages was calculated to be 107 PFU/mL using 10-fold dilutions. Stability was determined at different parameters like pH, temperature and ultra violet radiation. Morphology and identification of phage was done using Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) by staining with uranyl acetate. The phage capsid was about 78 nanometers (nm) in diameter with tail of length 527 nm as compared to wild type lambda phage whose head is about 65 nm. Isolated phage is classified into order Caudovirales since it possesses a long non contractile tail and icosahedral capsid head, thus is a member of the family Siphoviridae. Also the phage identified followed a lytic life cycle since plaque reaction activity was observed within 4-6 h against host bacteria i.e. E.coli by spot test. Molecular characterization of isolated bacteriophage (dsDNA <62>33.5Kbp) was carried out and compared with standard lambda DNA by subjecting to restriction enzyme digestion, using BamHI, EcoRI, and HindIII. The results of restriction digestion were compared in-silco and were found to be similar. Sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacryamide gel electrophoresis (10% SDS-PAGE) profiles for protein structure analysis indicated ten protein bands of different molecular weight that were stained with Coomassie blue, followed by de-staining. It is therefore, proposed that the isolated phage be classified as lambda like virus. This phage could infect and kill several potentially harmful bacteria i.e. E.coli, and could be used as a control agent. We propose that isolated phage could be utilized as a bio-component in biosensor development against food borne pathogenic bacteria.

5 illus,1 table, 41 ref

008699   Singh I;Madan V K;Jangra S S;Singh S (Medicinal & Aromatic Plants Section, Old Iatte building, CCS Haryana Agricultural Univ, Hisar-125 004, Email: vikku60@gmail.com) : Effect of extraction techniques and solvents on various phytochemicals and antioxidant activity of clove (Syzygium aromaticum L.) buds. Asian J Chem 2016, 28(4), 801-6.

The selection of appropriate extraction technique and solvent for extraction of phytoconstituents is an important aspect to achieve the maximum concentration of desired phytoconstituents in plant extracts. The present study was undertaken to study the effect of extraction techniques (mechanical shaking, refluxing, Soxhlet extraction, centrifugation) and solvents (acetone, ethanol, water) on phytoconstituents and antioxidant activities of clove buds. In clove buds, total phenols (127.26 mg GAE/g) and flavonoids (26.72 mg CE/g) contents, DPPH free radical scavenging activity (range of IC50: 89.9-125.3 μg/mL) and antioxidant activity (85.86%) were found to be highest in extracts obtained by Soxhlet technique followed by refluxing, mechanical shaking/centrifugation. Amongst solvents, total phenols (140.29 mg GAE/g), DPPH free radical scavenging activity (range of IC₅₀: 89.9-118.5 μg/mL) and antioxidant activity (84.17%) were highest in water extracts whereas flavonoids (29.71 mg CE/g) were highest in acetone extracts. Thus, the phytochemical contents and antioxidant activity of clove depend on the type of extraction technique and solvent polarity.

4 illus, 4 tables, 24 ref

008698   Singh C V;Verma R C (Pharmacology, Academic Block, UP Rural Institute of Medical Sciences & Research, Saifai, Etwah, Uttar Pradesh, Email: rakeshverma.kgmu@gmail.com) : Effect of oral administration of vitamin A on blood glucose level in rabbits and its possible interactions with commonly used oral antidiabetic agents. Int J pharm Sci Res 2016, 7(6), 2684-91.

In diabetes mellitus antioxidant vitamins are commonly employed to prevent or mitigate the long term complications of the disorder. Diabetic retinopathy, nephropathy, coronary and cerebral vascular insufficiency are examples of such complications. They are more common in Type 2 diabetes mellitus. The present study was conducted to observe the effect of Vit A on blood glucose level and its possible interactions with commonly prescribed oral antidiabetic agents i.e. glimepiride, gliclazide and metformin. The study was performed on healthy albino rabbits of either sex in which hyperglycemia was induced by giving oral glucose. We observed that Vit.A significantly lowered the blood glucose level but antagonized the effect of oral antidiabetic agents in co-administration therapy. It is therefore advisable that caution must be exercised when giving high doses of VitA to produce antioxidant effects in diabetic patients because it is not only unnecessary but may also have potentially deleterious effect on glycemic control.

16 ref

008697   Shostak T A;Bilous S B;Dilai N V;Kalyniuk T H (Danylo Halytsky Lviv, National Medicinal Univ, Ukraine) : Argumentation of the composition of new semi solid medicinal preparation on the basis of complex soft extract of Hypericum and Calendula flowers. Pharma Innovation 2017, 6(5), 11-14.

The composition of a new semi-solid medicinal preparation was developed on the basis of complex soft extract of tutsan (Hypericum) and marigold (Calendula) flowers for the treatment of skin wound process in phases II and III and for the local treatment of lesions of the oral mucosa. The optimal concentration of the soft extract was validated and the composition of the basis was chosen taking into consideration the medical and biological requirements for a medicinal preparation and physicochemical properties of the active pharmaceutical ingredient.

5 table, 9 ref

008696   Sheikh M;Eshraghi H R;Khoshnia M;Mazandarani M;Moradi A (Veterinary Basic Science Dep, College of Veterinary Science, Science and Research branch, Islamic Az, Trhran, Iran) : Cytotoxicity effect of Capparis spinosa L. on the HepG2 human hepatocellular carcinoma cell line. Indian J Tradl Knowledge 2017, 16(1), 73-7.

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a complex condition associated with a poor prognosis. HCC is the third most common cause of cancer mortality which is continuously increasing. Capparis spinosa is used by traditional medical physicians in Iran to treat liver disorders and has been shown to prevent HCC. Treatment of HepG2 cells with Capparis spinosa ethanolic extract (CSE) inhibited cell proliferation in a dose dependent manner, and enhanced apoptosis of HepG2 cells by activation of caspase-8 and caspase-9 and down regulation of Bcl-2. Treatment of HepG2 cells with CSE also increased expression of the Cdk inhibitory protein (Cip1/p21). This study is a new design to investigate the in vitro effect of CSE on anti-HCC property.

5 illus, 23 ref

008695   Shastry R;Ullal S D;Karkala S;Rai S;Gadgade A (Pharmacology Dep, Kasturba Medical College, Manipal Univ, Karnataka, Email: sheetal.ullal@manipal.edu) : Anxiolytic activity of aqueous extract of Camellia sinensis in rats. Indian J Pharmac 2016, 48(6), 681-6.

The present study was undertaken to evaluate anxiolytic effect of Camellia sinensis (CS) and possible mechanism on acute and chronic administration in rats. Eight groups of rats with six in each group were used. Group I served as control. Group II received diazepam (1 mg/kg). Groups 111, IV, and V received CS in doses of 3.3, 16.5, and 33 mg/kg, respectively. Three pharmacologically validated experimental models - elevated plus maze (EPM), light and dark box (LDB), and open field tests (OFT) - were employed. Each animal was tested initially in the EPM and then in the LDB, followed by the OFT in a single setting. In EMP, number of entries into, time spent in, and number of rears in each arm in a 5-min period were noted. In LDB, number of entries and time spent in bright arena, number of rears, and duration of immobility were noted. In OFT, number of peripheral and central squares crossed, time spent, and number of rears in central squares were observed for a 5-min period. One-way ANOVA followed by post hoc least significant difference test was performed. In EPM and LDB, CS at 3.3, 16.5, and 33 mg/kg (acute and chronic models) increased the number of entries and time spent and rearing in the open arms and bright arena, respectively, compared to control. In the OFT, CS at 16.5 and 33 mg/kg significantly increased the number of squares crossed, time spent, and the number of rears in the central squares compared to control. Anxiolytic effect was dose dependent in EPM and LDB and CS at 33 mg/kg showed better anxiolytic activity compared to diazepam (1 mg/kg) in all models. Flumazenil (0.5 mg/kg) and bicuculline (1 mg/kg) completely inhibited while picrotoxin (1 mg/kg) partially inhibited the anxiolytic effect of CS. Diazepam and CS at 33 mg/kg reduced the locomotor activity in rats. CS has dose-dependent anxiolytic activity which is comparable to diazepam. Anxiolytic action of CS is likely mediated through GABA_A-benzodiazepine receptor - Cl 4 channel complex - since flumazenil and bicuculline inhibited the anxiolytic effect.

6 tables, 19 ref

008694   Sharma V;Wani S R;Chaudhary P (Biotechnology Dep, Arni Univ, Kathgarh, Indora, Himachal Pradesh, Email: biotech_vikas@rediffmail.com) : Precursos mediated enhanced eugenol production in Ocimum sanctum L. through tissue culture methodologies and quantitative estimation through HPLC. J essential Oil Bearing Pl 2016, 19(1), 241-6.

Ocimum genus belonging to family Labiatae is well known for their therapeutic potential. Ocimum sanctum L. is rich in essential oils and secondary metabolites which are potential source of drugs. Various plant parts (leaves, stem, flower, root, seeds and even whole plant) of Ocimum sanctum Linn (also known as Tulsi in Hindi) have been recommended for the treatment of various ailments in different systems of medicines. Major constituents of Ocimum sanctum include eugenol, qurcetine and caryophyllene are known to possess several pharmacological properties. In the present study, the tissue culture methodologies and strategies have been developed and modified to enhance the secondary metabolite production from holy basil for the first time by the addition of a precursor (phenylalanine) to the media to enhance the production of eugenol and subjected to quantitative estimation through HPLC.

3 illus, 27 ref

008693   Sharma S K;Sharma E;Sharma Y (NO, , Freelance Consultant, ISO 9001, 14001 & GMP. LIG 56, Pkt-1, Sector-A9, Narela, New Delhi) : Review: Recent coputational approaches in medicinal chemistry computer aided drug designing and delivery. Pharma Innovation 2017, 6(5), 5-10.

Traditional medicinal chemistry paradigms, relying initially on 'wet' chemistry followed by screening and lead optimizations, are expensive and time consuming. On the other hand, initial in silico screening that guides the synthesis and screening of selected compounds has proven to be a better approach to accelerate drug discovery and reduce the cost of the discovery phase. The Special Focus issue on computational chemistry and computer-aided drug discovery has aimed to assemble contributions covering a wide range of computational approaches with special relevance for medicinal chemistry and drug discovery, including new methodologies and practical applications. In addition, this Special Focus issue has been thought to provide a forum for critical - or even provocative - contributions, given the generally high degree of scientific heterogeneity that characterizes the publication landscape of computational medicinal chemistry. Moreover, prospective applications of computational approaches, established or new, have been most welcome, for example, investigations attempting to identify or design new active compounds. Such prospective applications often provide a good impression of the practical utility and impact computational methods may - or may not - have on experimental programs, which is a critical issue for medicinal chemistry. The aim of this special issue is to give an overview of and highlight the latest achievements in various computational approaches at a point in time when the field is experiencing tremendous algorithmic advancements in terms of speed and accuracy, with a constant enthusiasm and excitement to meet up the experiments.

1 illus, 3 table, 31 ref

008692   Sharma R;Sharma N (Microbiology Research Laboratory, Basic Sciences Dep, Dr YS Parmar Univ of Horticulture and Forestry, Nauni, Solan-173 230) : Probiotic potential of Bacillus licheniformis isolatef from indigenous traditional fermented beverage. Indian J Tradl Knowledge 2017, 16(1), 153-7.

In this study, a potential probiotic microorganism A3 isolated from Angoori was subjected to probiotic characterization. The isolate A3 was identified as Bacillus licheniformis. The strain showed broad antagonism against most pathogens, good auto-aggregation capacity, i.e., greater than 40% after 5 hrs, high acid tolerance showing survival of 75.4% at pH 1.0 for 60 min and bile salt tolerance ranging from 80.16% to 84.41%. The isolate was found to be highly sensitive towards all the 16 antibiotics tested. These results indicated that B. licheniformis A3 isolated from Angoori had a promising potential as good probiotic and could further be exploited for its commercial use.

3 illus, 4 tables, 22 ref

008691   Senthil Kumar P;Punniamurthy N (Veterinary Dep, Pharmacology and toxicology, Veterinary College and Research Institute, Orathanadu, Tamil Nadu) : Formulation development and characterization of curcumin loaded solid lipid nanoparticles for improved aqueous solubility and bioavailability. Pharma Innovation 2017, 6(4), 7-11.

Curcumin is a yellow hydrophobic polyphenol derived from the rhizome of turmeric that is safe and beneficial in several ailments. Low aqueous solubility and poor bioavailability were important of disadvantages of curcumin. The aim of the present study was to formulate the curcumin solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) with increased bioavailability profile and improved pharmacological activity. The SLNs were prepared by a hot homogenization coupled with ultrasonication method using tripalmitin, tween 80 and poly vinyl alcohol. The optimized blank SLNs formulations were utilized to entrap curcumin and characterized for particle size, polydispersity index, zeta potential, shape, drug encapsulation efficiency, and in vitro drug release. The prepared SLNs were analyzed by FT-IR spectroscopy to confirm the cross-linking reaction between drug, lipid and surfactants. The results demonstrated that the particle size, polydispersivity index, zeta potential, encapsulation efficiency and loading capacity of the SLNs were 214.60 ± 3.55nm, 0.49±0.03, -29.63 ± 0.50mV, 51.99 ± 4.14% and 5.33 ± 0.34%, respectively. AFM images showed spherical to circular particles with well defined periphery. In vitro drug release exhibited biphasic pattern with an initial burst release of 16.5% within 2h followed by sustained release over 96h. FT-IR study suggested that during the process of formulations, lipid and surfactants have not reacted with the drug to give rise to reactant products and it was only physical mixture.

6 illus, 1 table, 26 ref

008690   Sanei-Dehkordi A;Vatandoost H;Abaei M R; Davari B;Sedaghat M M (Medical Entomology and Vector Control Dep, Faculty of Health Hormozgan Univ of Medical Sciences, Bandar, Abbad, Iran, Email: sedaghmm@tums.ac.ir) : Chemical composition and larvicidal activity of Bunium persicum essential oil against two important mosquitoes vectors. J essential Oil Bearing Pl 2016, 19(2), 349-57.

Mosquitoes are responsible for the transmission of many pathogens and parasites, which cause serious diseases in humans. Currently, applications of plant derivatives have been suggested as alternative bio-control technique for these medically important vectors and pests. Laboratory bioassay of the seed essential oil extracted from an indigenous plant, Bunium persicum was carried out against the larvae of two vector species of mosquitoes in order to evaluate its mosquito larvicidal effect. In addition, Chemical composition of the essential oil was analyzed using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Thirty-five constituents were identified, the main constituents of the oil were p-cuminaldehyde (23.50%), a-methyl-benzenemethanol (14.59%), γ-terpinene (13.10%) and β-cymene (8.48%). Five concentrations of essential oil were evaluated against the 4th instar larvae of Anopheles stephensi and Culex pipiens. The LC₅₀ and LC₉₀ values against An. stephensi larvae were 27.72 and 91.35 ppm and for Cx. pipiens were 20.61 and 52.31 ppm, respectively. The finding suggests that B. persicum oil has potential source of valuable larvicidal compounds for mosquito larval control.

2 illus, 2 tables, 41 ref

008689   Saleem K A;Alhadrawy;Alhadrawry M K A;Abood A H;Hussain H M K (Biology Dep, Faculty of Science, Kufa Univ, Kufa, Iraq, Email: hydarhussain@gmail.com) : Evaluation levels of immunoglobin G and lipid profile in patients infected with hyatid cyst in Al-Najaf governate, Iraq. Asian J Microbiol Biotechnol envir Sci 2016, 18(1), 107-10.

The study was conducted on 30 out patients and 20 healthy people to determine the influences of infected with Echinococus granulosus on levels of lipid profile and IgG in infected with E.granulosus in compared with healthy group. Who have visited Al-Sadder medical city and Al-Hakeem Hospital in Al- Najaf governorate during the period from January till August 2014. The results showed significant increase (P<60>0.05) in cholesterol, Triglycerides, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and Very-low-density lipoprotein (vLDL) in E.granulosus infected patients in compared to control group. Furthermore the results showed serum High-density lipoprotein (HDL) was significant decreased (P<60>0.05) in E. granulosus infection patients in compared to control group also the results showed significant increase in IgG level in patients compared with control group.

2 illus, 28 ref

008688   Sahoo H B;Bhaiji A;Santani D D (Pharmacology Dep, MKCG Medical College and Hospital, Roland Institute of Pharmaceutical, Berhampur, Odisha, Email: bhusan.himanshu@yahoo.co.in) : Lactogenic activity of Teramnus labialis (Linn.) fruit with special reference to the estimation of serum prolactin and cortisol level in nursing rats. Indian J Pharmac 2016, 48(6), 715-19.

The objective of the study was to investigate the lactogenic activity of methanolic extract of Teramnus labialis (L.) fruit (MTLF) on rats. Nursing rats (200-250 g) with their suckling pups were selected and were divided into five groups (n - 6). Group I treated as control (distil water); Group II treated as standard (domperidone), and Group III, IV, and V were orally administered with MTLF at 200, 400, and 600 mg/kg body weight, respectively and continued for 14th day of parturition. Milk yield, the pups as well as mother's weight were measured daily. On 15th day, the total protein/carbohydrate contents from mammary tissue and serum prolactin/cortisol level from blood sample were measured and compared with control. Oral administration of MTLF increases the milk yield, body weight of pups as well as mother rat, glycogen, and protein content as well as serum prolactin and cortisol level as compared to the control animals. In addition, the lactogenic effect of MTLF was followed dose-dependent manner as compared to control. The present study was revealed that the MTLF possesses significant lactogenic activity by enhancing milk production and prolactin concentration in nursing rats.

2 illus, 2 tables, 27 ref

008687   Sachan N;Chandra P;Pal D (School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, IFTM Univ, Lodhipur Rajput, Moradabad-244 102, Email: neetuphool@gmail.com) : Effect of Delonix regia (Boj. Ex Hook.) Raf. stem bark extract against experimentally induced ulcers in rats. Indian J expl Biol 2017, 55(1), 49-54.

Delonix regia, commonly called Flame Tree or Flamboyant (locally, Gul Mohor) is a common tree traditionally used to treat various diseases like gastric problems, body pain, rheumatic pains of joints and wound healing. Here, we carried out biological profiling of Delonix regia as antiulcer agent. Antiulcer activity of the ethanol extract from stem bark was evaluated on pylorus ligation and indomethacin induced ulcer in Wistar albino rats. Ethanol extract from stem bark of D.regia was administered at the doses 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg/day, p.o. for 7 days. Ulcer index, gastric pH, volume, free acidity, total acidity, total carbohydrate (TC), protein (P), mucin content (TC/P) and gastric mucus were evaluated in pylorus ligation model, while ulcer index, malondialdehyde, GSH, PGE₂, and gastric mucus were estimated in the indomethacin induced ulcer model. Ex vivo assay for the activity of H^{+/K+-ATPase was also done. The results showed significant inhibition on H+/K+-ATPase in a dose dependent manner and comparableto their respective positive control group of rats demonstrating that ethanol extract of stem bark of Delonix regia possesses significant antiulcer properties.}

3 illus, 2 tables, 36 ref

008686   Roggia I;Ziegler S;Cruz I B N;Ourique A F; Gomes P (Programa de Pos graduacao em Nanociencias, Centro Universitario Franciscano (UNIFRA), Santa Maria/RS, Brazil, Email: patriciagomes@unifra.br) : Derivative UV spectrophotometric method for the determination of methylxanthines and tannins in Guarana bulk (Paullinia cupana). Int J pharm Sci Res 2016, 7(6), 2334-42.

A method using derivative UV spectrophotometry was developed and validated for the determination of methylxanthines and tannins in guarana bulk, using caffeine and catechin as markers. The spectra were obtained using first order derivatization, Δλ=20.000, and scale factor of 10. The quantification of actives was performed using wavelengths of 244 and 277 nm for catechin and caffeine, respectively. The parameters of specificity, linearity, precision, accuracy, robustness, limits of detection (LOD) and quantification (LOQ) were established to validate the method. The method was shown to be specific for quantification of methylxanthines and tannins, and linear over the concentration range 5-35 μg mL^{-1, with a correlation coefficient of r=1(caffeine) and r=0.9993 (catechin). The results indicated good intra-day and inter-day precision with RSDs less than 2%. The method was accurate, exhibiting recoveries between 98 and 102%. The LODs were 0.184 μg mL-1 (caffeine) and 0.368 μg mL-1 (catechin), and the LOQs were 0.552 μg mL-1 (caffeine) and 1.104 μg mL-1 (catechin). Methylxanthines and tannins were quantified, and contents of 10 μg mL-1 and 20 μg mL-1, respectively, were observed.}

33 ref

008685   Rane R;Gangolli D;Salkar K;Shelar R;Kundalwal S;Chotalia C;Salvi R (NO, , Piramal Phytocare Ltd., Light Hall, A wing, Saki Vihar Road, Chandivali, Andheri(East), Mumbai-400 072) : Analytical evaluation of Tinospora cordifolia extract and capsule. Int J herb Med 2017, 5(3), 53-7.

Tinospora cordifolia, commonly known as guduchi or giloy is an immune system boosting herb used in Ayurveda to enhance vitality. It can provide the benefit for people with diabetes, urinary tract infection (UTI), anemia, jaundice, asthma, cardiac disorders and so on. We tested Tinospora cordifolia extract and single ingredient Tinosporine capsule formulation. General tests were carried out in extract and capsule formulation as well. Focus of the quality evaluation was on the estimation of tannins, bitters and polysaccharides. Extract used was standardized for 2.00% tannins, 2.00% bitters and 15.00% polysaccharides. Corresponding values in capsule formulation were proposed to be not less than 10.00 mg/ capsule, for tannins and bitters and not less than 75 mg/capsule for polysaccharides. HPTLC fingerprinting was used to confirm the presence of Tinospora cordifolia in the final capsule formulation. Quantitative evaluation of heavy metals and microbiological test parameters enhances the quality of the product.

2 illus, 3 tables, 17 ref

008684   Ranade R;Jain A;Joshi N (School of Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, D. Y. Patil Univ, Sector No-15, CBD Belapur, Navi, Mumbai, Email: neelu.joshi@dypatil.edu) : Estimation of phenolic compounds by RP-HPLC and antioxidant activity in leaf and stem extracts of Bareleria prionitis L.. Int J pharm Sci Res 2016, 7(6), 2445-57.

In the present investigation phenolic contents and antioxidant potential of Barleria prionitis L. leaf and stem extracts were analyzed by in vitro antioxidant assays and RP-HPLC method. The results indicated that high amount of total phenolics were present in acetone extracts of leaf (20.22±0.57 mg of GAE/g) and stem (21.19±1.25 mg of GAE/g). Highest flavonoid content was observed in ethanolic (44.23±2.82 mg of RE/g) and acetone extracts (44.94±0.85 mg of RE/g) of leaf, while stem extracts were poor in flavonoid contents. RP-HPLC method for determination of specific phenolic compounds was reported for the first time in B. prionitis L. Out of the phenolic compounds tested, Gallic acid was most common and more abundantly present in both leaf and stem of B. prionitis L. Aqueous extract of leaf showed highest extraction capacity for Gallic acid (211.70 μg/g) and Catechol (112.57 μg/g), while Caffeic acid (37.74 μg/g) and p-Coumaric acid (48.66 μg/g) were highest in methanolic extract. The present study indicated strong influence of extraction solvents and plant parts on antioxidant potential of plant extracts as well as quantity and quality of phytocompounds. The stem of B. prionitis L. plants was found to be superior in phenolics and antioxidant potential. RP-HPLC results however noted higher amount and number of phenolic compounds in leaf than stem extracts, indicating presence of other phenolic compounds in stem. Out of the four extraction solvents tested, acetone was best while water was found to be weakest in terms of extraction capacity.

36 ref

008683   Ramezani M;Ehtesham-Gharaee M;Khazaie M; Behravan J (Pharmaceutical Biotechnology Dep, Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, School of Pharmacy, Mashhad U, Mashhad, Iran, Email: behravanj@mums.ac.ir) : Satureja hortensis L. methanolic extract and essential oil exhibit antitumor activity. J essential Oil Bearing Pl 2016, 19(1), 148-54.

Many members of the genus Satureja have aromatic and medicinal characteristics. Satureja hortensis L. (Lamiaceae) is an Iranian species of Satureja which is well known in Iranian traditional medicine as a remedy for various ailments. In this study, antitumor activity of the essential oil and methanolic extract of S. hortensis was investigated. For antitumor activity tests, a potato disc tumor inhibition method was exploited. Antimicrobial activity of the essential oil and methanolic extract was also studied by a broth microdilution method and MIC values were determined. The methanolic extract exhibited antitumor activity in a concentration dependent manner but the tumor inhibitory effect was significant (<62> 20%) at 1 mg/ml and higher. The IC value of the extract was 1.8 mg/ml. The essential oil exhibited tumor growth inhibition (100%) at dilutions of 0.001 and 0.0001 (v/v). These results demonstrated that S. hortensis has beneficial effects by inhibition of tumor growth on potato discs, which is likely due to its terpenes and phenolic compounds.

1 illus, 38 ref

008682   Rajshamol M P;Lekshmi S;Vijayalakshmy K C; Saramma A V (Marine Biology Dep, Microbiology and Biochemistry, School of Marine Sciences Cochin Univ o, Kochi-682 016, Email: lekshmiii89@gmail.com) : Antioxidant activity of cyanobacteria isolated from Cochin estuary. Indian J Geomar Sci 2016, 45(8), 974-7.

Antioxidant activity of methanolic extracts of three Cyanobacteria, Oscillatoria limosa C.Agardh ex Gomont, Synechococcus elongates (Nageli) Nageli and Synechocystis aquatilis var. minor Geitler isolated from Cochin estuary was studied. Phycobiliproteins were analysed, phycocyanin and allophycocyanin were the major pigments in O. limosa and S. aquatilis while phycoerythrin was the major one in S. elongatus. Total phenolic content, total antioxidant activity and nitric oxide scavenging activity was maximum in O. limosa (33.4 μg GAE±0.45, 97 μg AE±0.327 and 55.16%±0.51. Superoxide radical scavenging activity was shown maximally by S. elongatus (97%±0.871) followed by O. limosa (91.5%±0.781) and lowest in S. aquatilis (90.66%±0.611). S. aquatilis maximally inhibited lipid peroxidation (94.47%±0.472).

6 illus, 30 ref

008681   Rajani B;Siva Kumari C L P;Uma Devi M (Botany Dep, College of Science Univ, Saifabad, Hyderabad, Email: rajanimmc@yahoo.co.in) : Screening of phototrophic bacterial isolates for potential carbon sequesters with reference to biomass yield. Asian J Microbiol Biotechnol envir Sci 2016, 18(1), 271-4.

The current study was taken up to isolate and screen the potential strains of Phototrophic Bacteria from different climatic conditions for Carbon Sequestration and Biofuel production. Soil samples were collected from four open top chambers enriched with Carbondioxide, erected for climate change studies on crop plants at Central Research Institute of Dryland Agriculture (CRIDA). Water samples were collected from Western Himalayan region and a fresh water body of Southern India. A total of 27 strains were isolated from enriched cultures and screened for higher biomass yield. The optimization of pH, culture characteristics and utilization of electron donors were studied for all the isolated strains. Six strains with higher biomass, one from each climatic zone were selected for Carbon sequestration studies.

1 illus, 1 table, 15 ref

008680   Rajalakshmy M R;Geetha G (The Arya Vaidya Pharmacy (Coimbatore) Ltd., , Palakkad-678 623, Email: ggetha97@rediffmail.com) : Isolation and identification of 5-O-caffeoyl quinic acid from industrial herbal residues of Valeriana wallichii. Asian J Chem 2016, 28(3), 572-4.

In this work, the herbal residue obtained from plant parts of Valeriana wallichii was selected to evaluate the presence of bioactive compounds. The study included preliminary phytochemical analysis for detection of phyto-groups, column chromatography on ethyl acetate extract for isolation of possible phenolic compounds, and identification of isolated active compound by spectroscopic techniques. The phyto-chemical analysis showed presence of compounds such as phenols, flavonoids, terpenoids, glycosides and phytosterols. Spectroscopic analysis for active isolated compound indicated presence of a phenolic acid, 5-O-caffeoyl quinic acid, in the residues of Valeriana wallichii.

2 illus, 2 tables, 30 ref

008679   Prasetyo A;Yusiati L M;Rusman;Fitriyanto N A; Nakagawa T;Hayakawa T;Erwanto Y (Faculty of Animal Science, Gadjah Mada Univ, JI. Fauna 3, Kampus UGM, Bulaksumur, Yogyakarta 55281, Indonesia, Email: amrihprasetyo@yahoo.co.id) : Isolation and characterization of chitinolytic Paenibacillus sp. D10-2 from tropical shrimp pond waste water. Asian J Microbiol Biotechnol envir Sci 2016, 18(1), 1-8.

The purpose of this study was to obtain superior chitinolytic bacteria capable of degrading chitin from the waste water of tropical shrimp pond. The bacterium characterization was conducted to yield high activity chitnase isolates. While bacterium identification was carried out based on morphology, physiology, biochemistry and molecular Biology. Screening was performed by colloidal chitin agar medium incubated at 30°C, five days, and flasks were incubated in an orbital incubator shaker at 30°C and 150 rpm. The enzyme activity was measured at intervals for five days. The cultures were centrifuged at 10,000 g for 15 min at 4°C, and the enzyme solution (culture supernatant) was used for chitinase assay. The morphological, physiological and biochemical characteristic of the VITEK system. The 16SrRNA method was used to identify strain. Results of morphological identification, biochemical and molecular identified as Paenibacillus sp. D10-2 including the genus Bacillus. showed chitinase activity in medium containing chitin as a carbon source. The enzyme chitinase produced by Paenibacillus sp. D10-2 chitinase contained 29.46 (U/mg protein). Chitinolytic bacteria Paenibacillus sp. are able to degrade chitin specifically into the monomer in the form of glucosamine. They are widely used in in the fields of agriculture, food and health industries.

31 ref

008678   Prasanth M;Meera Raju;Divakar S;Abirami S; Hajarah H;UmaHarini K;Senthilnathan S;Benedict Paul C (School of Bio-Sciences and Technology, VIT Univ, Vellore, Tamil Nadu, Email: benedictpaulc@sriramachandra.edu.in) : Detection of gele and factors affecting gelatinase activity of Enterococcus faecalis isolates. Asian J Microbiol Biotechnol envir Sci 2016, 18(1), 257-61.

Virulence factors of E. faecalis have been found to be involved in the pathogenesis of dental diseases. In this study, prevalence of gelatinase and the effect of factors such as glucose concentration and pH have been investigated. 62% of the isolates (n=26) were positive for gelE in 42 E.faecalis isolates which were amplified in PCR. Among the gelE positive isolates, 65% (n=17) of the isolates were from Dental Caries. The results showed increasing activity of gelatinase as the concentration of glucose increased upto 1%. We also observed that the gelatinase retained its activity between pH 6 and 8.

1 table, 13 ref

008677   Paul S;Dutta T;Chaudhuri T K;Bhattacharjee S (Cell & Molecular Biology Laboratory, Zoology Dep, North Bengal Univ, PO North Bengal Univ, Raja Rammohunpur, Silguri-734 013, Email: soumenb123@rediffmail.com) : Curative and protective properties of crude gel of Aloe vera from sub-Himalayan West Bengal in chronic and acute inflammatory rat models. Indian J Tradl Knowledge 2017, 16(1), 121-7.

Aloe vera (L.) Burm. f. (Xanthorrhoeaceae) has been used traditionally as a wound healer and an anti-inflammatory medication. The Aloe gel has natural combination of different bio-active compounds and is commonly consumed or applied in crude condition. We have used unprocessed Aloe gel homogenate in acute and chronic inflammatory Wistar albino male rat models to investigate its properties in a systematic way. Chronic inflammatory arthritic model was established by injecting 0.1 ml Freund's Complete Adjuvant (FCA) in the hind paw of rat. Radiograph, histology, hematological and biochemical properties of the serum were used to determine the ameliorative role of crude Aloe gel homogenate in the rat experimental groups in vivo. Acute inflammatory rat model was established using sub-cutaneous cotton pellet induction. The weight of dried cotton pellets were determined to estimate the extent of granuloma formation. A. vera crude gel inhibited paw swelling up to 65.59% in experimental groups of arthritic rats and decreased the granuloma formation up to 25% in cotton pellet induced inflammatory rats. It is well evidenced from the experiments that unprocessed A. vera crude gel possesses a good anti-inflammatory property for both chronic and acute types when fed at a dose of 0.40 gm/kg body weight.

5 illus, 2 tables, 18 ref