Jadavpur University

About: Jadavpur University is a education organization based out in Kolkata, India. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Population & Schiff base. The organization has 10856 authors who have published 27678 publications receiving 422069 citations. The organization is also known as: JU & Jadabpur University.

Stability of curcumin in different solvent and solution media: UV–visible and steady-state fluorescence spectral study

Abstract: In aqueous solution, curcumin is photodegradable (light sensitive), it is also self-degradable in the dark. In basic medium, the second process is enhanced. The dark process has been studied in water and also in a number of protic and aprotic solvents, and aqueous solutions of ionic liquids, pluronics, reverse micelles and salt. The kinetics of the process followed the first order rate law; a comparative as well as individual assessment of which has been made. The kinetics of curcumin self-degradation has been found to be fairly dependent on salt (NaCl) concentration. Curcumin molecules in solution may remain in the enol or keto-enol form. From the visible spectral analysis, an estimate of the proportions of these forms in aqueous ethanol medium has been made. The temperature effect on the visible and fluorescence spectra of curcumin has been also studied. The steady state fluorescence anisotropy of the photoactive curcumin has been evaluated in different solvent and solution media. The reversibility of the steady state fluorescence anisotropy of curcumin on heating and cooling conditions has been examined. The results herein presented are new and ought to be useful as the study of physicochemistry of curcumin has been gaining importance in the light of its biological importance.

Anti-diarrhoeal potential of Asparagus racemosus wild root extracts in laboratory animals.

Abstract: PURPOSE: Asparagus racemosus Wild root has been used traditionally in Ayurveda for the treat- ment of diarrhoea and dysentery. However, the claims of Ayurveda need to be validated by a suitable experi- mental model. Therefore, the present study was under- taken to evaluate the effect of ethanol and aqueous extracts of Asparagus racemosus for its antidiarrhoeal potential against several experimental models of diar- rhoea in Albino Wistar rats. METHODS: The antidi- arrhoeal activity of ethanol and aqueous extracts of Asparagus racemosus root was evaluated using castor oil-induced diarrhoea model in rats. Further, we evalu- ated the effect of ethanol and aqueous extracts on gas- trointestinal tract motility after charcoal meal administration and PGE 2 induced intestinal fluid accu- mulation (enteropooling). Loperamide was used as pos- itive control. RESULTS: The plant extracts showed significant (P < 0.05) inhibitor activity against castor oil induced diarrhoea and PGE 2 induced enteropooling in rats when tested at 200 mg/kg. Both extracts also showed significant (P < 0.001) reduction in gas- trointestinal motility in charcoal meal test in rats. CONCLUSION: The results point out the possible anti-diarrhoeal effect of the plant extracts and substan- tiate the use of this herbal remedy as a non-specific treatment for diarrhoea in folk medicine.

Influence of machining parameters on the machinability of particulate reinforced Al/SiC–MMC

Abstract: The paper presents the result of an experimental investigation on the machinability of silicon carbide particulate aluminium metal matrix composite during turning using a rhombic uncoated carbide tool. The influence of machining parameters, e.g. cutting speed, feed and depth of cut on the cutting force has been investigated. The influence of the length of machining and cutting time on the tool wear and the influence of various machining parameters, e.g. cutting speed, feed, depth of cut on the surface finish criteria has been analyzed through the various graphical representations. The combined effect of cutting speed and feed on the flank wear has also been investigated. The influence of cutting speed, feed and depth of cut on the tool wears and built-up edge is analyzed graphically. The job surface condition and wear of the cutting tool edge for the different sets of experiments have been examined and compared for searching out the suitable cutting condition for effective machining performance during turning of Al/SiC-MMC. Test results show that no built-up edge is formed during machining of Al/SiC-MMC at high speed and low depth of cut. From the test results and different SEM micrographs, suitable range of cutting speed, feed and depth of cut can be selected for proper machining of Al/SiC-MMC.

Antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of Bauhinia racemosa L. stem bark

Abstract: The present study was carried out to evaluate the antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of a methanol extract of Bauhinia racemosa (MEBR) (Caesalpiniaceae) stem bark in various systems. 1,1-Diphenyl-2-picryl-hydrazyl (DPPH) radical, superoxide anion radical, nitric oxide radical, and hydroxyl radical scavenging assays were carried out to evaluate the antioxidant potential of the extract. The antioxidant activity of the methanol extract increased in a concentration-dependent manner. About 50, 100, 250, and 500 µg MEBR inhibited the peroxidation of a linoleic acid emulsion by 62.43, 67.21, 71.04, and 76.83%, respectively. Similarly, the effect of MEBR on reducing power increased in a concentration-dependent manner. In DPPH radical scavenging assays the IC50 value of the extract was 152.29 µg/ml. MEBR inhibited the nitric oxide radicals generated from sodium nitroprusside with an IC50 of 78.34 µg/ml, as opposed to 20.4 µg/ml for curcumin. Moreover, MEBR scavenged the superoxide generated by the PMS/NADH-NBT system. MEBR also inhibited the hydroxyl radical generated by Fenton's reaction, with an IC50 value of more than 1000 µg/ml, as compared to 5 µg/ml for catechin. The amounts of total phenolic compounds were also determined and 64.7 µg pyrocatechol phenol equivalents were detected in MEBR (1 mg). The antimicrobial activities of MEBR were determined by disc diffusion with five Gram-positive, four Gram-negative and four fungal species. MEBR showed broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity against all tested microorganisms. The results obtained in the present study indicate that MEBR can be a potential source of natural antioxidant and antimicrobial agents.