RESUMO
Oroxylum indicum (L.) Kurz, commonly called as Broken bones tree or Indian trumpet flower, belonging to Fam. Bignoniaceae, is traditionally used as a contraceptive by ethnic people of Tripura, North-East India. Here, we investigated the scientific basis for use of O. indicum as male antifertility agent by folklore healers. In vitro spermicidal activity of aqueous (AEOI) and methanolic (MEOI) extracts of O. indicum stem bark were studied on human sperm. The in vivo activity was experimented on male albino rats. The treated animals were allowed to mate and the pups delivered by female rat partners were counted. Phytochemical estimation of test samples was done using HPLC. The AEOI and MEOI treatments significantly decreased human sperm motility and viability. Test extracts have increased the hypo-osmotic swelling of sperm. Both the extracts were significantly declined the weight of reproductive organ. The MEOI treated rats have shown significant decrease in sperm motility and sperm counts. AEOI and MEOI treatment significantly reduced level of testosterone, but sharply raised dihydrotestosterone and prostaglandin in rats. Results testified the traditional claim for use of O. indicum as a male contraceptive agent, where MEOI have shown reversible action on male reproductive system leading to contraception without harming the libido.
RESUMO
History ensures that, plants with its medicinal usage are always being the topic of attraction for the researchers. Medicinal plants can be used for the various purposes, for example healing pain, treating ailments or any other health issues. Gastrointestinal diseases more specifically liver disorders are treated with the help of these medicinal plants. Manipur is considered to be the place where liver disorders are primarily treated with the help of these medicinal plants by local health care providers, which emphasize the attributes of these plants in health care system. Following this aspect the study was carried out at three different districts namely Bishnupur, Kakching and Thoubal, that includes Ethnobotanical field surveys conducted from 2012-14, by covering traditional healers of Meitei community. Collected information from the surveys was analyzed and the target plants were identified. Disease Consensus Index was calculated on the basis of collected information to determine most significant plants. A total of 52 plant species of 34 distinct families are used as hepatoprotective medicinal plants amongst which the highest Disease Consensus Index (DCI) value was found in the species named Engelhardtia spicata Lechen; ex Blume. From these ethno pharmacological data plants with highest hepatoprotective values are identified.
RESUMO
Purpose: The present study was aimed to investigate the genetic context, association with IS26 and horizontal transmission of SHV‑148 among Escherichia coli in Tertiary Referral Hospital of India. Methodology: Phenotypic characterisation of extended‑spectrum beta‑lactamases (ESBLs) was carried out as per CLSI criteria. Molecular characterisation of blaSHV and integron was carried out by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay and confirmed by sequencing. Linkage of IS26 with blaSHV‑148 was achieved by PCR. Purified products were cloned on pGEM‑T vector and sequenced. Strain typing was performed by pulsed field gel electrophoresis with XbaI digestion. Transferability experiment and antimicrobial susceptibility was performed. Results: A total of 33 isolates showed the presence of SHV‑148 variant by sequencing and all were Class 1 integron borne. PCR and sequencing results suggested that all blaSHV‑148 showed linkage with IS26 and were present in the upstream portion of the gene cassette and were also horizontally transferable through F type of Inc group. Susceptibility results suggest that tigecycline was most effective. Conclusion: The present study reports for the first time of SHV‑148 mediated extended spectrum cephalosporin resistance from India. Association of their resistance gene with IS26 and Class 1 integron and carriage within IncF plasmid signifies the potential mobilising unit for the horizontal transfer.
RESUMO
Background & objectives: Pseudomonas extended resistant (PER) enzymes are rare type of extended-spectrum beta lactamases (ESBLs) that confer third generation cephalosporin resistance. These are often integron borne and laterally transmitted. The aim of the present study was to investigate the emergence of integron borne cephalosporin resistant PER-1 gene in diverse incompatibility (Inc) group plasmids among gram-negative bacteria. Methods: a total of 613 consecutive, non-duplicate, Gram-negative bacteria of Enterobacteriaceae family and non-fermenting Gram-negative bacteria were isolated from different clinical specimens during a period of 18 months. For amplification and detection of blaPER, multiplex PCR was done. For understanding the genetic environment of blaPER-1, integrase gene PCR and cassette PCR (59 be) was performed. Gene transferability experiment was carried out and PCR based replicon typing was performed for incompatibility group typing of plasmids using 18 pairs of primers. An inhibitor based method was used for phenotypic detection of intrinsic resistance. Results: Multiplex PCR and sequencing confirmed that 45 isolates were harbouring blaPER-1. Both class 1 and class 2 integrons were observed among them. Integrase and cassette PCR (59 be) PCR results confirmed that the resistant determinant was located within class 1 integron. Transformation and conjugation experiments revealed that PER-1 was laterally transferable and disseminated through diverse Inc plasmid type. Efflux pump mediated carbapenem resistance was observed in all isolates. All isolates belonged to heterogenous groups. Interpretation & conclusions: This study demonstrates the dissemination of cephalosporins resistant, integron borne blaPER-1 in hospital setting in this part of the country and emphasizes on the rational use of third generation cephalosporins to slow down the expansion of this rare type of ESBL gene.