Rajesh K. Verma

Bio: Rajesh K. Verma is an academic researcher from Central Building Research Institute. The author has contributed to research in topics: Concrete sealer & Lantana camara. The author has an hindex of 2, co-authored 2 publications receiving 80 citations.

Surface Treatment of the Secretariat Building, Chandigarh, India Using Selected Concrete Sealers for Protection from Environmental Deterioration

Abstract: The Secretariat Building is located inside the Chandigarh, Capitol Complex, India. The exterior surface of the building has deteriorated due to weathering effects. The aim of the present study was to assess efficacy of selected protective materials on exposed heritage reinforced concrete surface of the Secretariat Building for restoration. Selected concrete sealers and Evercrete DPS with essential oil of peppermint and eucalyptus were evaluated for UV degradation yellowing test on white cement panels, accelerated ageing test on concrete beams up to 5 years, field trial on the exterior surface of the Secretariat Building up to 38 weeks and test for determining the water absorption on concrete cores (ASTM D 6489-99) up to 4 years. The result reveals that Konex WRA-2318 and La Shield WR Xtra are effective for surface treatment of the Secretariat Building without changing the colour of the surface up to 4 and 2 years respectively.

Anti-inflammatory and anticancer compounds isolated from Ventilago madraspatana Gaertn., Rubia cordifolia Linn. and Lantana camara Linn.

Abstract: Objectives The aim was to search for anti-inflammatory and anticancer compounds from three medicinal plants, viz. Ventilago madraspatana Gaertn., Rubia cordifolia Linn. and Lantana camara Linn. Methods The NO• scavenging potential of selected plant extracts was determined on LPS/IFN-γ activated murine peritoneal macrophage cultures, and iNOS and COX-2 expression was evaluated by Western blot analysis. Bio-assay guided fractionation yielded four compounds: physcion and emodin from V. madraspatana, 1-hydroxytectoquinone from R. cordifolia, and oleanonic acid from L. camara. The anti-inflammatory activity of these compounds was tested through the carrageenan-induced rat-paw oedema model. They were then tested against a murine tumour (Ehrlich ascites carcinoma), and three human cancer cell lines, namely A375 (malignant skin melanoma), Hep2 (epidermoid laryngeal carcinoma) and U937 (lymphoma). Key findings All four compounds dose dependently inhibited NO• through suppression of iNOS protein without affecting macrophage viability. Physcion and emodin caused 65–68% reduction of oedema volume at 40 mg/kg, which validated their in-vivo anti-inflammatory effect. 1-hydroxytectoquinone and oleanonic acid exhibited promising cytotoxicity against A375 cells. Conclusions Ethnomedical reports on these traditional medicinal plants have been rationalised through an insight into the anti-inflammatory as well as anticancer potential of four constituents, characterised to be prospective candidates for designing novel therapeutic agents.

Green synthesis of silver nanoparticles mediated by traditionally used medicinal plants in Sudan

Abstract: Sudan has a tremendous wealth flora due to its unique geographical location and diverse climate. Vast records of plants and plants’ secondary metabolites are reported to possess redox capacity and can be exploited for the biosynthesis of nanoparticles. Plant-mediated synthesis of silver nanoparticles is preferred due to their availability and their various metabolites. The present review explores the potentiality and diversity of biological activities of silver nanoparticles that originated from the combination of silver and phyto-constituents of mostly traditionally used Sudanese medicinal and aromatic plants. The green synthesis methods of silver nanoparticles mediated by more than 45 traditionally used medicinal plants are critically reviewed. In addition, parameters that affect the synthesis of plant-mediated silver nanoparticles, their characterization techniques and various biological activities are summarized and discussed. Thus, the study of green synthesis of silver nanoparticles and its applications can be extended to involve vast plant diversity of Sudan.

Biochemical compositions and antibacterial activities of Lantana camara plants with yellow, lavender, red and white flowers

Abstract: Here we report the biochemical composition and antibacterial activities of the leaves and flowers of four Lantana camara (Verbanaceae) plants with yellow, lavender, red, and white flowers. Three out of the four plants showed almost similar carbohydrates and lipid compositions. The levels of carbohydrates (mg/g dry weight) in the flowers were comparatively higher than in the leaves and the lipids content was relatively higher in the leaves except L. camara lavender and white. In lavender L. camara the amount of the total carbohydrates was very low. Proteins extracted from the leaves and flowers were subjected to electrophoresis. Electrophoresis of leaf proteins revealed similarity among L. camara yellow, red, and white flowers while that of flowers proteins showed similarity between L. camara yellow, lavender, red, and white. Extracts of leaves and flowers obtained with ethyl acetate were studied for antibacterial activities. Leaf and flower ethyl acetate extracts exhibited considerable antibacterial activities against the bacteria used where the value of zone of inhibition ranged from 10-21 and 9-15 mm, respectively. For flower and leaf ethyl acetate extracts, the zone of inhibition (mm) measured ranged from 10-21 and 9-15 mm, respectively. Thus, the study of the biochemical parameters viz., lipids, carbohydrates and proteins has revealed similarity among the four different L camara. However, antibacterial activities vary from one L. camara to the other and also according to the type of tissue used.