Procera Research Articles

Effect of herbal powder supplementation in protecting histopathological changes associated with caecal coccidiosis

An experiment was conducted on one day old, 120 broiler chicks to study the effect of madar (Calotropis procera) leaf powder and amprolium supplementation on caecal histology of broiler chicks during coccidiosis. Broiler chicks were divided into five groups (I-V) each with two replicates of 12 chicks. Group I and II were provided unsupplemented diet, Group III was supplemented with 0.125% amprolium, group IV and V were supplemented with 0.2% and 0.4% madar leaf powder supplementation respectively. On 15th day of experiment, groups II, III, IV and V were infected with 50,000 sporulated oocysts containing 80% Eimeria tenella. Histopathological changes were studied on 5th, 10th and 15th days post infection from two birds of each replicate. Histopathological changes were minimum in group III. In madar leaf powder supplemented groups (IV and V) protection from histopathological changes was observed from lesions associated with coccidiosis and effect was concentration dependent.

Multiple Gibberellin Receptors Contribute to Phenotypic Stability under Changing Environments.

The pleiotropic and complex gibberellin (GA) response relies on targeted proteolysis of DELLA proteins mediated by a GA-activated GIBBERELLIN-INSENSITIVE DWARF1 (GID1) receptor. The tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) genome encodes for a single DELLA protein, PROCERA (PRO), and three receptors, SlGID1a (GID1a), GID1b1, and GID1b2, that may guide specific GA responses. In this work, clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR) /CRISPR associated protein 9-derived gid1 mutants were generated and their effect on GA responses was studied. The gid1 triple mutant was extremely dwarf and fully insensitive to GA. Under optimal growth conditions, the three receptors function redundantly and the single gid1 mutants exhibited very mild phenotypic changes. Among the three receptors, GID1a had the strongest effects on germination and growth. Yeast two-hybrid assays suggested that GID1a has the highest affinity to PRO. Analysis of lines with a single active receptor demonstrated a unique role for GID1a in protracted response to GA that was saturated only at high doses. When the gid1 mutants were grown in the field under ambient changing environments, they showed phenotypic instability, the high redundancy was lost, and gid1a exhibited dwarfism that was strongly exacerbated by the loss of another GID1b receptor gene. These results suggest that multiple GA receptors contribute to phenotypic stability under environmental extremes.

Tomentella (Thelephorales, Basidiomycota) en bosques de Nothofagaceae de Patagonia, Argentina: micorrizas de nuevas especies

La presencia de especies de Tomentella ha sido reportada abundantemente en bosques templados, tropicales y regiones circumpolares. Las especies del género Tomentella forman típicamente ectomicorrizas (EM) aunque también micorrizas orquioides, ericoides, monotroides y arbutoides. La descripción y caracterización de los morfotipos EM constituyen una herramienta muy útil en trabajos ecológicos. En este trabajo se presentan descripciones morfo-anatómicas de 4 EM de Tomentella asociadas a Nothofagus pumilio, N. dombeyi, N. antarctica, Lophozonia alpina y L. procera, identificadas molecularmente a nivel específico. La morfología y el tipo de exploración de las 4 EM fueron consistentes con lo reportado previamente para el género. Estas EM no presentaron especificidad por un único hospedante de Nothofagaceae. Nuestros resultados demuestran que el estudio morfo-anatómico de los morfotipos EM constituye una herramienta insustituible para la cuantificación y el análisis de la diversidad funcional de la comunidad EM.

Effects of liming on growth, biomass production and nutrient content of Albizia procera seedlings grown in acid soil

Abstract not availableBangladesh J. Sci. Res. 29(2): 177-181, December-2016

Agronomic performance in radish fertilised with Calotropis procera (Ait.) R. Br. in two growing seasons

Indicadores agronomicos foram avaliados no rabanete adubado com diferentes quantidades de biomassa de Calotropis procera (Ait.) R. Br. (Flor-de-seda), em distintos tempos de incorporacao ao solo e cultivada em duas epocas (primavera e outono-inverno), no municipio de Serra Talhada-PE. O delineamento experimental foi em blocos casualizados, com os tratamentos arranjados em esquema fatorial 4 x 4, com tres repeticoes, sendo o primeiro fator: as quantidades de biomassa de C. procera (5,4; 8,8; 12,2 e 15,6 t ha-1 em base seca); e o segundo: tempos de incorporacao ao solo (0; 10; 20 e 30 dias antes do plantio do rabanete). As caracteristicas determinadas no rabanete foram: altura de plantas, numero de folhas por planta, diâmetro de raizes, massas seca e fresca de raiz tuberosa, massa fresca de raiz comercial. O rendimento maximo do rabanete foi obtido na quantidade de biomassa de C. procera de 15,6 t ha-1 incorporada ao solo. Uma sincronia entre o fornecimento de nutrientes pelo adubo verde e o periodo de maxima demanda pelo rabanete foi observada no tempo de incorporacao de 22 dias antes do plantio. O cultivo no outono-inverno aumentou o ciclo do rabanete, proporcionando maiores rendimentos comercial e total de raizes.

Alternative control of early blight of tomato using plant extracts from Acacia nilotica, Achillea fragrantissima and Calotropis procera

The in vitro and in vivo antifungal potential of extracts of three wild medicinal plants, ( Acacia nilotica (L.) Delile , Achillea fragrantissima (Forssk.) Sch.Bip. and Calotropis procera (Aiton) W. T. Aiton) was examined against Alternaria solani , the causal agent of the early blight of tomato . Aqueous or ethanol extracts of all tested plants reduced the mycelial growth and conidium germination of A. solani in vitro . Ethanol extracts were more effective against the pathogen than the aqueous extracts. Extract of C. procera exhibited more antifungal potential against the pathogen than other plant extracts. Observations by scanning and transmission electron microscopy showed dramatic alterations in the morphology and ultrastructure of A. solani when treated with the ethanol extract of C. procera at a concentration of 20%. Phytochemical screening confirmed the presence of many bioactive constituents in the extracts which were in greater amounts in C. procera than the other two plants. In a plot experiment, both types of extracts from C. procera reduced disease severity. Tomato fruit yield was increased after the treatment with the plant extracts.

Efficacy of Caltropis procera and Ficus sycomorus extracts in treating MRSA (methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus)-keratitis in rabbit.

MRSA-induced keratitis in rabbit was used to evaluate the therapeutic effect of F. sycomorus leaves and C. procera latex extracts. Within the 6 rabbit groups tested, group 1 received sterilized saline, while other groups (2 to 6) received 100 μl of intrastromal injections of 1.5×103 colony forming unit (cfu) ml-1 of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). After 12 hours, groups 3 to 6 also received chloramphenicol, aqueous extract of C. procera latex, aqueous and alcoholic extracts of F. sycomorus leaves, respectively 3 times daily for 12 successive days. The tested extracts inhibited MRSA growth in vitro (i.e. on culture medium). Colony counts in cornea discs from groups 3 to 6 were significantly reduced (P ≤ 0.001) compared to group 2 (untreated). Clinical signs of keratitis were observed on group 2 until the end of experiment. In groups 3 to 6, gradual recovery was observed and signs disappeared by the 12th DPI (days post inoculation). Only mild symptoms persisted in group 5 (aqueous extract of leaves). In group 3 and 5, cornea, iris, ciliary body and conjunctiva showed mild leukocytic infiltration and depigmentation of melanin cells while recovery of cornea and iris was observed in groups 4 and 6. In conclusion, the used extracts have potential therapeutic effects on MRSA-induced keratitis in rabbit.

Uncovering DELLA-Independent Gibberellin Responses by Characterizing New Tomato procera Mutants.

Gibberellin (GA) regulates plant development primarily by triggering the degradation/deactivation of the DELLA proteins. However, it remains unclear whether all GA responses are regulated by DELLAs. Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) has a single DELLA gene named PROCERA (PRO), and its recessive pro allele exhibits constitutive GA activity but retains responsiveness to external GA. In the loss-of-function mutant pro(ΔGRAS), all examined GA developmental responses were considerably enhanced relative to pro and a defect in seed desiccation tolerance was uncovered. As pro, but not pro(ΔGRAS), elongation was promoted by GA treatment, pro may retain residual DELLA activity. In agreement with homeostatic feedback regulation of the GA biosynthetic pathway, we found that GA20oxidase1 expression was suppressed in pro(ΔGRAS) and was not affected by exogenous GA3. In contrast, expression of GA2oxidase4 was not affected by the elevated GA signaling in pro(ΔGRAS) but was strongly induced by exogenous GA3. Since a similar response was found in Arabidopsis thaliana plants with impaired activity of all five DELLA genes, we suggest that homeostatic GA responses are regulated by both DELLA-dependent and -independent pathways. Transcriptome analysis of GA-treated pro(ΔGRAS) leaves suggests that 5% of all GA-regulated genes in tomato are DELLA independent.

The study of the colorimetric characteristics of the cobalt-chrome alloys abutments covered by four different all-ceramic crowns by using dental spectrophotometer

This study aims to evaluate the optical data of the different sites of the cobalt-chrome (Co-Cr) alloy abutments covered by four different all-ceramic crowns and the color difference between the crowns and target tab using a digital dental spectrophotometer. Ten Co-Cr alloy abutments were made and tried in four different groups of all-ceramic crowns, namely, Procera aluminia, Procera zirconia, Lava zirconia (Lava-Zir), and IPS E.max glass-ceramic lithium disilicate-reinforced monolithic. The color data of the cervical, body, and incisal sites of the samples were recorded and analyzed by dental spectrophotometer. The CIE L*, a*, b* values were again measured after veneering. The color difference between the abutments covered by all-ceramic crowns and A2 dentine shade tab was evaluated. The L* and b* values of the abutments can be increased by all of the four groups of all-ceramic copings, but a* values were decreased in most groups. A statistical difference was observed among four groups. After being veneered, the L* values of all the copings declined slightly, and the values of a*, b* increased significantly. When compared with A2 dentine shade tab, the ΔE of the crowns was below 4. Four ceramic copings were demonstrated to promote the lightness and hue of the alloy abutments effecttively. Though the colorimetric baseline of these copings was uneven, veneer porcelain can efficiently decrease the color difference between the samples and thee target.

Mushroom Extracts Induce Human Colon Cancer Cell (COLO-205) Death by Triggering the Mitochondrial Apoptosis Pathway and Go/G1-Phase Cell Cycle Arrest.

Functional foods are extensively studied for their cancer preventive effects. In the present study, we compared the anti-cancer activity of aqueous extracts of three species of mushrooms including: Pleurotus ostreatus (PAE), Auricularia polytricha (AAE) and Macrolepiota procera (MAE) on COLO-205 cells. Various in vitro approaches were performed to investigate the most potential mushroom variety that possesses maximum cytotoxic, anti-proliferative and apoptosis inducing properties. MTT assay was used to assess cytotoxicity. IC50 values were obtained and further used to perform clonogenic survival, wound scratch and apoptosis assays. Gene expression studies of apoptosis and cell cycle related studies were performed by reverse transcriptase PCR, followed by estimation of DNA content by flow cytometric analysis. Our study showed that PAE acts as the most prominent inducer of cancer cell death as compared to other species. Therefore, we performed expression studies for apoptosis and cell cycle to understand the genes which are responsible for their profound activities. Expression studies illustrated increased levels of caspase-9 (1 to 2.1, P < 0.01), caspase-3 (1 to 1.7, P < 0.01) and Bax (1 to 1.4, P < 0.05) genes followed by decreased levels of Bcl-2 (1 to 0.44, P < 0.05) gene with PAE treatment and this was attributed to the activation of intrinsic pathway. Along with apoptosis, an arrest at Go/G1 phase was observed through flow cytometric analysis followed by increased expression of inhibitors of cyclin dependent kinases (CKIs), p16 (1 to 1.5, P < 0.05) and p21 (1 to 2.4, P < 0.01). This study exemplifies the effectiveness of PAE and may serve as a potential therapeutic agent.

An overview on giant milkweed (Calotropis procera (Ait.) Ait. f.)

C. procera in India holds a pride of place largely because of its pharmacological uses and economic values. Arka (C. procera) an important drug of Ayurveda is known from the earliest time. Traditionally Calotropis is used alone or with other medicines to treat common disease such as fevers, rheumatism, indigestion, cough, cold, eczema, asthma, elephantiasis, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. The plant is poisonous can lead to blindness if its juice is put in to the eyes. The silky hairs are using to stuff pillows. The wood is used in impoverished desert areas for a cooking fuel. The stem is useful for making ropes, carpets, fishing nets and sewing thread. The wood is used in making charcoal. C. procera is an ideal plant for monitoring sulphur dioxide emissions in the air. C. procera is a potential plant for bioenergy and biofuel production in semi arid regions of the country.

Targeted mutagenesis of the tomato PROCERA gene using transcription activator-like effector nucleases.

Transcription activator-like effector nucleases successfully generate a heritable tomato mutant.

Monitoring of Carbon Dioxide and Water Vapour Exchange over a Young Mixed forest Plantation Using Eddy Covariance Technique

Studies on CO 2 and water vapour exchange in natural and man-made vegetation are necessary for quantifying their role in landscape-level carbon budget. The present study investigated variations in carbon and water vapour fluxes and monthly net ecosystem exchange (NEE) over a 9-year-old mixed forest plantation ( Holoptelea integrifolia, Dalbergia sissoo, Acacia catechu and Albizia procera) in Terai Central Forest Division of Nainital district, Uttarakhand using January to September 2013 eddy covariance data. During leafless period (i.e. January), the plantation acted as a net carbon source (i.e. positive NEE) with daily mean release of 0.35 g C m -2 day -1 , while from leaf onset to growing period (i.e. April to September), it acted as a sink (i.e. negative NEE) due to carbon uptake by an increasing number of leaves. The monthly mean daily NEE was noticed to be increasingly more negative in each subsequent month until September. The diurnal trend in NEE closely followed the variations in the intensity of photosynthetically active radiation. The diurnal NEE in all months was related to vapour pressure deficit with time-lag. Maximum daytime uptake (-29.5 μmol m -2 day -1 ) and night-time release of CO2 (8.2 μmol m -2 day -1 ) was observed in July. Monthly mean of daily NEE over plantation continuously increased from February and was highest (-5.74 g C m -2 day -1 ) in September. Rectangular hyperbolic function provided reasonably good fit between NEE and PAR. Ecosystem parameters (μ and P max ) of the light response curve also followed the canopy development trend.

A survey of Eupithecia Curtis, 1825 (Lepidoptera, Geometridae, Larentiinae) in Mongolia with descriptions of two new species

The Eupithecia fauna of Mongolia is surveyed in this paper, drawing on previous publications and newly collected material. In total 57 species are recorded. Two species Eupithecia anikini Mironov & Galsworthy, sp. n. and Eupithecia munguata Mironov & Galsworthy, sp. n. are described as new. Twelve species are recorded as new for the fauna of Mongolia, E. olgae, E. illaborata, E. bastelbergeri, E. pusillata, E. actaeata, E. vicariata, E. saisanaria, E. simpliciata, E. impolita, E. assimilata, E. thalictrata and E. exactata. Habitus and genitalia are illustrated for new species, and for little known older species where illustrations are not available in recent papers. A further 2 previously described species are synonymised, E. mongolica Vojnits of E. satyrata Hübner, and E. procera Vojnits of E. exactata Staudinger.

Ethnomedicinal, pharmaceutical and pesticidal uses of Calotropis procera (Aiton) (Family: Asclepiadaceae)

Caloropis procera is a multipurpose plant that is extensively used by traditional folk healers and local people for preparation of different drugs and ailments of choice to treat different diseases and disorders. Plant contains diverse phyto‑chemicals which show various pharmaceutical and ethno‑medicinal properties. Two related species are of Asclepiadaceae, Caloropis procera and Calotropis gigantea, and both possess enormous disease curing potential against various infectious agents such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, protozoans and worms; and are widely used for treatment of different diseases and physiological disorders. Active components of Calotropis procera displayed cytostatic, cytotoxic, wound healing, procogulant, analgesic, anticonvulsant, anti‑arthritic, antidiabetic, hepatoprotective, anti‑fertility, antipyretic, anti‑coccidial, anticancer, antitumor and anti‑inflammatory properties. Natural Calotropis latex in preserved and concentrated forms finds many pharmaceutical applications and may be more useful in interventional therapies, complementary and alternative medicine to cure different types of cancers. Latex can be used for preparation of various herbal drugs and drug templates which might be non‑steroidal and show wider cancer suppressing efficacy in patients. Plant can become a future source of therapeutic drugs, pesticides and industrial products. It can be used for phyto‑extraction of toxic chemicals and reclamation of polluted derelict lands. Key words: Calotropis gigantea, Calotropis procera, ethnomedicines, pesticides, pharmaceuticals, plant latex

Analysis of phytochemical constituents of the ethanolic and chloroform extracts of Calotropis procera using gas chromatography-mass spectroscopy (GC-MS) technique

The phyto-components of Calotropis procera leaves were screened by qualitative and gas chromatography-mass spectroscopy (GC-MS) analysis. C. procera R.Br. is a perennial plant abundantly found in all parts of the country (India) and wild in nature. The leaves of the plant were found to contain various primary and secondary metabolites. Qualitative analysis showed the presence of alkaloids, terpenoids, saponins, tannins and cardiac glycosides and absence of flavonoids in ethanolic extract of C. procera, while the chloroform leaf extract showed absence of flavonoids and cardiac glycosides. This work deals with the phytochemical screening and GC-MS studies of the ethanolic and chloroform leaf extracts of C. procera. In ethanol leaf extract, highest peak area (%) of 21.36 was obtained by 9-octadecenoic acid (Z), methyl ester (C19H36O2) at retention time of 14.843 and the lowest peak area (%) of 0.31 was obtained by cyclohexanol-3-methyl (C7H14O) at retention time of 18.599, whereas in chloroform leaf extract, the highest peak area (%) of 33.14 was obtained by 2, 6, 10-trimethyl, 14-ethylene-14-pentadecne (C20H38) at retention time of 13.136 and the lowest peak area (%) of 0.78 was obtained by 2-tert-butyl-4-(1,1,3,3-tetramethylbutyl) C18H30O at retention time of 10.731. The study summarizes the information concerning the phytochemical constituents present in ethanolic and chloroform leaf extracts. These constituents may be responsible for pharmacological activities. Key words: Calotropis procera, phytochemical analysis, GC-MS, metabolites, leaves.

Specific gravity of some woody species in the Srinagar Valley of the Garhwal Himalayas, India

In this study, we investigated the specific gravity of wood samples collected from a total of 31 woody species, consisting of 20 trees, 10 shrubs and one species of bamboo from sub-tropical regions of Garhwal Himalayas, India. Results show that among these woody species, the specific gravity of trees ranged from 0.34 for Erythrina suberosa to 0.83 for Albizia procera. For shrub species the specific gravity of Ricinus communis was 0.39 and that of Dodonaea viscosa 0.93. The average specific gravity of trees was 0.58 and of shrubs 0.66.

Effects of protection system and grazing seasons on goats’ nutrition in El Rosa, North Kordofan State, Sudan

The range grazing and distance walked for diet selection and nutritive value were studied in close and open range systems at the flowering and seed setting stages during the September and November 2009 respectively in El-khuwei locality (El Rosa). A completely randomized design was used (CRD). Sampling was done by two stage flowering and seed sating stage under protected and open range systems were selected diets and feed intake locating a 2000 x 2000 m plots. The average weights gains during the flowering and seed setting stage were 23.25 and 26.82kg respectively. Goat preference on bite counts of the different species significantly higher (P < 0.001) at flowering stage ranked leflef Luffa aegyptiaca , Aborakhus Andropogon gayanus, Bano Ergrostis tremula, Difra Echinocloa colonum , Huskneet Cenchrus biflorus and Himeira Hymerocardia. Whil Gadgad Geigeria alata, Gaw Aristida sp , Umfraredo Schoenofeldia gracilis , Fisiya Fimbristyls hispidula and browses Usher Calotropis procera least than that. A significant higher (P < 0.001) goats selective feed intake, in vitro dry matter digestibility dry matter, organic matter and crude protein higher in the protecte range at flowering stage and lowers in the open range at seed setting stage. However; highly ash contents and crude fiber in the open range system during the seed satting stage and least than that. The distance walked by goats for diet search was significantly longest in the open range system during the seed setting stage. Body weight gain was significantly highest during the flowering stage. It was concluded that at flowering stage higher goats preference on bite counts of the different species and body weight gain. However; feed intake, in vitro dry matter digestibility dry matter, organic matter and crude protein in the protecte range. During the seed satting stage were higher ash contents, crude fiber and distance walked by goats for diet search in the open range system.

Antimicrobial Profile of Crude Extracts Calotropis Procera and Centella Asiatica against some Important Pathogens

To investigate in vitro antimicrobial activity of aerial parts of Calotropis procera and Centella asatica Linn., that have been popularly used as folk medicines. The organic solvent plant extracts are tested on the various microorganisms including bacteria and fungi using agar well diffusion technique. The length of the inhibition zone was measured in millimeters from the edge of the well to the edge of the inhibition zone. C. procera showed significant to moderate activity against (14 mm) Pseudomonas marginalis and (21 mm) Streptococcus mutans with 100 mg/ml DMSO plant drug concentration. The results of (MICs) values are lowest at 66 and highest at 152 mg/ml for C. procera whereas 0 to 155 mg/ml for C. asatica . The extracts were assessed in an effort to validate the potential activity of the medicinal plants against microbes.

Antimicrobial potential of the selected plant species against some infectious microbes used

During the present investigation, in vitro studies were carried out to evaluate the antibacterial and antifungal activity of two selected plant species viz, Calotropis procera and Citrullus colocynthis. Ethanolic, methanolic and aqueous extracts of leaf were examined for their antibacterial, antifungal activities. Methanolic leaf extracts were found to be more active against gram positive bacteria (Bacillus subtilis: ATCC 6059 and Staphylococcus aureus:ATCC 6538) as well as gram negative bacteria (Pseudomonas aeruginosa: ATCC 7221 andKlebsiella pneumoniae) than water and ethanol extracts of leaves. The leaf extracts from C. colocynthis showed greater inhibitory activity against gram positive and gram negative bacteria as compared to that of C. procera leaf extract. Antifungal activity of the two plant species was performed with both methanolic and aqueous extract against Aspergillus fumigatus. The results revealed that methanolic as well as aqueous extract of C. procerawere found to be most effective in inhibiting the growth of selected fungal strain. It is inferred from the present investigation that the ability of extracts of C. colocynthis and C. procera to inhibit the growth of bacteria and fungi is an indication of their broad spectrum antimicrobial potential which may be implicated in the management of microbial infections. Key words: Crude extract, aqueous extract, minimum inhibition concentration.