Effect of metal ions on amylase production

Amylase producing fungi were isolated from different soil samples. About 11 fungal isolates were isolated which were screened for Amylase production on starch agar medium using iodine test. Of the 11 isolates, three isolates showed clear zones and the isolate showing maximum clearance zone was selected for further studies. Identification of isolate showed that it belonged to Genus Aspergillus. The effect of different metal ions on the production and activity of Amylase was studied. Five different ions were used for the study. Starch agar medium was prepared with different metal ions and inoculated with the culture and incubated. It was seen that maximum mycelial growth was observed with MgSO4 followed by KNO3 but very less or negligible growth was seen when grown with CaCO3. Therefore, Mg ions were considered to be the best ion for optimum growth of the fungus and thus considered the best inducer for Amylase production as maximum enzyme activity was observed with Mg ions but Ca and Cu ions showed less activity and therefore might be showing inhibitory effect on Amylase production

INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHARMACY & LIFE SCIENCES Screening of antioxidant potentials in Dioscorea bulbifera

Abstract Dioscorea bulbifera is a majo r staple food crop which is a species of yam widely distributed around the world in tropical and subtropical reg ions. Dioscorea bulbifera have been traditionally used to lower glycemic index, thus providing a more sustained form of energy and better protection against obesity and diabetes. It also has anti-cancer properties. The present study was undertaken to investigate the antioxidant activity of Dioscorea bulbifera. The ethanolic extracts of tuber Dioscorea bulbifera were screened for their en zy matic and nonenzymatic antio xidant activity. The level of enzymat ic antioxidant namely Glutathione peroxidase (GPx), Catalase (CAT), Supero xide dismutase (SOD), Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) and glucose-s-transferase (GST) was found to be very impressive. Dioscorea bulbifera contains good and commendable store of non enzymat ic antio xidants namely reduced glutathione (GSH), Vitamin -C and Vitamin -E. Ou r results have good significance, as this increase the innate antioxidant potential of Dioscorea bulbifera, which is useful in provid ing the antio xidants needs in the diet and thereby Dioscorea bulbifera accomplishes high value nutritive and natural store of antioxidant