sub-Himalayan Region Of India Research Articles

Mass Media Exposure among the Farm Women in Sub-Himalayan Region of India

The studies were carried out on the following types of soils, most widespread within Azerbaijan: gray-brown, gray-earth-meadow, gray-brown, and mountain-gray-brown. Common to these soils is the deep penetration of humus into the soil profile and its very slow decrease down by profile. According to the results of our research, it is proved that in the soil the humus content in the 25–50 cm layer is from 2.00% to 2.12%, and the total nitrogen is from 0.112% to 176%, the content of mineral forms of nitrogen is almost identical with the previous soils, while some an increase in the content of phosphorus and exchangeable potassium relative to other studied soils. The amount of carbonates in these soils is low (CaCO3 -6.4–10.4%). The absorbed bases are dominated by calcium, which is 60.3–76.7% of the total exchangeable cations. The amount of exchangeable sodium in the absorbed complex is low, 2.7–4.7% of the total, while the content of exchangeable magnesium is quite high. The moisture regime of mountain-gray-brown soils is determined mainly by the amount of atmospheric precipitation and the course of evaporation of soil moisture.

Yield and nutritive value of local races of grasses and legumes to rejuvenate pastures for sustaining livestock productivity in sub-Himalayan region of India

Improved local races of 8 grasses and 5 legumes were evaluated for forage yield and nutritional characteristics for introduction in sub-Himalayan pastures. Forage yield was higher for in grasses and Phalaris aquatic-PAOnobrychis viciifolia- in legumes. Grasses had low (P&38;lt0.05) CP and more NDF, ADF and cellulose than OVlegumes. Grasses had higher (P&38;lt0.05) tCHO except TP, while legumes had higher non Trifolium pretense-structural carbohydrates-NSC. Lignin bound carbohydrate fraction (C ) was higher in legumes except CPhleum pretense-Festuca rubra-FR. PP and Protein fraction P (NPN) was lower (P&38;lt0.05) in grasses. Grasses and Alegumes had lowest contents of rapidly degradable protein fraction (P ). Grasses and legumes differed B1(P&38;lt0.05) in gross energy and digestible energy and legumes had higher total digestible nutrients (TDN) except Bromus unioloides-. Truly digestible non fibrous carbohydrates (tdNFC) and tdCP of legumes were higher BU(P&38;lt0.05) than grasses. Legumes and - had higher (P&38;lt0.05) , Medicago s ativa-MSCoronilla varia CVTRdigestible DM (DDM) except (59.38) and (60.78%). Dry matter intake (DMI) and Festuca arundinacea-FABU relative feed value (RFV) were higher (P&38;lt0.05) for legumes. Neutral detergent fiber and cellulose were negatively correlated (P&38;lt0.01) with TDN, energy and DDM, RFV, DMI, tdNFC and tdCP. P and moderately B1degradable protein fraction (P ) were positively correlated (P&38;lt0.01) with RDP, while lignin bound protein B2fraction (P ) was negatively associated with TDN, energy and DDM. The NSC was positively associated with CTDN, energy, DDM, RFV, DMI and tdCP. Variability in nutritional characteristics of grasses and legumes signify their potential to rejuvenate pastures to improve livestock production.

Removal of Nitrogen and Phosphorous from Synthetic Wastewater by Oscillatoria sp. Cultivated in Vertical Tubular Photobioreactor under Natural Environmental Conditions

A newly isolated cyanobacterium Oscillatoria sp. from the Sub-Himalayan region of India was assessed for nutrient removal efficiencies. It was cultivated in synthetic wastewater under uncontrolled natural environmental conditions. The filaments of cyanobacterium formed entangled mats which easily floated on the surface of the medium. This characteristic feature was exploited for easy harvesting of the biomass that is hitherto a bottleneck for the industrial scale oil production from microalgae. The cultures of Oscillatoria sp. grown in synthetic wastewater removed 93.02% of 76 mg/L nitrate and 94.11% of 51 mg/L phosphate. The fatty acid profiling of 10-day-old cultures showed the dominance of saturated and monounsaturated fatty acids. The percentages of predominant fatty acids found in Oscillatoria sp. were 25.25% myristoleic acid (14:1w5c), 23.3% myristic acid (14:0), 16.81% palmitoleic acid (16:1w7c), 14.88% palmitic acid (16:0) and 4.765% hexadecanoic acid (16:1 w5c). The biomass productivities of 0.065 g/L/day and 0.05 g/L/day were attained by the cultures grown in synthetic wastewater and control BG-11 growth media respectively. This mesocosm study was conducted under the influence of natural sunlight, uncontrolled temperatures and the presence of biological contaminants namely, bacteria and small ciliates. The main objective of the study was to mimic the outdoor conditions, which is the way forward for achieving economic and environmental sustainability in microalgae biomass production.

Assessing farmers’ maladaptation to climate change in a sub-Himalayan region of India

Assessing farmers’ maladaptation to climate change in a sub-Himalayan region of India

Epidermoid Cyst: An Esthetic Challenge, If Neglected-A Comprehensive Analysis of 217 Cases.

An epidermoid cyst is a benign keratin-filled cyst, commonly located in the face, scalp, neck, and trunk. Although it is a common benign cystic neoplasm, large series of analyses in English literature are still scarce. To comprehend the clinical and pathological variation of epidermoid cysts in the sub-Himalayan region of India, as well as their clinical implications for late diagnosis, a retrospective study on epidermoid cysts was conducted. This was a retrospective observational study conducted on 217 cases of epidermoid cyst subjected for fine-needle aspiration cytology over a period of 3.6 years (from 2018 to 2021). The clinical details and other epidemiological data were archived from the pathology requisition forms. It showed slight male preponderance with head and neck site as the most common area. Most patients were adults. Few uncommon sites were also seen namely breast, parotid, epididymis, and tonsils. Few large lesions were identified measuring up to 10 cm. The skin changes were seen in 5.5% cases, 0.9% cases show extreme ulceration, and 4.1% cases show foreign body giant cell reactions. Due to the province's steep terrain and limited access to medical services, the majority of patients arrived at out patient department (OPD) late. The findings suggest that fine-needle aspiration can be used as a quick diagnostic test even in remote areas by the general practitioner who can send the slides for evaluation to a pathologist. Many times, clinically looking epidermoid cyst can reveal certain challenging entities such as a biphasic fibroepithelial tumor with cystic squamous metaplasia and proliferating pilar tumor in our series. The study of this lesion is also needed for early diagnosis as long-standing lesion may rupture and cause requirement of extensive treatment followed cosmetic impairment.

Clinical spectrum and management outcome in gallbladder perforation-a sinister entity: Retrospective study from Sub-Himalayan region of India.

Gallbladder perforation is an infrequent entity seen among surgical patients. Rare occurrence owes to difficulty in diagnosing gallbladder perforations. The aim of the present study was to determine the optimal management strategy that may decrease the morbidity and mortality associated with this potentially life-threatening condition. This was a retrospective study from hospital health records wherein the experience of 40 consecutive patients with gallbladder rupture, either spontaneous or secondary to both benign conditions and malignancy, was noted at a tertiary care hospital over 48 months from February 2017 till January 2021. The etiology, clinical presentation, and treatment given were analysed. Out of 40 patients included, 23 were females and the majority of patients were more than 45 years of age. Twelve patients responded to intravenous antibiotics and analgesics alone while five required an ultrasound-guided pigtail catheter drainage due to non-improving clinical condition. The failure of expectant management led to a delayed laparotomy in seven patients while four patients required emergency laparotomy because of generalized peritonitis. An elective cholecystectomy was offered to 12 patients with cholecystoenteric fistulae after diagnostic laparoscopy in the same admission. Thirty-eight patients were discharged in stable condition and doing well at 30-day follow-up. Gallbladder perforation is seen more commonly in acute calculous cholecystitis compared to other conditions. It is more evident when the treatment of acute calculous cholecystitis is delayed by more than 6-8 weeks. The spectrum of clinical presentation varies from mild pain and vomiting to generalized peritonitis. The patient often requires a step-up approach to control the ongoing sepsis for an improved outcome.

A Series of Biliary Tract Cancer With Coexistent Non-biliary Second Malignancy From Sub-Himalayan Region of India.

BackgroundWhen researching female patients with breast or ovarian neoplasms, our research will sensitize oncologists to the prevalence of biliary tract cancers such that early cancers are not overlooked. Depending on different inherited, environmental, and iatrogenic risk factors, patients diagnosed with cancer have a risk of harboring another de novo malignancy. The additional primary identification of late has increased mainly due to progress in both diagnosis and treatment modalities, improvement in life expectancy, and understanding.MethodsThis is a descriptive study of retrospectively collected data from health records over 15 months, of patients who had biliary tract cancer and incidentally detected coexisting second non-biliary malignancy, from July 2018 to September 2019 at a tertiary care hospital. Details such as age, sex, smoking history, family history, occupation, body mass index (BMI), the organ involved, levels of tumor markers, treatment, and outcome were recorded.ResultsSix consecutive patients with biliary tract cancer presented during this duration and incidentally detected the second primary was ovarian cancer in three (50%) patients, breast carcinoma in two (33%) patients, and urinary bladder carcinoma in the remaining one patient (17%). The median age at diagnosis was 52.5 years with a range of 40-65 years. All patients were females (100%), non-smokers, homemaker, and without any history of cancer in family members. Only two patients who had a resectable disease were alive at one year’s follow-up.ConclusionThe mechanisms of carcinogenesis in multiple primary malignancies are mainly genetic, epigenetics, and immunological. Prognosis, as well as the intent of treatment, depends on the respective stages of the two malignancies. In our study, most of the patients were in an advanced stage that demanded palliative care.

Clinico-hematological profile and morphological features on bone marrow aspirate in visceral leishmaniasis from non-endemic region

Introduction- Leishmaniasis which is caused by Leishmania donovani is considered to be a disease of lowland as climate and geographical factors play an important role in its distribution. However, recently few studies have reported leishmaniasis at higher altitude of Himalayan and sub Himalayan region of India. The present study was therefore conducted to study the clinico- hematological profile and the various morphological features on bone marrow examination associated with leishmaniasis in the non-endemic sub Himalayan region of India. Material and Methods- The study included all the cases of leishmaniasis which were diagnosed on bone marrow examination over a period of one and half year in a medical institute situated in Uttarakhand state of India. Results- The study included total 10 cases of visceral leishmaniasis diagnosed on bone marrow aspirate with fever (10 cases) and hepato-splenomegaly (7 cases) being most common clinical presentation and pancytopenia (9 cases) being the most common haematological finding. Bone marrow aspirate cytology showed that plasmacytosis (9 cases) and hemophagocytosis (8 cases) were the most common features. One case was clinically suspected as acute leukemia which turned out to be a case of leishmaniasis on bone marrow examination. Conclusion- Leishmaniasis is emerging as an important major parasitic infection in the non-endemic Himalayan and sub Himalayan region of India. Fever, splenomegaly and pancytopenia are important clinical and peripheral blood examination features associated with this disease. Hemophagocytosis and plasmacytosis on bone marrow examination should prompt for vigilant search for LD bodies in bone marrow to avoid missing of diagnosis even in unsuspected cases.

Detection of chlamydiae from the upper respiratory tract of healthy and diseased draught equines

The present investigation was conducted to study the prevalence and molecular characterization of chlamydiae associated with the respiratory infections of equines in the Sub-Himalayan region of India. Equine nasal swab samples (119) from 20 diseased and 99 apparently healthy equines were collected and tested by family Chlamydiaceae specific nested PCR based on ompA gene, besides 89 serum samples for AGPT. The molecular characterization of chlamydial species/strains was done by analyzing variation in VD II region of ompA gene. The chlamydia infections were detected in 48.74% of the nasal swabs (55% in diseased and 47.47% in apparently healthy animals) by nested PCR. Prevalence of two genetically variant strains of Chlamydia abortus and a single strain of Chlamydia psittaci was detected. AGPT showed 4.49% seropositive equines. High prevalence of chlamydiae was found among equines in the Sub-Himalayan region of India in Himachal Pradesh in both healthy and diseased equines.

Prevalence of diabetes and pre-diabetes in rural Tehri Garhwal, India: influence of diagnostic method

BackgroundThere are few available data regarding the prevalence of diabetes in the sub-Himalayan region of India. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of pre-diabetes and diabetes in rural Garhwal based on glycosylated hemoglobin.MethodsIn a cross-sectional survey of 500 adults from five randomly selected villages in Chamba, a mountainous Tehri Garhwal district in Uttarakhand in north-west India, we determined the prevalence of diabetes (hemoglobin (Hb) A1c ≥ 6.5%) and pre-diabetes (5.7% ≤ HbA1c ≤ 6.4%). In a sub-sample of those diagnosed with diabetes or pre-diabetes (n = 140), fasting blood glucose (FBG, n = 117) or postprandial blood glucose (PBG, n = 23), and blood hemoglobin concentration, was measured at follow-up.ResultsBased on HbA1c, 10.0% had diabetes and 56.4% pre-diabetes. Of those diagnosed as diabetic by HbA1c, 10 of 16 (62.5%) were diagnosed as diabetic by FBG (> 125 mg/dL) or PBG (≥200 mg/dL). In those diagnosed as pre-diabetic by HbA1c, only 55 of 124 (44.4%) were diagnosed as pre-diabetic by FBG (100–125 mg/dL) or PBG (140–199 mg/dL). A large proportion of these 140 individuals (67.1%) were moderately to severely anemic (Hb < 11.4 mg/dL). The diagnostic gap for pre-diabetes between HbA1c and FBG/PBG was similar for the groups with and without moderate to severe anemia.ConclusionsHbA1c and FBG/PBG have similar diagnostic performance for diabetes in this population. However, many individuals were diagnosed with pre-diabetes by HbA1c but not FBG/PBG. The relative excess diagnosis of pre-diabetes with HbA1c does not appear to be explained by anemia, an endemic condition in India. The prognostic significance of diagnosis of pre-diabetes by HbA1c but not FBG/PBG remains unknown, but merits investigation.

Scrub typhus: Overview of demographic variables, clinical profile, and diagnostic issues in the sub-Himalayan region of India and its comparison to other Indian and Asian studies.

Background:India is a tropical country with a high burden of febrile zoonotic/infectious illnesses, scrub typhus being such a cause with multiple epidemics reported from different regions of the country.Objective:This study was plotted to document the clinical and diagnostic manifestations, treatment, and outcomes of scrub typhus in the sub-Himalayan region of India and to compare the results with other Indian and Asian studies.Materials and Methods:This was a retrospective observational study involving collection of data for 54 IgM ELISA-confirmed in-patient cases of scrub typhus at a tertiary care institute in Uttarakhand, India, from their case records.Results:The majority of patients were from rural background. Housewives constituted 28 (51.85%) patients. The most common symptoms were due to involvement of gastrointestinal tract in the form of abdominal pain in 39 (72.22%) and vomiting in 29 (53.7%) patients. Central nervous system involvement in the form of altered sensorium in 14 (25.9%) patients and pulmonary involvement as cough in 28 (51.85%) patients was observed. An eschar was found in 7 (12.96%) patients and upper eyelid edema in 40 (74.07%) patients. The most common laboratory abnormality documented was elevation of liver transaminases (aspartate aminotransferase > alanine aminotransferase), 40 (74.07%), and blood urea levels, 47 (87.03%). There was no difference in the clinical presentation, severity, or mortality in pregnant females when compared with nonpregnant females. One (1.45% mortality) died in our study.Conclusion:Scrub typhus is an important cause of acute febrile illness with variable, often nonspecific and multisystem involvement. Early recognition and antibiotic administration are the key to reduce complications and mortality, especially for a primary care physician.

Molecular characterization of novel Bradyrhizobium strains nodulating Eriosema chinense and Flemingia vestita, important unexplored native legumes of the sub-Himalayan region (Meghalaya) of India

Root nodule bacterial strains were isolated from the little-studied legumes Eriosema chinense and Flemingia vestita (both in tribe Phaseoleae, Papilionoideae) growing in acidic soil of the sub-Himalayan region of the Indian state of Meghalaya (ME), and were identified as novel strains of Bradyrhizobium on the basis of their 16S rRNA sequences. Seven isolates selected on the basis of phenotypic characters and assessment of ARDRA and RAPD patterns were subjected to multilocus sequence analysis (MLSA) using four protein-coding housekeeping genes (glnII, recA, dnaK and gyrB). On the basis of 16S rRNA phylogeny as well as a concatenated MLSA five strains clustered in a single separate clade and two strains formed novel lineages within the genus Bradyrhizobium. The phylogenies of the symbiotic genes (nodA and nifH) were in agreement with the core gene phylogenies. It appears that genetically diverse Bradyrhizobium strains are the principal microsymbionts of these two important native legumes. The novel genotypes of Bradyrhizobium strains isolated in the present study efficiently nodulate the Phaseoloid crop species Glycine max, Vigna radiata and Vigna umbellata. These strains are genetically different from strains of Bradyrhizobium isolated earlier from a different agro-climatic region of India suggesting that the acidic nature of the soil, high precipitation and other local environmental conditions are responsible for the evolution of these newly-described Bradyrhizobium strains. In global terms, the sub-Himalayan region of India is geographically and climatically distinct and the Bradyrhizobium strains nodulating its legumes appear to be novel and potentially unique to the region.

High prevalence of restless legs syndrome/Willis Ekbom Disease (RLS/WED) among people living at high altitude in the Indian Himalaya

BackgroundAt high altitude, prevalence of restless legs syndrome has been found to be greater than expected in small population-based studies, which did not use validated tools for identification of RLS. However, it is not known as to whether this increased prevalence is associated with altitude or increased risk factors for RLS in these populations or errors in identification of RLS. MethodThis population based, door-to-door study was conducted at low altitude (400 m above sea level) and high altitudes (1900–2000 m and 3200 m above sea level) using random stratified sampling in Himalayan and sub-Himalayan region of India. Subjects between 18 and 84 years were screened for restless-legs-syndrome using the validated Cambridge–Hopkins RLS diagnostic questionnaire. Medical comorbidities were ascertained from their medical records. Their anthropometric measurements were obtained and wake resting oxygen saturation was monitored using finger pulse-oximeter. Physical activity during leisure time was evaluated by using the Goldin leisure time exercise questionnaire. ResultsA total of 1689 subjects were included. Average age of the included subjects was 35.2 years; 55.2% were women. RLS was identified in 9.4% subjects with higher prevalence among women (13.6% women vs. 4.1% men; P < 0.001). RLS was significantly more prevalent at higher altitudes (12.2% at 1900–2000 m and 11.8% at 3200 m) compared to low altitude (2.5% at 400 m). The low altitude prevalence matched that reported in prior studies of RLS in India. Subjects with medical disorders sometimes related to RLS (eg, peripheral neuropathy, COPD, varicose veins and anemia) also had higher prevalence of RLS. Binary logistic regression controlling for female gender, number of pregnancies, peripheral neuropathy, varicose veins, anemia showed that high altitude independently significantly increased the likelihood of RLS (OR: 5.4, 95% CI: 2.8, 10.4). ConclusionRLS is about five times more prevalent at high than low altitudes even when controlling for effects of other medical conditions associated with increased risk of RLS.

Serosurveillance of Dengue, Chikungunya and Zika in Jammu, a Sub-Himalayan Region of India

Serosurveillance of Dengue, Chikungunya and Zika in Jammu, a Sub-Himalayan Region of India

Clinical Profile of Scrub Typhus in Pregnancy in Sub-Himalayan Region.

Scrub typhus is rare in pregnancy, but it has now become an important cause of febrile illness in pregnancy in sub-Himalayan region of India. Only a few case reports have been published so far, and they show adverse maternal and fetal outcomes. No consensus has been reached till now regarding treatment. All the pregnant patients irrespective of period of gestation admitted with febrile illness with positive IgM ELISA for scrub typhus with or without eschar were included. The clinical profile was observed using a detailed history of symptoms, travel, recreation, agricultural activities, treatment record prior to admission, and a detailed examination, and the treatment outcome was noted. Fever workup including cultures, CXR, CSF analysis, serology for scrub was done. IgM scrub typhus was done by kit method manufactured by InBios Intertational, Inc. We observed in total 14 pregnant patients out of which eight were in the the second trimester and six were in the third trimester. The clinical features of the disease observed for pregnant females were the same as for nonpregnant females. There was no difference in the severity of scrub typhus between pregnant and nonpregnant women. No mortality was found in these patients. On follow-up, they had normal peripartum and postpartum periods. All were treated with azithromycin 500mg once a day for 5days. Although rare, scrub typhus should be considered in differential diagnosis of fever in pregnant patients especially in scrub season. Azithromycin should be the drug of choice in pregnancy as it has no adverse effect on fetus and pregnancy outcome.

Inducible Clindamycin Resistance among Clinical Isolates of Staphylococcus aureus from Sub Himalayan Region of India.

Clindamycin is an alternative antibiotic in the treatment of Staphylococcus aureus (S.aureus) infections, both in infections by methicillin susceptible and resistant (MSSA and MRSA) strains. The major problem of use of clindamycin for staphylococcal infections is the presence of inducible clindamycin resistance that can lead to treatment failure in such infections. To determine inducible and constitutive clindamycin resistance among clinical isolates of S. aureus in a tertiary care centre of sub Himalayan region of India. A total of 350 isolates of S. aureus from various clinical samples were subjected to routine antibiotic sensitivity testing by Kirby Bauer disc diffusion method. Methicillin resistance was detected by cefoxitin (30μg) disc. All isolates were subjected to inducible clindamycin resistance was by Clinical Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) recommended D test. Among 350 S.aureus isolates, 82 (23.42%) were MRSA and 268 (76.57%) were MSSA. Erythromycin resistance was detected in 137 (39.14%) isolates. Erythromycin resistance in MRSA and MSSA was 71.6% and 29.36% respectively. Overall clindamycin resistance was seen in 108 (30.85%) isolates. Constitutive MSLB phenotype predominated (29.62% MRSA; 13.38% MSSA) followed by iMLSB (28.39% MRSA; 9.29% MSSA) and MS phenotypes (13.58% MRSA; 6.69%MSSA). Both inducible and constitutive clindamycin resistance was significantly higher (p=0.00001, 0.0008 respectively) in methicillin resistant strains than in methicillin susceptible strains. The present study gives a magnitude of clindamycin resistance among clinical isolates of S. aureus from this region of the country. Our study recommends routine testing of inducible clindamycin resistance at individual settings to guide optimum therapy and to avoid treatment failure.

Feasibility of Development of a Cohort in a Rural Area of Sub-Himalayan Region of India to Assess the Emergence of Cardiovascular Diseases Risk Factors.

Introduction. Rural area of India is facing epidemiological transitions due to growth and development, warranting a longitudinal study to assess the development of CVDs risk factors. Objective. Feasibility of setting up a rural cohort for the assessment and development of biochemical risk factors for CVDs. Methodology. In Himachal Pradesh, house-to-house surveys were carried out in six villages for anthropometry and assessment of lipid profile. All the information was stored in specifically designed web-based software, which can be retrieved at any time. Results. A total of 2749 individuals of more than 20 years of age were recruited with a 14.3% refusal rate. According to Asian criteria, measured overweight and obesity (BMI > 27.5 kg/m2) were 44.9% and 10.5%, respectively. Obesity was significantly more (P = 0.01) among females (11.7%) as compared to males (8.4%). The prevalence of prehypertension and hypertension was observed to be 16.3% and 37.4%, respectively. Eighty percent of individuals had borderline (46.5%) to high (35.4%) level of triglycerides (TGs). Elevated total cholesterol (TC) and low density lipoprotein (LDL) level were observed among 30.0% and 11.0% individuals only. Conclusion. A high prevalence of biochemical risk factors for CVDs in a rural area urges establishment of an effective surveillance system.

Bio-monitoring of Persistent Organochlorines in Human Milk and Blood Samples from Sub-Himalayan Region of India

In the present study, concentrations of organochlorine pesticide residues viz. Dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane and its metabolites (DDTs) and Hexachlorocyclohexane isomers (HCHs) in human breast milk and human blood samples, collected from several high altitude regions of Garhwal Himalaya in Uttarakhand, India viz. Devprayag, Chamoli, Uttarkashi, Joshimath, Bhatwari and Gangnani (altitude ranging from 472 to 1,982m above sea level) were determined. Mean concentrations of HCH and DDT in human milk samples ranged from 4.53 to 34.32mg/kg and 6.09 to 12.98mg/kg, respectively. While the human blood showed mean values ranging from 6.64 to 281.7μg/L and 12.37 to 104.10μg/L for HCH and DDT, respectively. The study showed much higher concentrations of organochlorine residue contamination in the Garhwal region as compared to other parts of India. Risk assessments for infants were also calculated and were found within WHO limits.

Pharmacognostical and Phytochemical Evaluation of Leaves of Bauhinia variegata Linn.

Bauhinia variegata Linn. (Caesalpiniaceae) syn: kovidara and kachnar is a medium sized deciduous tree generally found in sub Himalayan region of India. Almost all parts of this plant are used in traditional medicine for the treatment of various ailments. The present work was undertaken to establish the pharmacognostic and phytochemical standards along with HPTLC densitometric analysis of leaves for evaluating the plant material. The macro and microscopical studies indicated presence of pulvinus base with grooved petiolate leaf, emarginated apex, rough surface with 11–13 reticulate and palmate-divergent venation with scattered prismatic calcium oxalate crystals throughout the transverse section. Physiochemical studies revealed that total ash is 9.42%, acid insoluble ash is 5.72%, water-soluble extractive value is 3.30% and loss on drying at 105 °C is 6.27%. Preliminary phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of alkaloid, tannin, flavonoid, steroid, triterpenoid and saponin in different extracts. HPTLC fingerprinting for flavonoids revealed presence of two flavonoids rutin and kaempferol. The results of the study could be useful in setting some diagnostic indices for the identification and preparation of a monograph of the plant.

Pharmacognostic and Phytochemical Studies of Bark of Oroxylum indicum

Oroxylum indicum Vent. (Family-Bignoniaceae) syn: Sonapatha & Shyonaka is generally found in sub Himalayan region of India, which yet to be fully explored in terms of medicinal plants. It posses anti-inflammatory, anthelmintic, antihepatotoxic, anticancer, immunomodulator, gastroprotective properties as earlier reported in the literature and hence is an active ingredient of several Ayurvedic formulations like Chyawanprash and Dashmoolarishth etc. It is one of the important ‘Rasayana’ drugs mentioned in ayurveda.Preliminary phamacognostic studies were carried out on the bark including morphological, microscopical, physicochemical studies alongwith phytochemical screening. The protocol followed for elucidating physicochemical properties were as per WHO guidelines. The successive extraction of plant bark was undertaken by using various solvents of increasing polarity and the extracts thus obtained were subjected for phytochemical analysis, followed by thin layer chromatographic examination by optimizing the solvent systems. The phytochemical investigation revealed the presence of alkaloids, glycosides, flavonoids, and phenolic compounds mainly. These preliminary data may be helpful in developing the standardization parameters of Oroxylum indicum bark.