Acacia Catechu Research Articles

Seed and bark extracts of Acacia catechu protects liver from acetaminophen induced hepatotoxicity by modulating oxidative stress, antioxidant enzymes and liver function enzymes in Wistar rat model.

In this study we investigated the hepatoprotective effects and possible mechanism of Acacia catechu in acetaminophen (APAP) induced hepatotoxicity using female Wistar rat model. Hepatotoxicity was induced by oral administration of acetaminophen (750 mg/kg body weight) for 24 h. The seed (400 mg/kg body weight) and bark (400 mg/kg body weight) extract's treated groups exhibited hepatoprotective effects and was compared with well-known clinical anti-dote N-acetylcysteine (NAC). When groups treated with acetaminophen, significant increase of liver weight/body weight ratio, liver function enzymes such as alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and decrease of antioxidant enzymes such as glutathione (GSH) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) were observed. The histopathology of APAP treated groups also showed moderate degree of sinusoidal congestion, centrilobular necrosis with polymorph nuclear cells infiltration, marked vacuolations and congestion. However, pretreatment with seed or bark extract groups decreased LPO accumulation, reduced the liver function enzymes and increased antioxidant defense enzymes. Moreover, histopathology of seed extract treated groups showed normal architecture whereas bark extract treated groups exhibited mild degree of vacuolations in the hepatocytes with minimal sinusoidal congestion. Taken together, our study concludes that A. catechu seed extract to be a more promising agent for protecting liver from APAP induced hepatotoxicity.

ANTIULCER ACTIVITY OF CONTROLLED RELEASE FORMULATION CONTAINING AQUEOUS EXTRACT OF ACACIA CATECHU WILLD ON RODENT MODELS

Objective: To study the Antiulcer activity of aqueous extract of acacia catechu willd on rodent models by controlled release formulation.Methods: Microspheres were prepared by solvent evapoaration method and were evaluated for various parameters like SEM, stability and in vitro relese. And acacia catechu willd loaded microspheres were evaluated for in vivo study involving Gastric ulceration in rats was induced by Ethanol/HCl. Ulcer genic effect (Ulcer Index), pH and Total acidity, Histopathological studies.Results: Results indicated that Acacia catechu willd microspheres contains some active constituents like flavanoid which are responsible for its anti ulcer activity. Also it was observed aqueous extract loaded microspheres showed maximum activity was found (200 mg/kg) with standard Cimetidine (100 mg/kg) also, the results revealed that aqueous extract microspheres at 200 mg/kg had reduced ulcer incidence significantly, when compared to the control as evident by decrease in ulcer score in the model.Conclusion: Based on the result it can be concluded that microspheres loaded with aqueous extracts of Acacia catechu willd produced promising antiulcer activity and were safe.

PHARMACOGNOSTIC AND CHROMATOGRAPHIC PROFILING OF KHADIRA (ACACIA CATECHU (LINN.F.) WILLD).

10Aug 2018 PHARMACOGNOSTIC AND CHROMATOGRAPHIC PROFILING OF KHADIRA (ACACIA CATECHU (LINN.F.) WILLD). Vandana Venugopalan , M. A Shajahan and V. C Indulekha. PG Scholar, Dept of Dravyagunavijnanam, Govt Ayurveda College, Thiruvananthapuram. Professor, Dept of Dravyagunavijnanam, Govt Ayurveda College, Thiruvananthapuram. Assistant Professor, Dept of Dravyagunavijnanam, Govt Ayurveda College, Thiruvananthapuram.

Tailoring the desired properties of dicyanate ester of bisphenol-A/bisphenol-A based benzoxazine resin by silane-modified acacia catechu particles

In this present work, silane modified acacia catechu particles (MACPs) filled dicyanate ester of bisphenol-A/bisphenol-A based benzoxazine (DCBA/BA-a) blend composites were successfully prepared by a simple and environmentally friendly solution blending method. The main focus of this study was to investigate the influence of the modified particles on the overall morphological, mechanical and thermal properties of the blend composites using various tests. The FTIR analysis confirmed the surface modification of the acacia catechu particles. Besides, it showed the nature of the chemical interactions taking place between the modified particles the resin blend. According to the mechanical results, a remarkable increase in the tensile, impact strength and microhardness properties of the reinforced blend composites was chiefly observed as compared to the unfilled samples' properties. Based on the thermal stability studies, the filled blend composites showed much enhanced thermal resistance properties. The scanning electron microscope confirmed that the improvements in the investigated properties were essentially ascribed to the good dispersion and interfacial adhesion of the modified particles within the blend matrix with respect to their advanced properties. Therefore, we supposed herein that these eco-friendly acacia catechu particles have enough potential to be utilized as alternative fillers for producing naturally friendly blend composites with tailored properties.

<b>Angiosperm diversity of Sonbhadra District, Uttar Pradesh: a checklist</b>

The present study provides a taxonomic account of the angiosperms of Sonbhadra District in Uttar Pradesh. The district, which comes under the Vindhyan region of Uttar Pradesh, is one of the richest areas in the state as far as plant diversity is concerned. It is spread over about 6788km² of geographical area, which constitutes about 36% forest cover on highly undulated land. The extensive survey of the area conducted during 2011-–2016, critical examination of previous collections housed at various herbaria, and review of published literature have resulted in a total of 705 species belonging to 459 genera under 110 families. Out of these, 541 species (76.73%) under 354 genera (77.12%) and 89 families (80.90%) belong to dicots, and 164 species (23.26%) under 105 genera (23.26%) and 21 families (19.09%) to monocots. The present enumeration of the species also includes about 78 species cultivated in the area for various purposes. Fabaceae (110 spp.) comprises of the maximum number of species, followed by Poaceae (89 spp.), Asteraceae (38 spp.), Cyperaceae (33 spp.), and Malvaceae (33 spp.). Some of the largest genera in the area are Cyperus (14 spp.), Ipomoea (9 spp.), Solanum (9 spp.), Ficus (9 spp.), Crotalaria (7 spp.), Desmodium (7 spp.), Bauhinia (6 spp.), Hibiscus (6 spp.), Fimbristylis (6 spp.), Acacia (5 spp. ), etc. The entire forest is chiefly dominated by trees such as Acacia catechu (L.f.) Willd., Boswellia serrata Roxb. ex Colebr., Butea monosperma (Lam.) Taub., Hardwickia binata Roxb., and Shorea robusta Gaertn.

STUDY OF ANTIOBESITY ACTIVITY OF POLYHERBAL FORMULATION IN CORRELATION WITH ANTIDIABETIC ACTIVITY

Objective: The objective of this research was to develop a polyherbal formulation using four different herbs using obese diabetic rat’s model. Methods: Rats received high-fat diet and alloxan was injected intraperitoneal to rats for induction of diabetes. In the preventive experiment, diabetic rats received Momordica charantia Linn. (200 and 400 mg/kg/day p.o), Eugenia jambolana Linn. (200 and 400 mg/kg/day p.o), Ziziphus mauritiana (200 and 400 mg/kg/day p.o), Acacia catechu (AC) (200 and 400 mg/kg/day p.o), and aqueous extract of all extracts (100 and 200 mg/kg/day p.o). Diabetic rats were also treated with glibenclamide (5 mg/kg p.o.) and orlistat (60 mg/kg/day p.o.) as reference standards. Results: The results showed that the extract of M. charantia Linn., E. jambolana Linn., Z. mauritiana, and AC significantly (p<0.05) inhibited body weight gain, blood glucose, triglyceride, total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL), very LDL, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, serum glutamic pyruvic transaminase, serum glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase, and fasting blood glucose in a dose-dependent manner. Extracts treated rats at doses of 200 and 400 mg/kg improved dyslipidemia in high-fat diet (HFD)-induced obese rats by enhancing their lipid metabolism when compared to the HFD control. Conclusion: The results obtained in this research work clearly showed that taken together the extract of M. charantia Linn., E. jambolana Linn., Z. mauritiana Lam. AC Willd., and aqueous extract of all extracts has potential as a preventive agent for type 2 diabetes mellitus (and possibly obesity) and deserves clinical trial in the near future.

A REVIEW ON ANTIFERTILITY ACTIVITY OF PLANTS OF CHAMBAL RIVERINE

Indian sub-continent showing very high diversity in both ecological and geographical aspects. In India, medicinal plants are widely distributed in different climatic conditions and are abundant in a mountainous region or riverine area. In this review, are being discussed anti-fertility properties of India’s well-known Chambal riverine flora. This area is rich in many medicinal plants as Acyranthus aspera, Acacia catechu, Nelumbo nucifera, Nyctanthes arbortristis, Mimosa pudica, Adhatoda vasica, Calotropis gigantea, Pergularia daemia, Vicoa indica, etc. These plants possess potential antifertility activity and many phytoconstituents, responsible for antispermatogenic, anti-implantation, antiovulatory, antiandrogenic, and many more activities. Hence, this review comprises a brief study of some medicinal plants found in Chambal riverine and showing the comprehensive antifertility activity of those plants.

Catechin rich butanol fraction extracted from Acacia catechu L. (a thirst quencher) exhibits immunostimulatory potential

Acacia catechu L., (Fabaceae) named as “catechu” is a plant, the decoction of heartwood of which is daily consumed as thirst quencher by a good percentage of the population in South India. The plant is mainly distributed in India and other Asian countries. It has been used in Indian traditional medicine for the treatment of asthma, bronchitis, colic, diarrhea, boils, skin afflictions, sores and stomatitis. The present investigation was aimed to study the immunomodulatory effects of different fractions of ethanol extract of A. catechu heartwood and HPLC analysis of the active fraction. Three fractions namely, butanol, chloroform and ethyl acetate were prepared from ethanol extract of A. catechu heartwood. Each of these fractions was assessed for its immunomodulatory activity. In vivo immunomodulatory activity was analyzed by sheep red blood cells (SRBC) specific hemagglutinating antibody titer, plaque-forming cell assay and delayed type hypersensitivity (DTH) reaction in Swiss albino mice. In vitro immunomodulating potential of the fractions was studied using murine peritoneal macrophages and splenocytes. Non-specific immune functions such as phagocytosis (nitroblue tetrazolium reduction assay and cellular lysosomal enzyme assay), nitric oxide (NO) production and cytokine release (TNF-α and IL-10) were studied in macrophages. In addition, splenocyte proliferation was also studied. In the in vivo experiments, butanol and chloroform fractions showed an increase in antibody titer dose-dependently. At higher dose (400 mg/kg b. w.) treatment the butanol fraction produced an enhancement in the number of plaque-forming cells (antibody producing cells) in the spleen. SRBC induced DTH reaction was significantly increased with butanol fraction in a dose-dependent manner. Peritoneal macrophages showed an increased phagocytic response on treatment with butanol fraction (100 μg/mL) as evidenced by its effect on nitroblue tetrazolium reduction and cellular lysosomal enzyme activity. All three fractions inhibited the production of NO and the release of TNF-α. Interleukin-10 production was significantly increased after treatment with butanol fraction. High-performance liquid chromatography analysis of the butanol fraction showed the presence of high concentration of catechin. The results suggested that butanol fraction of ethanol extract of A. catechu heartwood had immunomodulatory effects on non-specific, humoral, and cell-mediated immune functions. This study may be useful in validating the rationality of daily consumption of decoction of A. catechu and also its use in traditional medicine system. The study also suggests the possible use of A. catechu in the immunostimulatory herbal preparations.

Effects of Piper betle fractionated extracts on inhibition of Streptococcus mutans and Streptococcus intermedius.

The overgrowth of certain strains of normal flora in oral cavity can cause many kinds of oral infections or diseases such as carries, periodontitis, and gingivitis. Prevention and treatment of these diseases are usually achieved by chemical antiseptics. However, these chemicals are found as negative impacts of human health hazards and accession of microbial resistance. The present study explores the potential of Piper betle extracts on inhibition of two oral pathogenic bacteria; Streptococcus mutans DMST 41283 and Streptococcus intermedius DMST 42700. P. betle demonstrated significantly higher inhibitory activity against both pathogenic strains than Acacia catechu, Camellia sinensis, Coccinia grandis, Solanum indicum, and Streblus asper. Among fractionated extracts of P. betle from several solvents, the extract from ethyl acetate (Pb-EtOAc) possessed the widest inhibition zone of 11.0 ± 0.1 and 11.3 ± 0.4 mm against both bacterial strains, respectively. Pb-EtOAc showed the same minimum inhibitory concentration of 0.5 mg/mL against both strains, whereas its minimum bactericidal concentrations were 2.0 and 0.5 mg/mL against S. mutans and S. intermedius, respectively. HPLC analysis demonstrated that the major active compound of Pb-EtOAc was 4-allylpyrocatechol. It was found that the killing kinetics of Pb-EtOAc against both test strains were time and dose dependent. Scanning electron microscopy micrographs showed the morphological changes and depletion of the tested pathogens indicating cell destruction after exposure to Pb-EtOAc. It is confirmed that Pb-EtOAc is potentially effective against both oral pathogens and might be used as natural alternative agents in prevention and treatment of oral infections caused by oral pathogenic bacteria.

Polyphenols From Cutch Tree ( Acacia catechu Willd.): Normalize In Vitro Oxidative Stress and Exerts Antiproliferative Activity

ABSTRACT Oxidative stress, being the main cause of most of the human diseases, has always been the highlight of research worldwide. This stress can be overcome by administration of natural polyphenols. The Acacia catechu Willd. has many refrences available in Ayurveda as important disease curative plant. Its leaves are investigated for ameliorating oxidative stress in present work. Leaves of A. catechu were extracted with 80% methanol to get methanol extract (AME). It was assessed for antioxidant activity using DPPH, ABTS, CUPRAC, ferric ion reducing, superoxide scavenging and peroxyl radical scavenging assays. DNA protective activity was also investigated using plasmid nicking assay. Further, antiproliferative activity was determined using MTT assay in various human cancer cell lines. The quantification of polyphenols was done by UHPLC analysis. Results confirmed that polyphenols of A. catechu were successful in normalizing oxidative stress. AME was found to be most effective in scavenging ABTS radicals while least effective in scavenging ferric ions. UHPLC analysis showed abundance of ellagic acid, rutin and quercetin in AME. Further, AME showed maximum antiproliferative activity against Hep G2 cancer cells. It is concluded that the polyphenols from A. catechu effectively remediates oxidative stress and hence can be used in curing numerous dreadful diseases.

Soil carbon, nitrogen and texture dynamics at root zone and between plants in Riverine plantation of Acacia catechu, Dalbergia sissoo, Phyllanthus emblica and Eucalyptus camaldulensis

This research was objectively carried out to assess the dynamic of carbon, nitrogen and texture at root zone and location between plants. The plantation of Acacia catechu, Dalbergia sissoo, Phyllanthus emblica and Eucalyptus camaldulensis of Pragati community forest, Mahottari district, Nepal was selected for this study which was done in 2011. The stratified random sampling was applied to collect soil samples. Altogether 320 soil samples were collected from 0-10, 10-30, 30-60 and 60-90 cm depths. The result showed that soil carbon was about 8.16 t ha -1 at root zone which was only 7.56 t ha -1 at location between plants at 0-10cm depth in Phyllanthus emblica stratum. The soil carbon was the least nearly 2.08 t ha -1 at root zone which was 1.59 t ha -1 at location between plants in Eucalyptus camaldulensis stratum. The carbon percentage was the highest about 1.35% at root zone of Phyllanthus emblica stratum. However, the C/N ratio was the highest about 69:1 at location between plants of Dalbergia sissoo stratum. The texture of soil was loamy sand at root zone in Phyllanthus emblica , Acacia catechu and Dalbergia sissoo plantations while it was sandy at both root zone and between plants of Eucalyptus plantation. Plantations have significant effect on soil carbon and nitrogen at 95% confidence level.

Effect of Univestin (Scutellaria baicalensis root & Acacia catechu heartwood) on Post‐Exercise Muscle Soreness and Range of Motion in Healthy Adults

IntroductionIntense exercise is known to increase post‐exercise pain and result in delayed‐onset muscle soreness (DOMS) lasting for several days. Muscle soreness and soft tissue pain is a frequent complaint among recreational exercisers and a significant obstacle to continued participation in regular physical activity.ObjectiveOur study examined the effects of an herbal dietary supplement (Univestin; combination of Scutellaria baicalensis root & Acacia catechu heartwood) versus a look‐alike placebo on subjective pain and range of motion (ROM) following intense exercise.Subjects & MethodsTwenty‐three (N=23) healthy men and women were recruited to participate in an intense 60‐minute “boot camp style” resistance training workout designed to induce DOMS across all major muscle groups (quadriceps, hamstrings, gluteals/hips, shoulders, biceps, triceps). Subjects were randomly divided in double‐blind fashion to receive either the supplement (Univestin) at 250 mg b.i.d. (N=12) or placebo (N=11) for 1‐week post‐exercise. We measured range of motion (ROM), joint pain (WOMAC; Western Ontario & McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index), and muscle pain/stiffness (VAS; visual analog score) daily during the 1‐week post‐exercise period.ResultsSubjective evaluation of pain/stiffness (VAS) was noticeably lower across several muscle groups (calves, gluteals/hips, biceps, triceps) at day‐1 and significantly lower (p<0.05) by the 2nd day post‐exercise in the Univestin group compared to Placebo. ROM scores were significantly higher across both shoulder and hip movements (flexion/extension) at all time points from day‐1 to day‐6 post‐exercise in Univestin compared to Placebo (p<0.05). Measures of joint pain (WOMAC) were also lower in Univestin versus Placebo at some, but not all, timepoints.ConclusionUnivestin has previously been reported to reduce the pain and stiffness associated with osteoarthritis (1–3). These clinical results further demonstrate Univestin's effectiveness to reduce post‐exercise muscle pain and improve range of motion in a population of healthy non‐arthritic adults. Therefore, Univestin may be viewed as an effective dietary supplement to facilitate healthy pain‐free participation in regular physical activity.Support or Funding InformationFunding provided by UnigenThis abstract is from the Experimental Biology 2018 Meeting. There is no full text article associated with this abstract published in The FASEB Journal.

Effect of AmLexin (Acacia catechu & Morus alba) on Redox Balance and Subjective Pain in Healthy Runners

IntroductionIntense exercise is known to increase both oxidative stress and post‐exercise pain. Muscle soreness and soft tissue pain is a frequent complaint among recreational exercisers and a significant obstacle to continued participation in regular physical activity.ObjectiveOur study examined the effects of an herbal dietary supplement (AmLexin; combination of Acacia catechu heartwood extract and Morus alba root bark extract) versus a look‐alike placebo on redox balance (plasma oxidative stress and oxidative capacity) and subjective pain levels following intense exercise.Subjects & MethodsTwenty‐four (N=24) healthy men and women were recruited to participate in a progressive 8‐week running program followed by a 13.1‐mile timed run (half‐marathon). Subjects were randomly divided in double‐blind fashion to receive either the supplement at 200 mg b.i.d. (N=12) or placebo (N=12) for 9 weeks (8 weeks pre‐race during training and 1‐week post‐race). We measured range of motion (ROM) and pain/stiffness (WOMAC & VAS) weekly during 8‐weeks of training and daily for 6‐days post‐race, and plasma redox status on days 1 and 6 post‐race.ResultsDue to large variations in ROM between and within subjects, there were no significant differences in ROM between supplementation groups. However, multiple measures of pain and stiffness were significantly lower for days 1–3 post‐race in the AmLexin group compared to the Placebo group, including WOMAC scores for overall pain at day 1 and 3 post run and a clear trend of less stiffness and better activities of daily living in the AmLexin group. The AmLexin group also showed statistically significant less pain/stiffness than Placebo based on VAS scores for multiple body parts (quadriceps, calves, hamstrings, and knees) at several time points after the race. Redox balance assessment indicated the AmLexin group to show a strong trend toward improved status at day 1, that reached statistical significance for lower oxidative stress and higher oxidative capacity at day 6 post‐race compared to the Placebo group.ConclusionAmLexin has previously been reported to protect joint cartilage from damage, reducing the amount of glycosaminoglycan released by articular cartilage (1 &2), and to be an effective quencher of super oxide anion, a free radical generated by tissue wear and tear (3). These clinical results further demonstrate AmLexin's effectiveness to reduce oxidative stress, improve oxidative capacity, and prevent the development of post‐exercise subjective pain and stiffness in a population of healthy non‐arthritic adults. Therefore, AmLexin may be viewed as an effective dietary supplement to facilitate healthy pain‐free participation in regular physical activity.Support or Funding InformationFunding provided by UnigenThis abstract is from the Experimental Biology 2018 Meeting. There is no full text article associated with this abstract published in The FASEB Journal.

Demonstration on Areca Catechu Tree Reuse with Supporting of Information Technology

Areca catechu can be commonly found in Taiwan and Asia. By the restriction of agriculture policy, often the tree is chopped down and left in the wild and became an extra burden on the local environment. In this study, reuse design cases and opportunities were collected as Blog, so that people can access more easily. To enhance the user’s awareness and information access it included the facets of its biology, culture history and reuse cases. Furthermore, we proposed demonstration supported with information technology. A blog can collect facts and examples with capabilities of multiple tags. This ability makes information search more accessible. The proposed approach combines both physical samples and visual elements in Blog which can be view by mobile phone. From the survey, Blog performs better than a regular internet search. Most people feel interesting, and some people were able to have own idea. Demonstration designs gather both elements will help to form a positive communication to the society with sustainable thinking.

Repeated dose 28-day oral toxicity study of a botanical composition composed of Morus alba and Acacia catechu in rats

Patients with osteoarthritis experience debilitating pain and loss of joint function that requires chronic treatment. While nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) have been effective for temporary symptomatic relief, their long term usage has been limited by their associated side-effects. UP1306, a standardized novel composition from the extracts of root barks of Morus alba and the heartwoods of Acacia catechu, has been used in over the counter joint care dietary supplements as a safer alternative. These two medicinal plants have long track records of safe human consumption. Here we evaluated the potential adverse effects of orally administered UP1306 in Sprague Dawley rats following a 28-day repeated oral dose toxicity study. UP1306 at doses of 500, 1000 and 2000 mg/kg/day were administered orally to rats for 4 weeks. A 2-week recovery group from the high dose (2000 mg/kg) and vehicle treated groups were included. No morbidity or mortality was observed for the duration of the study. No significant differences between groups in body weights, food consumption, hematology, clinical chemistry, organ weights, gross pathology and histopathology were documented. Minor aberrations from the normal observed for the main groups were considered reversible as they were not evident in the recovery period. In conclusion, the no-observed-adverse-effect-level (NOAEL) of UP1306 was considered to be the highest dose tested, 2000 mg/kg/day, both for male and female rats.

Phyto-Ecological Assessment of Mahakali River, Far-western Nepal

An assessment of phyto-ecology and socio-economy of wetlands of Mahakali River system of far-western Nepal was carried through rapid ecological assessments, participatory discussions, transects and quadrat studies, and laboratory analyses to reveal the interactions between physico-chemical characteristics of water and soil, biodiversity and socio-economic regimes. Mahakali river system was flanked by a number of tributaries, steep cliffs, rocks, and was closely associated with riverine and mixed Shorea robusta (Sal) forests, resulting in richness and diversity of habitats and plant species. Vegetation succession was found to conspicuous as transcends farther from river edge, the Phragmites karka was gradually succeeded by Saccharum spontaneum and riverine forest species such as Acacia catechu, Dalbergia sissoo, Bombax ceiba, Eugenia jambolina, Aegle marmelos, etc. A total 140 plant species including 78 ethnomedicinal were inventoried, representing about 27 percent of the district flora. This study serves as a baseline data of phyto-ecological attributes of Mahakali River and can be taken as a reference to investigate the temporal changes in Mahakali River system. J. Nat. Hist. Mus. Vol. 29, 2015, Page: 32-48

Exploiting the potential of polyphenolic biomordants in environmentally friendly coloration of wool with natural dye from Butea monosperma flower extract

ABSTRACTColoration of textiles with natural dyes involves huge consumption of chemicals; mainly, metal salt mordants, which pose serious environmental challenges. To mitigate this pollution, more and more environmentally friendly, biodegradable, biocompatible and renewable products should be popularized in dyeing industry. This paper proposes a sustainable and metal salt-free dyeing of wool samples by employing natural mordants extracted from pomegranate peel (Punica granatum L), gallnut (Quercus infectoria L) and catechu (Acacia catechu). The color parameters of dyed wool samples were greatly found to be dependent on the chemical compounds present in respective biomordants and their interaction ability with the functional groups of wool and the dye molecules. The investigated biomordants exhibit different interactions with coloring compounds of Butea monosperma (palas) dye resulting in deep brown, olive green, dark brown, cinnamon, burgundy, and yellowish hues on wool. All the biomordants selected in this study improved dye performance and resulted in a broad beautiful spectrum of colors with acceptable fastness properties. The results encourage the search and exploitation of new plant species as a source of biomordants to replace metallic and toxic mordants currently used in textile industry.

Natural regeneration status of tree species in pong dam wildlife sanctuary, Himachal Pradesh

The present study was carried out at three sites namely Nagrota Surian, Jarpal and Badela in Nagrota Surian forest range having natural forests surrounding the Pong Dam Wildlife Sanctuary area. In each site 5 quadrats of 2 × 2 m (4 m2) size were laid down randomly to study the regeneration status of tree species. The study revealed the complete absence of natural regeneration of dominant tree species like Pinus roxburghii and Acacia catechu in natural forests of study sites. However high natural regeneration of associate species like Mallotus philippinensis and Cassia fistula was observed in all sites.

Dohra- a mixture of potent carcinogens.

Background & objectives:Dohra is a areca nut preparation used with or without tobacco in a few of the areas of Uttar Pradesh (UP), India. There is evidence that it causes potentially malignant disorders and oral cancer. This study was undertaken to provide information on dohra by searching through literature and also through a survey in three areas of Uttar Pradesh (UP), India.Methods:The information on dohra was collected through literature search, study tour to different areas of UP, where group discussions with dohra vendors and with community members of different age group were done to obtain information.Results:Dohra was prepared by the users for their personal use or prepared by small-scale industry for sale. It was available mostly in betel shops or any other store/kiosks and was also available in special dohra shops. Dohra was available in both dry and wet form. Its common constituents were areca nut, catechu (Acacia catechu), edible lime, peppermint (Mentha piperita), cardamom (Elettaria cardamomum) and some flavoring agents. Dohra was consumed as such or with tobacco.Interpretation & conclusions:Different varieties of Dohra were available such as sukha dohra, sukha mulethi dohra and geela dohra. Different processing methods for producing dohra existed. As dohra increases the risk of cancer, it needs to be banned or it should be sold in packets with the details of its constituents and also statutory warning about its adverse health effects.

Colono-protective Potentiality of Methanolic Bark Extract of Acacia catechu: A Medicinal Plant against 1,2-Dimethylhydrazine-Induced Toxicity in Wistar Rats.

The protective efficacy of methanolic bark extract of Acacia catechu Willd. (MEBA) against 1,2-dimethylhydrazine (DMH)-induced colon toxicity was investigated. Acacia catechu is considered one of the most potent medicines for various diseases in Ayurveda, a traditional system of Indian medicine. It is a widely used herb that contains a variety of bioactive components such as phenolic acids, alkaloids, and flavonoids among others. In the present study, MEBA was used as a pretreatment orally at two doses (250 and 500 mg/kg body weight [b.w.] once daily for 7 days), and DMH was administered (at a dose of 40 mg/kg b.w.) subcutaneously on day 7 in Wistar rats. The protective potential of MEBA was assessed in terms of the activity of antioxidant enzymes, lipid peroxidation, and expression of inflammatory markers (iNOS, COX-2, NF-κB, IL-6). Pretreatment with MEBA significantly abrogated oxidative damage by diminishing tissue lipid peroxidation, increasing enzymatic activities of various antioxidant enzymes (catalase, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione reductase, glutathione-S-transferase, reduced glutathione), and diminishing the induced expression of inflammatory markers in the colon tissue of Wistar rats. Furthermore, histopathological findings revealed that pretreatment with (MEBA) reduced intense filtration of inflammatory cells and significantly restored the architecture of colonic tissue. The results of this study indicate that MEBA significantly suppresses DMH-induced toxicity by ameliorating oxidative stress and inflammation and by restoring the architecture of colon tissue.