Antimicrobial potentials and phytochemical analysis of desert cotton (A. Javanica) and flax (L. Ustitatissimum).

The present study reveals antimicrobial potentials and phytochemical analysis of A. javanica and L. ustitatissimum. Phytochemical analysis indicated that the tested plants contained a substantial amount of flavonoids, terpenoids and steroids while saponins and tannins were absent in L. ustitatissimum, however, tannins were present in A. javanica. L. ustitatissimum contained maximum total phenolic content of 166.36mg/g in methylated spirit fraction while its ethyl acetate fraction contained highest quantity of flavonoids 27.6mg/g in case of Aerva javanica. Antimicrobial potentials of the subject plants revealed that L. ustitatissimum had maximum antibacterial activity (MIC=4.33µg/ml) while A. javanica was most effective against fungal strains (MIC=2.66µg/ml).

In vitro cadmium-induced alterations in growth and oxidative metabolism of upland cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.).

Cadmium (Cd) is a toxic pollutant, which cause both dose- and time-dependent physiological and biochemical alterations in plants. The present in vitro study was undertaken to explore Cd-induced physiological and biochemical changes in cotton callus culture at 0, 550, 700, 850, and 1000 µM Cd for four different stress periods (7, 14, 21, and 28 days). At 1000 µM Cd, mean growth values were lower than their respective control. The cell protein contents decreased only after 7-day and 14-day stress treatment. At 550 µM Cd, malondialdehyde (MDA) contents decreased after various stress periods except 21-day period. Superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity at 1000 µM Cd improved relative to its respective controls in the first three stress regimes. Almost a decreasing trend in the hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and peroxidase (POD) activities at all Cd levels after different stress periods was noticed. Ascorbate peroxidase (APX) activity descended over its relevant controls in the first three stress regimes except at 700 µM Cd after 14- and 21-day stress duration. Moreover, catalase (CAT) mean values significantly increased as a whole. From this experiment, it can be concluded that lipid peroxidation as well as reactive oxygen species (ROS) production was relatively higher as has been revealed by higher MDA contents and greater SOD, CAT activities.

Analgesic and anti-inflammatory activities of 11-O-galloylbergenin.

AIMS OF THE STUDY: Current study was designed to explore the analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects of a constituent isolated from Mallotus philippinensis, in order to validate its folk use. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 11-O-galloylbergenin was isolated from ethanolic extract of Mallotus philippinensis. Analgesic and anti-inflammatory activities of the test compound were assessed using formalin test and carrageenan-induced paw edema models. RESULTS: 11-O-galloylbergenin showed significant analgesic activity at doses of 20 and 40 mg/kg against formalin test in rats. Similarly, 11-O-galloylbergenin exhibited significant anti-inflammatory activity in carrageenan-induced paw edema model at doses of 10, 20 and 30 mg/kg. CONCLUSION: 11-O-galloylbergenin has demonstrated its significant potential to be further investigated for its discovery as a new lead compound for management of pain and inflammation.