No abstract

The earthworm, Eudrilus eugeniae, has a prodigious ability to regenerate lost segments. The skin of the worm has an outermost epidermal layer followed by a thick circular muscle layer and an innermost thin longitudinal cell layer. During the process of regeneration, the circular muscle layer decreased in thickness, and longitudinal cell layer increased. The histological analysis of the regenerated worm shows that the longitudinal cell layer forms the regeneration blastema. BrdU-labeling retention assay confirmed that the circular muscle and longitudinal cell layers have BrdU-positive cells, which migrate from the adjacent segments to the regeneration blastema. In addition, it was noted that the cells of the earthworm, E. eugeniae, have the property of autofluorescence. Autofluorescence was found in the cytoplasm, but not in the nucleus. It has been also found that the major source for autofluorescence is riboflavin. Further, it was also demonstrated that supplementation with riboflavin increases the rate of regeneration, while regeneration was hampered by reduced levels of riboflavin. The importance of riboflavin in regeneration was also confirmed by rescue assay. In addition, it was also identified that BrdU-positive cells are highly fluorescent compared to the surrounding cells.

Antimicrobial textiles have gained much attention and popularity in the market and in day-today life during the last two decades. The textile industries continue to introduce different methods in their production to enhance the quality of their products and to satisfy their customers. Increased competition in the industry has lead to the development of different synthetic antimicrobial agents. Though these synthetic agents are used widely, they pose a threat to both the users and the environment. Taking into consideration these threatening issues, several environmental bodies have implemented rules in the use of synthetic agents. On the contrary, the natural antimicrobial agents which have less adverse effect on humans and are eco friendly, are gaining much attention. Several natural agents such as basil (active agent is eugenol), neem (active limnoids like azadirachtin, nimbinin), turmeric (curcumin), clove oil, chitosan, sercin, onion, aloevera and pomegranate have antimicrobial properties. This review paper highlights the different natural antimicrobial sources, their effect on public and the possibilities of using these agents in textiles to impart antimicrobial properties and to develop different products.

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This study is designed to explore the phytochemical, antibacterial and wound healing activity of methanolic stem extract of Musa paradisiaca Linn. (Banana). The phytochemical analysis was performed for the methanolic stem extract of Musa paradisiaca Linn. Results indicates that the Musa paradisiaca Linn. was rich in glucosides, tannins and alkaloids, saponins, flavonoids and phenols were present in moderate quantities. The extract shows antibacterial activity against Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus with the zone of inhibition of Pseudomonas aeruginosa was 21 mm and Staphylococcus aureus was 19 mm at concentration of 500 µg/disc. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) was also evaluated for the extract. Wistar albino rats were selected for wound healing activity. The burn wound was created by using red hot steel rod from above the hind limb region. The methanolic extract was applied on the wound and the progressive changes were monitored every day. The wound contraction rate was absorbed based on the histopathological examination. It was concluded that the methanolic extract of Musa paradisiaca Linn. showed greater healing activity compared to control in Wistar albino rats.