LARVICIDAL POTENTIAL OF INDIGOFERA TINCTORIA (FABACEAE) ON DENGUE VECTOR (AEDES AEGYPTI) AND ITS ANTIMICROBIAL ACTIVITY AGAINST CLINICAL ISOLATES

 antimicrobial efficacy against clinical isolates.Methods: The extract was tested at various concentrations 64, 128, 256, and 512 mg/ml for antimicrobial activity and 0.1 and 5 mg/L were preparedfor larvicidal activity. The numbers of dead larvae were counted after 24 hrs of exposure.Result: The lowest minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values of the extract were 128 mg/ml against Klebsiella spp. - 1 alone and rest of theclinical test pathogens execute MIC activity at 512 mg/ml. The extract also showed antifungal activity with MIC of 64 mg/ml against the Candidaalbicans. Larvicidal activity of I. tinctoria extract were tested against fourth instar larvae A. aegypti and larval mortality were found after 24 hrs withlethal concentration (LC50)=3.1870 and LC90=5.3991 were observed.Conclusions: These results indicated that the extract displayed larvicidal potential on A. aegypti and antimicrobial activity against clinical isolates.Keywords: Infectious disease, Indigofera tinctoria, Antimicrobial activity, Larvicidal activity

Neurobehavioral changes and activation of neurodegenerative apoptosis on long-term consumption of aspartame in the rat brain

Though several studies on toxic effect of aspartame metabolite have been studied, there are scanty data on whether aspartame exposure administration could release formate, a methanol metabolite thereby inducing oxidative stress and neurodegeneration in brain discrete region. To mimic the human methanol metabolism, the methotrexate (MTX) treated folate deficient rats were used. Aspartame was administered orally to the MTX treated animals and was studied along with controls and MTX treated controls. Oral intubations of FDA approved 40 mg/kg b.wt aspartame were given daily for 90 days. The loco–motor activity and emotionality behavior in the aspartame treated animals showed a marked increase in the immobilization, fecal bolus with a marked decrease in ambulation, rearing, grooming. The anxiety behavior in the aspartame treated animals showed a marked decrease in percentage of open arm entry, percentage of time spent in open arm and number of head dips. It is appropriate to point out, formaldehyde and formate could have led to an increased formation of free radical in the aspartame treated animals resulting in altered neurobehavioral changes owing to neuronal oxidative damage. Aspartame induced ROS may be also linked to increased neuronal apoptosis. In this study the aspartame treated animals showed an up regulation in the apoptotic gene expression along with protein expression in the respective brain region indicating the enhancement of neuronal cell death. This study intends to corroborate that chronic aspartame consumption can alter the behavior and neurodegeneration in brain discrete regions

Free radical scavenging potential and HPTLC analysis of Indigofera tinctoria linn (Fabaceae)

The objective of this study was to evaluate the free radical scavenging potential and high performance thin layer chromatography (HPTLC) fingerprinting of Indigofera tinctoria (I. tinctoria). Phytochemical analysis was carried out using standard methods, and free radical scavenging activity of the plant was determined using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazy (DPPH), nitric oxide (NO) and superoxide anion (O2−) radical scavenging capacities. HPTLC plate was kept in CAMAG TLC Scanner 3 and the Rf values at fingerprint data were recorded by WINCATS software. Aqueous extract of I. tinctoria reliably showed the total phenolics (267.2±2.42 mg/g), flavonoids (75.43±3.36 mg/g) and antioxidants (349.11±8.04 mg/g). The extract was found to have DPPH (52.08%), NO (23.12%) and O2− (26.79%) scavenging activities at the concentration of 250 μg/mL and the results were statistically significant compared with ascorbic acid standard (p<0.05). HPTLC results confirmed that the extract contained several potential active components such as phenols, flavonoids, saponins and terpenoids as the slides revealed multi-colored bands of varying intensities. This study confirmed that the plant had multipotential antioxidant and free radicals scavenging activities

Stress effect on humoral and cell mediated immune response: Indispensable part of corticosterone and cytokine in neutrophil function

Background: The objective of this study is to evaluate the immunization and stress dormant role in humoral and cell mediated response after sub-acute exposure of noise stress and immunomodulatory activity of Indigofera tinctoria (I. tinctoria). Method: Noise stress was done by broadband white noise generator (0–26 kHz), 100 dB, 4 h daily for 15 days and I. tinctoria (300 mg/kg b.w.) administered orally. The animals were divided into eight groups with six animals in each group. All the rats were housed under condition of controlled temperature (26 ± 2 °C) with 12 h light and 12 h dark exposure. Results: In the present study, noise stress significantly increased the corticosterone level in both immunized (76.55 ± 5.17) and un-immunized (66.25 ± 4.87). In sub-acute stress TLC level decreased in un-immunized and increased in immunized. A significant decrease in neutrophil (14.5 ± 3.01) and increase in lymphocyte (86.166 ± 4.83) level was noticed on un-immunized after noise exposure. NAT level was decreased in the un-immunized (40.745 ± 1.95) and increased in immunized (72.625 ± 2.88). The noise stress increased the NBT levels in un-immunized (19.5 ± 1.87) and decreased in immunized (24 ± 2.10). Noise stress shows decreases phagocytic index, avidity index, organ weight and cell count of the spleen, thymus, lymph node in irrespective of whether un-immunized and immunized. Subacute exposure of noise significantly affects humoral (SIC, antibody titter) and cell mediated (LMI, FPT) immunity. Stress further decrease the IL-2, TNF-α, IFN-γ and increase IL-4 cytokine level in serum. Conclusion: This result further concludes that prior immunization of SRBC in animal’s act as a vaccination, which helps to prevent noise stress induced impairment in immune system. Orally administered I. tinctoria prevented noise altered immune system. These results also concluded that I. tinctoria supplementation could act as an immunomodulators and suggesting its therapeutic efficacy as an antistressor

Effect of Scoparia dulcis on noise stress induced adaptive immunity and cytokine response in immunized Wistar rats

Background: Noise acts as a stressor and is reported to have impact on individual health depending on nature, type, intensity and perception. Modern medicine has no effective drugs or cure to prevent its consequences. Being an environmental stressor noise cannot be avoided; instead minimizing its exposure or consuming anti-stressor and adaptogens from plants can be considered. Objectives: The present study was carried out to evaluate the anti-stressor, adaptogen and immunostimulatory activity of Scoparia dulcis against noise-induced stress in Wistar rat models. Material and methods: Noise stress in rats was created by broadband white noise generator, 100 dB A/4 h daily/15 days and S. dulcis (200 mg/kg b.w.) was administered orally. 8 groups of rats were used consisting of 6 animals each; 4 groups for unimmunized and 4 groups for immunized. For immunization, sheep red blood cells (5 × 109 cells/ml) were injected intraperitoneally. Results: Sub-acute noise exposed rats showed a significant increase in corticosterone and IL-4 levels in both immunized and unimmunized rats whereas lymphocytes, antibody titration, soluble immune complex, IL-4 showed a marked increase with a significant decrease in IL-2, TNF-α, IFN-γ cytokines only in unimmunized rats. Immunized noise exposed rats presented increased leukocyte migration index and decreased foot pad thickness, IL-2, TNF-α, IFN-γ with no changes in the lymphocytes. Conclusion: S. dulcis (SD) has normalized and prevented the noise induced changes in cell-mediated and humoral immunity and it could be the presence of anti-stressor and immuno stimulant activity of the plant

Effect of Scoparia dulcis on noise stress induced adaptive immunity and cytokine response in immunized Wistar rats

Background: Noise acts as a stressor and is reported to have impact on individual health depending on nature, type, intensity and perception. Modern medicine has no effective drugs or cure to prevent its consequences. Being an environmental stressor noise cannot be avoided; instead minimizing its exposure or consuming anti-stressor and adaptogens from plants can be considered. Objectives: The present study was carried out to evaluate the anti-stressor, adaptogen and immunostimulatory activity of Scoparia dulcis against noise-induced stress in Wistar rat models. Material and methods: Noise stress in rats was created by broadband white noise generator, 100 dB A/4 h daily/15 days and S. dulcis (200 mg/kg b.w.) was administered orally. 8 groups of rats were used consisting of 6 animals each; 4 groups for unimmunized and 4 groups for immunized. For immunization, sheep red blood cells (5 × 109 cells/ml) were injected intraperitoneally. Results: Sub-acute noise exposed rats showed a significant increase in corticosterone and IL-4 levels in both immunized and unimmunized rats whereas lymphocytes, antibody titration, soluble immune complex, IL-4 showed a marked increase with a significant decrease in IL-2, TNF-α, IFN-γ cytokines only in unimmunized rats. Immunized noise exposed rats presented increased leukocyte migration index and decreased foot pad thickness, IL-2, TNF-α, IFN-γ with no changes in the lymphocytes. Conclusion: S. dulcis (SD) has normalized and prevented the noise induced changes in cell-mediated and humoral immunity and it could be the presence of anti-stressor and immuno stimulant activity of the plant

HPTLC analysis of <i>Scoparia dulcis</i> Linn (Scrophulariaceae) and its larvicidal potential against dengue vector <i>Aedes aegypti</i>

<div><p>This study evaluates the larvicidal activity of <i>Scoparia dulcis</i> aqueous extract against dengue vector and determines its major chemical components. The extract was tested at various concentrations ranging from 0.1 to 2 mg/mL against <i>Aedes aegypti</i> larvae. The extracts displayed significant larvicidal efficacy against <i>Ae. aegypt</i> species after 24 h exposure revealing LC₅₀ of 3.3835 (mg/mL) and LC₉₀ of 5.7578 (mg/mL). Finger printing profile carried out by CAMAG automatic TLC sample applicator programmed through WIN CATS software revealed peaks with different <i>R</i>_f values for three different volumes injected: 16, 15 and 18 peaks were spotted for 3, 6 and 9 μL, respectively. Ascending order of <i>R</i>_f values was also ascertained for each peak recorded. This study clearly signifies that <i>S. dulcis</i> extract contains numerous compounds that are known to have larvicidal properties which clearly substantiates its efficacy on <i>Ae. aegypti</i> larvae.</p></div

Malnutrition and Anemia: A Health Burden among Tea Garden Workers in West Tripura District, Tripura, India

Introduction: The tea garden workers are an underestimated group of our society and are considered to be the most nutritionally vulnerable community. This study was undertaken to study the nutritional status of the male and female tea garden workers of West Tripura district, Tripura, India. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, a total of 409 tea garden workers including both sexes (males: 197; females: 212) of age group 18–60 years were selected. A questionnaire for on-ground data collection was administered along with the assessment of dietary intake and dietary quality, anthropometric data measurements, physiological measurements, hematological and biochemical estimation. Results: Most of the workers were vegetarian, and about two-thirds of the participants consumed two meals per day. None of the subjects was in the habit of taking packed lunch in routine, and maximum respondents (males: 84.26%; female: 83.96%) were in the habit of keeping fast. Skipping meals was also common in a vast number of the participants (males: 83.24%; females: 84.90%). A maximum number of participants complained of anorexia, headache, breathlessness on exertion, lethargic feeling, pale conjunctiva, pale skin, and flat nails. A very high prevalence of anemia (males: 94.91%; females: 99.04%) was observed among the workers. The present study also revealed dietary inadequacies, particularly regarding protein, energy, calcium, and all micronutrients (iron, β-carotene, folic acid) except vitamin C. A positive significant (P &lt; 0.05) correlation was observed between hemoglobin and various daily dietary intakes of blood-forming nutrients. Conclusion: The present study reveals the prevalence of anemia among tea garden workers, especially female workers. Nutritional insufficiency might be one of the important factors in this process. This study suggests that a comprehensive public health policy should be developed so that the tea garden workers’ health and nutritional needs can be addressed

Antioxidant Status in Serum of Long-term Areca Nut chewers and Oral Squamous Cell Carcinomas Patients

Aim: This study was carried out to investigate implications of serum antioxidant status in people with long-term areca nut chewers and oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) patients. Materials and Methods: Serum samples were collected from areca nut chewers, OSCC patients, and control of both genders between the ages of 15 and 60 years. Superoxide dismutase (SOD), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), uric Acid, and protein were estimated using ELISA reader, semi-automatic biochemical analyzer, and spectrophotometer. Results: SOD level in OSCC patients was decrease when compared to control and areca nut chewers indicate a low antioxidant profile. Yet, a decrease in SOD level in areca nut chewers when compared to control suggests that areca nut chewers are also prone to oxidative stress. TAC a known cancer biomarkers are known to increase in tobacco and areca quid’s consumers. Increase serum TAC level in OSCC and areca nut chewers when compared to healthy control could further justify that areca nut chewers population are prone to OSCC. Our studies also showed that decrease uric acid level in areca nut chewers corresponds to decrease in free radical scavenging activity which relates to our SOD level in our earlier finding. Increase protein level was also observed in OSCC patients when compared to areca nut chewers and controls. Although, there was no significant change between areca nut chewers and controls, increase protein level in areca nut chewers indicates violation to the integrity of capillary bed or mucosal lining as occurs in oral neoplasia which can cause increase protein synthesis. Conclusion: Areca nut chewers can alter serum antioxidant enzymes and increase OSCC cancer biomarker. Hence, maintaining the antioxidants status can help limit the progression of precancerous condition toward malignancy

Oxidative stress evoked damages leading to attenuated memory and inhibition of NMDAR–CaMKII–ERK/CREB signalling on consumption of aspartame in rat model

Many controversial reports are available on the use of aspartame as it releases methanol as one of its metabolite during metabolism. The present study proposes to investigate whether long term (90 days) aspartame (40 mg/kg b.wt) administration could induce oxidative stress and alter the memory in Wistar strain male albino rats. To mimic the human methanol metabolism, methotrexate (MTX)-treated rats were included as a model to study the effects of aspartame. Wistar strain albino rats were administered with aspartame (40 mg/kg b.wt) orally and studied along with controls and MTX-treated controls. Aspartame interfered in the body weight and corticosterone levels in the rats. A marked increase in the mRNA and protein expression of neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS) and induced nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) which resulted in the increased nitric oxide radical's level indicating that aspartame is a stressor. These reactive nitrogen species could be responsible for the altered cell membrane integrity and even cause death of neurons by necrosis or apoptosis. The animals showed a marked decrease in learning, spatial working and spatial recognition memory deficit in the Morris water maze and Y-maze performance task which could have resulted due to reduced hippocampal acetylcholine esterase (AChE) activity. The animal brain homogenate also revealed the decrease in the phosphorylation of NMDAR1–CaMKII–ERK/CREB signalling pathway, which well documents the inhibition of phosphorylation leads to the excitotoxicity of the neurons and memory decline. This effect may be due to methanol which may also activate the NOS levels, microglia and astrocytes, inducing neurodegeneration in brain. Neuronal shrinkage of hippocampal layer due to degeneration of pyramidal cells revealed the abnormal neuronal morphology of pyramidal cell layers in the aspartame treated animals. These findings demonstrate that aspartame metabolites could be a contributing factor for the development of oxidative stress in the brain. Keywords: Aspartame, Memory, Folate deficient rat model, Oxidative stress, Free radica