NISCAIR Online Periodicals Repository Community: IJNPR Vol.3 [2012]

Role of Tridax procumbens Linn. in the management of experimentally induced urinary calculi and oxidative stress in rats

Wed, 28 Nov 2012 22:58:59 GMT

Title: Role of Tridax procumbens Linn. in the management of experimentally induced urinary calculi and oxidative stress in rats

Authors: Sailaja, B; Bharathi, K; Prasad, K V S R G

Abstract: Renal calculi formation is one of the common urological disorders. Hyperoxaluria and hypercalciuria are reported to be major risk factors for renal stone formation. Studies show that exposure to oxalate is toxic to renal epithelial cells and results in oxidative stress. In the present study, ethanolic extract of whole plant of Tridax procumbens Linn. was evaluated for antiurolithiatic activity against 0.75% v/v ethylene glycol and 2% w/v ammonium chloride induced calcium oxalate renal stones and also for antioxidant activity against hyperoxaluria promoted oxidative stress in male albino rats. In the control rats, ethylene glycol and ammonium chloride administration resulted in increased urinary calcium, oxalate and creatinine and renal deposition of calcium and oxalate. Significant increase in oxidative stress was also observed. Histopathology of kidneys revealed many calcium oxalate crystal depositions and extensive renal tubular damage. In the test rats, treatment with ethanolic extract of T. procumbens decreased the elevated levels of urinary calcium, oxalate and creatinine and significantly lowered renal deposition of calcium and oxalate. Substantial reduction in oxidative stress was also noticed. Renal histology showed considerable reduction in calcium oxalate crystal depositions. Our study results suggest that T. procumbens is endowed with antiurolithiatic and antioxidant activities.

Page(s): 535-540

Isolation and characterization of carotenoid producing Haloarchaea from solar saltern of Mulund, Mumbai, India

Wed, 28 Nov 2012 22:58:59 GMT

Title: Isolation and characterization of carotenoid producing Haloarchaea from solar saltern of Mulund, Mumbai, India

Authors: Pathak, Anupama P; Sardar, Aparna G

Abstract: Seven efficient carotenoid producing Halophiles were isolated and characterized from Solar saltern of Mulund, Mumbai, Maharashtra. Of these, a Gram negative aerobic rod shaped organisms SS-12 was selected for carotenoid production. It was identified as Halorubrum sp. using cultural, microscopic and biochemical characterization. Isolate SS-12 showed luxuriant growth at 20% NaCl concentration, 35°C temperature and at 7 pH. Spectophotometric analysis of pigment revealed that the pigment is bacterioruberin type. The antioxidant activity exhibited by extracted pigments was equivalent to the antioxidant activity of lutein and astaxanthin at 4 mM concentration.

Page(s): 483-488

Traditional knowledge and ethnobotanical uses of piscicidal plants of Nagaland, North east India

Wed, 28 Nov 2012 22:58:59 GMT

Title: Traditional knowledge and ethnobotanical uses of piscicidal plants of Nagaland, North east India

Authors: Dominic, R; Ramanujam, S N

Abstract: Harvesting of fish using piscicidal (fish poisoning) plants has been a common practice by the tribal people of Nagaland. The present study documents the piscicidal plants and their usage based on the information acquired from the local community. Many of these plants besides piscicidal property possess other therapeutic properties which are used in traditional medicines. Seventeen piscicidal plants which are traditionally used for fish catching and in preparation of local medicine from the state of Nagaland have been recorded, along with plant parts, viz. roots, bark, leaves, fruits and seeds. The paper enumerates and discusses the piscicidal and ethnobotanical utilization of these plants and their bio-active compounds. Some of these plants may have application in fish nursery management by local farmers substituting for rotenone.

Page(s): 582-588

Ethnomedicinal plants and their utilization by tribals of Mahur range forest of Nanded district of Maharashtra, India

Wed, 28 Nov 2012 22:58:59 GMT

Title: Ethnomedicinal plants and their utilization by tribals of Mahur range forest of Nanded district of Maharashtra, India

Authors: Kanthale, P R; Biradar, S D

Abstract: The present paper deals with the observation of ethnomedicinal uses of plant wealth by Gond, Kolam, Pradhan, Naikde and Andh tribes of Mahur range forest of Nanded district. This range was selected for investigation, as the tribals of this area are mainly dependent upon the forest flora for their livelihood and use herbal medicines for curing the ailments and diseases. Altogether 25 plants were recorded which are used by tribal people in formulation of 32 different ethnomedicinal preparation for curing 24 different types of diseases and ailments. Many of these ethnomedicinal preparations are new. Among 32 ethnomedicinal uses 20 are administrated in the form of single drug for curing white discharge, dysentery, fever, cough, kidney stone, asthma, etc. The data of this study provide the botanical name, family, local name, part(s) used, mode of administration, etc. Some noteworthy plants which are used in curing the diseases are: Abelmoschus crinitus Wall., Crotalaria notonii Wight & Arn., Cyperus sanguinolentus Vahl., Gloriosa superba Linn., Indigofera tinctoria Linn., Phyllanthus maderaspatensis Linn., Desmodium velutinum (Willd.) DC., etc.

Page(s): 578-581