Kuntal Das

Interaction Between Phosphorus and Zinc on the Biomass Yield and Yield Attributes of the Medicinal Plant Stevia (Stevia rebaudiana)

A greenhouse experiment was conducted at the Indian Institute of Horticultural Research (IIHR), Bangalore to study the interaction effect between phosphorus (P) and zinc (Zn) on the yield and yield attributes of the medicinal plant stevia. The results show that the yield and yield attributes have been found to be significantly affected by different treatments. The total yield in terms of biomass production has been increased significantly with the application of Zn and P in different combinations and methods, being highest (23.34 g fresh biomass) in the treatment where Zn was applied as both soil (10 kg ZnSO4/ha) and foliar spray (0.2% ZnSO4). The results also envisaged that the different yield attributes viz. height, total number of branches, and number of leaves per plant have been found to be varied with treatments, being highest in the treatment where Zn was applied as both soil and foliar spray without the application of P. The results further indicated that the yield and yield attributes of stevia have been found to be decreased in the treatment where Zn was applied as both soil and foliar spray along with P suggesting an antagonistic effect between Zn and P.

Interaction Effect Between Phosphorus and Zinc on their Availability in Soil in Relation to their Contents in Stevia (Stevia rebaudiana)

A greenhouse experiment was conducted at the Indian Institute of Horticultural Research (IIHR), Bangalore to study the interaction effect between phosphorus and zinc on their availability in soil in relation to their contents in stevia (Stevia rebaudiana). The results show that the amount of available P and Zn content in soil has been found to increase initially and, thereafter, the amount of the same decreased with the progress of plant growth up to 60 days irrespective of treatments. The amount of P and Zn in soils showed an increase with their separate applications either as soil or foliar spray while that of the same value significantly decreased both in soils and plants due to their combined applications, suggesting a mutual antagonistic effect between Zn and P affecting each others availability in soil and content in the stevia plant.

Effect of biofertilizers on the nutrient availability in soil in relation to growth, yield and yield attributes of Stevia rebaudiana

A field experiment was conducted at Rani Chandramma Agricultural University (Arabhavi, Belgaum), Karnataka, India, in basic soil to study the nutrient availability in soil, yield and yield attributes of the medicinal plant stevia (Stevia rebaudiana). The results showed that the availability of nutrients such as nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) in the soil increased up to the fifth month; and thereafter, decreased by the same amount with the progress of the plant growth up to the sixth month, irrespective of treatments. Results also showed that the fresh and dry biomass yields significantly increased up to the sixth month with different treatments, but the yield attributes like plant height and the number of branches were observed to be varied with various treatments, being highest in the combined application of biofertilizers over that of their corresponding sole applications.

Effect of N, P and K fertilizers on their availability in soil in relation to the Stevia plant (Stevia rebaudiana Bert.)

Abstract A greenhouse experiment was conducted at the Indian Institute of Horticultural Research (IIHR), Bangalore, to study the effect of combined applications of nitrogen (N), phosphorous (P) and potassium (K) fertilizers on their availability in soils in relation to their contents in the Stevia plant. The results show that the amount of available N, P and K in soil has been found to be increased initially up to 45 days and thereafter, the amount of the same content decreased with the progress of plant growth up to 60 days irrespective of treatments. However, the magnitudes of such increases in N, P and K contents both in soils and plants have also been enhanced with the simultaneous application of N, P and K (40:20:30) kg/ha over that of their corresponding individual applications.

Evaluation of hepatoprotective activity of aqueous and ethanolic extract of Oxalis corniculata against intoxication of thioacetamide induced rats

The present study was carried out to evaluate the hepatoprotective activity of aqueous and ethanolic leaves extracts of Oxalis corniculata L., Oxalidaceae, against thioacetamide-induced hepatotoxicity. Hepatotoxicity was induced in Wistar rats of either sex by subcutaneous injection of thioacetamide. An aqueous and ethanolic extract of aerial parts of O. corniculata (200 and 400 mg/kg/day) were evaluated. Oral administration of O. corniculata aqueous and ethanolic leaves extract at 400 mg/kg resulted in a significant reduction in SGOT (146.42±2.54 and 136.75±1.37 IU/L respectively), SGPT (81.96±3.15 and 72.05±2.33 IU/L respectively), GGTP (16.6±0.49 and 15.02±0.68 IU/L respectively), ALP (241.86±3.94 and 202.42±5.37 IU/L respectively) and total bilirubin (0.226±0.00 mg/dL 0.288±0.01 mg/dL respectively) content that were lesser than positive control, thioacetamide damaged rats. Histology of the liver sections of the animals treated with the extract also showed dose dependent reduction of necrosis. Hence the study concluded that O. corniculata has potential hepatoprotective activity.

Evaluation of anticonvulsant activity of ethanolic leaves extract of Desmodium triflorum in mice

The present investigation was aimed to study an anticonvulsant activity of ethanolic extract of Desmodium triflorum (L.) DC., Fabaceae, in mice. Animal models of epilepsy namely the pentylenetetrazole (PTZ), isoniazid or isonicotinic hydrazide (INH) and maximal electroshock induced convulsion (MES) were used to evaluate the anticonvulsant effects of the extracts. The biochemical estimation was done by measuring the lipid peroxidation and reduced glutathione (GSH). In the PTZ induced convulsion, ethanolic extract of D. triflorum (EEDT) 400 mg/kg significant delayed the onset of convulsion, reduced the duration of convulsion and reduced mortality. Similarly a dose of 800 mg/kg of EDDT significantly delayed the onset of convulsion, reduced the duration of convulsion and showed 33.33% protection in mice against INH induced convulsion. Further no mortality was found. Both the doses reduced hind limb tonic extension (HLTE) phase of MES induced convulsion in mice. The pretreated EEDT showed significant inhibition of lipid peroxidation and increases the reduced glutathione level in mice brain tissue. The results revealed that D. triflorum possesses a significant dose dependent anticonvulsant activity.

Phytochemical Screening for Various Secondary Metabolites, Antioxidant, and Anthelmintic Activity of Coscinium fenestratum Fruit Pulp: A New Biosource for Novel Drug Discovery

Objectives: Coscinium fenestratum (Gaertn.) Colebr. (CF, Family: Menispermaceae) is an important endangered woody climber in India. CF contains various major secondary metabolites for the treatment of various disease conditions. The present study aimed to establish the antioxidant and anthelmintic activity of Coscinium fenestratum fruit pulp. Materials and Methods: The dried fruit pulp was subjected to aqueous, methanol, and mixed aqueous and methanol (1:1) solvent extraction followed by phytochemical investigations, estimations of alkaloids, phenolics, flavonoids, antioxidant potentiality (DPPH and hydrogen peroxide scavenging methods), and anthelmintic activity tests were carried out. Results: Preliminary phytochemical screening of CF fruit extracts revealed the presence of alkaloids phenols, flavonoids, tannins, steroids, and resins, which are responsible for biologic properties. The combined aqueous and methanol extract resulted in significant anthelmintic and antioxidant properties in a dose-dependent manner. The DPPH free radical scavenging assay and H2O2 assay exhibited IC50 values of 42.38±0.012 µg/mL and 46.80±0.011 µg/mL, respectively. Thereafter, the anthelmintic activity test was carried out against Pheretima posthuma and Taenia solium with the extract at varying concentrations of 25, 50, 100 and 150 mg/mL and compared with standard albendazole (25 and 50 mg/mL) and saline (0.9%) as a control. All the extracts exhibited concentration-dependent paralytic effect, followed by death on the test organism, but significant activity was observed with the combined methanol and aqueous extract. Conclusion: The study was conducted in order to find possible isolated compounds as a biosources for future novel antioxidants in food and pharmaceutical formulations. Our findings indicate for the first time that the CF fruit pulp has therapeutic values with prominent antioxidant and anthelmintic properties.

Phytochemical screening, metallic ion content and from its impact on Anti psoriasis activity of Calendula officinalis and Phlebodium decumanum aqueous leaf extracts in animal experiment model

Objective The aim of this study is to evaluate the influence of metal ions present in soil as well as in the leaves samples of Calendula officinalis and Phlebodium decumanum for the treatment of psoriasis. Methods Looking at the objective, soils and leaves samples were estimated for metal ions by atomic absorption spectrophotometer to determine the influence in anti-psoriatic activity. Thereafter Imiquimod-induced dermatitis lesions were created in grouped mouse. Two plant extracts (aqueous) separately as well as in combinations and standard Retino-A (0.05%) were used. Psoriasis severity index (PSI) was evaluated by phenotypic (redness, erythema, and scales) and histological features (epidermal thickness). Further content of phytochemicals in terms of extract was correlated with the effect of psoriasis activity. Results: We observed redness, erythema and scales and the histological features and found a progressive reduction (P < 0.05) in the severity of psoriatic lesions (redness, erythema, and scales) from day 7 to 21st day and decreased epidermal thickness in animals treated with combined extracts at the dose of 200 mg/kg b.w. Furthermore plant samples procured from Nandi Hill’s, Bangalore, showed better uptake of metals with respect to Fe (2.05 mg/kg), Cu (0.78 mg/kg) and Zn (1.12 mg/kg) which showed positive impact on procurement of maximum amount of extracts that further correlated with the activity, indicated significant reduction of psoriatic lesions. un co rr ct d p roo f Conclusion Results revealed that significant dose dependent antipsoriasis activity of combined aqueous extracts of Calendula officinalis and Phlebodium decumanum as well as metal ions are also had impact on the procurement of extracts and said activity.

Antineoplastic Approach of Semecarpus anacardium Leaves Against N-Nitroso Diethylamine Initiated Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Objective: To evaluate the effect of MESA on NDEA induced hepatocellular carcinoma on Sprague Dawley rats. Methodology: Semecarpus anacardium commonly known as ‘marking nut tree’ is a rich antioxidant and in Ayurveda it has been used for treatment of various forms of cancer. Methanolic extract of leaves of Semecarpus anacardium (MESA) was studied for its potential antioxidant property both in vitro and in vivo. NDEA 200 mg/kg, single i.p was the hepatocarcinogen while 200 mg/kg and 400 mg/kg of MESA was administered daily orally for 12 weeks. Protective effect of MESA was evaluated by measuring biochemical parameters like SGOT, SGPT, ALP and LDH. Alpha fetoprotein test was performed and histopathology changes of livers were assessed. Results: Preliminary phytochemical study revealed the presence of flavonoids, tannins, steroids, alkaloids, glycosides and vitamin C. MESA restored the level of antioxidants near to normal and reduced the elevated serum level of SGOT, SGPT, AST, LDH and AFP. The histopathology changes i.e. necrosis, widened sinusoids, elevated inflammatory cell infiltrate were partly or fully prevented in animals treated with the extract. Conclusion: The result of the present study indicates MESA to be rich in antioxidants and its active constituents mediated the free radical scavenging activity. 400 mg/kg extract showed promising effect in management of primary liver cancer.

EVALUATION OF ANTHELMINTIC ACTIVITY OF CITRUS RETICULATA: IN VITRO AND ITS PHYTOCHEMICAL INVESTIGATION

Background: The prevalence of worm infestation is high in under developed and developing countries due to poor sanitation and lack of health education. Citrus reticulata , fruit belonging to citrus family rutaceae is a common fruit native to Asia. Peels of the fruit is rich in limonene, a potent phytoconstituent having anthelmintic activity. However, proper utilization of peels has not been done as it is not consumed and is therefore discarded. Objective: To explore various phytoconstituents present in Citrus reticulata and its anthelmintic effect. Method: Various concentration of Methanolic extract and Volatile oil of Citrus reticulata were subjected for assessment of anthelmintic activity in earthworms. Time of paralysis and time of death were used as an evaluation parameter. Albendazole (25 mg/ml) was used as a standard drug. Results: Phytochemical test revealed the presence of alkaloids, carbohydrates, tannins, flavonoids, terpenoids and glycosides. Concentration dependent anthelmintic effect was observed with the extract where 150 mg/ml concentration of methanolic extract showed paralysis of test worm (earthworm) at 5.76 min and death at 19.16 min respectively. Conclusion: Citrus reticulata peel has shown substantial anthelmintic activity using in vitro model on earthworms. Hence, further research is required to understand its mechanism of action using in vivo models to confirm its anthelmintic potential.