Kshitij Agarwal

Back-thrusting in Lesser Himalaya: Evidences from magnetic fabric studies in parts of Almora crystalline zone, Kumaun Lesser Himalaya

The present study aims to understand evolution of the Lesser Himalaya, which consists of (meta) sedimentary and crystalline rocks. Field studies, microscopic and rock magnetic investigations have been carried out on the rocks near the South Almora Thrust (SAT) and the North Almora Thrust (NAT), which separates the Almora Crystalline Zone (ACZ) from the Lesser Himalayan sequences (LHS). The results show that along the South Almora Thrust, the deformation is persistent; however, near the NAT deformation pattern is complex and implies overprinting of original shear sense by a younger deformational event. We attribute this overprinting to late stage back-thrusting along NAT, active after the emplacement of ACZ. During this late stage back-thrusting, rocks of the ACZ and LHS were coupled. Back-thrusts originated below the Lesser Himalayan rocks, probably from the Main Boundary Thrust, and propagated across the sedimentary and crystalline rocks. This study provides new results from multiple investigations, and enhances our understanding of the evolution of the ACZ.

IN VITRO ANTIINFLAMMATORY ACTIVITY OF JUGLANS REGIA BARK

To evaluate the anti-inflammatory property of the different extract of bark of Juglans regia , family Juglandaceae is a deciduous tree. Its fruits are consumed as food, which are rich in unsaturated fatty acids. Walnut leaf has been widely used in traditional medicine for the treatment of skin inflammations and ulcers and for its antidiarrheic, antihelmintic, antiseptic and astringent properties. The present study aimed at the evaluation of anti-inflammatory property of the aqueous, chloroform and alcoholic extracts of the bark by in vitro methods. In vitro method was estimated by human red blood cell membrane stabilization (HRBC) method. Results showed significant anti-inflammatory property of the different extracts tested. The aqueous extract at a concentration of 200 mg/ml. showed potent activity on comparing with the standard drug diclofenac sodium. Key words: Juglans regia , HRBC, Inflammation and dicloenac.