Feeding stimulatory effects of Cyperus rotundus tuber on Cirrhinus mrigala

Traditionally tubers of cyperus (Cyperus rotundus) and its extracts have been used for alluring fish during harvesting in India. An experiment was conducted to evaluate its feeding stimulatory activity and effect on the growth of a commercially important freshwater fish, Cirrhinus mrigala. Three isonitrogenous and isocaloric formulated diets viz. plant ingredient based control and control supplemented with cyperus tuber (CS) at 1% and 5% levels were fed to the fingerlings of mrigal, C. mrigala (2.68+0.20 g) for a period of 45 days. The growth performance and the activity of metabolic enzymes, aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT), in liver, gill and muscle tissues of mrigal were studied during every 15 days interval. Highest relative growth (72.28%) was obtained in the mrigal fed with the diet containing 5% cyperus (5% CS), while the relative growths were 66.18% and 43.40% for the fish fed with the 1% CS diet and control respectively. The activities of AST and ALT were significantly higher (p<0.01) in both 1% and 5% CS diets as compared to the control in all the tissues studied. Higher aminotransferase activities were observed in the tissues of 5% CS group than in those of 1% CS group throughout the experimental period. The observed higher enzymatic activity was concomitant with the higher growth rate in fish. The results suggested that cyperus tuber supplementation increased feed palatability and growth

ABUNDANCE AND BIODIVERSITY STATUS OF FISHES IN AYYANAKERE LAKE, CHIKMAGALORE DISTRICT, KARNATAKA

The present study deals with diversity and abundance of fish species in Ayyanakere lake, Chikmagalore district, Karnataka during April 2008 to March 2009. A total of 13 species recorded from Ayyanakere lake, of which 10 are indigenous and remaining 3 species are exotic including Catla catla, Labeo rohita and Oreochromis mossambica. Among the 13 species 3 species are cultured in the water body. Out of 10 wild fish species found in the lake 7 species are most abundant species, they are Notopterus notopterus, Mystus cavacius, Oreochromis reba, Puntius conchonius and Puntius jerdoni. Rest of the species were less abundant and rarely found. Among orders, 6 species belongs to Cypriniformes, 4 species belongs to the Siluriformes, 2 species belongs to perciformes and one belongs to Osteoglossiformes. The family Cyprinidae dominated the other groups in the fish fauna in the lake. As far as biodiversity status (IUCN) is concerned, one species endangered (7.7%), four species of low risk near threatened (30.76%), one species at lower risk least concerned (7.7%), 5 species of vulnerable (38.46%) and remaining two are included under the category of not assessed (15.38%)

A COMPREHENSIVE REVIEW ON ERANDA THAILA (RICINUS COMMUNIS LINN.)

Ayurveda is the oldest of all remedial sciences in the world. Eranda (Ricinus Communis Linn.) commonly known as Castor plant is widespread throughout Tropical region. It is one of the important Ayurvedic herb used for centuries and oil has wide range of therapeutic properties. Castor oil has a multitude of uses in both the health and industrial sectors. Eranda thaila is one of the main drugs used for Virechana karma (purgative therapy) and Snehana karma (Oleation therapy) under Panchakarama therapy. It pacifies Vata, the aggravation of which is the root cause of all diseases. Among Chatusnehas (four types of unctuous materials), Thaila (oil) is the best for the management of Vatavyadhi (diseases of Vata) as it possess opposite Gunas (properties) of Vata. In Vatika vikaras (disorders caused by Vata) Sneha virechana (purgation by oil) is advised, as it clears obstruction in the Srotas (body channels) and relieves Vata vitiation subsequently. Eranda thaila (Castor oil) is one of widely used oil in Ayurvedic disease management both internally and externally. In Samhitas it is mentioned to be Vata Kaphahara and Adhobhaga doshahara (disorders of lower parts of the body) and has been praised for its Amvathahara (rheumatoid arthritis) property. It is also administered as adjuvant for various formulations. Eranda thaila (Castor oil) is a wonderful drug which can also rejuvenate the body and can be administered in many ways. Even though it has various medicinal properties, inappropriate usage causes adverse effects such as dizziness, abdominal cramps, diarrhoea; etc. Castor oil mainly consists of Ricinoleic acid

PROMISING AYURVEDIC HERBS IN THE MANAGEMENT OF KITIBHA (PSORIASIS)- A REVIEW

Psoriasis is one of the commonest skin disorders seen in routine clinical scenario, in entire world around 80 million people suffering from psoriasis. Psoriasis is differentiated by patches of abnormal skin. These skin patches are typically red, itchy, and scaly. Psoriasis varies in severity from small, localized patches to complete body coverage. It typically presents as red patches with white scales on top. Areas of the body most commonly affected are the back of the forearms, chin, navel area, and scalp. Diagnosis is typically based on the signs and symptoms. Men and women are affected with equal frequency. The disease may begin at any age, but typically starts in adulthood. Psoriasis is associated with an increased risk of psoriatic arthritis, lymphomas, cardiovascular disease and depression. Psoriatic arthritis affects up to 30 percent of individuals with Psoriasis. It is noted that around 2% of population are touching with Psoriasis. In present study review on Herbs frequently used in treating psoriasis were compiled. The Herbs Nimba, Stri Kutaja, Guduchi, Daruharidra, Bhallataka Haritaki, Aragvadha, Amalaki, Karveera, Saptaparna, Khadira, Vasa, Guggulu, Chitraka &amp; Katuki are reviewed to be having Vata or Kapha balancing properties. The pharmacological studies showing that Nimbidin of Neem having anti psoriatic property, The Methanolic and ethanolic extracts of Stri Kutaja and Guduchi are having anti oxidant and anti psychotic properties which are helpful in reducing the symptoms of psoriasis.

Role of an Agro Technique for the Development of Medicinal Plant: Shalparni

Vrikshayurveda a classical science of botanical field, this science deals with growth and development of plants. This science mainly suggests uses of Kunapa jala and Pancha gavya for the high productivity of crops. This concept works around&nbsp;organic farming for effective plant&nbsp;growth. Vrikshayurvedha mentioned Kunapajala as organic liquid manure which is a fermentation product and acts as plant nutrients. There are two types of Kunapajala mainly in practices viz; herbal and non-herbal which is prepared according to the procedures described in Vrikshayurvedha. Considering importance of this we planned a study to investigate role of Vrikshayurvedha concept for the development of medicinal plant; Shalparni. Present study investigated role of Kunapajala in the growth and % yield of plant Shalparni. This study observed that Kunapajala treatment offered best response with respect to root yield and soil physico-chemical parameters. Kunapajala increased plant yield quantitatively as well as qualitatively

Identification and authentication of Agnimantha plant species used in Ayurveda on the basis of anatomical and molecular phylogenetic analysis

Agnimantha plant species have been used in the Ayurvedic system of medicine for many years and is widely used as an ingredient in many ayurvedic formulations. However, the source for Agnimantha remained controversial as it is difficult to authenticate from various reports. Hence, the present study aims to identify and authenticate its original and substitute sources. As per the literature sources Clerodendrum phlomidis L.f., C. inerme (L.) Gaertn. and Premna serratifolia L. are considered Agnimantha species. The anatomy of the above mentioned species confirmed the presence of patches of up to 20 cells in the sclerenchyma of the root cortex, while in the absence of sclerenchyma of the stem cortex, abundant chambered crystals were also present in the bark of the stem and root in C. phlomidis as compared to C. inerme and P. serratifolia. Phylogenetic analysis using chloroplast (matK, trnH-psbA) and nuclear markers (ITS, rbcl) also indicates the close relation between C. inerme and P. serratifolia and hence places them both in the same clade, though C. phlomidis is closely related to the other species but placed in the adjacent clade. Hence, the study concludes that anatomical as well as molecular phylogenetic analysis reflect close relation between C. inerme and P. serratifolia. while a distant relation with C. phlomidis

Diagnosis and management of drug-induced stevens-johnson syndrome: Report of two cases

Erythema multiforme (EM) is a typically mild, self-limiting and recurring mucocutaneous reaction characterized by target or iris lesions of the skin and mucous membranes. It is most often a recurring phenomenon with great variability in the interval between episodes. It is much more common in persons under 40 years of age. In contrast, Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS) and toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN) are less common and more severe conditions that typically occur in adults. SJS and TEN are severe variants of EM usually caused by a drug exposure. We report two cases of Stevens-Johnsons syndrome following drug intake. There is an increased incidence of SJS and TEN in the HIV-infected population. 1 Herewith, we report two cases of Stevens-Johnson syndrome in one patient following drug intake and other in a HIV-infected patient