Showing papers in "Indian Journal of Experimental Biology in 2007"

In vitro antioxidant studies in leaves of Annona species

Abstract: Antioxidant potential of leaves of three different species of Annona was studied by using different in vitro models eg., 1,1-diphenyl-2-picryl hydrazyl (DPPH), 2,2-azinobis-(3-ethylbenzothizoline-6-sulphonate) (ABTS), nitric oxide, superoxide, hydroxy radical and lipid peroxidation. The ethanolic extract of A. muricata at 500 microg/ml showed maximum scavenging activity (90.05%) of ABTS radical cation followed by the scavenging of hydroxyl radical (85.88%) and nitric oxide (72.60%) at the same concentration. However, the extract showed only moderate lipid peroxidation inhibition activity. In contrast, the extract of A. reticulata showed better activity in quenching DPPH (89.37%) and superoxide radical (80.88%) respectively. A.squamosa extract exhibited least inhibition in all in vitro antioxidant models excepting hydroxyl radical (79.79%). These findings suggest that the extracts of A. muricata possess potent in vitro antioxidant activity as compared to leaves of A. squamosa and A. reticulata suggesting its role as an effective free radical scavenger, augmenting its therapeutic

Wound healing activity of Carica papaya L. in experimentally induced diabetic rats.

Abstract: The aqueous extract of C. papaya fruit (100 mg kg(-1) day(-1) for 10 days) was evaluated for its wound healing activity in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats using excision and dead space wound models. Extract-treated animals exhibited 77% reduction in the wound area when compared to controls which was 59%. The extract treated wounds were found to epithelize faster as compared to controls. The wet and dry granulation tissue weight and hydroxyproline content increased significantly when compared to controls. The extract exhibited antimicrobial activity against the five organisms tested. Carica papaya promotes significant wound healing in diabetic rats and further evaluation of this activity in humans is suggested.

Biological activities of Ocimum sanctum L. fixed oil--an overview.

Abstract: Seeds of Ocimum sanctum L. (Labiatae; popularly known as 'Tulsi' in Hindi and 'Holy Basil' in English) contain a pale yellow colored fixed oil. The oil possesses antiinflammatory activity due to dual inhibition of arachidonate metabolism supplemented by antihistaminic activity. The antiinflammatory activity is not dependent on the pituitary adrenal axis. The oil possesses antipyretic activity due to prostaglandin inhibition and peripherally acting analgesic activity. The oil has been found to be effective against formaldehyde or adjuvant induced arthritis and turpentine oil induced joint edema in animals. Lipoxygenase inhibitory, histamine antagonistic and antisecretory activities of the oil contribute towards antiulcer activity. The oil can inhibit enhancement of vascular capillary permeability and leucocyte migration following inflammatory stimulus. The LD50 of the oil is 42.5 ml/kg and long-term use of oil at 3 ml/kg dose does not produce any untoward effects in rats. The oil contains a-linolenic acid, an omega-3 fatty acid, which on metabolism produces eicosapentaenoic acid and the same appears to be responsible for the biological activity. The oil has hypotensive, anticoagulant and immunomodulatory activities. Antioxidant property of the oil renders metabolic inhibition, chemoprevention and hypolipidaemic activity. Presence of linolenic acid in the oil imparts antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus. The oil alone or in combination with cloxacillin, a beta-lactamase resistant penicillin, has been found to be beneficial in bovine mastitis, an inflammatory disorder resulting from staphylococcal infection. Existence of anti-inflammatory, analgesic and antibacterial activities in single entity i.e. fixed oil appears to be unique.

Erythrocyte deformability and its variation in diabetes mellitus.

Abstract: Erythrocyte deformability improves blood flow in the microvessels and in large arteries at high shear rate. The major determinants of RBC deformability include cell geometry, cell shape and internal viscosity (i.e., mean cell hemoglobin concentration and components of the erythrocyte membrane). The deformability is measured by several techniques but filtration of erythrocytes through micro-pore membranes and ektacytometry are two sensitive techniques to detect changes in erythrocytes under varied experimental and diseased conditions. Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a metabolic disorder, characterized by varying or persistent hyperglycemia, which induces several changes in the erythrocyte membrane and its cytoplasm, leading to alteration in the deformability. A decreasing trend of deformability in these patients is observed. The shape descriptor form factor, as determined by processing of erythrocyte images, increases with the increase of blood glucose levels and shows a pattern similar to filtration time of erythrocyte suspensions through cellulose membranes. Fluidity of the membrane as measured in erythrocytes of these patients is decreased. With prolonged diabetic conditions the deformability of erythrocytes is further decreased, which may complicate the flow of these cells in microvessels.

Self-assembled surfactant nano-structures important in drug delivery: a review.

Abstract: Role of self assembled structures as a vehicle is significant over the years. Their applications have been found for all routes of drug delivery. These micro and nano structures are containers loaded with drugs, ideal for targeted and sustained release of the drug. Drug efficacy depends on the drug loaded into the vehicle, temperature, drug solubility, pH, release characteristics, additives and most significantly, the vehicle morphology. This in turn suggests that the same vehicle cannot be used with high efficiency for all types of drugs and locations where the drug delivery has to take place. The status of various self assembled structures and their applications in drug delivery is reviewed in this communication.

Cloning of medicinal plants through tissue culture--a review.

Abstract: In order to have standardized formulations, the chemical constituents from plants and their parts are required to be uniform both qualitatively and quantitatively. Furthermore, an ever increasing demand of uniform medicinal plants based medicines warrants their mass cloning through plant tissue culture strategy. A good number of medicinal plants have been reported to regenerate in vitro from their various parts, but a critical evaluation of such reports reveals that only a few complete medicinal plants have been regenerated and still fewer have actually been grown in soil, while their micropropagation on a mass scale has rarely been achieved, particularly in those medicinal plants where conventional propagation is inadequate, like, the mass clonal propagation of Dioscorea floribunda leading to its successful field trials. Such facts make it imperative to document the factual position of micropropagation of medicinal plants bringing out the advancements made along with the short falls, in this important area. The present review deals with the futuristic view on the said subject restricted to higher plants.

Regeneration of beta cells in islets of Langerhans of pancreas of alloxan diabetic rats by acetone extract of Momordica charantia (Linn.) (bitter gourd) fruits.

Abstract: Acetone extract of whole fruit powder of M. charantia (bitter gourd) in doses 25, 50 and 75 mg/100 g body weight lowered the blood glucose from 13.30 to 50% after 8 to 30 days treatment in alloxan diabetic albino rats, confirming antihyperglycemic effect of this plant in diabetic animals and humans. Histological observations with acetone extract showed different phases of recovery of beta cells of the islets of Langerhans of pancreas, which in the untreated diabetic rats were less in number and showed varied degree of atrophy. The most important finding of the present study was observation of the presence of small scattered islets among the acinar tissue in some experimental animals, which may reflect neoformation of islets from pre-existing islet cells. The liver of alloxan diabetic rats showed hydropic degeneration, fatty change and necrosis at some places but liver of extract treated animals was normal. Glycogen localization in liver of diabetic rats was faint but after 30 days treatment with different doses of extract, normal to heavy glycogen localization was observed.

Hemodynamic effects of red blood cell aggregation

Abstract: The influence of red blood cell (RBC) aggregation on blood flow in vivo has been under debate since early 1900's, yet a full understanding has still has not been reached. Enhanced RBC aggregation is well known to increase blood viscosity measured in rotational viscometers. However, it has been demonstrated that RBC aggregation may decrease flow resistance in cylindrical tubes, due to the formation of a cell-poor zone near the tube wall which results from the enhanced central accumulation of RBC. There is also extensive discussion regarding the effects of RBC aggregation on in vivo blood flow resistance. Several groups have reported increased microcirculatory flow resistance with enhanced RBC aggregation in experiments that utilized intravital microscopy. Alternatively, whole organ studies revealed that flow resistance may be significantly decreased if RBC aggregation is enhanced. Recently, new techniques have been developed to achieve well-controlled, graded alterations in RBC aggregation without influencing suspending phase properties. Studies using this technique revealed that the effects of RBC aggregation are determined by the degree of aggregation changes, and that this relationship can be explained by different hemodynamic mechanisms.

Effects of ethanolic extract of Syzygium cumini (Linn) seed powder on pancreatic islets of alloxan diabetic rats.

Abstract: The ethanolic extract of seeds of S. cumini increased body weight and decreased blood sugar level in alloxan diabetic albino rats. Level of significance for decrease in blood sugar after feeding alcoholic extract of S. cumini seeds in various doses was highly significant. The extract feeding showed definite improvement in the histopathology of islets. The most important finding is that the blood sugar level, which once dropped to normal levels after extract feeding was not elevated when extract feeding was discontinued for 15 days.

Curcuma longa as feed additive in broiler birds and its patho-physiological effects.

Abstract: Broiler birds (Vencob chicken of 3 days old) when given feed mixed with powdered rhizome of Curcuma longa (CL; @ 1 g/kg) for 42 days of age, showed significant decrease in serum uric acid and albumin as compared to control, whereas significant increase was recorded in the level of serum total protein and globulin Level of serum glucose, alkaline phosphatase, aspartate amino transferase and calcium showed no significant variation between the two groups Micronutrient assay revealed significantly higher level of manganese, zinc, iron and copper in treated group as compared to control group HA/HI test revealed better humoral response against RD vaccine in CL administered birds Haematological study showed significantly higher haemoglobin and absolute neutrophil count in treated group Addition of CL as feed additive also resulted in better growth rate, feed consumption and F:C efficiency in the treated birds Thus, it could be concluded that powdered CL might be a useful feed additive, since it enhanced the F:C efficiency and had nephroprotective properties

Bioactive molecules from amphibian skin: their biological activities with reference to therapeutic potentials for possible drug development.

Abstract: The amphibian skin contains various bioactive molecules (peptides, proteins, steroids, alkaloids, opiods) that possess potent therapeutic activities like antibacterial, antifungal, antiprotozoal, antidiabetic, antineoplastic, analgesic and sleep inducing properties Research on amphibian skin derived biomolecules can provide potential clue towards newer drug development to combat various pathophysiological conditions An overview on the bioactive molecules of various amphibian skins has been discussed

Neuroprotective evaluation of standardized extract of Centella asciatica in monosodium glutamate treated rats.

Abstract: The effect of chloroform: methanolic (80:20) extract of C. asiatica (CA; 100 and 200 mg/kg), was evaluated on the course of free radical generation and excitotoxicity in monosodiumglutamate (MSG) treated female Sprague Dawley rats. The extract showed significant improvement in catalase, super oxide desmutase and lipid peroxides levels in hippocampus and striatum regions. Glutathione level was not altered with CA treatment. Similar observation was made with dextromethorphan. The general behavior, locomotor activity and CAl a region of the hippocampus was significantly protected by CA indicating neuroprotective effect of CA in MSG induced excitotoxic condition. Hence it can be concluded that CA protected MSG induced neurodegeneration attributed to its antioxidant and behavioural properties. This activity of CA can be explored in epilepsy, stroke and other degenerative conditions in which the role of glutamate is known to play vital role in the pathogenesis.

Evaluation of free radical scavenging activity of Butea monosperma Lam.

Abstract: In the present study, ethyl acetate, butanol and aqueous fractions derived from total methanol extract of Butea monosperma flowers were evaluated for radical scavenging activities using different in vitro models like reducing power assay, scavenging of 2,2 diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical, nitric oxide radical, superoxide anion radical, hydroxyl radical and inhibition of erythrocyte hemolysis using 2, 2' azo-bis (amidinopropane) dihydrochloride (AAPH). Methanol extract along with its ethyl acetate and butanol fractions showed potent free radical scavenging activity, whereas aqueous fraction was found to be devoid of any radical scavenging properties. The observed activity could be due to the higher phenolic content in the extracts (16.1, 25.29, and 17.74% w/w in methanol extract, ethyl acetate and butanol fractions respectively). HPTLC fingerprint profile of the ethyl acetate and butanol fractions were developed which would serve as reference standard for quality control of the extracts.

Application of nanotechnology in biomedicine.

Abstract: Nanotechnology is the development of engineered devices at the atomic, molecular and macromolecular level in nanometer range. Nanoparticles have potential application in medical field including diagnostics and therapeutics. Nanotechnology devices are being developed for diagnosis of cancer and infectious diseases which can help in early detection of the disease. Advances in nanotechnology also proved beneficial in therapeutic field such as drug discovery, drug delivery and gene/protein delivery. Nanoparticles can be constructed by various methodology so that effect can be targeted at desired site. In this review, some of the applications of nanoparticles in medicine as diagnostics and therapeutics which can be employed safely at the clinical level have been described. On other hand, as the particles become generally smaller their likehood of causing harm to the lung increases. Therefore, there is a need to study safety of nanoparticles.

Isolation, characterization and antifungal activity of Streptomyces sampsonii GS 1322.

Abstract: For new antifungal antibiotics from actinomycetes, a strain of Streptomyces GS 1322 was isolated from a sample of garden soil. The strain was found to possess antagonistic activity against four fungi i.e., Candida albicans, Aspergillus niger, Microsporum gypseum and Trichophyton sp. The strain was identified as Streptomyces sampsonii and the antifungal compound produced by it was found to be the heptaene group of polyene antibiotics.

Biosorption of Cr (VI) with Trichoderma viride immobilized fungal biomass and cell free Ca-alginate beads.

Abstract: Ability of Cr (VI) biosorption with immobilized Trichoderma viride biomass and cell free Ca-alginate beads was studied in the present study. Biosorption efficiency in the powdered fungal biomass entrapped in polymeric matric of calcium alginate compared with cell free calcium alginate beads. Effect of pH, initial metal ion concentration, time and biomass dose on the Cr (VI) removal by immobilized and cell free Ca-alginate beads were also determined. Biosorption of Cr (VI) was pH dependent and the maximum adsorption was observed at pH 2.0. The adsorption equilibrium was reached in 90 min. The maximum adsorption capacity of 16.075 mgg(-1) was observed at dose 0.2 mg in 100 ml of Cr (VI) solution. The high value of kinetics rate constant Kad (3.73 x 10(-2)) with immobilized fungal biomass and (3.75 x 10(-2)) with cell free Ca- alginate beads showed that the sorption of Cr (VI) ions on immobilized biomass and cell free Ca-alginate beads followed pseudo first order kinetics. The experimental results were fitted satisfactory to the Langmuir and Freundlich isotherm models. The hydroxyl (-OH) and amino (-NH) functional groups were responsible in biosorption of Cr (VI) with fungal biomass spp. Trichoderma viride analysed using Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) Spectrometer.

Anti-stress and anti-oxidant effects of roots of Chlorophytum borivilianum (Santa Pau & Fernandes).

Abstract: The aqueous extract of C. borivilianum (250 mg/kg for 7 days) significantly reverted the elevated levels of plasma glucose, triglycerides, cholesterol and serum corticosterone and also reduced the ulcer index, adrenal gland weight more as effectively as the standard drug (diazepam) in rats. At 125 mg/kg po, it showed a mild anti-stress activity. Under in vitro 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH*) free radical scavenging assay and lipid peroxidation assay the extract considerably inhibited, in a dose-dependent manner, the levels of DPPH* free radicals and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances, respectively thus showing significant antioxidant property. The results suggested that it could be used for the treatment of oxidative stress-induced disorders.

Antischistosomal and liver protective effects of Curcuma longa extract in Schistosoma mansoni infected mice.

Abstract: With a view to clarify the induction of the "Crabtree consequence" in liver cells of S. mansoni infected mice, the curative effect of oil extract of C. longa was tested and compared to praziquantel (PZQ) the effective drug against all schistosome species occurring in man. Protein, glucose, glucose-6-phopsphatase, AMP-deaminase, adensoine deaminase, urea concentration, pyravate kinase (PK), phosphoenol pyruvate carboxykinase (PEPCK) and PK/PEPCK ratio were estimated. In addition, worm burden and ova count in mice infected with S. mansoni were elucidated. The result showed that C. longa normalized the concentration of protein, glucose, AMP-deaminase and adenosine deaminase, which were changed by infection. Moreover, it lowered pyruvate kinase level, while PZQ-treatment induced more elevation of this enzyme. PZQ was more effective in lowering worm burden while C. longa extract was more potent in reducing egg count.

Evaluation of hepatoprotective activity of Clerodendrum serratum L.

Abstract: The ethanol extract of C. serratum roots and ursolic acid isolated from it were evaluated for hepatoprotective activity against carbon tetrachloride induced toxicity in male Wistar strain rats. The parameters studied were estimation of liver function serum markers such as serum total bilirubin, total protein, alanine transaminase, aspartate transaminase and alkaline phosphatase activities. The ursolic acid showed more significant hepatoprotective activity than crude extract. The histological profile of the liver tissue of the root extract and ursolic acid treated animal showed the presence of normal hepatic cords, absence of necrosis and fatty infiltration as similar to the controls. The results when compared with the standard drug silymarin, revealed that the hepatoprotective activity of the constituent ursolic acid is significant as similar to the standard drug.

Osmotic adjustment increases water uptake, remobilization of assimilates and maintains photosynthesis in chickpea under drought.

Abstract: Eight chickpea advanced breeding lines (ABLs) and their parents were evaluated for osmotic adjustment (OA), leaf carbohydrates and gas exchange under dryland field . These (ABLs) were derived from crosses between CTS 60543 x Kaniva and Tyson x Kaniva. Mean leaf water potential (LWP) fell down from -1.00 MPa at pre-stress level to about -2.25 MPa during terminal stress. Relative water content (RWC) showed periodic changes with alternate decrease or increase at certain interval, which also influenced the values of OA (low or high) in number of genotypes e.g. Kaniva, CTS 60543, Tyson and M 75. Significant variation in OA ranging 0.45 to 0.88 MPa was observed at high level of stress at -2.5 MPa. However, none of the genotypes showed stability of OA over the period of stress. Leaf starch declined even at mild stress (LWP,-1.6 MPa) resulting in an increase in hexose sugars and activation state of sucrose-phosphate synthase (SPS) that led to accumulation of sucrose. Both photosynthesis (P max ) and transpiration decreased concurrently in two chickpea lines M 129 and Tyson with increasing water stress. However, rate of decline in the photosynthesis slowed down even drought was further intensified. The observed periodic changes in OA, RWC and photosynthesis appeared to be associated with drought-induced changes in SPS and carbohydrates which modify water uptake of the leaves.

Hypolipidemic activity of Eclipta prostrata (L.) L. leaf extract in atherogenic diet induced hyperlipidemic rats.

Abstract: In atherogenic diet induced hyperlipidemic model, the rats receiving treatment with the aqueous extract of the leaves of E. prostrata showed significant reduction in total cholesterol, triglyceride, total protein and elevation in high density lipoprotein cholesterol. The aqueous extract of E. prostrata was found to possess significant hypolipidemic activity. The results also suggest that E. prostrata leaf extract at 100 and 200 mg/kg b.wt. concentrations is an excellent lipid-lowering agent.

Evaluation of in vitro antioxidant activity of Indian bay leaf, Cinnamomum tamala (Buch. -Ham.) T. Nees & Eberm using rat brain synaptosomes as model system.

Abstract: The study investigated the perturbation of oxidant-antioxidant balance in brain synaptosomes of diabetic rats and determined the antioxidant and free radical-scavenging property of the Indian bay leaf. Brain synaptosomes were isolated from control and streptozotocin-induced diabetic animals and oxidative stress parameters were assayed. A methanolic extract of bay leaf (BLE) was tested for the polyphenolic content and antioxidant activity by in vitro assays. A significant increase in the levels of lipids and lipid peroxidation products and a decline in antioxidant potential were observed in diabetic rat brain synaptosomes. The total polyphenolic content of BLE was found to be 6.7 mg gallic acid equivalents (GAE)/100g. BLE displayed scavenging activity against superoxide and hydroxyl radicals in a concentration-dependent manner. Further, BLE showed inhibition of Fe(2+)-ascorbate induced lipid peroxidation in both control and diabetic rat brain synaptosomes. Maximum inhibition of lipid peroxidation, radical scavenging action and reducing power of BLE were observed at a concentration of 220 microg GAE. These effects of BLE in vitro were comparable with that of butylated hydroxyl toluene (BHT), a synthetic antioxidant. It can be concluded that synaptosomes from diabetic rats are susceptible to oxidative damage and the positive effects of bay leaf in vitro, could be attributed to the presence of antioxidant phytochemicals.

Protective effect of Withania somnifera Dunal on the behavioral and biochemical alterations in sleep-disturbed mice (Grid over water suspended method)

Abstract: Sleep disruption involves extensive changes in physiological function, including EEG, motor, metabolic, autonomic processes physiological homeostasis and psychological balance that are necessary for physical health. Benzodiazepines are the most widely used drugs for the sleep related problems in spite of their limitations and side effects. Objective of the study was to investigate the protective effect of W. somnifera on the behavioral and biochemical alterations in sleep disturbed mice. Pretreatment with W. somnifera root extract (100. 200 mg/kg) and diazepam (0.5 mg/kg) significantly protected reduction in body weight, improved the reduced locomotor activity and anxiety levels in animals. Biochemical studies also revealed that W. somnifera (100 and 200 mg/kg) and diazepam (0.5 mg/kg) pretreatment for five days decreased significantly lipid peroxidation, nitrites levels and improved catalase, and reduced glutathione levels. Co-administration of W. somnifera (100 mg/kg) with diazepam (0.5 mg/kg) improved significantly all the biochemical parameters as compared to their effect per se. Preliminary results suggest that Withania root extract can be used in the management sleep loss and associated oxidative stress.

Role of Moringa oleifera on enterochromaffin cell count and serotonin content of experimental ulcer model

Abstract: The present study has been undertaken to observe the effect of aqueous extract of M. oleifera (MO) leaf (300mg/kg body weight) on mean ulcer index, enterochromaffin (EC) cells and serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine; 5-HT) content of ulcerated gastric tissue. Ulceration was induced by using aspirin (500 mg/kg, po), cerebellar nodular lesion and applying cold stress. In all cases increased mean ulcer index in gastric tissue along with decreased EC cell count was observed with concomitant decrease of 5-HT content. Pretreatment with MO for 14 days decreased mean ulcer index, increased both EC cell count and 5-HT content in all ulcerated group, but treatment with ondansetron, a 5-HT3 receptor antagonist, along with MO pretreatment increased mean ulcer index, decreased 5-HT content without any alteration in EC cell count. The results suggest that the protective effect of MO on ulceration is mediated by increased EC cell count and 5-HT levels which may act via 5-HT3 receptors on gastric tissue.

A non-invasive technique for rapid extraction of DNA from fish scales.

Abstract: DNA markers are being increasingly used in studies related to population genetics and conservation biology of endangered species DNA isolation for such studies requires a source of biological material that is easy to collect, non-bulky and reliable Further, the sampling strategies based on non-invasive procedures are desirable, especially for the endangered fish species In view of above, a rapid DNA extraction method from fish scales has been developed with the use of a modified lysis buffer that require about 2 hr duration This methodology is non-invasive, less expensive and reproducible with high efficiency of DNA recovery The DNA extracted by this technique, have been found suitable for performing restriction enzyme digestion and PCR amplification Therefore, the present DNA extraction procedure can be used as an alternative technique in population genetic studies pertaining to endangered fish species The technique was also found equally effective for DNA isolation from fresh, dried and ethanol preserved scales

Effect of Curcuma longa or parziquantel on Schistosoma mansoni infected mice liver--histological and histochemical study.

Abstract: Effect of drug praziquantel (PZQ) and C longa extract on S mansoni infected mice is reported The level of glycogen, alkaline and acid phosphatases (ALP and ACP respectively), and body weight, liver weight and liver weight/body weight ratio were studied in mice infected with Smansoni ALP level was increased after infection C longa treated mice showed marked reduction in ALP level more than after PZQ-treatment C longa enhanced the concentration of glycogen after being reduced by infection, while PZQ-treatment revealed more reduction C longa caused enhancement in body weight while PZQ treatment had no effect The formation of granuloma around schistosome eggs in the liver produced inflammation Clonga extract and PZQ were effective in reducing granuloma size in infected mice

Preliminary studies on antihyperglycemic effect of aqueous extract of Brassica nigra (L.) Koch in streptozotocin induced diabetic rats.

Abstract: , the increase in serum glucose value between 0 and 1 hr of glucose tolerance test (GTT) was the least (29 mg/dl) in aqueous extract treated animals while it was 54, 44 and 44mg/dl with chloroform, acetone and ethanol extracts respectively. In further studies carried out with aqueous extract, the effective dose was found to be 200 mg/kg body weight in GTT. Administration of 200 mg/kg body weight of aqueous extract to diabetic animals daily once for one month brought down fasting serum glucose (FSG) levels while in the untreated group FSG remained at a higher value. In the treated animals the increase in glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) and serum lipids was much less when compared with the levels in untreated diabetic controls. These findings suggest that further studies with the aqueous extract of

RBC aggregation: laboratory data and models.

Abstract: The reversible aggregation of red blood cells (RBC) into linear and three-dimensional structures continues to be of basic science and clinical interest: RBC aggregation affects low shear blood viscosity and microvascular flow dynamics, and can be markedly enhanced in several clinical states. Until fairly recently, most research efforts were focused on relations between suspending medium composition (i.e., protein levels, polymer type and concentration) and aggregate formation. However, there is now an increasing amount of experimental evidence indicating that RBC cellular properties can markedly affect aggregation, with the term "RBC aggregability" coined to describe the cell's intrinsic tendency to aggregate. Variations of aggregability can be large, with some changes of aggregation substantially greater than those resulting from pathologic states. The present review provides a brief overview of this topic, and includes such areas as donor-to-donor variations, polymer-plasma correlations, effects of RBC age, effects of enzymatic treatment, and current developments related to the mechanisms involved in RBC aggregation.

Antimicrobial activity of leaf extract of Basilicum polystachyon (L) Moench.

Abstract: Phenolic extract of leaves of Basilicum polystachyon (L) Moench was tested for in vitro antimicrobial activity against five bacteria (Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis, Micrococcus leuteus) and three fungi (Fusarium oxysporum, Aspergillus niger, Helminthosporium oryzae). Efficacy of organic solvents, methanol and ethanol, as agents for extraction was compared with acidic water (2M; HCl). High-pressure liquid chromatographic (HPLC) data showed that acidic extraction (2M; HCl) resulted in higher yield of caffeic acid (0.437 mg g -1 ) and rosmarinic acid (0.919 mg g -1 ). Acidic extract showed high activity against Gram (+) ve bacteria, but was less active against Gram (-) ve bacteria. Amongst the tested fungi, maximum activity was exhibited against Aspergillus niger. This is the first report on the phenolic constituents and bioactivity of B. polystachyon.

Evaluation of antidepressant-like activity of aqueous and ethanolic extracts of Terminalia bellirica Roxb. fruits in mice

Abstract: The present study was undertaken to investigate the effect of aqueous and ethanolic extracts of T. bellirica on depression in mice using forced swim test (FST) and tail suspension test (TST). The extracts were administered orally for 10 successive days in separate groups of Swiss young male albino mice. Aqueous extract (50, 100 and 200 mg/kg) in a dose-dependent manner and ethanolic extract (100 mg/kg) significantly reduced the immobility time of mice in both FST and TST. The extracts were without any significant effect on locomotor activity of mice. The efficacies of aqueous extract (200 mg/kg) and ethanolic extract (100 mg/kg) were found to be similar to that of imipramine (15 mg/kg, po) and fluoxetine (20 mg/kg, po) administered for 10 successive days. Both extracts reversed reserpine-induced extension of immobility period of mice in FST and TST. Prazosin (62.5 microg/kg, ip; an alpha1-adrenoceptor antagonist), sulpiride (50 mg/kg, ip; a selective D2 receptor antagonist) and p-chlorophenylalanine (100 mg/kg, ip; an inhibitor of serotonin synthesis) significantly attenuated the aqueous and ethanolic extract-induced antidepressant-like effect in TST. Thus, both the aqueous and ethanolic extracts of T. bellirica elicited a significant antidepressant-like effect in mice by interaction with adrenergic, dopaminergic and serotonergic systems.