Study on developmental biochemical characteristics of Leishmania donovani promastigote and inhibitory effect of Achyranthes aspera Linn plant extract on it

Leishmania donovani is an obligatory intracellular digenetic parasite transmitted by insects, causing serious global health problems as it is endemic to most developing countries. Extensive use of antimony compounds as drugs poses high toxicity and cost; therefore, herbal medicine has identified a position. This study explored the developmental and biochemical characteristics of L. donovani promastigote and the effect of ethanolic extract of Achyranthes aspera Linn (Amaranthaceae) plant on it. The parasites were incubated at 2.5×106 cells/well for 72 h at 23 °C in the presence of various concentrations of extract (µg/mL) dissolved in 1% dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) with sterile phosphate-buffered saline and 1% DMSO as negative controls and meglumine antimoniate as positive control. Friedman’s repeated measures analysis showed that 96hr of development is the junction point in promastigotes ontogeny. Post 96hr, it grows with a long stationary phase with higher enzymatic activities of acid phosphatase, superoxide dismutase and glutathione (oxidized and reduced). Total protein estimated showed a linear relationship (R2 = 0.999). Phytochemical screening of the plant extract showed the presence of alkaloid, flavonoid, fixed oil and fats, saponin, tannin and phenolic compounds. It showed an effectual free radical scavenging in the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay with an inhibitory concentration IC50 value of 61.70 µg/ml. At a concentration of 250 µg/mL, the plant extract completely inhibited the promastigotes in vitro while at 50 µg/mL and 100 µg/mL, the survival level declined by 25-50%. These findings corroborate the ethnopharmacological use of this plant for the treatment of leishmaniasis caused by L. donovani

Pharmacognostical and Phytochemical evaluation of root of Asparagus racemosus Willd.

Aim of this is to examine the Pharmacognastical and Phytochemical properties of Asparagus racemosus. The qualitative microscopy, Phytochemical screening, physicochemical evolution, fluorescence analysis and HPTLC studies were carried out according to the standard procedure recommended in WHO guidelines. The root had compactly arranged, uniseriate, polygonal to radially elongated, thick walled cell represent the outermost piliferous layer. Immediately laying below the epidermis is extensively developed, several layers of thick cortex made up of parenchymatous cells. The cortical cells contain raphide bundles. The innermost one or two layer of cortex immediately outside the endodermis comprises thick-walled cells, with the numerous oval or circular pits on their walls. Endodermis is composed of a single layer of compactly arranged, barrel-shaped parenchymatous cells. Inner to endodermis is a single layer of thin-walled, parenchymatous cells constituting the pericycle in the form of a ring, which surrounds a central stele. Phytochemical investigation of root shows total ash (6.5 %w/w), acid insoluble ash (1.3% w/w), and water-soluble ash (2.2% w/w).  Loss on drying is (5.5% w/w). Cold extractive value in pet, ether (0.5%% w/w) in chloroform (3.4% w/w), methanol (8.0 % w/w) and in water (10.2% w/w). Hot extractive value in pet. ether (0.9% w/w),  in chloroform (4.6 % w/w), methanol (10.40 % w/w) and  in water  (11.2% w/w). In methanolic extract and aqueous extract, tannins and saponins present in a major amount. Other constituents include carbohydrate, glycosides and phenolic compounds were present. Various pharmacognistical parameters evaluated in this study help in identification and standardization of the root of Asparagus racemosus. Keywords:  Asparagus racemosus Willd, Satavar; Phytochemical investigation, Phytochemistr

Role of Nitric Oxide in Breast Cancer

Nitric oxide (NO) is a universal, water-soluble, free radical gas, which plays an important role in the physiological along with pathological processes. NO has been shown in the literature as a key player in carcinogenesis as well as tumor development. Still, there is a lot of debate and misunderstanding about its involvement in cancer. It is believed to have both tumoricidal as well as tumor-promoting effects, which are determined by its timing, location, and concentration. NO has been linked to angiogenesis, apoptosis, cell cycle, invasion, and metastasis. On the other hand, it is emerging as a possible anti-oncogenic agent. Strategies for manipulating in vivo production and exogenous delivery of this molecule for therapeutic gain are being investigated. For therapeutic advantage, strategies for controlling in vivo synthesis and exogenous distribution of this molecule are being investigated. Further research in experimental settings and clinical trials is required to enhance innovative NO-based cancer prevention and treatment strategies. The spectrum of NO actions in cancer and the mechanisms by which NO acts in breast cancer are addressed in this article.</jats:p

Physical and Geotechnical Perspectives of Gypsum on Lime Stabilized Expansive Soil: A Critical Appraisal

Abstract The gypsum is the source of sulphate commonly found in the soils throughout the world. The expansive soils are considered as problematic soils as they exhibit uncertain swelling and shrinkage in presence of moisture. The expansive soils are treated with different stabilizers to suppress the swelling behaviour. Lime is most effective stabilizer used to stabilize the expansive soil. Researchers reported that expansive soil when treated with lime encounters the gypsum it regenerates the swelling. This regenerated expansion of lime treated soil in presence of sulphate may have alarming signs for sulphate bearing soils. The presence of sulphate alters the mineralogical behaviour of expansive clay. The stabilization additive used f or such soils needs more attention. A comprehensive approach towards proper understanding of the effects of gypsum on lime stabilized soil is required in order to understand the future threats of expansive soils. In this paper, an attempt has been made to present a comprehensive review on the effects of (Gypsum) calcium sulphate dihydrate on the physical properties of untreated and lime treated expansive soil have.</jats:p