008676   Patel N D;Rajyaguru H;Patel P B (School of Pharmacy, RK Univ Kasturbadham, Rajkot-Bhavnagar highway, Tramba, Rajkot-360 020, Email: nirju.patel@rku.ac.in) : Development and validation of first order derivative spectrophotometric method for simultaneous estimation of pregabalin, methycobamin, and alpha lipoic acid in multicomponent dosage form. Int J pharm Sci Res 2016, 7(6), 2458-64.

Objective is to develop and validate a novel and easy first order derivative spectroscopic method for the simultaneous determination of multicomponent dosage form which contains Methylcobalmine, Alpha lipoic acid and Pregabaline. Measurement was achieved by selecting different Zero crossing points i.e ZCP for Methylcobalamine and Alpha lipoic acid at 436.24 nm, ZCP for Alpha lipoic acid and Pregabalin at 338.0 nm and ZCP for Pregabalin and Methylcobalmin at 307.03 nm. The method was validated according to ICH guideline. The proposed method was applied for quantification of all three drugs in the marketed formulations. The method was found linear in the range of 100-140μg/ml for Pregabalin,1-1.4μg/ml for Methylcobalmine and 130-170μg/ml for Alpha lipoic acid respectively. The co-efficient co-relation was found to be 99.5% for Pregabalin, 99.56 for Methylcobalmine and 99.61 for Alpha lipoic acid. The accuracy and precision were within acceptable limits. The method is simple, accurate, precise, rapid and cheap. The proposed method can be used for analysis of multicomponent marketed formulation.

17 ref

008675   Patel F R (Biotechnology Dep, Kadi Sarva Vishwavidyalaya, Sector-23, Gandhinagar-382 023, Email: fal2910@yahoo.co.in) : Purification and characterization of alkaline phosphatase from a halotolerant facultative alkaliphile Bacillus flexus FPB17. Int J pharm Sci Res 2016, 7(6), 2641-7.

The extracellular alkaline phosphatase from halotolerant facultative alkaliphile Bacillus flexus FPB17 was purified through precipitation / dialysis / chromatography and resulted in 28 fold of purification. The molecular weight of this enzyme through SDS-PAGE gel is 63 ± 2 kDa. Optimum conditions for purified ALP activity were pH 9.0 and 35°C. The enzyme proved to be thermolabile and gets completely denatured at 60°C in 10 min. p-NPP was found to be a preferred substrate and Km (0.33 mM) and V_max (0.2 mM mg^{-1) determined using p-NPP as a substrate. Inorganic phosphate proved to be a competitive inhibitor of ALP. Mg+2 and Ca+2 increased the ALP activity by 47% and 20% respectively whereas Sodium fluoride, Sodium arsenate and EDTA decreased the activity by 47%, 65% and 77% respectively. The superiority of dephosphorylation of ? phage DNA by this newly discovered alkaline phosphatase over that of calf intestinal alkaline phosphatase of M/s. HiMedia Laboratories, Mumbai opens up possibility of its future use in molecular biology as a replacement of alkaline phosphatases from Escherichia coli, calf intestine and shrimp.}

29 ref

008674   Okpo E A;Mboto C I;Agbo B E (Microbiology Dep, Faculty of Biological Sciences Univ of Calabar, P. M. B. 1115, Calabar, Nigeria, Email: profbaseadeone@gmail.com) : Bacteriological quality of chloroquine syrups sold in Calabar municipality, Nigeria. Int J pharm Sci Res 2016, 7(6), 2586-90.

Bacteriological qualities of three different brands of chloroquine syrup (EZR, DMR and MBR) commonly sold in Calabar municipality, Nigeria were evaluated using standard microbiological techniques. Each brand was evaluated in duplicates and examined visually for possible abnormalities such as colour, turbidity and un-usual odour. This was followed by determination of viable cell count and identification of bacterial isolates. Chloroquine syrups sample EZR and MBR had mean bacterial count of 1.0 x 10^{3 cfu/ml respectively and DMR had 3.0 x 103 cfu/ml. The isolates were staphylococcus aureus (47%), Escherichia coli (38%) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (15%). All strain of S. aureus was sensitive to gentamycin (CN), ciprofloxacin (CPX), septin (SXT), Erythromycin (E) and resistance to Taravid (OFX), Amoxacillin (AM) and Ampicillin (AP). Escherichia coli strains isolated showed sensitivity to ciprofloxacin (CPX), Taravid (OFX) and septin (SXT) and was resistance to gentamycin (CN), Amoxacillin (AM) and Ampicillin (AP). P. aeroginosa strains were sensitive to Ciprofloxacin (CPX) and Taravid (OFX), and was resistant to Gentamycin (CN). The colony forming unit (cfu) for the sample DMR found in the study is below World Health Organization (WHO) standard. Thus, this finding is a major health concern.}

21 ref

008673   Nicholas M E;Prabakaran L;Sarkar S (Formulation & Development, Dr. Reddys Laboratories Ltd, Hyderabad-500 090, Email: madhu_en@yahoo.com) : Pragmatic approach on colonic delivery of rifaximin using polymer coated multi-particulate system. Int J pharm Sci Res 2016, 7(6), 2465-75.

This study aimed to develop and optimize a multi-particulate formulation for colon targeted delivery of rifaximin by application of a functional coat of Eudragit L100 and Eudragit S100 mixture on the drug layered pellets. The rifaximin-excipients compatibility was confirmed with FTIR studies. Functional coat completely restricted drug release in pH 1.2 dissolution medium. Statistical optimization of the formulation variables, i.e., ratio of Eudragit L100 and S100, and % of coating, in respect to drug release at 2nd and 8th h in pH 6.8 dissolution medium was conducted with a central composite design and response surface methodology. Compared to % of coating, the impact of polymer ratio was more pronounced for modulating the drug release. Comparatively, higher influence of % coating was observed after 2 h of dissolution. As per graphical optimization, the minimum drug release at 2nd h and maximum drug release at 8th h could be achieved in formulation with 3.3 polymer ratio and 15.4% coating where more than 80% of drug should be delivered in colon. The high efficacy of the optimized formulation on colonic delivery of rifaximin was further confirmed with the animal study. Findings of this study indicate that application of Eudragit L100 and Eudragit S100 coating in an appropriate ratio on drug layered multi-particulates could be a promising approach for colonic delivery of rifaximin.

27 ref

008672   Nazari H;Yavarmanesh M;Khodaparast M H H (Food Science and Technology Dep, Quchan Branch, Islamic Azad Univ, Quchan, Iran, Email: hamid.nazari77@gmail.com) : In vitro study to evaluate the antibacterial effect of Pistacia khinjuk stocks oil as compared with olive oil on food borne pathogenic bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Listeria monocytogenes). J essential Oil Bearing Pl 2016, 19(1), 125-33.

The aim of this study was to evaluate antibacterial activity of Pistachia khinjuk fruit oil and extra virgin olive oil. The Pistacia khinjuk fruit oil was extracted using n-hexane by cold maceration and Soxhlet method. Antibacterial activity was evaluated using disk diffusion and micro broth dilution methods on food pathogenic bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli and Listeria monocytogenes). The results showed that the oil from P. khinjuk fruit has more inhibitory effect on pathogenic bacteria than olive oil. The best zone of minimum inhibitory concentrations were observed for olive oil and P. khinjuk extracted using n-hexane by cold maceration and Soxhlet method on Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli and Listeria monocytogenes so that these ranges were 3.125-6.25%, 1.156-3.125% and 3.125-6.25% respectively. No bactericidal effect was observed for P. khinjuk oil whereas this property was only observed in 100% concentration from extra virgin olive oil. Also, according to disk diffusion method both of P. khinjuk oils had only inhibition zone on Listeria monocytogenes whereas no inhibition zone was observed for extra virgin olive oil.

3 illus, 4 tables, 25 ref

008671   Narasimhan B;Pushkar P (Biotechnology Dep, Vels Institute of Science, Technology and Advanced Studies (VISTAS),, Pallavaram, Chennai-600 117, Email: banunkl@yahoo.com) : Rapid indentification of genetic variation of Aspergillus flavus isolated from different water sources by random polymorphic DNA assay. Asian J Microbiol Biotechnol envir Sci 2016, 18(1), 239-47.

Aspergillus flavus is the second most important Aspergillus species causing human infections. The importance of this fungus increases in regions with a dry and hot climate. In addition, many A. flavus isolates produce aflatoxin B1, the most toxic and potent hepatocarcinogenic natural compound ever characterized. The use of RAPD (Random-? Amplified Polymorphic DNA) method to determine variability has the advantages of being easy to perform, versatile regarding primers, low-cost and, especially, not requiring previous knowledge on the genetics of the microorganism under study. The objective of the present study was to compare the genomic profile of different strains of A. flavus isolated from different kinds of drinking water collected from different places of Tamil Nadu, through RAPD analysis. In the present study, two distinct major profiles were observed for Aspergillus flavus by RAPD analysis. RAPD profiles seemed to be considerably less variable within the various isolates of Aspergillus flavus. Among the five isolates, 1, 3 and 5 were more closely related than 2 and 4.

6 illus, 1 table, 29 ref

008670   Naik M K;Chennappa G;Amaresh Y S;Sudha S; Showdappa P;Patil S (Plant Pathoogy Dep, College of Agriculture, Agricultural Sciences Univ, Raichur-584 104, Email: manjunaik2000@yahoo.co.in) : Characterization of phytoxin producing Alternaria species isolated from sesame leaves and their toxicity. Indian J expl Biol 2017, 55(1), 36-43.

Sesame (Sesamum indicum L.), is an important oilseed crop in the tropics and subtropics, referred as "Queen of Oilseeds" owing to its high cooking quality and medicinal value. Sesame production, particularly in India, has been declining since last decade and 'Leaf blight' caused by Alternaria spp. is reported to cause yield loss up to 30-40%. Here, we investigated the fungal toxin produced by Alternaria and its pathogenicity. A total of 164 Alternaria strainswere isolated on potato dextrose agar media from the infected sesame leaves showing circular concentric rings with dark brown spots symptoms. All the isolates were screened for cultural and morphological characters. Colour of the fungus was grey to dark brown, formed smooth, raised, fluffy, and regular to irregular margins. Among 164 isolates, 43 isolates were moderately growing and 121 were fast in growth. The DNA of the isolate was amplified with ITS primers and sequence of BLAST results confirmed seven different species of Alternaria of NCBI database. Further, toxigenic potentiality of the isolates was tested with dilutions of culture filtrate (1:1 to 1:5) on sesame leaves. Among 164 isolates, 23 showed toxigenicity, varied from highly toxigenic to least toxigenic. Pathogenicity of the isolates showed that they were highly virulent to less virulent when tested by the detached leaf method. Based on the toxigenicity, the toxin was partially purified and brown coloured paste was recovered. Chemistry of the toxin was confirmed based on the IR, UV, NMR and mass spectra analyses, and it resembled the structure of alternariol mono methyl ether and altenuene which are mycotoxins in nature. Further, bioassay of toxin was carried out at different concentrations (50 to 2000 ppm) on seeds and seedlings of sesame. Maximum inhibition of seed germination of 81.1% was observed at 2000 ppm and the least was 6.67% at 50 ppm. With the increase in the concentration of toxin, the manifestation of the symptom was conspicuous and quick such as marginal, veinal necrosis, drooping and yellowing with lesion formation. From the present study, it is found that the species of Alternaria are responsible for the cause of blight disease symptoms and the toxicity of toxin produced by the pathogen was very high. The Alternaria toxin could inhibit the growth of the plant as well as seed germination rate.

6 illus, 1 table, 28 ref

008669   Naganathan A N (Biotechnology Dep, Bhupat and Jyoti Mehta School of Biosciences, Indian Institute of Tech, Chennai-600 036, Email: athi@iitm.ac.in) : Predictive modeling of protein folding thermodynamics, mutational effects and free-energy landscapes. Proc Indian Natn Sci Acad 2016, 82(4), 1211-28.

Deciphering the folding mechanism of small single-domain proteins has a long and well-chartered history that has been and still is aided by numerous experimental and computational approaches. The computational tools at the disposal of the folding community range from all-atom molecular simulations to structure-based models. In this review, we highlight one such structure-based statistical mechanical model termed the Wako-Saito-Munoz-Eaton (WSME) model. We have, over the past few years, made the model physically more realistic by systematically introducing mean-field terms for solvation and electrostatics apart from conventional packing interactions. The WSME model can simply be calibrated with equilibrium unfolding curves and various features such as heat capacity thermograms, free-energy surfaces or profiles and hence the folding mechanism, changes in stability upon point mutations or certain post-translational modifications, thermodynamic vs. dynamic effects and possible connections with function fallout of the model without additional calibration. The model requires only a small set of tunable thermodynamic parameters (<126>3-4) allowing for a tremendous scope in further improvement of its energy function. Most importantly, it can be employed as a rapid, physical and ensemble-based tool to directly characterize experimental equilibrium and kinetic rate and amplitude data (in real world units), that is not conventionally possible in other native-centric treatments. We believe that the WSME model is now poised to address numerous questions in the field of protein folding including pathway heterogeneity, structural-energetic relations, quantifying disorder and the effect of point mutations in disease.

6 illus, 112 ref

008668   Mushtaq S;Hassan Q P;Sharma R;Majeed R;Dar A H;Sultan P;Khan I A;Ali S A;Ali M N (Biotechnology Div, CSIR-Institute of Integrative Medicine, Santnagar, Srinagar-190 005, Email: qphassan@iiim.ac.in) : Evaluation of anticancer and antimicrobial activities of selected medicinal plants of Kashmir himalayas, India. Indian J Tradl Knowledge 2017, 16(1), 141-5.

Medicinal plants are known for their multifarious use in folk medicine of Kashmir Himalayas, India. The present study was designed to evaluate the anticancer and antimicrobial activities of extracts of some medicinal plants. Three different types of extracts were prepared by cold maceration technique using methanol, hexane and water. Anticancer activity of extracts was determined by using Sulpharhodamine B assay on four human cancer cell lines. Antimicrobial activity was done by using microdilution method. The methanol extract of Euonymus hamiltonianus exhibited broad spectrum anticancer activity with IC50 value of 20, 14, 27 and 55μg/ml against Lung A-549, Colon HCT-116, Pancreatic MiaPaca and Breast MCF-7 cell lines, respectively. The lowest IC50 value of 14μg/ml was observed against Colon HCT-116 cancer cell line. Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer deaths worldwide. The methanol and aqueous extracts of Euphorbia wallichii specifically inhibited the growth of Staphylococcus aureus which is one of the foremost pathogens in the list of antibiotic resistant strains. The MIC values were found to be 128-256μg/ml. Euonymus hamiltonianus and Euphorbia wallichii with promising activities could act as important source of biologically active compounds.

1 illus, 3 tables, 21 ref

008667   Mundhava S G;Mehta D S;Thaker S J (Pharmacology Dep, P.D.Y. Government Medical College, Rajkot-360 001, Email: sgmundhava@yahoo.co.in) : Comparative study to evaluate anti-inflammatory and analgesic activity of commonly used proteolytic enzymes and their combination with diclofenac in rats. Int J pharm Sci Res 2016, 7(6), 2615-19.

Proteolytic enzymes like serratiopeptidase, trypsin and chymotrypsin are used for prolonged period for edema resolution in post-operative patients, arthritis, tooth extraction etc. either alone or with other anti-inflammatory agent. Various trials have supported and refused the role of enzymes as anti-inflammatory agents. No study was found for analgesic property of proteolytic enzymes. This study was designed to investigate the anti-inflammatory and analgesic activity of these three proteolytic enzymes alone and in combination with diclofenac at therapeutic doses. Carrageenan induced paw edema was used for acute inflammation. Edema was measured with the help of plethysmometer at 0 hour and 3 hour. Modified formalin test was used to evaluate the analgesic property. 1% formalin was injected into the forepaw and scoring was done by appropriate and standard method. Edema changes of hind paw and licking duration in seconds of a fore paw with different treatments were compared with one-way ANOVA followed by Tukey-Kramer multiple comparison test with the help of graph pad instat software. Reduction in edema was significant (p<60>0.05) with proteolytic enzymes alone as well as in combination with diclofenac. Neither phase of formalin test was reduced significantly by proteolytic enzymes alone although second phase was reduced significantly when combined with diclofenac. Conclusion: Serratiopeptidase, trypsin and chymotrypsin has significant anti-inflammatory activity alone as well as in combination with diclofenac. These proteolytic enzymes do not have any analgesic activity but they potentiate the peripheral analgesic activity of diclofenac at therapeutic equivalent doses.

21 ref

008666   Mohammed A B W E;Rudwan E H (College of Animal Production Science and Technology, Sudan Univ of Science and Technology, Sudan, Email: ehrrajab@hotmail.com) : RP-HPLC method development and validation of stability indicating method a for estimation of losartan potassium under stress condition and tablet dosage form. Int J pharm Sci Res 2016, 7(6), 2343-51.

Losartan potassium, a highly effective blood pressure lowering agent, has widely used for treatment of hypertension. Simple, economic, selective, and precise and stability indicating HPLC method has been developed and validated for analysis of losartan potassium in bulk drug and formulation dosage form. In order to optimize more one response at time, the chemo metric approach which includes 2^{3 factorial design at two level with three factors was set up to standardize the chromatographic condition. The mobile phase was 40:60 ACN: Buffer consist of 0.05% of orthophosphoric acid and 0.05% Triethylamine at flow rate 1.0ml/minute the eluent was monitored at 225nm. The calibration plots constructed using the concentration of 6.4 to 9.6 μg/ml (80 -120%) with r2 =0.999, recovery =99.44% was indicative of accuracy of proposed method. The precision was calculated as repeatability, intraday (RSD) for the drug.}

5 ref

008665   Mohamadi N;Rajaei P (Pharmaceutical Research Center, Institute of Neuropharmacology, Kerman Univ of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran, Email: rajaeipeyman@gmail.com) : Effect of different ecological condition on the quality and quanity of essntial oils of Artemisia persica boiss. populations from Kerman, Iran. J essential Oil Bearing Pl 2016, 19(1), 200-7.

Since the ecosystem where it has a major role in the biosynthesis of secondary metabolites, this study investigates some ecological factors on the yield and composition of essential oils of Artemisia persica. The experiments were carried out at three different locations (Hezar Mt., Sud kuh and Sirch) in Iran during 2013. In each region, some environmental factors such as altitude, pH, EC, macro and micro elements of soil and precipitation, relative humidity and temperature were determined. The essential oil was extracted by hydrodistillation method and analyzed by GC-MS. Results showed that the main components were γ-terpineol, p-cymene and 1, 8-cineole. The maximum yield of the essential oil was to Sud kuh (altitude of 3000-3200 m) and the lowest was to Hezar (altitude of 3600 m). Correlation between yields of essential oil with ecological factors showed that days of relative humidity, microelements (Zn, Cu and Mn), soil texture and altitude were the most effective parameters in quantity of yields. The highest amount of monoterpenes was seen in Sud kuh region. This location is recommended for obtaining essential oil of A. persica.

2 illus, 5 tables, 30 ref

008664   Meriem M;Rachida A;Housseyn M;Farida T; Abdelaziz M;Fouzia M (Laboratory of Natural Bio-Resources, Biology Dep, Faculty of Science, Hassiba Benbouali Univ Chlef, BP. 151, Chlef 02000, Algeria, Email: medjkanemeriem@yahoo.fr) : Antimicrobial activity of the essential oil isolated from Pistacia lentiscus leaves against Helicobacter pylori algerian clinical isolates. J essential Oil Bearing Pl 2016, 19(2), 466-74.

Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection plays a crucial role in the pathogenesis of gastritis, peptic ulcer, and gastric cancer. The current treatment for the eradication of H. pylori is unwieldy as relapses may occur. As H. pylori continues to resist the present antibiotic treatments, we are challenged in attempting to find alternative treatment methods; one treatment method may be the utilization of extracted oils from plants such as Pistascia lentiscus (P. lentiscus) leaves which are widely used in Mediterranean folk medicine to treat various infectious diseases, including stomach-associated diseases. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate the anti-H. pylori activity of Pistacia lentiscus essential oil (PLEO) obtained from leaves by hydro-distillation and analyzed by gas chromatography coupled to a mass spectrometry (GC-MS). H. pylori strains were isolated from Algerians symptomatic patients' gastric biopsies and characterized for their susceptibility to PLEO using both disc diffusion and agar dilution methods. Results revealed 65 components of PLEO dominated by monoterpenes, principally were α-pinene (15.47%), limonene (14.7%) and β-myrcene (9.93%). Twenty two H. pylori strains were isolated and their antibiotic characterization revealed that 18.18% of the tested isolates were resistant to at least two of the three antibiotics belonging to the main groups of antibiotics used in therapy to eradicate H. pylori. In contrast, PLEO showed anti-H. pylori activity against all the tested strains (100%). The inhibition diameters (32 mm, 26.66 mm, 19.67 and 12.33 for the pure and diluted oil to 1/2, 1/4 and 1/8) and minimum inhibitory concentration (1/5000, v/v) affirm the strong antimicrobial activity of PLEO against H. pylori.

2 illus, 2 tables, 30 ref

008663   Mendez D;Kutty A V M;Prasad S R (Biochemistry Dep, Sri Devaraj Urs Medical College, Tamaka, Kolar-563 101, Email: kuttavm@gmail.com) : Production of an extracellular protease by Acetobacter aceti. Asian J Microbiol Biotechnol envir Sci 2016, 18(1), 189-94.

An extracellular protease was identified and partially purified from Acetobacter aceti MTCC 3246. The protease production by this organism was monitored 24 hourly for a period of five days using casein as substrate. Maximum production of proteolytic activity was observed on the fourth day (66Units/mL/min) in comparison to day one (06 Unit/mL/min). The protease produced by this organism was further tested for substrate specificity, temperature and pH stability studies. The analysis of the results indicated that the protease could hydrolyze N-Acetyl L-tyrosine ethyl ester but had no detectable activity on Succinyl tri-LAlanyl p-nitroanilide and L-N-BenzoylDZ arginine p-nitroanilide. The data showed that the extracellular enzyme produced by this strain of Acetobacter could belong to chymotrypsin like serine protease. The pH and thermal stability studies indicated that the enzyme was stable over a wide range of pH (3.0 to 8.0) and exhibited maximal activity at 37°C. The enzyme was stable in the temperature range of 280C to 45°C and lost its activity above 60°C significantly.

3 illus, 2 tables, 19 ref

008662   Mantri S;Venkata Rao E;Jena P K;Mohapatra P C (Biochemistry Dep, S.C.B. Medical College, Mangalabag, Cuttack-751 003) : Association of CD34+ and CD90+ stem cells of cord blood with neonatal factors: a cross-sectional study. Indian J Pediat 2016, 83(2), 114-19.

Objective is to characterize the primitive stem cell content of cord blood with regard to neonatal parameters. In this cross-sectional study, CD34+ and CD90+ cells content were enumerated by flow-cytometry method. Their associations with various neonatal parameters like birth weight gender, gestational age and mode of delivery were analyzed by univariate analysis. Multivariable linear regression model was then developed to further explain the effect of neonatal factors on these primitive cell counts. From a total of 106 recruited subjects, gender of the neonate did not have any influence on the expression of these proteins (CD34 and CD90) of cord blood stem cells or progenitors. Multi variable linear regression analysis using CD34+ and CD90+ cell counts as dependent variables revealed that birth weight and the mode of delivery were significant predictors of these cell counts. The present study suggests that birth weight and mode of delivery of the neonates influences cord blood stem cell yield.

1 illus, 4 tables, 23 ref

008661   Manjunatha B L;Singh H R;Ravikanth G;Nataraja K N;Shankar R;Sanjay Kumar;Uma Shaanker R (Crop Physiology and School of Ecology and Conservation Dep, Agricultural Sciences Univ, GKVK, Bangalore-560 065, Email: manjuatsec@gmail.com) : Transcriptome analysis of stem wood of Nothapodytes nimmoniana (Graham) mabb. identifies genes associated with biosynthesis of camptothecin, an anti-carcinogenic molecule. J Biosci, Bangalore 2016, 41(1), 119-31.

Camptothecin (CPT), a monoterpene indole alkaloid, is a potent inhibitor of DNA topoisomerase I and has applications in treating ovarian, small lung and refractory ovarian cancers. Stem wood tissue of Nothapodytes nimmoniana (Graham) Mabb. (family Icacinaceae) is one of the richest sources of CPT. Since there is no genomic or transcriptome data available for the species, the present work sequenced and analysed transcriptome of stem wood tissue on an Illumina platform. From a total of 77,55,978 reads, 9,187 transcripts were assembled with an average length of 255 bp. Functional annotation and categorization of these assembled transcripts unraveled the transcriptome architecture and also a total of 13 genes associated with CPT biosynthetic pathway were identified in the stem wood tissue. Four genes of the pathway were cloned to full length by RACE to validate the transcriptome data. Expression analysis of 13 genes associated with CPT biosynthetic pathway in 11 different tissues vis-a-vis CPT content analysis suggested an important role of NnPGlOH, NnPSLS and NnPSTR genes in the biosynthesis of CPT. These results indicated that CPT might be synthesized in the leaves and then perhaps exported to stem wood tissue for storage.

2 illus, 5 tables, 60 ref

008660   Maheshwar P K;Jayanth H S (Microbiology Dep, Yuvaraja's College Univ of Mysore, Mysore-570 005, Email: pmaheshwar@ycm.uni-mysore.ac.in) : Microbiology as a tool for research and development. Asian J Microbiol Biotechnol envir Sci 2016, 18(1), 157-65.

Microbiology at present is one of the fast evolving disciplines in Biological Sciences. It includes studies on physiology, ecology, evolution and clinical / immunological aspects of microorganisms, including the benefit the society can achieve by exploiting the microorganisms. It is a huge employment generator, as well as the best area in biological sciences for research, all over the world. Microorganisms are of great importance to both humans and the ecosystem. Therefore, it should be a high priority to make use of the subject for the best output in research and also for the creation of employment. The present article enlightens the tremendous contribution of microbes and microbiology to the Man kind and environment. The article focuses mainly on the trends in microbiological research, industrial output, scope and future of microbiology on a global scale.

1 illus, 2 tables, 61 ref

008659   Mahalakshmi R;Eganathan P;Parida A K (Plant Tissue Culture and Bioprospecting Laboratory, M.S. Swaminathan Research Foundation, 3rd Cross Road, Institutional Area, Taramani, Chennai-600 113, Email: egnathan@gmail.com) : Essential oil composition from seedlings of Jatropha curcas L. J essential Oil Bearing Pl 2016, 19(2), 421-32.

The essential oil chemical composition of leaf, stem, petiole and root of Jatropha curcas seedlings isolated by hydrodistillation extraction were determined by Gas Chromatography and Mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Phytol (47.42%), pinane (7.10%) and n-eicosane-(6.98%) in leaf, 1-butoxyperethyl- homotetrasilsesquioxane (36.11%) in petiole, 7-benzyl-8-(methylthio)theophyllin (12.53%) in stem and α-gurjunene (13.99%), α-elemol (13.45%), guaiene (13.13%) in root were major components present in the essential oil.

1 illus, 4 tables, 23 ref

008658   Maddala V L;Ray P C;Venugopal K;Rao K M V N (Inogent Laboratories Private Limited, , Plot No. 28 A, Street No. 15, IDA Nacharam, Hyderabad-500 076, Email: vijaya_chem@yahoo.com) : Sensitive and selectrive GC-MS analysis of process related genotoxic impurities of nebivolol hydrochloride. Asian J Chem 2016, 28(4), 811-13.

A sensitive GC-MS method has been developed and validated for the estimation of genotoxic impurities namely 2-chloro-1-(6-fluorochroman 2-yl)ethanone (1), 2-chloro-1-(6-fluorochroman 2-yl)ethanol (2) and 6-fluoro2-(oxiran2-yl)chroman (3) in nebivolol hydrochloride drug substance. Under optimized conditions of the proposed method is specific, precise, linear, accurate and rugged. The response was linear in the concentration range of limit of quantification to 0.07 mg g-1 with correlation coefficients of <62> 0.99 for each impurity. Under optimum conditions used for the sample preparation the recovery of each impurity is in between 70-130%.

3 tables, 10 ref

008657   Lohani H;Gwari G;Bhandari U;Zafar Haider S; Andola H;Chauhan N;Zafar Haider S;Haider S Z (NO, Centre for Aromatic Plants (CAP), Selqaui, Dehradun-248 011, Email: cap.dun@gmail.com ) : Varibility in the essential oils from aerial parts of Artemisia vulgaris L. grown in Uttarakhand. J essential Oil Bearing Pl 2016, 19(1), 103-7.

The present study aims to determine the variability in the chemical composition of the essential oils from the aerial parts of Artemisia vulgaris L. grown in different locations of Uttarakhand Himalaya. The essential oils were obtained through hydro-distillation and analyzed by gas chromatography (GC) and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). In the oils from two locations (Jhanjhar and Kaditalla), a-thujone was found as the major constituent, ranging from 14.40-21.66% followed by artemisia ketone (6.77-8.64%), trans-caryophyllene (6.22-6.94%) and 1,8-cineole (4.75-5.13%); however in Chakrata region, artemisia ketone (29.38%) was determined as a principal constituent followed by p-cymene (7.60%) and yomogi alcohol (5.48%), while a-thujone found to be only 3.10%. Essential oils from all the locations were dominated by oxygenated monoterpenoids (52.04-59.24%), whereas oxygenated sesquiterpenoids found to be 23.08-24.05% in Jhanjhar and Kaditalla locations and only 2.44% in the oil from Chakrata.

1 table, 23 ref

008656   Lele A C;Khambete M P;Archana Raju;Ray M; Rajan M G R;Degani M S (Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technology Dep, Institute of Chemical Technology, Matunga (E), Mumbai-400 019, Email: ms.degani@ictmumbai.edu.in) : Design and synthesis of novel Mycobacterium tuberculosis DHFR inhibitors. Int J pharm Sci Res 2016, 7(6), 2352-6.

A series of 2,4-diaminotriazines were synthesized as Mycobacterium tuberculosis(Mtb) dihydrofolatereductase (DHFR) inhibitors. These derivatives were evaluated in whole cells by employing resazurinmicrotitre plate assay (REMA) against MtbH₃₇Rv. Further, these were tested against other gram positive and gram negative bacterial strains to check specificity for Mtb. Cytotoxicity assessment was performed using HepG2 cell line and the compounds were found to be non-cytotoxic. The results indicated that some of the derivatives exhibited promising activity. The most active compound in the REMA assay was selected for DHFR enzyme assay against both the Mtb and human enzymes. The enzyme assay results indicated that this derivative exhibited selectivity towards the pathogenic enzyme. The most active compound in the whole cell assay against MtbH₃₇Rv showed low cytotoxicity, was specific towards Mtb and displayed selectivity in the DHFR enzyme assay. Thus this study provides promising insight for design of potent and selective Mtb DHFR inhibitors.

26 ref

008655   Ladan Moghadam A R (Gardening Dep, Garmsar Branch, Islamic Azad Univ, Garmsar, Iran, Email: aladanmoghadam@gmail.com ) : Efficacy of chemically characterized Cuminum cyminum essential oils as an antioxidant and lipid peroxidation inhibitor. J essential Oil Bearing Pl 2016, 19(1), 134-9.

The essential oil of Cuminum cyminum L. collected from Kurdistan Mountain, Iran, was obtained by hydrodistillation. The oil was analyzed by Gas chromatography-Mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Thymol (40.68%) and γ-terpinene (24.51%) were the major components of the essential oil. EO exhibit a significant activity in each antioxidant system with a special attention for β-carotene bleaching test (IC50: 12.47± 0.24 μg/ml), lipid peroxidation inhibition (95.71± 0.87 μg/ml) and reducing power (EC50: 12.45 ± 0.31 μg/ml). These results indicate that C. cyminum EO and its main compounds might be applicable in natural medicine and healthy food.

3 tables, 24 ref

008654   Kurkcuoglu M (Faculty of Pharmacy, Pharmacognosy Dep, Anadolu Univ, 26470, Eskisheir, Turkey, Email: mkurkcuo@anadolu.edu.tr) : Essential oil composition from fruits and aerial parts of Bilacunaria anatolica A. duran (Apiaceae) endemic in Turkey. J essential Oil Bearing Pl 2016, 19(2), 379-83.

Bilacunaria Pimenov & V.N. Tikhom. (Apiaceae) is represented in Turkey by five species. Bilacunaria anatolica A. Duran (Apiaceae) is a new species belonging to one of the most diversified families in Turkey. Water distilled essential oils from crushed fruits and aerial parts of B. anatolica A. Duran (Apiaceae) endemic in Turkey were analyzed by GC and GC-MS. The essential oils of the crushed fruits and aerial parts of B. anatolica collected from Mugla: between Kinik-Fethiye location were characterized with α-pinene (25.7%, 28.6%), camphene (18.7%, 10.7%), β-caryophyllene (10.2%, 10.3%) and caryophyllene oxide (2.6%, 13.4%), respectively.

1 table, 13 ref

008653   Krishnasree V;Mary Ukkuru P (Home Science Dep, Kerala Agricultural Univ, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, Trivandrum-695 522, Email: krishnasree.arun@gmail.com) : In vitro antidiabetic activity and glycemic index of bee honeys. Indian J Tradl Knowledge 2017, 16(1), 134-40.

Honey has a plethora of researches that related to its use in many disease conditions along with its recognition as a complete food for improving general health among humans irrespective of their age group. Literature so far highlights the floral specificity in the therapeutic properties of honey. In the present investigation honeys from different bee origin were collected in the raw and processed form and their therapeutic effects were ascertained. The antidiabetic property of the honeys was analyzed using the in vitro alpha amylase and alpha glycosidase enzyme inhibition assays. Among the honeys analyzed raw (77.61% and 80.46% at 500 μg/ml) and processed (64.84% and 78.29% at 500 μg/ml) Trigona honeys were found to have highest percentage of inhibition against alpha amylase and alpha glucosidase enzyme, respectively. The honeys analyzed were having moderate glycemic index and glycemic load values. This opens up scope for its utilization by diabetic people who prefer to have sugar occasionally.

1 illus, 4 tables, 18 ref

008652   Kolapo A;Omomoh B;Claret N;Barbara O;Kelechi O;Azuka O;Uche O;Chidima O;Ifeanyi O (Pharmacognosy Dep, Madonna Univ Elele Campus, River States, Nigeria) : Evaluation of antihelmintic properties of methanol stem bark extract of Khaya grandifoliola (Meliaceae). Int J herb Med 2017, 5(3), 6-9.

This experiment deals with the evaluation of the antihelmintic properties of methanol stem bark extract of Khaya grandifoliola. Lumbricus terrestris (earth worms) were placed in different concentrations of 25, 50,100, 200 and 400 mg/ml of Khaya grandifoliola methanol extract and 10, 20, 40 and 80 mg/ml of n-hexane, chloroform, ethyl acetate and methanol-aqueous fractions in separate petri-dishes for a maximum of 3hrs.The time for death and paralysis of the organism were noted at intervals of 30 minutes. Distilled water was used as control while Levamisole and Mebendazole (5 mg/ml) each served as reference standard.

10 illus, 1 table, 7 ref

008651   Khasaeva F M;Parshikov I A;Zaraisky E I (Microbiology of Kabardino-Balkarian State Agrarian Univ of V.M. Kokov, , Nalchik, Russia) : Degradation of 4-methylpyridine by Arthrobacter sp.. Asian J Microbiol Biotechnol envir Sci 2016, 18(1), 75-7.

In the process of degradation of 4-methylpyridine by bacterium Arthrobacter sp. KM-4MP were isolated two metabolites and identified as 4-methylpyridin-2-ol and 8-hydroxy-4-methylidene-1Hcyclopenta[ 1,2-b:3,4-c']dipyridine-2,3,5,7(4H,6H)-tetrone.

2 illus, 2 tables, 14 ref

008650   Kayal G;Kayal S;Gokhale N;Jain S (NO, Sri Aurobindo Institute of Pharmacy, Indore, Madhya Pradesh, Email: gaurav7chem@gmail.com) : Synthesis and biological evaluation of coumarin derivatives as anti-inflammatory agents. Int J pharm Sci Res 2016, 7(6), 2394-401.

All the newly synthesized Coumarin derivatives have shown considerable anti-inflammatory activity. In the present research work, we synthesized a series of novel Coumarin derivatives. The Coumarin derivatives such as substituted 7-hydroxy-4-methyl-2H-chromen-2-one and substituted 6-chloro-7-hydroxy-4-methyl-2H-chromen-2-one were synthesized from substituted benzoyl chloride. The chemical structures of the synthesized compounds were confirmed by means of IR and 1H-NMR. These compounds were screened for anti-inflammatory activity by carrageenan induced paw edema method in rats at a dose of 30 mg/kg body weight. All the tested compounds of Coumarin derivatives were found to be more potent when compared to standard drug Diclofenac.

12 ref

008649   Katabale M K;Esther N M;Kariuki D (Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Pan African Univ for Basic Sciences Technology and Innovation, Kenya) : Phytochemical screening, cytotoxic, genotoxic and mutagenic effects of the aqueous extract of Azadirachta indica leaves. Int J herb Med 2017, 5(3), 39-44.

Azadirachta indica is a medicinal plant used to treat a various number of diseased conditions such as malaria, cough, asthma, diarrhea and diabetes. In traditional medicine, the aqueous concoction of the leaves is used to treat malaria. The phytochemical screening of the aqueous extracts from the leaves of A. indica have been shown to contain tannins, saponins, terpenoids, glycosides, steroids, flavonoids and glycosides. Previous studies on the phytochemical screening of Azadirachta indica leaves have shown the presence of tannins, saponins, terpenoids, glycosides, phytosterols, flavonoids and glycosides. Four different concentrations of the extracts were used to treat the roots of Allium cepa seedlings. In the Allium cepa assay, the extracts exhibited cytotoxic effects, expressed as the decrease in the root growth length when the concentrations increased. The EC50 was 0.21g/l. The extract induced an increased mitodepressive effect and chromosomal aberrations in the Allium cepa cells as the concentrations increased. The results with a p-value <60> 0.05 were considered as statistically significant compared to the untreated group in distilled water. The observed chromosomal aberrations appeared as c-mitosis, chromosomal fragments, microbridges, bipolar and multipolar anaphases. The aqueous extracts of A. indica leaves have also shown to cause mutation in Salmonella typhimurium TA 98 and TA 100 strains. Therefore the leaves of a indica have a genotoxic effect on chromosomes and also can cause mutations in cells. However the potential genotoxicity of the aqueous extract of Azadirachta indica leaf in human cells needs has not been established.

3 illus, 3 tables, 27 ref

008648   Kang J Y;Chun B S;Lee M C;Choi J S;Choi I S; Hong Y K (Biotechnology Dep, Pukying National Univ, Busan 608-737, South Korea, Email: ykhong@pknu.ac.kr) : Anti-inflammatory activity and chemical composition of essential oil extracted with supercritical CO₂ from the brown seaweed Undaria pinnatifida. J essential Oil Bearing Pl 2016, 19(1), 46-51.

Essential oil extracted with supercritical CO₂ fluid from the brown seaweed Undaria pinnatifida showed high anti-inflammatory activity. Optimal extraction with supercritical CO₂ was observed at 45°C and 20 MPa. The essential oil was active against mouse ear inflammation induced by phorbol myristate acetate, with median inhibition concentration IC₅₀ values of 87, 134, and 158 μg per ear for edema, erythema, and blood flow, respectively. The major component compounds were palmitic acid (26%), 2-(9,12- octadecadienyloxy)-,(z,z)-ethanol (16%), eicosa-5,8,11,14,17-pentaenoate (EPA; 13%), and 5,7,11- eicosatrienoic acid (mead acid; 12%). These findings are consistent with the claims that the seaweed U. pinnatifida can be used in remedies for inflammation-related symptoms.

2 illus, 1 table, 27 ref

008647   Kadir M A;Ramli R;Yusof M S M;Ismail N;Ngah N (School of Fundamental Science, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, 21030 Kuala Terengganu, Malaysia, Email: maisara@umt.edu.my) : Synthesis, spectroscopic studies and antibacterial activity of new lauroyl thiourea amino acid derivatives. Asian J Chem 2016, 28(3), 596-600.

Four new thiourea compounds have been successfully synthesized and characterized from combination of lauroyl chloride, ammonium thiocyanate and simple amino acids in acetone. The structure of the respective compounds, namely 3-(3-dodecanoyl-thioureido)propionic acid (R1), 2-(3-dodecanoyl-thioureido)-3-methyl butyric acid (R2), (3-dodecanoyl-thioureido)acetic acid (R3) and 2-(3-dodecanoyl-thioureido)-3-phenyl propionic acid (R4) are confirmed by combination of spectroscopic techniques such as infrared, ultraviolet and nuclear magnetic resonance. The antibacterial activity of these compounds are investigated towards selected bacteria and the results show that compound R4 displays better antibacterial activity compared to R1-R3 and as well as to few reported compounds. Compound R4 shows good antibacterial activity towards two Gram-negative bacteria Escherichia coli and Salmonella typhimurium, with inhibition zone approximately 8 mm wide and minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) 50 μg/mL, respectively. The good results given by R4 might be attributed by the presence of alkyl and phenyl group that increases the lipophilicity and stability of the compounds.

5 illus, 1 table, 35 ref

008646   Hashemi M S;Esfahani A K;Peymani M;Nejati A S;Ghaedi K;Nasir-Esfahani M H;Baharvand H (Cellular Biotechnology Dep, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institue for Biotechnology, ACECR, Isfahan, Iran, Email: kamranghaedi@Royaninstitute.org) : Zinc finger protein 521 overexpression increased transcript levels of Fndc5 in mouse embryonic stem cells. J Biosci, Bangalore 2016, 41(1), 69-76.

Zinc finger protein 521 is highly expressed in brain, neural stem cells and early progenitors of the human hematopoietic cells. Zfp521 triggers the cascade of neurogenesis in mouse embryonic stem cells through inducing expression of the early neuroectodermal genes Soxl, Sox3 and Pax6. FndcS, a precursor of Irisin has inducing effects on the expression level of brain derived neurotrophic factor in hippocampus. Therefore, it is most likely that Fndc5 may play an important role in neural differentiation. To exhibit whether the expression of this protein is under regulation with Zfp521, we overexpfressed Zfp 521 in a stable transformants of mESCs expressing EGFP under control of FndcS promoter. Increased expression of Zfp 521 enhanced transcription levels of both EGFP and endogenous FndcS. This result was confirmed by overexpression the aforementioned vectors in HEK cells and indicated that Zfp521 functions upstream of FndcS expression. It is most likely that Zfp521 may act through the binding to its response element on Fndc5 core promoter. Therefore it is concluding that an enhanced expression of FndcS in neural progenitor cells is stimulated by Zfp521 overexpression in these cells.

3 illus, 19 ref

008645   Harish Kumar V S (Pharmacology Dep, S.S. Institute of Medical Sciences & Research Centre, N.H-4, Davangere, Karnataka, Email: harishkvspharma@gmail.com) : Anti-hyperglycemic effect of Caralluma lasiantha extract on hyperglycemia induced by cafeteria-diet in experimental model. Int J pharm Sci Res 2016, 7(6), 2525-30.

Caralluma lasiantha is a succulent plant belongs to Ascalpedaceae family. The objective of this study was to evaluate and to compare the anti-hyperglycemic effect of Caralluma lasiantha with Chromium Picolinate on hyperglycemia induced by Cafeteria-Diet in Wistar albino rats. Hyperglycemia was induced in experimental rats by feeding Cafeteria-Diet for a study period of 90 days. Caralluma lasiantha (10, 20, and 40 mg/kg b.w.) & Chromium Picolinate (10 mg/kg b.w.) were administered orally once every day throughout the study and serum glucose levels were determined in different experimental days. Treatment with Caralluma lasiantha significantly reduced the serum glucose level in dose dependant manner. Data reveal an appreciated beneficial effect of Caralluma lasiantha on hyperglycemic rats. Caralluma lasiantha possesses anti-hyperglycemic effect, which promisingly support the use of Caralluma lasiantha as a food supplement or an adjunct treatment for hyperglycemia.

16 ref

008644   Hardenia S S;Darwhekar G N (Pharmaceutics Dep, Suresh Gyan Vihar Univ, Jaipur, Rajasthan) : Development and optimization of fast dissolving tablets of promethazine theoclate using 3<. Int J pharm Sci Res 2016, 7(6), 2499-507.

This research work aimed at developing and optimizing fast dissolving tablets of Promethazine Thecolate by direct compression technique. In the investigation, a 3^{2 full factorial design was used to investigate the joint influence of two formulation variables (amount of superdisintegrants): amount of sodium starch glycolate and crospovidone. The tablets were evaluated for its percent friability and their disintegration time. The results of multiple linear regression analysis revealed that for obtaining a rapidly disintegrating dosage form, tablets should be prepared using an optimum concentration of sodium starch glycolate and a crospovidone. A contour plot was also presented to graphically represent the effect of the independent variables on the disintegration time 30 s and percent friability 0.5%. A checkpoint batch was also prepared to prove the validity of the evolved mathematical model. The optimized tablet should be prepared with an optimum amount of Sodium starch Glycolate (2.75 mg), and Crospovidone (2.72 mg) which disintegrated in the 30 seconds, with friability of 0.5% and of drug release within 5 min. The optimized approach aided both the formulation of fast dissolving tablets and the understanding of the effect of formulation processing variables on the development of formulation.}

34 ref

008643   Hamza M;Nadir M;Mehmood N;Farooq A (Surgery Dep, Rawalpindi Medical College, Rawalpindi, Pakistan, Email: goodoldhamza@gmail.com) : In vitro effectiveness of triterpenoids and their synergistic effect with antibiotics against Staphylococcus aureus strains. Indian J Pharmac 2016, 48(6), 710-14.

The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of four triterpenoids such as oleanolic acid, ursolic acid, cycloastragenol, and beta-boswellic acid alone and in combination with antibiotics against Staphylococcusaureus strains. Sixteen clinical strains of S. aureus from infected wounds were isolated. Eight were methicillin-sensitive S. aureus (MSSA), and the other eight were methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA). The activity was also seen in reference S. aureus American Type Culture Collection^{™ strains. The activity of all the triterpenoids and antibiotics against S. aureus was evaluated by broth microdilution method. The effectiveness was judged by comparing the minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of the compounds with antibiotics. The combination of antibiotics with compounds was evaluated by their fractional inhibitory concentrations (FIG). Against both clinical and reference MSSA strains, none of the compounds exhibited comparable activity to antibiotics vancomycin or cefradine except for ursolic acid (MIC 7.8 μg/ml). Against MRSA, all compounds (MIC 16-128 M-g/ml) showed lesser activity than vancomycin (MIC 5.8 μg/ml). Among triterpenoid-antibiotic combinations, the most effective were ursolic acid and vancomycin against clinical strain MSSA (FICs 0.17). However, overall, different combinations between triterpenoids and antibiotics showed 95%-46% (P <60> 0.05) reduction in MICs of antibiotics compared to when antibiotics were used alone. Cefradine, a drug not suitable for treating MRSA (MIC = 45 μg/ml), showed a remarkable decrease in its MIC (87% P<60> 0.01) when it was used in combination with oleanolic acid or ursolic acid in both clinical and reference strains. The tested triterpenoids are relatively weaker than antibiotics. However, when used in combination with antibiotics, they showed remarkable synergistic effect and thus can help in prolonging the viability of these antibiotics against S. aureus infections. Furthermore, reduction in MIC of cefradine with oleanolic acid indicates their potential use against MRSA.}

^ssc3 tables, 19 ref

008642   Halemani S S;Acharya A;Anand S;Gokul C;Adake P;Santhosh (NO, Subbaiah Institute of Medical Science, Shimoga, Karnataka) : Evaluation of the antidepressant activity of aqueous extract of leaves of Morus alba. Pharma Innovation 2017, 6(5), 15-20.

Decrease in the levels of monoamine neurotransmitters and oxidative stress are important factors involved in pathogenesis of depression. Morus alba (white mulberry) leaves contain flavonoids which are known to inhibit catechol-o-methyl transferase (COMT) and mono amine oxidase (MAO) and have free radical scavenging property and may prove beneficial for the treatment of depression. The study was done to evaluate the antidepressant potential of aqueous extract of leaves of Morus alba and compare it with Imipramine. The study included 48 male swiss albino mice which were divided into four treatment groups of 6 animals each. Antidepressant property was evaluated by using two different models of depression viz. Tail suspension test and Forced swimming test. Mice were injected with normal saline (control), Imipramine (standard), Morus alba 100 mg/kg and 200 mg/kg (test drugs) intraperitoneally in both the test models. Duration of immobility was observed for 6 minutes in tail suspension test and for 4 minutes in forced swimming test on separate set of animals. Results were analyzed by ANOVA followed by post hoc tukey's test. Aqueous extract of Morus alba, at the above doses significantly reduced the immobility time in both the tests compared to control (p< 0.001). The reduction in duration of immobility at the dose of 200 mg/kg was comparable to Imipramine. The study showed that aqueous extract of leaves of Morus alba has significant antidepressant activity in acute models of depression.

2 illus, 6 table, 21 ref

008641   Gueye M T;Diallo A;Gueye S;Seck D;Assiedu E; Wathelet J P;Lognay G (NO, Institut de Technologie Alimentaire, Hann-Dakar, BP 2765, Senegal, Email: gueyemt@gmail.com) : Analysis of the composition of plant essential oil used in cereals and legumes storage in Senegal. J essential Oil Bearing Pl 2016, 19(2), 403-9.

Chemical composition of Hyptis spicigera, H. suaveolens and Eucalyptus camaldulensis essential oils isolated by hydrodistillation of plant leaves from Senegal were determined by GC-MS / GC-FID. A total of twenty-nine, thirty-seven and thirty-four components were identified for H. spicigera, H. suaveolens and E. camaldulensis, respectively. H. spicigera oil contained as main components a-pinene (38.9%), β- pinene (14.7%) and caryophyllene (12.6%). For H. suaveolens we obtained at first, in February 1,8-Cineole (19.8%), caryophyllene (16.9%) and sabinene (11.6% ); at March, sabinene and caryophyllene represented 27.9% and 20.8% respectively while 1,8-Cineole decreased from 19.8 to 1.1%. The most important component revealed with E. camaldulensis were spathulenol (31.6%), p-cymene (11.3%), bicyclogermacrene (8.2%) and β-selinene (7.9%).

3 tables, 18 ref

008640   Ghosh S (Biotechnology Div, Council of Scientific and Industrial Research-Central Institute of Med, Lucknow-226 015, Email: sumitghosh@cimap.res.in) : Biosynthesis of structurally diverse triterpenes in plants: the role of oxidosqualene cyclases. Proc Indian Natn Sci Acad 2016, 82(4), 1189-210.

Triterpenes, thirty-carbon compounds derived from five-carbon isoprene units, are among the largest and diverse classes of natural products. To date, over 20,000 distinct triterpene structures having more than 100 skeletal variations are indentified from natural sources. The majority of this triterpene diversity is found within the plant kingdom. Plants often accumulate triterpenes in their glycosylated forms that are known as saponins. Plants usually produce triterpenes in tissue-specific, organ-specific and developmentally specific manners, and in response to environmental perturbation, and pest and pathogen attacks. Although, the biological function of majority of the triterpenes is yet to be determined, some triterpenes are suggested to play specialized/secondary function as defence compounds. On the contrary, sterols and steroid hormones that share common biosynthetic precursor (i.e. 2,3-oxidosqualene) with triterpenes play primary function during plant growth and development. The first diversifying step in triterpene/sterol biosynthesis is catalyzed by a family of enzymes known as oxidosqualene cyclases (OSCs) that convert 2,3-oxidosqualene into various triterpene/sterol scaffolds. In recent years, remarkable progress has been made in enzymatic characterization of OSCs from diverse plant species, besides isolation, structural elucidation and studying pharmacological activities of triterpenes. These efforts led to the identification of OSCs with diverse product specificities and, also helped us understand the evolution of OSC family in plants. In this review article, besides presenting an overview of triterpenes with respect to their structural diversity, biological functions and biosynthetic pathways, the role of OSCs in generating triterpene skeletal diversity in plants is highlighted.

^iia5 illus, 1 table, 109 ref

008639   Ghag-Sawant M;More T V;Samant L S;Chowdhary A S (Venomous Animal Unit, Zoonosis Dep, Haffkine Institute of Training, Research & Testing, Acharya Donde Marg, Near Wadia Hospital, Parel East, Mumbai-400 012, Email: drmrunal@gmail.com) : Study of neutralization of enzymatic activity of Daboia russelii venom by various plant extracts and their combinations using in vitro methods. Int J pharm Sci Res 2016, 7(6), 2531-6.

Snakebite is an important cause of morbidity and mortality and is one of the major health problems in India. Russell's viper (Daboia russelli) appears to be the commonest cause of fatal snakebite in many Asian countries and especially in the Indian subcontinent. Intravenous administration of anti venom serum neutralizes the systemic actions, but it is of little effect on the reversal of local symptoms and often induces adverse reactions, a context that drives the search for complementary treatments for snakebite accidents. Plant extracts with a range of antiophidian activities constitute an excellent alternative. The methanolic extracts of seeds of Pongamia pinnata, fruits of Piper longum and Sapindus laurifolius and leaves of Adhatoda zeylanica were tested for the snake venom neutralizing capacity using in vitro methods. The venom of Daboia russelii (Russell's viper) was used to evaluate the antivenom activity of these extracts individually and in combinations. The parameters assessed were the neutralization of procoagulant activity, proteolytic activity and phospholipase A2 activity. All the extracts studied exhibited significant activity in neutralizing the venom effects and among the four extracts tested Pongamia pinnata showed superior activity followed by Piper longum. The present study suggests the effectiveness of the above extracts in the treatment of snake bite and also supports the use of herbal extracts by tribal and Vaidya's.

32 ref

008638   Gambhir G;Gupta A K;Agrawal P;Kushwaha V; Singh A;Jain I P;Singh A N;Tripathi P (Pharmacology Dep, GSVM Medical College, Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh, Email: arbitnumb@hotmail.com) : Role of deferasirox, an oral iron chelator in prevention of ischemic reperfusion myocardial injury in albino rabbits. Int J pharm Sci Res 2016, 7(6), 2558-62.

An experimental study was carried out after getting approval from institustional animal ethical committee to study the role of oral iron chelator, deferasirox in prevention of myocardial ischemic reperfusion injury in albino rabbits. Albino Rabbits of either sex were divided into two groups control (n=5) and test group (n=5), receiving deferasirox. Experiments were done using isolated heart perfusion apparatus (Langendorff apparatus). The experiment was divided into three phases, perfusion (15 min) followed by ischemia (10 min) followed by reperfusion (15 min). LDH level of perfusate and coronary flow were taken as biochemical and physiological marker of myocardial reperfusion injury respectively and were measured at 5, 10 and 15 min of post ischemic period. Control and test groups were compared. The result shows that in the group receiving oral iron chelator, deferasirox, the decrease in post ischemic LDH level was significant (p <60> 0.01) at 5, 10 and 15 min while there was significant increase in post ischemic coronary flow at 5 min (p <60> 0.01) as compared with control. Thus oral iron chelator, deferasirox has protective role in prevention of myocardial ischemic reperfusion injury in albino rabbits.

18 ref

008637   Gadekar V G;Khetmalas M;Kapadnis B (NO, Dr. D. Y. Patil Institute of Biotechnology & Bioinformatics, Survey No. 87/88, Tathawade, Pune-411 033, Email: vrushali.gadekar@dpu.edu.in) : Microbial bioconversion of whey for indole-3-acetic acid producing bioinocula. Asian J Microbiol Biotechnol envir Sci 2016, 18(1), 195-204.

Whey is produced in huge amount in dairy industries and its disposal requires large amount of capital investment. In the present study, whey is utilized for screening and propagation of acidophilic actinomycetes and Pseudomonas. It has been observed that the selected organisms have potential to utilize whey ingredients and it may further be utilized as a low cost media. These isolates were also screened for Indole 3-acetic acid production. Maximum 6.41 mg L^{-1 & 11.2 mg L-1 of IAA was produced with Streptomyces sp. KKE & P. aeruginosa strain LK7 respectively. Whey was further utilized for development of bioinocula with selected plant growth promoting microorganisms. Effect of the prepared bioinocula was studied on plants like Arachis hypogia and Sorghum bicolor. Significant increase with some parameters was observed. The present study will help to know the use of whey as growth media for indole-3-acetic acid producing microorganisms.}

2 illus, 8 tables, 33 ref

008636   Erfath Thanjeem B;Sen D (Cellular and Molecular Therapeutics Laboratory, Centre for Biomaterials, Cellular and Molecular, Theranostics (CBCMT),, Vellore, Tamil Nadu, Email: dwaipayan.sen@vit.ac.in) : Emerging role of the delta opioid signalling pathway in treating neurological disorders - a focused review. Asian J Microbiol Biotechnol envir Sci 2016, 18(1), 263-70.

Although opioids are widely used as pain killers, studies in the past decade have shown considerable evidences of their non-analgesic effects, especially for the delta opioids. Among the three distinct opioid receptors-mu, delta, and kappa, the delta opioid receptor signalling pathway has been shown to play significant role in neural protection, differentiation and psychiatric disorders thus demonstrating therapeutic potential to treat several neurodegenerative diseases as well as in improving negative emotional states. Recognizing the therapeutic value of the delta opioid signalling pathway, researchers have been actively trying to understand the underlying mechanisms of their neuroprotective and psychiatric action in various preclinical models. Although considerable progress has been made, however, there is still a long way to go in thoroughly understanding the working mechanism of delta opioid receptors. Thus, this mini review attempts to highlight the importance of studying the delta opioid signalling pathway which can have potential therapeutic application in treating several neurological disorders.

1 illus, 1 table, 80 ref

008635   Dogan G;Bagci E (Biology Dep, Science Faculty, Firat Univ, Elazig, Turkey, Email: eyubagci@yahoo.com) : Essential oil composition of endemic Cyclotrichium niveum (Boiss.) Manden & Scheng (Lamiaceae) from Turkey: a chemotoxonomic approach. Asian J Chem 2016, 28(3), 493-6.

In this study, hydrodistilled essential oil derived from the aerial parts of Cyclotrichium niveum (Boiss.) Manden. & Scheng (Lamiaceae) grown in Turkey were analyzed by GC and GC-MS system. Fourty seven components were identified representing 94.2% of the oil. It was determined that C. niveum essential oil contained pulegone (32.0%), germacrene-D (16.9%), menthone (16%), isomenthone (8.8%) and spathulenol (3.4%) as major compounds, respectively. Essential oil analysis of the Cyclotrichium niveum has shown that it has pulegone/germacrene-D and menthone chemotype. The results were discussed by using numerical taxonomic clustering techniques in means of chemotaxonomy with the genus patterns. The dendrogram showed that the essential oil composition of Cyclotrichium genus patterns have different content but similar profiles in view of major compounds.

2 illus, 1 table, 26 ref

008634   Dhaliwal M K;Chandra N (Microbiology Dep, Birla College, Kalyan-421 304, Email: dmkaur@gmail.com) : Isolation of carotenoids producing marine red yeasts. Indian J Geomar Sci 2016, 45(8), 1029-34.

Marine red yeasts were enriched and isolated using sea-water samples from different locations as well as various marine animals. Two red yeast isolates selected were studied for their carotenoids production. Two selected isolates were identified as Rhodosporidium paludigenum and Sporobolomyces novazealandicus based on their cultural, morphological and biochemical characters. The isolates were studied for their carotenoid content using HPTLC and HPLC. The Rhodosporidium paludigenum isolate was observed to produce β-carotene only, whereas isolate Sporobolomyces novazealandicus produced higher amounts of total carotenoids, with an additional pigment.

1 illus, 4 tables, 16 ref

008633   DeGolier T;Lyle C;Ortmann A (Biological Sciences Dep, Bethel Drive, Bethel Univ, St. Paul, MN, USA) : Aqueous extracts from evening primrose seeds (Ocenethera biennis) contract isolated uterine tissues but have no effect on isolated cervical tissues. Int J herb Med 2017, 5(3), 10-16.

The effect of aqueous extracts from evening primrose seeds, Oenothera biennis, on mouse uterine tissues and rat cervical tissues in vitro were investigated at various concentrations (10-40 mg) using standard 15 mL organs baths. All extract concentrations used increased the force of uterine contractions; the highest concentrations yielded significant increases (P=0.01972). These contractile forces were slightly greater than those evoked from acetylcholine (10^{-5 M). Cervical tissues that were pre-contracted with a high potassium solution did not demonstrate any relaxation following 15 min incubations with the evening primrose seed extracts. The badrenergic receptor agonist isoproteronol did relax the cervical tissues by 97% (P=0.05). These results may indicate that some of the evening primrose constituents responsible for (1) uterine contractions are water-soluble and are present in the aqueous extract; and (2) cervical relaxation are primarily lipid-soluble and are present to a greater degree in the oil fraction.}

4 illus, 57 ref

008632   Dasari P K;Darapaneedi S R (NO, K.C. Reddy Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guntur-522 348) : Picogram level quantification of varenicline in human plasma samples by LC-ESI-MS/MS. Int J pharm Sci Res 2016, 7(6), 2510-17.

The objective of this research was to develop and validate a simple, sensitive and specific Liquid Chromatography - Tandem Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) quantification of Varenicline in human plasma using Varenicline -D4 as Internal Standard (IS). The analyte was separated on a Zorbax SB-C18, 4.6 x 75 mm, 3.5 μm, 80 Angstrum column with an isocratic mobile phase of 5mM ammonium formate: acetonitrile (10:90 v/v) at a flow rate of 0.8 mL/min. The protonated ions were formed by a turbo ionspray in a positive mode was used to detect analyte and internal standard (IS). The analytes were monitored by electrospray ionization in positive ion multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) mode was used to detect the Varenicline at m/z 212.1/169.0. This method is validated over a linear concentration range of 50.0-10000.0 pg/mL with a correlation coefficient (r) of = 0.9997. Both drug and internal standards were stable in plasma samples. This method demonstrated intra and inter-day precision within 1.2-4.5 and 3.5-7.4 and accuracy within 91.70-105.5% and 103.9-110.6%.

23 ref

008631   Dake M S;Patil N B (NO, Dr. D.Y. Patil Univ, Dr. D.Y. Patil Biotechnology & Bioinformatics Ins, Mumbai-Bangalore Highway, Tathawade, Pune-411 003, Email: manjusha.dake@gmail.com) : Effect of ethanol of three pools of glycogen in top flocculating strain of Saccharomyces cerevisiae-3441. Asian J Microbiol Biotechnol envir Sci 2016, 18(1), 227-32.

Three pools of glycogen present in yeast are soluble cytoplasmic glycogen, cell wall bound insoluble glycogen and cell surface glycogen. Yeast cells can store excess of glycogen when subjected to nutritional stress conditions or when grown in presence of higher sugar concentrations. But study regarding effect on glycogen content in yeast under ethanol stress conditions is equally important. Especially study is significant in both top and bottom fermenting yeast strains which exhibit different fermentation behavior. The present work is intended to study effect of external ethanol on all three pools of glycogen in top fermenting yeast strain Saccharomyce cerevisiae 3300 using alkali digestion process. Cells grown with ethanol concentrations from 2-8 % (v/v) exhibit significant rise in insoluble glycogen and other cell wall carbohydrate content. But depletion of insoluble glycogen was observed at higher ethanol concentrations from 10-12% (v/v). Such inhibitory effect of ethanol was supported by reduction in total cell count of yeast when grown at ethanol concentrations from 2-16% (v/v). Data indicates protective role of insoluble glycogen in yeast against ethanol stress by minimizing leakage cause by the action of ethanol on cell wall and cell membrane. Elevated level of cell surface a-glucans of yeast grown with externally added ethanol indicates correlation between ethanol, glycogen and flocculation.

8 illus, 1 table, 26 ref

008630   Chinta R R;Harikrishna V;Tulam V K;Mainkar P S;Dubey P K (Evolva Biotech Private, Limited, TICEL Bio Park Limited, , Taramani, Chennai-600 113, Email: rkrao983@gmail.com) : Synthesis and biological evaluation of naphthopyranppyrimidines derivatives as potential antifungal and antibacterial activities. Asian J Chem 2016, 28(4), 899-902.

A new series of novel 8,10-dimethyl-12-aryl-12H-naphtho[1',2,5,6]pyrano[2,3-d]pyrimidine-9,1 1-diones derivatives synthesized from coupling (3CC) of aldehydes, β-naphthol and 1,3-dimethylbarbituric acid derivatives with using green condition through a simple, mild and efficient procedure utilizing cellulose sulfuric acid as a catalyst. Final compounds were evaluated for antibacterial and antifungal activity. Compounds 4a, 4d, 4h display high potent antifungal activity against Candida parapsilopsis, compound 4d show more potent activity (MIC 4.6 mg/mL) better than miconazole. While compound 4d most effective on bacterial against Micrococcus luteus, Staphylococcus aureus MTCC 96 and Staphylococcus aureus MTCC 2940 with (MIC 2.3 mg/mL).

2 tables, 13 ref

008629   Chauhan R S;Nautiyal M C;Tava A (High Altitude Plant Physiology Research Center, H.N.B. Garhwal Univ, Srinagar, Uttarakhand, Email: rchauhanua@gmail.com) : Volatile composition of underground parts of Tanacetum longifolium Wallich ex DC.. J essential Oil Bearing Pl 2016, 19(2), 506-9.

Tanacetum longifolium is a perennial, aromatic herb (Asteraceae), growing between 3300-5000 msl in the Himalaya. Essential oil of this genus was imported in India for use in Homeopathy and western medicine. Plants were collected at flowering stage, essential oil was extracted using Clevenger type apparatus and analyzed by GC-MS and GC-FID. Eleven compounds have been identified from volatile oil constituting 83.0% of the total essential oil, out of which major component was β-pinene (<62>55.37%).

1 table, 19 ref

008628   Chaudhary B;Tripathi M K;Pandey S K;Bhandari H R;Meena D R;Prajapati S P (NO, ICAR-Central Potato Research Institute Campus, Meerut-250 110, Email: babchaudhary4@gmail.com) : Uses of flax (Linum usitatisimum) after harvest. Int J Trop Agric 2016, 34(1), 159.

Flax or flaxseed (Linum usitatissimum) is one of the oldest crop grown since the pre historic time of civilization. There is a great usefulness of seed, oil and fibre throughout the ages. Flaxseed or flax seed oil is very important for human nutrition because seed and oil of the flax are rich in lignans, fibres and Omega-3 fatty acids or Alpha-Linolenic Acid (ALA). These are an important essential fatty acid and maintain an appropriate balance of omega-3 fatty acid to omega-6 fatty acids. Lignans are benefit the heart, possess anti-cancer properties and it reduces growth of specific types of tumors. Row flax seeds contain the chemical hydrogen cyanide (HCN) or cyanogenicglucoside which can be toxic if consumed in large quantities. WHO gives to the flax seed, class of super star fast food. It is also used as edible oil in some part of country. Flaxseed cakes are very good manure and used as animal feed in throughout the country. The whole plant of flax has great economic value. The valuable fibre known as 'Linen' is obtained from the bark of its stem and traditionally used for bed sheets, underclothes and table linen.

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008627   Chand G B;Singh P (Aquatic Toxicology Laboratory, Post-Graduate Dep of Zoology, Patna Univ, Patna, Bihar, Email: gbchand@rediffmail.com) : Possible retrieval of organochlorine induced renal toxicity in fish by aqueous root extract of Withania somnifera: in vivo study. Int J pharm Sci Res 2016, 7(6), 2365-78.

The present study was aimed to assess the reno-protective impact of aqueous extract of root of Withania somnifera (WSR) commonly known as Ashwagandha against organochlorine induced renal toxicity in fish Clarias batrachus (Linn.).Fishes were exposed to 4ppb concentration of commercial brand Endocel, an organochlorine pesticide for one week and two week to prepare the toxic model. These toxic groups of fishes were further treated with aqueous root extract of Withania somnifera (WSR)@100 mg /kg body wt for four weeks. After schedule exposure, blood serum was extracted and analyzed for total protein (TP) content. Renal tissues were processed for light microscopy (LM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Endocel lowered TP at almost every exposure level. At LM level WSR extract treatment showed restoration of normal luminal characteristics of PCT & DCT and renal corpuscles but it failed to minimize abortive glomerulus, necrotic renal tubules with hypertrophied area, haemorrhagical clots & chronic venous congestion. At TEM level, WSR extract showed maximum retrieval in the cytoarchitecture of cuboidal epithelial cells of renal tubules and renal corpuscles. Concomitant treatment of endocel and WSR showed a very little sign of anomalies in renal tissues. A non-significant change was marked in control group when treated only with WSR extract. The serum level of TP showed a significant decline in organochlorine treated fish when compared with control. They showed a significant recovery after WSR treatment for four weeks. Concomitant treatment of endocel and WSR to the experimental group showed non-significant (at P<60>0.05) changes in TP. The WSR treatment alone to control group didn't show any significant correction in lowered TP. A perfect correlation between biochemical and histopathological finding signifies the excellent restorative power of WSR extract against organochlorine induced renal toxicity in fish.

38 ref