Solution based synthesis of Cu(In,Ga)Se2 microcrystals and thin films.

Herein, for the first time, we report the synthesis of quaternary Cu(In,Ga)Se2 microcrystals (CIGSe MCs) using a facile and economical one-pot heating-up method. The most important parameters such as reaction temperature and time were varied to study their influences on the structural, morphological, compositional and optical properties of the MCs. Based on the results, the formation of CIGSe was initiated from binary ß-CuSe and then converted into pure phase CIGSe by gradual incorporation of In3+ and Ga3+ ions into the ß-CuSe crystal lattice. As the reaction time increases, the band gap energy was increased from 1.10 to 1.28 eV, whereas the size of the crystals increased from 0.9 to 3.1 µm. Besides, large-scale synthesis of CIGSe MCs exhibited a high reaction yield of 90%. Furthermore, the CIGSe MCs dispersed in the ethanol was coated as thin films by a drop casting method, which showed the optimum carrier concentration, high mobility and low resistivity. Moreover, the photoconductivity of the CIGSe MC thin film was enhanced by three order magnitude in comparison with CIGSe NC thin films. The solar cells fabricated with CIGSe MCs showed the PCE of 0.59% which is 14.75 times higher than CIGSe NCs. These preliminary results confirmed the potential of CIGSe MCs as an active absorber layer in low-cost thin film solar cells.

A Perspective on Additional Approaches Beyond Organic Marker Compounds While Developing Analytical Monographs for Botanicals.

Most of the Pharmacopoeia and other monographs that provide the quality specifications for botanicals typically contain identification and physicochemical tests, assays, and limits for contaminants. The assay methods generally involve quantitative determination of known organic compounds, commonly known as markers. The authors explore and propose that there is a need for additional approaches beyond markers, especially for botanicals derived from traditional knowledge and use. Preliminary data on few selected botanicals are additionally provided to communicate the thought process.

In vitro comparative evaluation of non-leaves and leaves extracts of Andrographis paniculata on modulation of inflammatory mediators.

This study was designed to evaluate and compare the inhibitory property of extracts of Andrographis paniculata leaves [methanolic (AP1), hydroalcoholic (AP2), successive water (AP3)] and non-leaves [methanolic (AP4), hydroalcoholic (AP5), successive water (AP6)] towards inflammatory mediators (NO, IL-1 beta, IL-6, TNF alpha, PGE2, TXB2 and LTB4). Stimulant induced J774A.1 murine macrophages and HL-60 promyelocytic leukemic cells were used to study the inhibitory potential of extracts of A. paniculata on inflammatory mediators. Results revealed that AP1 and AP4 exhibited inhibitory effect on all the inflammatory mediators excluding PGE2 and TNF-alpha. AP2 and AP5 exhibited inhibitory effect towards IL-1 beta, TXB2 and did not show inhibitory effect towards other mediators. However, AP3 and AP6 failed to show inhibitory activity against any of the inflammatory mediators at the tested concentrations. Further, we observed that the magnitude of inhibitory effect displayed by A. paniculata extracts depends on the andrographolide content, although, it does not appear to influence the inhibitory effect towards LTB4 production.

Reproductive and fertility effects of an extract of Andrographis paniculata in male Wistar rats.

The possible effect of extract of Andrographis paniculata Nees (A paniculata) standardized to >or=10% andrographolide, the main bioactive component, on male fertility in albino Wistar rats was evaluated, by orally administering 0, 20, 200, and 1000 mg/kg of body weight per day, for 65 days prior to mating and 21 days during mating. The treated groups showed no signs of dose-dependent toxicity. The body weight gain and feed consumption were not affected at any of the dose levels. The testosterone levels and fertility indices in treatment groups were found to be comparable with that of the control indicating no effect on fertility. Total sperm count and sperm motility were not affected. The testes and epididymides did not show any gross and histopathological changes. Based on these findings, it can be concluded that the no-observed adverse effect level of extract of A paniculata (>or=10% andrographolide) was found to be more than 1000 mg/kg per day.

Evaluation of the genotoxic potential and acute oral toxicity of standardized extract of Andrographis paniculata (KalmCold).

Andrographis paniculata is used in the traditional medicine for cold and influenza remedy. The main endeavor in this study was to assess the genotoxicity of the standardized extract of A. paniculata (KalmCold) through three different in vitro tests: Ames, chromosome aberration (CA), and micronucleus (MN). Ames test was performed at 5000 microg/ml, 1581 microg/ml, 500 microg/ml, 158 microg/ml, 50 microg/ml, 16 microg/ml, while the clastogenicity tests were performed at 80 microg/ml, 26.6 microg/ml, 8.8 microg/ml for short-term treatment without S9; 345 microg/ml, 115 microg/ml, 38.3 microg/ml for short-term treatment with S9; and 46 microg/ml, 15.3 microg/ml, 5.1 microg/ml for long-term without S9 using DMSO as a vehicle control. Results of Ames test confirmed that KalmCold did not induce mutations both in the presence and absence of S9 in Salmonella typhimurium mutant strains TA98 and TAMix. In CA and MN, KalmCold did not induce clastogenicity in CHO-K1 cells in vitro. Based on our results, it is evident that KalmCold is genotoxically safe. Additionally in acute oral toxicity study, female rats were treated at 5000 mg/kg of KalmCold and observed for signs of toxicity for 14 days. KalmCold did not produce any treatment-related toxic effects in rats.

In vitro safety evaluation and anticlastogenic effect of BacoMind on human lymphocytes.

OBJECTIVE: BacoMind (BM) is a standardized extract of Bacopa monnieri, which belongs to the family Scrophulariaceae and is a creeping annual plant found throughout the Indian subcontinent. It has been used by Ayurvedic medicinal practitioners in India for almost 3000 years and is classified as a medharasayana, a substance which improves memory and intellect. With the widespread traditional use as well as scientific validation of Bacopa monnieri for nootropic activity, a bioactive-rich unique phytochemical composition-BacoMind was developed from B. monnieri for use as a cognition and memory enhancing agent. The present study aimed to investigate the in vitro toxicity of this formulation of BacoMind on human lymphocytes and to rule out its possible contribution to mutagenicity. METHODS: In the present investigation the active ingredients present in BM were identified and quantified by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and high performance thin-layer chromatography (HPTLC). Antioxidant and anticlastogenic properties of BM were studied in vitro with and without metabolic activation. Doses of BM were chosen on the basis of mitotic index (MI) and cytokinesis-block proliferation index (CBPI). Clastogenicity assays were performed at 31.2 microg/mL, 62.5 microg/mL, and 125 microg/mL, while the Salmonella reverse mutation assay (Ames test) was performed at doses of 61.72, 185.18, 555.55, 1666.67, and 5000.00 microg/plate. RESULTS: HPLC and HPTLC analysis of BM revealed the presence of bacoside A3, bacopaside I, bacopaside II, jujubogenin isomer of bacopasaponin C, bacosine, luteolin, apigenin, bacosine, and beta-sitosterol D glucoside. BM demonstrated significant antioxidant activity. The number of chromosomal aberrations and the frequency of micronuclei induced by BM were not statistically significant up to a dose of 62.5 microg/mL. A subsequent dose of 125 microg/mL prior to metabolic activation induced mild clastogenicity, but it was found to be biologically insignificant as this effect was not seen post metabolic activation. BM also demonstrated a dose-dependent protection against the clastogens used in this study using the above tests for clastogenicity. Maximum protection was observed in presence of metabolic activation. Moreover, BM demonstrated no mutagenic effect on the tested strains, as observed in the Ames test. CONCLUSION: BM protected human lymphocytes against various clastogens. BM also exhibited high antioxidant activity which might be responsible for the observed protective effects against the clastogens since the used clastogens are known to induce their clastogenic effects via production of oxidative radicals.

Tolerance of aged Fischer 344 rats against chlordecone-amplified carbon tetrachloride toxicity.

We have investigated the effects of chlordecone 1(CD)+CCl4 combination in adult (3 months), middle aged (14 months), and old aged (24 months) male Fischer 344 (F344) rats. After a non-toxic dietary regimen of CD (10 ppm) or normal powdered diet for 15 days, rats received a single non-toxic dose of CCl4 (100 microl/kg, i.p., 1:4 in corn oil) or corn oil (500 microl/kg, i.p.) alone on day 16. Liver injury was assessed by plasma ALT, AST, and histopathology during a time course of 0-96 h. Liver tissue repair was measured by [3H-CH3]-thymidine (3H-T) incorporation into hepatic nuclear DNA and proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) immunohistochemistry. Hepatomicrosomal CYP2E1 protein, enzyme activity, and covalent binding of 14CCl4-derived radiolabel were measured in normal and CD fed rats. Exposure to CCl4 alone caused modest liver injury only in 14- and 24-month-old rats but neither progression of injury nor mortality. The CD+CCl4 combination led to 100% mortality in 3-month-old rats by 72 h, whereas none of the 14- and 24-month-old rats died. Both 3- and 14-month-old rats exposed to CD+Cl4 had identical liver injury up to 36 h indicating that bioactivation-mediated CCl4 injury was the same in the two age groups. Thereafter, liver injury escalated only in 3-month-old while it declined in 14-month-old rats. In 24-month-old rats initial liver injury at 6 h was similar to the 3- and 14-month-old rats and thereafter did not develop to the level of the other two age groups, recovering from injury by 96 h as in the 14-month-old rats. Neither hepatomicrosomal CYP2E1 protein nor the associated p-nitrophenol hydroxylase activity or covalent binding of 14CCl4-derived radiolabel to liver tissue differed between the age groups or diet regimens 2 h after the administration of 14CCl4. Compensatory liver tissue repair (3H-T, PCNA) was prompt and robust soon after CCl4 liver injury in the 14- and 24-month-old rats. In stark contrast, in the 3-month-old rats it failed allowing unabated progression of liver injury. These findings suggest that stimulation of early onset and robust liver tissue repair rescue the 14- and 24-month-old F344 rats from the lethal effect of the CD+CCl4 combination.

Pulmonary thromboendarterectomy in a case of hereditary stomatocytosis.

We present a case of pulmonary thromboendarterectomy performed successfully in a patient with stomatocytosis. Stomatocytosis is a rare condition of abnormal erythrocyte morphology in which haemolysis and hyperkalaemia occur at cooler temperatures. A 35-yr-old male with stomatocytosis was referred for pulmonary thromboendarterectomy in the context of chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension. He had undergone splenectomy as a child, which rendered him hypercoagulable as the spleen normally removes the haemolysed red cell fragments from blood. By constantly monitoring urine for macroscopic haematuria, arterial and mixed venous blood gas analysis perioperatively and by limiting the period of deep hypothermic circulatory arrest that is normally required for this operation, we were able to perform the operation successfully.

Effect of chronic treatment with losartan on streptozotocin-induced renal dysfunction.

The present investigation was undertaken to study the effect of chronic treatment with angiotensin (AT1) receptor antagonist losartan (2 mg/kg, p.o., 6 weeks) on streptozotocin (STZ) induced (45 mg/kg, i.v., single dose) renal dysfunctions in diabetic rats. Injection of streptozotocin produced not only the cardinal symptoms of diabetes mellitus like loss of body weight, hyperglycemia, and hypoinsulinemia but also the renal dysfunctions. Losartan treatment significantly prevented all these changes except STZ-induced hypoinsulinemia. There was a significant elevation of blood pressure in diabetic rats and treatment with losartan significantly brought it back to normal. Renal dysfunction in diabetic rats was characterized by a significant decrease in creatinine clearance, elevated levels of electrolytes and renal hypertrophy. Treatment with losartan prevented these changes. A good correlation was found between biochemical parameters and histopathological abnormalities. Our data suggests that, losartan may be considered as the drug of choice when there is a co-existence of diabetes mellitus and hypertension with compromised kidney function.

Effect of chronic treatment with Enicostemma littorale in non-insulin-dependent diabetic (NIDDM) rats.

We have studied the effect of aqueous extract of Enicostemma. littorale (2 g/kg p.o.) daily for 6 weeks in neonatal non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM) rats. To induce NIDDM a single dose injection of STZ (70 mg/kg; i.p.) was given to the 5-day-old pups. After 3 months of STZ injection when animals were confirmed as diabetic, E. littorale was administered for 6 weeks. Fasting and fed glucose and insulin levels in NIDDM were significantly (P<0.05) higher than control rats and they were significantly decreased by the treatment with E. littorale. Results of the oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) showed a significant (P<0.05) decrease in both AUC(glucose) and AUC(insulin) values in NIDDM treated group. Insulin sensitivity (K(ITT)) index of NIDDM control was significantly lower as compared with Wistar control and this was significantly (P<0.05) increased after treatment with E. littorale. Treatment with E. littorale also decreased the elevated cholesterol, triglyceride and creatinine levels observed in NIDDM rats. Our data suggest that aqueous extract of E. littorale is a potent herbal antidiabetic. It produces an increase in insulin sensitivity, normalizes dyslipidaemia and provides nephroprotection in diabetic rats.

Effect of chronic treatment with losartan on streptozotocin induced diabetic rats.

Treatment of rats with streptozotocin (STZ, 45mg/kg, i.v.,single dose) produced cardinal symptoms of diabetes mellitus including hyperglycemia, hypoinsulinemia and increase in blood pressure. Treatment with losartan--an angiotensin (AT1) receptor antagonist, 2 mg/kg, po for 6 weeks decreased the blood glucose levels by 16.5%. There was 190% increase in AUCglucose and 59.4% decrease in AUCinsulin in STZ-diabetic rats as compared to control rats. Treatment with losartan caused slight decrease in AUCglucose and slight increase in AUCinsulin. There was no significant difference in insulin sensitivity (K(ITT)) index of STZ-diabetic group as compared to control. Losartan treatment failed to alter these levels significantly. Serum cholesterol and creatinine levels were found to be increased significantly in STZ-diabetic rats. Treatment with losartan significantly prevented the rise in cholesterol and creatinine levels by 20.1 and 81% respectively. The results suggest that losartan produces some beneficial effects in STZ-diabetic rats.

Effect of chronic treatment with losartan on streptozotocin induced diabetic nephropathy.

Angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors produce a number of beneficial effects in a condition where diabetes - mellitus and hypertension co-exist. The present investigation was undertaken to study the effect of chronic treatment with losartan (2mg/kg, p.o.) on streptozotocin (STZ)-induced (45mg/kg, single dose, tail vein) diabetic nephropathy in rats. Treatment of rats with STZ produced a significant loss of body weight, polyuria. polydipsia, hypoinsulinemia, hyperglycemia and increase in blood pressure. There was a significant increase in blood glucose levels in STZ-diabetic rats. Serum cholesterol, creatinine, urea and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) levels were found to be increased significantly in the STZ group diabetic rats. Treatment with losartan significantly prevented the raise in cholesterol, creatinine, urea and blood urea nitrogen levels. Creatinine clearance was significantly less in STZ-diabetic rats as compared to control animals and treatment with losartan significantly increased creatinine clearence. Our data suggest a beneficial effect of losartan in STZ-induced nephropathy in rats.

Improvement in insulin sensitivity by losartan in non-insulin-dependent diabetic (NIDDM) rats.

The present investigation was undertaken to study the effects of chronic treatment with losartan (2 mg kg(-1)/ day P.O) in neonatal non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM) rats. To induce NIDDM single-dose injection of STZ (70 mg kg(-1); i.p.) was given to 5 day old pups. The animals were weaned at 30 days and after a period of 3 months, they were checked for fasting and fed glucose levels to confirm the status of NIDDM. Losartan (2 mg kg(-1); p.o.) was administered for 6 weeks into the confirmed diabetic rats. A group of control animals were also maintained and this group received saline 5 days after birth. Fasting and fed glucose levels in NIDDM rats were significantly higher than control rats. Treatment with losartan in the NIDDM rats caused a significant decrease in insulin levels and reduction in elevated fasting and fed glucose levels. Results of the oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) showed a significant increase in AUC(glucose)and AUC(insulin)values in NIDDM control rats. Losartan treatment significantly decreased both AUC(glucose)and AUC(insulin)values. Insulin sensitivity (K(ITT)) index of NIDDM control was significantly low as compared to Wistar control animals followed by significant increase in T(1/2)glucose value. Losartan treatment significantly reversed both K(ITT)and T(1/2)glucose value. Our data indicates that losartan increases insulin sensitivity in NIDDM rats.

Anthelmintic activity of essential oil of Ocimum sanctum and eugenol.

The essential oil of Ocimum sanctum and eugenol, tested in vitro, showed potent anthelmintic activity in the Caenorhabditis elegans model. Eugenol exhibited an ED(50) of 62.1 microg/ml. Eugenol being the predominant component of the essential oil, is suggested as the putative anthelmintic principle.