007497   Amit Kumar;Rao R;Joshi R;Hemlata;Mengi B; Joshi B;Bhakar S K (Veterinary Public Health and Epidemiology Dep, College of Veterinary and Animal Science, Rajasthan Univ of Veterinar, Bikaner-334 001) : Seroprevalence of bovine brucellosis related to dairies in Bikaner. Vet Practnr 2016, 17(1), 72-3.

Brucellosis is an emerging anthropozoonosis having serious public health implications in developing nations. Surveys were conducted on dairies. In the present study, 162 cattle serum samples belonging to different localities of Bikaner were screened using RBPT and STAT. In cattle, an overall prevalence of 5.55 per cent and 6.79 per cent was found using RBPT and STAT, respectively.

2 illus, 2 tables, 8 ref

007496   Aiko V;Mehta A (School of Biosciences and Technology, VIT Univ, Vellore-632 014, Email: alkamehta@vit.ac.in) : Degradation of aflatoxin B₁ using the herbal drug, LIV-52. Asian J Microbiol Biotechnol envir Sci 2016, 18(3), 727-32.

The objective of this study was to determine the potential of the herbal drug, Liv-52, and its components in degrading aflatoxin B1 (AFB1). Degradation was carried out by incubating AFB1 with various concentrations of Liv-52 and its components at 37 øC for 24 and 48 h. The inhibitory effect of Liv-52 on growth of Aspergillus flavus and AFB1 production in yeast extract sucrose medium was studied. Liv-52 showed efficiency in degrading AFB1, which increased with increasing concentration of the drug. Incubation of AFB1 with 100 mg/mL of Liv-52 resulted in 50% degradation; however complete degradation was not obtained. Among the constituents of Liv-52, Tamarix gallica and Terminalia arjuna were most effective in degrading AFB1, whereas Cichonium intybus and Solanum nigrum did not exhibit any degradation effect. The drug did not exhibit any inhibitory effect at the concentrations used. On the contrary, the presence of Liv- 52 in culture medium had enhanced the growth of A. flavus and AFB1 production. The results showed that Liv-52 could serve as a protective agent against AFB1, which is hepatotoxic.

4 illus, 2 tables, 28 ref

007495   Ahilananth N;Ramalingam S (Center for Biotechnology, Anna Univ, Chennai-600 025, Email: ramabioprocess@annauniv.edu) : Study on effects of inoculum medium and fed batch cultivation for polyhydroxyalkanotes synthesis by Pseudomonas putida MTCC 102 type B. Asian J Microbiol Biotechnol envir Sci 2016, 18(3), 733-6.

The present study portrays the synthesis of mcl PHAs from Pseudomonas putida using glucose as the sole carbon source. In spite of the fact that glucose was revealed to be efficient for mcl PHA production, unlike fatty acids it obliges nitrogen restriction for proficient PHA accumulation. In this study, we have demonstrated the impact of inoculum medium in batch cultivation and also developed the exponential feeding strategy to increase the PHA concentration in fed batch cultivation. There is a substantial increase in PHA concentration in fed batch cultivation hen compared with the batch cultivation. The final biomass and PHA concentrations achieved were 2.8 g/L and 0.62 g/L respectively.

3 illus, 9 ref

007494   Abbaszadeh-Goudarzi G;Siadat S D; Teimoori-Toolabi L;Bouzari S;Rezaie S;Abbaszadeh-Goudarzi K;Davari M; Khorramizadeh M R (Medical Biotechnology Dep, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Tehran Univ of medical Sc, Tehran, Iran, Email: d.siadat@gmail.com) : Cloning, expression and purification of recombinant HMW1, HMW2 and Hia as a fusion protein for vaccine candidate of nontypeable haemophilus influenza. Biosci Biotechnol Res Asia 2016, 13(4), 2177-85.

Nontypeable H. influenzae (NTHi) is an important pathogen in children causing otitis media. However,there is no vaccine against NTHi-induced diseases. HMW1,HMW2 and Hia are adhesin proteins of NTHi-strains and have potentiality to provide protection against NTHi-infections. The aim of present study was to construct recombinant HMW1-HMW2-Hia as a fusion protein and evaluate immune responses against recombinant fusion protein as vaccine candidates antigens. Binding domain of hmw1 gene (1080 bp) was amplified by PCR from genomic DNA and cloned into PET-28a vector,this vector was already modified by the insertion of a fragment named hmw2-hia into multiple cloning sites, and then was confirmed by colony-PCR, enzymatic digestion and gene sequencing. To express recombinant fusion protein, PET-28a-hmw1-hmw2-hia vector was transformed into competent BL12(DE3). Expressed protein was purified by affinity chromatography. BALB/c mice were subcutaneously immunized by purified protein in combination with Freund's adjuvant. Serum antibody responses and functionality of antibodies were determined by ELISA and SBA, respectively. In immunized group of Balb/c mice, the serum IgG responses was significantly increased against recombinant fusion protein in comparison with control, and also the antisera have shown strongly bactericidal activity against NTHi strain. The results have shown that recombinant fusion protein could induce the immune system to produce antibodies which was funtional to kill NTHi-strains. Based on the observation, the antisera have the possibility to provide protection against infections caused by NTHi.

8 illus, 22 ref

006689   Zi-min Y;Yue C;Hui G;Jia L;Gui-rong C;Wang J (College of Pharmacy, Liaoning Univ of Traditional Chinese Medicine Medicine, Dalian, China, Email: qjuanmeng@163.com) : Comparative pharmacokinetic profiles of three protoberberine-type alkaloids from raw and bile-processed Rhizoma coptidis in heat syndrome rats. Pharmacog Mag 2017, 13(49), 51-7.

The Bile-processed Rhizoma coptidis (BRC), which has a colder drug property than Rhizoma coptidis (RC), is widely used for the treatment of heat syndrome. We compared the pharmacokinetics of the protoberberine-type alkaloids in BRC and RC in rats with heat syndrome to elucidate the bile-processing mechanism. Material and Methods: We established a rapid and sensitive method for simultaneously determining three alkaloids: berberine, palmatine, and jatrorrhizine, in rat plasma based on ultra-performance liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry. The separation was carried out on a Waters ACQUITY BEA C₁₈ column. The mobile phase consisted of acetonitrile (containing 0.1% formic acid) and water (containing 0.1% formic acid and 10 mmol/L ammonium acetate) and carbamazepine was used as an internal standard. The detection was carried out in a multiple reaction monitoring mode (MRM) using electrospray ionization in the positive ion mode. Results: Pharmacokinetic profiles indicated that the C_max of berberine and palmatine increased two times and the T_max of the three alkaloids decreased three times after bile processing. AUC_0→<133> and AUC_0→t of the alkaloids were similar between RC and BRC. Conclusion: The results suggest that bile processing could increase the absorption rate of alkaloids. This study broadens our understanding of Chinese herbal medicine processing.

6 illus, 2 tables, 15 ref

006688   Zhao L;Wen E;Upur H;Tian S (College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Xiniang Normal Univ, Urumqi, Xinjiang, Email: tianshuge@hotmail.com) : High performance liquid chromatography-diode array detector method for the simultaneous determination of five compounds in the pulp and seed of sea buckthorn. Pharmacog Mag 2017, 13(49), 136-40.

Sea buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides L.) as a traditional Chinese medicinal plant has various uses in Xinjiang. Objective: A reversed-phase rapid-resolution liquid-chromatography method with diode array detector was developed for simultaneous determination of protocatechuic acid, rutin, quercetin, kaempferol, and isorhamnetin in the pulp and seed of sea buckthorn, a widely used traditional Chinese medicine for promoting metabolism and treating scurvy and other diseases. Settings and design: Compounds were separated on an Agilent ZORBAX SB-C18 column (4.6 mm x 250 mm, 5 μm; USA) with gradient elution using methanol and 0.4% phosphoric acid (v/v) at 1.0 mL/min. Detection wavelength was set at 280 nm. The fruits of wild sea buckthorn were collected from Wushi County in Aksu, Xinjiang Province. Statistical performances: The RSD of precision test of the five compounds were in the range of 0.60-2.22%, and the average recoveries ranged from 97.36% to 101.19%. Good linearity between specific chromatographic peak and component qualities were observed in the investigated ranges for all the analytes (R2 > 0.9997). The proposed method was successfully applied to determine the levels of five active components in sea buckthorn samples from Aksu in Xinjiang. Conclusions: The proposed method is simple, fast, sensitive, accurate, and suitable for quantitative assessment of the pulp and seed of sea buckthorn.

4 illus, 4 tables, 21 ref

006687   Yoon S W;Lee K P;Do-Yoon K;Hwang D I; Kyung-Jong W;Lee D W;Lee H M (Cosmetic Science Dep, College of Life and Health Sciences, Hoseo Univ, Asan, Chungnam Prefecture, Republic of Korea, Email: kacsital@hoseo.edu) : Effect of absolute from Hibiscus syriacus L. flower on wound healing in keratinocytes. Pharmacog Mag 2017, 13(49), 85-9.

Objective is to establish the dermatological properties of absolute from Hibiscus syriacus L. flower (HSF) and to provide fundamental research for alternative medicine. Materials and Methods: We identified the composition of HSF absolute using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis. We also examined the effect of HSF absolute in HaCaT cells using the XTT assay, Boyden chamber assay, sprout-out growth assay, and western blotting. We conducted an in-vivo wound healing assay in rat tail-skin. Results: Ten major active compounds were identified from HSF absolute. As determined by the XTT assay, Boyden chamber assay, and sprout-out growth assay results, HSF absolute exhibited similar effects as that of epidermal growth factor on the proliferation and migration patterns of keratinocytes (HaCaT cells), which were significantly increased after HSF absolute treatment. The expression levels of the phosphorylated signaling proteins relevant to proliferation, including extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (Erk 1/2) and Akt, were also determined by western blot analysis. Conclusion: These results of our in-vitro and ex-vivo studies indicate that HSF absolute induced cell growth and migration of HaCaT cells by phosphorylating both Erk 1/2 and Akt. Moreover, we confirmed the wound-healing effect of HSF on injury of the rat tail-skin. Therefore, our results suggest that HSF absolute is promising for use in cosmetics and alternative medicine.

5 illus, 1 table, 31 ref

006686   Yao X;Huang X;Li S;Wu Y;Lin X;Shi P (Pharmaceutical Analysis Dep, Faculty of Pharmacy, Fujian Medical Univ, Fozhou, China, Email: yauhung@126.com) : Simultaneous determination of eight phenolic acids, five saponins and four tanshinones for quality control of compound preparations containing danshen-sanqi herb-pair by HPLC-DAD. Pharmacog Mag 2017, 13(49), 64-75.

In this paper, a high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) method was developed to simultaneously determine seventeen bioactive components, including 8 phenolic acids, 4 tanshinones, and 5 saponins, for quality control of compound preparations containing DS-SQ herb-pair. The chromatographic separation was studied on an Ultimate^{TM XB-C₁₈ column (150 mm x 4.6 mmi.d., 3.5 μm) with a mobile phase composed of 0.5% aqueous acetic acid and acetonitrile using a gradient elution in 70 min. Results: The optimum detection wavelength was set at 288 nm for phenolic acids and tanshinones, and 203 nm for saponins. The method was validated sufficiently by examining the precision, recoveries, linearity, range, LOD and LOQ, and was successfully applied to quantify the seventeen compounds in five commercial preparations containing DS-SQ herb-pair. Conclusions: It is the first time to report the rapid and simultaneous analysis of the seventeen compounds with the base-line separation of peaks for ginsenoside Rg1 and Re in 70 min by routine HPLC. This HPLC method could be considered as good quality criteria to control the quality of preparations containing DS-SQ herb-pair.}

3 illus, 5 tables, 40 ref

006685   Yang J M;Jiang H;Dai H L;Wang Z W;Jia G Z; Meng X C (College of Pharmacy, Heilongjiang Univ of Chinese Medicine, Harbin, Email: mengxiangcai000@163.com) : Feeble antipyretic, analgesic, and anti-inflammaroty activities were found with regular dose 4'-O-β-D-glucosyl-5-O-methylvisamminol, one of the conventional marker compounds for quality evaluation of radix saposhnikoviae. Pharmacog Mag 2017, 13(49), 168-74.

4'-O-β-D-glucosyl-5-O-methylvisamminol (GML) is a conventional marker compound for quality control of Radix Saposhnikoviae. Despite that, neither pharmacodynamic or pharmacokinetic information is available with regard to GML. As such, the aim of thisstudy was to assess the conventional evaluation indices for the quality of Radix Saposhnikoviae. Pyretic animal model, hot plate test, and ear edema model were established to evaluate and compare the antipyretic, analgesic, and anti-inflammatory effect of the chromone derivativescimifugin, prime-O-glucosylcimifugin (PGCN), and GML in Radix Saposhnikoviae. High performance liquid chromatography separation and analysis was used to obtain pharmacokinetic parameters. Simulated gastric fluid and simulated intestinal fluid was used to investigate the metabolite profiles of PGCN and GML in gastrointestinal tract. Cimifugin exerted a marked dose-dependent antipyretic, analgesic, and anti-inflammatory effect,whereas the effects of PGCN were relatively lower. GML had feeble pharmacodynamic effects. Pharmacokinetic study showed that only cimifugin was detected in the plasma sample of cimifugin and PGCN-treated animals, with drug concentration in the former much higher than the latter. No components were traced in the plasma samples from GML-treated rats. Stability study showed that PGCN and GML was predominantly biotransformed into cimifugin and 5-O-methyvisammiol, respectively. The latter was proven to be extremely unstable in liver tissue homogenate and plasma. A feeble antipyretic, analgesic, and anti-inflammatory activities was observed when GML was orally delivered. Given that Radix Saposhnikoviae extract is generally administered orally, we speculate that this compound might be a nonpharmacolagically active agent in real usage. Thus, it might be unscientific to evaluate the quality of Radix Saposhnikoviae based on the content of GML.

5 illus, 5 tables, 16 ref

006684   Yang H;Kim H W;Kim Y C;Sung S H (College of Pharmacy, Kangwon National Univ, Chuncheon, Republic of Korea, Email: shsung@snu.ac.kr) : Cytotoxic activities of naturally occurring oleanane-, ursane-, and lupane-type triterpenes on HepG2 and AGS cells. Pharmacog Mag 2017, 13(49), 118-22.

Thirty lupane-(L1-7)oleanane-(O1-14)and ursane-type (U1-9) triterpenes with structural diversity were examined to evaluate their cytotoxic activities against two cancer cell lineshuman hepatocellular carcinoma (HepG2) and AGS cells. They were isolated from Hedera helix, Juglans sinensisand Pulsatilla koreana using a series of column chromatography methods and were treated to evaluate their cytotoxic activities against HepG2 and AGS human gastric adenocarcinoma cell. Furthertwo triterpenes showing the most potent activities were subjected to the apoptotic screening assay using flow cytometry. The polar groupssuch as an oxo group at C-1a free hydroxyl at C-2C-3or C-23 and a carboxylic moiety at C-28 as well as the type of backboneexplicitly increased the cytotoxic activity on two cancer cells. O5 and U5 showed significantly the potent cytotoxic activity in comparison to other glycosidic triterpenes. In annexin-V/propidium iodide (PI) staining assaythe percentage of late apoptosis (annexin-V+/PI+) 12 and 24 h after treatment with O5 and U5 at 25 μM increased from 14.5% to 93.1% and from 46.4% to 49.1% respectively in AGS cells. The cytotoxicity induced by O5 showed a significant difference compared to U5 for 12 and 24 h. In the studywe can suggest the potent moieties which influence their cytotoxic activities against two cancer cells. The polar groups at C-1, C-2, C-3, C-23, and C-28 and the linkage of sugar moieties influenced the different cytotoxic activities.

4 illus, 1 table, 21 ref

006683   Yaldiz G (Faculty of Agriculture and Natural Sciences, Field Crops Dep, Abant Izzet Baysal Univ, Bolu, Turkey, Email: g_yaldiz@hotmail.com) : Effects of potassium sulfate [K₂SO₄] on the element contents, polyphenol content, antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of milk thistle [Silybum marianum]. Pharmacog Mag 2017, 13(49), 102-7.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the influences of potassium sulfate [K2SO4] fertilizer doses on polyphenol content, some nutrient elements, antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of milk thistle at experimental fields of Ordu University in Turkey. Methods: The antimicrobial activities of seed ethanol extracts and seed oil were tested in vitro against Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa), Escherichia coli, (E. coli) Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus), Aspergillus niger (A. niger) and Candida albicans (C. albicans) using the disc diffusion method. Free radical scavenging activity of the ethanolic extracts of milk thistle was determined spectrophotometrically by monitoring the disappearance of 2, 2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazil (DPPH) at 517 nm according to the method described by Brand-Williams et al. The phenolic contents in the ethanolic extracts of milk thistle were determined according to the procedure described by Slinkard and Singleton with a slight modification of using a Folin-Ciocalteu phenolic reagent. The amount of total flavonoid in the ethanolic extracts was measured by aluminum chloride [AlCl₃] colorimetric assay. The ions in aerosol samples were determined by using Dionex ICS 1100 Series ion chromatography. Seed and seed oils obtained from obvious doses of potassium sulfate [0, 30, 60, 90 and 120 kg ha^{-1 fertilizer applications showed antimicrobial activities against E. coli, A. niger and P. aeruginosa. The application of 90 kg ha-1 of K₂SO₄ on seed oil resulted in the highest antimicrobial activities. At 100 μg mL-1 and 200 μg mL-1, except the highest potassium application [120 kg ha-1 extract, all extracts showed high and similar DPPH scavenging activity. The highest phenolic compounds were obtained with 30 kg ha-1 of K₂SO₄, whereas the use of 60 kg ha-1 caused the highest total flavonoid content. This plant is a good source of K+, Ca+2, PO4-3, and Cl-1. Conclusion: In this study, increasing doses of potassium sulfate had significant effect on element, polyphenol content, antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of the milk thistle.}

4 illus, 3 tables, 49 ref

006682   Xu S Q;Zhang H;Hou Z F;Wang Y P (Institute of Special Wild, Economic Animals and Plants, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Changchun, China) : Characteristics of seed size and its relationship to germination in American ginseng (Panax quinquefolius L.). J med Pl Stud 2017, 5(1), 4-8.

The aims of this work were to investigate the variation of seed size related parameters and their relationship as well as whether seed size impact on germination in American ginseng. A total of 8596 American ginseng seeds from eight different regions were included in this study. There was a normal distribution for the frequency of seed weight, length, width and thickness. A great portion of seeds (more than 90%) varied within 2 mm for dimension parameters. Significant positive liner relationship was observed between seed weight and width, length and weight, and width and length. Seed size significantly affected kernel area, plumpness, split percentage and germination. Seed split and germination percentage is more depended on plumpness but not seed size. Medium seeds had the highest germination percentage, followed by large and small seeds with no significant difference between them. Both extremely large and small seed performed poorly for germination, and extremely large seeds exhibited higher germination percentage than extremely small seeds. The results of the study do not agree with the commonly accepted conception that the larger the better for ginseng seeds.

2 illus, 1 table, 24 ref

006681   Xavier S K;Haneefa S M;Anand D R;Polo P R; Maheshwari R;Shreedhara C S;Setty M M (Pharmacognosy Dep, Manipal College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Manipal Univ, Manipal, Karnataka, Email: mm.setty@manipal.edu) : Antioxidant and nephroprotective activities of the extract and fractions of Homonoia riparia Lour. Pharmacog Mag 2017, 13(49), 25-30.

The present study aims at investigating the in vitro antioxidant and nephroprotective activity of the methanol extract and its different fractions of H. riparia. Methods: Petroleum ether (HRPE), Ethyl acetate (HREA), Butanol (HRBU), aqueous fractions (HRAQ) were prepared from the crude methanol extract of H. riparia (HRM) using liquid partitioning. Total phenolic content, flavonoid content and antioxidant activity assay were performed according to suitable methods. Nephroprotective activities were evaluated by MTT assay using Human Embryonic Kidney cells against cisplatin induced toxicity. Quantification of gallic acid was performed using validated HPTLC method. Results: The studies showed that extract and fractions possess significant nephroprotective activity against cisplatin induced renal toxicity. All the extracts/fractions of whole plant of Homonoia riparia was found to be significantly reducing cisplatin induced toxicity (< 0.05). The highest activity was observed with HRBU and HRAQ with a percentage viability of 293.09 ± 4.3 and 345.07 ± 3.2 at a concentration of 200 μg/ml. Gallic acid was detected in the HRM/fractions using HPTLC.

2 illus, 3 tables, 39 ref

006680   Wyson J W;Padmanabhan A S;Marimuthu S; Deventhiran M;Saravanan P;Anand D (Botany Dep, Ramakrishan Mission Vivekananda College (Autonomous), Mylapore, Chennai) : In vitro evaluation of the Sphagneticola calendulacea against VZV using Hep-2 cell line. Pharma Innovation 2017, 6(1), 19-22.

Due to the high preponderance of viral infections having no peculiar medication and the perpetual appearance of resistant viral strains, the development of novel antiviral agents is imperative. The aim of this study was to evaluate the antiviral potential of methanol and ethanolic crude extract of an ethnomedicine Sphagneticola calendulacea against Varicella Zoster Virus (VZV) using HEp-2 cell line. To assess the reduction of viability of infected or uninfected cell cultures, the MTT [3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide] colorimetric assay were used, and the capacity of the extracts to inhibit the lytic activity of VZV. The therapeutic index of the positive extracts for the antiviral activity was determined by calculating the ratio CC50 (50% cytotoxic concentration) over IC50 (50% inhibitory concentration of the viral effect). The results endorse that ethanol and methanol extract of S. calendulacea showed a maximum relative activity at 25μg/ml compared to the standard drug Acyclovir.

4 illus, 2 tables, 18 ref

006679   Whankatte V R;Ambhore J S (GES Arts, Commerce & Science College, Shreewardhan-402 110, Email: ambhorejalindar@yahoo.in) : Phytochemical screening & antioxidant activities of Cladophora glomerata Linn collected from raigad coast of Konkan (M.S.) India. Int J Sci Nat 2016, 7(3), 659-63.

The marine macro algal species have great antioxidant potentials. They produce various numbers of bioactive compounds. The aim of present investigation was to evaluate the phytochemical screening and antioxidant activity of green alga Cladophora glomerata Linn belonging to family- Glomerataceae. This alga collected along the coasts of Raigad of Konkan region of Maharashtra. Qualitative phytochemical investigations indicate that the extract of Cladophora glomerata contained phytoconstituents like flavonoids, glycosides, phenolic compounds, saponins, tannin and proteins. The antioxidant potential investigated by using four methods like DPPH radical scavenging(%), FRAP Assay, Reducing power assay and determination of total phenolic contents. Obtained results from these methods clearly indicates that the Cladophora glomerata have a great antioxidant potential.

14 ref

006678   Wang Q;Sun P;Wang R;Zhao X (Chongging Collaborative Innovation Center for Functional Food, Chongging Univ of Education, Chongging, Email: foods@live.in) : Therapeutic effect of Dendrobium candidum on lupus nephritis in mice. Pharmacog Mag 2017, 13(49), 129-35.

Dendrobium candidum (D.candimum) widely is a functional drug. The curative effect of D. candidum on lupus nephritis has been studied in vivo. The DBA/2 and B6D2F1 mice were used for this in vivo experiment. The 50% effective dose (ED50) was used to check the effective concentration for this study. Then the SCr, BUN, TC, TG, IL-6, IL-12, TNF-α, and IFN-γ levels were determined by kits. The output of urine protein was determined by means of Coomassie Brilliant Blue, and the auto-antibody dsDNA was determined with titer plate technology and indirect immunofluorescence. The NF-κB, IκB-α, TGF-β1, Fas, and FasL expressions were measured by RT-PCR and western blot assay. The component analysis of D. candidum was determined by nuclear magnetic resonance. Based on the ED₅₀ result at 329 mg/kg, 200 and 400 mg/kg doses were chosen for this study. SCr, BUN, TC and TG levels of 400 mg/kg D. candidum mice were lower than control mice, TP and ALB levels were higher than control mice. The control and 400 mg/kg treated mice tested positive for dsDNA at the end of sixth and tenth week after the experiment began. The glomerular number of 400 mg/kg treated mice was more than control group. Treatment with 400 mg/kg D. candidum reduced IL-6, IL-12, TNF-α and IFN-γ cytokine levels as compared to control mice. D. candidum decreased NF-κb, TGF-β1, Fas, FasL and increased IκB-α expressions in kidney tissue. There were 11 compounds in dry D. candidum, these compounds might make the curative effects of lupus nephritis. D. candidum showed a potential curative effect on lupus nephritis. It could be used as a health medicine on lupus nephritis.

3 illus, 5 tables, 25 ref

006677   Wang N;Awadasseid A;Yuan Y;Cui J;Guo T;Gou D; Bai Y;Zhou Y;Gao J (Jilin Province Key Laboratory on Chemistry and Biology of Natural Drug, School of Life Sciences Northeast Normal Univ, 5268 Renmin Street, Chengchun-130 024, Email: gaoj199@nenu.edu.cn) : Biotransoformation of ginsenoside Rb1 for ginsenoside Rd preparation by Lysinibacillus massiliensis No. 24. Indian J Biotechnol 2016, 15(3), 400-6.

Bacterium Lysinibacillus massiliensis No. 24 was tested for its ability to transform the major ginsenosides Rb1. The transformation product was identified by thin layer chromatography (TLC) and high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), and its structure was assigned by 13C-NMR. The bacterium was found to specifically transform major ginsenoside Rb1 and ginsenoside Rd was the sole product. The optimal conditions for transforming Rb1 by L. massiliensis No. 24 were determined to be: substrate concentration, 3 mg/mL; temperature, 34°C; pH 10; the time of substrate addition, 48 h; cell concentration, 0.30 x 10^{9 cells/mL; and biotransformation period, 3 d. Under the optimum conditions, the maximum yield of ginsenoside Rd reached 97%. Further, a preparative scale transformation with L. massiliensis No. 24 was performed with 150 mg Rb1 to give a yield of 79%. This bacterium would be potentially applied in the preparation of Rd.}

10 illus, 1 table, 19 ref

006676   Verma P;Vishnu Kumar;Rathore B;Singh R K; Mahdi A A (Biochemistry Dep, Maharani Laxmi Bai Medical College, Kanpur Road, Jhansi-284 001, Email: pbmlbc@gmail.com) : Hypolipidemic activity of Aloe vera in hyperlipidemic rats. Int J Pharmac 2016, 3(4), 196-200.

The hypolipidemic activity of Aloe Vera (Family: Liliaceae) extract has been studied in two models of hyperlipidemia in rats. In an acute model, hyperlipidemia was induced by injecting a single dose of triton WR-1339 (400mg/kg, b.w.) intraperitonially in rats. Feeding with Aloe Vera extract at the dose of 500 mg/ kg, b.w. exerted significant lipid lowering effect as assessed by the reversal of plasma levels of total cholesterol (TC), phospholipids (PL), triglyceride (TG) and reactivation of post heparin lipolytic activity (PHLA). In the chronic model, hyperlipidemia was induced by feeding with cholesterol rich- HFD in rats. The treatment with seeds extract of Aloe Vera (500 mg/ kg b.w) simultaneously for 15 days also caused lowering of lipid levels in plasma and liver following reactivation of plasma post heparin lipolytic activity and hepatic lipoprotein lipase activity in animals. The hypolipidemic activity of Aloe Vera was compared with a standard drug guggulipid (200 mg/ kg, b.w.) in both models.

3 tables, 14 ref

006675   Velusamy B;Kaliyaperumal S;Raju A (PG & Research Dep of Zoology, Nehru Memorial College, Puthanampatti-621 007, Email: kaliyaperumalsaravanan72@gmail.com) : Collection and data-mining of boiactive compounds with cancer treatment properties in the plants of Fabaceae family. Int J pharm Sci Res 2016, 7(5), 2065-73.

Medicinal plants therapeutic agents are a big source of information for a wide variety of chemical constituents which could be developed as new drugs. The present study focused on anticancer, antitumor anticarcinogenic and cancer preventive activities of bioactive compounds found in plants belonging to Fabaceae family. The bioactive compounds and their scientific details were mining from publically available phytochemical databases (Dr. Duke's phytochemistry and ethnobotanical database and USDA phytochemical database). Fabaceae family is one of the largest family which includes 18,860 plant species, of them, 12 plant species were identified to posses 106 bioactive compounds related to cancer treatment. The plant species such as Acacia nilotica, Arachis hypogaea, Cajanus cajan, Crotalaria juncea, Glycine max, Mimosa pudica, Pisum sativum, Psoralea esculenta, Tamarindus indica, Trifolium pratense, Trigonella foenum-graecum and Vigna subterranean possess bioactive compounds leading to cancer treatment. The important and mostly studied phytochemical compounds are Beta carotene, Alpha tocopherol, Alanine, Genestein, Caffeic acid, Tannin, Alpha carotene, Ascorbic acid, Limonene, Daidzein, Rutin and Niacin.

25 ref

006674   Ved A;Gupta A;Rawat A K S (NO, Goel Institute of Pharmacy and Sciences, Faizabaad Road, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, Email: akashved@gmail.com) : Antioxidant and hepatoprotective potential of phenol-rich fraction of Juniperus communic Linn. leaves. Pharmacog Mag 2017, 13(49), 108-13.

In the present study, the antioxidant, cytotoxic and hepatoprotective activities of Juniperus communis leaves were investigated against various models. Materials and Methods: ethanolic extract (70% v/v) of J. communis leaves was successively extracted using hexane and ethyl acetate to prepare various fractions. Total phenol content was resolute by the Folin-Ciocalteau's process. The antioxidant properties of the different fractions/extract of leaves of J. communis were examined by 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging activity and Fe^{2+ chelating ability. Cytotoxic activity was examined by cell viability assay on HepG2 cells. Hepatoprotective activity of ethyl acetate fraction (EAF) evaluated against PCM-Paracetamol-induced hepatic damage in Wistar albino rats. Results: Total phenol content was found maximum 315.33 mg/GAE/g in EAF. Significant scavenging activity were found for EAF (IC₅₀ = 177 μg/ml) as compared to standard BHT (IC₅₀ = 138 μg/ml), while EAF showed good Fe2+ chelating ability having an IC₅₀ value of 261 mg/ML compared to standard ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (7.7 mg/mL). It was found that EAF treated group shows remarkable decrease in serum Aspartate aminotransferase, serum Alanine aminotransferase, total bilirubin, direct bilirubin, and alkaline phosphatase level in treatment group as compared to the hepatotoxic group. Conclusion: EAF of J. communis leaves is found to be potent antioxidant and hepatoprotective without any cytotoxicity and it can also be included in nutraceuticals with notable benefits for mankind or animal health.}

2 illus, 3 tables, 47 ref

006673   Valli Nachiyar C;Ananth P B;Sunkar S;Karunya A;Anuradha Jabasingh S (Biotechnology Dep, Sathyabama Univ, Chennai-600 119, Email: vnachiyar@gmail.com) : Decolorization and biodegradation of textile azo dye acid black 24 by developed bacterial consortium CN-1A. Indian J Biotechnol 2016, 15(3), 412-9.

Biological treatment of waste water seems to be a promising option for the treatment of dye containing effluent. A consortium of organisms proves to be more effective rather than individual organism in the process of degradation. The present investigation tries to develop a novel bacterial consortium CN-1A consisting of Moraxella osloensis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Citrobacter freundii, Bacillus sp. and Bacillus thuringiensis for the decolourization of Acid Black 24 (AB 24), a diazo dye used in textile industries. This consortium efficiently removed 84% of the 50 mg/L of dye from the mineral salt medium. The rate of decolorization was found to increase up to 20 h of incubation, after which there was a gradual decrease. The degradation reaction followed first order kinetics with a k value of 0.1796 h^{-1 with R2 value of 0.968. The FTIR and GC-MS analyses indicated aniline, naphthoquinone and salicylic acid as intermediate compounds in the dye degradation by developed consortium CN-1A. This consortium was found to be capable of bringing about 79.72% degradation of 80% diluted textile effluent containing 15 mg/L of AB 24. Phytotoxicity studies clearly indicated the efficiency of this treatment process, which may pave way for the reusability of dye containing effluent.}

7 illus, 2 tables, 24 ref

006672   Usharani T R;Jalali S;Manasa M;Samuel D K; Krishnareddy M (Div of Plant Pathology, ICAR-Indian Insititute of Horticulture Research, Hessaraghatta Lake Post, Bangalore-560 089, Email: usharanitr@gmail.com) : Identification of mixed infection caused by badnavirus and CMV in jasmine (Jasminum multiflorum Roth). Indian J Biotechnol 2016, 15(3), 437-9.

The symptoms of chlorotic ring spots and irregular chlorotic patches were recently observed on leaves of landscape-grown jasmine (Jasminum multiflorum Roth) in southern parts of India. The causal agent was mechanically transmitted from symptomatic leaves of jasmine to Nicotiana glutinosa, Capsicum annum, Solanum lycopersicum, Cucurbita pepo and Cucumis sativus. Leaf dip preparations from virus-infected plants in electron microscopy revealed the presence of isometric particles similar to Cucumber mosaic virus (CMV) and bacilliform virus particles of badnavirus. The virus reacted specifically with IgG for CMV and Banana streak virus (BSV) in direct antigen coating, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. No reaction was observed with ilar-, poty- and tospo-viruses specific IgG. Reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction with total RNA isolated from symptomatic jasmine leaves and infected N. tabacum 'Xanthi' using CMV coat protein (CMV CP) specific primers amplified the expected product. The association of badna virus with jasmine was confirmed by PCR amplification, cloning and sequencing of 560 bp amplicon corresponding to the reverse transcriptase and ribonuclease H coding region in open reading frame III. The sequence analysis revealed maximum identity to badna virus group Diascorea bacilliform virus (88.5% at nt level) and CMV group IB (96% at nt level). To our knowledge, this is the first report of CMV and badna mixed infection in jasmine in India.

5 illus, 9 ref

006671   Tikadar P;Palita S K;Panda D (Biodiversity and Conservation of Natural Resources Dep, Central Univ of Orissa, Koraput) : Phytochemical analysis of medicinal plants used for treatment of dysentery and diarrhoea by the paraja tribe of Koraput, Odisha, India. Int J herb Med 2017, 5(2), 1-4.

The present investigation elucidates the ethnomedicinal importance of nine different medicinal plants such as Holarrhena antidysenterica. (Roth), Murraya koenigii (L.) Spreng, Thysanolaena maxima (Roxb.) Kuntze, Flemingia strobilifera (L.) W.T. Aiton, Syzygium cumini (L.) Skeels, Helicteres isora (L.), Manilkara zapota (L.) P. Royen., Plumbago zeylanica (L.), Bombax ceiba (L.) used for treatment of diarrhea and dysentery by the Paraja tribe of Koraput district of Odisha, India. A high degree of informant consensus for each species was observed. The aqueous extract of different plant samples were used for the phytochemical analysis to find out the phytochemical constituents in the plants. Phytochemical analysis of these plants revealed that some plants are promising sources of several chemical constituents like alkaloids, flavonoids, glycosides, phenols and antioxidants with free radical scavenging activity in varying proportions and possess anti-diarrhoeal activity. The study suggests that further work should be carried out to elucidate the possible mechanism of action of these extracts against diarrhea and dysentery.

3 tables, 22 ref

006670   Tande A T;Lade M S;Patil A R;Patil A B; D"souza J I (NO, Tatyasaheb Kore College of Pharmacy, Waranagar, Kolhapur-416 113, Email: attande.tkcp@gmail.com) : Screening of soy lectin: as new Era cancer healing agent. Int J pharm Sci Res 2016, 7(5), 2147-51.

The lectins are glycoproteins or sugar binding proteins of non-immune origin but are barred from sugar binding antibodies and enzymes. Lectins are isolated and purified from seeds of Glycine max by soxhlet extraction and dialysis. These collected crude lectins were centrifuged till pH is shifted downward to optimal pH for coprecipitation. Filtration of the same carried out on a Buchner funnel with a pad of Hiflo Supercel on whatman paper. Galactose was added as a ligand to the mixture kept at 250C for 10-20 min. It formed matrix coprecipitation which was centrifuged to remove additional particulates. Supernatant was removed and retained the galactose lectin coprecipitate which finally yields lectins, further purified by dialysis. Encapsulation by spray drying using maltodextrin and lactose along with the Eudragit S100 targeted the drug moiety to colon. Purified Lectins have the binding property of carbohydrate moieties on the surface of erythrocytes which agglutinate the erythrocytes, these lectins were evaluated by the agglutination test using 'A' positive blood group. These lectins showed anticancer activity against the colorectal type of cancer cell lines HCT- 116; proved as new link for developing anticancer drug specific to colorectal adenomas from Glycine max seeds. Calculated IC₅₀ value by SRB cytotoxic study which was found 12 compared with capecitabine as standard anticancer drug which was 9.

29 ref

006669   Talreja K;Moon A (Biotechnology Univ Dep, Rashtrasant Tukadoji Maharaj Nagpur Univ, Nagpur-440 033, Email: moon.archana@gmail.com) : Effect of nutrients on liver marker enzymes of wistar rats. Int J pharm Sci Res 2016, 7(5), 2236-41.

A wide range of compounds are found to be effective against cancer for example Vitamin D₃₃, proline and selenium and study its effect on the SGOT, SGPT and ALP levels. To see the synergistic effect of these nutrients, along with glucosinolates from cabbage two nutrient medium were formulated, NM1 (100 mg/kg BW of rats of Brassica oleracea extract+ 25 mg/kg BW of Vitamin D₃+ 4 μg/kg BW selenium+ 500 mg/kg BW of proline) and NM2 (200 mg/kg BW of rats of Brassica oleracea extract+ 50 mg/kg BW of Vitamin D₃+ 6 μg/kg BW selenium+ 1000 mg/kg BW of proline). These NM were administered to Wistar albino rats, divided into three groups. Each group housed 5 rats (2 males and 3 females). The effect of administration of NM1 and NM2, to above mentioned rats, once daily for 14 days on the liver markers was investigated. On 15th day, the rats were sacrificed, liver was surgically removed. Liver sections were analyzed histopathologically. Decrease in SGPT and SGOT levels as compared to normal control was observed. Histology of liver tissue, also corroborated with the biochemical analysis.

9 ref

006668   Sushmita K;Ramesh B;Pattanayk D;Ananda Kumar P (National Research Center on Plant Biotechnology (NRCPB), Pusa Campus, New Delhi-110 012, Email: debasispattanayak@yahoo.co.in) : Gene pyramiding: A strategy for insect resistance management in Bt transgenic crops. Indian J Biotechnol 2016, 15(3), 283-91.

Preventing or delaying evolution of resistance in insects through adoption of judicial resistance management strategy is critical for the sustainable use of Bt transgenic crops. Strategies for resistance management in insect resistant Bt crops include: high dose strategy, moderate dose strategy, temporal- or time-specific toxins expression, refuge strategy, gene pyramiding/stacking, mixtures, rotations or mosaics of transgenic plants. Among these, pyramided/stacked plants have the potential to delay resistance more effectively than sequential deployment of single Bt toxin containing plants or in mosaics, even with relatively small and more economically acceptable refuge size. Resistance can be delayed for extended period even by reducing the refuge size if two or more toxin coding genes are pyramided in a single plant. If toxins are used independently, there is a possible risk of cross-resistance among the toxins.

2 tables, 66 ref

006667   Suryavanshi S;Raina P;Deshpande R; Kaul-Ghanekar R (Interactive Research School for Health Affairs (IRSHA), Bharati Vidyapeeth Univ, Katraj-Dhankawadi, Pune, Maharashtra, Email: ruchika.kaulghanekar@gmail.com) : Nardostachys jatamansi root extract modulates the growth of IMR-32 and SK-N-MC neuroblastoma cells lines through MYCN mediated regulation of MDM2 and p53. Pharmacog Mag 2017, 13(49), 21-4.

The present study evaluated the effect of ethanolic extract of Nardostachys jatamansi roots (NJ_et) on MYCN mediated regulation of expression of MDM2 and p53 proteins in neuroblastoma cell lines, IMR-32 and SK-N-MC. Materials and Methods: The effect of NJ_et on cell viability was determined by MTT; and on growth kinetics was evaluated by trypan blue dye exclusion method and soft agar assay. The expression of p53, MDM2 and MYCN proteins in response to NJ_et treatment was evaluated by immunoblotting. Results: NJ_et decreased the viability of neuroblastoma cells without affecting the viability of non-cancerous, HEK-293 cells. It altered the growth kinetics of the cancer cells in a dose-dependent manner. NJ_et down regulated the expression of MYCN and MDM2 proteins with a simultaneous increase in the expression of tumor suppressor protein p53. Conclusions: The present data demonstrated that NJ_et regulated the growth of IMR-32 and SK-N-MC through reduction in MYCN expression that lead to down regulation of MDM2 protein and increase in p53 expression. These preliminary results warrant further in depth studies to explore the therapeutic potential of Nardostachys jatamansi in the management of neuroblastoma.

4 illus, 16 ref

006666   Sudhir S P;Deshmukh P;Verma H N (Life Sciences Dep, Jaipur National Univ, Jaipur, Email: spsjaipurnationaluniversity@gmail.com) : Comparative study of antimicrobial effect of Nigella sativa seed extracts from different geographies. Int J Pharmac 2016, 3(6), 257-64.

Prophet Mohammed calls Nigella sativa seed as a medicine of blessings. Nigella sativa isan herbaceous plant and cultivated in Middle East, South East Asia and some part of the Europe. Nigella sativa seed has been in use in Middle East, South East Asia and some part of the Europe over 2000 years.Until date lot of research, studies are conducted to prove the therapeutic utility of Nigella sativa seeds. In these various studies, Nigella sativa seeds and its derivative showed therapeutic activity against allergy, cough, and diabetes, different types of cancer and skin infections. It is one of the widely used spices in the Middle East, South East Asia and some part of the Europe Nigella sativa seed is intensively studied for its chemical composition. It is reported to contain Thymoquinone, Nigellimine-N-oxide, Nigellicine, Nigellidine, Nigellone, Dithymoquinone, Thymohydroquinone, Thymol, Arvacrol, 6-methoxy-coumarin, 7-hydroxy-coumarin, Oxy-coumarin, Alpha-hedrin, Steryl-glucoside, Tannins, Flavinoids, Essential fatty acids, Essential amino acids, Ascorbic Acid, Iron and Calcium. The presence of these natural actives makes Nigella sativa seed as a super medicinal herb. The antimicrobial property of Nigella sativa seed is studied by former researchers are confined to the particular solvent and Nigella sativa seed of specific origin. There is practically no research available which compare anti-microbial potential of Nigella sativa seed from various geographies. This study was planned to test and compare the antimicrobial property of different solvent extracts of Nigella sativa seed from Egypt, Tunisia, Syria, Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, Turkey, Oman and India. The solvent used were n-hexane, methanol, and water. All these extracts were subjected to Zone of Inhibition on Mueller-Hinton agar using Kirby-Bauer Disk Diffusion Susceptibility Test Protocol against Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 6538, Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 9027, Escherichia coli ATCC 8739, Candida albicans ATCC 10231, Streptococcus mitisATCC 49456, Streptococcus mutans ATCC 25175, Aspergillus brasiliensis ATCC 16404. Result showed that methanol extract, n-hexane extract and water decoction of Nigella sativa seed had antimicrobial property against the Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus mitis, Streptococcus mutans but not effective against Aspergillus brasiliensis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli, Candida albicans. This antimicrobial activity could be due to presence of constituents like Thymoquinone, Dithymoquinone, Thymohydroquinone, Thymol, Tannins etc in Nigella sativa extracts.Further it is observed that, antimicrobiological potential of Nigella sativa seed from India found to be far superior than other Nigella sativa seeds from other geographies.

3 illus, 26 ref

006665   Srivastava S;Choudhary G P (Pharmacognosy Dep School of Pharmacy, DAVV Indore, Madhya Pradesh, Email: sweta.koka@gmail.com) : In-vivo and in-viro mast cell stablizing activity of ethyl acetate and methanol extract of Terminalia chebula fruits: A therapeutic approach for asthma. Int J Pharmac 2016, 3(6), 246-50.

The present investigation deals with the In-vivo and In vitro mast cell stabilizing activity of fruits of Terminalia chebula ethyl acetate and methanol extracts at 500 mg/kg bodyweight. In egg albumin induced degranulation studies, Kitotifen as a standard was found to inhibit degranualtion to an extent of 80.12 %, where as ethyl acetate and methanolic extracts inhibited degaranulation to 58.98% and 44.56% respectively similarly in compound 48/80 induced mast cell degranulation inrats ethyl acetate and methanol extracts of Terminalia chebula and standard Kitotifen showed following percentage inhibition of degranulation of mast cell 40.28%, 51.19 % and 75.12 respectively. In in vivo study ethyl acetate and Methanolic extracts at the dose of 500 mg/kg bodyweight inhibited degranualation of mast cell to a extent of 46.5 % and 37.33% respectively.

3 tables, 21 ref

006664   Sohani S S;Jahan K;Islam S (Pharmacy Dep, Asia Pacific Univ, Dhaka1209, Bangladesh, Email: swarnali@uap-bd.edu) : Effect of different excipients on the release of norethisteron acetate from chitosan-sodium alginate polymeric implants. Int J pharm Sci Res 2016, 7(5), 1928-37.

Biodegradable polymeric implant offers a novel approach for sustained drug delivery that provides an option to the patient of avoiding surgical retrieval of implant post-use. Chitosan, a biodegradable polymer extracted from the hard outer skeleton of shellfish, is used nowadays in many pharmaceutical applications (ophthalmic, nasal, sublingual, buccal, periodontal, gastrointestinal, colon-specific, vaginal, transdermal drug delivery and mucosal-vaccine). The main objective of the study was to prepare and evaluate an implantable system of Norethisteron Acetate with chitosan-sodium alginate. Norethisteron Acetate plays an important role in the long term treatment of abnormal uterine bleeding, amenorrhea, endometriosis and as contraceptive. Drug loaded Chitosan- Na Alginate implants were prepared in the ratios of 50:50, 60:40 and 70:30. As the 60:40 chitosan-sodium alginate ratio showed maximum sustained effect (8 days) it was further tested for sustained release potential with different excipients namely, Stearic Acid, Glyceryl Monostearte, Cety Alcohol and Dextrose. Implants with Glyceryl Monostearte sustained the release of drug the most (23 days). Effects of excipients were also observed on drug loading efficiency. Morphology of implant surfaces was observed with SEM both before and after drug release studies. Differential Scanning Calorimetry of drug loaded implants was also performed. The release kinetics of drug was evaluated by fitting the data in different kinetic models namely, Zero order, First order, Higuchi and Korsmeyer-Peppas. Implants were mostly found to follow Korsmeyer peppas model which indicate diffusion-controlled release from the where drug leaves the matrix through pores and channels formed by the entry of dissolution medium.

33 ref

006663   Singha I;Das S K (Biotechnology Dep, College of Medicine & JNM Hospital, WBUHS, Kalyani, Nadia-741 235, Email: drsubirkdas@yahoo.co.in) : Grape extract protects against ionizing radiation-induced membrane alterations in red blood cells. Indian J expl Biol 2016, 54(11), 735-44.

Ionizing radiation causes damage to biomolecules in living cells through oxidative stress by excessive generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) from radiolysis of body water. Blood and its components including the cells are exposed to a significant dose of radiation during irradiation. Grapes (Vitis vinifera L.) contain several bioactive phytochemicals and are rich source of antioxidants. Therefore, we hypothesized that the grape extracts would offer protection against the ionizing radiation-induced damage of the red blood cells (RBCs). To test our hypothesis, in the current study we investigated the radio-protective actions of extract of four different grape (Vitis vinifera) cultivars, namely Flame seedless (Black grapes), Kishmish chorni (Black with reddish brown), Red globe (Red) and Thompson seedless mutant (Sonaka, Green) against the γ-irradiation-induced oxidative stress leading to the structural alteration in the RBC membrane in vitro. Freshly drawn blood samples from healthy volunteers itself or mixed with grape extracts from seed, skin or pulp of each cultivar were irradiated at 4 Gy after one hour of treatment. γ-irradiation for one hour did not change the hematological parameters. The average osmotic fragility (H₅₀) and the maximum rate of hemolysis (dH/dC)_max increased after the γ-irradiation. The confocal microscopic and atomic force microscopic (AFM) studies showed that irradiation induced transformation of RBC from biconcave cells to echinocytes, altered their surface roughness and the vertical distance. The grape extracts did not alter the viability of human erythrocytes. The results suggested that the grape extract pretreatment ameliorated the ionizing radiation-induced alterations at a dose of 4 Gy in human erythrocytes in vitro. Moreover, protection offered by the seed extract was significantly better than that that of skin or pulp of the same cultivar. Furthermore, the protective action of grape extract depends on its source (seed, skin or pulp) as well on cultivars.

47 ref

006662   Singh S;Sharma N;Singh S K (Pharmaceutical Sciences Dep, Guru Jambheshwar Univ of Science and Technology, Hisar-125 001) : Protective effect of Cyperus scariosus R.Br. root ethanol extract against pentylenetetrazole and isoniazid induced seizures in mice. Int J herb Med 2017, 5(2), 23-6.

The objective of the present study was to evaluate the protective effect of the ethanol extract of Cyperus scariosus R. Br. roots in pentylenetetrazole and isoniazid induced seizures using swiss albino mice. Animals were treated with Cyperus scariosus R. Br. root ethanol extract at doses 50 mg/kg and 100 mg/kg p.o. Seizures were induced by pentylenetetrazole and isoniazid. Cyperus scariosus R. Br. root ethanol extract showed significant reduction of pentylenetetrazole and Isoniazid induced seizure. Latency of seizure was increased and the duration of seizure was found to be lowered in the extract treated animals as compared to control group in both models. Protection against seizure was also indicated by increased GABA level in ethanol extract treated mice. Thus the results suggest that the ethanol extract of Cyperus scariosus R. Br. roots possess significant protection against seizures.

3 illus, 1 table, 19 ref

006661   Singh B;Pandey S;Verma R;Ansari J A;Mahdi A A (Biochemistry and Neurology Dep, King George's Medical Univ, Lucknow-226 003, Email: drshivanil11263@gmail.com) : Comparative evaluation of extract of Bacopa monnieri and Mucuna pruriens as neuroprotectant in MPTP model of Parkinson's disease. Indian J expl Biol 2016, 54(11), 758-66.

Parkinson's disease (PD) results primarily from the death of dopaminergic neurons in substantia nigra. Treatment of PD has been shifted recently towards herbal medicines.Bacopa monnieri (L.) Wettst. (BM) and Mucuna pruriens (L.) DC (MP) are traditional herbal plants known to have neuroprotective effects due to the presence of bacosides in whole plant extract of Bacopa monnieri (BME) and L-DOPA in MP seed extract (MPE). In this study, the comparative effect of BME and MPE in Parkinsonian mice induced by chronic exposure to 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP) was evaluated. Twenty four Swiss albino mice (35-45 g) were grouped into Control, MPTP, MPTP+BME and MPTP+MPE (6 mice in each). Experimental mice were given 40 mg/kg body wt. BME, 48 mg/kg body wt. MPE treatment was given orally for one month with prior use of 15 mg/kg body wt. of MPTP for 2 wk. After the treatment period, behavioral study was performed and assessment of neuroprotective effect was done via neurochemical analysis, Immunohistochemical parameters studied included functional viability of dopaminergic neurons in substantia nigra by Tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) using monoclonal antibody against TH and apoptotic study through caspase-3 and m-RNA expression of neurogenic gene in substantia nigra region of brain. Treatment with BME or MPE for one month significantly decreased the elevated levels of oxidative stress found in Parkinsonian mice. In behavioral tests, comparative analysis of BME and MPE showed a significant increase in spontaneous locomotor activity and grip strength test. Moreover, it was found that the use of BME considerably improved the tyrosine hydroxylase activity, caspase-3 and expression of neurogenic gene in the substantia nigra region of the brain. The results suggest that BME may provide a better platform for future drug discoveries and novel treatment strategies for PD as compared to MPE.

5 illus, 1 table, 50 ref

006660   Sim J H;Choi M H;Shin H J;Lee J E (Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery Dep, Chosun Univ College of Medicine, Gwangju, Korea, Email: jevolin@hanmail.net) : Wheatgrass extract ameliorates hypoxia-induced mucin gene expression in A549 cells. Pharmacog Mag 2017, 13(49), 7-12.

Wheatgrass is known to have antioxidant, antiaging, and anti-inflammatory effect. However, its protective effect against hypoxia is not yet evaluated. In this study, we evaluated the protective and anti-inflammatory effect of wheatgrass against the hypoxia in airway epithelial cells. A549 human lung adenocarcinoma cells were incubated in a hypoxic condition (CO2 5%/O2 1%) for 24 hr in the presence of different concentration of wheatgrass 50, 75, 100, and 150 μg/mL, and the magnitude of each immunologic response produced by the A549 cells was compared. The mRNA expression level of mucin gene (MUC), 5A, 5B, 8, GM-CSF, TNF-a, and VEGF were evaluated by using real-time polymerase chain reaction. The MUC proteins level before and after knocking out the hypoxia-inducible factor (hif)-1a via short interfering (si) RNA transfection were assessed by immunoblot analysis. Accordingly, the involved cell signaling pathway was evaluated by immunoblot analysis. The inflammatory cytokines (GM-CSF, TNF- a) and the expressions of MUC 5A, 5B, and 8 were augmented by hypoxia. The augmented MUC expression was decreased by the wheatgrass extract administration. Hif-1a gene expression after hypoxia exposure was decreased by wheatgrass. Knockdown of hif-1a by siRNA reduced the mucin gene expression and which was more enhanced by wheatgrass extract. Theses results suggest that wheatgrass may be useful in the treatment of sinonasal disease by inhibiting mucus hypersecretion in airway epithelium.

5 illus, 18 ref

006659   Shivalee A;Divatar M;Sandhya G;Ahmed S; Lingappa K (Post Graduate Studies and Research in Microbiology Dep, Gulbarga Univ, Kalaburagi-585 106, Email: lingappak2@gmail.com) : Isolation and screening of soil microbes for extracellular chitinase activity. J advd scient Res 2016, 7(2), 10-14.

Present investigation was aimed to isolate and screen microbiota from various soil samples collected from different regions of Kalaburagi, Karnataka, India for chitinase production. In simultaneous isolation and screening of microbes from fifty four soil samples, a total of seventy five microbial isolates were found with chitinolytic activity. These 75 isolates include 51 bacteria, 11 fungi and 13 actinomycetes. Among these, nineteen isolates exhibited sound, thirty three isolates exhibited moderate and twenty three isolates shown poor chitinase activity on chitin agar plate. Further, two bacterial, two actinomycetes and a fungal isolate with good chitinase activity were selected and subjected for chitinase production under submerged fermentation. As a result, comparatively an actinomycete KLSL-55 emerged as the highest enzyme producer with the activity of 84.66 IU.

2 illus, 1 table, 44 ref

006658   Sharmila R;Sindhu G (Biochemistry and Biotechnology Dep, Annamalai Univ, Tamil Nadu, Email: ganapathysindhu@gmailcom) : Evaluate the antigenotoxicity and anticancer role of β-sitosterol by determining oxidative DNA damage and the expression of phosphorylated mitogen-activated protein kinases', C-fos, C-jun, and endothelial growth factor receptor. Pharmacog Mag 2017, 13(49), 95-101.

The aim of the current study is to evaluate the antigenotoxic and anticancer role of β-sitosterol against renal carcinogen. Materials and Methods: The extent of DNA damage was assessed by the comet assay. The status of p-p38 MAPK,p-c-Jun N-terminal kinase,p-extracellular-signal regulating kinase (ERK), c-fos, c-jun, and endothelial growth factor receptor (EGFR) were analyzed by western blot and polymerase chain reaction techniques. To further confirm the inhibition of ERK-2 by β-sitosterol,molecular docking study was performed. Results: Extensive DNA damage in acute study and a significant increase in levels of p-MAPKs', c-fos, c-jun, and EGFR was observed in N-diethylnitrosamine (200 mg/kg bw) and ferric nitrilotriacetate (9 mg/kg bw) alone treated rats. Rats which are pretreated with 20 mg/kg bw of β-sitosterol reduced the DNA damage and restored the elevated levels of above-mentioned markers (p <60> 0.05). The binding free energy obtained for β-sitosterol for ERK-2 was found to be-5.578. Conclusion: Therefore,it has been concluded that β-sitosterol has a strong potential against genotoxic as well as suppress neoplastic transformation in experimental renal cancer.

4 illus, 1 table, 40 ref

006657   Sharma N;Ghosh M;Lee S J;Jeong D K (Animal Biotechnology Dep, Faculty of Biotechnology, Jeju National Univ, Jeju-690 756, Email: dkjeong@jejunu.ac.kr) : Computational interpretation and comparative annotation of lipocalin-2 protein having the candidate for antibacterial agent. Indian J Biotechnol 2016, 15(3), 313-24.

Recent studies have demonstrated that lipocalin-2 (LCN2) binds specifically with enterobactin to resist the bacterial infection in mammalian cells. The present study focuses on three key aspects, viz., diversity of bovine LCN2 in content with other mammalian groups, its structural variation and docking of bovine LCN2 with the scaffold proteins. Twenty nine sequences of LCN2 were selected for comparative annotation study using computational server and bioinformatic tools. Significant variations were found in physico-chemical properties and diversity in antigen binding sites between organisms. The homology model of the LCN2 from human and bovine illustrated the conformation of the best homology model. An attempt was made to determine binding affinities of bovine LCN2 with 1ZOK and 1PN5 through molecular modeling and docking. The aim of the study was not only to do comparative analysis, but also to find out how far LCN2 in bovine could be used as model for LCN2 proteins from other mammals. This may provide framework to develop the promising novel class of biopharmaceutical agents.

5 illus, 5 tables, 28 ref

006656   Shanker K;Mohan G K;Hussain A;Jayarambabu N; Pravallika P L (Centre for Pharmaceutical Sciences, Institute of Science and Technology, JNT Univ Hyderabad, Kukatpally, Telangana, Email: shankerkalakotla@gmail.com) : Green biosynthesis, characterization, In vitro antidiabetic activity, and investigational acute toxicity studies of some herbal-mediated silver nanoparticles on animal models. Pharmacog Mag 2017, 13(49), 188-92.

Diabetes is a metabolic disorder characterized by hyperglycemia, altered carbohydrate, lipid and protein metabolism. In recent studies, Nanoscience and nanotechnology are blazing fields for researchers; for researchers; of late there has been a prodigious excitement in the field of nanopharmacology to study silver nanoparticle (SNP) synthesis using natural products. Biological methods have been used to synthesize SNPs using medicinally active plants having an antidiabetic role, and this made us to assess the biologically synthesized SNPs from the seed extract of Psoralea corylifolia using 1 mM silver nitrate solution. The synthesized herbal&-mediated SNPs (HMSNPs) were subjected to various characterization techniques such as X&-ray diffraction analysis (XRD), energy dispersive X&-ray (EDX) analysis, transmission electron microscope (TEM), and differential light scattering (DLS), respectively. In the current study the HMSNPs were tested to observe the in vitro antidiabetic activity and possible toxic effects in healthy female albino mice by following OECD guidelines&-425. Huge data from biochemical, cellular, mouse, and chemical inhibitor studies have recognized protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B (PTP1B) as a major negative regulator of insulin signaling. In addition, corroboration suggests that insulin action can be enhanced by the inhibition of PTP1B. Keeping in view of the above fact, the PTP1B assay was done to determine the PTP1 B inhibitory effect of HMSNPs. It can be concluded that medicinal plants can be a good source for the synthe sis of HMSNPs. This study can be used for the development of valuable nanomedicines to treat various ailments, and it also highlights the safety and biocompatibility of SNPs within a biological cell; in vivo parameters need to be considered for further discoveries.

3 illus, 9 tables, 15 ref

006655   Shakya P C;Irchhaiya R;Alok S (Pharmacognosy Dep, Institute of Pharmacy, Bundelkhand Univ, Jhansi, Uttar Pradesh, Email: prathaviraj11@gmail.com) : Antidiabetic activity ethanolic leaves extract of Bauhina galpinii Linn. alloxan induced diabetic in rats. Int J Pharmac 2016, 3(6), 281-7.

The aim of this study was to investigate the antidiabetic activity of ethanolic leaves extract of Bauhinia galpinii Linn. alloxan, induced diabetic in rats. The adult male albino rats of weight 180-240 gm were selected for the study. The Dose of 100 mg/kg, 250 mg/kg and 500 mg/kg of ethanol extract was selected for the test. All the doses was given orally after making emulsion in vehicle i.e. 1% acacia gum and the standard drug i.e. glimepiride was given orally (10 mg/kg) in the vehicle. Diabetes mellitus was induced by administering intraparitoneal injection of alloxan monohydrate 120 mg/kg to the overnight fasted rats. Blood sample were collected from tail nipping and glucose level was determined by an automatic electronic glucometer. Ethanolic extract of Bauhinia Galpinii Linn. leaves was subjected to anti-diabetic activity in rats where alloxan monohydrate (120 mg/kg b.w., i.p.) used as the diabetogenic agent. A marked rise in fasting blood glucose level observed in diabetic control compare to normal control rats. In the present Ethanolic extract of Bauhinia Galpinii Linn (at 250 and 500 mg/kg) exhibited a dose dependent significant anti-hyperglycemic activity on 4th, 7th and 10th day post treatment. The extract dose of 100 mg/kg also caused reduction in blood glucose level but the results were found statistically insignificant. The antihyperglycemic effect of ethanol extract at was found less effective than the reference standard. Glibenclamide produced a significant reduction in blood glucose compare to diabetic control. When the activity of extract was done by the glucose tolerance test in glucose loaded rats, ethanolic extract showed significant effect on the blood glucose level but extract of 100mg/kg did not show the significant result. Ethanolic extract 250mg/kg and 500mg/kg showed the significant decrease in blood glucose level. The ethanolic extract of Bauhinia galpinii Linn. has protective effect against alloxan, induced diabetic in rats.

3 illus, 3 tables, 9 ref

006654   Sankari Meena K;Ramyabharathi S A;Raguchander T (Nematology Dep, Tamil Nadu Agricultural Univ, Coimbatore-641 003, Email: meenaa5@rediffmail.com) : Biomanagement of nematode-fungus disease complex in tuberose using plant growth promoting rhizobacteria. Int J Sci Nat 2016, 7(3), 557-65.

Pot culture experiments were carried out to study the interactive effect of root knot nematode, Meloidogyne incognita and the fungus, Fusarium oxysporum in tuberose var. Prajwal. The study revealed significant reduction of plant growth parameters and increased wilt severity in the sequential inoculation of nematodes followed by fungus over the individual inoculation of the fungus. To control the disease complex in tuberose, about four established antagonistic PGPR strains viz., Bacillus subtilis (Bbv 57, Bs1) and Pseudomonas fluorescens (Pfbv 22, Pf 1) were obtained from the culture collection centre, Department of Plant Pathology, Tamil Nadu Agriculture University, India. Crude antibiotics were extracted from the above strains and tested against M. incognita and F. oxysporum in vitro. The results revealed that 25 per cent concentration of the antibiotics exhibited enhanced antagonistic activity against both the nematode and fungi. The four strains were prepared in liquid formulation and tested against nematode-fungus disease complex in tuberose var. Prajwal under pot culture and field condition. Among the four strains tested, combined application of Bbv 57 and Pfbv 22 (each at 500 ml/ha) at monthly interval recorded maximum efficacy against the disease complex with the induction of high level of defense enzymes over other strains.

30 ref

006653   Sanchez-Borzone M E;Marin L D;Garcia D A (NO, Instituto de Investigaciones Biologicas y Tecnologicas (IIBYT), CONICE, Av. Velez Sarsfield 1622, Cordoba 5016) : Effects of insecticidal ketones present in mint plants on GABA_A receptor from mammalian neurons. Pharmacog Mag 2017, 13(49), 114-17.

In order to discern the pharmacological actions of these products when used as insecticides on mammalian organisms, we evaluated the pharmacologic activity of ketones, commonly present in Mentha plants, on native GABA_A-R from rats. Materials and Methods: Determination of ketones effects on allosterically enhanced benzodiazepine binding, using primary cultures of cortical neurons, which express functional receptors and MTT assay to evaluate their cell toxicity. Results: Our results seem to indicate that ketone components of Mentha, with proven repellent or insecticide activity, were able to behave as GABA_A-R negative allosteric modulators in murine cells and consequently could exhibit convulsant activity in mammalians. Only pulegone at the highest assayed concentration (2 mM) showed a significant reduction in cell viability after exposure for 24 hr. Conclusion: The present results strongly suggest that the ketone components of Mentha are able to exhibit convulsant activity in mammalian organisms, but functional assays and in vivo experiments would be necessary to corroborate this proposed action.

2 illus, 1 table, 37 ref

006652   Samy M N;Bishr M M;Ahmed A A;Kamel M S (Pharmacognosy Dep, Faculty of Pharmacy, Minia Univ, Minia 61519, Egypt, Email: Mamdouhnabil.2006@yahoo.com) : Review of non-steroidal phytoconstituents of Tribulus terrestris. Int J Pharmac 2016, 3(5), 272-16.

The genus Tribulus belongs to family Zygophyllaceae comprises approximately 25 species which grow as prostrate hairy herbs in tropical and warm regions. In this review, the literature data on phytochemical investigations of the Tribulus terrestris are compiled. The well-recognized groups of secondary metabolites were sterols, alkaloids, flavonoids, and steroidal saponins.

1 illus, 1 table, 20 ref

006651   Sabu A S;Jithendran K P;Gopal C (Kostae Aqua Biotech, First Floor, Thalipparambil, Nalanchira P.O., Trivandrum, Kerala, Email: drsabuas@gmail.com) : Properties of phenoloxidase from haemocytes of Scylla tranquebarica. J appl Biol Biotechnol 2016, 4(1), 47-52.

The presence of phenoloxidase (PO) activity in the haemocytes of Scylla tranquebarica was electrophoretically and spectrophotometrically studied. Majority of the enzyme was located as proenzyme, prophenoloxidase (proPO) in the haemocytes. The enzyme prefers L-dihydroxyphenylalanine (L-dopa) as its substrate than phenol and is optimally active at pH 8.0. Besides trypsin, the proPO was also activated by both Gram positive and Gram negative microbes in vitro while, chemicals such as sodium azide, thiourea and EDTA significantly inhibited the enzyme expression. The protein needs considerable levels of divalent cations like calcium (20 mM as CaCl2) or magnesium (20-50 mM as MgCl2) for its activity. The gel filtration chromatography of haemocyte lysate supernatant showed a single major peak of protein having PO activity. Electrophoresis of purified PO by native PAGE revealed a single prominent band of approximately 167.2 kDa which was further resolved to three bands having molecular mass of approximately 77.1, 56.9 and 30.2 kDa respectively, on SDS-PAGE.

6 illus, 2 tables, 22 ref

006650   Sabannavar S J;Swaroopa B V (Botany Dep, Mount Carmel College (Autonomous), Bangalore, Karnataka, Email: shwetsab@gmail.com) : Pharmacognostic studies of stem tuber on Brassica oleracea var. Gongylodes. Int J Pharmac 2016, 3(5), 221-8.

The crude extracts from stem tuber and leaf of Brassica oleracea var. gongylodes in different solvents, were subjected to physico-chemical, fluorescence analysis, phytochemical and antimicrobial study. The microscopic analysis revealed that B. oleracea showed stone cells and calcium oxalate prisms. The ash value was high 7.88 % in B. Oleracea. The fluorescent analysis at 366 nm of B. oleracea under ultraviolet light revealed that powder extracted with alcohol showed pale blue coloured fluorescence, with water showed yellow colour, 0.1 N Sodium hydroxide showed pale yellow and dilute hydrochloric acid had greenish yellow. The extraction value with different solvents exhibited that B. oleracea maximum extractive value with chloroform followed by benzene, ethanol and petroleum ether. The phytochemical screening of the various extract of B. oleracea revealed the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, resins, saponins and tannins. Anti-bacterial screening in B. oleracea using stem revealed that the ethanol solvent showed maximum inhibition against gram-positive bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus) and chloroform solvent showed maximum inhibition in case of gram-negative bacteria (Serratia marcescence).

3 illus, 4 tables, 24 ref

006649   Rezaie M;Saboori A;Baniameric V (Plant Protection Dep, Faculty of Agriculture, Tehran Univ, Karaj, Alborz, Iran) : Effect of strawberry cultivars on functional response and prey-stage preference of Neoseiulus californicus (acari: phytoseiidae) on Tetranychus urticae (Acari: tetranychidae). J Ent Zool Stud 2017, 5(1), 27-35.

Neoseiulus californicus (Acari: Phytoseiidae) is an effective predator of spider mites. The prey-stage preference of N. californicus was studied on different developmental stages of Tetranychus urticae on seven strawberry commercial cultivars ('Aliso', 'Chandler', 'Camerosa', 'Gavita', 'Sequia', 'Marak' and 'Yalova'). Functional response of adult female of N. californicus to egg and protonymph of T. urticae was determined. Experiments were carried out on strawberry leaflets in Petri dishes in the laboratory. The protonymph and deutonymph of N. californicus preferred T. urticae eggs to protonymph. However, the female predatory mite preferred protonymph T. urticae. The preference index on different strawberry cultivars was not different. The functional response to egg of T. urticae on 'Chandler', 'Gaviota' and 'Camarosa' was type ?, whereas it was type III on protonymph of T. urticae on 'Sequia', 'Marak', 'Yalova' and 'Aliso'. The handling time are different among the cultivars (the highest value was reported for 'Marak' (1.06±0.035 hour) on egg of T. urticae, for 'Yalova' (1.45±0.05 hour) and for 'Camerosa' (1.44±0.13) on protonymph of T. urticae. The predation rate of different developmental stages of N. californicus on 'Chandler' was higher than the other cultivars (protonymph (2.6±0.3), deutonymph (3.8±0.2) and adult (9.5±0.6) in 24 hours) on egg of T. urticae, which might be due to least trichome or difference chemical and physical structure leaves. It is recommended to use this predatory mite to control different stages of T. urticae. However, the protonymph stage of T. urticae is the most suitable target stage.

7 tables, 51 ref

006648   Revathy K;Arunkumar D;Gandhi M;Swaminathan S (Junior Technical Officer, Biochemistry Dep, Apollo Speciality Hospitals, Vanagaram, Chennai-600 095, Email: glorynathan@gmail.com) : Association between antherogenic ratio to fasting plasma glucoes and HbA1c. Int J pharm Sci Res 2016, 7(5), 2136-41.

Hyperlipidemia is a common finding in uncontrolled Diabetes Mellitus (DM) and patients with DM generally show alteration in lipid profile, notably in triglycerides value. Research done in the past has pointed out the usefulness of Atherogenic Index of Plasma (AIP) as a useful parameter for the diagnosis of Type 2 DM. HbA1c is well established as gold standard to monitor long term diabetic control. Further elevated lipid profile markers have been linked to a host of diseases like Cardiovascular, liver and kidney. Some studies have shown reasonable association between AIP to plasma glucose and HbA1c, but this study did not find any association between AIP to HbA1c and glucose, but very good association have been observed between Atherogenic ratio to both plasma glucose and HbA1c suggesting that lipid profile test to be made as routine for the diagnostic improvement of all DM patients. The contents of this study will serve as a model for future researchers to explore more studies in this field to define a set of diagnostic tests linking cardiac, liver and kidney to be used as routine Master Health Checkup package.

20 ref

006647   Rasool I;Wani A R;Nisar M;Dar Z A;Nehru R K; Hussain B (Entomology Div, Sher-e-Kashmir Univ of Agricultural Science and Technology of Kashmir, Shalimar, Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir) : Antixenosis and antibiosis as a resistance mechanism to chilo partellus (Swinhoe) (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae)in some maize genotypes. J Ent Zool Stud 2017, 5(2), 22-7.

Twenty four local maize genotypes were screened for resistance/ susceptibility against C. partellus with respect to antixenosis and antibiosis mechanisms. The results revealed that the genotypes CM- 133 and CM-123 were highly resistant with Leaf Damage Score (LDS) of 0.93 and 0.86, respectively, whereas Basi-local was observed extremely susceptible with 8.86 LDS. The overall contribution 88.91 per cent towards the damage of C. partellus was obtained in combination of all significant characters including stem diameter, internodal distance, number of nodes, cob length, leaf length, leaf width and leaf trichome density. Highest phenolic content (antibiosis) of 238.05 and 234.76 μg/g was recorded in highly resistant genotypes CM-123 and CM-133, respectively while as, extremely susceptible genotype Basi-local exhibited lowest phenolic content 117.27 μg/g. Significant and negative correlation was observed between phenol content and leaf damage score at 1 per cent level of significance.

7 tables, 24 ref

006646   Ramos J U;David E S;Waing K G D (Biological Sciences Dep, College of Arts and Sciences, Central Luzon State Univ, City of Munoz, Nueva, Ecija, Philippines-3120, Email: jobramos028@gmail.com) : Phytochemical screening and antibacterial testing of different varieties of Morus spp. (Mulberry). J biol Engng Res Rev 2016, 3(1), 44-8.

Mulberry (Morus spp.) is generally utilized in silk industries. Mulberry leaves are known as natural reservoir of botanical nutrients and show strong antibacterial activity. The presence of phytochemicals in plants is associated with therapeutic and medicinal properties. Thus, this study determined the antibacterial properties of different varieties of mulberry namely Guisang you 12, Alfonso and S54 varieties using paper disc diffusion method. Two extraction methods were used namely ethanol and hot water extraction. Results on antibacterial assay against Escherichia coli, showed that the ethanol extracts were active at 12 hours of incubation with S54 variety having the highest mean value of zone of inhibition of 7.80 mm, followed by Alfonso variety and Guisang you 12 variety. In the test against Staphylococcus aureus, ethanol extracts also showed zone of inhibition at 12 hours of incubation. Ethanol extracts of Alfonso variety showed the highest zone of inhibition with a value of 11.15 mm, followed by S54 and Guisang you 12. The phytochemical constituents were tested using test tube method in both hot water and ethanol extracts of the three Morus varieties. Results revealed that both extracts contain various phytochemicals that can be found in traces and/or appreciable amount. These were flavonoids, tannins, alkaloids, saponins, and terpenoids.

5 illus, 3 tables, 18 ref

006645   Ramachandran S;Menon D B (CEIB, Univ of Kerala, Thiruvananthapuram-695 581, Kerala) : Novel protein fraction isolated from the leaves of Abies webbiana Lindl. induces apoptosis in lung cancer cells via the intrinsic pathway. Int J herb Med 2016, 4(6), 26-33.

The genus Pinaceae is found to be rich in bioactive metabolites is used in Ayurveda for treating respiratory ailments. The aim of the study was to determine the effect of different protein fractions isolated from the leaves of the tree Abies webbiana Lindl, on adenocarcinomic human alveolar basal epithelial A549 cells. MTT assay was performed to check the ability of the fraction to induce cell death in cancerous A549 cells and normal NIH3T3 fibroblast cells. Acridine Orange/Ethidium Bromide staining, Hoechst staining and DNA fragmentation assays were performed. RT-PCR studies of pro-apoptotic BAX and anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 along with western blot of p-ATM, CHK-2, CDC25A, BAK and BAD were performed. Caspase-9 and 3 activities were determined using calorimetric assays. The fraction at lower concentrations was found to induce cell death in the lung cancer cells. Acridine Orange/Ethidium Bromide staining, Hoechst staining and DNA fragmentation assays were used to confirm the apoptosis inducing ability of the fraction on A549 cells. The transcriptional expression studies of the pro-apoptotic BAX and anti-apoptotic Bcl-2; and the western blot analysis of proteins that regulate apoptosis showed that the fraction upregulated the expression of pro-apoptotic factors and down regulated the expression of anti-apoptotic factors in the cancer cells. Caspase-9 and 3 activities were found to be upregulated in the calorimetric studies. With the above results, it could be concluded that the protein fraction (PF-2) induced apoptosis in the lung cancer cells via the intrinsic or the mitochondrial pathway.

9 illus, 1 table, 36 ref

006644   Rajalakshmi M;Sherlin Rosita A;Krishnaveni S (Biotechnology & Bioinformatics Dep, Holy Cross College (Autonomous), Tiruchirapalli-620 002, Email: mdraji@gmail.com) : Ligand based pharmacophore model development for anti androgen receptor drugs for treating prostate cancer. Int J pharm Sci Res 2016, 7(5), 1938-47.

The computational modeling and high throughput screening techniques have been used to identify small molecules that specifically target functional surface sites of the androgen receptor in Prostate cancer. Pharmacophore modeling, Virtual screening, docking based analyses is used for development of new chemical entities. The purpose of the current work is to establish pharmacophore model for the FDA approved anti-androgen receptor drugs of prostate cancer by using the software Ligand Scout 3.1, The data sets for the anti-androgen compounds were downloaded in.sdf format from Pubchem database. The model consists of five hydrogen bond acceptors, and one hydrophobic moieties and one aromatic ring which are defined as essential feature for androgen receptor inhibitors. Then the derived pharmacophore model was compared with the Zinc database of available standard anticancer drugs, Virtual screening of ZINC chemical databases leads to identification of one hit, and this compound can be useful for the design of future targets and development of new drugs to cancer. The newly obtained compound is then docked with androgen receptor with the help of Autodock Vina 4.0. The result obtained from the present study suggests that the application of ligand based pharmacophore could assist in selection of potential leads for rational design of androgen receptor inhibitors in prostate cancer therapy.

25 ref