Jagdish Prasad

Zingiber officinale exhibits behavioral radioprotection against radiation-induced CTA in a gender-specific manner

At the organismic level, exposure to radiation can produce taste aversion (CTA) learning and emesis, which have been proposed as behavioral endpoints that are mediated by harmful effects of radiations on peripheral systems, primarily the gastrointestinal system. Thus, the aim of the present investigation was to study the gastroprotective action of hydroalcoholic extract of zingiber rhizome (Zingiber officinale Rosc.) against radiation-induced conditioned taste aversion (CTA) in both male and female species of animals, for testing its potential as a behavioral radioprotector. Administration of zingiber extract 1 h before 2-Gy gamma-radiation was significantly effective in blocking the saccharin avoidance response, with 200 and 250 mg/kg b.wt. i.p., being the most effective doses for male and female rats, respectively. A comparison of the efficacy of zingiber extract with two antiemetic drugs, ondansteron and dexamethasone, revealed that the extract rendered comparable protection against radiation-induced CTA. Our experiments also confirmed the existence of sex dichotomy (i.e., the sex of animal greatly influenced response towards radiation exposure) in relation to behavioral responses (CTA) or differential metabolism. The observed gender variations were hypothesized to be a result of hormonal fluctuations and differences in pharmacological parameters in male and female rats. To correlate the mechanism of action, the free-radical-scavenging potential of zingiber extract to scavenge hydroxyl ion and nitric oxide was also tested, in cell-free system and a concentration of 1000 microg/ml, was found to be the most potent, which has been proposed as one the many activities assisting in its overall ability to modulate radiation-induced taste aversion. The results demonstrate that Z. officinale possesses antioxidant, radioprotective and neuromodulatory properties that can be effectively utilized for behavioral radioprotection and for efficiently mitigating radiation-induced CTA in both males and females species.

Radiomodulatory and Free-Radical Scavenging Activity of the Fractionated Aquo-Alcoholic Extract of the Adaptogenic Nutraceutical (Rhodiola imbricata)—A Comparative In Vitro Assessment with Ascorbate

Objective: Immense interest has been generated in recent years for the development of drugs of herbal origin for the mitigation of deleterious effects of environmental pollutants like ionizing radiation, mainly to protect against radiation leakages resulting from mishaps in nuclear reactors, deliberate use of dirty bombs, etc. Method: The radio modifying effects of a fractionated extract of the high-altitude Himalayan plant species Rhodiola imbricata, along with its electron-donation potential, super-oxide ion scavenging (IC50 ≤ 0.025 mg/ml), nitric oxide (NO) scavenging potential (IC50 = 0.5 mg/ml), and antihemolytic activity were evaluated in the present study. Reducing power, superoxide ion (O2•−), and nitric oxide scavenging ability of the fractionated extract increased in a dose-dependent manner. Rhodiola imbricata also exhibited antihemolytic potential preventing radiation-induced membrane degeneration of human erythrocytes. Conclusion: Thus, it can be stated that Rhodiola imbricata provides protection against gamma radiation via multifarious mechanisms that act in a synergistic manner. Rhodiola imbricata is widely used as a nutraceutical supplement in the trans-Himalayan region nations, and the current study shows that Rhodiola has immense potential for alleviation of biological damage in a radiation environment.

Mapping of spatial variability in soil properties for site-specific nutrient management of Nagpur Mandarin in Central India

The paper discusses the mapping of spatial variability in soil properties of Nagpur Mandrin growing areas in central India for site-specific nutrient management. Contiguous area of Nagpur mandarin orchards was identified using Cartosat-1-sharpened IRS-P6 LISS-IV data followed by ground truth. Soil samples were collected from 0–20 and 20–40 cm in a grid design (200 × 200 m) using Global Positioning System and analyzed for particle-size, bulk density, moisture retention at-33 kPa, and-1500 kPa, pH, organic carbon, calcium carbonate, available N, P and K and micronutrient cations. The GIS aided kriged thematic maps showed spatial variation in soil properties and soil fertility parameters. The cadastral maps overlaid on kriged thematic soil maps precisely indicated the areas having soil related constraints for site-specific nutrient management to improve the productivity of Nagpur mandarin in central India.

Status of Available Micronutrient Cations and their Relationship with Soil Properties in Nagpur District, Maharashtra

Two hundred surface soil samples representing different soil series and associated soils from different tehsils of Nagpur district were collected and analyzed for relevant physical, chemical soil properties and DTPA-extractable micronutrients. The results revealed that soils were sufficient in DTPA-extractable micronutrient cations except zinc which was found deficient in nearly 62% of the samples. Pearson correlation coefficients indicated positive correlation of DTPA-extractable micronutrient cations with organic carbon and negative correlation with pH, EC, CaCO3, CEC, base saturation and clay content. Based on soil nutrient indexing approach, different tehsils of Nagpur district were classified under adequate, marginal and deficient zones of available micronutrients for soil fertility management.