Shalini Saggu

Phytochemical, antioxidant and mineral composition of hydroalcoholic extract of chicory (Cichorium intybus L.) leaves.

The phytochemical, antioxidant and mineral composition of hydroalcoholic extract of leaves of Cichorium intybus L., was determined. The leaves were found to possess comparatively higher values of total flavonoids, total phenolic acids. The phytochemical screening confirmed the presence of tannins, saponins, flavonoids, in the leaves of the plant. The leaf extract was found to show comparatively low value of IC50 for 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) inhibition. The IC50 value of chicory leaves extract was found to be 67.2 ± 2.6 μg/ml. The extracts were found to contain high amount of mineral elements especially Mg and Zn. Due to good phytochemical and antioxidant composition, C. intybus L., leaves would be an important candidate in pharmaceutical formulations and play an important role in improving the human health by participating in the antioxidant defense system against free radical generation.

Abrogation by Trifolium alexandrinum root extract on hepatotoxicity induced by acetaminophen in rats

Abstract Objective Acetaminophen (APAP) is a substance that harms human health by stimulating free radical production. This study investigated the ability of Trifolium alexandrinum root (TAR) extract to reduce the hepatotoxicity induced by APAP in rats. Methods Animals were classified into four groups and treated for 6 weeks. Group 1: normal control-treated (saline); Group 2: TAR extract-treated (100 mg/kg); Group 3: APAP-treated; Group 4: APAP plus TAR extract. Results APAP significantly elevated AST (aspartate amino transferase), ALT (amino alanine transferase), ALP (alkaline phosphatase), GGTP (gamma glutamyl transpeptidase), bilirubin, and malondialdehyde with a significant decrease in glutathione, superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, catalase, and glutathione S-transferase compared with the control group. Administration of TAR extract combined with APAP improved the liver damage induced by APAP. Histopathological evidence, together with observed DNA fragmentation, supported the detrimental effect of APAP and the ameliorating effect of TAR extract on liver toxicity. Conclusion TAR extract has beneficial properties and can reduce the liver damage and toxicity induced by APAP. Discussion Free radical mediated processes have been implicated in the pathogenesis of many diseases. The protective effect of TAR root extract on APAP-induced hepatotoxicity in rats appears to be related to inhibition of lipid peroxidation and enhancement of antioxidant enzyme levels, in addition to a free radical scavenging action.

Additive toxic effect of deltamethrin and cadmium on hepatic, hematological, and immunological parameters in mice

Exposure to natural and man-made environmental toxins concurrently can pose a greater threat to multiple organs. In the present work, we investigated interactions between deltamethrin (DM) and cadmium (Cd), whose mechanisms of action in humans are poorly understood. Albino mice were randomly divided into four groups, each containing six mice: saline as control, DM-treated, cadmium chloride (CdCl2)-treated, and CdCl2 plus DM treated. After 2 weeks of treatment biochemical and hematological effects, total leukocyte count (TLC), differential leukocyte count, humoral-mediated immune responses, and histopathological studies were conducted. Mice exposed to DM and Cd showed a significant increase in aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT). Also, DM and Cd administration resulted in suppression of humoral immunity, erythrocyte count, hemoglobin, hematocrit, and TLC. Histopathological evidence revealed hepatic damage, supporting the AST and ALT findings. Cd and DM exhibited an additive type of toxicity. It could be concluded that these toxins either target different cellular pathways, or the individual amounts used in this study were not enough to saturate the toxicological target, thus producing additive effects.

Seasonal dynamics in the trophic status of water, floral and faunal density along some selected coastal areas of the Red Sea, Tabuk, Saudi Arabia

AbstractEutrophication is posing a threat to the coastal marine ecosystems. The consequence of anthropogenic induced eutrophication of waters has resulted in severe deterioration of surface waters. In this research a preliminary data was collected on eutrophication by environmental monitoring on some selected coastal areas of the Red Sea near Tabuk, Saudi Arabia. Sampling sites were selected from Haql, Sharmaa and Duba (five for each station) and water samples collected in four different seasons (Oct 2013, Jan 2014, April 2014 and July 2014) to study seasonal dynamics of water quality parameters (especially in reference to the trophic status of water). Only one coastal site from each station was found with some eutrophic characteristics. Water samples collected from these eutrophic sites were more alkaline, turbid, with higher nutrient and low dissolved oxygen contents as compared to other sampling sites. Dynamics in relative densities of coastal flora and fauna were also found to be related with coastal water quality. Human settlements, fish markets, boating clubs and tourisms near these coastal areas of the Red Sea were observed as the primary causes of nutrient loading; run-offs during rains carrying nutrients also aggravate the problem. The results of this study may help in estimating the intensity of the problem and as a forecast for time frame to take an action for the conservation of affected coastal marine ecosystems and restoration of degraded coastal areas of the Red Sea.n

DNA Barcoding in the Marine Habitat: An Overview

Major part of our planet includes the marine habitat which faces severe threat due to overexploitation of its bio resources. Assessment of biodiversity in the massive and diverse marine ecosystem is a challenging task. In this introductory chapter, we give a brief description of the marine habitat and types of marine organisms, followed by the concept of DNA barcoding. We also describe the applications and different initiatives of DNA barcoding in the marine ecosystem. A brief account of DNA barcoding in marine fungi, different groups of animals and plants is also elucidated. This chapter gives a bird’s eye view on the DNA barcoding in the marine perspective.

Bioinformatics Tools in Marine DNA Barcoding

Information science has been applied to manage the information generated in molecular biology to produce the field called Bioinformatics. Application of bioinformatics in several ways is an integral part of DNA barcode research. Since the origin of the DNA barcode concept, three major criteria were set up to test the efficiency of barcode regions. These are (i) Universal Primers to amplify the barcode region (ii) Calculation of Barcode gap (intra and interspecies distance) (iii) Species resolution power. For evaluation of these criteria, DNA barcode community is applying bioinformatics tools and algorithms in primer design, distance calculation, phylogenetic analysis, etc. DNA Barcoding produces a huge amount of Cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) sequences information for species identification from animal kingdom of marine biodiversity. Similarly, Consortium of Barcode of Life (CBOL) plant group proposed plastid genes rbcL and matK either singly or in combination as the standard DNA barcode for plants (CBOL Plant Working Group 2009). ITS of the nuclear ribosomal RNA standardized as the universal barcode marker for fungi. Bioinformatics play a major role in storing of DNA barcode information, and it is easy to retrieve from the database. Software-based sequence quality assurance is main starting and check point for the production of barcode sequences. In this chapter, we discussed different tools and methods of bioinformatics and their proper utilization.

Safety Assessment and Authentication of Seafood Through DNA Barcoding

Consumers of today have more apprehension on food safety ever before and high value markets such as EU and USA market are place much attention on it. Quality of food is a very important aspect of human life and people become more and more anxious about nutrition, food safety and environmental issues that determine their acceptance of food products. Food traceability is a central issue for the identification of improper labeling of processed food and feed and there are rules aimed to protect consumers and producers against fraudulent but the tools available are not always appropriate. Recently, DNA barcoding has gained support as a rapid, cost-effective and broadly applicable molecular diagnostic technique for seafood authentication. DNA barcoding methodologies are progressively more applied not only for scientific purposes but also for diverse real-life uses. The present chapter brings out a comprehensive review on the seafood authentication and fraud. Developing country markets are placing poor attention on food safety and sanitation measures and rising levels of market information, education and awareness programmes will help to minimize the gap.

Immunosuppressant drug tacrolimus induced mitochondrial nephrotoxicity, modified PCNA and Bcl-2 expression attenuated by Ocimum basilicum L. in CD1 mice

Graphical abstract

Stem Cell Applications for Treatment of Cancer and Autoimmune Diseases: Its Promises, Obstacles, and Future Perspectives

Since the original discovery of stem cells, a new era of promising results has emerged in the clinical application of stem cells for the treatment of several important diseases, including cancer and autoimmune diseases. The plentiful research on stem cells during the past decades has provided significant information on the developmental, morphological, and physiological processes that govern tissue and organ formation, maintenance, and regeneration; cellular differentiation; molecular processes; and tissue homeostasis. In this review, we present the history of the use of stem cells in different clinical applications. Furthermore, we discuss the various therapeutic options for stem cells in cancer, followed by the role of stem cells in the treatment of autoimmune disorders. Additionally, we highlight the risks of and obstacles to the application of stem cells in clinical practice. Ultimately, we show future perspectives in stem cell use, with an aim to improve the clinical usefulness of stem cells.

Cymbopogon schoenanthus (Ethkher) ameliorates cadmium induced toxicity in swiss albino mice

Cadmium is among the toxic and hazardous metal widely dispersed in the environment in high levels. Current studies have provided new insights into antioxidant properties of bioflavonoid which have emerged as probable therapeutic and nutraceutical agents. The present study is geared to investigate the possible role of Cymbopogon schoenanthus (L.) Spreng. (or Ethkher) on heavy metal cadmium (Cd) induced oxidative stress in mice. Mice were randomly divided into four groups and treated for 15 days as follows: group 1: normal control-treated (saline); group 2: Ethkher leaves extract-treated (100 mg/kg); group 3: cadmium chloride (CdCl2) treated; group 4: CdCl2 plus Ethkher leaves extract. The results showed a significant reduction in hemoglobin, RBC and hematocrit in cadmium-treated mice as compared to control. Exposure to Cd caused a significant increase in the number of white blood cells (P < 0.05) indicating the occurrence of systemic inflammation. The results of this study also revealed that the mice intoxicated with Cd showed a significant increase in bilirubin, aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine transaminase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase (GGTP) activities. Cd intoxication leads to suppression in humoral immunity. However, pretreatment with Ethkher extract reversed almost all the abnormalities in the blood parameters showing noteworthy protection against cadmium induced toxicity in mice. The outcome of the present study revealed that the Ethkher possessed significant immunomodulatory activity and had a preventive effect on the hematological alterations in Cd intoxicated mice.