In vitro regeneration of Momordica dioica (Roxb.)

Momordica dioica, Roxb. (Family: Cucurbitaceae) commonly called as Kartoli, is an important medicinal plant, which has remained unexplored from the commercial point of view. Considering its scarce availability and the medicinal importance, in vitro cultures were established. Traditionally, M. dioica has been propagated mainly through its tuberous roots and less commonly by seeds. Germination through seeds is very difficult or impossible because of hard seed coat. As an alternative to traditional methods tissue culture offers an efficient method for propagation of M. dioica. Mature seeds were used for the regeneration of M. dioica. The decoated seeds of M. dioica were cultured on Murashige and Skoog basal medium (MS medium) supplemented with various combinations of Auxins (á – naphthaleneacetic acid) and Cytokinins (N6 - benzyl adenine). MS basal medium supplemented with 4.44 µM and 8.88 µM N6 - benzyl adenine (BA) gave rise to maximum number of shoots in 7-8 weeks. In vitro grown shoots were sub cultured on MS medium supplemented with different concentrations of indole-3-butyric acid (IBA) for root initiation. MS medium with 0.049mM indole-3-butyric acid (IBA) showed rooting in 45 days. The regenerated plantlets were successfully hardened in vermiculite

Opening-closing dynamics of the mitochondrial transcription pre-initiation complex

Promoter recognition and local melting of DNA are key steps of transcription initiation catalyzed by RNA polymerase and initiation factors. From single molecule fluorescence resonance energy transfer studies of the yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) mitochondrial RNA polymerase Rpo41 and its transcription factor Mtf1, we show that the pre-initiation complex is highly dynamic and undergoes repetitive opening-closing transitions that are modulated by Mtf1 and ATP. We found that Rpo41 alone has the intrinsic ability to bend the promoter but only very briefly. Mtf1 enhances bending/opening transition and suppresses closing transition, indicating its dual roles of nucleating promoter opening and stabilizing the open state. The cognate initiating ATP prolongs the lifetime of the open state, plausibly explaining the 'ATP sensing mechanism' suggested for the system. We discovered short-lived opening trials upon initial binding of Rpo41-Mtf1 before the establishment of the opening/closing equilibrium, which may aid in promoter selection before the formation of stable pre-initiation complex. The dynamics of open complex formation provides unique insights into the interplay between RNA polymerase and transcription factors in regulating initiation.open4

“The role of Tulsi plant in management of Alasaka kushtha – A literature review.”

There are many skin disease which is most common among all skin diseases worldwide. Chronic skin conditions are typically not curable, but they can be managed using proper drugs and by paying close attention to lifestyle. Ayurveda focuses on healthy lifestyle practices and regular consumption of adaptogenic herbs. This study is focusing on getting knowledge of the role of Tulsi plant in Alasaka kushta by review of samhitas, research articles, published articles, and websites. In Ayurved samhitas various skin diseases are comes under different classification. Some skin diseases are comes under kshudra kushtha. Alasaka kushtha comes under kshudra kushta in some Ayurvedic  samhitas. Dravya guna is one of the pharmaco-therapeutic branch of Ayurveda deals with herbal drugs. The plant Ocimum sanctum better known as Tulsi or Holy basil can be used for everything from the common cold to heart disorder due to its highly complex chemical composition. Perhaps best known of many active compounds that have been identified and extracted from the Tulsi plant. Tulsi herb can also cure variety of skin disease. Therefore called as “Herb for all reason”.</jats:p

Use of mosses and lichens as biomonitors in the study of air pollution near Mumbai, India

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Distribution of trace elements in moss biomonitors near Mumbai

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The study of therapeutic effect of Rasagutika in the management of Tamaka shwasa (Bronchial Asthma) – A case study.

Tamaka shwasa is made by two words ‘Tamaka’ and ‘Shwasa’. The  ‘Tamaka’ word came from ‘tama’ means experience of darkness;  And ‘Shwasa’ means respiration or breathing process ; but as concern to this disease it means increased rate of respiration or difficulty in breathing process. Acharya Charaka quoted that Shwasa and Hicca are two diseases, which are fatal to life amongst all other diseases[1].Tamaka Shwasavyadhi comes under Shwasa vyadhi. On the basis of severity; Shwasa roga is classified into five types. Kshudra shwasa can be seen as asymptoms in many diseases and is self limiting. Chhinna, Urdhwa, Maha shwasa are the terminal stages and have extremely bad prognosis. And Tamaka shwasa having its own etiology, pathology and management. It is mentioned as yapya vyadhi[2] . In this disease Vayu is vitiated and blocked by Kapha. So, vayu moves upward instead of its normal flow.Bronchial asthma in modern medicine closely resembles with Tamaka shwasa. Ayurvedic drugs including the respiratory tonics and naturally occurring bronchodilators and immunomodulators can be a potential and effective alternative for the treatment of Bronchial asthma.  Aim: To evaluate the effect of Rasagutika[3] in the management of Tamaka Shwasa w. s. r. to Bronchial asthma. Materials and methods:In this study , a patient of Asthma managed by an Ayurvedic formulation Rasagutika in dose of 250mg with kantakari kwatha administered orally three times a day after food for the period of 8 weeks.</jats:p