Effect of Indigofera Tinctoria Against Carbon Tetrachloride Induced Hepatic Damage in Albino Rats

Ayyadurai Niraikulam1*, Valarmathy Natarajan2 and Yun Hyungdon1

Abstract:The present study is aimed at assessing the protective effect of Indigofera tinctoria on carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) induced hepatotoxicity. Many hepatoprotective herbal preparations are being prescribed from Indian medicine an alternative system for hepatic disorder treatments. Hepatotoxicity was induced in rats with the administration of CCl4 and protectively was assessed from activities of marker enzymes in serum and antioxidant status in the liver of model animal system. The activities of carbohydrates, total proteins, albumin and cholesterol significantly decreased in serum of CCl4-induced animals when compared with control animals. Antioxidant status significantly increased in CCl4 treated animals with a significant increase of transaminases, alkaline phosphates and lactate dehydrogenase suggesting the probability of the extract to give protection against liver injury upon CCl4 induction. These results show that the leaf extract increased the antioxidant potential and hepatoprotective effect of the animal. In histopatho-logical profile, CCl4 treated rat shows hepatocellular necrosis, fatty degeneration and extensive vacuolation. These results show that the treatment with Indigofera tinctoria extract enhances the recovery from CCl4 induced hepatic damage due to its antioxidant and hepatoprotective property.

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Stage Specific Differentiation and Changes in Plasma and Mitochondrial Membrane Redox System of Leishmania Donovani Promastigote and Amastigote

Chakraborty Bidisha and Bera Tanmoy*

Abstract: Leishmania parasite has developed a specific physiological function necessary for existence within the specialized environment of the host. Regarding energy metabolism which is an essential factor for survival, Leishmania has adapted to low oxygen tension in the host phagolysosome using metabolic systems that are very different from the host. Transplasma membrane electron transport and oxygen uptake were inhibited progressively when promastigote cells were exposed to pH 5.5 and 37 ˚C and at pH 5.5, 23 ˚C and at pH 7.5, 37 ˚C. When L. donovani was grown at pH 5.5 and 37 ˚C, acid excretory product succinate was increased in comparison to cells grown at pH 7.5 and 24 ˚C. The findings of this study showed that amastigote formed catabolised fatty acid to excrete succinic acid when oxidative phosphorylation was impaired. Amastigote mitochondria failed to generate membrane potential by oxidizable substrates. On the other hand, amastigote cell showed absorbance change of safranine O when fatty acid was oxidizable substrate. Our data suggest that the generation of metabolic energy from succinate/H+ efflux will contribute to energy requiring process of amastigote significantly and energy linked functions in amastigotes may occur through fumarate reduction leading to D pH generation by succinate excreetion.

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Antioxidant Potential and Phenolic Content of Ethanolic Extract of Selected Malaysian Plants

Arash Rafat1, Koshy Philip1* and Sekaran Muniandy2

Abstract: This study evaluated the antioxidant capacity and total content of phenolic compounds in an ethanolic extract of some commonly consumed raw Malaysian plants. The antioxidant activities of the samples were measured by two different methods while the Folin–Ciocalteu reagent assay was used to estimate the phenolic contents of extracts. Cosmos caudatus extract showed the highest antioxidant potential followed by Centella asiatica, Oenanthe javanica, Euodia redlevi and Ocimum basilicum extracts respectively in both DPPH free radical scavenging activity and Superoxide Dismutase Activity Assays. Although the highest total phenolic content was found in Cosmos caudatus extract, there is no positive correlation between evaluated antioxidant activities and the phenolic contents of examined plants.

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Molecular Detection of Xanthomonas citri subsp. malvacearum in Cotton Seeds < /p>

Umesha S.*, Chythra R., Kavitha R., Niranjana S. R., Prakash H. S.1 and Mortensen C. N.2

Abstract: Bacterial blight of cotton caused by Xanthomonas citri subsp. malvacearum is an important bacterial disease, ubiquitous in its occurrence and is known to cause a heavy economic loss. In the present study, 30 cotton seed samples from those affected areas were screened for the presence of the bacterial blight pathogen. Recently the disease has been reported in the Karnataka state causing losses of economic signifi-cance. 12 bacterial isolates were identified based on the morphological, biochemical and molecular tests developed with ITS primers revealing the presence of the pathogen. The molecular detection using ITS primers revealed the amplification of the DNA in all the isolates thus confirming the identity of the pathogen. The PCR product of 400 bp was obtained in all the screened isolates. Random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) technique was used to study and further characterise among the isolates by using OPS-12, OPS-17, OPB-4 and OPF-6 primers. Primers OPS-17 and OPF-6 were found to give better molecular variations among the 12 isolates of X. citri subsp. malvacearum. Application of these molecular tools in the characteri-zation of X. citri subsp. malvacearum is discussed in the present study.

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Effect of Anilofos on Growth, Photosynthetic Pigments and Stress Enzymes of Cyanobacterium Oscillatoria simplicissima

Singh D.P.* and Sandhu B.S.

Abstract: Contamination of aquatic ecosystem including paddy fields by pesticide is a serious environmental global issue. Pesticides affect non-target microorganisms including cyanobacteria. Thus it is necessary to select tolerant strains which can be used as biofertilizer. The present communication deals with herbicide anilofos induced physiological and biochemical parameters related to photosynthetic pigments and defense system in a paddy field cyanobacterium Oscillatoria simplicissima in in vitro conditions. Reduction in growth, photosynthetic pigments and ascorbate content of test organism accompanied with increase in stress enzymes such as superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), peroxidase (POD) and proline content was observed in selected herbicide doses. Decrease of photosynthetic pigments and increase of SOD, CAT, POD and proline is an indication of their involvement in free radical scavenging mechanism.

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Molecular Characterization among Strains of Chickpea Root Nodule Bacteria Isolated from Different Areas of Middle Gujarat

Hinge V. R.1*, Chavhan R. L.2, Deshmukh Y. A.3, Salunkhe S.N.3 and Jadeja G. C.1

Abstract Eighteen strains of Root nodule bacteria were collected from the chickpea plant, grown in different areas of middle Gujarat, viz Anand, Dahod, Thasara, Arnej and Dhanduka. These strains were confirmed as Rhizobium by using different biochemical test. Molecular characteri-zation based on repetitive DNA sequence especially, ERIC sequence (Enterobacterial Repetitive Intergeneric Consensus) was done together with two known Rhizobium strains, one commercial culture (GSFC, Vadodara), five standard strains of Rhizobium and one standard strain of Agribacterium tumefacinus. The total of 320 no. of amplicons was generated by using ERIC primer pair. The strain MTCC 4188(Mesorhizobium ciceri) produced highest no. of amplicons while strain MTCC 120 (Bradyrhizobium japonicum) showed a less no. of amplicons. Data analysis of ERIC fingerprinting pattern clustered all RNB strains and standard strains into four major clusters as per their phylogenetic relationship. Majority of RNB strains (65 per cent) were closely related to the genus Mesorhizobium ciceri species and Mesorhi-zobium loti, while remaining 40 per cent RNB strains showed similarity to Rhizobium leguminosarum (MTCC 99) and Agrobacterium tumefaciens (MTCC 431). The ERIC-PCR fingerprinting could become a powerful tool for depicting the genetic diversity among eighteen RNB strains and standard strains. The data based on ERIC fingerprinting pattern will help to determine phylo-genetic relationships among these RNB strains and will be helpful for development of diagnostic primer for identification of efficient strains of Chickpea Root Nodulating Bacteria.

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Somatic embryogenesis of Tinospora cordifolia using in vitro leaf explants

Gavahne Rahul C. and Mukundan Usha*

Abstract: This study investigates factors affecting the production of somatic embryos in Tinospora cordifolia. Fully expanded leaves taken from in-vitro grown plants were used as explants. The explants were cultured on Murashige and Skoog medium supplemented with different concentrations of NAA or 2, 4-D. Explants grown on medium supplemented with 21.48uM NAA gave callus with organized globular protuberances. Somatic embryos when cultured on media containing ABA matured and gave rise to a number of secondary somatic embryos. These somatic embryos germinated when transferred to half strength MS medium supplemented with 5.77uM GA3 and 2.32uM Kinetin.

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High Temperature Induced Alterations in Thylakoid Membrane Photofunctions of Cyanobacterium Synechococcus 6301

Kiran Mayi P.

Abstract: In the present study the effect of high temperature has been studied on the thylakoid photochemical activity. The results clearly indicated that high temperature caused inhibition of photosystem II and photosystem I catalyzed electron transport activities in thylakoids of Synechococcus 6301. The reason for the inhibition of photosystem II activity is alteration at the level of water oxidation complex and the reason for the loss of photosystem I activity may be attributed to the changes at the level of reaction center, P700­. Thus high temperature has various target sites in photosynthetic electron transport system of Synechococcus 6301.

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Simultaneous Phenol Degradation and Chromium (VI) Reduction by Bacterial Isolates

Mathew Anu, Thanga V. Salom Gnana* and Reshma J.K.

Abstract: Chromium may be present together with aromatic compounds in wastewater treatment plants, ground water and also surface water. Considering the importance of removal of these compounds, a study was conduc -ted on simultaneous reduction of Cr (VI) and degradation o phenol, a toxic aromatic compound present in the environment. Reduction of Cr(VI) at different concentrations viz., 10, 20, 30, 40 and 50 ppm and two concetrations of phenol (50 and 100 ppm) by five bacterial cultures i.e., Escherichia coli, Pseudomonsas sp., Micrococcus sp. and Moraxella sp. were studied. The presence of Cr(VI) was not found to be inhibitory to phenol degradation for all the test cultures. The percentag redcutioin of Cr(VI) was almost similar for both concentrations of phenol i.e. 50 and 100 ppm. In the present study, phenol performed as an electron donor for the reduction oCr(VI) by bacterial cultures and phenol was degraded as well.

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Polyphosphate Metabolism- Its Effect by Copper in Cunninghamella Elegans

Paramanik Rabin Chandra*, Nezhad Ramzan Hossein, Deepa S., Roy Debojyoti Guha, Paramanik Achinto1 and Kumara Swamy M.2

Abstract: The aim of this work was to evaluate the physiological aspects of polyphosphate metabolism of Cunninghamella. elegans (C. elegans) grown in the presence of copper. The growth profile was obtained by means of total yield in the biomass, consumption of orthophosphates and accumulation of polyphosphate and phosphatases enzyme activities. The results revealed the influence of copper on the growth, observed by the yield in biomass. Orthophosphate consumption was faster in the cells that were grown in the presence of copper. The presence of copper in the culture medium induced accumulation of polyphos-phate. The polyphosphate level was almost constant in the beginning of the control culture growth and could be related to the exponential growth phase. On the other hand, the copper treated cultures exhibited a significant reduction in the polyphosphate levels, indicating an active metabolization of the polymer. Acid phosphatase activity was not detected in the conditions studied but alkaline phosphatase activity was significantly lower in the treated cultures. The results suggest the potential use of Cunninghamella. elegans isolate in bioremediation and biosorption applied to environments polluted by copper.

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Application of Microbial Exopolymers for Removal of Protozoan Parasites from Potable Water

Ghosh Moushumi *and Pathak Santosh

Abstract: A biopolymeric flocculant for removal of two important waterborne parasitic pathogens- Cryptsporid ium and Giardia in surface water samples collected from hills and plain areas in and around Patiala was evaluated. Filter sterilized water samples were directly treated with purified bioflocculant spiked with parasitic protozoans Cryptosporidium oocysts (105 oocysts/ml), Giardia cysts (103 cysts/ml). Escherichia coli ATCC 11775 (104 Cfu/ml). Dose optimizations revealed that about 2.5 µg/L of microbial biopolymer was sufficient to remove both Cryptosporidium oocysts, Giardia cysts and the indicator bacteria, Escherichia coli ATCC 11775 significantly (p<0.05). Removal efficacies of the biopolymers were not altered within a temperature range of 28-400C and a pH range of 5-8. Furthermore, the existing levels of total dissolved solids, turbidity and total suspended solids in all cases showed notable decrease. The results of this study Suggest a sustainable strategy for water treatment for ensuring safe public health.

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Micropropagation of Stevia Rebaudiana (natural sweetener) using Kinetin for Steviol Glycoside Production

Gupta Pratibha1, Sharma Satyawati and Saxena Sanjay2

Abstract: Stevia is a potential alternative source for replacing artificial sweeteners like saccharine, aspartame, acesulfame K etc. Stevia rebaudiana (Bertoni), a natural sweetener is a semi-humid subtropical short day perennial herb growing upto 65-80 cm tall and often referred as “the sweet herb of Paraguay”. Stevia leaves contain a number of diterpene Steviol glycosides (SGs) viz; Stevioside, Steviolbioside, Rebaudioside A, B, C, D, E, F and Dulcoside A. These Steviol glycosides are about 300 times sweeter than sucrose at their concentration of 4% (w/v). Efforts should be made to get large quantity of Stevia biomass and tissue culture is a suitable technology for this. Surface sterilized nodal explants of Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni were cultured on Murashige and Skoog medium supplemented with vitamins, sucrose (30 g/l), and different growth hormones like kinetin (1.0, 2.0 3.0, 4.0, 5.0, 6.0, 7.0, 8.0, 9.0 and 10.0 mg/l respectively), 0.5 and 1.0 mg/l of benzylaminopurine (BAP) and also the combination of BAP with naphthalene acetic acid (NAA). It was observed that nodal explants cultured on 4.0 mg/l of kinetin showed 95% shoot proliferation with maximum shoot length i.e. 5.75±0.31cm while on 10.0 mg/l kinetin it showed only 10% shoot proliferation with 0.98±0.15cm shoot length. The maximum no. of multiple shoots (35 shoots/culture) was obtained on the concentration 4.0 mb/l kinetin.

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Hypericum mysorense: A Potential Antioxidant and Antidepressant Folk Medicinal Plant of Nilgiris Biosphere-Western Ghats

Shanmugam Moorthi , Shanmugasundaram Krishnakumari* and Rancy Ann Thomas

Abstract: In the present study the effect of ethanolic extract of the Hypericum mysorense was examined for its antioxidant and antidepressant activity in the liver and brain of reserpine induced rats. Oral administra-tion of ethanolic extract of Hypericum mysorense (0.12g/kg) for 30 days to reserpine induced rats caused a significant increase in superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione – S – transferase, glutathione reductase, glucose 6 phosphate dehydro-genase, glutathione, vitamin C, vitamin E, total sulfhydryl group, non protein sulfhydryl group in liver and brain of reserpine induced rats. The results indicate the antioxidant and antidepressant effect of ethanolic extract of Hypericum mysorense.

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Short Communication: Protein Coding Genes for Better Resolution of Phylogenetic Analysis

Ayyadurai Niraikulam1*, Yun Hyungdon1 and Sakthivel Natarajan2

Abstract: This paper foucuses on importance of protein coding sequences for phylogenetic analysis.

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Ayyadurai Niraikulam1*, Yun Hyungdon1 and Sakthivel Natarajan2

Abstract: This paper foucuses on importance of protein coding sequences for phylogenetic analysis.

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