ABSTRACT

Ethanol extract of Ammannia baccifera was studied for its protective nature against the oxidative damage of lipids, proteins and DNA in carbon tetrachloride (CCl 4 )-induced toxicity in rats. CCl 4 administration to albino Wistar rats increased the levels of lipid peroxidation, protein carbonyls and decreased the levels of total sulfhydryls. CCl 4 also induced the elevation of DNA damage measured by the comet assay. The study revealed that the administration of the ethanol extract of A. baccifera to CCl 4 intoxicated rats could significantly (P , 0.01) decrease the levels of lipid peroxidation, protein carbonyls and increased the levels of total sulfhydryls in a dose-dependent manner. It was also found that the ethanol extract of A. baccifera prevent the CCl 4 -induced elevation of DNA damage in hepatocytes. These results suggest that treatment with the ethanol extract of A. baccifera can minimize the deleterious effects caused by CCl 4 through its strong antioxidative and free radical scavenging properties.

“Thamira parpam” (TP), a copper-based herbometallic oxide (copper (II) oxide) nanodrug has been used in Siddha medicine for centuries because of its anti-ulcerogenic property. However, the physicochemical properties and in vivo toxicity of TP still remain elusive. Rigorous clinical translation requires deciphering these vital properties. We have synthesized TP following a gold standard protocol in the traditional Siddha methodology. We assessed the size, phase, elemental constituents, and thermal stability of TP by SEM and TEM, XRD, EPR, and EDAX analyses, respectively. The results depicted the conversion of metallic copper into copper (II) oxide in the final stages of TP preparation and exhibited nanodimensions ranging between 10 and 50 nm. The XPS spectra revealed the presence of oxygen-deficient state and a carbonaceous coating was found on the surface of TP using TEM analysis. In vivo safety was studied in rat toxicity models by adopting OECD guidelines. Body weight changes, feed, and water intake were unaltered upon TP administration. Hematological, biochemical profiling, and histopathological findings also suggested its nontoxic nature with no abnormalities in major organs and its functions. Interestingly, we found that the metal toxicity could have been subdued because of the carbonaceous coating around the nanoparticle copper (II) oxide, confirming that the drug is safe at a low dose. Overall, our study has enlightened the safety of TP supporting the use of Siddha formulations.

Identity authentication systems and procedures are rapidly becoming one of the central issues in the practice and study of information systems development and security. Requirements for Web Transaction Security (WTS) include strong authentication of user, non-repudiation and encryption of all traffic. In this paper, we present an effective mechanism involving two different channels, which addresses the prime concerns involved in the security of the Electronic Commerce Transactions (ECT) viz. the user authentication and the non-repudiation. Although the product is primarily targeted to provide a fillip to the transaction carried out over the web, this product can also be effectively used for transactions that are carried out other than Internet where user authentication is required.

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The protein extract of Etroplus suratensis (E. suratensis) collected from Bavanisagar dam was found to be effective against all tested organisms with an inhibition zone ranging from 0.2 to 1.9 mm. When the result was compared with standard antibiotic Streptomycin, a moderate efficiency was observed. In vitro, an antibacterial assay was used to assess the efficacy of fish protein in inhibiting the growth of pathogenic microbes. The fish protein of E. suratensis collected from Bavanisagar had a broad spectrum of antibacterial potential. The minimal inhibitory concentrations of E. suratensis against pathogens are the highest in protein collected from Bavanisagar. In the fish protein collected from Bavanisagar, it has been shown that the minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) value is higher in Bacillus subtilis (0.85/20 µg/ml) and the lowest in Micrococcus (0.1/100 µg/ml). The sub-lethal dose of fish protein was estimated at 1/10 of 96 h LD50 dose (30 µg/ml/Kg), the antibody response was significantly enhanced on day 14 and day 21 (p < 0.01). The highest IgG level was noticed on day 21, which decreased towards day 28. This result showed the antibody production with an increased IgG concentration. The above results demonstrate that fish protein extracts have great potential as immunostimulants against the microorganisms and they can be used in the treatment of infectious diseases caused by the microorganisms.

Background:Murraya koenigii, commonly known as "curry leaves" is native to India. The highly valued part of the plant is the leaves which possess various biological activities. Objective: The present study aimed to investigate the antidiabetic effect of Murraya koenigii (MK) leaf extracts, of two different solvent ratios. Materials and methods: 70% hydroalcoholic and alkaloidal extracts of MK leaves were prepared by cold maceration method. Preliminary phytochemical analysis was carried out for both the extracts. In vitro anti diabetic activity was screened by inhibitory action on α -amylase, α -glucosidase enzymes. Further, the 70% hydroalcoholic and alkaloidal extracts were assessed for glucose uptake potential, anti -adipogenic property, as well as inhibitory activity on diabetes associated complications. HPTLC quantification of major phytoconstituent was carried out. Results: The study showed presence of various phytoconstituents such as, polyphenols, alkaloids, tannins, reducing sugars etc. The 70% hydroalcoholic and alkaloidal extracts of MK leaves exhibited >90% inhibition against carbohydrate metabolising enzymes compared to aqueous and absolute alcohol extracts. Both the extracts showed enhanced glucose uptake in L6 myotubes attenuating the effect of Palmitate induced insulin resistance. Significant inhibition on adipogenesis was exerted by both 70% hydroalcoholic and alkaloidal extracts of MK leaves. Besides, marked inhibition of advanced glycation end products was exhibited by the extracts. HPTLC quantification analysis of the aforementioned extracts showed the presence of major phytoconstituent, Mahanine, in it. Conclusion: The results of the present study showed that MK possesses significant antidiabetic property and also exhibited considerable effect in preventing diabetes associated complications. The potent antidiabetic activity of MK could be attributed to the presence of Mahanine, the major active constituent, which is a carbazole alkaloid.