Selected Plant Materials Research Articles

Potential of Melaleuca diosmifolia as a novel, non-conventional and low-cost coagulating adsorbent for removing both cationic and anionic dyes

The potential of dried twigs of Melaleuca diosmifolia as a novel biosorbent for removing three cationic dyes, methylene blue (MB), acridine orange (AO) and malachite green (MG), and an anionic dye, eriochrome black T (EB) was evaluated in a batch adsorption process. Notably, the biosorbent removed 77–99% of both cationic and anionic dyes in a wide ranging pH of 2–10, and the reactions were endothermic. The dye adsorption equilibria were rapidly attained within 3h. The monolayer adsorption capacity of the sorbent added at 5gL−1 was 119.05, 126.8, 116.28 and 94.34mgg−1 for MB, AO, MG and EB, respectively. The water extract obtained from the plant material induced fast decolourization of both categories of dyes followed by gradual flocculation, indicating its potential as a natural coagulant. Gas chromatographic analysis also indicated that the main electrostatic attraction between 1,8-cineole, 1-p-methene-8-thiol and furfural compounds of the biomaterial, and dye molecules resulted in the formation of initial supramolecular complexes which further progressed into strong aggregates, leading to precipitation of dye–biomaterial complexes. Subsequently, the overall complex mechanism of dye removal was confirmed to be a combined process of adsorption and coagulation. Consistent with the batch studies, using selected plant material in real environmental water samples also resulted in effective dye removal, highlighting its potential for use in wastewater treatment.

Anti-microbial Activity of Aqueous Extract of Natural Preservatives-Cumin, Cinnamon, Coriander and Mint

This study was aimed to overcome the problems of artificial preservatives used in food preservation with natural preservatives. In this aspect, four different plants was selected such as black cumin, cinnamon, coriander and mint for anti-microbial activity against some food borne pathogens such as three gram negative microorganisms E. coli, P. aeruginosa, S. marcescens and three gram positive microorganisms such as Bacillus subtilis, S. aureus and B. cereus. A selected plant material was extracted by the soxhlet apparatus with water. Aqueous extract and in combination of extracts (1:1) ratio was prepared and antimicrobial activity was analyzed by agar disc diffusion method. According to the: results obtained individual extract of mint against E. coli has produced the highest zone of inhibition 18 mm. The extract of mint with coriander showed 19 mm of zone of inhibition against E. coli. Overall all the plant extract and their combination showed very good antibacterial activity. The Plant extract are most probably used for food preservation than the chemical preservatives because the chemical preservative which leaves the chemical residue on the food which can cause harm to the life. Further studies may be carried out to screen the valuable antimicrobial constituents present in the plant materials.

Anti-Inflammatory Activity of Ethanolic Extract of Flowers Hymenocallis littoralis (Jacq.) Salisb. By HRBC Membrane Stabilization Method

Hymenocallis littoralis (Jacq.) Salisb. (Amaryllidaceae) is commonly referred as Beach spider lily, is a medicinal plant and ornamental, conventionally used for wound healing. It is used as an emetic and has shown anti-viral, anti-neoplastic and cytotoxic properties. To treat blemishes and freckles the plant is used as folk remedy. The aim of this research is to explore the antiinflammatory potential of this selected plant material. Using inhibition of protein denaturation method crude extract of its flowers were subjected for in vitro antiinflammatory activity. The successive ethanol extract have shown potent anti-inflammatory activity by HRBC membrane stabilization method with 83.46% and 84.72% for 100 and 500 μg/ml, respectively. Significant antiinflammatory activity by HRBC membrane stabilization was shown by crude ethanol extarct. All the concentrations prepared were paving dose dependent anti-inflammatory activity.

Assessing Impact of Online Delivery of Turfgrass and Landscape Information

Kansas State University's turfgrass Extension team delivers information via linked online resources that include a blog, emails, and social media. We recently surveyed users to assess who they are, what they learn, how they use information, overall impressions, as well as suggested improvements. Users learn how to identify and manage various pests, select plant materials, and where to access further information and training. They prefer an email as the portal to the information. They communicate the information with others. Survey respondents suggested several revisions to format and content.

Biologically active extracts with kidney affections applications

This paper is aimed to select plant materials rich in bioflavonoid compounds, made from herbs known for their application performances in the prevention and therapy of renal diseases, namely kidney stones and urinary infections (renal lithiasis, nephritis, urethritis, cystitis, etc.). This paper presents a comparative study of the medicinal plant extracts composition belonging to Ericaceae-Cranberry (fruit and leaves) – Vaccinium vitis-idaea L. and Bilberry (fruit) – Vaccinium myrtillus L. Concentrated extracts obtained from medicinal plants used in this work were analyzed from structural, morphological and compositional points of view using different techniques: chromatographic methods (HPLC), scanning electronic microscopy, infrared, and UV spectrophotometry, also by using kinetic model. Liquid chromatography was able to identify the specific compounds of the Ericaceae family, present in all three extracts, arbutosid, as well as specific components of each species, mostly from the class of polyphenols. The identification and quantitative determination of the active ingredients from these extracts can give information related to their therapeutic effects.

Suppression of annual Bromus tectorum by perennial Agropyron cristatum: roles of soil nitrogen availability and biological soil space.

Worldwide, exotic invasive grasses have caused numerous ecosystem perturbations. Rangelands of the western USA have experienced increases in the size and frequency of wildfires largely due to invasion by the annual grass Bromus tectorum. Rehabilitation of invaded rangelands is difficult; but long-term success is predicated on establishing healthy and dense perennial grass communities, which suppress B. tectorum. This paper reports on two experiments to increase our understanding of soil factors involved in suppression. Water was not limiting in this study. Growth of B. tectorum in soil conditioned by and competing with the exotic perennial Agropyron cristatum was far less relative to its growth without competition. When competing with A. cristatum, replacing a portion of conditioned soil with fresh soil before sowing of B. tectorum did not significantly increase its growth. The ability of conditioned soil to suppress B. tectorum was lost when it was separated from growing A. cristatum. Soil that suppressed B. tectorum growth was characterized by low mineral nitrogen (N) availability and a high molar ratio of [Formula: see text] in the solution-phase pool of [Formula: see text] Moreover, resin availability of [Formula: see text] explained 66 % of the variability in B. tectorum above-ground mass, attesting to the importance of A. cristatum growth in reducing N availability to B. tectorum. Trials in which B. tectorum was suppressed the most were characterized by very high shoot/root mass ratios and roots that have less root hair growth relative to non-suppressed counterparts, suggesting co-opting of biological soil space by the perennial grass as another suppressive mechanism. Greater understanding of the role of biological soil space could be used to breed and select plant materials with traits that are more suppressive to invasive annual grasses.

Genetic Divergence and Character Association of Kabuli-Type Chickpea (Cicer Arietium) Genotype under Rainfed Conditions in Ethiopia

Chickpea is the major pulses grown in Ethiopia, mainly by subsistence farmers usually under rain-fed conditions Variability, heritability and correlation are the backbone of every selection method. The objective of the present study was to assess genotypic variability, heritability and correlation of 17kabuli-type genotypes for yield and yield related traits under rainfed condition. The experiments were conducted at the field area of Akaki, Chefe donssa, Deber zeit, Dembia and Haramay under RCB Design with four replication including 17 diverse genotypes of chickpea. There were significant genetic differences between genotypes for all the characters studied which suggested enormous scope of genotypes selection with desirable characters. High heritability for seed per pod, 100 seed weight and pod per plant high genetic advance revealed that additive gene effects were important in determining these traits. High heritability with low genetic advance for days to flowering and seed per pod indicated influence of dominant and epistatic genes. Estimation of correlation coefficients showed that pods per plant, plant biomass, plant height, and harvest index and 100-grain weight were positively correlated with grain yield. The traits, which revealed high amount of heritability and genetic advance, were controlled by additive genes, which advocated the chances of their improvement through selection. In the present investigation high to low heritability with moderate estimates of genetic advance recorded for pod per plant, seed per pod, plant height days to flowering, days to maturity,100 seed weight and grain yield where careful selection may lead towards improvement for these traits. Hence, provides better opportunities for selecting plant material for these traits in chickpea.

Traits, properties, and performance: how woody plants combine hydraulic and mechanical functions in a cell, tissue, or whole plant

This review presents a framework for evaluating how cells, tissues, organs, and whole plants perform both hydraulic and mechanical functions. The morphological alterations that affect dual functionality are varied: individual cells can have altered morphology; tissues can have altered partitioning to functions or altered cell alignment; and organs and whole plants can differ in their allocation to different tissues, or in the geometric distribution of the tissues they have. A hierarchical model emphasizes that morphological traits influence the hydraulic or mechanical properties; the properties, combined with the plant unit's environment, then influence the performance of that plant unit. As a special case, we discuss the mechanisms by which the proxy property wood density has strong correlations to performance but without direct causality. Traits and properties influence multiple aspects of performance, and there can be mutual compensations such that similar performance occurs. This compensation emphasizes that natural selection acts on, and a plant's viability is determined by, its performance, rather than its contributing traits and properties. Continued research on the relationships among traits, and on their effects on multiple aspects of performance, will help us better predict, manage, and select plant material for success under multiple stresses in the future.

PHARMACOGNOSTIC EVALUATION OF DRIED LEAF POWDER OF CARDIOSPERMUM HALICACABUM LINN. AND DRIED SEED HULL POWDER OF HYDNOCARPUS PENTANDRA (BUCH.-HAM.) OKEN

T he aim of this study wa s to establish pharmacognostic profiles of dried leaf powder of Cardiospermum halicacabum Linn. and dried seed hull powder of Hydnocarpus pentandra (Buch. - Ham.) Oken. The present study investigates various qualitative and quantitativ e parameters like microscopic evaluation of plant powder, physicochemical constants and preliminary phytochemical analysis. Microscopic evaluation of powders of both the plant materials revealed presence of various cellular structures and components . Powde r of dried leaves of Cardiospermum halicacabum Linn. showed the presence of calcium oxalate crystals, trichomes, xylem vessels, etc. Powder of dried seed hulls of Hydnocarpus pentandra (Buch. Ham.) Oken. showed the presence of compound starch grains, fragm ented oil cells, stone cells etc. Physicochemical constants such as the percentage of total ash, acid i nsoluble ash, water soluble ash and moisture content , loss on drying , alcohol soluble extractive and water soluble extractive were evaluated for both the powdered plant materials and the values were documented . Preliminary phytochemical analysis for both the powdered plant materials was carried out to check the presence of tannins, alkaloids, saponins, terpenoids, caridiac glycosides, steroids an d flavonoi ds. The qualitative tests revealed the presence of tannins, alkaloids, saponins and flavonoids in both the plant materials. However, steroids were found to be present only in dried leaf powder of Cardiospermum halicacabum Linn. Pharmacognosy is a simple an d reliable tool, for obtaining complete information about crude drug. The present study establishes the pharmacognostic profiles of the selected plant materials which will help in

Effect of Drying Methods on Dyeing Capacity of Dyestuff Plant Materials

This article presents a study of the effect of drying methods on dyeing capacity of widespread European flora dyestuff plant materials. The natural colorants, derived from the selected plant materials, were applied on chemical pulp in order to examine their dyeability. In this work, three different drying methods were examined—the natural, the air-, and the freeze-drying method—in various conditions. The plant materials that were dried naturally show weak dyeing results in comparison with the air- and freeze-dried materials. Freeze drying significantly improved the dyeing capacity of dyestuff plant materials with high initial moisture content. On the other hand, air drying at low temperature and high relative humidity improved the dyeing capacity of plant materials with low initial moisture content.

Role of human gut microbiota metabolism in the anti-inflammatory effect of traditionally used ellagitannin-rich plant materials

Ethnopharmacological relevanceEllagitannin-rich plant materials are widely used in traditional medicine as effective, internally used anti-inflammatory agents. Due to the not well-established bioavailability of ellagitannins, the mechanisms of observed therapeutic effects following oral administration still remain unclear. The aim of the study was to evaluate if selected ellagitannin-rich plant materials could be the source of bioavailable gut microbiota metabolites, i.e. urolithins, together with determination of the anti-inflammatory activity of the metabolites produced on the THP-1 cell line derived macrophages model. Materials and MethodsThe formation of urolithins was determined by ex vivo incubation of human fecal samples with aqueous extracts from selected plant materials. The anti-inflammatory activity study of metabolites was determined on PMA differentiated, IFN-γ and LPS stimulated, human THP-1 cell line-derived macrophages. ResultsThe formation of urolithin A, B and C by human gut microbiota was established for aqueous extracts from Filipendula ulmaria (L.) Maxim. herb (Ph. Eur.), Geranium pratense L. herb, Geranium robertianum L. herb, Geum urbanum L. root and rhizome, Lythrum salicaria L. herb (Ph. Eur.), Potentilla anserina L. herb, Potentilla erecta (L.) Raeusch rhizome (Ph. Eur.), Quercus robur L. bark (Ph. Eur.), Rubus idaeus L. leaf, Rubus fruticosus L. and pure ellagitannin vescalagin. Significant inhibition of TNF-α production was determined for all urolithins, while for the most potent urolithin A inhibition was observed at nanomolar concentrations (at 0.625μM 29.2±6.4% of inhibition). Urolithin C was the only compound inhibiting IL-6 production (at 0.625μM 13.9±2.2% of inhibition). ConclusionsThe data obtained clearly indicate that in the case of peroral use of the examined ellagitannin-rich plant materials the bioactivity of gut microbiota metabolites, i.e. urolithins, has to be taken under consideration.

English

An effective in vitro regeneration protocol was developed from nodal segment of Pluchea lanceolata (DC.) Oliver. & Hiern, a medicinally important plant used in ayurvedic system of medicine for curing diseases similar to rheumatoid arthritis. Nodal segments were cultured in MS medium supplemented with auxin and cytokinin and their combinations. The objective was to produce genetically identical plants, via multiple shoot induction from nodal segment. The culture medium consisted of Murashige and Skoog medium supplemented with one of 3 cytokinins [6-benzyladenine (BAP), Kinetin (Kn) and thidiazuron (TDZ)] at each of six different concentrations for shoot multiplication. The highest multiplication rate (24.57 shoots per explant) was obtained in the medium enriched with NAA. Shoots were successfully rooted in the half strength MS medium containing 0.1 µM NAA. In vitro produced plants were transferred to sterilized garden soil: compost (1:1) and then transferred to green house for hardening. Genetic stability of mother plant and the regenerants produced in vitro was assessed by random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD). In randomly selected plant material (mother plant) and its regenerants, 87 scorable bands were generated by four different primers, showing monomorphism with the mother plant. Thus, molecular analysis reveals that the micropropagation system described is a reliable method for propagation of P. lanceolata . Keywords: Conservation, genetic fidelity, micropropagation, RAPD, TDZ. African Journal of Biotechnology , Vol 13(25) 2500-2505

Chemical Composition Analysis and Antibacterial Mode of Action of Taxus Cuspidata Leaf Essential Oil against Foodborne Pathogens

AbstractThis study examined the antibacterial mode of action of Taxus cuspidata leaf essential oil (TCEO) against foodborne pathogenic bacteria. Gas chromatography–mass spectrometry analysis of microwave‐extracted TCEO resulted in examination of 34 different compounds, representing 81.63% of the total oil. The TCEO (1,000 μg per disc) showed antibacterial effect against Bacillus cereus ATCC 13061, Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 12600, Listeria monocytogenes ATCC 7644, Salmonella typhimurium ATCC 43174 and Escherichia coli ATCC 43889 as diameters of inhibition zones (22.0 ± 0.4 to 34.0 ± 1.2 mm). The minimum inhibitory concentration and minimum bactericidal concentration values of TCEO against the tested pathogens were found in the range of 250–1,000 μg/mL. Also, the TCEO had potential inhibitory effect on the viable counts of test pathogens. The TCEO revealed its mode of action on membrane integrity as confirmed by marked release of extracellular adenosine triphosphate, 260 nm absorbing materials and potassium ion efflux. The scanning electron microscopy analysis using TCEO further confirmed severe morphological alterations on the cell membrane of test pathogens.Practical ApplicationsBecause of frequent foodborne outbreaks and rising concern of consumers on the use of chemical preservatives in foods, the food industry is emphasizing the use of natural antibacterial agents from plant origin as safe food preservatives. Some selected plant materials are used as natural antimicrobials in food systems to prevent the growth of foodborne pathogens, resulting in the extension of shelf life of processed foods. Taxus cuspidata leaf essential oil (TCEO) is shown by this study to elicit its antibacterial action against foodborne pathogens through membrane permeabilization and can be used to control the growth of several foodborne pathogens. Hence, it is anticipated that TCEO may have greater potential for its practical application as an affective food preservative.

Callus in Rosmarinus officinalis L. (Lamiaceae): A morphoanatomical, histochemical and volatile analysis

This study aims to evaluate the anatomy of calli and their chemico-morphological characteristics after in vitro culture. Callus was induced from leaf explants of Rosmarinus officinalis derived from in vitro grown plants on media containing 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4D) and thidiazuron (TDZ) supplementation. Both capitate and peltate glandular trichomes were recognized in R. officinalis callus by light and electron microscopy. Histochemical tests showed positive reactions to lipophilic and terpenoid compounds for capitate trichomes and parenchyma or meristematic cells. Volatiles were isolated by simultaneous distillation–extraction and analysed by gas chromatography. Specifically, the use of 2,4D was shown to have a positive effect on the capacity of R. officinalis friable callus to produce volatile monoterpene compounds relative to TDZ. The main volatiles produced by callus were α-pinene, β-pinene and camphor produced in media containing 0.5 and 1.0 mg L− 1 of 2,4D. Significant quantities of α-pinene, β-pinene and camphor were produced with 0.5 mg L− 1 of 2,4D. On the basis of this accumulated evidence, it can be concluded that R. officinalis callus produces volatiles in developing glandular trichomes and that cellular aggregates and in vitro culture can be used for the production of volatiles under in vitro controlled conditions from selected plant material.

Antibacterial Mechanism of Action of Taxus cuspidata Stem Essential Oil against Selected Foodborne Pathogens

AbstractThis study examined the antibacterial mechanism of action of Taxus cuspidata stem essential oil (TCEO) against foodborne pathogenic bacteria. The TCEO (2,000 μg/disc) showed potential antibacterial effect as diameters of inhibition zones (32.0 ± 0.47–44.0 ± 0.59 mm) against the tested foodborne pathogens including Bacillus cereus ATCC13061, Listeria monocytogenes ATCC7644, Staphylococcus aureus ATCC12600, Salmonella typhimurium ATCC43174 and Escherichia coli ATCC43889. The minimum inhibitory concentration and minimum bactericidal concentration values of TCEO against the tested bacteria were found in the range of 125–500 μg/mL and 250–1,000 μg/mL, respectively. Also, the TCEO had potential inhibitory effect on the cell viability of B. cereus ATCC 13061 and E. coli ATCC 43889. Moreover, the TCEO revealed its mode of action on membrane integrity as confirmed by marked release of extracellular adenosine 5′‐triphosphate, 260‐nm absorbing materials and efflux of potassium ions (K+) against the tested pathogens. Further, scanning electron microscopic analysis also supported the inhibitory effect of TCEO as confirmed by significant morphological alterations on the cell membrane of the tested pathogens, suggesting its potential efficacy as a natural antibacterial agent.Practical ApplicationCurrently, because of frequent foodborne outbreaks and the rising concern of consumers on the use of chemical preservatives in foods, the food industry is emphasizing the use of natural antibacterial agents of plant origin as safe food preservatives. Some selected plant materials are used as natural antimicrobials in food systems to prevent the growth of foodborne pathogens, resulting in the extension of the shelf‐life of processed foods. This study confirmed that Taxus cuspidata stem essential oil showed its antibacterial mode of action against foodborne pathogens through membrane permeabilization and can be used to control the growth of several foodborne pathogens. Hence, it is anticipated that T. cuspidata stem essential oil may have greater potential for its practical applications as an affective and natural food preservative against food deterioration caused by foodborne pathogens.

Field colonies of leaf‐cutting ants select plant materials containing low abundances of endophytic fungi

Endophytic fungi live symbiotically in the tissues of plants. Although a large amount of evidence suggests a mutualistic role for vertically transmitted endophytic fungi in agronomic grasses, the role of horizontally transmitted endophytic fungi as mutualists has been challenged. Recent studies, however, have shown that horizontally transmitted endophytic fungi can act as mutualists to their plant hosts by providing defense against pathogens and defoliators. In particular, several experimental studies have shown that endophytic fungi interact negatively with leaf‐cutting ants and their fungal cultivar, but these studies were performed under laboratory conditions. Using field colonies of Atta colombica in Central Panama, we measured the fungal endophyte content in the forage material of leaf‐cutting ants and compared it to ambient endophyte levels. We then used the collected data to model the area of plant material containing endophytes that enters a mature colony daily. We found that mature colonies collect leaf material that is 20% lower in endophyte abundance than surrounding leaves. A similar pattern was observed for newly emerged colonies. Our model suggests that via ant foraging preferences, leaf‐cutting ants reduce the possible area of material containing endophytes entering the colony by 33%. Our results provide further evidence for a negative interaction between leaf‐cutting ants and horizontally transmitted endophytes, suggesting that fungal endophytes have a defensive role in tropical plants by influencing leaf‐cutting ant foraging preferences.

Antioxidant properties of some selected Indian medicinal plants: Their correlation with total phenolic contents

Background: Antioxidants play a major role in protecting the biological systems against oxidative stress, which is associated with development of many chronic diseases and disorders. Plants are the main sources of natural antioxidants in the form of phenolic compounds, which help human beings to deal with oxidative stress, caused by free radical damage. Aim: The present study aimed at the evaluation of antioxidant properties of extracts of different medicinal plants and their correlation with the total phenolic contents (TPCs). Materials and Methods: The selected plant materials were sequentially extracted with solvents with increasing polarity and analysed for their phytochemical constituents and antioxidant properties. The free radical scavenging activity of solvent extracts was assessed by 2,2‑diphenyl‑1‑picrylhydrazyl assay and TPCs by Folin‑Ciocalteu method. Results and Conclusions: In preliminary assay, 35 plants were screened for antioxidant properties, among them four plants were selected for the study. The methanol extracts of Acacia catechu (AC‑ME), Adenanthera pavonia (AP‑ME), Holopetelea integrifolia (HI‑ME) and ethanol extract of Terminalia paniculata (TP‑EE) showed highest antioxidant activity with 50% inhibitory concentration (IC50) value ranging from 7.5 to 350 µg/ mL. The percentage radical scavenging activities of samples were compared to the standard butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT). The antioxidant activity of extracts and BHT in increasing order was HI‑ME < AP‑ME < TP‑EE < BHT < AC‑ME. A positive correlation was observed between antioxidant activity and TPCs. The results suggested that the phenolic compounds in extracts are most likely to be responsible for the observed antioxidant activity. Key words: Antioxidant activity, correlativity, 2,2‑diphenyl‑1‑picrylhydrazyl assay, medicinal plants, phytochemicals, total phenolic contents

Whole plant cell wall characterization using solution-state 2D NMR

Recent advances in nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) technology have made it possible to rapidly screen plant material and discern whole cell wall information without the need to deconstruct and fractionate the plant cell wall. This approach can be used to improve our understanding of the biology of cell wall structure and biosynthesis, and as a tool to select plant material for the most appropriate industrial applications. This is particularly true in an era when renewable materials are vital to the emerging bio-based economies. This protocol describes procedures for (i) the preparation and extraction of a biological plant tissue, (ii) solubilization strategies for plant material of varying composition and (iii) 2D NMR acquisition (for typically 15 min-5 h) and integration methods used to elucidate lignin subunit composition and lignin interunit linkage distribution, as well as cell wall polysaccharide profiling. Furthermore, we present data that demonstrate the utility of this new NMR whole cell wall characterization procedure with a variety of degradative methods traditionally used for cell wall compositional analysis.

Anatomy and cranial functional morphology of the small-bodied dinosaur Fruitadens haagarorum from the Upper Jurassic of the USA.

BackgroundHeterodontosaurids are an important but enigmatic and poorly understood early radiation of ornithischian dinosaurs. The late-surviving heterodontosaurid Fruitadens haagarorum from the Late Jurassic (early Tithonian) Morrison Formation of the western USA is represented by remains of several small (<1 metre total body length, <1 kg body mass) individuals that include well-preserved but incomplete cranial and postcranial material. Fruitadens is hypothesized to represent one of the smallest known ornithischian dinosaurs.Methodology/Principal FindingsWe describe the cranial and postcranial anatomy of Fruitadens in detail, providing comparisons to all other known heterodontosaurid taxa. High resolution micro-CT data provides new insights into tooth replacement and the internal anatomy of the tooth-bearing bones. Moreover, we provide a preliminary functional analysis of the skull of late-surviving heterodontosaurids, discuss the implications of Fruitadens for current understanding of heterodontosaurid monophyly, and briefly review the evolution and biogeography of heterodontosaurids.Conclusions/SignificanceThe validity of Fruitadens is supported by multiple unique characters of the dentition and hindlimb as well as a distinct character combination. Fruitadens shares highly distinctive appendicular characters with other heterodontosaurids, strengthening monophyly of the clade on the basis of the postcranium. Mandibular morphology and muscle moment arms suggest that the jaws of late-surviving heterodontosaurids, including Fruitadens, were adapted for rapid biting at large gape angles, contrasting with the jaws of the stratigraphically older Heterodontosaurus, which were better suited for strong jaw adduction at small gapes. The lack of wear facets and plesiomorphic dentition suggest that Fruitadens used orthal jaw movements and employed simple puncture-crushing to process food. In combination with its small body size, these results suggest that Fruitadens was an ecological generalist, consuming select plant material and possibly insects or other invertebrates.

Antileptospiral, Antioxidant and DNA damaging properties of Eclipta alba and Phyllanthus amarus

Leptospirosis is globally important disease affecting almost all mammals including human being. Several cases of this disease occur in India every year and studies have made to trace the epidemiology, pathology of this disease. It occurs in urban environments of industrialized and developing countries, as well as in rural regions worldwide. The disease is found mainly wherever human come in contact with the urine of infected animals and urine contaminated environment. The unsuccessful attempts to control this disease by chemo therapeutics prompted us to go for alternative control strategies. The present study comprises the use of traditional medicines to overcome the side effects caused by chemotherapeutics. In the present study an attempt has been made to use the herbal medicine to cure leptospirosis either by direct killing or by inhibiting the growth of leptospira. Inhibition of growth has been realized as unique approach to stop the growth. A methonolic and aqueous extract of whole plants of Eclipta alba and Phyllanthus amarus assessed to determine the mechanism(s) of its antileptospiral and antioxidant activity. In this study the antioxidant activity and radical scavenging activity of methanolic and aqueous extracts of selected plant materials were evaluated against 1, 1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radical and 2,2’azinobis(3-ethylbenzthiazoline- 6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS) activity. DNA damaging studies on leptospira were also investigated. Finally, extracts were tested in different concentration in their respective solvent systems by Tube Dilution Technique (TDT) and Micro Dilution Technique (MDT) tests. The antileptospiral activity of Eclipta alba and P. amarus were studied by both tube dilution and micro dilution techniques and the results showed better inhibitory action against various serogroups of Leptospira. DPPH free radical scavenging effect of extract was compared with standard antioxidant ascorbic acid. IC 50 value was found 75µg/ml for extract and 45µg /ml for ascorbic acid and the methanol extracts of both plants had good activity and IC 50 value was found 55µg/ml and 30µg/ml in ABTS assay. The plant extracts were also found to be very effective against leptospirosis. The possible use of E.alba and P.amarus extracts to control Leptospirosis are discussed in the present studies.