A Rare Presentation of Bifid Tibialis Anterior Tendon in a Case of Idiopathic Congenital Talipes Equinovarus.

Introduction: Idiopathic congenital talipes equinovarus (CTEV) is one of the most extensively researched topics for decades. It has been associated with various musculoskeletal anomalies which maybe bony, vascular or involving the ligaments and muscles which may have a direct or indirect impact on its pathoanatomy. This report describes an unusual presentation of a bifid tibialis anterior tendon (TAT) in a case of CTEV. This is the first report of this kind in the literature to the best of our knowledge. Case Report: A 4-year-old female presented with bilateral relapsed CTEV with dynamic supination previously treated with standard Ponseti protocol. The patient was treated with TAT transfer on the left side with a rare presentation of a bifid TAT where both the slips of the tendon were transferred to dorsum of the foot onto the lateral cuneiform. Conclusion: When treating a patient of CTEV surgically, it is important to consider the possibility of a bifid TAT which is a rare musculoskeletal association. It is recommended to carefully dissect TAT to prevent under correction of the deformity in case either one of the tendon slips remains attached to its original site.

In vivo developmental studies of Helicoverpa armigera and in silico molecular interactions with trypsin reveal the bio-insecticidal potential of trypsin inhibitor (SSTI) isolated from Solanum surattense.

We report the impact of gut protease inhibition on the development of Helicoverpa armigera by trypsin inhibitor and the use of molecular modeling to understand the mechanism of trypsin inhibition. Larvae of H. armigera fed on an artificial diet containing 150 and 300 µg/ml SSTI showed a negative impact on the insects' development in terms of mean larval weight, larval fatality, survival rate, and nutritional indices. Prominent physical abnormalities like curled wings, malformed appendages, and small body size were observed during the development. Gene expression studies revealed down regulation in trypsin (HaTry 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 8) and chymotrypsin (HaChy 1, 2, 3, 4) genes of the larval gut upon treatment of SSTI. Homology modeling has been used to build the three-dimensional structure of SSTI, which showed ß-sheets having a stable canonical inhibitory loop (CIL) with conserved lysine residue. Molecular docking studies showed the strong binding of SSTI at the active site of trypsin. Molecular dynamic (MD) simulation revealed the stable interactions of the rigid CIL of SSTI at the active site of trypsin, leading to its destabilization. Conserved lysine63 of the P1 site in SSTI forms a strong hydrogen bonding network with residues Asp189 and Ser190 of trypsin.

Are Indian orthopaedic surgeons aware of the health hazards of radiation exposure? A survey and review on awareness and ways to mitigate them.

Background: Standardized education on the short and long-term health hazards of radiation and thus the awareness regarding current radiation exposure limits is restricted in the field of orthopaedics. There is a lack of awareness regarding the risks related to radiation exposure amongst orthopaedic surgeons and therefore the recommended safety precautions to assess and mitigate these potential risks should be emphasized. Orthopaedic surgeons should adopt the ALARA (as low as reasonably achievable) principle. All precautions should be taken to keep all members of the operation room safe from radiation exposure and safeguard patients too. Methods: The survey questionnaire developed in consult with senior orthopaedic surgeons and radiation protection officer consisting of 27 questions was conducted among the orthopaedic surgeons and resident doctors. Results: 15% responders were unaware about risks of radiation exposure in routine orthopaedic surgery and 82% unaware of the recommended yearly allowance per individual. 30% responders were unaware of correct positioning of the C-arm and 44% were unaware regarding the same distance to be maintained from the C-arm to reduce radiation exposure. 27% responders were unaware regarding pulsed fluoroscopy and its benefits. 45% responders were unsure regarding the thickness of the lead apron. 83% never use a thyroid gland shield and none of the responders use leaded eye glasses. Only 11% responders use lead badges for documentation of radiation exposure. Conclusion: Orthopaedic surgeons should understand the basics and basis of radiation exposure limits, be familiar with this literature on the incidence of tumors, dermatitis, cancer risk and cataracts and understand the current intraoperative fluoroscopy safety recommendations. The damaging effects to human tissue caused by radiation exposure are documented since the first reports regarding use of radiographs, hence emphasis on radiation safety and protection should be universally incorporated into graduate medical education.

A Hidden "Suspender" in Irreducible Isolated Anteromedial Radial Head Dislocations - A Case Report and Review.

Introduction: Isolated anteromedial radial head dislocations are rare and are infrequently associated with hidden musculotendinous sling of superficial brachialis or biceps tendon impeding closed reduction. Failure to identify this impeding tendon can lead an unsuccessful and unstable open reduction surgery. This is the first case of its kind where the delayed presenting patient was treated without resection of the tendon. Case Report: We describe a case of an irreducible neglected isolated anteromedial radial head dislocation in a 7-year-old male child presenting 2 months following injury with features of active heterotrophic ossification (HO). Open surgical exploration 4 months following the injury through the Boyd's approach revealed a hidden musculotendinous sling of superficial brachialis suspending the radial head anteromedially. Releasing the adhesions and relocation of the tendon allowed spontaneous radiocapitellar joint reduction. The joint congruency was maintained at 18 months and the functional outcome was excellent with a mild flexion-pronation deficit. Conclusion: Awareness of the rare impeding biceps/brachialis tendinous sling in cases of isolated anteromedial radial head dislocation can guide the surgeon to order an indicated preoperative magnetic resonance imaging and plan an early open reduction. HO may occur frequently with such an injury considering the severity of the associated soft-tissue injury.

Characterization of a Bowman-Birk type trypsin inhibitor purified from seeds of Solanum surattense.

A Bowman-Birk type trypsin inhibitor protein (SSTI) from seeds of the medicinal plant Solanum surattense was isolated, purified and characterized. SSTI showed a single band on SDS-PAGE corresponding to 11.4 kDa molecular weight. It is a glycoprotein (2.8% glycosylation) that differentially interacted with trypsin and chymotrypsin in a concentration-dependent manner. Its peptide sequence is similar to other Bowman-Birk type protease inhibitors found in Glycine max and Phaseolus acutifolius. The inhibitory activity was stable over a wide range of pH (1-10) and temperatures (10-100° C). Far-UV Circular Dichroism (CD) studies showed that SSTI contains ß sheets (~ 23%) and α helix (~ 6%) and demonstrated structural stability at wide pH and high temperature. The kinetic analysis revealed a noncompetitive (mixed) type nature of SSTI and low inhibitor constant (Ki) values (16.6 × 10-8 M) suggested strong inhibitory activity. Isothermal titration calorimetric analysis revealed its high affinity towards trypsin with dissociation constant (Kd) 2.28 µM.

Calcium prescription by Indian orthopaedic surgeons: A survey and a review of literature.

BACKGROUND: Orthopaedic surgeons prefer calcium supplement for various pathologies like fracture, osteoporosis, chronic musculoskeletal pain, yet there is no proper evidence to support the benefits of taking them regularly. The average requirement for calcium is around 500-1000 mg/day for a healthy adult, this amount of calcium is not achieved by diet, especially in developing countries like India. Despite this, the serum calcium level remains unaltered, due to the well-controlled absorption and excretion of calcium by the human body. As there is no clarity over the dose, duration and the prefered calcium salts, we constructed a survey to find the preferred dose, duration, the preferred calcium salts among orthopaedic surgeons, and to give an in-depth review of literature about dose, duration, timing, preferred calcium salt and various other calcium-related queries. MATERIALS AND METHOD: The survey included 15 pre-structured questionnaires; these questions were formatted and validated by senior surgeons and other specialists after a through a review of calcium-related literature. These questionnaires were used in a pilot study conducted within the department and were later modified and separated into 7 sections. Data were collected by both online survey (google forms) and direct interviews. RESULT AND CONCLUSION: 128 Orthopedic surgeons responded. The total number of response obtained was 2355. Unanswered questions were 152. From the survey, it was found that most orthopaedic surgeons prefer to prescribe calcium routinely (55.46%). The commonly used calcium salt was calcium carbonate (47.65%), followed by citrate (32.8%). 42.18% were not aware of the efficiency of prescribing calcium in divided doses. Most responded that calcium is not to be given for patients with renal stones, but literature shows that calcium prescribed reduces the recurrence of commonest kidney stones, calcium oxalate stones.

Effect of the Use of Die Lubricant on the Marginal Fit of Wax Patterns.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of die lubricant on the fit of wax patterns. An ivorine tooth was prepared to receive full-coverage metal-ceramic restoration with 360° shoulder finish line. The tooth was duplicated 40 times using additional silicone. The impression was poured with Type IV dental stone. These 40 dies were divided into 2 groups 20 each. Group A: The patterns were fabricated with the use of die lubricant. Group B: The patterns were fabricated without the use of die lubricant. Later, these patterns were sequentially checked for the marginal fit on the stereomicroscope. The readings from the stereomicroscope were tabulated; independent Student's t-test was used to compare the marginal fit between Group A and Group B. The mean gap on all four tooth surfaces in Group A (with use of die lubricant) was more compared to Group B (without use of die lubricant). CONCLUSION: Die lubricant definitely has their effect on fit of the wax pattern which later might be duplicated in the casting.

Chebulinic acid and Boeravinone B act as anti-aging and anti-apoptosis phyto-molecules during oxidative stress.

INTRODUCTION: Aquatic pollutant Malachite green (MG) induces oxidative stress by producing intracellular H2O2 and associated hydroxyl, hydroxymethyl or hydroperoxide radicals in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. These radicals disturb cellular functions leading to early aging. Exogenous supply of natural antioxidants may play a crucial role as anti-aging by ensuring the cellular survival. METHODS: Protective effect of Chebulinic acid (CA) and Boeravinone B (BB) was biochemically evaluated by measuring the expression levels of antioxidant enzymes. Intracellular oxidants generation, nuclear damage, necrosis, apoptosis, reduction in caspase 3/7 activity studied microscopically, spectrofluorometrically and biochemically along with growth dynamics and relative quantitation of Yap1, Sir2 and Bir1 expression using RT-PCR. RESULTS: Malachite green (MG) showed adverse effect on S. cerevisiae showing 400.83% enhancement in accumulation of intracellular H2O2 and associated hydroxyl, hydroxymethyl or hydroperoxide radicals. Independent supplementation of CA (5 µg/ml) and BB (3 µg/ml) significantly reduced the accumulation by 385.78 and 372.68%, respectively. Presence of MG extended the lag phase of growth curve and also reduced colony forming units (CFUs)/ml to 3 × 108 from 15 × 108. Whereas, CA and BB maintained the normal growth curve, CFUs and proved as anti-aging. Elevation in the activities of catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) by 241.35, 539.02 and 432.60% was observed after 2 h MG exposure. However, CA and BB significantly reduced the CAT, SOD and GPx activities. Microscopic observation of CA and BB augmented cells revealed protection from H2O2 and associated hydroxyl, hydroxymethyl or hydroperoxide radicals accumulation, nuclear disorganization, morphological distortion, apoptosis and necrosis contrary to MG exposed cells. An enhancement of 112.78% in caspase 3/7 activity was noted in MG exposed cells over control. Both CA and BB supplementation reduced the caspase 3/7 activity by 106.06 and 105.82%, respectively which was almost near normal. MG was found to induce the expression of yeast transcription factor Yap1; while presence of CA and BB restored expression of Yap1. Expression of longevity responsible gene Silent Information Regulator (Sir2) was also found to be reduced during MG exposure. However, CA and BB triggered the expression of Sir2. Similarly, MG lowered the expression of Baculoviral IAP repeat (Bir1) which is the inhibitor of apoptosis while CA and BB aided the over expression of Bir1. CONCLUSIONS: CA and BB supplementation could significantly decrease oxidative stress, enhance cell viability and ultimately protected S. cerevisiae cells form aging.

Genomic and functional characterization of coleopteran insect-specific α-amylase inhibitor gene from Amaranthus species.

The smallest 32 amino acid α-amylase inhibitor from Amaranthus hypochondriacus (AAI) is reported. The complete gene of pre-protein (AhAI) encoding a 26 amino acid (aa) signal peptide followed by the 43 aa region and the previously identified 32 aa peptide was cloned successfully. Three cysteine residues and one disulfide bond conserved within known α-amylase inhibitors were present in AhAI. Identical genomic and open reading frame was found to be present in close relatives of A. hypochondriacus namely Amaranthus paniculatus, Achyranthes aspera and Celosia argentea. Interestingly, the 3'UTR of AhAI varied in these species. The highest expression of AhAI was observed in A. hypochondriacus inflorescence; however, it was not detected in the seed. We hypothesized that the inhibitor expressed in leaves and inflorescence might be transported to the seeds. Sub-cellular localization studies clearly indicated the involvement of AhAI signal peptide in extracellular secretion. Full length rAhAI showed differential inhibition against α-amylases from human, insects, fungi and bacteria. Particularly, α-amylases from Helicoverpa armigera (Lepidoptera) were not inhibited by AhAI while Tribolium castaneum and Callosobruchus chinensis (Coleoptera) α-amylases were completely inhibited. Molecular docking of AhAI revealed tighter interactions with active site residues of T. castaneum α-amylase compared to C. chinensis α-amylase, which could be the rationale behind the disparity in their IC50. Normal growth, development and adult emergence of C. chinensis were hampered after feeding on rAhAI. Altogether, the ability of AhAI to affect the growth of C. chinensis demonstrated its potential as an efficient bio-control agent, especially against stored grain pests.

Phytoremediation of fluoride with garden ornamentals Nerium oleander, Portulaca oleracea, and Pogonatherum crinitum.

Nursery grown plants of Nerium oleander, Pogonatherum crinitum, and Portulaca oleracea were observed to remove fluoride up to 92, 80, and 73%, respectively, from NaF solution at the concentration of 10 mg L-1 within 15 days. Concentration range of 10-50 mg L-1 of fluoride revealed a constant decrease of removal from 92 to 51% within 15 days by N. oleander, while the biomass (one to five plants) showed enhancement in removal from 74 to 98% in 10 days. Translocation and bioaccumulation factors calculated after fluoride contents in roots and leaves of N. oleander, P. crinitum, and P. oleracea were 1.85, 1.19, and 1.43, and 9.8, 3.6, and 2.2, respectively. P . oleracea, P. crinitum, and N. oleander showed reductions in chlorophyll contents by 40, 57 and 25 and 8%, carbohydrates by 50, 44, and 16%, and proteins by 38, 53, and 15%, respectively. Activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione peroxidase (GPX) in the roots of P. oleracea, P. crinitum, and N. oleander were observed to be induced by 400, 383, and 500%; 80, 105, and 424%; and 153, 77, and 71%, respectively, while the leaves showed induction in SOD, CAT, and GPX activities by 550, 315, and 165%; 196, 227, and 243%; and 280, 242, and 184%, respectively. Results endorsed the superiority of N. oleander for fluoride removal over other plant species.

A glycoprotein α-amylase inhibitor from Withania somnifera differentially inhibits various α-amylases and affects the growth and development of Tribolium castaneum.

BACKGROUND: Identification and characterisation of plant defensive molecules enrich our resources to design crop protection strategies. In particular, plant-derived proteinaceous inhibitor(s) of insect digestive enzymes appear to be a safe, sustainable and attractive option. RESULTS: A glycoprotein having non-competitive α-amylase inhibitory activity with a molecular weight of 8.3 kDa was isolated and purified from seeds of Withania somnifera α-amylase inhibitor (WSAI). Its mass spectrometry analysis revealed 59% sequence coverage with Wrightide II-type α-amylase inhibitor from Wrightia religiosa. A dose-dependent inhibition of α-amylases from Aspergillus oryzae, Bacillus subtilis, Helicoverpa armigera and Tribolium castaneum was recorded. Interestingly, WSAI did not inhibit human salivary α-amylase significantly. When adults of T. castaneum were fed with WSAI (1.6 mg g-1 ), decrease in consumption, growth and efficiency of conversion of ingested food was evident, along with over fourfold increases in feeding deterrence index. A decline in larval residual α-amylase activity after feeding of WSAI resulted in a reduction in longevity of T. castaneum. CONCLUSION: The study reflects the significance of WSAI in affecting the overall growth and development of T. castaneum. Pre- and post-harvest pest resistive capability makes WSAI a potential candidate for insect pest management. Further, the effectiveness of this inhibitor could be explored either in formulations or through a transgenic approach. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry.

Characterization of two coleopteran α-amylases and molecular insights into their differential inhibition by synthetic α-amylase inhibitor, acarbose.

Post-harvest insect infestation of stored grains makes them unfit for human consumption and leads to severe economic loss. Here, we report functional and structural characterization of two coleopteran α-amylases viz. Callosobruchus chinensis α-amylase (CcAmy) and Tribolium castaneum α-amylase (TcAmy) along with their interactions with proteinaceous and non-proteinaceous α-amylase inhibitors. Secondary structural alignment of CcAmy and TcAmy with other coleopteran α-amylases revealed conserved motifs, active sites, di-sulfide bonds and two point mutations at spatially conserved substrate or inhibitor-binding sites. Homology modeling and molecular docking showed structural differences between these two enzymes. Both the enzymes had similar optimum pH values but differed in their optimum temperature. Overall, pattern of enzyme stabilities were similar under various temperature and pH conditions. Further, CcAmy and TcAmy differed in their substrate affinity and catalytic efficiency towards starch and amylopectin. HPLC analysis detected common amylolytic products like maltose and malto-triose while glucose and malto-tetrose were unique in CcAmy and TcAmy catalyzed reactions respectively. At very low concentrations, wheat α-amylase inhibitor was found to be superior over the acarbose as far as complete inhibition of amylolytic activities of CcAmy and TcAmy was concerned. Mechanism underlying differential amylolytic reaction inhibition by acarbose was discussed.

Phytoremediation of sulfonated Remazol Red dye and textile effluents by Alternanthera philoxeroides: An anatomical, enzymatic and pilot scale study.

Alternanthera philoxeroides Griseb. a macrophyte was found to degrade a highly sulfonated textile dye Remazol Red (RR) completely within 72 h at a concentration of 70 mg L(-1). An induction in the activities of azoreductase and riboflavin reductase was observed in root and stem tissues; while the activities of lignin peroxidase, laccase and DCIP reductase were induced in leaf tissues. Some enzymes namely tyrosinase, veratryl alcohol oxidase, catalase and superoxide dismutase displayed an increase in their activity in all the tissues in response of 72 h exposure to Remazol Red. There was a marginal reduction in contents of chlorophyll a (20%), chlorophyll b (5%) and carotenoids (16%) in the leaves when compared to control plants. A detailed anatomical study of the stem during uptake and treatment revealed a stepwise mechanism of dye degradation. UV-vis spectrophotometric and high performance thin layer chromatographic analyses confirmed the removal of parent dye from solution. Based on the enzymes activities and gas chromatography-mass spectroscopic analysis of degradation products, a possible pathway of phytotransformation of RR was proposed which revealed the formation of 4-(phenylamino)-1,3,5-triazin-2-ol, naphthalene-1-ol and 3-(ethylsulfonyl)phenol. Toxicity study on Devario aequipinnatus fishes showed that the anatomy of gills of fishes exposed to A. philoxeroides treated RR was largely protected. The plants were further explored for rhizofiltration experiments in a pilot scale reactor. A. philoxeroides could decolorize textile industry effluent of varying pH within 96 h of treatment which was evident from the significant reductions in the values of American dye manufacturers' institute color, chemical oxygen demand, biological oxygen demand, total dissolved and total suspended solids.

Isolation and survey of antibiotic sensitivity in nosocomial infections in north Maharashtra region.

BACKGROUND: The present work was aimed to study the prevalence of the drug resistance among Gram positive and Gram negative organisms isolated from clinical samples obtained from various private nursing homes of Jalgaon city and surrounding areas in the state of Maharashtra. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Different pathogenic organisms were isolated from one thousand seven hundred and ninety clinical samples obtained from various nursing homes of Jalgaon region of North Maharashtra, MS, India during the period of August, 2010 to July, 2011. Antibiotic sensitivity testing of isolated pathogenic organisms was done with fifty different antibiotics of 13 different groups by the disk diffusion technique using Mueller Hinton Agar Plates according to CLSI (formerly NCCLS) guidelines. RESULTS: Out of total samples analyzed 1171 samples showed the presence of infection while in 619 samples no growth of organisms was seen on culture medium. Microbial growth revealed presence of 11 different organisms (E. coli, Klebsiella spp., Proteus spp., Pseudomonas spp., Enterobacter spp., Salmonella spp., Acinetobater spp., Streptococccus spp., Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA and MSSA)) including Candida spp. Sensitivity profile of these organisms towards different antibiotics is reported here. CONCLUSION: The study resulted in generation of representative status of the antibiotic sensitivity pattern of commonly found organisms in nosocomial infections in the region. This could be useful for the clinicians to choose correct antibiotic and ensure the judicious use of the same for their patients.

Evaluation of free-radical quenching properties of standard Ayurvedic formulation Vayasthapana Rasayana.

BACKGROUND: Cellular damage induced by free-radicals like Reactive Oxygen and Nitrogen Species (ROS and RNS) has been implicated in several disorders and diseases, including ageing. Hence naturally occurring anti-oxidant rich-herbs play a vital role in combating these conditions. The present study was carried out to investigate the in vitro free-radical quenching capacity of a known Ayurvedic poly-herbal formulation called Vayasthapana Rasayana. METHODS: Methanol extracts of Vayasthapana Rasayana formulation (VRF) were studied for in vitro total antioxidant activity along with phenolic content and reducing power. In vitro assays like DPPH, FRAP, ABTS scavenging to evaluate radical quenching potential were performed. RESULTS: The formulation has shown 94% at 0.1 mg/ml DPPH free-radical scavenging activity as against 84% at 0.1 mg/ml for standard ascorbic acid (IC50 value 5.51 µg/ml for VRF and 39 µg/ml for standard). It has a significant higher ferric reducing potential also (OD 0.87 at 700 nm & 0.21 at 0.1 mg/ml for VRF and standard, respectively). The total phenolic content (gallic acid equivalent) of the VRF is 8.3 mg per g of dry mass. Total antioxidant capacity of the formulation, estimated by FRAP was 1150 ± 5 µM Fe(II)/g dry mass. ABTS radical scavenging activity of VRF was 69.55 ± 0.21% at 100 µg/ml concentration with a IC50 value of 69.87 µg/ml as against 9% and 95% by ascorbic acid and Trolox (at 70.452 µg/ml and 0.250 µg/ml concentrations, respectively). CONCLUSION: In Indian traditional Ayurvedic system, use of VRF is in regular practice for mainly combating age-related disorders and diseases as many of the components of the Rasayana are known for their free-radical scavenging activity. This study has validated the potential use of VRF as an anti-oxidant to fight age-related problems.

Rectal gel application of Withania somnifera root extract expounds anti-inflammatory and muco-restorative activity in TNBS-induced inflammatory bowel disease.

BACKGROUND: Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) is marked with chronic inflammation of intestinal epithelium driven by oxidative stress. Traditional treatments with plant extracts gained renewed interest due to their ability to ameliorate the multi factorial conditions like inflammation. We investigated the beneficial effects of Withania somnifera in Trinitro Benzyl Sulfonic Acid (TNBS) induced experimental IBD through a rectally applicable formulation. METHODS: The study included (i) preparation of gel formulation from aqueous Withania somnifera root extract (WSRE), (ii) biochemical assays to determine its performance potential, (iii) testing of formulation efficacy in TNBS-induced IBD rat model, and (iv) histo-patholgical studies to assess its healing and muco-regenerative effect in IBD-induced rats. For this purpose, concentration dependant antioxidant activity of the extracts were evaluated using biochemical assays like (a) inhibition of lipid peroxidation, (b) NO scavenging, (c) H2O2 scavenging, and (d) ferric reducing power assay. RESULTS: The extract, at 500 µg/ml, the highest concentration tested, showed 95.6% inhibition of lipid peroxidation, 14.8% NO scavenging, 81.79% H2O2 scavenging and a reducing capacity of 0.80. The results were comparable with standard antioxidants, ascorbic acid and curcumin. WSRE treatment positively scored on histopathological parameters like necrosis, edema, neutrophil infiltration. The post treatment intestinal features showed restoration at par with the healthy intestine. In view of these results, gel formulation containing an aqueous extract of W. somnifera, prepared for rectal application was tested for its anti-inflammatory activity in TNBS-induced rat models for IBD. Commercially available anti-inflammatory drug Mesalamine was used as the standard in this assay. CONCLUSIONS: Dose of the rectal gel applied at 1000 mg of WSRE per kg rat weight showed significant muco-restorative efficacy in the IBD-induced rats, validated by histo-pathological studies.

Evaluation of comparative free-radical quenching potential of Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri) and Mandookparni (Centella asiatica).

Ayurvedic texts describe rejuvenate measures called Rasayana to impart biological sustenance to bodily tissues. Rasayana acting specifically on brain are called Medhya Rasayana. Brahmi is one of the most commonly practiced herbs for the same. Yet there exist a controversy regarding the exact plant species among Bacopa monnieri L. Penn (BM) and Centella asiatica (L.) Urban (CA) to be used as Brahmi in the formulations. Though the current literature available has suggested a very good nootropic potential of both the drugs, none of the studies have been carried out on comparative potential of these herbs to resolve the controversy. Free-radical scavenging potential for these plants is studied to find out their comparative efficacy. The study revealed a very good in vitro free-radical scavenging properties of aqueous and ethanolic extracts of both the plants as evidenced by FRAP, DPPH, reducing power, and antilipid peroxidation assays. It can be concluded from the studies that both the plants, although taxonomically totally different at family level, showed similar type of in vitro activities. The total phenolic and flavonoid contents also revealed a significant similarity in the two plants. The in vitro study supports the Ayurvedic concept of BM and CA having a similar potential.