Selection of solvent and extraction method for determination of antimicrobial potential of Taxus wallichiana Zucc.

Antimicrobial potential of different plant parts (needle, stem and bark) of Himalayan yew (Taxus wallichiana Zucc.) has been investigated with particular reference to selection of solvents and extraction methods. Two extraction methods (maceration and soxhlet), seven solvents (methanol, ethanol, acetone, chloroform, ethyl  acetate, di chloro methane and Petroleum ether), and 3 groups of microorganisms (bacteria, actinobacteria and fungi) were considered for detection of antimicrobial activity. While qualitative estimations were done using agar well diffusion method, quantitative analysis was based on dilution method. All the plant part showed significant activity against all 3 groups of microorganisms in qualitative bioassays; maximum being in case of needles. Among solvents, ethanolic extract of needles (maceration) showed highest antibacterial activity (15.33 ± 0.25 mm). Growth of actinobacteria was inhibited maximum (22.0±0.26 mm) by the methanolic extracts of needles (maceration). Ethyl acetate extract of needles (soxhlet) showed higher antifungal activity (7.84±0.21 mm). Antibacterial and antifungal activities were higher in maceration and soxhlet methods, respectively. The most affected group among the test microorganisms was bacteria which may be due to their prokaryotic organization. This was also supported by the low minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values. Di chloro methane and petroleum ether did not show any antifungal activity. The antimicrobial activity of various plant parts of T. wallichiana varied with respect to the solvent as well as the extraction method. The study will have implications in selection of the use of solvent and the extraction procedure in obtaining the antimicrobial metabolites from various plant parts of T. wallichiana

The Impact of Processing Methods and Conditions on Nutritional Properties of Soybean-Based Tofu: A Review

The soybean seed is used for the preparation of protein rich tofu. Along with protein, it is also rich in many other nutrients including carbohydrate, crude fibre, carbohydrate, fat, minerals, and isoflavones. Antinutrients are also present in tofu, although the concentration is less that the raw grains. The nutrient content is affected by the tofu preparation method used starting from selection of suitable soybean seed, seed soaking, sprouting, soymilk production and coagulation using different types of natural and artificial coagulants. These procedures also affect the textural properties of the tofu and their shelf life

Comparative analysis of nutraceutical potential of turmeric grown in different areas of Almora, Uttarakhand: Nutraceutical potential of turmeric

Curcuma longa (Turmeric) is an important medicinal condiment, which is known for its unique phytochemicals and biological activities. Seven turmeric powder samples obtained from five different locations of Almora District, Uttarakhand were compared for their nutraceutical potential in terms of proximate composition, phytochemical constituents such as phenolics and flavonoids, along with their antioxidant potential, curcumin, minerals etc. The commercial brand was taken for comparison purposes. Total fat was found highest in Jamradi sample (10.07%) while lowest was found in commercial sample (2.72%). The curcumin (5.13%), total phenolic (2.12 mg GAE 100 mg-1 DW) and flavonoid contents (5.43 mg QE 100 mg-1 DW) were highest in the Tani turmeric sample. DPPH activity of Dharad and Market samples were quite comparable (0.24 mg AAE 100 mg-1 DW), and FRAP activity was highest for Hawalbagh sample (0.44 mg AAE 100 mg-1 DW). Total fat, total moisture, phytic acid and oxalate content were identified as main factors causing difference among the turmeric samples

Antimicrobial and antioxidant phytochemicals in leaf extracts of <i>Bergenia ligulata</i>: a Himalayan herb of medicinal value

<div><p>Phenolic and flavonoid contents in leaf extracts of <i>Bergenia</i><i>ligulata</i> have been analysed for their contribution in antimicrobial and antioxidant activities. The extracts were prepared in three solvents (separately) following maceration and soxhelt methods. The antimicrobial activity was tested using disc diffusion assay against a range of microorganisms along with the determination of minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), while the antioxidant activity was tested following DPPH assay. Leaf extracts exhibited antimicrobial activity against all the three groups of microorganisms; results coincided with respective MIC. In general, the methanol extracts prepared through maceration favoured the determination of antimicrobial and antioxidant activities. Maximum values for phenolic and flavonoid contents were obtained in macerated methanol and ethyl acetate extracts, respectively. The statistical correlations exhibited the extent of the contribution of phenolic and flavonoid contents in antimicrobial and antioxidant activities and also indicated the involvement of other plant metabolites.</p></div

Bioaugmentation of endosulfan contaminated soil in artificial bed treatment using selected fungal species

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Simulation of a fixed bed adsorber for thiophene removal

Breakthrough adsorption of 2-methyl thiophene on fixed beds of NiY. CeY and CeNiY adsorbents wete evaluated at room temperature from a feed containing different concentrations of2-methyl thiophene in n-hexane. The breakthrough curves were simulated by applying an axial dispersed plug flow model, modified to enable use of Langmuir isotherm parameters, for isothermal adsorption oftrace systems. The model is able to predict the breakthrough curves fairly accurately. The model parameters include mass transfer coefficients and axial diffusivities. It is shown that the mass transfer parameters can be estimated independently of the experimental data. This improves the versatility of the model for scale up calculations