Oil Globules Research Articles

Fatty acid composition and spawning quality in wild and captive broodstock of Pacific red snapper Lutjanus peru

The Pacific red snapper (Lutjanus peru) is very popular fishery that reaches high prices in the market that is distributed in tropical and subtropical climates. Most studies in fatty acid requirements for larval production are done in temperate species; in general, warm-water fish are given the same levels of DHA and EPA than cold-water fish, which increases considerably the costs of production, without apparent benefit. We analyzed spawns during lecithotrophic development, with emphasis on fatty acids, of L. peru. Three origins were compared, Wild spawns, used as the standard of better-quality larvae, Laboratory and Pond, each with some differences in the inductions of maturation and broodstock diet: Lab and Pond broodstock were fed sardines and squids and DHA-rich oil capsules were added once a week. A total of 87 spawns were sampled throughout three years of sampling. Egg and oil globule diameters before fertilization, in 1-h embryo (E) and before hatching (LE); larval total length and oil globule diameter at hatching (LH), and after 24 (L24h) and 48 h (L48h) were measured. Hatching and survival percentages were measured in triplicate for each spawn. Hatching were significantly higher from Pond spawns (75.7%) compared to Wild (60.8%). Survival at L48 hours was not significantly different among origins. Wild spawns had significantly more carbohydrates, but less phospholipids during development, compared to Lab and Pond spawns. ARA, EPA and DHA concentrations decreased in total lipids and triglycerides, but in Lab spawns they were accumulated in phospholipids. There was a more variable fatty acid composition in Pond spawns compared to Lab spawns, a result of more diversified diet in ponds. Viable eggs had two-fold higher proportion of ARA compared to non-viable eggs. A principal factor analysis revealed three positive associations between 1) female weight, egg oil globule diameter, and EPA:ARA in egg PL; 2) hatching, LH length, and DHA:ARA in egg PL; 3) L48h survival, TG and PL content in eggs. According to our results, subtropical L. peru needs less DHA and more ARA and monounsaturated fatty acids in their diet, compared to temperate marine fish.

Water temperature influences larval survival of the amphidromous goby Sicyopterus lagocephalus

AbstractWater warming induced by human activities can impact fish larvae survival, notably because it influences larval development and prey abundances. Amphidromous gobies of the subfamily Sicydiinae are particularly sensitive to this threat as the newly hatched free embryos are poorly developed and the first feeding opportunity only occurs after they reach the ocean. Here, we studied how water temperature (21, 23, 25, 29 and 31°C) impacts early development stages of Sicyopterus lagocephalus in both freshwater and marine aquaria (salinity 35). We monitored survival time, larval condition and the occurrence of critical developmental events such as mouth opening, yolk sac and oil globule resorption. In freshwater, the survival exceeded 150 hours at 21°C, while it dropped below 50 hours at 31°C. In seawater, the larval development of unfed larvae was significantly affected by temperature, survival time being greatly reduced in warmer waters. Accounting for the observed duration between mouth opening and the resorption of the oil globule, we estimated that larvae need to find suitable prey in seawater within a short time: around 30 hours during the peak of reproduction in summer. Otherwise, their endogenous reserves become depleted and their condition degrades. This study emphasises the sensitivity of free embryos to stream flow alterations, which contributes to the increase in water temperature and to the slowing down of larvae drift to the ocean. We conclude that once in seawater the temperature and feeding conditions experienced by amphidromous larvae are critical for survival.

Larval quality and fecundity trade-offs are linked to the maternal environment in sea perch (Helicolenus percoides, Sebastidae)

Spatial differences in demographics and nutrition can result in variations in reproductive output and larval quality among marine subpopulations. We investigated how local differences in maternal provisioning influenced the quality and quantity of larvae in sea perch (Helicolenus percoides, Sebastidae), a long-lived, viviparous species, widely distributed around New Zealand, in order to determine how local differences in maternal provisioning influenced the quality and quantity of larvae. Subpopulations from Deep Cove within Fiordland, on the west coast, and the Otago shelf on the east coast of New Zealand's South Island were compared. We used fatty acid analysis of adult liver and gonad tissues to investigate potential spatial differences in maternal nutrition. Fatty acid analysis of larvae on the day of parturition, larval notochord length and oil globule volume on the day of parturition, change in length of cohorts of larvae and change in average size of the oil globule were used as proxies to establish differences in larval quality between the Deep Cove and Otago shelf subpopulations. Our results demonstrated a trade-off between fecundity and oil globule size, where sea perch from the Otago shelf were more fecund but provisioned their larvae with smaller oil globules than females from Deep Cove. We observed faster change in length and slower rates of change in size of the oil globule among cohorts of larvae produced by females from Deep Cove. The maternally provisioned concentrations of the key fatty acids docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and arachidonic acid (ARA) were higher, and the eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA)/ARA ratio was lower among larvae produced by females from Deep Cove. The results indicated that potential visual and osmoregulatory advantages linked to these fatty acids are passed on to the offspring, necessary to survive in the low-light, low productivity environment of the inner fjords, characterised by high freshwater inputs. The results of the present study highlight the important link between the maternal environment and the quality and fitness of fish larvae.

Quality Control Evaluation of an Ayurvedic Herbomineral Compound – Mukkadi Bidalaka

Background: Mukkadi Bidalaka Yoga is a herbomineral compound which is claimed to be effective in Madhumehajanya Timira (Diabetic Retinopathy). In present study, it has been used for Bidalaka Karma.Objective: Present study was designed to watch out on herbal and mineral drugs used in the preparation of Mukkadi Bidalaka Yoga to assess the quality, purity, safety and efficacy of the drug by pharmacognostical (microscopic) study, physicochemical study and chromatographic evaluation. Methods: Pharmacognostical study i.e. morphological characters, organoleptic characters and powder microscopy was done for identification and authentication of all the raw drugs. Physicochemical study and HPTLC of final product were done. Results: Pharmacognostical characters of Mukkadi Bidalaka observed under the microscope were epicarp cells and lignified stone cell of Haritaki, Trichome and lignified scleroids of Bibhitaki, Scleroids, silica deposition of Amalaki, Parenchyma cells and starch grain of Haridra, Prismatic crystal, pitted vessels and fibers of Daruharidra, Cork cells of Nimba, Brown content of Sariva, Trichome, oil globule of Usheera, Stone cells, scleroids, prismatic crystal and fibers of Lodhra, Cork cells , fibers and stone cells of Vata, Parenchyma cells and oil globule of Durva, Border pitted vessels, lignified stone cells oil globule and lignified fiber passing through medullary rays of Chandana, Particles of Girika. Border pitted vessels, lignified fiber, lignified fiber passing through medullary rays of Raktachandana. Pharmaceutical evaluation of Mukkadi Bidalaka Yoga showed results loss on drying at 110C 5.85 % w/w, pH value 6.0, water soluble extract 21.60% w/w, methanol soluble extract 14.28% w/w, Ash value 3% w/w acid insoluble ash 0.39% w/w. High Performance Thin Layer Chromatography result shows 9 spots at 254 nm and 7 spots at 366 nm. Conclusion: Identification and authentication of herbal drug used in the preparation of Mukkadi Bidalaka Yoga was done. Pharmacognostical, physicochemical and HPTLC evaluation of prepared drug has been carried out.

Formulation and Antioxidant Activity Evaluation of Spondias mombin - Abelmoschus esculentus Mucilage Emulsion

Plant gums and mucilage have wide applications in pharmaceutical formulations as emulsifying agents. But these are quite costly, therefore there is always the need for cheaper alternatives. In this study, Okra mucilage from Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench pods was used to formulate Spondias mombin L. leaf extract emulsion. The emulsion was assessed for the effect of the mucilage on antioxidant activity of the extract using four standard in vitro assays. Phytochemical screenings of the mucilage as well as physico-chemical and microscopic characterization of the emulsion were also carried out. The mucilage contained carbohydrates, reducing sugars, terpenoids and unsaturated lactones. The pH of the resulting emulsion was 6.88. The size of the oil globules were small with the average size of 4. 8μm. The extract had superior 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging, hydrogen peroxide radical scavenging and ferric ion reducing capacity compared to the emulsion (p ≤ 0.05). In addition, the emulsion had a better metal chelating activity compared to the extract (p ≤ 0.05). Okra mucilage may have reduced the antioxidant activity of the extract suggesting its incongruity in this emulsion formulation. Bangladesh Pharmaceutical Journal 24(1): 17-25, 2021

Acid Gas Injection into Petroleum Reservoirs: A Review

Matrix acidizing using acid gases is an under developed phenomenon in the oil and gas industry. For most petroleum engineers the most common acid gases are carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) and dihydrogen sulfide (H 2 S). CO 2 is mostly injected into oil reservoirs to achieve full/partial miscibility with the crude oil. In the process, CO 2 reacts with formation water to form carbonic acid (a weak acid). Many research papers discuss how carbonic acid reacts with carbonate minerals and causes dissolution. Another popular acid gas in the oil industry is H 2 S. H 2 S is produced as an associated/dissolved gas in crude oil. H 2 S has the ability to react with formation water to form hydrosulfuric acid (a weak acid). This research paper introduces other acid gases that react with formation water and generate strong acids. These gases are: Sulfur Trioxide (SO 3 ), Nitrogen Dioxide (NO 2 ), Hydrogen Chloride (HCl), Hydrogen Bromide (HBr) and Hydrogen Iodide (HI). It is understood that most reservoirs are water wet or intermediate wet. Acid gas injection would change the pH of the water film around the oil globule in the pore. pH of the water in most reservoirs typically ranges between 5.5 and 8.5. Lowering the pH of the water that coats the pore, will initiate the acid treatment and reduce the presence of carbonates within the rock. This would result in an increase in porosity and permeability within the reservoir. Some visual examples of stimulating the reservoirs using acid gases are also discussed in this research paper. Acid gas injection would be considered a solution to many issues in our reservoirs. It would allow for recovery from vuggy pores (also known as isolated pores) in carbonate formations. It would also enhance unconventional reservoirs such as shale oil reservoirs (knowing that some of those shale oil reservoirs have higher carbonate content). Furthermore, in our conventional reservoirs we produce from the larger pores leaving behind a lot of oil in tight pores, acid gas injection would open up some of those tight pores. Acid gas is matrix acidizing tool, that petroleum engineers need to enhance the reservoir rock properties.

A Pharmacognostical and Phytochemical study of Kanchanara Gutika

Kanchanara gutika is one of the preparations of the Ayurveda, which is used for the treatment of the Thyroid disorders. It is in use since many years with good clinical outcome. But the pharmacognostic and phytochemical studies of the drug has not been carried out yet. Hence to study them this study is planned. Aim: Authentication of the raw drugs of Kanchanara gutika and phytochemical evaluation of the finished product. Materials and methods: The present study deals with the Pharmacognostical identification of the ingredients of Kanchanara Gutika and its physicochemical analysis. Thin Layer chromatography study (TLC) was also developed.Results: Pharmacognostical results showed Pippali catkin with fruit, Maricha with the epicarp and the oil globules, Sunti with oleoresins and vascular bundles, Haritaki with fibres, Amlaki with epicarp and mesocarp, Vibhithaki with stone cells and Kanchanara with xylem and phloem vessels. Qualitative studies shows that Loss of drying 33%, PH 4.72%, Water soluble matter 12%, Alcohol soluble matter 19%, Total ash 3%, Acid insoluble ash 2.5%, Dissolution time 4%, Moisture content 8%. The TLC chromatograph showed five bands at Rf 0.21(Yellow), 0.28 (Grey), 0.47 (Brown), 0.56 (Violet), 0.93 (Orange).Conclusion: Pharmacognostical study revealed genuinity of raw drugs. Physicochemical and TLC studies inferred that the formulation meets the minimum quality standards. The inference from this study may be used as reference standard in the further quality control researches.

Quality Control Assessment of an Ayurvedic Medicine - Durvadi Ghrita

Background: Durvadi Ghrita is a Sneha Kalpana which is claimed to be effective in Madhumehajanya Timira (Diabetic Retinopathy). In present study, it has been used for Nasya. Objective: Present study was planned to look out on herbal drugs used in the preparation of Durvadi Ghrita and standardization of drug by pharmacognostical and physicochemical parameters and HPTLC evaluation. Methods: Identification and authentication of all the raw drug was done by pharmacognostical study i.e. morphological characters, organoleptic characters and powder microscopy. Physicochemical evaluation and HPTLC of final product were done. Results: Pharmacognostical study of all the raw drugs of Durvadi Ghrita showed presence of oil globule, prismatic crystals of Durva. Lignified branched trichome, pollen grains of Utpala Kinjalaka. Trichome, border pitted vessels of Manjishtha. Collenchyma cells, border pitted vessel of Elvaluka. Lignified fibres, oil globules of Sita. Pitted fibres, pitted vessels of Usheera. Scalariform vessels, prismatic crystals of Musta. Pitted vessels and lignified fibres, crystal fibres of Chandana. Lignified cork, and stone cells of Padmaka etc. Pharmaceutical evaluation of Durvadi Ghrita showed results Specific Gravity 0.9125, Refractive Index 1.47, Acid Value 0.4608, Iodine Value 11.45 and Saponification Value 128.856. High Performance Thin Layer Chromatography, 12 spots were found at 254 nm and five spots were found at 366 nm. Conclusion: Identification and authentication of herbal drug used in the preparation of Durvadi Ghrita has been done. Pharmacognostical and physicochemical evaluation of prepared drug has been carried out which can be further useful for standardization of Durvadi Ghrita and other clinical researches.

Development and characterization of capsaicin creams formulated with Grewia mucilage-HPMC base

Purpose: Conventional topical capsaicin creams are often unavailable and unaffordable to the larger patient populations in developing countries. There is a need to formulate cost-effective alternatives using locally available polymers as cream base. This study aimed to formulate oil-in-water Grewia mollis mucilage-hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (GMM-HPMC) based capsaicin creams from locally available capsicum fruits and evaluate their quality attributes. Methods: Capsaicin was quantified from acetone extracts of Capsicum fruits (C. frutescens, C. pubescens and C. chinense) using high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Extract of C. chinense which had higher capsaicin content was used to formulate six different cream types with varied concentrations of GMM and/or HPMC as polymeric base. The creams were assessed for their organoleptic properties, pH, specific gravity, conductivity, viscosity, spreadability, oil globule size, microbial load and stability profiles using standard methods and protocols. Results: The FTIR spectroscopic analysis confirmed the presence of capsaicin in all the Capsicum fruit extracts; HPLC quantification of each of the fruit extracts indicated the presence of both capsaicin; C. chinense: (36153 ppm) > C. frutescens: (7860 ppm) > C. pubescens: (4549 ppm) and dihydrocapsaicin; C. chinense (11044 ppm) > C. frutescens (6920 ppm) > C. pubescens (2828 ppm) as constituents. Formulated o/w creams were light to deep brick red in colour, with pH (6.11-6.44); specific gravity (1.00-1.03); electrical conductivity (292-1958 µS/cm); viscosity (2810-9190 mPas); spreadability (4.0-5.5 cm) and globule size (13 ± 8 µm to 91 ± 20 µm). The creams had satisfactory microbial load profiles and remained stable at 25 ± 2 °C but had varying degrees of stability at 40 ± 2 °C storage temperatures. The optimized formulations of the creams (FB, FE and FF) contained GMM as the mono polymeric, GMM10:HPMC10 and GMM15:HPMC10 as their co-polymeric base systems, respectively. Conclusion: This study has shown the suitability of Grewia mollis mucilage singly used or in combination with hydroxypropyl methylcellulose as co-polymeric cream base. Formulated creams had desirable physicochemical properties and they may find better patient acceptance when compared with imported brands as a result of their potential low cost. Keywords: Capsicum fruits, capsaicin, Grewia mollis mucilage-HPMC, creams

A Pharmacognostical and Pharmaceutical evaluation of Dhanyamla

Introduction: Dhanyamla is a medicated liquid preparation produced by fermentation process of various grains. Dhanyamla is cold at perception by its nature as it is a sour liquid and Ayurvedic classics opine that amla rasa is of cold nature if used externally. It is commonly used for management of Diabetic Polyneuropathy which commonly presents with burning sensation, loss of strength, loss of balance, loss of sensation, numbness etc. especially of feet. Materials and methods: Raw drugs of Dhanyamla as per the reference in Sahasrayogam were purchased from the local market of Jamnagar, Gujarat. It was prepared as per the standard preparation procedure at Department of Rasa shastra and Bhaishajya kalpana, IPGT&RA, GAU, Jamnagar. The final product was then subjected to pharmacognostical and pharmaceutical analysis. Pharmacognosy of Dhanyamla was carried out by preparing a slide made with glass slide and cover slip. Then this slide was observed under the Carl Zeiss Trinocular microscope. Organoleptic characters and physico-chemical parameters were noted. HPTLC was performed and observed under short UV (254 nm) and long UV (366 nm). Results: Pharmacognosy study of Dhanyamla revealed presence of starch content and oil globules. Analytical study of Dhanyamla showed 14 spots and 20 spots at 254 nm and 366 nm respectively. Specific Gravity, pH and total solid contents were 1.0033, 3.257 and 55.334 respectively. Discussion and conclusion: The presence of both carbohydrate and oil content would have been the reason of having soothing and mild nourishing effect.

Trichaleurina javanica from West Java

Trichaleurina is a fleshy mushroom with goblet-shaped within Pezizales. Many genera have a morphology similar to Trichaleurina, such as Bulgaria and Galiella. Some previous reports had been described fungi like Trichaleurina as Sarcosoma. Indonesia has been reported that has Trichaleurina specimen (the new name of Sarcosoma) by Boedijn. This research aimed to obtain, characterize, and determine the Trichaleurina around IPB University. Field exploration for fungal samples was used in the Landscape Arboretum of IPB University. Ascomata of Trichaleurina were collected, observed, and preserved using FAA. The specimen was deposited into Herbarium Bogoriense with collection code BO 24420. The molecular phylogenetic tree using RAxML was used to identify the species of the specimen.
 Morphological data were used to support the species name of the specimen. Specimen BO 24420 was identified as Tricahleurina javanica with 81% bootstrap value. Molecular identification was supported by the morphological data, such as the two oil globules and the size of mature ascospores.

Multiple Pickering emulsions stabilized by organic pigment particles: properties and ion release

The possibility of forming water-in-oil-in-water (w/o/w) multiple emulsions stabilized solely by a mixture of organic pigment particles is demonstrated. The influence of shearing speed on both inner water drop and oil globule size is studied; both decrease with increasing shearing speed. We also investigate the effect of particle concentration for both pigments on the stability and drop size of w/o/w emulsions. The water drop and oil globule sizes decrease progressively once the particle concentration exceeds 0.5 wt%; this value corresponds to the minimum concentration required to form stable w/o/w emulsions. Finally, the release of magnesium ions from internal water drops to the external aqueous phase is studied. The release is very low over a period of one month.

Molecular and Morphological Identification and Seasonal Distribution of Eggs of Four Decapterus Fish Species in the Northern South China Sea: A Key to Conservation of Spawning Ground

Although species of Decapterus form important pelagic fisheries in the northern South China Sea, information on their spawning grounds is limited because identification of fish eggs based on their morphology is difficult. We identify eggs of four Decapterus species (D.macrosoma, D.maruadsi, D.macarellus, and D.tabl) with DNA barcodes from the fishery resources surveys in Spring and Autumn 2018 in Xisha islands, and Spring and later summer-Autumn 2019 along the continental shelf of the northern South China Sea, and describe egg morphology. Of 1405 fish eggs with obtained COI sequences, 81 were successfully attributed to four Decapterus species; eggs of each are spherical, have a smooth chorion and narrow perivitelline space, and can be partly differentiated by diameter, melanophore drops on the oil globule, and the notum of the embryo. Seasonal distributions of eggs reveal spawning grounds, with that of D.maruadsi located mainly off the Pearl River estuary in spring; eggs of D. maruadsi rarely co-occur with those of D.macrosoma. Spawning grounds of D.macrosoma are probably further south, where water temperature and salinity are higher. Spawning periods of these four Decapterus species overlap slightly. Spawning habitat D.maruadsi has been lost, and the spawning season of D.macrosoma has extended. Identification of Decapterus eggs using DNA barcodes can assist with the identification of eggs using traditional morphological approaches. Spatial and temporal information on the distributions of Decapterus eggs can be used for improved conservation of spawning grounds and fisheries management in the northern South China Sea.

Age at stocking is a decisive factor on growth and survival of the Indian shad, Tenualosa ilisha during nursery rearing in fertilized earthen ponds

Hilsa, Tenulosa ilisha is an important commercial fish of the Indo-Pacific region. The larvae of hilsa can survive for quite long without exogenous feed due to the presence of large yolk sac and oil globule. Therefore it is important to understand the suitable age of hilsa larvae to be used for nursery rearing. In this study, larvae were produced through artificial breeding of mature migratory fish collected from wild. Three different age groups of hilsa larvae, such as three days post hatched (3 DPH, just before yolk sac exhaustion, swim mostly vertically, TL: 4.21 ± 0.02 mm), 5 DPH (with oil globule, swim vertical and horizontal, TL: 5.26 ± 0.12 mm) and 12 DPH (just before oil globule exhaustion, swims very fast, TL: 6.00 ± 0.11 mm) were randomly distributed in nine well prepared rectangular earthen ponds (100 m2) in triplicate (n = 3) at the stocking density of 500 number m−3. The nursery rearing was carried out for 90 days. Results showed no significant difference in water quality parameters in different experimental ponds (p > 0.05). Dissolved oxygen, temperature, pH, total ammonia nitrogen, chlorophyll-a, gross primary productivity, total plankton count ranged from 7.24–7.46 mg L−1, 29.00–30.38 °C, 8.16–8.43, 110–124 μg L−1, 17.33–22.66 μg L−1, 193–203 mg C m−3 h−1, 2.2 × 104–2.4 × 104 numbers mL−1, respectively. After 60 days of the nursery, to imitate the larval migration towards low saline water, salinity was increased at the rate of 0.5 g L−1 on alternate days to 7.4 g L−1. There was no significant difference (P > 0.05) in daily weight gain and final total length and weight of fish in different experimental groups, however specific growth rate varied significantly (p < 0.05). At the end, hilsa larvae attained a total length of 43.3 ± 0.074 mm, 41.4 ± 0.04 mm, 39.2 ± 0.051 mm, in 3, 5 and 12 DPH groups, respectively. Percentage survival was significantly (p < 0.05) highest (3.40 ± 0.81%) in 5 DPH treatment. Water and gut plankton analysis showed that hilsa larvae are not a selective feeder, but feeds on available food items in the ecosystem through filtration. Length-weight relationship indicated the negative allometric growth (b < 3) pattern in all three groups. Overall, this experiment suggested that 5 DPH is an ideal age for shifting hilsa larvae from larval rearing tank to nursery pond.

Standardization of Poly Herbal Cosmetic Formula on Abnormal Pigmentation in Cutaneous Wound Healing – A Preliminary Study

Abnormal pigmentation in cutaneous wound healing has become a major cosmetic issue in the current society. Rising popularity of green labeled cosmetics which are environmentally sustainable with minimum side effects have greater demand in the world cosmetic market. Standardization of herbal formula is essential in order to assess the quality of drugs. Hence, the research study was designed to standardize the selected herbs based on comprehensive literary study on selected Varnaya Dravya (complexion promoting herbs) mentioned in Ayurveda authentic texts and Sri Lankan traditional manuscripts comprising of Terminalia chebula Retz, Terminalia belerica (Gaertn). Roxb, Phyllanthus emblica Linn, Rubia cordifolia Linn, Curcuma longa Trim, and Sesamum indicum Linn. Authentication of herbal ingreedients has been carried out at Bandaranayaka Memorial Ayurveda Research Institute, Nawinna, Sri Lanka. Microscopic identification, Moisture content, pH value, Total ash content and Colouring matter were tested determind through paper chromatography under WHO (2011) guidelines. Microscopic identification revealed that the poly herbal cosmetic formula in powder form contains yellow colour cells, stone cells, group of elongated stone cells, transparent cells, pitted vessels, spiral vessels, vessels filled with red, small fibers, oil globules, starch granules, needle shape crystals, hair and Trichoid. Moreover, moisture content of the formula was 6.3%, pH - 5.92 and total ash value - 4.45%. Determination of colouring matter indicated formula does not contain synthetic dyes. In addition, secondary plant metabolites like phenolic, tannins and saponins were present. Pharmacodynamics potential of the formula showed 25% kashaya (astringent) and tiktta (bitter) rasa (taste) accordingly. Further, 46% and 27% of formula showed ruksha (dryness) and laghu (lightness) guna (properties) along with 83% and 67% indicated ushna virya.&#x0D; (hot in potency) and madura (sweet) vipaka respectively. Due to presence of secondary metabolites, the poly herbal formula has anti-bacterial, anti-fungal and anti-oxidant potentials which will be favorable for skin complexion protection from bacteria and fungi. Moreover, Lekhana action gives scraping effect which is important for removing the scar.&#x0D; The study suggested that parameters found to be sufficient to evaluate the herbal cosmetic powder and could be used as reference standards and applicability of this formulae should be validated with a preclinical and clinical trials.

Maternal age, length, and weight influence larval characteristics and viability in the viviparous temperate reef fish Helicolenus percoides

Mature age structure has been recognized as an important determinant of fecundity in fish populations. More recently it has been demonstrated that in some species, older, larger females can produce faster-growing and more viable larvae than younger, smaller females. We investigated this effect in sea perch Helicolenus percoides and collected information on fecundity as well as notochord length and oil globule volume (OGV) of larvae on the day of parturition, time to 50% mortality, and rate of change in length and OGV of cohorts of larvae in fed and unfed treatments. Absolute fecundity increased proportionally with maternal age and total length. Older, larger females produced cohorts of larvae with larger OGVs. These cohorts also had faster positive rates of change in length in the fed treatment than did cohorts of larvae produced by younger, smaller females. The OGV was positively correlated with rates of change in length and survival in the fed treatment; however, we did not detect influences on growth or survival in the unfed treatment. Further, cohorts of larvae in the unfed treatment had negative rates of change in length and lower survival compared to cohorts in the fed treatment. The results indicated that the OGV, which was affected by maternal age and size, was an important factor influencing larval growth and viability when external energy sources were available. These data provide insight into the reproductive biology of sea perch and highlight the importance of an old-growth age structure for effective larval viability and growth.

Performance of yellowfin tuna spawning (Thunnus albacares) in floating net cage

Yellowfin tuna (Thunnus albacares) is an important export commodity in Indonesia. This tuna has an important economic value, so it becomes one of the foreign exchange that can provide solutions to the national economy. Yellowfin tuna hatchery technology that was carried out at the Research Institute for Mariculture and Fisheries Extension, with the management of broodstock maintenance in floating net cages has successfully spawned. However, the quality and quantity of eggs produced are still not optimal. This research was conducted in floating net cage with a diameter of 48.8 m with a depth of 8 meters, filled with 30 fishes of yellowfin tuna with body weights ranging from 60-80 kg per fish. Feed given is: fresh fish, squid and added vitamin C and vitamin E. The parameters observed were : spawning frequency, number of eggs produced, hatching rate, egg diameter, diameter of oil globule and the survival activity index value of newly hatched larvae (SAI). As supporting data, water quality observations were carried out which included: temperature, salinity, and water brightness on the floating net cage. This research was conducted for 10 months, from January to October 2019. Data analysis was carried out in discriptively. The results showed that yellowfin tuna reared in floating net cage can spawn well. Spawning occurs every month. The highest spawning frequency in October is 20 times spawning. While the highest total number of eggs successfully harvested was 11,030,000 eggs in August. Hatching rate between 70.5-92.2%. The survival activity index of newly hatched larvae (SAI) is 2.4-3.7

Changes in early digestive tract morphology, enzyme expression and activity of Kawakawa tuna (Euthynnus affinis)

Kawakawa tuna (Euthynnus affinis) is a novel target species for aquaculture in Japan and currently there is very limited knowledge on its early ontogenetic development in captivity. The ontogeny of E. affinis larvae from hatching to 20 days after hatching (DAH) was illustrated in the present study through an integrated approach of histology, biochemistry and molecular approaches. Larvae were fed enriched L-type rotifer Brachionus plicatilis species complex from 2 to 10 DAH, followed by enriched Artemia nauplii. Target digestive enzymes; trypsin, pepsin, lipase and amylase were assessed in order to evaluate nutritional condition. The larvae began exogenous feeding from 2 DAH, coinciding with the opening of the oral capacity and anus. The yolk sac was rapidly consumed and completely resorbed at 3 DAH, while the oil globule disappeared by 5 DAH. Enzymatic activity and expression of the target enzymes were detectable at hatching, except pepsin. With the development of the gastric glands, pepsin activity was then detected at 10 DAH, which was followed by rapid increase in pepsin activity at 15 DAH. The larvae showed rapid growth, however, high mortality also occurred at 6–10 DAH which has been highlighted as a critical stage in the larviculture of E. affinis. From 15 to 20 DAH, the histological structures of the digestive tract were completely segmented with the digestive tract resembling that of its juvenile stages. The activity of trypsin, pepsin, and lipase tended to increase sharply, while amylase dramatically dropped, possibly indicating a change in dietary preference. Findings from the present study provides a preliminary insight into the early development of the digestive system and associated digestive enzymes of E. affinis larvae and establishes an initial step towards the rearing and feeding protocol optimization of this novel target species.

Development and formulation of Aloe vera emulgel

Aloe vera is most popular in treatment of dermatological disorder in case of burn, tan and wound healing. The study was designed for crude Aloe vera extract, development of oil in water (o/w) emulsion, preparation of gel base using Aloe vera extract and formulation of the emulgel for topical application. The formulation was prepared by using carbomer 940 as polymer and isopropyl alcohol as penetration enhancer. The pH and viscosity of the Aloe vera emulgel were noticed to be 6.8 and 750 centipoise (cps) respectively. The interaction study between phytochemicals and the excipients was carried out using Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. UV spectrometric analysis of plant extract was carried out. Dynamic light scattering (DLS) was performed to determine the particle size distribution of oil globules in emulsion. Mean particle size (oil globules) was observed to be 481 nm. Zeta potential and polydispersity index (PDI) was recorded to be -13.2 mV and 0.6 respectively.

Azotobacter: A potential bio-fertilizer for soil and plant health management.

Stressor (biotic as well as abiotic) generally hijack the plant growth and yield characters in hostile environment leading to poor germination of the plants and yield. Among the plant growth promoting rhizobacteria, Azotobacter spp. (Gram-negative prokaryote) are considered to improve the plant health. Various mechanisms are implicated behind improved plant health in Azotobacter spp. inoculated plants. For example, acceleration of phytohormone like Indole-3-Acetic Acid production, obviation of various stressors, nitrogen fixation, pesticides and oil globules degradation, heavy metals metabolization, etc. are the key characteristics of Azotobacter spp. action. In addition, application of this bacteria has also become helpful in the reclamation of soil suggesting to be a putative agent which can be used in the transformation of virgin land to fertile one. Application of pesticides of chemical origin are being put on suspension mode as the related awareness program is still on. As far as the limitations of this microbe is concerned, commercial level formulations availability is still a great menace. Present review has been aimed to appraise the researchers pertaining to utility of Azotobacter spp. in the amelioration of plant health in sustainable agroecosystem. The article has been written with the target to gather maximum information into single pot so that it could reach to the dedicated researchers.