Ramadasan Kuttan

Bio: Ramadasan Kuttan is an academic researcher. The author has contributed to research in topics: Lipid peroxidation & Superoxide dismutase. The author has an hindex of 3, co-authored 3 publications receiving 665 citations.

Beneficial effects of green tea: A literature review

Abstract: The health benefits of green tea for a wide variety of ailments, including different types of cancer, heart disease, and liver disease, were reported. Many of these beneficial effects of green tea are related to its catechin, particularly (-)-epigallocatechin-3-gallate, content. There is evidence from in vitro and animal studies on the underlying mechanisms of green tea catechins and their biological actions. There are also human studies on using green tea catechins to treat metabolic syndrome, such as obesity, type II diabetes, and cardiovascular risk factors. Long-term consumption of tea catechins could be beneficial against high-fat diet-induced obesity and type II diabetes and could reduce the risk of coronary disease. Further research that conforms to international standards should be performed to monitor the pharmacological and clinical effects of green tea and to elucidate its mechanisms of action.

Suppressive Effect of Curcumin on Lipid Peroxidation Induced in Rats by Carbon Tetrachloride or 60Co-Irradiation

Abstract: The effect of curcumin, which occurs in root of Curcuma Longa L., Zingiberaceae, on lipid peroxidation induced in rats by the administration of carbon tetrachloride or by 60Co-irradiation was examined. Administration of curcumin once a day for 3 successive days before the administration of carbon tetrachloride suppressed the increase in lipid peroxide level in the liver and that in activities of serum glutamate oxaloacetate and glutamate pyruvate transaminases in a manner dependent on the concentration of curcumin. Curcumin also prevented the morphological changes induced in the liver by carbon tetrachloride administration. When rats administered curcumin once a day for successive 5 days were irradiated with 60Co once a day for the last 3 days, the increase in serum and liver lipid peroxide levels was significantly suppressed.

Amelioration of alloxan-induced hyperglycaemia by aloe arborescens miller. and its possible mechanism

Abstract: Summary Oxidative stress induced by alloxan has been shown to damage pancreatic β-cell and produce hyperglycaemia in rats. Aloe arborescens leaves are being used by tribals as a medicine for diabetes. The present study examined the antidiabetes and antioxidant potential of fresh Aloe arborescens juice and its role in reducing hepatic and renal toxicity induced by alloxan. Antidiabetic activity of the juice was carried out in the alloxan diabetic rats. Reduction in blood sugar could be seen from 6 th day after continuous administration of the extract. In vitro free radicals scavenging activity was estimated by inhibition of lipid peroxidation (LP), hydroxyl radical and superoxide radicals. Oxidative stress produced by alloxan was found to be significantly lowered by the administration of the juice. This was evident from a significant decrease in lipid peroxidation level in serum as well as in liver induced by alloxan. Superoxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione levels were found to be increased. The changes in hepatic and renal functions during alloxan induction were also reversed after the continuous administration of A. arborescens juice. These results indicated that A. arborescens juice effectively reduced the oxidative stress, levels of kidney and renal functions induced by alloxan and produce a reduction in blood sugar.

Conservation and sustainable use of medicinal plants: problems, progress, and prospects.

Abstract: Medicinal plants are globally valuable sources of herbal products, and they are disappearing at a high speed. This article reviews global trends, developments and prospects for the strategies and methodologies concerning the conservation and sustainable use of medicinal plant resources to provide a reliable reference for the conservation and sustainable use of medicinal plants. We emphasized that both conservation strategies (e.g. in situ and ex situ conservation and cultivation practices) and resource management (e.g. good agricultural practices and sustainable use solutions) should be adequately taken into account for the sustainable use of medicinal plant resources. We recommend that biotechnical approaches (e.g. tissue culture, micropropagation, synthetic seed technology, and molecular marker-based approaches) should be applied to improve yield and modify the potency of medicinal plants.