S. Ram Reddy

Screening for antibacterial principle and activity of Aerva javanica (Burm .f) Juss. ex Schult.

Abstract Objective To investigate the antibacterial principle and activity of Aerva javanica, a medicinal plant. Methods Crude extracts of different parts of Aerva javanica were made with hexane, chloroform and methanol. Phytochemical analysis of the crude extracts was done by following the standard methodology, and antibacterial activity was evaluated by inhibition zone and MIC values. Crude extracts were resolved through HPTLC and the antibacterial activity of the separated compounds was evaluated by bioautography. Results The yields of crude extracts made from different plant parts varied both with plant part and solvent. Methanolic extracts of leaf and flower have shown a wide range of phytochemicals and more antibacterial activity. HPTLC separation of extracts coupled with bioautography studies revealed that apigenin followed by rutin and kaempferol has shown antibacterial activity against more number of bacteria. Conclusions The present study supports the use of Aerva javanica in the traditional medicine, and it can be used against bacterial infections.

Screening for Antibacterial Principle and Activity of Pedalium murex Linn.

Large caltrops (Pedalium murex L. Family: Pedaliaceae) a plant widely used in traditional medicine was evaluated for its antibacterial properties. Methanol, a polar solvent sequestered more variety and quantities of phytochemicals than chloroform and hexane. Leaf and fruit extracts revealed more variety of compounds than root and stem. Methanolic extracts of all parts have shown inhibitory activity against all bacteria tested. Similarly, methanolic extracts of leaf exhibited low minimum inhibitory concentration values followed by methanolic extracts of stem and root. A direct relationship was observed between the range of phytochemicals present in the extract and antibacterial activity. Fractionation of fruit extracts by high performance thin layer chromatography revealed 12 major compounds, prominent among them were pedaltin (Rf 0.63), luteolin (Rf 0.78) and dianantin (Rf 0.95). Bio-autography studies revealed that two active compounds dianantin-7-glucoronide (Rf 0.46) and luteolin (Rf 0.78) were active against Pseudomonas putida and Staphylococcus epidermidis.

Phosphate-Solubilizing Microorganisms: A Critical Review

Nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) are the three important nutrients required by any plant for healthy growth. Among these, P stands as the second limiting nutrient next to nitrogen. Even though different forms of P are abundantly present in soil, its availability in plant-utilizable form is limited. This deficiency is usually compensated by adding chemical fertilizers. However, the chemical fertilizers are expensive and are not eco-friendly. Nonjudicious and irregular usage for a long time leads to decreased soil activity and soil microflora leading to imbalance in equilibrium. Usage of microorganisms to augment the P availability is the best alternative. Phosphate-solubilizing microorganisms (PSMs) when applied in appropriate numbers into the rhizosphere help the plant by supplementing P in plant-utilizable form by several mechanisms. In addition, few PSMs also possess added features as plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) and biocontrol agents conferring protection from phytopathogens. Improvement in soil characters by PSMs is an added advantage. Recent advances in technology paved the way for modifying PSMs with desired qualities. In spite of these, several areas in this area of research suffer different lacunae. Efforts are being made to discuss all major areas pertaining to PSMs in the present review.

Fluorescent pseudomonads contribute to the enhanced growth and yield of rice cultivated under system of rice intensification (SRI)

The System of Rice Intensification (SRI) is an innovative method of rice (Oryza sativa) cultivation that combines many farm practices. Though the benefits of SRI are obvious, the underlying principles in enhanced yields are not yet scientifically analyzed. Two important components of SRI are keeping the rice field moist without flooding and frequent weeding out practices that enhance the aerobic conditions which in turn improve soil biological activity including enhanced root growth and activity of aerobic soil organisms. We have taken up the present investigations, with the premise that soil microorganisms especially fluorescent pseudomonads (FLPs), whose role in enhancement of plant growth is unequivocal, may contribute to the enhanced growth and yield of rice cultivated under SRI.The results of present investigations revealed that rice cultivated under SRI harboured more the population of FLPs in rhizosphere than non-rhizosphere soil. Screening of rhizospheric FLPs isolates has revealed that many of the isolates possessed the ability of producing growth promoting substances like IAA, GA, siderophores, ‘p’solubilization. Some selected strains have also shown resistance towards heavy metals, salts and pH. They have also exhibited significant antifungal activity and enhanced the seed germination and efficient root colonization. Further, artificial inoculations have also clearly shown to enhance the growth in terms of height, dry weight of shoot and root. Thus, the results substantiate the role of FLPs for the enhanced growth and yield of rice cultivated under SRI.

Screening of Alcoholic Yeast Strains for Petite Mutation Frequency and Killer Phenotypes

Seventeen strains of alcoholic yeasts were screened for petite mutation frequency and killer phenotypes with an objective to develop them as industrial strains. The frequency of petite mutations varied with the strain. Though some strains have shown high frequency mutations, a few strains were found to be genetically stable. The killer property was found to vary with the strains. Interestingly, though some strains proved to be sensitive, some strains were found to be killer strains for marker killer strain also. Thus, the study provides the evidence that the killer principle varies with the strain.

Did AIDS viruses originate in India

Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), the infectious agent of AIDS, is believed to have originated in non-human primates in sub Saharan Africa. The first case of HIV infection as well as first case of AIDS was reported in India 1986. Presently HIV infections were identified in 104 districts spread all over India including forest areas. The first case of HIV infection as well as first case of AIDS was reported in India 1986. Data from sentinel surveillance and national family health survey III in year 2005-6 revealed that 2-3.1 million people were living with HIV/AIDS in India in year 2006. Presently HIV infections were identified in 104 districts spread all over India including forest areas. Medical, archaeological, mythological, biological evidences point out the possibility of origin of AIDS in Indian sub continent. The man and monkey association started in India by Paleolithic period. We can find monkey paintings in various historic sites in Hindu, Buddhist literature. Monkey Gods are very common all over India, tribal and rural people built monkey god temples and preached. Many sculptures from 300 BC to 12th century AD depicted the monkey-man association. It is also depicted that the monkeys are giving medicine to the king that strengthens monkey-man association from many thousand years. In ancient Indian medicine, like Charaka Samhita (300 BC) AZOKSHYAM (degradation of immunity) an AIDS like disease was narrated. Many of the archaeological sites of period between 3000 BC to 1000 in India were displaced due to various viral diseases. Archaeological reports reveal that massive deaths occurred in those areas. In Indian culture there has been a long tradition of keeping the non human primates as pets (or) performance animals, animal markets and zoos. Indian primates are primarily captured (or) produced for various reasons i.e. biomedical research, pets, private collection, folklore medicine and food. Monkeys are sold in weekly markets India Many parts of India monkey skulls are used for witchcraft and black magic, skin used for drum making. In folklore and tribal medicine, patients are made to drink live monkey blood (Chakmas and Riangs tribes) and cat brain, for curing Asthma, fever, body ache, and abnormal blood pressure and some times for gallstones. The consumption of primate meat by certain tribal and non tribal communities is still prevalent in north east and eastern India. The use of meat from hunted primates as a bait to agricultural pests is also common in the north eastern states. Portuguese and other colonial traders transported monkeys for folklore medicines. A few of these Indian monkeys were found to be serologically and virologically positive to simian retroviruses. Assamese Macaque (Macaca assamensis) harboured SFV (simian foamy virus) and HMS 50, pigtailed macaque (Macaque nemestrins) SFV-Hem-2 strain and Rhesus macaque (Macaca mulatta) SMV-BGH-4. Natural infection by simian retrovirus (SRV-6) in hanuman languor(Semnopithecus entellus) traced in two different geographical regions of India. Natural infection by simian retrovirus (SRV-6) in hanuman languor (Semnopithecus entellus) traced in two different geographical regions of India. Analysis of HIV-1 subtype C and HIV 2 genome sequences from India showed that these sequences were closely related to each other and phylogentic analysis of these sequences clustered together and showed monophyletic lineage. Origin of AIDS in Indian peninsular should be investigated for SIV s in wild monkeys of India.