A Pharmacognostic And Phytochemical Study On The Market Samples Of Nagakesara

This work was conducted to evaluate the pharmacognostic and phytochemical study of varieties of Nagakesara. When it is further studied, it is observed that Nagakesara available in the markets of different areas is from different source plants. There are nearly 5 drugs sold in the market with the same name, the common floral parts available in the markets are commonly from Nagakesara (Mesua ferrea Linn.), Surapunnaga (Ochrocarpus longifolius Benth and Hook f.), Tamalpatra (Cinnamomum tamala Nees and Ebern.), Punnaga (Calophyllum inophyllum Linn.), Dillenia pentagyna Roxb. Hence a comparative study of these two samples 1) Nagakesara (Mesua ferrea), and 2) Tamalpatra (Cinnamomum tamala) has been carried out. The phytochemical study shows the presence of tannins, steroids and carbohydrates in almost all varieties of Nagakesara. Flower buds of Nagakesara plant of different species available in the market was taken up for the study. CONCLUSION: A detailed Pharamcognostic and Phytochemical review was done through which it was concluded that Mesua ferrea Linn. belonging to family Guttiferae may be the exact source of Nagakesara. The flower buds of Cinnamomum tamala Nees and Ebern. which is known as black variety in the markets according to our study,.

Localization of heme biosynthesis pathway enzymes in Plasmodium falciparum.

Protein trafficking in the malarial parasite Plasmodium falciparum is dictated by a complex life-cycle that involves a variety of intra-cellular and host cell destinations, such as the mitochondrion, apicoplast, rhoptries and micronemes. Of these, the apicoplast and mitochondrion are believed to account for more than 10% of this traffic. Studies have shown that mechanisms for mitochondrion and apicoplast targeting are distinct, despite their close physical proximity. The heme biosynthesis pathway spans both these organelles, making trafficking studies crucial for the spatial demarcation of the constituent interactions. This minireview highlights the challenges in identifying the possible sub-cellular destinations of the heme pathway enzymes using gleanings from literature survey as well as focussed bioinformatic analysis.

Effect of Consumption of Micronutrient Fortified Candies on the Iron and Vitamin A Status of Children Aged 3-6 years in Rural Haryana.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the efficacy of micronutrient fortified sugar candies in improving the iron and vitamin A status in children aged 3 to 6 years. DESIGN: Triple blind randomized controlled trial. SETTINGS: Anganwadis and preparatory schools in rural Haryana. METHODS: 410 children were randomized in four groups. One group received full dose candy (vitamin A 1000 IU and 14 mg elemental iron) daily, the second group received full dose candy for 3 days a week, the third group received half dose candy (vitamin A 500 IU and 7 mg elemental iron) daily and the fourth received placebo. The candies were provided to children under supervision of field workers. Hemoglobin, S. ferritin, S. retinol and S. retinol binding protein levels were estimated at baseline and after 13 weeks of intervention. RESULTS: The increase in hemoglobin was least in the placebo group (0.3 g/dL) as compared to the two full dose groups (1.15-1.18 g/dL, P <; 0.001). Among anemic children, the increase in hemoglobin was about 2 g/dL in the full dose group and 0.7g/dL in the placebo group (P <; 0.001). S. ferritin levels increased significantly only in the full dose daily group ( p <; 0.05). The prevalence of anemia decreased from around 50% at baseline to 9.6% in the full dose daily group (p <; 0.01). Based on the S. retinol levels, the study area was not vitamin A deficient and the intervention did not result in a significant improvement in the vitamin A status of the children. CONCLUSION: Micronutrient fortified candies were effective in improving the hemoglobin level and decreasing anemia prevalence. It could serve as a suitable vehicle for micronutrient supplementation in children and other target groups.