Estimation of alkaloid content of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) with HPLC methods

Withania somnifera (Family; Solanaceae) is commonly known as Ashwagandha and is used in traditionally system of medicine since long time. Many compounds have been reported from the root part of the plant. In present study, comparative evaluation of microbial consortium and uninoculated control plant root collected from different geographically sources was done by HPLC. Methanol soluble root extract of the plant was subjected to Column chromatography to isolate and purify the phyto-constituents which can be termed as markers. Three compounds were isolated and purified. Compounds were characterized as withanone and withaferin-A. The third compound was found to be impure. Novel HPLC methods were developed for assessment of purity, for standardization and for estimation of the compounds. Simplicity of isolation and HPLC analysis for the compounds suggests that the compounds may be termed as markers for the standardization of the methanol extracts and preparations containing Withania somnifera

Effect of microbial consortium on plant growth and improvement of alkaloid content in Withania somnifera (Ashwagandha)

The effect of microbial consortium consisting Plant Growth Promoting Rhizobacteria (PGPR) like Azospirillum, Azotobacter, Pseudomonas and Bacillus were tested separately and in combination on Withania somnifera for two consecutive years (2009 and 2010). The combinations of above mentioned PGPR strains significantly increased plant height, root length, and alkaloid content in Withania somnifera when compared to the uninoculated control. Plant growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) exhibit direct and indirect mechanisms as plant growth promoters and biological control agents. Direct mechanism by PGPR, include the provision of bio-available phosphorus for plant uptake, nitrogen fixation for plant. The results of this study suggest that the PGPR applied in combination have the potential to increase the plant growth, alkaloid content of Withania somnifera

Sequence variation in the haemagglutinin-neuraminidase gene of human parainfluenza virus type 3 isolates in the UK

The sequence variation in a 934 base-pair region of the gene encoding the haemagglutinin-neuraminidase of five human parainfluenza virus type 3 (HPIV3) isolates was determined together with that of a prototype UK strain. All of the clinical isolates were from the Manchester area of the UK and were obtained in 1990. 1991 and 1993. The gene segment was amplified by the polymerase chain reaction using HPIVB-specific oligonucleotide primers. The nucleotide homology of the strains was high, around 99% and specific differences in the UK sequences when compared with that of the US prototype strain were identified. In addition, a number of isolate-specific differences were seen. No correlation was detected between the observed nucleotide mutations and the year of isolation, which supports the hypothesis that HPIV3 shows cocirculation of a heterogeneous population of viruses rather than varying with time in a linear fashion. However, the data suggested that geographically-defined genetic lineages of HPIV3 may exist

Effectiveness of foot reflexology on the level of depression among elderly persons at selected old age homes, Salem

A study was conducted to assess the effectiveness of foot reflexology on depression among elderly persons at selected old age homes, Salem. Pre experimental (One group pre-test and post-test) design was adopted. Setting of this study was at Vallalar oldage home and Tambras old age home at Salem. 30 samples were drawn through purposive sampling technique. Depression was assessed by geriatric depression scale through structured interview schedule. Foot reflexology was given for 15 consecutive days. Post-test was done at the 21st day of intervention. The data were collected and analysed by Karl Pearson’s statistical method. The findings revealed that in pre-test 20(70%), samples had moderate level of depression and 10 (30%) of elderly persons had mild level of depression. During post-test 15 (50%) of the elderly persons had moderate level of depression and 15 (50%) of the elderly persons had mild level of depression. The comparison of pre-test and post-test level of depression among elderly persons reveals that, in the pre-test mean score is 9.56±1.46 and in the post-test mean score is 8.03±1.58. The mean difference is 1.53. The calculated value 12.234 is highly significant than the table value 2.76. This shows that foot reflexology was effective in reducing level of depression among elderly person at

Double crush syndrome: clinical review of an unsolved puzzle

Double crush syndrome (DCS) involves compression of a peripheral nerve at two different segments. Median nerve is most commonly involved with proximal compression at the level of cervical spine and distal compression in the carpal tunnel. Little consensus exists in literature regarding its epidemiology, risk factors, pathophysiology and definitive treatment. The purpose of this article is to summarize our current knowledge about this disease process as well as to touch upon the controversies that have been generated in recent times