ANTIFUNGAL POTENTIAL OF ETHANOL EXTRACTS OF ALLIUM SATIVUM AND ALLIUM AMPELOPRASUM

Objective: In vitro analysis of Allium sativum and Allium ampeloprasum was performed to evaluate their antifungal potential against Alternaria triticina (ITCC 5496), causative agent of leaf blight in wheat and Magnaporthe oryzae (ITCC 6808), causative agent of blast disease in rice.Methods: Ethanol extracts of A. ampeloprasum and A. sativum were prepared by crushing their bulb in liquid nitrogen and then immersing them in 90% ethanol and 100% ethanol separately. The antifungal activity test was determined by quantitative assay using 96-well microtiter plate and results were statistically analyzed using GraphPad Prism v. 5.03.Results: A. triticina and M. oryzae showed above 90% and 95% growth inhibition, respectively against the ethanol extracts of A. ampeloprasum. Conversely, growth inhibition of either fungus remained mostly below 35% against ethanol extracts of A. sativum at all tested concentrations.Conclusion: Ethanol extracts of A. ampeloprasum have relatively higher antifungal potential than ethanol extracts of A. sativum and could be considered as a natural alternative to chemical fungicides.Keywords: Allium sativum, Allium ampeloprasum, Alternaria triticina, Magnaporthe oryzae

EVALUATION OF ANTIFUNGAL POTENTIAL OF ALLIUM AMPELOPRASUM AGAINST FUNGAL PHYTOPATHOGENS

Objective: Present study evaluates the antifungal potential of Allium ampeloprasum extracts against two phytopathogens of economic importance, namely Alternaria triticina and Magnaporthe oryzae which are found to be one of the greatest threats to wheat and rice crop worldwide.Methods: Four different organic solvents, i.e., water, methanol, acetone, and hexane were used for extract preparation based on the increasing order of polarity. Further, different concentrations of these extracts were used to perform a quantitative assay for measuring the antifungal activity of extracts. Two-way analysis of variance was used to statistically analyze the results through GraphPad Prism v. 7.00.Results: The best results were shown by water extracts with a maximum inhibition of 99.39±0.2% against A. triticina and 99.39±2.2% against M. oryzae. Water extracts gave minimal inhibitory concentration 90 values at 9.94 μg/mL against M. oryzae and at 16.73 μg/mL against A. triticina.Conclusion: Water extracts of A. ampeloprasum have relatively higher potential for being used as an antifungal agent as compared to other organic extracts used in this study. Further study on the chemical composition of A. ampeloprasum water extracts can reveal potent anti-phytopathogenic fungal compounds which can be used to develop biofungicides

BIOLOGICAL ACTIVITIES OF NOVEL IN VITRO RAISED STEVIA PLANT

  Objective: This communication explores a lead fraction from methanolic extract of novel Stevia species raised under in vitro conditions for its various biological activities.Methods: The dried Stevia leaves were crushed in methanol to get the polar extract. This methanol extract was tested for pancreatic lipase and alpha-amylase inhibitory activity using quantitative plate assays. Antibacterial property of the extract was also evaluated against Staphylococcus epidermidis, Escherichia coli, Bacillus subtilis, Staphylococcus aureus, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Further, the antioxidant potential was evaluated using 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl.Results: The methanolic extract inhibited pancreatic lipase with IC50 of 5.74 μg/ml in a similar manner to a well-known anti-obesity drug in the market orlistat. The methanolic extract also showed a better pancreatic α-amylase inhibitory activity (IC50=88 μg/ml) than acarbose. Further, the lead fraction exhibited 88.48% antioxidant activity. It also exhibited broad spectrum antimicrobial activity against the spectrum of Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria tested under laboratory conditions with a minimal inhibitory concentration ranging from 1.95 to 31.25 μg/ml.Conclusion: Thus, this study signifies the vast potential of the lead fraction from a novel Stevia species for further development into a herbal formulation for prevention of various infectious and non-infectious diseases

COMPARISON OF COMMERCIALLY AVAILABLE DRUGS FOR TYPE 2 DIABETES WITH NATURAL MOLECULE FROM TINOSPORA

Objective: Efficacy of natural molecule from Tinospora cordifolia versus commercially available drugs to control diabetes 2.Methods: Twelve different drug molecules were selected to study drug properties, bioactivity and detailed mode of action. A comparative study was carried out among the drugs and plant metabolite to understand the putative mechanism of metabolite action and its potential to be developed as an herbal drug. PharmaGist Server was used to carry out pharmacophore modeling. The sequence of the target molecule (Q09428) was retrieved from UniProtKB/SwissProt, and structure prediction was carried out using ITASSER. The best model generated was further refined by energy minimization using Deep View. Validation of the structure was performed by Ramachandran plot analysis using PDBSum. Interaction analysis of the docked complex was done using LigPlot+.Results: The potential of natural plant metabolite to target ATP-binding cassette sub-family C member 8 seems probable based on docking and interaction analysis results. The natural molecule showed comparable binding energy (-5.57) in four out of seven drugs.Conclusion: Natural molecule from Tinospora cordifolia may serve as a potential lead drug molecule after modification and optimization for enhanced interaction.Keywords: Diabetes mellitus, Natural molecule, Tinospora, Type 2 diabete

Unveiling the Marvels of Indian Wetlands: Distribution, Ecological Importance, Challenges, and Conservation

Comparable to tropical evergreen forests or coral reefs, wetland ecosystems are among the most dynamic and productive ecosystems on the planet. A region's dynamism may have a substantial impact on its ecological sustainability. Exploring the distribution, range, categorization, ecological functions, biological variety, and dangers to India's wetland diversity is the goal of this article. The management of irrigation water, groundwater, fisheries, non-timber forest products, water supply, recreation, and pollution control through carbon sequestration, flood control, nutrient cycles are just a few of the essential ecological services that wetlands typically provide for sustainable development in many areas. However, the growing anthropogenic activity in and around the wetlands put them under ongoing stress, which is seen as a reduction in area and has a severe impact on their hydrological, ecological, and economic functions. Wetlands are one of the most imperilled ecosystems due to the global decline in their number. India has 75 wetlands that are currently recognised as Ramsar sites, with a total coverage of roughly 1.09 million hectares and an estimated 757.06 thousand wetlands, making up around 4.7% of the total land area. India has the most wetlands in South Asia, and it sustains nearly a fifth of the region's total biodiversity. Unfortunately, between 35–60% of India's wetlands have been lost over the course of the last 40 years, necessitating the creation of new conservation techniques and a rethinking of the laws governing their protection

Seasonal Variation of Trace Metals in Ancient Pond and Its Impact on Morphometry of Claris Batrachus: A Case Study of Varanasi City

Varanasi, often termed India's spiritual nucleus, boasts a rich tapestry of historical and ecological elements, most notably its ancient "kunds" or water tanks. These kunds, deeply intertwined with religious ceremonies and local legends, are ecological keystones supporting diverse aquatic life. This study concentrates on five significant kunds: Surya Kund, Ishwarangi Kund, Pishach Mochan Kund, Kurukshetra Kund, and Pushkar Kund. The objective was to assess the seasonal variations of trace metal concentrations in these water bodies and understand their impact on the morphometry of indigenous species, with a spotlight on Clarias batrachus. Preliminary findings indicate fluctuating metal levels, particularly during monsoon months, with corresponding morphological alterations in the observed fish species. Such results accentuate the importance of preserving these ecologically critical and culturally treasured sites against the challenges of urbanization and modern practices in Varanasi.&nbsp

Identification of prognostic and susceptibility markers in chronic myeloid leukemia using next generation sequencing

Background: Incidence of Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (CML) is continuously increasing and expected to reach 100,000 patients every year by 2030. Though the discovery of Imatinib Mesylate (IM) has brought a paradigm shift in CML treatment, 20% patients show resistance to this tyrosine kinase inhibiter (TKI). Therefore, it is important to identify markers, which can predict the occurrence and prognosis of CML. Clinical Exome Sequencing, panel of more than 4800 genes, was performed in CML patients to identify prognostic and susceptibility markers in CML.Methods: Enrolled CML patients (n=18) were segregated as IM responders (n=10) and IM failures (n=8) as per European Leukemia Net (ELN), 2013 guidelines. Healthy controls (n=5) were also enrolled. DNA from blood of subjects was subjected to Next Generation Sequencing. Rare mutations present in one patient group and absent in another group were considered as prognostic markers, whereas mutations present in more than 50% patients were considered as susceptibility markers.Result: Mutations in genes associated with cancer related functions were found in different patient groups. Four variants: rs116201358, rs4014596, rs52897880 and rs2274329 in C8A, UNC93B1, APOH and CA6 genes, respectively, were present in IM responders; whereas rs4945 in MFGE8 was present in IM failures. Mutations in HLA-DRB1 (rs17878951), HLA-DRB5 (rs137863146), RPHN2 (rs193179333), CYP2F1 (rs116958555), KCNJ12 (rs76684759) and FUT3 (rs151218854) were present as susceptibility markers.Conclusion: The potential genetic markers discovered in this study can help in predicting response to IM as frontline therapy. Susceptibility markers may also be used as panel for individuals prone to have CML.Keywords: Chronic Myeloid Leukemia, Genetic Markers, Next Generation Sequencing (NGS

Mitochondrial dysfunction and its association with age-related disorders

Aging is a complex process that features a functional decline in many organelles. Various factors influence the aging process, such as chromosomal abnormalities, epigenetic changes, telomere shortening, oxidative stress, and mitochondrial dysfunction. Mitochondrial dysfunction significantly impacts aging because mitochondria regulate cellular energy, oxidative balance, and calcium levels. Mitochondrial integrity is maintained by mitophagy, which helps maintain cellular homeostasis, prevents ROS production, and protects against mtDNA damage. However, increased calcium uptake and oxidative stress can disrupt mitochondrial membrane potential and permeability, leading to the apoptotic cascade. This disruption causes increased production of free radicals, leading to oxidative modification and accumulation of mitochondrial DNA mutations, which contribute to cellular dysfunction and aging. Mitochondrial dysfunction, resulting from structural and functional changes, is linked to age-related degenerative diseases. This review focuses on mitochondrial dysfunction, its implications in aging and age-related disorders, and potential anti-aging strategies through targeting mitochondrial dysfunction

Optimization of Lignocellulose Degrading Enzyme Laccase from Basidiomycetes Using One Variable at a Time Approach

ABSTRACT Present study deals with the screening of few species of basidiomycetes for the production of laccase. Ten samples of basidiomycetes were collected from different lignocellulosic sources and best four fungal species viz., Schizophyllum sp., Polyporus sp., Phanerochaete sp. & Trametes sp. were screened for production of laccase. One Variable at a Time approach (OVAT) was used to study different parameters namely, pH, carbon and nitrogen sources, solid to liquid ratio and surfactants on the activity of laccase enzyme. Schizophyllum sp. showed maximum laccase activity (1060.5 IU ml -1 ) at pH 6.5 amongst all other parameters investigated. It showed maximum laccase activity of 10.5 IU ml -1 with NaNO 3 and Peptone

BIOLOGICAL ACTIVITIES OF NOVEL IN VITRO RAISED STEVIA PLANT

  Objective: This communication explores a lead fraction from methanolic extract of novel Stevia species raised under in vitro conditions for its various biological activities.Methods: The dried Stevia leaves were crushed in methanol to get the polar extract. This methanol extract was tested for pancreatic lipase and alpha-amylase inhibitory activity using quantitative plate assays. Antibacterial property of the extract was also evaluated against Staphylococcus epidermidis, Escherichia coli, Bacillus subtilis, Staphylococcus aureus, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Further, the antioxidant potential was evaluated using 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl.Results: The methanolic extract inhibited pancreatic lipase with IC50 of 5.74 μg/ml in a similar manner to a well-known anti-obesity drug in the market orlistat. The methanolic extract also showed a better pancreatic α-amylase inhibitory activity (IC50=88 μg/ml) than acarbose. Further, the lead fraction exhibited 88.48% antioxidant activity. It also exhibited broad spectrum antimicrobial activity against the spectrum of Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria tested under laboratory conditions with a minimal inhibitory concentration ranging from 1.95 to 31.25 μg/ml.Conclusion: Thus, this study signifies the vast potential of the lead fraction from a novel Stevia species for further development into a herbal formulation for prevention of various infectious and non-infectious diseases