Vishnu Kumar

Effect of type of solvent and dispersant on NANO PZT powder dispersion for tape casting slurry

Dispersion of PZT powder of average particle size ∼75 nm in commonly used solvent systems for tape casting namely, toluene-ethanol and MEK-ethanol (azeotropic), xylene-ethanol (zeotropic) along with triton x-100, menhaden fish oil and phosphate ester as dispersants has been studied using simple sedimentation experiments. The relative merits of these three solvent systems and dispersants in dispersing PZT powder was analyzed. In all the three solvent systems, phosphate ester was found to be the best dispersant. Xylene-ethanol with phosphate ester gave the excellent dispersion characteristics for nano-PZT powder. The results of initial dispersion studies were confirmed by the formation of defect free, denser and smooth green tapes using xylene-ethanol and phosphate ester, while the other two solvent systems gave defective green tapes. The influence of phosphate ester on dispersion is explained by the dissociation and ionization, and the dominance of electrostatic repulsion even though organic solvent systems were used.

Hypolipidemic activity of Anthocephalus indicus (kadam) in hyperlipidemic rats

The hypolipidemic action of Anthocephalus indicus (family, Rubiaceae: Hindi name, Kadam) fruit extract has been studied in hyperlipidemic rats fed a triton- and cholesterol-rich high-fat diet. In triton WR-1339-induced hyperlipidemic rats, feeding with the fruit extract (500 mg/kg b.w.) exerted a lipid-lowering effect as assessed by reversal of plasma levels of total cholesterol, phospholipids, and triglyceride following reactivation of the post-heparin lipolytic activity. In another model, chronic feeding of this natural product (500 mg/kg, b.w.) to animals simultaneously fed a high-fat diet for 30 days caused lowering of lipid levels in plasma and liver accompanied with stimulation of hepatic lipolytic activity. The hypolipidemic activity of Anthocephalus indicus fruit extract iscompared with guggulipid, a known lipid-lowering drug, in both models.

Lipid Lowering Activity of Anthocephalus indicus Root in Hyperlipidemic Rats

The lipid lowering activity of Anthocephalus indicus (family Rubiaceae; Hindi name Kadamba) root extract has been studied in triton WR-1339 induced hyperlipidemia in rats. In this model, feeding with root extract (500 mg kg−1 b.w.) lowered plasma lipids and reactivated post-heparin lipolytic activity in hyperlipidemic rats. Furthermore, the root extract (50–500 μM) inhibited the generation of superoxide anions and hydroxyl radicals, in both enzymic and non-enzymic systems, in vitro. The results of the present study demonstrated both lipid lowering and antioxidant activities in root extract of A. indicus, which could help prevention of hyperlipidemia and related diseases.

Hypoglycemic, lipid lowering and antioxidant activities in root extract of Anthocephalus indicus in alloxan induced diabetic rats.

The present study was carried out to evaluate the hypoglycemic, lipid lowering and antioxidant activities in root extract of Anthocephalus indicus (A indicus) in alloxan inducd diabetic rats. Oral administration of ethanol extract of root (500mg/ kg body weight) for 21 days resulted in significant decrease in the levels of blood glucose, triglycerides, total cholesterol, phospholipid and free fatty acids. Furthermore, the root extract (100–400μg) inhibited the generation of superoxide anions and hydroxyl radicals, in both enzymic and non-enzymic systems, in vitro. The result of the present study demonstrated hypoglycemic, lipid lowering and antioxidant activities in root extract of A indicus, which could help in prevention of diabetic dyslipidemia and related diseases.