Screening of Aerial Parts of Kigelia Pinnata for its Antioxidant, Wound Healing and Antimicrobial Activity

The antioxidant activity was performed by DPPH Scavenging activity method and Hydrogen peroxide scavenging activity method. Ascorbic acid was taken as standard in both methods. DPPH and Hydrogen peroxide scavenging activity methods of 100µg/ml extracts shows better % inhibition as compared to control and 50 µg/ml extracts. In DPPH Scavenging activity % inhibition of 100µg/ml methanolic extracts was 60.72% and in Hydrogen peroxide scavenging activity it was found to be 26%. Wound healing activity was performed by Incision wound model and Excision wound model. In incision wound healing model, the tensile strength of the 4% test group and the Neosporin ointment treated group were comparable to each other. Tensile strength of 2% extract ointment showed lesser 3.38 gm/mm2 but significant increase in tensile strength compared to the control group 2.91 gm/mm2. The tensile strength of 4% test group was found to be 3.44 gm/mm2. Thus both concentrations of the extract as well as the standard drug showed a significant increase in tensile strength on the 9th day. In excision models the animals treated with the 4% w/w KPME ointment were shown to healed completely as compared to 2%w/w which was also at the complete healing stage as compared to control treated and the standard drug (Neosporin) treated group. The epithelization period of standard group and treated group was less in comparison with that of simple ointment base treated groups. The percentage of wound contraction was much more with the 4% w/w extract was similar to that of Neosporin treated group. 2%w/w treated group of animals showed significant wound contraction. In antimicrobial activity, both antibacterial and antifungal potentiality was evaluated. In mic of antibacterial methanolic extract of Kigelia pinnta inhibit strains of E.coli and strain of Shigella boyelii, Salmonella aureus and Baccilus subtitis were found to be completely resistant. In mic of antifugal activity, all the fungal strain were inhibited by methanolic extract of Kigelia pinnata. These findings may provide a lead for further investigation of the overall pharmacological aciotns of Kigelia pinnata methanolic extract in more appropriate model. Keywords: Kigelia pinnata, DPPH, Anti-oxidant, DMSO, ANOV

Development of Mucoadhesive Microsphere of Quinapril Hydrochloride for Treatment of Hypertension

Mucoadhesive drug delivery systems are very widely functional approach for delivery of system within the lumen of GIT to enhance drug absorption through the part of stomach with specific manner. Quinapril hydrochloride is the hydrochloride salt of quinapril, the ethyl ester of a non-sulfhydryl, angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor, quinaprilat. The quinapril hydrochloride microspheres was prepared with a coat consisting of alginate polymer i.e. sodium alginate in combination of mucoadhesive polymer chitosan/ guargum by an ionic gelation process. The microspheres were evaluated for morphological character, particle size, micromeritic properties, percentage entrapment efficiency, in-vitro wash-off test and in-vitro release studies. The drug quinapril hydrochloride was study for the release over 24 h duration.  The retarding nature of system maximizing the medication discharge rate at the appropriate site within specified time period for enhancing the bioavailability of drug at desired site of action to give successful treatment to the patients experiencing hypertension The drug release of the microspheres (QLMM1 – QLMM10) was slow, extended and dependent on the composition of galactomannan concentration of polymer and stirring speed during formulation used. The mucoadhesive microspheres were adhered at intestinal pH due to highly swelling nature of composition of polymers at this pH. So, increase the adhesive strength and retarded the drug release of best composition of CH:GG in the ratio of 1:3 (QLMM6). Guargum is a highly viscous material having a property of more swelling nature due to presence of galactommannan constituent. Thus, drug release from QLMM6 was slow and extended over a period of 24 h and these microcapsules were found suitable for oral controlled release formulations. Keywords: Gastro-retentive drug delivery, Mucoadhesive microsphere, Quinapril hydrochloride, Pulsatile drug delivery system, Treatment of hypertension, Natural polymer

Design, Optimization and Evaluation of Etoricoxib Castor Oil Emulgel for acute gout therapy

Etoricoxibis is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug which showed anti-inflammatory, analgestic and antipyretic activities. Etoricxib is indicates in the management of Osteoarthritis, Rheumatoid and Acute gout. The major drawback of topical dosage form is dissolution and diffusion of drug in the delivery of hydrophobic drugs, and permeation through stratum corneum is for hydrophilic drugs, thus, to be referred as emulgels. In emulgel formulations, oil-in-water and water-in-oil emulsions are commonly utilised as vehicles to deliver different hydrophilic and hydrophobic medications to the skin. They're also good in dissolving drugs and penetrating skin. Oil-in-water emulsions are mostly used as medication bases that may be washed away. The proposed research project intends to create an emulgel containing the analgesic drug Etoricoxib. The created emulgel containing etoricoxib medicines has a topical route that is more permeable, regulated, and localised. The analytical procedure of etoricoxib medicine was assessed using described UV spectrophotometric techniques in pH Phosphate buffer 6.8 and exhibited good linearity of data, as demonstrated by correlation coefficients greater than 0.998. For organoleptic characteristics, flow qualities, and partitioning, preformulation experiments were employed. All result of preformulation study was satisfactory and drug was examined visually for their feeling after application on skin, color intensity, pH determination, consistency and extrudability determination. The result concluded that ETEG4 was best formulation. This formulation ETEG4 was prepared emulgel Carbopol 940 (2g), PVP, castor oil base. The drug release profile and release kinetics are two important characteristics of the dosage forms, which play an important role for describing dissolution profile of dosage form. The dissolution data was obtained and ETEG4 showed supercase II transport mechanism. Keywords: Etorcoxib, Castor Oil, Emulgel, Osteoarthritis, Rheumatoid, Acute gou

Development and Evaluation of Losartan Potassium Floating Matrix Tablet

The present study was aimed towards the development of controlled release formulations of Losartan Potassium based on designed to enhance the bioavailability by prolonging its duration in the stomach via the floating dosage forms with controlled release. This study was intended to evaluate the influence of formulation variables like levels of polymer, amount of mannitol concentrations, and coating solution ratios of semi permeable membrane on the drug release from the developed formulations. Thus, there is a strong clinical need and market potential for a dosage form that will deliver Losartan Potassium in a controlled manner to a patient needing this therapy, thereby resulting in a better patient compliance. This study was designed to enhance the bioavailability of drug by prolonging its duration in the stomach via the floating dosage forms with controlled release. Floating matrix tablets of Losartan Potassium were prepared by the direct compression method, using locust bean gum and HPMC K 15M as polymers and Sodium bicarbonate as floating agent. The effect of the nature of polymers was studied by preparing various formulations of tablets. In all these formulations, a constant amount of drug (100 mg) was maintained. The blend was initially characterized for pre-compression and post- compression parameters. Pre-compression characterization was done for angle of repose, bulk density, tapped density, Carr’s index, and Hausner’s ratio. The results of pre-compression characterization were indicated good to excellent flow characteristics. Post-compression characterization includes thickness, hardness, friability, weight variation, drug content, buoyancy lag time, floating time and in-vitro drug release. All the results were satisfactory as per the guideline of pharmacopoeia. The in vitro drug release studies found that formulations LPFT4 showed best sustained release profile in 24 hrs. Among the nine formulations (LPFT1 to LPFT9) prepared formulations LPFT4 was found to be the best formulations in terms of sustained drug release. Drug release kinetics was performed by using various kinetic models such as Zero order, First order, Korsmeyer- Peppas and Higuchi’s equation and followed supercase II transport diffusion kinetic models. Keywords: Oral drug delivery system, Gastroretentive technology, losartan potassium, floating tablet, matrix table

The Response of Micronutrients on Crop Growth Indices, Chlorophyll Content, Relative Water Content and Yield of Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) Varieties

Chickpeas are prized legume crops that are frequently eaten in developing countries. Hence, a field experiment was conducted to study the Impact of Foliar Applied Zinc, Boron and Iron on plant Growth, Chlorophyll content, Yield attributes and Yield of Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) Varieties during the Rabi season of 2018-19 and 2019-20. The field experiment was laid out in Split Plot Design assigning three varieties in main plots (KGD-1168, Radhey and KWR-108) and seven micronutrients combined in subplots. The results revealed that the variety Radhey showed significantly higher in growth indices and yield viz., dry weight of plant (21.06, 21.56g at maturity), crop growth rate (0.230, 0.236 g plant-1 day-1 at 75-100DAS), relative growth rate (0.177, 0.177 g g-1 day-1 at 75-100DAS) and net assimilation rate (0.0303, 0.0335 g plant-1 day-1 at 100 to maturity), chlorophyll content, relative water content, seed yield plant-1 and seed yield (2118, 2228 kg ha-1) of chickpea during both the years, respectively. Among various micronutrients, the foliar application of Zinc @ 0.5% + Boron @ 0.2 % + Iron @ 0.1 % exerted significantly higher in growth indices and yield viz., dry weight of plant (21.26, 21.74g at maturity), crop growth rate (0.212, 0.224g plant-1 day-1 at 75-100DAS), relative growth rate (0.207, 0.195 g g-1 day-1 at 75-100DAS), net assimilation rate (0.0305, 0.0342 g plant-1 day-1 at 100 to maturity), chlorophyll content, relative water content, seed yield plant-1 and seed yield (2162, 2276 kg ha-1) of chickpea both the years 2018-19 and 2019-20, respectively. The interaction effect of varieties and micronutrients was found to be non-significant. On the basis of observed results, instructed to grow chickpea variety Radhey with foliar applications of Zinc @ 0.5% + Boron @ 0.2% + Iron @ 0.1% for higher growth and yield

Crop Growth Indices as Influenced by FYM, Vermicompost and Fertility Levels in Indian Mustard (Brassica juncea L.)

The field experiments were carried out during Rabi seasons of 2021-22 and 2022-23 at Student’s Instructional Farm (SIF), Chandra Shekhar Azad University of Agriculture & Technology, Kanpur, to study the Effect of FYM, Vermicompost and Fertility levels on growth and yield of Indian Mustard (Brassica juncea L.). The results revealed that at 30, 60, 90 & 120 DAS the treatment (T14) 100% RDF+ 50% N through Vermicompost recorded significantly higher plant height, Leaf Area Index, Crop Growth Rate and Relative Growth Rate followed by 100% RDF + 50% N through FYM (T10) in both year and pooled also. The highest Grain Yield (24.63 q. ha-1) with highest Harvest Index (28.40 %) was recorded over treatment (T14) 100% RDF + 50% N through Vermicompost of mustard followed by Grain Yield (23.70 q. ha-1) with Harvest Index (27.70 %) of 100% RDF + 50% N through FYM (T10) in both year and pooled also

Enhancing Growth and Yield of Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) Varieties through Foliar Application of Micronutrients under Field Condition

Extensively, it is imperative to address the pervasive issue of nutrient deficiencies among humans and animals in numerous underdeveloped regions. To tackle this challenge, a field experiment was conducted to investigate the impact of foliar applications of Zinc, Boron, and Iron on the growth, yield attributes, and overall yield of chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) varieties during the Rabi seasons of both 2018-19 and 2019-20. The field experiment was meticulously designed using a Split Plot Design, wherein three distinct chickpea varieties (V1-KGD-1168, V2-Radhey, and V3-KWR-108) were assigned to the main plots. The subplots were dedicated to seven micronutrient treatment combinations, namely (M1-Control), (M2-Zinc @ 0.5%), (M3-Boron @ 0.2%), (M4-Iron @ 0.1%), (M5-Zinc @ 0.5% + Boron @ 0.2%), (M6-Zinc @ 0.5% + Iron @ 0.1%), and (M7: Zinc @ 0.5% + Boron @ 0.2% + Iron @ 0.1%). Consequently, a total of 21 treatment combinations were meticulously replicated three times. The findings of the experiment unveiled that the Radhey variety significantly influenced various parameters, including plant height, the number of branches per plant, fresh plant weight, 100-seed weight (17.21, 17.25g), seed yield (2118, 2228 kg ha-1), gross return (112396, 113628 INR ha-1), net return (83154, 83616 INR ha-1), and the benefit-to-cost ratio (B: C ratio) (2.84, 2.79) of chickpea for both the years 2018-19 and 2019-20, respectively. Regarding the micronutrient treatments, the foliar application of Zinc @ 0.5% + Boron @ 0.2% + Iron @ 0.1% exhibited a notably positive impact on plant height, the number of branches per plant, fresh plant weight, 100-seed weight (16.94, 16.97g), seed yield (2162, 2276 kg ha-1), gross return (114634, 116076 INR ha-1), net return (85041, 85712 INR ha-1), and B: C ratio (2.87, 2.82) of chickpea during both the years 2018-19 and 2019-20, respectively. Based on these compelling results, farmers are strongly advised to cultivate the Radhey variety of chickpea while implementing foliar applications of Zinc @ 0.5% + Boron @ 0.2% + Iron @ 0.1% for enhanced growth and higher yields

Comprehensive environmental impact assessment for designing carbon-cum-energy efficient, cleaner and eco-friendly production system for rice-fallow agro-ecosystems of South Asia

Not AvailableHigh energy consumption and carbon emission are the major components of environmental pollution. Reducing carbon-footprints and improving energy use efficiency in rice (Oryza sativa L.) - fallow production systems of South Asia is a great challenge. The present experiment was conducted for five consecutive years (2016?2020) with an aim to design the most carbon-cum-energy efficient, cleaner/safer and eco-friendly production systems for rice-fallows in eastern India. This split-plot experiment had crop establishment-cum-residue management (CERM) treatments in main-plots and post-rainy/winter season crops in sub-plots. The production systems selected for analysis included three crop establishment methods [(1) zero-till-direct-seeded rice (ZTDSR), (2) conventional-till direct-seeded rice (CTDSR), and (3) transplanted puddled rice (TPR)], and two residue management practices [(i) with residue, and (ii) without residue] in combination with five potential winter season crops i.e., chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.), lentil (Lens culinaris L.), safflower (Carthamus tinctorius L.), linseed (Linum usitatissimum L.), and mustard (Brassica juncea L.). Results revealed an increase in overall system productivity from 3.5 to 5.13 Mg ha?? 1 due to the diversification of rice-fallow systems with oilseed and pulse crops. Irrespective of residue management practices, ZTDSR increased the yield by 15 and 31% in chickpea, 15 and 34% in lentil, 33 and 50% in safflower, 9 and 19% in linseed, and 7 and 15% in mustard as compared to CTDSR and PTR, respectively. Moreover, adoption of ZTDSR reduced energy uses by 23.3%, while increased energy ratio and net returns by 14.3 and 10.9%, respectively, over TPR. Pulse based crop rotations (rice-lentil and rice-chickpea) under ZTDSR with surface crop residue yielded 21.5% higher system net returns as compared to rice-oilseed production systems. ZTDSR treatment also reduced carbon-footprint (C-footprint) by 2.8% compared to TPRbased production systems. Similarly, rice-oilseed systems had a 16.1% lower C-footprint in comparison to rice-pulse sequences. Hence, rice-chickpea, rice-lentil and rice-safflower production systems in combined with ZTDSR along with residue retention can be viable production systems with higher system productivity, better economic returns, higher energy ratio and lower C-footprint. These systems will ensure an efficient utilization of natural resources leading to long-term sustainability of the rice-fallow production systems of South Asia

Intensification of Rice-Fallow Agroecosystem of South Asia with Oilseeds and Pulses: Impacts on System Productivity, Soil Carbon Dynamics and Energetics

Rice-fallow systems in South Asian countries play a pivotal role in increasing agricultural production. However, the productivity of these system is largely challenged by deteriorating soil health and limited residual soil moistures in dry-periods, precluding the possibility of winter and/or spring season crops after rice harvest. This investigation explores the possibilities of including winter and/or spring crops through conservation agriculture (CA)-based management practices and evaluates its effect on soil carbon dynamic, system productivity, energy and carbon budgeting. Field experiments were conducted at a farmer’s field in participatory modes at Chene Village, Jharkhand, India, and had five treatments comprising (1) fallow-land [FL]; (2) transplanted puddle rice (TPR)-fallow (winter)-fallow (summer), a typical cultivation practice of this region [RF]; (3) TPR–conventional-till mustard–conventional-till blackgram [CP]; (4) CA with zero-till transplanted rice (ZTTR)-ZT mustard–ZT blackgram [CA1]; (5) CA with zero-till direct seeded rice (ZTDSR)-ZT mustard–ZT blackgram [CA2]. Results revealed that CA2 comprising full CA practice of growing direct seeded rice, mustard and blackgram under ZT increased total soil organic carbon (TSOC) of 0–0.6 m soil layer by 14.3% and 10.3% over RF and CP, respectively. The C-sequestration rate was higher in CA treatments and varied from 0.55 to 0.64 Mg C ha−1 year−1. The system rice equivalent yield in CA2 during the initial four years was lower than CP but it was 23.7% higher over CP in fifth year. The CA-based system (CA2) enhanced the water productivity of rice, mustard and blackgram by 7.0%, 23.6% and 14.1% over CP, respectively. The CA2 treatment, having higher system productivity, better C-sequestration potential, lower C-footprint, higher energy and water productivity has very good potential for sustaining soil health and crop yield of rice-fallow systems