Effect of Nitrogenous Fertilizer on the Vegetative Growth and Yield Attribute of Pea (Pisum sativum L.)

An experiment was conducted to study the effect of chemical fertilizer on the pea growth and yield attributes. Therefore, the main objective of this study was to investigate the effect of chemical fertilizer alone and in combination. This study consists of three different nitrogen levels (90, 100 and 110 kg ha-1as urea), three different levels of phosphorus (60, 70 and 80 P2O5 kg ha-1 as DAP) and their combination. Treatments were arranged in a complete randomized block design with three replications. The results showed that both the single and combined application of nitrogen and phosphorus fertilizer increased the growth and yield attribute of the pea plant. Maximum number of primary (6.91) and secondary branches per plant (7.97), number of leaves per plant (12.50) and plant height (51.24 cm) was attained by the combine application of P80+N110. Similarly, the maximum increase in yield parameters such as pod length (7.5 cm), number of pods per plant(7.23), pod weight (12.50 g) and number of grains per pod was obtained in P80+N110. In general, combined application of fertilizers significantly increased all the growth and yield attribute of the pea plant when compared to fertilizers applied alone with respect to control

The Influence of Plastic Mulching Materials and Sowing Dates on the Yield and Yield Components of Pea (Pisum sativum L.)

The use of plastic mulches affects the microclimate in the vicinity of the plant by modifying the radiation on the soil surface and reduce the loss of water. Pea is more nutritious and 2nd food source after cereals at Pakistan, but due to lake of proper management, yield is still not up to mark as compare to developed world. To reduce this problem, a field experiment was conducted to investigate the effect of mulching material and sowing dates on the yield of Pea. The study consisted of three different mulching materials (Polythene Black, Polythene Blue and Polythene Brown) with three different sowing dates (1st, 15th and 30th October) arranged in a Randomized Complete Block Design with three replications. The results showed that different sowing dates and mulching materials had significant effect on the yield parameters of Pea. Regarding sowing dates, maximum days to pod formation (8.08 days), pods plant?1 (21.25), Pod weight (18.84 g) and pod yield (4.39 tons ha?1) were noted in pea sown on October 1st. Whereas, minimum data of days to pod formation (3.08 days), pod plant?1 (15.34), pod weight (13.17 g) and pod yields (2.69tons ha?1) were recorded in pea sown on October 30th. In case of mulching types maximum number of pods plant?1 (19.00), pod length (6.89 cm), seeds pod?1 (7.78), pod weight (17.34 g) and pod yield (3.69 tons ha?1) were observed in pea mulched with Polythene Black, while minimum pods plant-1, pod length, seeds pod-1, pod weight and pod yield were found in control. The study suggested that pea should be sown on October 1st while mulched with Polythene Black to produce maximum yield and production in agro environment of district Peshawar

Formulation and Evaluation of Extended Release Floating Matrix Tablet of Eperisone Hydrochloride by Direct Compression Method

Increased complications and costs of marketing of innovative drugs focused greater attention to the development of sustained release (SR) or controlled release (CR) drug delivery systems. Delivery systems extended release or controlled release rate can achieve predictable and reproducible, the extended duration of activity for the short time of life - drugs, reduced toxicity and dose reduction request, the optimized therapy and better patient compliance. It is controlled primarily by the type and the proportion of the polymers used in the preparation. Eperisone hydrochloride is a centrally acting muscle relaxant acting through poly and mono-synaptic reflexes in the spinal cord, exhibits vasodilator effect, increases blood flow and inhibits the pain reflex pathway. The objective of present work was to develop and evaluated oral extended release floating matrix tablet of eperisone HCl prepared by the method of direct compression, using hydroxy propyl methyl cellulose (HPMC K15, HPMC K4) and PVP K30 as matrix formation polymers. Sodium bicarbonate and citric acid was used as gas generating agents. The FTIR spectra of the eperisone HCl and other excipients alone and in combination show the compatibility of the drug and excipients. Nine formulations of different polymer percentages were formulated (F1-F9). Pre-compression parameters were evaluated. The influence of matrix forming agents and binary mixtures of them on eperisone HCl release was investigated. The formulated tablets were characterized by thickness and diameter, drug content, hardness, friability, uniformity of weight, In vitro buoyancy studies and dissolution rate studies. The formulated tablets had acceptable physicochemical characters. The data obtained from the in-vitro dissolution studies of optimized batch F7 were fitted in different models. The optimized formulation F7 showed 99.45±0.45% drug content and floating lag times of 65±4 sec. Drug release mechanism was found to be first order kinetics. Eperisone HCl floating tablets exhibited increased gastric residence time, there by improved bioavailability and therapeutic effect of the drug. Keywords: Sustained release, Eperisone hydrochloride, Direct compression, Pre and post compression parameter

Assessment of Seed Priming Effect on Germination and Cotton Productivity of Two Cotton Varieties in Multan

Background: Cotton is one of the important cash crops for fiber production globally. It is highly sensitive to abiotic stresses such as temperature, drought and salinity resulting in poor seedling germination and emergence leading to a decline in cotton productivity. Seed germination can be improved through physiological techniques mainly seed priming, which is a pre-sowing treatment that enables the seed to germinate more efficiently. Therefore, to assess the effects of seed priming on growth and yield production an in vivo study was performed with two different cotton cultivars (namely, BS-13 and FH-Lalazar).Methods: A field trial was conducted at Multan that comprised six treatments including T1: non-primed seeds (control) and treated seeds such as T2: hydro-priming (water), T3 & T4: hormonal priming (two different concentrations of indole acetic acid) and T5 & T6: halo-priming (two different concentrations of KNO3). The data were collected to evaluate the rate of seed germination, growth and yield of cotton under the effect of seed priming.Results: The study revealed that halo priming treatment with KNO3 enhanced the rate of seed germination by 83% as well as seedling emergence by ~90% in both cotton cultivars. Results showed that seed priming with KNO3 (3 g L-1) had the most promising effect on growth traits up to a variant extent as compared to the control plant. Meanwhile, yield attributes such as the number of cotton bolls and boll weight per plant significantly increased by 45% as compared to non-primed plants. Similarly, priming with KNO3 treatment displayed a significantly high cotton yield by 17% (767 kg ha-1) in both cotton cultivars as compared to their respective control treatment.Conclusion: Current study concluded that seed priming is an efficient and cost-effective technique that plays a vital role in better crop establishment consequently increasing germination rate, plant growth attributes and productivity of the cotton crop.Keywords: Multan; Cotton; Seed germination; Seed priming; Yield; KNO3 

Service user involvement for mental health system strengthening in India: a qualitative study

Background - There is a wide recognition that involvement of service users and their caregivers in health system policy and planning processes can strengthen health systems; however, most evidence and experience has come from high-income countries. This study aimed to explore baseline experiences, barriers and facilitators to service user-caregiver involvement in the emerging mental health system in India, and stakeholders’ perspectives on how greater involvement could be achieved. Methods - A qualitative study was conducted in Sehore district of Madhya Pradesh, India. In-depth interviews (n = 27) and a focus group discussion were conducted among service users, caregivers and their representatives at district, state and national levels and policy makers, service providers and mental health researchers. The topic guide explored the baseline situation in India, barriers and facilitators to service user and caregiver involvement in the following aspects of mental health systems: policy-making and planning, service development, monitoring and quality control, as well as research. Framework analysis was employed. Results - Respondents spoke of the limited involvement of service users and caregivers in the current Indian mental health system. The major reported barriers to this involvement were (1) unmet treatment and economic needs arising from low access to mental health services coupled with the high burden of illness, (2) pervasive stigmatising attitudes operating at the level of service user, caregiver, community, healthcare provider and healthcare administrators, and (3) entrenched power differentials between service providers and service users. Respondents prioritised greater involvement of service users in the planning of their own individual-level mental health care before considering involvement at the mental health system level. A stepwise progression was endorsed, starting from needs assessment, through empowerment and organization of service users and caregivers, leading finally to meaningful involvement. Conclusions - Societal and system level barriers need to be addressed in order to facilitate the involvement of service users and caregivers to strengthen the Indian mental health system. Shifting from a largely ‘provider-centric’ to a more ‘user-centric’ model of mental health care may be a fundamental first step to sustainable user involvement at the system level

Anti-Anemic and Haemopoietic Evaluation of Trigonella foenum-graecum (Fenugreek) in Rodent Model

The health benefits and medicinal properties of herbal food products are known since antiquity. Fenugreek, Trigonella foenum-graecum Linn (T. foenum-graecum, Fabaceae), a seed spice used to enhance flavor, color and texture of food is employed for medicinal purposes in many traditional systems.  Ethno botanical survey of T. foenum-graecum revealed the seeds of the plant to be useful in anemia. The objective of this study was to study the ant-anemic effect of hydroalcoholic extract of seeds of T. foenum-graecum against phenylhydrazine induced anemic rat model. The hydroalcoholic extracts of seeds were prepared by soxhlation. Phytochemical analysis of the extracts was performed using standard testing procedures. Hemolytic anemia was induced in male Wistar rats by intraperitoneal administration of phenylhydrazine HCl (PHZ) at doses of 40 mg/kg of body weight during two successive days then one day after the animals were treated orally by the hydroalcoholic extracts with the amounts of 200 mg/kg and 400 mg/kg of body weight and Dexorange (reference drug) up to 13 days. The rats were analyzed for hematological parameters such as hemoglobin (Hb), red blood cell count (RBC) and white blood cell count (WBC) on day 2 and 13. Phytochemical screening of the extracts indicated the presence of carbohydrates, saponins, sterols, polyphenols, tannins and flavonoids. Anemia was induced successfully in Groups II, III, IV and V which was indicated by a mean reduction of 51.6% in RBC count; 52.85% in Hb content and 54.9% in WBC. Analysis of hematological parameters on day 13 showed that extract significantly (p<0.05) improved Hb, RBC and WBC count at a dose of 400 mg/kg body weight. This study, not only substantiates the folklore use of the seed of T. foenum-graecum, but also suggests its inclusion in the treatment of anemia as it exhibited significant anti-anemic activity Keywords: Trigonella foenum-graecum, Anemia, Phytochemical analysis, Phenyl hydrazine, Dexorang

Formulation and Evaluation of Sustained Release Matrix Tablets of Isoxsuprine Hydrochloride by Direct Compression Method

A sustained-release tablet formulation should ideally have a proper release profile insensitive to moderate changes in tablet hardness that is usually encountered in manufacturing. Isoxsuprine hydrochloride is structurally a novel vasodilator. The short biological half-life (5±2 hr) and the fast clearance make the drug, a suitable candidate for the development of modified release formulation. A novel oral controlled delivery system for isoxsuprine hydrochloride was developed and optimized. Matrix tablets of isoxsuprine hydrochloride were prepared by using hydroxypropylmethylcellulose (HPMC K15), Gaur Gum and PVP K 30 as polymer substance to achieve required sustained release profile. The matrix tablets were prepared by direct compression method which is now days considered a cost effective and simple method of manufacturing. It is considered as an appropriate method for hygroscopic and thermolabile substances. Six formulations of different polymer percentages were formulated (F1-F6). Pre-compression parameters were evaluated. The influence of matrix forming agents and binary mixtures of them on isoxsuprine hydrochloride release was investigated. The formulated tablets were characterized by hardness, friability, thickness, weight variation and in vitro drug release. The formulated tablets had acceptable physicochemical characters. There was no chemical interaction found between the drug and excipients throughout FT-IR and UV study thought of in the present investigation. The quantity of isoxsuprine hydrochloride present in the tablets and the release medium were estimated by a simple, rapid and validated UV method. The dissolution results show that increased amount of polymer resulted in reduced and extended drug release. F4 formulation is the optimum formulation due to its better targeting profile in terms of release. First order kinetic profiles were achieved. This formulation may provide an alternative for oral controlled delivery of isoxsuprine hydrochloride and be helpful in the future treatment of   peripheral vascular disease. Keywords: Isoxsuprine hydrochloride, HPMC K15, Gaur Gum, PVP K30, Direct compression method, Dissolutio

Phytochemical screening, antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of Prunella vulgaris for oral thrush

Plant imitative products have been used for medicinal purposes for centuries. In traditional Indian medicine or Ayurveda, Prunella Vulgaris and many other herbs have been used as medicine. Traditional uses of plants have led to investigating their bioactive compounds, which have resulted in the detection of a significant number of therapeutic properties. The aim of present investigation was carried out to evaluate the phytochemical, antioxidant and antimicrobial activity of chloroform and hydroalcoholic leaves extracts of Prunella Vulgaris against microbial strains causing oral infections. Both chloroform and hydroalcoholic extracts revealed the presence of carbohydrate, triterpenoids/ steroids, flavonoids, tannin, phenolic compound and saponins were absent in only the chloroform extract. The bioactivities of the leaf extracts were qualified to their phytochemical constituents. Quantitative analysis of phenolic and flavonoids was carried out by Folins Ciocalteau reagent method and aluminium chloride method respectively. The In vitro antioxidant activity of chloroform and hydroalcoholic leaves extracts of Prunella Vulgaris was assessed against 2,2-diphenyl-1-picryl- hydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging activity, reducing power assay using standard protocols. The antimicrobial activity of chloroform and hydroalcoholic extracts of medicinal plants was evaluated using well diffusion method against Escherichia coli and Candida albicans. The TPC in chloroform extract was higher than that of the hydroalcoholic extract with concentration being 0.443 mg/g equivalent to gallic acid. The TFC in hydroalcohoilc extract was higher than that of the chloroform extract with concentration being 0.358 mg/g equivalent to rutin.  The present study recognized leaves extract of Prunella vulgaris as a promising antioxidant and antimicrobial agent. However, further investigations are needed to understand the mechanistic basis of this effect of the extract and its chemical constituents thereof. Keywords: Prunella vulgaris, Phytochemical, Antioxidant, Antimicrobial activity, Folins Ciocalteau reagent, Quantitative analysi

NOVEL APPLICATION OF MIXED HYDROTROPIC SOLUBILIZATION TECHNIQUE IN THE FORMULATION AND EVALUATION OF SOLID DISPERSION OF FLUPIRTINE MALEATE

Flupirtine is an amino pyridine derivative that functions as a centrally acting non-opioid, non-steroidal analgesic. It is a selective neuronal potassium channel opener that also has NMDA receptor antagonist properties. Its muscle relaxant properties make it popular for back pain and other orthopedics uses. In the present investigation, recently developed mixed hydrotropic solid dispersion technology precludes the use of organic solvent and also decreases the individual concentration of hydrotropic agents, simultaneously decreasing their toxic potential. Mixed-hydrotropic solubilisation technique is the experience to increase the solubility of poorly water soluble drugs in the aqueous solution containing blends of hydrotropic agents, which may give synergistic enhancement effect on solubility of poorly water-soluble drugs and to reduce concentrations of each individual hydrotropic agent to minimize their toxic effects due to high concentration of hydrotropic agents. The Flupirtine loaded solid dispersion was prepared by a solvent evaporation technique using sodium benzoate and a niacinamide hydrotropic mixture. The prepared solid dispersions were valuated regarding their solubility, mean particle size, in-vitro drug release. The prepared solid dispersions were found very stable (chemically). The superior dissolution rate due to its reduced particle size may have contributed to the increased oral bioavailability. This study demonstrated that mixed-solvency may be an alternative approach for poorly soluble drugs to improve their solubility and oral bioavailability. Keywords: Flupirtine, Solid dispersion, Mixed-hydrotropic solubilisation, Solvent evaporation technique, Sodium benzoate, Niacinamid

Phytochemical analysis of the rhizomes of Bergenia ciliata (How) Sternb

Bergenia ciliata of family Saxifragaceae is known as Kodiya or Pashanbheda in Dhanolti (Uttranchal). It is a second good source of bergenin after Bergenia ligulata. It has many medicinal properties such as antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, antidiabetic. B. ciliata is used mainly for kidney disorder. Its phytochemical constituents are Gallic acid, Tannic acid, (-)-3-0- Galloylepicatechin, (-)-3-0-Galloylcatechin, (+)-Catechin, Gallicin. The bioactive compounds that are produced by plants are collectively called as Phytochemicals. The phytochemical ingredients are plant derived compounds which protect the plants from environmental stresses, including insects, bacteria, fungus and weather changes. Though phytochemicals are not considered essential nutrients, it has become apparent that they offer many health benefits to the plants. It is well-known that plants produce these chemicals to protect themselves but recent research demonstrates that they can also protect humans against diseases. There are more than thousand known phytochemicals and they offer protection to many chronic diseases such as diabetes, cancer, heart disease and alzheimer's. The aim of the present study is to examine B. ciliata rhizomes for phytochemical profile. Qualitative analysis of various phytochemical constituents and quantitative analysis of total saponins and alkaloids were determined by the well-known test protocol available in the literature. Phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of phenols, flavonoids, tannins, saponins, alkaloids ects. It is expected that the important phytochemical properties recognized by our study in the indigenous medicinal plants will be very useful in the curing of various diseases when taken along with our food. Keywords: Bergenia ciliata, Phytochemical screening, Total saponins, Total alkaloid