Roxb Research Articles

Pharmacognostic evaluation of Latakaranja (Caesalpinia bonduc [L.] Roxb.)

Background: Latakaranja [Caesalpinia bonduc (L.) Roxb. (Caesalpiniaceae)] is a prickly shrub used to cure number of diseases in Ayurveda. Method: The present study has been carried for pharmacognostical and phytochemical standardization of plant material as per WHO guidelines. Result: Seeds of C. bonduc are greenish- grey to bluish grey in color, globous or rounded, smooth, shiny, 1.2 o 2.5 cm in diameter. Powdered seed showed the presence of columnar palisade cells, bone-shaped thick-walled, parenchymatous cells with resinous contents and roundish to polygonal bearer cells. TLC of the seed alcoholic extract was also performed in the present study. Physicochemical standards quantified includes foreign organic matter (1.0% w/w), loss on drying (2.88% w/w), total ash (10.4% w/w), water soluble ash (10.2% w/w), acid insoluble ash (3.2% w/w), water soluble extractive (14.6% w/w), alcohol soluble extractive (26.68% w/w). Phytochemical screening of aqueous extracts showed the presence of alkaloids, carbohydrates, flavonoids, triterpenoids, proteins, saponins, steroids, tannins and glycosides. Safety profile of plant material was established by quantify microbial load, pesticide residue content and heavy metals (Hg, Zn, Cd and Pb) analysis. Total aerobic organisams (cfu/g) was found to be 1.75 x 103 but no visible microbial growths were observed in seed sample. Pesticide residue content and heavy metals were found to be present within the permissible limits. Conclusion: In conclusion, the diagnostic characters obtained from the seed of C. bonduc will provide necessary information in identifying the crude drugs and comparing this plant from other closely related Caesalpinia species.

REPELLENT ACTIVITY OF Zingiber officinale Roxb. “Cochin Ginger” AND Zingiber officinale Roxb. var rubrum ESSENTIAL OIL USING SESAME OIL AND COCONUT OIL AS BASE ON Aedes aegypti

Aedes aegypti is a vector for Dengue. The use of synthetic repellent cause several health issue. Zingiber officinale Roxb. “Cochin Ginger” essential oil (A) and Zingiber officinale Roxb. var rubrum essential oil (B) was used as a repellent for Aedes aegypti. Increasing of repellent activity was strived by formulating A and B with sesame oil and coconut oil as a base. The aim of this study was to compare repellent activity between A and B, to know the influence of oily base to repellent activity of A and B, to know the effective concentration of essential oil in oily base as a repellent.Isolation of essential oil was done by water and steam destilation. Quantitative and qualitative assays by GS-MS. Repellent activity was tested by three steps: initiation, effective consentration assay, and effective concentration of repellent activity. Essential oil on certain concentration (100%, 50% in the base, the effective concentration of SLD) and Lemon grass essential oil was applied on the surface of palm hand. The hand was put into 20x20x20 cm 3 cage containing 25 female Aedes aegypti. The number of Aedes aegypti lied on the hand was noted to count protective capacity. First bite was counted as protective time. Analyse was done by One-way ANOVA and Post Hoc Test Tukey HSD (Homogeneous subsets) or Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney Test. The result showed that A and B contain camphene, mirsene, 1,8-sineol, l-linalool, l-borneol, neral, geraniol, sitral, and α-kurkumen (only A) that quantitatively different. Statistic result showed that B has a greater repellent activity than A. Sesame oil base give a better effect on repellent activity of sesame oil compare than coconut oil. The effective concentration of Zingiber officinale Roxb. “Cochin Ginger” essential oil and Zingiber officinale Roxb. var rubrum essential oil in sesame oil and coconut oil was 75, 85, 85 and 90%, respectively.

A new species of Zingiber (Zingiberaceae) from Nagaland, India

A new species, Zingiber pherimaense related to Z. rubens (Roxb.), is described from Nagaland, India.

PHARMACOGNOSTIC EVALUATION OF THE RHIZOME OF COPTIS TEETA WALL.

Elaneer kuzhambu and Karpuradi kuzhambu are two ocular preparation s refer red in Sahasrayoga . According to tradition, Pitaka rohini is added in the se preparation s. Pitaka rohini is considered as stem bark of G ambhari , Gmelina arborea Roxb . according to Ayurvedic Formulary of India . However according to tradition, Pitaka rohini i s considered as Coptis teeta Wall and its rhizomes are used in these preparations. Coptis teeta Wall . is a perennial stem less herb belonging to th e family Ranunculacene. HPTLC evaluation of the above two preparations have shown the presence of the active i ngredient Berberine . Berberine is present in D aruharidra , Berberis aristata . HPTLC studies showed the presence of Berberine in the rhizomes of Pitaka rohini, Coptis teeta Wall. But Berberine was no t detected in the stem bark of Gambhari, Gmelina arborea Ro xb. The present study deals with Pharmacognostic evaluation ( macroscopic, microscopic, physicochemical, powder microscopy ) and HPTLC studies of the rhizomes of Coptis teeta Wall. This study will help in standardization of samples of whole, cut or powdered rhizome samples of Coptis teeta Wall and also help to identify the Berberine content in the rhizomes as well as in the formulation s.

NON TIMBER FOREST PRODUCTS UTILIZATION DURING ADVERSE CLIMATIC CONDITIONS : A CASE OF SAORA TRIBES OF GANJAM DISTRICT, ODISHA

Saoras are one of the most ancient tribes in Odisha mentioned in Hindu myths and classics are also expert climbers and hunters. Saoras of Ganjam district mostly depend on forest for their livelihood and the area is rich in biodiversity and also have rare medicinal flora. They eat several NTFPs, wild roots, rhizome, seeds, fruits and mushrooms during harsh climatic conditions like severe drought. They use stored wild tubers mostly Dioscoreas like Bowla ( Dioscorea bulbifera L.), Bonda, Chun aru ( D. daemona Roxb.), Karondi aru ( D.bellophylla L.), Pani aru ( D. oppositifolia L.) and Arguna ( Cycas spp. ) to fulfill their food, medicinal and nutritional requirements particularly in harsh climatic conditions. They eat various wild leafy vegetables like Kolod ( Lathyrus sativa L.),Bilo ( Pisum sativum L.), Kulthi ( Microtylum uniflorum Lam.), Banana stem ( Musa superb a L.) Ban poi ( Basella alba L.). They also utilize NTFPs like Bamboo karda ( Bambusa vulgaris Schrad exJC Wendl.), Moha ( Madhuca indica J.F Gmel.), Amla ( Emblica officinalis Gaertn.), fruits. Some wild mushrooms like Banschattu, Ambachattu ( Agaricus spp. ) after drying and crushing were eaten by them. Indigenous practices of Saora tribes to cope up extreme environmental conditions and utilization of forest products during drought were discussed in the paper.

Phytochemical investigation and antimicrobial activity of Caesalpinia bonduc (linn) Roxb seeds

The aim of the study was to investigate phytochemical properties, antimicrobial activity and trace metal concentrations of Caesalpinia bonducella . The phytochemical screening of the extracts of leaves of C. bonducella revealed the presence of bioactive compounds such as Steroid, Triterpenoids, Reducing Sugar(A), Reducing Sugar(B), Sugars, Flavonoids, Saponin, Amino acids with absence of Alkaloids, Phenolic Compounds, Catachins, Tannins, Anthroquinones. The ethanol solvent was used for extraction and was used to screen the antimicrobial activity of C. bonducella leaves against certain pathogens by disc diffusion method. In the antimicrobial study, in bacteria, the test sample was most effective against Escherichia coli NCIM 2931 (B2) while smaller effect was noticed from Staphylococcus aureus NCIM 5021 (B3). In fungi, this was effective against Epidermophyton floccosum var. nigricans MTCC 613 (F2) whereas smaller effect was observed in Candida glabrata MTCC 3984 (F1). All the microbial strains depict higher sensitivity to the higher concentration (1.2 mg / disc) for the test sample when compared to the positive control except bacterial strains such as Bacillus subtilis NCIM 2920 (B1) and Staphylococcus aureus NCIM 5021 (B3). The result was supported the view that C. bonducella is a potent antimicrobial agent compared with the conventional antibiotic. The concentrations of trace metals in plants were not cross the standard level. Hence, it is signified that Aloe vera plant extract is safe to be used as an antimicrobial agent.

Processing of hard cooking pulses peas and beans studies on the methods of their Soaking and Cooking

Quick methods of soaking and cooking the common pulses i.e. Phaseolus mungo Linn (urad), Cicer arietinum Linn (Channa), Cajanus indicus Sprang (Arhar), Pheseolus aurous Roxb (Moong), Lens esculent Moench (Massor), Pisum Sativum Linn (Peas), and Phaseolus lunatus Linn (Rajmah), have been evolved. The effects of these procedures on the palatability of the cooked samples are reported.

Four Compounds Isolated from Polygonum lanatum Roxb

Abstract not available DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/dujs.v61i2.17074 Dhaka Univ. J. Sci. 61(2): 213-214, 2013 (July)

Anxiolytic and anticonvulsant activity of alcoholic extract of heart wood of Cedrus deodara roxb. in rodents.

The objective of the present study was to evaluate the anxiolytic and anticonvulsant activity of the alcoholic extract of heart wood of Cedrus deodara(ALCD). 50, 100 and 200 mg/kg of ALCD were tested for its anxiolytic and anticonvulsant activity. Anxiolytic activity was tested by exposing mice to unfamiliar aversion in different methods like elevated plus maze model, light-dark model and actophotometer. The results suggest that ALCD reduced the aversion fear and produced anxiolytic activity in a dose dependent manner. Pentylenetetrazole (PTZ) induced convulsions and maximal electro shock (MES) induced convulsions models in mice were used for assessment of its anticonvulsant activity. 100 and 200 mg/kg of ALCD increased the onset of clonus and tonic seizures in PTZ induced convulsions model and decreased the duration of tonic extensor phase in MES induced convulsions model and also increased the percentage protection in PTZ and MES induced convulsions. Effect of ALCD (30 and 100 mg/kg) on gamma aminobutyric acid (GABA) levels of brain also studied. Estimation of GABA in rat brain after administration of ALCD showed significant modulation of GABA levels. In conclusion these observations suggest that 100 and 200 mg/kg doses of ALCD exhibit anxiolytic and anticonvulsant activity. Key words: Cedrus deodara, anxiolytic, anticonvulsant, gamma aminobutyric acidestimation.

Antibacterial and Cytotoxic Activities of the Leaf Extract of Holigarna longifolia Roxb.

Dhaka Univ. J. Pharm. Sci. 12(1): 83-85, 2013 (June) DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/dujps.v12i1.16305

HEPATOPROTECTIVE ACTIVITY OF SAPONIN FRACTION OF OYONG SEED FLESH AND ITS COMBINATION AGAINST CCl4-INDUCED CHRONIC LIVER DAMAGE IN MALE WISTAR RAT

Saponin fraction of seed flesh of Oyong (Luffaacutangula [L.]Roxb) has been investigated to have a hepatoprotective activity in rats with fibrotic chronic liver damage. This research was conducted to evaluate whether saponin fraction of Oyongseed flesh has a hepatoprotective activity in CCl4-induced acute liver damage. Hepatoprotective activity was determined by measuring the activity of liver enzymes (SGOT, SGPT, LDH), total nitrite/nitrate level, liver index and liver histology. Saponin fraction of Oyong flesh seeds 10mg/kg BW and meniran extract 400mg/kg BW alone showed hepatoprotective activity. Administration of saponin fraction 10mg/kb BB decreased SGPT and LDH significantly over untreated group. Group given meniran extract at dose of 200mg/kg BW showed decreased on LDH, while at dose of 400mg/kg BW decreased SGPT, SGOT, and LDH significantly. Hystological observation revealed any improvement in liver morphology especially after treated with saponin fraction 10mg/kg BWand meniran extract at dose of 400mg/kg BW. However, all groups treated with combination of saponin and meniran did not show improvement both at biochemical parameter and liver histology. In conclusion, saponin extract with dose of 10mg/kg BW and meniran extract at dose of 400mg/kg BW showed hepatoprotector activity. In contrast, combination of both did not show any hepatoprotective effect and it was suspected that they have antagonist effects. Key words:hepatoprotective, CCl4-induced liver fibrosis, Luffaacutangula, Phyllanthusniruri

A step further to the correct identification of Ceropegia bulbosa Roxb. in Kachchh, Gujarat, India

A step further to the correct identification of Ceropegia bulbosa Roxb. in Kachchh, Gujarat, India

Genetic diversity of Curcuma comosa Roxb. revealed by DNA and mophological markers

AFLP and morphological markers were applied to study genetic diversity of Waan Chak Modlook ( Curcuma comosa Roxb.). Thirty-three samples of Curcuma comosa Roxb. were amplified with nine Eco RI– Mse I primer combinations that generated a total of 161 bands, in which 102 of them or 63.35% of total bands were polymorphic. The UPGMA clusters derived from AFLP showed that they could be classified into two major groups. Principal coordinates analysis (PCoA) was also analyzed and the result was consistent with the grouping found in the dendrogram. The values of similarity coefficient ranged from 0.49-1.00. Morphological characteristics could be also classified into two major groups with different inflorescence.

Effects of silver nanoparticles on Tecomella undulate (Roxh.) Seem. Micropropagation

Plant tissue culture is a reliable tool for conservation and multiplication of many plants, including medicinal plants. Tecomella undulata (Roxb.) Seem. is a plant native to tropical regions such as Iran, India and Pakistan; this precious plant which contains lapachol (a strong antiseptic used against jaundice) is an endangered species, therefore its conservation is of prime importance. The aim of this experiment was to evaluate the effects of silver nanoparticles (SNPs) at concentrations ranging from 5 to 80 mg l-1 alone or combined with 6-benzyl-amino-purine (BAP) and indoleacetic acid (IAA) on growth properties of T. undulata in aseptic condition. Thidiazuron (TDZ) at concentrations from 0.001 to 20 mg l-1 was used in proliferation medium of T. undulata single nodes; combinations of BAP (from 0.3 to 1.2 mg l-1), and 2,4-dichloro-phenoxy-acetic acid (2,4-D, 0.2 and 0.4 mg l-1) were also used in callus production and in indirect bud regeneration media. Explants were surface sterilized using 10% Clorox for 7-8 minutes. Results indicated that adding of SNPs in MS medium increased the mean number of fresh shoots per explants (MNFS/E), the percentage of explants producing shoots (PEPS) and also plant survival, due to its action on ethylene blockage. TDZ at the concentration of 0.1 mg l-1 increased bud proliferation up to two buds per explants, however higher concentration inhibited growth and in some cases caused death of the explants.

Evaluation of hypoglycaemic activity of Cassia nodosa leaves in normal and streptozotocininduced diabetic rats

In present work, one novel ornamental plant Cassia nodosa Buch.-Ham. ex Roxb. has been investigated for hypoglycaemic action. It aimed to check the hypoglycaemic effect of C. nodosa leaves on normal and streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats by acute and sub-acute studies. Prior to the hypoglycaemic study, acute oral toxicity testing of drug was performed. Later the effects of single and multiple doses of test drug were studied using various parameters. Dried powdered leaf material was used as an oral drug. The preliminary phytochemistry of drug was done by standard qualitative tests. Diabetes was induced in rats by single intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin. Single and multiple doses of test drug (0.5 g/kg body weight/day) were given to normal and diabetic rats. The parameters studied were blood glucose, serum cholesterol, serum triglycerides and serum proteins. The results of test drug were compared with standard hypoglycaemic drug-glibenclamide (0.01 g/ kg/day). It was done by ‘Student’s ‘t’ test’ and one-way ANOVA test. In preliminary phytochemistry antidiabetic compounds were detected. Unlike acute, sub-acute treatment of test drug showed highly significant reduction (40.29%) in blood glucose level of diabetic rats in 10 days. This effect was considerably good in comparison with standard drug (63.51%). The test drug and standard drug exhibited an insignificant change in the abnormal levels of serum metabolites of diabetic rats. Preclinically C. nodosa was proved to be an effective hypoglycaemic agent. Key words: Acute toxicity, Cassia nodosa leaves, hypoglycaemic, streptozotocin

Antibacterial, antioxidant and antidiabetic activities of Gmelina arborea roxb fruit extracts

Background: The plant Gmelina arborea has been traditionally used in India for several medicinal purposes like anthelmintic, diuretic, antibacterial, antioxidant and antidiabetic. Aim: The present study is an attempt to explore the antibacterial, antioxidant and antidiabetic activities of different extracts of fruits of plant G. arborea using ethanol, ethyl acetate, n‑butanol and petroleum ether as solvents. Materials and Methods: A single dose (1000 μg/ml) of extract was evaluated for their antibacterial activities on human pathogens like Bacillus subtilis, Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. In‑vitro antioxidant activity of G. arborea fruits was determined by 1, 1‑diphenyl‑2‑picrylhydrazil (DPPH) free radical scavenging and reducing power assay. Ascorbic acid was used as standard and positive control for both the analyses. The antidiabetic activity of above extracts was evaluated in alloxan induced diabetic model of Wistar rats. Statistical Analysis: All data are verified for statistically significant by using one way ANOVA at 1% level of significance (P < 0.01). Results: Only ethanol extract showed significant antibacterial activity against all pathogens and the activities were compared with the standard drug, streptomycin. The n‑butanol extract did not show antibacterial activity against any pathogens, whereas ethyl acetate and petroleum ether extracts showed inhibitory action against P. aeruginosa. The extracts showed significant antioxidant activities in a dose dependent manner. The ethanol extract showed good antioxidant activity when compared to the other three extracts. All the extracts were able to reduce sugar level in blood. Ethanol extract was found to have good antidiabetic activity in comparison to other extracts. Conclusion: It can be concluded that the extracts of G. arborea possess antibacterial, antioxidant and antidiabetic activities. Key words: Antibacterial, DPPH and alloxan, gmelina arborea, scavenging, streptomycin, verbenaceae

PRELIMINARY PHYTOCHEMICAL SCREENING AND IN VITRO ANTIBACTERIAL ACTIVITY OF KYDIA CALYCINA ROXB., AERIAL PARTS

Back ground : Herbal remedies used in traditional medicine contain a wide range of substances which are used to treat acute and chronic infectious diseases. The development of drug resistance in human pathogens against normally used antibiotics has necessitated a search for new antimicrobial agents from other natural sources mostly plants. This study was undertaken to investigate the in vitro response of the extracts and soluble fractions of Kydia calycina Roxb., aerial parts against eight pathogenic bacterial strains Method: Using agar cup plate method the hydro alcoholic (methanol 80%) extract, hexane, ethyl acetate and methanol soluble fractions of Kydia calycina Roxb. aerial parts were subjected to antibacterial activity at the concentrations of 20,40, 80 and 160mg/ml. The solvent control was run simultaneously to assess the activity of dimethyl sulphoxide (DMSO) which were used as a vehicle alongside the standard drug Rifampicine. Result: From the results it was observed that the hydro alcoholic (methanol 80%) extract of Kydia calycina exhibited significant antibacterial activity at the concentrations tested. At the concentrations of 25 and 50mg/ml, the hexane and ethyl acetate soluble fractions showed significant inhibitory effect against Basillus megaterium, Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumonia, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Proteus vulgaris and moderately against Streptococcus pneumonia, Bacillus subtilis and E. coli . Conclusion: The demonstration of antimicrobial activity against the bacteria strains is an indication that the plants are potential sources for production of drugs with a broad spectrum of activity. The results of the study also support the traditional applications of the plants and suggest that the plant extracts possess compounds with antibacterial properties that can be used as antimicrobial agents.

Study on the performance enhancement of lime mortar used in ancient temples and monuments in India

Lime is arguably the world first true green and versatile building material. The traditional lime binder offers greater durability but less strong compared to cement. The objective of the study is to improve the strength parameters of lime using traditional herbs. Lime mortar prisms (mix proportion: 1:2 i.e., one part of lime to 2 parts of sand) were cast after 15 days of fermentation with traditional herbal extract [aqueous extract of oonjalvalli ( Cissus glauca Roxb.), pananchikaai ( Cochlospermum religiosum ), kulamavu ( Persea macrantha ), gallnut ( Terminalia chebula ) and palm jaggery (from Borassus flabellifer )] and tested for its Flexure, Tension and Compressive strengths. The lime mortar prism fermented with plain water was used as control. The transverse strength of herbal lime mortar (5% herbs) is 1.6 times greater than lime mortar fermented with plain water. Besides, there was an increase in the tensile strength by three folds, due to elastic nature of herbal lime mortar. The compressive strength is greatly enhanced up to 2.5 times on the addition of 5% herbs. This may be due to the fact that herbal extract enhanced the density of lime mortar by bringing the particles of lime mortar closer to each other, thereby producing a more compact mass. Traditional structures built with lime mortar, which are more than 4,000 years old like Mohanjo-Daro is still a heritage monument of Indian civilization. It is more appropriate to blend the traditional concept with modern structures. The present work may also help in reviving ancient monuments.

Palynomorphological characterization of some species of Ficus L. from Pakistan

The present study was confined to pollen morphology and pollen fertility estimation using a taxonomic description of 11 species of genus Ficus family Moraceae. The species wereFicus bengalensis L, Ficus microcarpa L.f., Ficus palmata Forrsk., Ficus religiosa L., Ficus lacor Ham., Ficus pumila L., Ficus hispida L.f., Ficus sarmentosa Buch.Ham, Ficus auriculata Wall., Ficus virens Dryand. and Ficus racemosa Roxb. A palynomorphic study of the following species was conducted for the first time not only in Asia, but worldwide. As such, no published details were available for such comprehensive morphopalynological studies of the following species of genus Ficus L. It was found that pollen characters (that is, shape, surface of exine and pollen morphology) were considered as important characters and were used as tools in the taxonomy of these species. In the present research, the highest (97.82%) value was observed in F. palmata Forrsk. (Table 1) and the lowest (60%) was observed in F. bengalensis L. The present study shows that the flora of the selected species is a stable one. However, genetic diversity and molecular studies may also be helpful in this regard. Key words: Ficus, palynology, pollen fertility.

Morpho-playnological and foliar epidermal anatomy of genus Cenchrus L.

This study confined to four species of genus Cenchrus using multiple parameters that is morphology, epidermal leaf anatomy (LM and SEM) and palynology (LM and SEM). The species Cenchrus biflorus Roxb, Cenchrus ciliaris Linn ., Cenchrus pennisetiformis Hochst. and Steud. ex Steud and Cenchrus setigerus Vahl. Playno-anatomical characterization based on SEM techniques provides useful information for differentiation of species in Genus Censhrus. The study demonstrated that all the four species may differ from each other on the basis of morphology, anatomy and palynology.