ABSTRACT
Aim: This study was conducted to identify the physiological and molecular traits underpinning salt stress adaptation in halophytic grasses Urochondra setulosa and Leptachloa fusca. Methodology: To assess the salt tolerance potential of Urochondra setulosa and Leptachloa fusca, the rooted cuttings and seeds were collected from Rann of Kutch, Bhuj, Gujarat and ICAR-CSSRI Regional Research Station, Lucknow, India, respectively using physiological, biochemical and molecular traits. Results: Salt stress decreased the biomass production in both the species to varying extents. Leaf chlorophyll declined marginally (5-12%) in Urochondra and moderately (~28%) in Leptachloa under various salt treatments compared to controls. The values of ψw and ψs, i.e., – 3.98 MPa and 760.5 mmol kg-1 were obtained under salinity stress of ECe ~ 50 dS m-1 in Urochondra whereas the values of ψw and ψs were – 3.63 MPa and 556 mmol kg-1 in Leptachloa. Osmoprotectant (proline, glycine betaine, total soluble sugar) and epi-cuticular wax content increased with increasing sodicity/salinity stresses in both grasss. The results showed that both halophytic grasses maintained lower Na+/K+ in their roots and which excludes the salt through the shoots portion. Expression of NHX1 gene increased with an increase of not only sodic, but also saline stress in both the grasses. Interpretation: The results demonstrate that Urochondra has a better adaption towards salinity and Leptochloa towards sodicity stress
ABSTRACT
Aim: To investigate In vitro antibacterial activity and in vivo toxicological studies of aqueous extract of Nelsonia campestris. Study Design: Experimental design. Methodology: Standard laboratory procedures were used. Results and Discussion: The extract was highly active against Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella typhi, Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumonia and moderately active against Bacillus subtilis and Shigella dysenteriae with inhibition diameters in the range of (20 mm-30 mm). The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) recorded for the extract ranges between (80-90) mg/ml, and (70-90) mg/ml respectively. 100, 500, 1000, 2000 and 500 mg/kg bodyweight of the extract were orally administered to rats in their respective groups, while 0.5 ml of normal saline was administered to the rats in the control group for a period of one week. At the end of the experiment, the animals were anaesthetized under chloroform, and sacrificed. Blood samples were collected by jugular puncture and used for the analyses of biochemical and haematological parameters. The packed cell volume (PCV) in 100 mg/kg bodyweight group increased (38.0±1.00) in reference to other groups. Red blood cell, and white blood cell also increased significantly (p<0.05) when compared with the control group. Total protein decreased (p>0.05) in all the treated groups in reference to the control. Activities of Aspartate transaminase (AST) increased in all groups in a dose dependent manner while that of alanine transaminase (ALT) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) decreased but showing increase in the same dose dependent fashion. Triglyceride increased significantly (p<0.05) in all groups, while cholesterol decreased in all groups. Urea increased significantly in a dose dependent manner when compared to the control group while creatinine decreased in the same way. Conclusion: Aqueous extract of Nelsonia campestris has activity against the microbes resulting from the suppression of immunity by morbillivirus, but with mild toxicity to kidney, and liver.
ABSTRACT
Aims: To carry out phytochemical screening and investigate hypoglycemic effect of aqueous Blighia sapida root bark extract (ABRE) on normoglycemic Albino rats. Study Design: Extraction and administration of bioactive extract. Place and Duration of Study: Department of Biochemistry, Federal University of Technology, Minna, Niger State, Nigeria, between June, 2010 and September, 2010. Methodology: Extraction of the air-dried ground root of Blighia sapida (100 g) was done with 80mls distilled water for 2 h. The extract (ABRE) obtained was then administered at concentrations of 100mg/ml and 200mg/ml per 1000g body weight of the rats. The normoglycemic albino rats were employed. Qualitative phytochemical screening was carried out according to the standard methods of Trease and Evans (2006). The animals were fed ad libitum with vital finisher made up of maize and soya beans mainly.Fasting blood taken after 16h over night fasting was used in this study. Results: The phytochemical screening of ABRE shows the presence of alkaloids, saponins, cardiac glycosides, reducing sugar, carbohydrates, flavonoids, phenol and tannin; while the test for protein showed negative results. Administration of the aqueous of B. sapida root bark at intervals of 48h for 21 days resulted in decrease in the blood glucose levels of rats. Conclusion: The findings of this study indicate that consumption of the ABRE exerts significant hypoglycemic effect in normoglycemic rats. These findings support the traditional use of ABRE for controlling diabetes. Further studies to isolate active principle(s) of the extracts as well as to elucidate their exact mechanism(s) of action are recommended.
ABSTRACT
Chloroform, ethanolic, methanolic, ethyl acetate and aqueous root extracts of Anogeissus leiocarpus and Terminalia avicennioides were investigated in vitro for antifungal activities against Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus fumigatus, Penicillium species, Microsporum audouinii and Trichophyton rubrum using radial growth technique. The plant extracts inhibited the growth of all the test organisms. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of the extracts ranged between 0.03µg/ml and 0.07µg/ml while the minimum fungicidal concentration ranged between 0.04µg/ml and 0.08µg/ml. Anogeissus leiocarpus appears to be more effective as an antifungal agent than Terminalia avicennioides. Ethanolic extracts of the two plant roots were more effective than the methanolic, chloroform, or aqueous extracts against all the test fungi