Of the various derivatives of caffeic acid, caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE) is a hydrophobic, bioactive polyphenolic ester obtained from propolis extract. The objective in writing this review article was to summarize all published studies on therapeutics of CAPE in inflammation and cancer to extract direction for future research. The possible molecular targets for the action of CAPE, include various transcription factors such as nuclear factor-κB, tissue necrosis factor-α, interleukin-6, cyclooxygenase-2, Nrf2, inducible nitric oxide synthase, nuclear factor of activated T cells, hypoxia-inducible factor-1α, and signal transducers and activators of transcription. Based on the valuable data on its therapeutics in inflammation and cancer, clinical studies of CAPE should also be conducted to explore its toxicities, if any.

No abstract

Ricinus communis (castor plant) is a potent medicinal plant, which is commonly used in the treatment of various ailments. The present study was conducted to appraise the cytotoxicity and mutagenicity of R. communis along with antioxidant and antimicrobial activities. Cytotoxicity was evaluated by hemolytic and brine shrimp assays, whereas Ames test (TA98 and TA100) was used for mutagenicity evaluation. Plant different parts were extracted in methanol by shaking, sonication and Soxhlet extraction methods. The R. communis methanolic extracts showed promising antioxidant activity evaluated as through total phenolic contents (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), DPPH free radical inhibition, reducing power and inhibition of linoleic acid oxidation. R. communis seeds, stem, leaves, fruit and root methanolic extracts showed mild to moderate cytotoxicity against red blood cells (RBCs) of human and bovine. Brine shrimp lethality also revealed the cytotoxic nature of extracts with LC 50 in the range of 0.22-3.70 (µg/mL) (shaking), 1.59-60.92 (µg/mL) (sonication) and 0.72-33.60 (µg/mL) (Soxhlet), whereas LC 90 values were in the range of 345. 42-1695.81, 660.50-14,794.40 and 641.62-15,047.80 µg/mL for shaking, sonication and Soxhlet extraction methods, respectively. R. communis methanolic extracts revealed mild mutagenicity against TA98 (range 1975 ± 67 to 2628 ± 79 revertant colonies) and TA100 (range 2773 ± 92 to 3461 ± 147 revertant colonies) strains and these values were 3267 ± 278 and 4720 ± 346 revertant colonies in case of TA98 and TA100 positive controls, respectively. R. communis methanolic extracts prevented the H 2 O 2 and UV to Plasmid pBR 322 DNA oxidative damage. Results revealed that R. communis is a potential source of bioactive compounds and in future studies the bioactive compounds will be identified by advanced spectroscopic techniques.

No abstract

Twenty-two desi chickpea genotypes were subjected to consolidated zonal yield trials over fourteen locations. At Nuclear Institute of Food and Agriculture, the study was undertaken to characterise the best genotype regarding physicochemical, agronomic and consumer's acceptability characteristics. The data revealed the highest seed size (0.26 g), volume (0.21 mL), weight after hydration (0.54 g), volume after hydration (0.50 mL), hydration capacity (0.28 mL) and swelling capacity for genotype Bahawalpur. The genotypes 96A3148, CMN 2385/96, 99CC015 and PB2000 are preferred having minimum cooking time (<80.0 min). Highest concentration of protein (>20%) was observed in NCS 9904, NCS 911 and 99CC015. Shortest period for flowering was credited to PB 2000 and 96A3148 while minimum period for maturity was noted for NCS 9905. PB 2000 was declared high yielding genotype having 2340 kg ha À1 . Seed size was highly significantly correlated to seed volume (0.89), wet weight (0.97), wet volume (0.93), hydration Capacity (0.88) and swelling capacity (0.80). Days to maturity were negatively but highly significantly correlated to plant height (À.075) and yield (À0.86). Genotype 97086 out yielded all other genotypes in consolidated zonal yield trial over fourteen locations.

No abstract

No abstract

No abstract