Antioxidative properties of isolated saponins of Verbesina encelioides (Cav.) Benth. & Hook. fil ex Gray and SEM studies of synthesized green nanoparticles for acne management

Acne is one of the most common and chronic skin problems in most adolescents and young adults due to several internal and external factors. The present study emphasizes on screening of high antioxidant potential of wild sunflower for acne therapy, as it also plays a major role in the patho-physiology of acne. The anti-oxidant potential of extracted plant compounds was carried out by using 1, 1-diphenyl-2-picryl hydrazyl (DPPH) and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP). In recent years, scientists have been involved in the application of green nanoparticle synthesis. Further synthesized green nanoparticles were checked for antiacne potential. Isolated saponins and their synthesized nonolparticles would play an important role to control the acne

In Vitro Antiacne and Antidandruff activity of extracted stigmasterol from seed waste of safflower (Carthamus tinctorius L.)

The present study deals with extraction of saponins and their characterization from the seed wastes of safflower. The presence of stigmasterol in the extracted safflower seed waste (S.W.S) was confirmed by Thin Layer Chromatography (TLC), followed by Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) and High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) on the basis of its peak compared with stigmasterol standard. FTIR showed the identical functional groups of butanolic extract of SSW with standard while TLC and HPLC showed their notable peak and retention time with the same. Further in-vitro antiacne and antidandruff microbial activity of extracted stigmasterol was confirmed by disc diffusion method. This preliminary study has exhibited anti-acne and anti dandruff potential of Safflower seed waste extract, in future which could be used in therapies and cosmetic applications

Selective Autophagy and Xenophagy in Infection and Disease

Autophagy, a cellular homeostatic process, which ensures cellular survival under various stress conditions, has catapulted to the forefront of innate defense mechanisms during intracellular infections. The ability of autophagy to tag and target intracellular pathogens toward lysosomal degradation is central to this key defense function. However, studies involving the role and regulation of autophagy during intracellular infections largely tend to ignore the housekeeping function of autophagy. A growing number of evidences now suggest that the housekeeping function of autophagy, rather than the direct pathogen degradation function, may play a decisive role to determine the outcome of infection and immunological balance. We discuss herein the studies that establish the homeostatic and anti-inflammatory function of autophagy, as well as role of bacterial effectors in modulating and coopting these functions. Given that the core autophagy machinery remains largely the same across diverse cargos, how selectivity plays out during intracellular infection remains intriguing. We explore here, the contrasting role of autophagy adaptors being both selective as well as pleotropic in functions and discuss whether E3 ligases could bring in the specificity to cargo selectivity

Studies on pollen micro-morphology, pollen storage methods, and cross-compatibility among grape (Vitis spp.) genotypes

The knowledge of pollen morphology, suitable storage condition, and species compatibility is vital for a successful grapevine improvement programme. Ten grape genotypes from three different species, viz., Vitis vinifera L., Vitis parviflora Roxb., and Vitis champini Planc., were studied for their pollen structure and pollen storage with the objective of determining their utilization in grape rootstock improvement programs. Pollen morphology was examined through the use of a scanning electron microscope (SEM). The viability of the pollen was assessed using 2,3,5-triphenyltetrazolium chloride (TTC). In vitro pollen germination was investigated using the semi-solid medium with 10 % sucrose, 100 mg/L boric acid, and 300 mg/L calcium nitrate. The results revealed variations in pollen micro-morphology in 10 genotypes, with distinct pollen dimensions, shapes, and exine ornamentation. However, species-wise, no clear difference was found for these parameters. Pollen of V. parviflora Roxb. and Dogridge was acolporated and did not germinate. The remaining eight genotypes exhibited tricolporated pollen and showed satisfactory in vitro pollen germination. Storage temperature and duration interactions showed that, at room temperature, pollen of most of the grape genotypes can be stored for up to 1 day only with an acceptable pollen germination rate (>30 %). However, storage for up to 7 days was successfully achieved at 4 °C, except for ‘Pearl of Csaba’. The most effective storage conditions were found to be at −20 °C and −196 °C (in liquid N2), enabling pollen storage for a period of up to 30 days, and can be used for pollination to overcome the challenge of asynchronous flowering. Four interspecific combinations were studied for their compatibility, among which V. parviflora Roxb. × V. vinifera L. (Pusa Navrang) and V. parviflora Roxb. × V. champini Planc. (Salt Creek) showed high cross-compatibility, offering their potential use for grape rootstock breeding. However, V. parviflora Roxb. × V. vinifera L. (Male Hybrid) recorded the lowest compatibility index among studied crosses. In the case of self-pollinated flowers from V. parviflora Roxb. and V. parviflora Roxb. × V. champini Planc. (Dogridge), pollen failed to germinate on the stigma due to male sterility caused by acolporated pollen. As a result, the flowers of these genotypes functioned as females, which means they are ideal female parents for grape breeding without the need for the tedious process of emasculation

Assessment of credibility of some folk medicinal claims on <i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal">Bombax ceiba</i> L.

87-94The present paper is an attempt to assess the credibility of various folk claims on medicinal uses of Bombax ceiba L. in view of scientific studies done so far. Almost all parts of the plant are widely used by tribal communities for gastro-intestinal and skin diseases, gynecological and urino-genital disorders, general debility, diabetes and impotence. There are direct evidences of scientific validation for six pathological conditions while its anti-microbial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, analgesic and oxytocic potential provides indirect evidences for some of the folk medicinal claims and both these evidences authenticate the credibility of folk wisdom on B. ceiba L

Myths, traditions and fate of multipurpose <i>Bombax ceiba</i> L.<i> </i>- An appraisal

638-644 Plants form an integral part of many rites, rituals, folk tales, customs and traditions. Silk cotton tree (Bombax ceiba L.), locally known as semal, is one such tree species, quite popular among various tribal communities. The plant is being exploited largely for medicinal and commercial purposes but traditional burning of this tree in Holika-dahan, which is an important festival of North India, is jeopardizing its survival in the tribal dominated Udaipur district of Rajasthan. An ethnobotanical survey carried out revealed that about 1,500-2,000 trees or branches of B. ceiba were cut and burnt during Holi festival in the villages around the city. Therefore, there is an urgent need to develop some sustainable conservation strategies and create awareness among rural and urban communities in order to preserve such a tree of immense medicinal value.</smarttagtype

Therapeutic validation of <i style="">Ipomoea digitata</i> tuber (<i>Ksheervidari</i>)<i style=""> </i>for its effect on cardio-vascular risk parameters

617-623Ipomoea digitata Linn. (Ksheervidari) is a well known medicinal plant used in Ayurveda for its health promoting effects in human beings. Its tuber powder was evaluated first time in a single blinded, placebo controlled study for its antihypertensive potential and its effect on lipid profile, fibrinolytic activity and total antioxidant status in individuals with stage 1 hypertension. Administration of 3 gm tuber powder significantly (p<0.001) decreased systolic, diastolic and mean blood pressure, increased fibrinolytic activity and total antioxidant status with a significant reduction (p<0.05) in serum total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol and atherogenic index at the end of 12 weeks. It was tolerated well without any significant side effect. In the placebo group, there were no significant alterations in any of the parameters at the end of study

How does AI drive branding? Towards an integrated theoretical framework for AI-driven branding

Brands are transforming with the acceptance, adoption, and use of artificial intelligence (AI) technologies. AI builds dynamic consumer-brand relationships that help build sustainable businesses for brands to thrive. The brands sustain in competitive markets by crafting engaging brand narratives that holistically influence consumer purchase decisions. The present study comprehensively reviews the theoretical underpinnings of AI-driven branding from the extant literature. The thematic analysis of theoretical premises instrumentalises developing a novel integrated theoretical framework. The intricate analysis of the constellation of theories and the simultaneous amalgamation of concepts allows for a unified viewpoint. The integrated theoretical framework offers an in-depth overview of the drivers, mediators, moderators, and consequences of AI-driven branding. The integrated theoretical framework extends the current theoretical understanding of consumer-brand relational dynamics with AI that practitioners may use to sustainably transform their brands

Blood pressure lowering, fibrinolysis enhancing and antioxidant activities of Cardamom (<i style="">Elettaria cardamomum</i>)

503-506 Elettaria cardamomum (L.) Maton. (Small cardamom) fruit powder was evaluated for its antihypertensive potential and its effect on some of the cardiovascular risk factors in individuals with stage 1 hypertension. Twenty, newly diagnosed individuals with primary hypertension of stage 1 were administered 3 g of cardamom powder in two divided doses for 12 weeks. Blood pressure was recorded initially and at 4 weeks interval for 3 months. Blood samples were also collected initially and at 4 weeks interval for estimation of lipid profile, fibrinogen and fibrinolysis. Total antioxidant status, however, was assessed initially and at the end of the study. Administration of 3 g cardamom powder significantly (pth week. Total antioxidant status was also significantly (p </smarttagtype

Efficacy of chewable brush compared to manual brush in school going children of age group 10–12 years

Aim: Chewable toothbrushes were compared to traditional manual toothbrushes in terms of their ability to remove plaque and their impact on salivary pH in a sample of school-aged children. Materials and Methods: The sample size for this research was 200 youngsters aged 10–12. Saliva was collected by spitting into a clean container, and the pH levels were measured using color-coded pH strips to determine where the person was starting from. The plaque score was measured using the OHI-S index after the application of the disclosing agent. The pH and plaque scores were also recalculated after brushing to see how they had changed after surgery. Results: Results indicated that both manual and chewable brushes significantly improved post-brushing pH ratings (P = 0.001), and that plaque scores decreased (P = 0.001). When compared to conventional manual toothbrushes, the chewable brush was much more successful in reducing plaque and elevating salivary pH (P = 0.001). Conclusion: As a result, parents may offer their kids a chewable toothbrush to help them maintain good oral hygiene after lunch and on lengthy car trips, when they would not have time to wash their teeth properly