P. Bhattacharyya

Clausenol and clausenine—two carbazole alkaloids from Clausena anisata

Two new carbazole alkaloids, designated as clausenol and clausenine, were isolated from an alcoholic extract of the stem bark of Clausena anisata. Their structures were established as 1-hydroxy-6-methoxy-3-methylcarbazole and 1,6-dimethoxy-3-methyl carbazole, respectively, from physical and chemical evidence and synthesis. Clausenol was found to be active against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria and fungi.

Carbazole alkaloid with antimicrobial activity from Clausena heptaphylla

A new carbazole alkaloid designated as clausenal was isolated from the leaves of Clausena heptaphylla and its structure established as 1,8-dimethoxy-3-formylcarbazole from physical, chemical and synthetic evidence. The alkaloid was found to be active against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, and fungi.

Immunosuppressive effect of Vestibulo-cerebellar lesion in rats

Kainate lesion of the vestibulo cerebellum induces sympathetic hyperactivity, but the mechanism of immunosuppression observed as a result is not yet clarified. Here we report that vestibulo cerebellum lesioned (VCL) rats have depressed secretion of haematopoietic cytokines (bioimmunomodulator or BIM, a 12.7 kD peptide and thymosin FrV) in tissue cultures of bone marrow and thymus, respectively, compared with controls (P < 0.01). Peripheral blood leukocyte concentration, neutrophil myeloperoxydase response, T-SRBC rosette and antibody titre to sheep red blood cells (SRBC) are also significantly less, compared with control (P < 0.01). Injection of BIM (concentration 0.01 microg/g body weight) in VCL rats corrected the immunodeficiency. Partial restoration of immune competence is observed after injection of thymosin FrV (0.01 microg/g body weight) or after prolonged vestibular stimulation (18 rpm for 15 min/day for 21 days). The results indicate that the vestibular nodule (VN) through autonomic nerves (AN) can modulate the immune function of rats by regulating the secretion of cytokines from bone marrow and thymus.

Carbazole alkaloids from Murraya koenigii

Abstract From the stem bark extract of Murraya koenigii we isolated two carbazole alkaloids which have been shown to be 2-methoxy carbazole-3-methyl carboxylate (1) and 1-hydroxy-3-methyl carbazole (2) using spectroscopic and chemical evidence.

Regioselective Ring Opening of Oxiranes Catalysed by Montmorillonite Clay: A Simple Synthesis of β-Hydroxy Sulfones

Abstract Oxiranes and sodium p-toluene sulfinate salt react smoothly in a regioselective manner in the presence of montmorillonite clay to furnish the corresponding β-hydroxy sulfones in good to excellent yield.

Effect of a herbal protein, CI-1, isolated from Cajanus indicus on immune response of control and stressed mice

The effect of a herbal protein, CI-1, purified from the leaves of Cajanus indicus was evaluated as a probable immunomodulator on immune response in control and stressed mice. In mice, sensitized with sheep red blood cells (SRBC), CI-1 enhanced IgG level by 28% over control (P < 0.05). Primary and secondary antibody response to SRBC and bovine serum albumin (BSA) were significantly increased in CI-1 treated group. Furthermore CI-1 facilitated the delayed type of hypersensitivity (DTH) response to SRBC in sensitized mice and also enhanced leucocyte and macrophage migration inhibition response in immunized mice. A fewer mice displayed symptoms of anaphylactic shock after CI-1 administration at a dose of 6.0 mg/kg body wt. in BSA sensitized mice. The immediate effect of CI-1 on anaphylactic shock was not seen when 150 microg of CI-1 was injected in combination with BSA in the shocking injection. These results suggest that CI-1 influences both humoral and cell-mediated immune response.

Montmorillonite Clay-catalysed Synthesis of Bis(indol-3-yl)-methanes and 1,2-Bis(indol-3-yl)ethanes†

Condensation of indoles with carbonyl compounds in the presence of montmorillonite clay produces bis(indol-3-yl)methanes in good yield; an extension of this procedure, involving nucleophilic ring opening of oxiranes, produces 1,2-bis(indol-3-yl)ethanes.

Hepatoprotective activity of a herbal protein CI-1, purified from Cajanus indicus against β-galactosamine HCl toxicity in isolated rat hepatocytes

A herbal protein, CI‐1 purified from a leguminous plant Cajanus indicus, showed dose dependent(1.5–6.0 mg/kg × 7 days) protective activity on isolated hepatocytes (ex vivo) against β‐galactosamineHCl induced hepatic damage in rats. It enhanced the percent viability of the hepatocytes following β‐galactosamine treatment. CI‐1 was also effective in counteracting the toxic effects of β‐galactosamine, as shown by reversed levels of the altered enzymes, glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase (GOT), glutamic pyruvic transminase (GPT) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) both in isolated hepatic cells as well as in serum. In comparison silymarin, a known hepatoprotective agent, produced dose related protection atrelatively much higher doses than CI‐1. Copyright

Effect of a herbal protein CI-1, purified from Cajanus indicus on the ultrastructural study of hepatocytes, in models of liver failure in mice.

Ultrastructural changes in acute liver damage models in swiss albino mice (male, 30 g +/-2) induced by CCl(4) (0.1 ml/100 g); beta-galactosamine (500 mg/kg); paracetamol (300-500 mg/kg) and 40% ethanol (2 ml/100 g) were studied. Electron microscopical studies of hepatocytes of treated (hepatotoxins) mice showed-dilation of ER of both rough and smooth type with swollen mitochondria. Ethanol treated mouse hepatocytes showed giant mitochondria and presence of balloon cells. Nuclear changes showed increase in size and striking anisonucleosis, especially in CCl(4) and paracetamol treated mouse hepatocytes. Condensation of chromatin, nucleoli were fragmented and dispersed in beta-galactosamine induced hepatotoxic mice. These changes are remarkably striking in contrast to control animals. Treatment with CI-1, the herbal protein isolated from Cajanus indicus inhibited the pathogenesis of a majority of lesions produced by the hepatotoxins. Slender mitochondria, array of granular ER, presence of binucleated cells are the salient features of CI-1 treated hepatotoxic mice. Ultrastructurally, the hepatocytes of CI-1 treated mice were near normal. Thus, the herbal protein CI-1, may be a useful approach in the treatment of liver disorders for its potential in clinical medicine.

Effect of an herbal protein, CI-1, purified from Cajanus indicus, in models of liver failure in mice

Acute liver damage models in Swiss albino mice (male; 25–30 g) induced by paracetamol (300–500 mg/kg); β‐galactosamine (500 mg/kg); and 40% ethanol (2 ml / 100 g) were studied. Clinical indications of chronic hepatocellular necrosis were manifested within 24 h of toxic doses. Initially, serum transaminases, alkaline phosphatase, lactate dehydrogenase, bilirubin, and triglycerides were markedly increased; in addition, the plasma prothrombin time was prolonged. The total serum protein and serum albumin were significantly decreased in comparison to controls. Treatment of severely liver‐injured mice with a protein, CI‐1, purified from the leaves of Cajanus indicus at a dose of 100 μg/ml i.p. regularly for 14 days significantly lowered the respective serum enzymes such as transaminases (SGOT, SGPT), alkaline phosphatases (ALK), and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), prevented the loss of liver protein content, and improved the altered plasma coagulability. Histological studies of liver of treated (hepatoxins) mice reveal massive centrilobular necrosis, Kupffers cells hyperplasia, and periportal fatty changes in contrast to control animals. Treatment with CI‐1 in liver‐damaged animals showed near normal histology. CI‐1 may be a useful approach in the treatment of liver disorders. Drug Dev. Res. 48:76–83, 1999.