RESUMEN
BACKGROUND: Roots of Withania somnifera (WS) are a celebrated medicinal ingredient in Ayurvedic and many other indigenous systems of medicine. The present study investigates the effect of the phytochemical composition of the extracts on their antioxidant and reducing activities. METHODS: WS roots were extracted with water, acetone, aqueous methanol (1:1), and methanol:chloroform:water (1:1:1) to obtain aqueous, acetone, hydro-methanolic, and methanol-chloroform-water extracts. Thereafter, phytochemical constitution and antioxidant and reducing activities of the extracts were compared using different qualitative and quantitative tests. RESULTS: Maximum extraction recovery was obtained with 50% aqueous methanol whereas extraction with acetone yielded the poorest recovery. Methanol-chloroform-water extract had the highest content of phytochemical constituents, except tannins, and also exhibited the highest antioxidant and reducing activities. CONCLUSION: Phytochemical composition and antioxidant and reducing activities of the extracts were positively associated with the use of organic solvents during the extraction process. Alkaloids and flavonoids were the most important contributors in the antioxidant and reducing activities of the extracts.
RESUMEN
Electroencephalographic studies were undertaken in goats to correlate with normal behavioral states and physiological conditions. Duplicate EEG records from 4 adult female goats (8-12 months, 10 +/- 2 kg body wt), using bipolar scalp electrodes placed in occipital region, were obtained to evaluate electrical responses of brain during different postures and states of alertness. EEG recordings were obtained under comfortable conditions and after adequate training of animals. EEG frequency (Hz) during lying down posture was significantly (P<0.05) lower compared to standing posture (32.63 +/- 1.34 Vs 38.63 +/- 1.03), the individual values ranging between 29 to 42 Hz. EEG amplitudes however varied non significantly between two states with respective values of 5.75 +/- 0.25 and 6.11 +/- 0.26 microV. During light and deep drowsiness, the frequencies recorded were 21.63 +/- 0.94 and 13.00 +/- 0.68 Hz, whereas amplitudes were 12.45 +/- 0.55 and 19.96 +/- 0.68 microV, respectively and the differences being statistically significant (P<0.05). Mean EEG frequencies of the order of 7.13 +/- 1.14 and 3.25 +/- 0.49 Hz and amplitudes of 16.59 +/- 2.55 and 19.86 +/- 3.19 microV were recorded during light and deep sleep, respectively. General trend indicated that frequency decreased and amplitudes increased with onset of drowsiness and these changes were proportional to the state of consciousness.
