Showing papers in "International Journal of Pharmaceutical & Biological Archive in 2012"

Microbial Spoilage of Bakery Products and Its Control by Preservatives

Abstract: Spoiled food may be defined as a food that has been damaged or injured so as to make it undesirable for human consumption. Bakery products are an important part of a balanced diet and a wide variety of such products can be found on supermarket shelves. However, bakery products, like many processed foods, are subject to physical, chemical and microbiological spoilage. While physical and chemical spoilage limits the shelf life of low and intermediate moisture bakery products, microbiological spoilage by bacteria, yeast and molds is the concern in high moisture products. Many industrially produced baked goods emerge from the baking process with a surface that is essentially sterile but post bake handling can quickly lead to fungal, microbial surface contamination as a result of exposure to airborne contaminants as well as equipment contact. This present review is focused on the microbial spoilage of bakery products and its control by preservatives. This review assesses the following topics: economical importance of bakery products, microbial spoilage of bakery products, physical factors affecting microbial growth, control of microbial growth in bakery products by using chemical preservatives and biopreservatives.

Potential Functions of Lemon Grass Cymbopogon citratus in Health and Disease

Abstract: Plants are utilized as therapeutic agents since time immemorial in both organized (Ayurveda, Unani) and unorganized (folk, tribal, native) form. Plants have been identified as the potent therapeutic agent, due to the presence of nutritional (minerals and vitamins) and non-nutritional (fibres, active phytochemicals, including the flavonoids, terpenoids, lignans, sulfides, polyphenolics, carotenoids, coumarins, saponins, plant sterols, curcumins, and phthalides) component, hence promoted as “functional food”. The present paper highlights the functional properties of Lemon grass (Cymbopogon citratus), which has been consumed in various forms such in Thai, Vietnamese and South East Asian cuisines. It is a highly rated folk medicine in Brazil and have been associated with health claims such as treatment in coughs, constipation, elephantiasis flu, gingivitis, headache leprosy, malaria, ophthalmia, pneumonia, vascular disorders, diarrhoea and stomach ache. It has been claimed to be anti-inflammatory, vasorelaxing, diuretic, remedy in treating ringworm infestation, for nervous, gastrointestinal disturbances, fevers and hypertension. Lemon grass has high antioxidant levels. However, though it has obtained a GRAS status, clinical trials on humans are warranted.

Biochemical and Molecular Characterization of Microbial Keratinase and Its Remarkable Applications

Abstract: Microbial keratinase have become biotechnologically important enzyme since they target the hydrolysis of highly rigid, strongly cross-linked structural polypeptides “Keratin” recalcitrant. Keratins are insoluble fibrous proteins found in hair, wool, feather, nail, horns and other epithelial coursing contains beta helical coil which is linked through cysteins bridges. Keratinases, which are produced by several bacteria, fungi and actinomycetes that have been often isolated from terrestrial and marine sources. The bioconversion of insoluble feather keratin to soluble feather residue has high nutritional values and can be employed as a supplement for livestock feeds. Other promising applications have been associated with keratinolytic enzymes, including elimination of keratin in acne, depilation process, preparation of vaccinine for dermatophytosis therapy, pharmaceutical enhancement of the nail treatment and degradation of prion and prion like proteins.

Gastrointestinal Toxicity of Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs in Maxillofacial Trauma Patients: A Review

Abstract: NSAIDs are widely prescribed for the treatment of pain and inflammation and is well accepted and recommended by World Health Organization (WHO), but their use is associated with adverse gastrointestinal effects, ranging from dyspeptic symptoms and peptic ulcers to more serious complications. Elderly patients are at high risk of experiencing NSAID-induced gastrointestinal tract injury and should be considered candidates for prophylactic pharmacological therapy. NSAIDs cause damage in the upper gastrointestinal (GI) tract by impairing the ability of the mucosa to resist and respond to injury. Many of these effects of NSAIDs can be attributed to their ability to suppress mucosal prostaglandin synthesis. This review focuses on several of the important recent observations that have improved our understanding and the safety of NSAIDs in the gastrointestinal tract.

Survival of Plant Growth Promoting Bacterial Inoculants in Different Carrier Materials

Abstract: In this present study, the survival of PGPR isolates was investigated by using different carrier materials. The carrier based PGPR consortium with four selected strains viz., Azospirillum lipoferum VAZS-18, Azotobacter chroococcum VAZB-6, Bacillus megaterium VBA-2, Pseudomonas fluorescens VPS-19 was prepared and the shelf life for each inoculants was studied upto six months of storage. The surviving population in the lignite based consortium was 1.64 × 108 cfu g-1 for Azospirillum lipoferum VAZS-18, 1.46 × 108 cfu g-1 for Azotobacter chrococcum, VAZB-6, 1.22 × 108 cfu g-1 for Bacillus megaterium VBA-2 and 2.01 × 108 cfu g-1 for Pseudomonas fluorescens VPS-19 after six month of storage. The surviving population in vermiculite based consortium was 4.32 × 108 cfu g-1 for Azospirillum lipoferum VAZS-18, 1.98 × 108 cfu g-1 for Azotobacter chroococcum VAZB-6, 1.14 × 108 cfu g-1 for Bacillus megaterium VBA-2 and 3.32 × 108 cfu g-1 for Pseudomonas fluorescens VPS-19 after six months of storage. In the pressmud based consortium, the surviving population was 3.25 × 108 cfu g-1 for Azospirillum lipoferum VAZS-18, 3.00 × 108 cfu g-1 for Azotobacter chroococcum VAZB-6, 2.14 × 108 cfu g-1 for Bacillus megaterium VBA-2 and 3.42 × 108 cfu g-1 for Pseudomonas fluorescens VPS-19 after six months of storage. In the alginate bead based consortium the surviving population was 64.61 × 108 cfu g-1 for Azospirillum lipoferum VAZS-18, 56.81 × 108 cfu g-1 for Azotobacter chroococcum VAZB-6, 47.83 × 108 cfu g-1 for Bacillus megaterium VBA-2 and 63.89 × 108 cfu g-1 for Pseudomonas fluorescens VPS-19 after six months of storage.

Analysis of Polyethylene Degrading Potentials of Microorganisms Isolated From Compost Soil

Abstract: Plastic play important role for many “short live” applications such as packaging, disposable gloves, garbage bags etc and these represent the major part of plastic waste. Because of their persistence in our environment, improperly disposed plastic materials are significant source of environment pollution, potentially harming life. Among the synthetic plastics, one of the most problematic plastics in this regard is polyethylene (PE). In the absence of appropriate disposal methods polyethylene waste is usually burned, causing grave air pollution. Polyethylene-considered to be inert-can be biodegraded if the right microbial strains are used. In the present study microorganisms able to degrade polyethylene were isolated from compost soil and characterized. Physicochemical analysis of PE was done by Scanning electron Microscopy (SEM) & Fourier Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR). The degraded products were analyzed by Gas Chromatography-Mass-Spectrometer (GC-MS).

Spirulina Cultivation: A Review

Abstract: Blue-green algae (Cyanobacteria) are among the most primitive life forms on Earth. Their cellular structure is a simple prokaryote. They share features with plants, as they have the ability to perform photosynthesis. They share features with primitive bacteria because they lack a plant cell wall. Interestingly, they also share characteristics of the animal kingdom as they contain on their cellular membrane complex sugars similar to glycogen. Among blue-green algae, both edible and toxic species adapted to almost any of the most extreme habitats on earth. Edible blue-green algae, including Nostoc, Spirulina, and Aphanizomenon species have been used for food for thousands of years. Spirulina are multicellular and filamentous blue green algae that has gained considerable popularity in the health food industry and increasingly as a protein and vitamin supplement to aquacultures diets. It grows in water, can be harvested and processed easily and has very high macro and micro nutrient contents.

A Review on Phytochemical and Pharmacological Properties of Citrus medica Linn

Abstract: Citrus medica Linn., known as bijapura in Ayurvedic literature, is widely used in traditional system of medicine. Many pharmacological studies have been conducted to investigate the properties of Citrus medica L. in an attempt to authenticate its use as a multi-purpose medicinal agent. The objective of this paper is to review the literature regarding Citrus medica Linn., a commonly used herb in Ayurvedic medicine. Specifically, the literature was reviewed for articles pertaining to chemical properties and therapeutic benefits. This review is in a narrative format and consists of all publications relevant to Citrus medica Linn. that were identified by the authors through a google scholar search and books from library of Dravyaguna department of IPGT &RA, regarding Indian medicinal plants. Result shows that Citrus medica Linn. possesses analgesic, hypoglycaemic, anticholinesterase, anticancer, antidiabetic, hypocholesterolemic, hypolipidemic, insulin Secretagogue, anthelmintic, antimicrobial antiulcer and estrogenic properties. The mechanisms of action for these properties are not fully understood. Preliminary studies have found various constituents of Citrus medica exhibiting a variety of therapeutic effects. These results are very encouraging and indicate this herb should be studied more extensively to confirm these results and reveal other potential therapeutic effects. Clinical trials using Citrus medica for a variety of conditions should also be conducted.

Ethno Medicinal Studies of Common Plants of Assam and Manipur

Abstract: Traditional medicine has always played a key role in the health systems of different ethnic groups living in remote areas of North-East India. Ethnomedicinal study of medicinal plants of Assam and Manipur was done during 2010-2011. In the present study 84 species of plant growing wild in rural, urban, semi forest and forest area which are commonly used by people of both the state for curing several diseases like skin disease, cough, asthama, diarrhoea, wound, piles, seminal debility, and other common diseases. The present paper reports the some common plant species and their scientific name, family, local names, part used and medicinal used for curing diseases.

Phytochemical characterization and antimicrobial efficiency of mangrove plants Avicennia marina and Avicennia officinalis.

Abstract: Mangrove plants have been used in folklore medicines. In the present study, preliminary phytochemical analysis concluded that due to the presence of extra phytochemical in Avicennia officinalis when compared to theAvicennia marina. In the DPPH scavenging assay, both the mangroveextracts showed high antioxidant activity. TheAvicennia marinasamples have more effective antioxidant activity when compared to theAvicennia officinalis .And the percentage of scavenging was found to be about 89.85% for Avicennia marinaand 68.67% forAvicennia officinalis sample.The rapid TLC assay is considered as the rapid test to evaluate the antioxidant activity of natural compounds. The compounds showing the bands at hRf = >12, 25 and 93 of both the mangrove extracts and hRf = 53 in Avicennia marinaalone were proved to be having antioxidant activity. The results of antimicrobial activity by the well diffusion assay also clearly expressed that Avicennia marinahas high concentration of active principles when compared to theAvicennia officinalis .

Study on the Ethnomedicinal System of Manipur

Abstract: Manipur is a rich source of medicinal plants. People of Manipur use large number of medicinal plant species in the ethnomedicinal treatment for different diseases. The different parts of plant such as leaves, flowers fruits, roots, tubers, rhizomes and bulbs are made into their medicine for treatment of almost all the commonly occurring health problems. The plants were used either separately or as polyherbal mixture and used by Manipuri people in their ethnomedicinal system. Traditionally, certain fish species with or without plant derivatives are used against a host of ailments. The present study reports a number of 41 plant species and 7 fish species have so far been recorded from Manipur during 2009 to 2010.

Natural Binding Agents in Tablet Formulation

Abstract: Binders are agents employed to impart cohesiveness to the granules. This ensures the tablet remains intact after compression. The development of new excipients for potential use as binding agent in tablet formulations continues to be of interest. This is because different binding agents can be useful in achieving various tablet mechanical strength and drug release properties for different pharmaceutical purpose. Natural polysaccharides are widely used in the pharmaceutical and food industry as excipients and additives due to their low toxicity, biodegradable, availability and low cost. Natural binders like different starches, gums, mucilages dried fruits possess binding capacity as well as some other properties like disintegrant, filler, sustain release, and these natural polymers are much safer and economical than polymers like PVP. Different starches like rice, potato, maize, corn, wheat, tapioca starch and gums like ferula gummosa boiss, gum olibanum, beilschmiedia seed gum, okro gum, aegle marmelod gum, gum cordial, okra gum and cassia roxburghii seeds gum and plant fruit like date palm fruit and orange peel pectin shows good potency as a binding agent.

A Study of Antioxidant Properties and Antioxidant Compounds of Cumin Cuminum cyminum

Abstract: Cumin (Cuminum cyminum) seeds were extracted in 80% methanol to examine antioxidant properties and content of various potent antioxidant compounds. Antioxidant properties were assayed using DPPH free radical scavenging, inhibition of metal induced oxidation of proteins & lipids and protection of DNA against H2O2- induced oxidative stress. IC50 value of cumin was estimated by these mechanisms. Cumin extract had polyphenols (7.45±.10 mg GAE/g dry seeds) as major antioxidant principle. Gallic acid (287.948µg), quercetin (336.413µg) and kaempferol (215.814 µg)/g dry weight cumin seeds were identified in methanolic extract by HPLC analysis. Other antioxidant compounds ascorbate, tocopherol and riboflavin were present in very low amount to account for observed antioxidative properties. The results of this study indicate that polyphenol rich methanolic extract of cumin had efficient free radical scavenging and metal chelating activity to protect biomolecules like proteins, lipids and DNA against oxidative stress.

Prevalence of Anemia amongst Adolescents in Biratnagar Morang Dist Nepal

Abstract: Adolescence covers 10-19 years of human age and is the transition period of life .In Nepal around 23% populations are in this age group. A retrospective hospital based study was carried out in Biratnagar, Morang District to determine prevalence and distribution of anemia in terms of age and sex among adolescents population. Cyanmethaemoglobin method was used to determine the hemoglobin level. Out of 1047 subjects, 589 adolescent were selectively diagnosed as anemic. The overall prevalence of iron deficiency anemia among adolescent population was 56.3% with the distribution of males and females 26.8% and 29.4% respectively. Among anemic subject the incidence of anemia in male 47.7% and female 52.3%.Sufficiency and deficiency of iron makes the living of adolescents different as it affects their growth requirement and connective performance. Iron reserve in female result better reproductive outcome. In Nepal iron deficiency anemia among male adolescent was not been documented yet and this study reports closer to the female are found anemic which warrant further study.

Isolation and Screening of Biosurfactants Produced by Pseudomonas aeruginosa from Oil Spilled Soils

Abstract: Biosurfactant is a structurally diverse group of surface-active molecule, synthesised by microorganisms. It has the capability of reducing surface and interfacial tension with low toxicity and high specificity and biodegradability. The objective of this study was to isolate and identify the biosurfactant producing bacteria from the oil spilled areas. The samples were serially diluted and pour plated in the nutrient agar plates. Three organisms were isolated and screened for the biosurfactant production. To confirm the ability of isolates in biosurfactant production, different screening methods including Emulsification test, emulsification index E24, drop collapse method, oil spreading test and blood haemolysis test were assessed. This study suggested that Pseudomonas sps showed the maximum biosurfactant production.

Antibiofilm Formation Activity of Terminalia bellerica Plant Extract Against Clinical Isolates of Streptococcus mutans and Streptococcus sobrinus: Implication in Oral Hygiene

Abstract: Dental caries is a localized, transmissible pathological infectious disease which results in destruction of hard dental tissue. This begins with the formation of dental plaques which is a structurally and functionally organized biofilm. Streptococcus mutans is the most important bacterium in the formation of dental plaque and dental caries. Several antibiotics are available to treat oral infections but these have several undesirable side effects. Thus there is a need for alternative prevention and treatment options that are safe, effective and economical. Hence the search for alternative products continues and natural phytochemicals isolated from plants used in traditional medicine are considered as good alternatives to synthetic chemicals. The ethanolic extract of a plant Terminalia bellerica (common name = Baheda) was tested for its antimicrobial activity against the oral plaque forming bacteria Streptococcus mutans. It was found to significantly inhibit biofilm formation. In the present study it was found that the extract from Terminalia bellerica showed strong activity against Streptococcus mutans. The extract also prevents the formation of biofilm by the bacteria. The study suggests possible benefits of this herbal preparation which inhibit the biofilm formation by streptococci, a oral pathogens.

Natural Excipients- A Review

Abstract: With the increasing interest in polymers of natural origin, the pharmaceutical world has compliance to use most of them in their formulations. Pharmaceutical formulation development involves various components in addition to the active pharmaceutical ingredients. The plant derived gums and mucilages comply with many requirements of pharmaceutical excipients as they are non-toxic, stable, easily available, associated with less regulatory issues as compared to their synthetic counterpart and inexpensive; also these can be easily modified to meet the specific need. Most of these plant derived gums and mucilages are hydrophilic and gel- forming in nature. The traditional concept of the excipients as any component other than the active substance has undergone a substantial evolution from an inert and cheap vehicle to an essential constituent of the formulation. This article gives an overview of natural excipients which are used in controlled drug delivery systems. Therefore, we conclude that the natural excipient proposed can be used as binder, diluent and disintegrant in oral disintegrating tablets and immediate release dosage forms. Mainly the natural excipient used is biocompatible, cost effective and provides as nutrition supplements.

Knowledge of Nurses on Post Exposure Prophylaxis of HIV in Medical Colleges of Chitwan District Nepal

Abstract: Knowledge of Nurses on Post Exposure Prophylaxis of HIV in Medical Colleges of Chitwan District Nepal

Indole Acetic Acid, Gibberellic Acid and Siderophore Production by PGPR Isolates from Rhizospheric Soils of Catharanthus roseus

Abstract: In the present study, four Plant growth promoting rhizobacterial (PGPR) strains viz., Azospirillum lipoferum, Azotobacter chroococcum, Pseudomonas fluorescens and Bacillus megaterium were isolated from rhizosphere region of Catharanthus roseus in 20 different locations of Cuddalore district, Tamil Nadu, India. The twenty isolates were further tested for the production of Indole acetic acid (IAA), Gibberellic acid (GA3) and Siderophore production and all the isolates were found to produce IAA and GA3 but Azospirillum lipoferum CRAS-2 strain (74.2 µg 25 ml -1 of broth and 7.10 µg 25 ml -1 of broth) produce maximum amount in Nitrogen free malate broth. Azospirillum lipoferum, Azotobacter chroococcum, Pseudomonas fluorescens and Bacillus megaterium produced catechol and salicylate siderophore but Pseudomonas fluorescens produced the maximum amount in King’s B broth (Catechol 9.42 µg ml -1 and Salicylate 9.84 µg ml -1 ).

Phytochemical Screening and In-vitro Evaluation of Reducing Power, Cytotoxicity and Anti-Fungal Activities of Ethanol Extracts of Cucumis sativus

Abstract: Phytochemical Screening and In vitro Evaluation of Reducing Power Cytotoxicity and Anti Fungal Activities of Ethanol Extracts of Cucumis sativus

Development of biocompatible nanoparticles for sustained topical delivery of Rutin

Abstract: The purpose of this study was to develop sustained release nanoparticles of Rutin delivered by topical route. Rutin -loaded nanoparticles were prepared by nanoprecipitation technique using ethylcellulose as polymer. Nanoparticles made up of non -biodegradable polymer such as ethylcellulose may act as a reservoir on any of the appendages of the skin to release the drug in a sustained manner.. Nanoparticles were characterized by particle size, morphology, yield, encapsulation efficiency and in-vitrorelease. It was observed that the weight ratio of RU: EC: T80 at different ratios carried varied particle sizes along with yield and encapsulation efficiency. These nanoparticles can be used as the c onvenient model system for increasing the retention of the Rutin in the skin.

Betula utilis A Potential Herbal Medicine

Abstract: Betula utilis common name bhojpatra used in traditional medicine and is known for its beneficial and medicinal value. This review highlights with different pharmacological activities of plant with different extracts and solvents. The active constituents of Betula utilis obtained from the plant shows anticancer, anti-inflammatory, anti HIV, antioxidant and antibacterial activity. The present review reveals the scope and application of Betula utilis as a potential herbal drug.

Antibacterial Activity of Petung Bamboo (Dendrocalamus Asper) Leaf Extract Against Pathogenic Escherichia coli and Their Chemical Identification

Abstract: Antibacterial Activity of Petung Bamboo Dendrocalamus Asper Leaf Extract Against Pathogenic Escherichia coli and Their Chemical Identification

Pharmacognostical Phytochemical and Pharmacological Review on Bryophyllum pinnata

Abstract: Bryophyllum pinnatum kurz commonly known as panfuti (Hindi), life plant, love plant, air plant (Mexican), Good luck or resurrection plant is a crassulenscent herb of about one meter in height, with opposite, glabrous leaves (with 3-5 deeply crenulated, fleshy leaflet). They widely grow in hot and humid areas, around the dwelling places, along road sides and in abandoned farm and fields. Bryophyllum pinnatum Kurz leaves have great medicinal values in the indigenous system of medicine. It is used for medicinal purpose both, internally as well as externally. The leaves are frequently used for an array of human disorders including hypertension, diabetes mellitus, bruises, wounds, boils, burns, sloughing ulcers, opthalmia, corn, diarrhea, dysentery, vomiting, abscesses, insect bites, arthritis, rheumatism, joint pains, headaches, antifungal, antibacterial, body pains and acute inflammmation. The leaves are also used for lymphadenitis and ear disease. The main constituents of this the plant are alkaloids, flavonoids, glycosides, steroids, bufadienolide and organic acid are reported. This review focus on folk occurrence and the wide phytochemicals and pharmacological activities of Bryophyllum pinnatum kurz.

Control of Plant Pathogenic Fungi using Organic Solvent Extracts of Leaf Flower and Fruit of Lawsonia inermis L

Abstract: Control of Plant Pathogenic Fungi using Organic Solvent Extracts of Leaf Flower and Fruit of Lawsonia inermis L

Studies on Micropropagation of Stevia rebaudiana Bert.

Abstract: Stevia rebaudiana Bert. can regenerate shoots when cultured on Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium supplemented with 6 benzyladenine BA (8.87 μM and indole-3-acetic acid (5.71 μM). Rooting of the in vitro derived shoots could be achieved following subculture on to auxin-containing medium. A survival rate of 70% was recorded at the hardening phase on the substrate cocopeat. The presence of the sweet diterpeneglycosides, viz., stevioside and rebaudioside, was confirmed in the in vitro derived tissue of stevia using MS techniques, callus cultured on agar-solidified (MS)medium supplemented with (BA) (8.87 μM) and indole-3-butyric acid (9.80 μM) showed the highest sweetener content. In the initiation process the lower concentration of mercuric chloride treatments with lesser timings was found to be the best. High ratios of leaf, stem are desirable in cultivated stevia because of the low stevioside concentrations in stem culture. To get more multiplication with good shoot proliferation of stevia,the M3 and M4 combinations was found to be the best. Stevia is an obligate short day plant therefore enhanced vegetative growth under long day conditions is not surprising. To get erect, shoots with broader leaves the S1 combination was the best. The stevia production would be best situated in a long-day environment where vegetative period is longer and Steve oil glycoside yields will be higher. In order to germinate, embryos must have functional shoot and root apices capable of meristematic growth. Experiments are being performed in order to develop suitable media for maturation and germination of somatic embryos from stevia leaves. Plants can initiate flowering after a minimum of four true leaves have been produced. Key wards: Microprapagation . Stevia . Tissue culture. Invitro propagation, Callus formation.

Physico - Chemical Parameters of River Water: A Review

Abstract: Rivers have been the most important freshwater resources and our ancient civilizations have flourished along the banks of rivers. River water finds multiple uses like agriculture, industry, transportation, aquaculture, public water supply and they have been used for cleaning and disposal purposes. Huge loads of waste from industries, domestic sewage and agricultural practices find their way into rivers resulting in large scale deterioration of the water quality. The growing problem of degradation of our river ecosystem has necessitated the monitoring of water pollution and water quality of various rivers all over the country to evaluate their production, capacity, utility potential and to plan restorative measures.

Effect of Bacterial Isolates on Reduction of Physico - Chemical Characteristics in Sugar Mill Effluent

Abstract: Environmental pollution has been recognized as one of the major problems of the modern world. Sugar industry is one of the most important agro based industries in India and is highly responsible for creating significant impact on rural economy in particular and countries economy in general. The sugar industry is playing an important role in the economic development of the Indian sub continent, but the effluents released produce a high degree of organic pollution in both aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems. They also alter the physico-chemical characteristics of the receiving aquatic bodies and affect aquatic flora and fauna. In the present study, the effect of bacterial isolates on the reduction of physico – chemical characteristics in sugar mill effluent was investigated. The sugar mill effluent was bioremediated by using the bacteria isolated from sugar mill effluent. Maximum reduction of physico – chemical characteristics was observed in the Bacillus subtilis followed by Serratia marcescens, Enterobacter asburiae, Pseudomonas fluorescens, Bacillus weihenstephanensis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli and Brevibacterium halotolerance whereas Proteus mirabilis showed least reduction of physico - chemical characteristics in sugar mill effluent.

Antibacterial Activity of Some Selected Algae Present in the Costal Lines of Jaffna Peninsula

Abstract: In this study, Sargassum polycystum, Sargassum tenerrimum, Turbinaria ornata, Gracilaria crassa and Codium fragile were tested for their phytochemical constituents and antibacterial activity. The algae were collected from different coastal sites in Jaffna peninsula. The fine algal powders were directly extracted with ethanol and sequentially extracted with acetone and ethanol. The resulting extracts were subjected with qualitative phytochemical analysis and for their antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli (ATCC 25922) and Staphylococcus aureus (NCTC 6571) by agar well diffusion method. The one way analysis of variance (ANOVA) followed by Tukey test was used for statistical analysis. Phytochemical analysis of extracts revealed the presence of at least two of the phytochemicals among the tested alkaloids, saponins, flavonoids, tannins and cardiac glycosides. The antibacterial study demonstrated that except acetone extract of S. tenerrimum, all other tested extracts were able to inhibit the growth of both S. aureus and E. coli. The sequential extracted ethanol extracts and direct ethanol extracts exhibited significantly (P < 0.05) higher inhibition on S. aureus compared to acetone extracts of respective algae. On the other hand, acetone extracts showed better activity on E. coli compared to the effect expressed on S. aureus. However, the highest inhibitory effect on E. coli and S. aureus was produced by the sequentially extracted ethanol extract of C. fragile and T. ornata respectively. The present study concluded that macro algae collected from different coastal lines of Jaffna peninsula are potential sources of bioactive compounds and can be used as source for antibacterial agent.

Biological Degradation of Chlorpyrifos and Monocrotophos by Bacterial Isolates

Abstract: The soil sample was collected from the paddy field of Annamalai Nagar which is having a history of repeated pesticide applications. The isolation of pesticide degrading bacteria was carried out and the isolated bacterial isolates were identified as Pseudomonas fluorescens, Bacillus subtilis and Klebsiella sp. The growth of the three pesticide degrading isolates was assessed in Minimal salt broth containing 50ppm of pesticides. Two different pesticides viz., Monocrotophos and Chlorpyrifos were used in this study. Among the three bacterial isolates, the bacteria Klebsiella sp. utilized the pesticides effectively and showed maximum growth. The growth of the three pesticide degrading isolates viz., Pseudomonas fluorescens, Bacillus subtilis and Klebsiella sp. was assessed in Minimal salt broth containing 50ppm of pesticides at different temperature levels viz., 25°C, 35°C, 45°C, 55°C and different pH levels viz., pH 4, pH 5, pH 6, pH 7, pH 8 and different carbon sources viz., Dextrose, Fructose, Lactose, Galactose, Mannose and different nitrogen sources viz., Malt extract, Peptone, Yeast extract, Casein, Beef extract respectively. The maximum growth rate of bacteria was recorded at 35°C and pH 6. The growth of bacteria was maximum in the presence of Dextrose followed by Fructose, Lactose and Galactose. The least growth was recorded in Mannose. The growth of bacteria was maximum in the presence of Malt extract followed by Peptone, Yeast extract and Casein. The least growth was recorded in Beef extract. The bacterial isolates showed maximum growth in the Minimal salt broth containing Chlorpyrifos followed by Monocrotophos.