Preliminary study on the antimicrobial activity of Enicostemma littorale using different solvents

OBJECTIVE@#To study the antimicrobial activity of Enicostemma littorale (E. littorale) using different solvents.@*METHODS@#Chloroform, methanol and acetone extracts of different parts of E. littorale (leaf, stem and root) were evaluated for antimicrobial activity using disc diffusion method against some gram-negative species such as Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pnemoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Salmonella typhi and gram-positive species Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus cereus, Bacillus subtilis and two fugal species viz., Aspergillus fumigates and Aspergillus flavus.@*RESULTS@#The chloroform extracts showed the highest antibacterial activity. Among leaf, stem and root extracts, the stem extracts showed maximum antibacterial activity. All of the used extracts had no significant antifungal activity against Aspergillus fumigates and Aspergillus flavus. The chloroform stem extract showed highest activity (about 20 mm inhibition zone) against Bacillus subtilis (at 500 mg/mL) followed by the methanolic stem extract which showed highest activity against the same organism. The lowest antibacterial activity was observed by the acetone leaf extract (about 8 mm inhibition zone) against Escherichia coli.@*CONCLUSION@#The findings of the study indicate littorale could also be a new source for antibiotics discovery.

Micropropagation and Phenolic exudation protocol for Excoecaria agallocha-an important mangrove

Objective: To develop a standard micropropagation protocol for an important vulnerable mangrove Excoecaria agallocha. Methods: Collection of explants, surface sterilization, phenolic exudation and medium was standardized. Shoot induction, shoot multiplication and rooting were carried out in MMS medium supplemented with BAP, Kinetin, Zeatin, 2ip, NAA, IAA and IBA. Hardening was carried out after root well established. Results: The best phenolic exudation removal was resulted in 4 g/L activated charcoal. The maximum shoot induction response showed in MMS medium and better shoot induction was performed in the concentration of BAP (3.9 μmol) and NAA (1.34 μmol). Rooting induction was performed high range at 5.02 μmol of IAA. Well rooted micro-shoots were hardened and acclimatized. Conclusions: From the present investigation, it can be concluded that a standard micropropagation protocol was developed for an important vulnerable mangrove species.

Changes in biochemical constituents and induction of early sprouting by triadimefon treatment in white yam (Dioscorea rotundata Poir.) tubers during storage / 浙江大学学报（英文版）（B辑：生物医学和生物技术）

The ability of triadimefon (TDM), a triazolic fungicide, to alter the biochemical constituents and thereby minimizing the days required for sprouting in white yam (Dioscorea rotundata Poir.) tubers during storage under (30+/-2) degrees C in the dark, was studied. TDM at 20 mg/L was given to tubers by dipping the tubers in treatment solution containing 20 mg/L TDM on 10, 25 and 40 d after storage (DAS). Starch, sugars, protein, amino acid contents as well as protease and alpha-amylase activities were estimated on 15, 30 and 45 DAS from two physiological regions viz., apical and basal regions of the tubers. In normal conditions (control) sprouting occurred on 70 to 80 DAS. The starch content decreased, while protein, amino acid, sugar contents and protease and alpha-amylase activities were increased due to TDM treatment and led to early sprouting.

Variations in antioxidant and indole alkaloid status in different parts of two varieties of Catharanthus roseus / 中国药理学与毒理学杂志

AIM To evaluate the antioxidant potential and indole alkaloid variations in different parts of two varieties (rosea and alba) of Catharanthus roseus. METHODS The antioxidant potentials were examined in terms of non-enzymatic antioxidant molecules and activities of antioxidant enzymes. The non-enzymatic antioxidant molecules studied were ascorbic acid, α-tocopherol and reduced glutathione. The estimated antioxidant enzymes were superoxide dismutase, ascorbate peroxidase, catalase, peroxidase and polyphenol oxidase. The analyses were carried out in the field-collected samples. The antioxidant and alkaloid profiles were estimated from roots, stems, leaves, flowers and pods. RESULTS The roots and stems had higher antioxidant content when compared with other parts of the plant. The lowest content was found in flowers and pods. The rosea variety was good performer in terms of antioxidant and alkaloid contents. The activities of antioxidant enzymes were higher in leaves when compared with other parts. But indole alkaloid content was found to be higher in the roots of rosea variety. CONCLUSION The pink-flowered rosea variety of Catharanthus roseus is more suitable for cultivation in terms of antioxidant and alkaloid contents.