Asian Journal of Plant Science and Research Volume 2 :Issue 4 : 2012

Effect of earthworm coelomic fluid treating on seed germination of cress (Lepidium sativum) and radish (Raphanus saltivus)

This study analyzed the effect of supplementing soil with coelomic fluid (C.F.) of earthworm on the rate of germination of cress (Lepidium sativum) and radish (Raphanus saltivus) seed. The effects of two different concentration of coelomic fluid (1% and 5% ) were compared to control conditions in which no coelomic fluid was added. C.F. administrated to the soil was found to significantly (P<0.05) accelerate the germination of both types of seeds compared to the control treatment, and the rate of seed germination increased as the concentration of C.F. was increased. C.F. administrated to the soil also significantly (P<0.05) decreased the total fungi count in the soil within four days after administration. No statistically – significant differences in soil N, K and P concentrations were detected four days after C.F. administration.

Influence of ecological factors on seed setting and fertility of five Egyptian clover (Trifolium alexandrinum L.) cultivars

Five Egyptian clover cultivars were evaluated for the fertility traits under different environmental conditions for four blooming periods. The study was conducted in Randomize Complete Block Design with three replications at Agricultural Research Center (ARC) in Giza Station during winter 2008-2009 and 2009/2010 seasons. Three cuts were taken during the two seasons and total forage and dry yield were analyzed as a total yield over the two seasons. The effect of temperature, and relative humidity on many of the attributes of plant flowering (the speed of dispersal of pollen, matured pollen, vitality of pollen grain, pollination and fertility and increased of seeds), while affecting of wind speed and sunshine duration on the movement and the activity of pollinators, especially honey bees and its role in floret pollination, which leads to increase seed production. Helaly-1 cultivar was demonstrated high seed set, over the two seasons, 17.77%, 29.10%, 42.48% and 56.65% in all blooming dates except for the fourth date followed by Giza-6 cultivar was the superior seed set of the fourth blooming date (58.35%). The four blooming dates set seed over the two seasons recorded 13.70% of the first date, 28.30% of the second date, 39.78% of the third date and 55.12% for the fourth date. Heritability over two seasons indicated 94.78%, 93.20%, 91.34% and 81.50% of the first, second, third and fourth blooming dates, respectively. The local cultivars Helali-1 and Giza-6 were generally higher than Sakha-4, Gemmiza-1 and the cultivar Serw-1 was lower one in the most flowering traits. The same performance showed in forage and dry yield t fed-1. Whereas Helali-1 and Giza-6 cultivars were insignificantly different in number of inflorescences plant-1, but both of them were significantly higher than for both cultivar in all trail. Helaly-1 and Giza-6 cultivars were classified as the highest productivity of seed g m-2, as well as fed-1 compared with the other cultivars under study. This study has shown that early blooming date has low seed set, but the latest blooming date produce the highest percentage of seed setting under Giza environmental conditions of commercial berseem cultivars. It could be concluded that cultivation of Helaly-1 and Giza-6 cultivars produced the maximum of seed setting in July and produced highest forage and dry yield under Giza environmental conditions. Vital pollen grain ranged from 75% to 90% of third and fourth blooming periods. Temperature (28 - 32oC), relative humidity (45 -55%) and wind speed (1.2- 2 m sec-1) and their interactions with low differences ranges between day and night temperature oC, soil temperature, may be the best environmental conditions, in Giza, for setting seeds and regulating the movement of pollinators, increase the pollination efficiency and seed yield potential.

Development of nutrient dense supplementary products for children by using locally available cereals, soy flour, bengal gram leaves and cow pea leaves

Malnourished children are often victim of various infections like weight loss, iron deficiency, iodine deficiency, vitamin A deficiency etc. As with underweight, the prevalence of different micronutrient deficiencies varies widely across states. Prevention of malnutrition can be started by providing nutrient dense supplementary foods to the children. So present study was designed to develop low cost nutrient dense supplementary products for children by using locally available cereals, soy flour, bengal gram leaves and cow pea leaves. Different types of ten supplementary food were developed and their sensory evaluation, nutrient evaluation and cost analysis was done. It was found that all the products were organoleptically acceptable and overall acceptability scores revealed that malted (B) and fermented (C) products were more acceptable as compared to the unprocessed variant (A). Nutritionally products were containing higher percentage of energy, protein, calcium and iron in comparison to standard with a cost of Rs 1.4 – 5.0.

New enolic type bioactive constituents from Hyptis suaveolens (L.) Poit

The objective of the present study is to isolate the lead phytochemical from the Hyptis suaveolens (L.) Poit. based on bioassay guided isolation from the promising crude extract. The crude extracts were prepared by using Hexane, petroleum ether, ethyl acetate, chloroform, methanol, acetone and water as solvents by cold percolation mechanical agitation method and hot extraction method, the dried crude extracts further subjected to bioactivity studies. Among the crude extracts, ethyl acetate extract is showed promising antifeedant, oviposition deterrent, ovicidal and insecticidal activity against Helicoverpa armigera, Spodoptera litura (Fab.) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), it was further taken for flash column chromatography purification which yields twenty fractions. From the bioactivity studies, fraction II and IV contains active constituents which inhibit the feeding ratio of the H.armigera and S. litura and it is apparent from the table. As per the data, fraction II and IV showed statistically significant ovicidal activity and further purified by preparative liquid chromatography yields two bio active molecules with 99% purity (2E)-1- (2-hydroxy phenyl) pent-2-en-1-one (I) and 1-[(3-hydroxy-5, 5-dimethyl cyclohex-3-en-1yl) oxy] hexan-3-one (II). Presence of these two phyto chemicals is being reported for the first time from this plant, Natural products and their derivatives have historically been invaluable as a source of therapeutic agents. But, at present role of natural products in the pharmaceutical industry has declined, due to lack of compatibility of traditional natural-product extract libraries with high-throughput screening. Attempts were made to enrich the bioactivity of phytochemical (I) & (II) through semi synthetic modification by employing boron reagents, which results crude mixture and it shows excellent bioactivity against H.armigera, S.litura.

Seed germination behaviour of Asparagus racemosus (Shatavari) under in-vivo and in-vitro conditions

Asparagus racemosus is an important medicinal plant, which is used in many Ayurvedic, Homeopathic and Unani preparations. The present article deals with an evaluation of its seed germination behaviour and seedling growth performance under in-vitro and in-vivo conditions. Data on various parameters such as seed morphology, germination performance influenced by different pretreatments, vigour index, seedling quality index (SQI), sowing depths and soil mixture ratios were observed. Results revealed that seeds exhibited cent percent germination under controlled laboratory conditions. Maximum SQI values were obtained when seeds were sown at 0.5 cm depth and 1:2:1 soil mixture ratios of sand: clay: FYM.

In vitro antibacterial activity and phytochemical studies of methanolic extract of leaves of Hypericum perforatum L. growing wild in Kashmir Himalaya

To evaluate in vitro antibacterial activity and phytochemical analysis of methanolic extract of aerial parts of Hypericum perforatum L. growing wild in Kashmir Himalaya. Antibacterial activity was determined by agar well diffusion method and broth dilution assay against six bacterial strains comprising both standard laboratory and clinical strains. Phytochemical study was performed by using standard phytochemical methods. The extract showed pronounced activity against all the bacterial strains tested. Bacillus subtilus MTCC- 441 exhibited the maximum antibacterial activity against with mean zone of inhibition of 19.33 mm at concentration of 50 mg/ml. Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) ranged from 0.39 mg/ml for Bacillus subtilus MTCC- 441 to 3.12 mg/ml for Salmonella typhi and E. coli. The extract showed higher sensitivity against Gram positive bacterial strains than Gram negative bacterial strains. Quantitative estimation of bioactive phytoconstituents showed that the plant contains alkaloids (19.10 ± 0.4 mg/g plant sample), phenolics (21.90 ± 0.9 mg/g sample), flavanoids (17.10 ± 0.02 mg/g sample), tannins (1.60 ± 0.08 mg/g sample) and carbohydrates (4.0 mg/g sample). Our study clearly indicates that the methanolic extract of Hypericum perforatum from high altitude of Kashmir Himalaya possess significant antibacterial activity against diverse bacterial strains due to higher concentration of bioactive phytoconstituents like alkaloids, phenolics, flavanoids and tanins.

Pharmacognostical studies on the leaves of Cassia obtusifolia Linn.

Cassia obtusifolia Linn. (Family: Caesalpinnaceae) is commonly known as “Takla” or “Chakunda” in India, also used as vegetable and cultivated throughout in India, Sri - Lanka and many tropical countries. In Indian traditional system of medicine (Ayurveda) the plant is used as digestible, laxative, diuretic, stomachic, antipyretic, improves the appetite, biliousness, blood diseases, burning sensation, leprosy, bronchitis, piles and leucorrhoea. There were no pharmacognostical reports of this plant, specifically to determine the anatomical and other physicochemical standards required for its quality control. The findings of the current study can be useful to progress and surge further scientific investigation on the leaves of this species. The present study aims at developing a standardized profile of leaves of Cassia obtusifolia Linn. which would be of immense use to identify and establish the authenticity of the plant Cassia obtusifolia Linn.

Chemical profilesof leaf, stem, root and flower of Ageratum conyzoides

The leaf, stem, root, and flower of Ageratum conyzoides was used to evaluate its chemical profile. The studied samples showed the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids and some constituents of flavonoids, tannins, saponins, glycosides, resins, phenols, asphytochemicals whileproteins, carbohydrate and its reducing forms were present as nutrients.Some essential and non-essential amino acids were also present.The leaf of the studied plant is the most concentrated followed by the flower in terms of the the chemicals detected in the present study. The chemical compounds detected in the present study could be the sourceof the medicinal value of Ageratum conyzoides as used in folk medicine. The present study has shown the chemical profiles of leaf, stem, root, and flower ofAgeratum conyzoides.

Physicochemical and microbial status of Nworie River, Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria

The physicochemical and microbial status of Nworie River was investigated. Results obtained for physiochemical status showed that aside pH, conductivity, aluminium and iron at some of the sampling points, other physicochemical parameters investigated in this study were blow WHO standards. Pathogenic organisms such as Klebisiella sp., Vibrocholerae, Proteus sp., and non-pathogenic organisms such as Eschericha coli, Bacillus sp., were among the organisms identified. The pathogenic organisms found in the river water could be agents of water borne diseases. The present study has shown the physicochemical and microbial status of Nworie River.

Phytochemical, vitamin and proximate composition of Dacryodes edulis fruit at different stages of maturation

The phytochemical, vitamins and proximate composition of D. edulis at different stages of maturation were investigated. Fully matured but not darkened, half darkened, and fully darkened D. edulis samples were used. The results obtained for phytochemical composition showed that flavonoids (0.67 ± 0.27 – 2.42 ± 0.32 mg/100g), alkaloids (0.42 ± 0.13 – 1.50 ± 0.25 mg/100g), saponins (0.21 ±0.04 – 1.29 ± 0.41 mg/100g), tannins (3.10 ± 0.11 – 5.78 ± 0.67 mg/100g), cyanogenic glycosides (0.03 ± 0.02 – 0.05 ± 0.00 mg/100g) ,and oxalate (1.34 ± 0.91 – 4.97 ± 0.24 mg/100mg).Those for vitamins revealed that thiamine (0.95 ± 0.53 – 0.26 ± 0.06mg/100g), riboflavin (0.23 ± 0.11 – 1.69 ± 0.21 mg/100g), niacin (0.17 ± 0.02 – 0.93 ± 0.19mg/100g), ascorbic (0.07 ± 0.81-002 ± 0.00mg/100g), and tocopherol (0.29 ± 0.16-0.90 ± 0.46 mg/100g) while proximate content showed the presence of moisture (26.12 ± 0.16 – 32.10 ± 2.10 %), crude protein (5.13 ± 2. 39 – 8.25 ±1.12 %), lipid (31.52 ± 10.75 – 37. 31 ± 1.07 %), ash (2.89 ± 0.13 – 4.16 ± 2. 11 %), crude fiber (2. 10 ± 1.34 – 11.21 ± 0.19 %), carbohydrate (16.07 ± 1.15 – 23 – 14 ± 6.97 %) and energy value (400.68 ± 0.21 – 450.59 ± 12.01 kcal/100g). This study has shown the phytochemical, vitamin, and proximate composition of D. edulis fruit at the different stages of maturation.

Mucilage extract of Coccinia indica fruit as coagulant-flocculent for turbid water treatment

Lab scale experiments were conducted of mucilage isolated from fruits of Coccinia indica as flocculent for the treatment of turbid water samples containing synthetic turbidity of kaolin. Jar test experiments at optimum pH and time were carried out for 10, 25, 50, 75 and 100 (NTU) levels of turbidity, 0.4 mg/l at different pH range, 6.0 to 9.0. At all the experimental turbidity levels, the increased flocculent pH increased the percentage of turbidity removal up to a certain level, beyond which further increase in pH shows a decreasing trend in the removal. The optimum dose of the flocculent in the present study was found to be at pH 7.5. C. indica mucilage has higher efficiency in removing high turbidity in comparison with low turbidity. Highest turbidity removal (94%) was obtained with very high i.e. 100 NTU initial turbidity.

Pharmacognostical and biochemical investigation of Ocimum kilimandscharicum plants available in western Himalayan region

India has a rich heritage of plants as medicines; Indian systems of medicines utilize 80 percent of the material derived from the plants. Himalaya are a rich repository of tradition, culture and heritage. The diversified topography, soil and microclimatic zones of Himalayan regions have resulted occurrence of several valuable and economically important medicinal and aromatic plants of great therapeutic value. The use of plants as sources of medicines are human substance has been in vogue since antiquity. Large numbers of plants are utilized in various systems of medicine practiced in India and local health traditions for the treatment of human diseases since time immemorial. Ocimum kilimandscharicum Gurke. is used for thousands of years in Ayurveda for its diverse healing properties. Tulsi is the legendary ‘Incomparable one’ of India, is one of the holiest and most cherished of the many healing and healthy giving herbs of the orient. The paper comprises to determine the pharmacognostical parameters and elemental evaluation along with nutritional components and preliminary phytochemical investigation of the Ocimum kilimandscharicum available in western Himalayan region. It was concluded from the study that the aerial parts of Ocimum basilicum from western Himalaya is very good source of minerals and other phytochemicals, which are biologically active substances responsible for various therapeutic potential.

Isolation, identification of fungi from Avicinnia marina Muthupet mangroves Thiruvarur Dt.

In the present study the leaf surface mycoflora of green, senescent and brown leaves of Avicinnia marina was studied by plating of leaf surface washings and washed leaf bits. Twenty two species of fungi were isolated during the course of four samplings. They include Absidia glauca, Acrphialophora fusispora, Alternaria alternate, Aspergillus candidus, A. flavus, A. luchueusis, A.niger, A.sydowi, A.fumigatus, A. sulphureus, Cladosporium, Cunninghamella sp., Curvularia sp., Gliocladium sp., Fusarium sp., Melanospora sp., Myrothecium sp., Nigrospora sphaerica, Pestalotia, Penicillium sp., Rhizopus sp., Trichoderma viride. The population of the fungi was comparatively more on the surface of the senescent leaves than the green and brown fallen leaves. The Cladosporium sp. was more during the months of December and January, and Aspergillus sp., during the months of March. The secretion of cellulase by Curvalaria sp., Gliocladium sp., Penicillium sp., and Trichoderma sp., was studied in vitro by viscometric method. It was more in Trichoderma than other species of fungi tested. Thus the present study will give a clue to know about the degradation of litter and alive woody species of mangrove ecosystem. This study also helps to know about the cellulolytic activity of some of the phylloplane Mycoflora which indirectly enrich the nutrient status of the mangrove soils and maintenance of equilibrium status. This study will pave the way for further projects in various angle.

In-vitro antioxidant and identification of the antimicrobial fraction in selected traditional foods

The current investigation aims to carry out antioxidant studies and the identification of antimicrobial fraction from various extracts of Setaria italica, Panicum sumatrense, Drimia indica, Bambusa bamboos seed. Nitric oxide assay was carried out in all the samples so as to detect its antioxidant activity. This study revealed significant antioxidant activity. Antimicrobial studies were carried out to determine the Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of different extracts, which gave significant results.

Effect of aqueous root extract of Aristolochia indica (Linn) on diabetes induced rats

Aristolochia indica (Linn) commonly called Iswarmul is a rare endangered medicinal plant of India. It is reported to be stimulant, used for diarrhea and intermittent fever this plant is a remedy for, drops, loss of appetite and good for snake bite. The purpose of the present research was to evaluate the anti hyperglycemic effect of A.indica on blood glucose and also to evaluate its toxicity on liver function, kidney function, and diabetic related hormones like insulin and testosterone levels in allaxon induced male rats. From our findings it is confirmed that allaxon has a fair chance of leading to liver damage and the root extract of A.indica may have the protective action against liver damage. However kidney function seems to be normal, may be because of short time exposure to diabetes. The root extract was found to be hypoglycemic and anti diabetic in function. By this study we can conclusively state that A.indica may act as antidiabetic herbal drug. But more careful investigations are needed.

Nutritional assessment of some selected wild edible plants as a good source of mineral

Wild edible plants play an important role in human diet. The objective of the study was to evaluate nutrional composition of wild edible plants viz. Ensete Superbum (Roxb.) Cheesuran, Gmelina arborea Roxb, Oroxylum indicum (L.),Vent, Bauhinia recemosa Lam. Caryota urens L, Smilax zeylanica L, Woodfordia fruticosa (L.) Kurz, Commelina benghalensis L, Garcinia indica (Du Petit-Thou.) Choisy, Zanthoxylum rhetsa (Roxb.) DC. The amount of calcium is found to be higher in all plants followed by nitrogen, sodium, potassium and phosphorus etc, whereas the amount of iron is higher than copper, zinc and manganese etc in all plants.

Physico-chemical parameters and elemental analysis of the soils of sunflower (Helianthus annus. L) growing field with different manure treatment

In this study, an attempt has been made to find any possible variation in Physico-Chemical parameters of the soils collected from various sunflower fields (sandy loam & red soil) with root rot diseases in three different manure treatments viz; control (T1), chemical fertilizer (T2) and organic manure (T3). Also the concentrations of four important trace elements viz., Fe, Zn, Mn and Cu are estimated using Atomic Absorption Spectrometer (AAS). The results of the Physico-Chemical parameters, the concentrations of trace elements and their results are discussed.

Genetic variability and Phylogenetic relationship among some Bamboo species of North- East India by AFLP analysis

The commercial importance of bamboo calls for precise documentation of these plants using molecular parameters since flowering based classical taxonomic grouping of bamboo plants within this group have often been questioned. In the present report, AFLP markers has been used with an aim to providing better understanding of taxonomic grouping of nine bamboo species of Manipur state of North Eastern India that is home to a large population with wide diversity of bamboo plants. The experimental material consisted mainly species of Bambusa and Dendrocalamus genus for which reports on even DNA fingerprinting studies (albeit few) appear confusing. Two other genus viz. Mellocanna and Thyrostachys were also included in the study. AFLP analysis using six pair primer combinations on nine species belonging to four genera of bamboo, generated total 1620 alleles among which 1229 alleles were polymorphic while 391 alleles were monoporphic. The average similarity matrix was used to generate a tree for cluster analysis using software NTSys v 2.1. All the species under Bambusa genus form a distinct cluster except Bambusa balcooa which formed a separate cluster with Thyrostachys siamensis. All species under Dendrocalamus genus have clustered together sharing a common origin with Bambusa cluster. Another species viz. Melocanna baccifera also originated from this common root but exhibited distinct existence suggesting independent evolution.

Studies on the phytochemistry, antibacterial activity and green synthesis of nanoparticles using Cassia tora l. against amphicillin resistant bacteria

The field of nanotechnology is one of the most active areas of research in modern materials science and technology. An ecofriendly green mediated synthesis of inorganic nanoparticle is a fast growing research in the limb of nanotechnology. The present study synthesis from 1 mm AgNO3 solution through the leaf extract of Cassia tora L. as reducing as well as capping agent. Nanoparticles were characterized using UV –vis absorption spectroscopy’s green synthesized silver nanoparticles showed the antibacterial against the isolated microorganisms. Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas sp. and Salmonella sp. were isolated from clinical specimen. Phytochemical analysis of aqueous extracts of Cassia tora L. showed the presence of anthraquniones, carbohydrates, glycosides, cardiac glycosides, amino acid, phytosterols, fixedoils and fats, phenolic compounds, tannins, flavonoids, steroids and saponins. The silver nanopaticles was characterized by using UV –visible Spectrophotometer at the range of 200-800nm. Absorption spectrum (200- 800nm) at the beginning of the reaction showed three distrinct peaks , centering around 220, 280 and 430nm. The absorption spectrum showed increase in intensity over a broad spectrum in the range of 350-600nm within 10min of contact time while the remaining part of the absorption spectrum in the range of 350-600nm continued to increase with increasing incubation time till 60min. Each antibiotic resistant microorganism differs in the formation of zone of inhibition representing their sensitiveness to silver nanoparticles extracts of Cassia tora.

Laminarin as a potential non-conventional elicitor for enhancement of capsaicinoid metabolites

Capsaicinoids are alkaloids responsible for the pungency factor in the fruits of Capsicum sp. Capsaicin finds its use as food additive and in pharmaceutical applications. Enhancement of capsaicin and related metabolites of the capsaicinoid biosynthetic pathway in Capsicum fruits was achieved using laminarin-an algal cell wall polysaccharide as elicitor. A 1.5-2 fold increase in the overall capsaicinoid content (capsaicin & dihydrocapsaicin) was observed in the fruits of the plants sprayed with aqueous extract of laminarin over the control. Of the concentrations tried 2% (W/V) laminarin spray was effective in enhancing the capsaicinoid and related metabolites. Lower concentration of laminarin, had no significant impact on metabolite profiles. Laminarin could be effectively used as an alternate source for conventionally used several biotic and abiotic elicitors for improvement of secondary metabolites in plants of high economic importance.

A study of antimicrobial activity of few medicinal herbs

The use of plants in treatment of burns, dermatophytes and infectious diseases is common in traditional medicine. The development of new antimicrobial agents against resistant pathogens is increasing interest. Therefore, the methanolic extracts from different parts of four medicinal plants used locally in folk medicine were evaluated for antimicrobial activity. It was found that most plant extracts studied had antibacterial and antifungal activities. The methanolic extract of leaf of the plant Azadiracta indica, Acacia nilotica and Witania somnifera showed significant antibacterial activity against Bacillus subtilis, Escherchia coli, stphaylocuccus aureus and pseudomonas fluorescence. Azadiracta indica and A.tinolica showed significant antifungal activity against A. flavus, Ziziphus mauritiana. The rhizome extract of curcuma longa showed significant activity against all tested bacteria and showd higher anti fungal activity against Fusarium verticillioides .

Antibacterial activity of extracts of Citrus, Allium & Punica against food borne spoilage

The aim of the current study is to isolate the bacteria from the spoiled food, identify them on the basis of their morphology and properties & then check their inhibition from the plant extracts prepared from three plants namely Citrus limon, Allium sativum & Punica granatum. Food Poisoning is an illness which can be fatal to the one who consumes spoiled food & can also have serious consequences. The toxins produced by the microbes affect the host even after the microbes are dead. On the basis of morphology cocci & rod were present in the samples. Both gram positive & negative bacteria were identified along with some spore forming bacteria. There was a mixed population of aerobes & anaerobes. All the plant extracts showed activity against the microbes but the extract from Punica granatum were the most versatile. The concentration of the plant extracts was found to be 500mg/ml.

Comparative evaluation of adaptogenic and antioxidant activities of traditionally used Indian drugs

The present study is aimed at evaluating the adaptogenic and antioxidant activity of traditionally used drugs in Ayurveda and Siddha system of medicine. Antioxidant and adaptogenic activity of methanolic extract of Muppu, Vidakanachoornam and Buchanania lanzan were evaluated using TBARS and GSH as biomarkers. Comparative results of the three formulations revealed that the Ayurvedic formulation Vidakanachoornam had maximum antioxidant potential as it was found to be most significant at the dose of 400 mg/kg body weight, followed by the extract of Buchanania lanzan.

Pogostemon rajendranii - Lamiaceae, a new species from Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve in the Southern Western Ghats, India

Pogostemon rajendranii is described and illustrated as a new species from the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, India.

An efficient protocol for clonal micropropagation of Mentha piperita L. (Pipperment)

This review highlights the recent development and achievements made for the micropropagation of Mentha piperita (scented herb) in hadoti region of south east Rajasthan. Shootlets were regenerated from nodal explants of stem through auxiliary shoot proliferation. The induction of multiple shoots from nodal segments was the highest in MS medium supplemented with 0.5 mg/l BAP+3.0 mg/l Kn. For rooting different concentration of IBA were used and highest rooting was recorded on MS medium with 2.0 mg/l IBA. The rooted Plantlets were hardened initially in culture room conditions and then transferred to misthouse.

High performance thin layer chromatographic method for quantification of β- sitosterol from Vanda roxburghii R.Br.

The roots of Vanda roxburghii R.Br. (family Orchidaceae), known as ‘Rasna’ in the Ayurvedic system of medicine, are used to treat a variety of ailments, including rheumatism, dyspepsia, bronchitis, inflammations, diseases of the abdomen, hiccough and tremors and as an antipyretic agent. Chemically, V. roxburghii R.Br. has been reported to contain β-sitosterol, γ-sitosterol, heptacosane, octacosanol, acetyl tetracosylferulate, 17-β-hydroxy-14,20-epoxy-1- oxo-[22R]-3β-[O-β-D-glucopyranosyl]-5,24-withadienolide and melianin. Sterols are anti-inflammatory agents. β- sitosterol has been shown to possess anti-inflammatory and anti-pyretic properties. In this context, a method for quantitative estimation of β-sitosterol in the methanolic extract of the roots of Vanda roxburghii R.Br. has been developed. The HPTLC method used for the standardization was validated for the parameters like specificity, limits of detection and quantification, linearity, precision, accuracy and recovery. The content of β-sitosterol in the methanolic extract was found to be 0.016 %w/w.

Studies on the phytochemistry, antimicrobial activity and antioxidant properties of Cassia occidentalis L.

Antibiotic resistance has become a global concern. Antibiotics exist in indispensable for today’s pharma medical market. Despite that their usage is become increasingly restricted. The reason being attributed largely to the development of drug resistance among microorganisms. In addition to that, the phenomenon is coupled by the toxicity possessed by many of the conventionally prescribed antimicrobials, warranting a search for newer antimicrobial agents. In view of increasing resistance to existing antimicrobial agents, herbal drugs looked as very important source for treating various microbial infections. There has been worldwide move towards the use of traditional medicines due to concern over the more invasive, expensive, potentially toxic main stream practices. Numerous studies have identified compounds with in herbals that are effective antibiotics. The pathogenic microbial agents less susceptible to regular antibiotics and the rising trend in the recovery rates or resistant bacteria highlight the need for newer alternative principles. This present study is aimed to investigate phytochemical, Antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of various parts of medicinal plants.

Incidence of dermatophytes school soils of Visakhapatnam: A case study

In India a number of reports have appeared concerning the distribution of dermatophytes from various habits. However, there are very few reports on the occurrence and distribution of dermatophytes in soils of India. Keeping in view the microbiological and pathological importance of dermatophytes the present study was planned to find out their distribution in selected school soils of Visakhapatnam. Dermatophytes and closely related species were represented by 12 species, Microsporum audouinii (43.75%) was reported all soil samples. Based on the findings it may be concluded that unhygienic soil of schools may be considered as a health risk to children. Therefore measures to enhance hygienic condition should be taken to control the diffusion of dermatophytes in these Environments.

Angiosperm diversity in the island of Rameshwaram coastal region, mannar biosphere reserve, South India

The biodiversity of plant resources has been studied during the end of summer season in Rameshwaram coastal island. The total number of plants has been identified with the help of Flora of the Presidency of Madras. Rameswaram receive higher rainfall during the rainy season due to the formation of cyclone. Meanwhile the soil type is almost sandy soil. Our team went to Rameswaram is a famous pilgrimage centre for Hindus and we spent the time and to evaluate and list the plant species is available at the time of survey in the month of August 2011.Nearly forty six total species survive after the summer season. Such type of plant species survive in the sandy soil and hottest climate. We should recommend to the peoples establish the number of tree species in Rameswaram coastal region, which is most beneficial for pilgrims.

A comparative study of carotenoid extraction from algae in different solvent systems

Algae are a rich source of carotenoids. Carotenoids from algae can be used as a food colorant, food additive, cosmetics, antioxidants and nutraceuticals etc. Selection of solvents for extraction of carotenoid from algae is a tedious job and is generally carried out in organic solvent. In this study, different solvents ranging from organic to aqueous and their mixture were used to achieve the maximum extractability of total carotenoids. The extracted total carotenoids were estimated using UV- visible spectrophotometer and identified by Reversed Phase High Performance Liquid Chromatography (RPHPLC).