Physical and chemical properties of an oxisol after maize cropping on rotation with leguminous plants / Propriedades físicas e químicas de um latossolo ver melho durante o cultivo do milho após rotação com plantas leguminosas

Crop rotation has been a daily management to ensure viability of no-tillage system; however, it is few accepted and practiced by farmers. Thus, this study aims to establish a crop rotation scheme in soil quality. Consequently, cover crops of dwarf mucuna, pigeon pea dwarf, sun hemp and maize were cropped in 2010 under no-tillage system. Soil properties were determined prior their beginning, after the management of cover crops and maize harvest. Results were submitted to ANOVA and averages were compared. The macroporosity and total porosity answered to the adopted management with some variation. So, cover crops need much time to express their potential, mainly related to the physical characteristics of the studied soil. Chemical properties are susceptible to this management since higher changes were observed after management with cover crops. This crop rotation in a long term may allow the maintenance of soil quality because it avoids losses of nutrients and carbon

A rotação de culturas é ação básica para garantir a viabilidade do sistema plantio direto, porém, é pouco aceita e praticada pelos agricultores. Assim, este trabalho teve por objetivo estabelecer o esquema de rotação de culturas sobre a qualidade do solo. Para isso, sob sistema plantio direto, foramimplantadas, em 2010, as plantas de cobertura mucuna anã, feijão guandu anão, crotalaria juncea, e a cultura do milho. As propriedades do solo foram determinadas anteriormente à implantação, após o manejo da cobertura vegetal e após a colheita do milho. Os resultados encontrados foram submetidos à análise de variância e a comparação de médias. As plantas de cobertura podem precisar de mais tempo para que expressem seu potencial, principalmente relacionado às características físicas do solo, embora tenha sido observada variação da porosidade total e macroporosidade. As propriedades químicas são sensíveis ao manejo empregado, já que maiores alterações foram observadas após o manejo com as plantas de cobertura. Mesmo que não possibilite aumento significativo no teor de C no solo, o uso desta rotação, em longo prazo, poderá permitir a manutenção da qualidade do solo, evitando perdas de nutrientes e carbono

Influence of green manures on epiedaphic macrofauna in cerrado/pantanal ecotone / Influência de adubos verdes sobre a macrofauna epiedáfica no ecótono cerrado/pantanal

The aim of this study was to determine the similarity between nine species of green manure regarding the occurrence of epiedaphic macrofauna. The experiment was conducted during the months of August 2014 to July 2015 at the Crop Science sector of the State University of Mato Grosso do Sul, Unit of Aquidauana. Treatmentes evaluated were: Canavalia ensiformes, Dolichos lablab, Mucuna pruriens, Mucuna aterrima, Crotalaria spectabilis, Crotalaria juncea, Crotalaria ochroleuca, Cajanus cajan, Cajanus cajan and two control (fallow area and native vegetation). Experimental design was completely randomized with two replications. Each plot consists of 10 lines with 4.5 m long. Epiedaphic macrofauna inhabiting the interphase between the vegetation cover and the soil surface was collected weekly by the Pitfall model. Individuals collected in all green manure species in the same month were added and subjected to cluster analysis. The months of September and October composed group 2 due to higher averages of epiedaphic macrofauna individuals. The month of July had the highest number of individuals from Isoptera order, composing the group 3. The month of November was in which was collected the greatest number of individuals from Hymenoptera order, which has allocated this month in group 4. The others months of the year formed the group 1, indicating that the region climatic conditions in this period do not affect significantly the distribution of epiedaphic macrofauna individuals.

O objetivo deste trabalho foi verificar a similaridade entre nove espécies de adubo verde quanto à ocorrência de macrofauna epiedáfica. O experimento foi conduzido durante os meses de agosto de 2014 a julho de 2015 no setor de Fitotecnia da Universidade Estadual de Mato Grosso do Sul, Unidade de Aquidauana. Os tratamentos avaliados foram: Canavalia ensiformes, Dolichos lablab, Mucuna pruriens, Mucuna aterrima, Crotalaria spectabilis, Crotalaria juncea, Crotalaria ochroleuca, Cajanus cajan, Cajanus cajan e duas testemunhas (área de pousio e mata nativa). O delineamento experimental utilizado foi o inteiramente casualizado, com duas repetições. Cada parcela foi composta por 10 linhas com 4,5 m de comprimento. A macrofauna epiedáfica, que habita na interfase entre a cobertura vegetal e a superfície do solo foi coletada semanalmente por meio de armadilhas modelo Pitfall (de queda). Os indivíduos coletados em todas as espécies de adubação verde no mesmo mês foram somados e submetidos à análise de agrupamento. Os meses de setembro e outubro compuseram o grupo 2 devido as maiores médias de indivíduos da macrofauna epiedáfica. O mês de julho obteve o maior número de indivíduos da ordem Isoptera, compondo o grupo 3. O mês de novembro foi no qual foi coletado o maior número de indivíduos da ordem Hymenoptera, o que alocou este mês no grupo 4. Os demais meses do ano formaram o grupo 1, o que indica que as condições climáticas da região neste período não afetam significativamente a distribuição dos indivíduos da macrofauna epiedáfica.

Macronutrients release by green manure species grown in cerrado/pantanal ecotone / Liberação de macronutrientes por espécies de adubação verde cultivadas no ecótono cerrado/pantanal

Assessing the nutrient release by cover crops species, especially those used in green manure, is important for planning activities aimed at the higher economic return. The use of these species in order to improve the growing conditions in the transition region between the Cerrado and Pantanal biomes, which have particular characteristics, may be a viable alternative. This study aimed to evaluate the amount of biomass produced and macronutrients released in this biomass by different green manure species grown in the Cerrado/Pantanal ecotone. The trial was carried out from April 2013 to June 2014 in the Plant Science sector at State University of Mato Grosso do Sul, Aquidauana-MS (Brazil). Experimental design was completely randomized arranged in time split plot, with four replications. First factor consisted of seven species of green manure, while the second were seven evaluation times (months). The variables evaluated were: dry mass of shoot and nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K), calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg) and sulfur (S) contents as a function of time. For all variables evaluated there was significant interaction between the green manure species and the collection months. Vegetable cover showed different rates of decomposition and nutrient release. Mucuna aterrima was the species that produced higher amounts of dry mass and nutrient content. After four months of cutting the plants, green manure species do not differentiate between the amounts of released nutrients.

Avaliar a liberação de nutrientes por espécies de plantas de cobertura, especialmente aquelas utilizadas na adubação verde é importante para o planejamento das atividades objetivando o maior retorno econômico. O uso dessas espécies afim de se melhorar as condições de cultivo na região de transição entre os biomas do Cerrado e Pantanal que possuem características particulares, pode ser uma alternativa viável. O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar as taxas de liberação de macronutrientes de diferentes espécies de adubação verde cultivadas no ecótono Cerrado/Pantanal. O experimento foi realizado entre os meses de abril de 2013 a junho de 2014 no setor de Fitotecnia da Universidade Estadual de Mato Grosso do Sul, Aquidauana-MS. O delineamento experimental adotado foi o inteiramente casualizado disposto em esquema de parcelas subdivididas no tempo, com quatro repetições. O primeiro fator consistiu em sete espécies de adubação verde, enquanto o segundo em sete épocas (meses) de avaliação. As variáveis avaliadas foram: massa seca da parte aérea e quantidades de nitrogênio (N), fósforo (P), potássio (K), cálcio (Ca), magnésio (Mg) e enxofre (S) liberados em função do tempo. Para todas as variáveis avaliadas houve interação significativa entre as espécies de adubação verde vezes os meses de coleta. As coberturas vegetais apresentaram distintas taxas de decomposição e de liberação de nutrientes. Mucuna aterrima foi à espécie que produziu maiores quantidades de massa seca e disponibilizou as maiores quantidades de nutrientes. Após quatro meses de corte das plantas, as espécies de adubação verde não diferiram entre si quanto as quantidades liberadas de nutrientes.

Lipid-lowering properties of protein-rich mucuna product

BACKGROUND: The objective of this study is to evaluate the effect of protein-rich mucuna product (PRMP) on lipid parameters of hyperlipidemic rats. METHODS: Hyperlipidemia was induced in male rats for 3 weeks through high-fat diet. After induction, 30 hyperlipidemic rats were divided into five groups of six rats: control group (CG) received casein and four groups received PRMP as protein source at different proportions: 8.2, 16.4, 24.6, and 32.8 % corresponding, respectively, to 25, 50, 75, and 100 %substitution of casein in the diet for 3 weeks. Lipid and oxidative stress parameters of rats were assessed. RESULTS: There were no significant differences in food intake and body weight loss among the experimental groups. The concentrations of the serum low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, total cholesterol, and triglycerides were lower in groups fed on PRMP 50, 75, and 100 % than in the CG group (p< 0.05). Histological analysis of the liver revealed that animals fed on PRMP diets presented a lower level of steatosis than the CG group. The most significant reduction of lipid parameters was obtained when PRMP was used as unique source of protein (PRMP 100 %). PRMP also influenced oxidative stress parameters as evidenced by a decrease in malondialdehyde and an increase in catalase and superoxide dismutase. CONCLUSIONS: These findings demonstrated that PRMP exerts hypolipidemic effect; it has a metabolic effect on endogenous cholesterol metabolism and a protector effect on the development of hepatic steatosis. Our results also suggest that PRMP could manage metabolic diseases associated with oxidative stress.

biochemical effects of lime concentrate 'Aporo' and Mucuna pruriens seeds extract on Alloxan-induced diabetic rats

Objectives: This study evaluated the biochemical properties of a local lime concentrate preparation called Aporo and an ethanolic extract of seeds of Mucuna pruriens

Methods: Six groups of male Wistar rats, each containing five rats, were selected. Diabetes was induced in all rats, except the negative control group, by a single intraperitoneal injection of 150 mg/kg Alloxan. The induced rats, apart from the diabetic control group, were treated by daily oral administration of 5 mg/kg Glibenclamide, 100 mg/kg of Aporo decoction, an ethanolic extract of M. pruriens seed, and a combination of both in equal doses

Results: After 15 days of treatment, the blood glucose level of rats in the positive control group was found to be significantly lower than that of the other rats. However, Aporo extract exhibited a significantly higher ability to reduce blood glucose than the standard hypoglycaemic drug Glibenclamide. Aporo also increased high-density lipoprotein [HDL] levels and decreased triglyceride levels. The results showed that Aporo exhibited significant antioxidant, antidiabetic and antidyslipidaemic properties when used alone rather than in combination with Mucuna seed extracts

Conclusion: This study endorses the folk use of Aporo in the treatment of diabetes. However, further experimental studies are required to complement the results of the current study

Produtividade de vinagreira, pimenta rosa e carobinha cultivadas em sucessão a mucuna preta e feijão de porco / Productivity of roselle, Brazilian peppertree, and carobinha grown in succession to black velvet bean and jack bean

RESUMO O uso de adubos verdes e/ou de plantas de cobertura é uma técnica que vem sendo difundida para o cultivo de espécies medicinais, por garantir a sustentabilidade do solo agrícola, ser flexível em seu uso e por melhorar a atividade biológica do solo. O objetivo do trabalho foi avaliar o uso de culturas de cobertura para incrementar a produção de massa de plantas de vinagreira, pimenta rosa e carobinha. Foram avaliadas duas espécies de leguminosas tropicais (mucuna preta e feijão de porco) como cobertura do solo e uma testemunha (sem cultura de cobertura) e três espécies medicinais (vinagreira, pimenta rosa e carobinha). O experimento foi arranjado em esquema de parcelas subdivididas, tendo nas parcelas as coberturas vegetais e nas subparcelas, as plantas medicinais. As plantas para a cobertura vegetal foram propagadas por semeadura direta no local de cultivo, enquanto as medicinais foram transplantadas diretamente entre a palhada da cobertura vegetal. A produção da mucuna preta foi de 8,37 t ha-1 de massa seca e do feijão de porco, de 14,37 t ha-1 de massa seca. O uso das culturas de cobertura contribuiu para uma maior biomassa microbiana do solo. As produções de massas frescas de folhas, caules e frutos de vinagreira e de frutos da pimenta rosa foram maiores quando cultivadas em sucessão às coberturas vegetais do solo, independente da espécie. As produções da carobinha foram semelhantes quando cultivadas em áreas com ou sem a cobertura. Visando à maior produtividade da vinagreira e pimenta rosa, são indicadas as culturas antecessoras feijão de porco e mucuna preta.

ABSTRACT The use of green manure and/or cover crops is a technique that has been widespread for the cultivation of medicinal species, since it ensures the sustainability of agricultural soil, is flexible in its use, and improves biological activity in the soil. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the use of cover crops to increase biomass production of roselle, Brazilian peppertree, and carobinha plants. Two species of tropical legumes (black velvet bean and jack bean) were evaluated as ground covers, and also assessed were one control plot (without cover crops) and three medicinal species (roselle, Brazilian peppertree, and carobinha). The experiment was arranged in a split-plot design, where the plots had cover crops and the subplots contained the medicinal plants. The plants for the cover crop were propagated by direct sowing in the growing site, while the medicinal ones were transplanted directly between the cover crop. The dry mass production of the velvet beans and jack beans were 8.37 t ha-1 and 14.37 t, respectively. The use of cover crops contributed to the increased microbial biomass of the soil. The production of dry mass of leaves, stems, and fruits of roselle and fruits of Brazilian peppertree were higher when grown in succession to the crop cover for the soil, regardless of the species. The production of carobinha was similar when grown in areas with or without the cover. To increase the yield of roselle and Brazilian peppertree, preceding crops of jack bean and black velvet bean are recommended.

Prophylactic effect of Mucuna pruriens Linn (velvet bean) seed extract against experimental Naja sputatrix envenomation: Gene expression studies.

Mucuna pruriens is widely used in traditional medicine for treatments of various diseases. In certain region of Nigeria, the seed is used as oral prophylactics for snakebite. Rats pretreated with the aqueous extract from M. pruriens seed (MPE) were protected against the lethal effects of Naja sputatrix (Javan spitting cobra) venom [Tan et al., J Ethnopharmacol, 123 (2009) 356]. The pretreatment also protected against venom-induced histopathological changes in rat heart. To contribute to the understanding of the mechanism of cardio-protective action, the present study examined the effects of MPE-pretreatment on gene expression profile of rat heart as well as effect of MPE-pretreatment on N. sputatrix venom-induced gene expression alterations in rat heart. The gene expression profiles were examined by microarray analysis and verified by real time PCR. The results showed that pretreatment with MPE caused 50 genes in the rat heart substantially up-regulated of which 19 were related to immune responses, 7 were related to energy production and metabolism. The up-regulation of genes related to energy metabolism probably plays a role in maintaining the viability of the heart. Four other genes that were up-regulated (alpha synuclein, natriuretic peptide precursor, calsequestrin and triadin) were involved in the maintenance of homeostasis of the heart or maintaining its viability, thereby contributing to the direct protective action. The results demonstrated that protective effect of MPE pretreatment against snake venom poisoning may involve a direct action on the heart.

Hepatoprotective and in vivo antioxidant activities of the hydroethanolic leaf extract of Mucuna pruriens (Fabaceae) in antitubercular drugs and alcohol models / 中国天然药物

AIM@#Hepatotoxicity is a significantly increasing health problem worldwide, and the extent of the problem has stimulated interest in the search for hepatotherapeutic agents from plants. This study investigated the hepatoprotective and in vivo antioxidant activities of the hydroethanolic extract of Mucuna pruriens leaves in antitubercular and alcohol-induced hepatotoxicity assays in rats.@*METHOD@#In each of the models used, seven groups were allotted. The different groups received normal saline (10 mL·kg(-1), p.o.); hepatotoxicant (isoniazid-rifampicin, INH-RIF, 100 mg·kg(-1), i.p. or 20% ethanol 5 g·kg(-1), p.o.) and normal saline (10 mL·kg(-1), p.o.); hepatotoxicant and extract at doses of 100, 200, and 400 mg·kg(-1) p.o.; hepatotoxicant and silymarin 50 mg·kg(-1) p.o.; and extract at 400 mg·kg(-1) p.o. On the 21(st) day of treatment, blood was collected for assessment of serum biochemical parameters and harvested liver samples were assessed for antioxidants.@*RESULTS@#The hepatotoxicants significantly (P < 0.05-0.001) increased the levels of alanine transaminase (ALT), aspartate transaminase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), bilirubin, and malondialdehyde (MDA); and reduced the levels of catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and reduced glutathione GSH compared to control. M. pruriens significantly reversed (P < 0.05-0.001) the elevation in the level of ALT, AST, ALP, and bilirubin caused by the hepatotoxicants. The extract (200 and 400 mg·kg(-1)) significantly reversed (P < 0.05) the diminution in the level of in vivo antioxidants and increased the level of MDA produced by INH-RIF. M. pruriens (100-400 mg·kg(-1)) elicited significant reduction (P < 0.001) in the level of MDA compared to the alcohol group. Silymarin also reversed the deleterious effects of the hepatotoxicants.@*CONCLUSION@#The hydroethanolic extract of Mucuna pruriens leaves possesses hepatoprotective activity with enhancement of in vivo antioxidants as a possible mechanism of action.

Produção de biomassa e composição química de adubos verdes cultivados no vale do ribeira / Biomass production e chemical composition of green manure cultivated in vale do ribeira

A contribuição da adubação verde com leguminosas para melhoria do solo e produção agrícola depende em primeiro lugar da produção de biomassa e da sua composição química, que variam em função da espécie, região e estação de cultivo. Objetivo do presente trabalho foi avaliar a composição química da biomassa produzida por adubos verdes no Vale do Ribeira, São Paulo, Brasil. Para tal, foi conduzido um experimento em Pariquera-Açu-SP, no ano agrícola 2006/2007, em blocos casualizados, com quatro tratamentos (três adubos verdes e vegetação espontânea) e cinco repetições. Aos 30, 60, 90 e 120 dias após a semeadura, foram coletadas amostras em 1 m² da parte aérea das plantas e determinada a matéria fresca e seca, bem como a composição da biomassa. Crotalária, guandu e mucuna produziram, em ordem decrescente, as maiores quantidades de biomassa e foram mais eficientes do que a vegetação espontânea. A biomassa produzida pelos adubos verdes apresentou qualidade superior à produzida pela vegetação espontânea. Crotalária e guandu apresentam maior proporção de matéria seca acumulada no caule que possui baixo teor de N, alta relação C/N e L/N, variáveis que tornam a decomposição dos resíduos mais lenta. A análise particionada da matéria seca permite indicação mais precisa da composição química dos resíduos e a previsão da disponibilidade dos nutrientes no solo.

The contribution of green manure to soil improvement and crop production depends primarily on biomass production and its chemical composition, which vary depending on the species, region and growing season. The aim of this research was to evaluate the chemical composition of biomass produced by green manures in Vale do Ribeira, São Paulo, Brazil. In order to develop this research, was carried an experiment in Pariquera-Açu, in 2006/2007, in completely randomized blocks design with four treatments (three green manure and spontaneous vegetation) and five replications. At 30, 60, 90 and 120 after sowing samples were collected in 1m2 of the shoots and determined fresh and dry, and chemical composition biomass. Sunhemp, pigeon pea and mucuna produced, in decreasing order, the largest quantities of biomass and were more efficient than the spontaneous vegetation. The biomass produced by green manure had higher quality than that produced by spontaneous vegetation. Sunhemp and pigeon pea have a higher proportion of dry matter in stems which have low N, high C/N and L/N ratio, variables indicating slow decomposition of residues. The analysis of dry matter partitioned to better indication of the chemical composition of the residues and the prevision of the availability of nutrients in the soil.

Evaluation of the anti-diabetic properties of Mucuna pruriens seed extract

OBJECTIVE@#To explore the antidiabetic properties of Mucuna pruriens(M. pruriens).@*METHODS@#Diabetes was induced in Wistar rats by single intravenous injection of 120 mg/kg of alloxan monohydrate and different doses of the extract were administered to diabetic rats. The blood glucose level was determined using a glucometer and results were compared with normal and untreated diabetic rats. The acute toxicity was also determined in albino mice.@*RESULTS@#Results showed that the administration of 5, 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, and 100 mg/kg of the crude ethanolic extract of M. pruriens seeds to alloxan-induced diabetic rats (plasma glucose > 450 mg/dL) resulted in 18.6%, 24.9%, 30.8%, 41.4%, 49.7%, 53.1% and 55.4% reduction, respectively in blood glucose level of the diabetic rats after 8h of treatment while the administration of glibenclamide (5 mg/kg/day) resulted in 59.7% reduction. Chronic administration of the extract resulted in a significant dose dependent reduction in the blood glucose level (P<0.001). It also showed that the antidiabetic activity of M. pruriens seeds resides in the methanolic and ethanolic fractions of the extract. Acute toxicity studies indicated that the extract was relatively safe at low doses, although some adverse reactions were observed at higher doses (8-32 mg/kg body weight), no death was recorded. Furthermore, oral administration of M. pruriens seed extract also significantly reduced the weight loss associated with diabetes.@*CONCLUSIONS@#The study clearly supports the traditional use of M. pruriens for the treatment of diabetes and indicates that the plant could be a good source of potent antidiabetic drug.

Superação da dormência imposta pela impermeabilidade do tegumento em sementes de mucuna-preta / Overcoming of the dormancy imposed for the impermeability of the tegumentary in velvet bean seeds

A mucuna-preta é uma leguminosa empregada para adubação verde e como forrageira, cujas sementes apresentam dormência causada pela impermeabilidade do tegumento à água. O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a eficiência de tratamentos para superação da dormência e a influencia do tamanho da semente na germinação. Foram utilizados dez tratamentos para superar a dormência. Foi utilizado o delineamento inteiramente casualisado com quatro repetições totalizando 200 sementes por tratamento para as três classes de tamanho das sementes submetidas aos dez tratamentos no esquema fatorial 3 x 10. As médias foram submetidas ao teste de Tukey a 5% de probabilidade. Os tratamentos via ácida com H2S04 concentrado por 10 e 15 minutos demonstraram maior eficiência na superação da dormência principalmente nas sementes das classes de tamanho pequenas e médias. A classe de sementes de tamanho considerada média demonstrou maior produção de fitomassa aliada a bons índices de germinação.

The velvet bean (Mucuna aterrima (Piper & Tracy) Holland) is a legume utilized for green manure and as forage. Its seeds have dormancy caused by a seed coat that is impermeable to water. The objective of this work was to evaluate the efficiency of treatments for overcoming of the dormancy it influences and it of the size of the seed in the germination. Ten treatments had been used to surpass the dormancy. A factorial 3 x 10 was used the DIC with four repetitions totalizing 200 seeds for treatment for the three class of size of the seeds submitted to the ten treatments. The averages had been submitted to the test of Tukey 5% of probability. The treatments acid with H2S04 concentrated for 10 and 15 minutes had mainly demonstrated to greater efficiency in the overcoming of the dormancy in the seeds of the class of average small size. The class of seeds of considered size average demonstrated to greater allied production of green material the good indices of germination.

Chemical constituents of stem barks of Mucuna birdwoodiana / 中国中药杂志

Eleven compounds were isolated from the stem bark of Mucuna birdwoodiana. Their structures were elucidated by various spectral analyses and identified as 3'-methoxycoumestrol(1), formononetin(2), genisten(3), 8-0-methylretusin(4), 7, 3'dihydroxy-5'-methoxyisoflavone(5), chrysophanol(6), syringaresinol(7), epifriedelanol(8), lupeol(9), respectively. All compounds except 2,3,8 and 9 were isolated from the genus for the first time.

Extraction of bioactive principles from Mucuna pruriens seeds.

Mucuna pruriens (L.) DC. Syn. M. prurita Hook. (Papilionaceae) is used in male impotency, as aphrodisiac, in sexual debility, and as nervine tonic. It also possesses anti-parkinson property, possibly due to the presence of L-DOPA. In the present study, attempts were made to develop the suitable method(s) for extraction of L-DOPA/other active components from the seeds using different solvents. The various extracts were also screened for their neuroprotective and antioxidant activities. In addition, TLC and HPLC fingerprinting of the extracts for amino acid components were also developed for preliminary and sophisticated analysis. The L-DOPA could be obtained in good yield on extraction with EtOH-H2O mixture (1:1) using ascorbic acid as protector. Interestingly, n-propanol extract, which contained negligible amount of L-DOPA, had shown significant neuroprotective activity, suggesting that some components, other than L-DOPA, might also be responsible for anti-Parkinson property of seeds. The extract (MW-0100) containing mainly amino acids and water-ethanol extract (1:1) (MWEL-1299) showed promising antioxidant activity (EC50 = 2.5 microg) against DPPH radicals. MWEL-1299 also exhibited encouraging results against 1-methyl-4-phenylpyridinium ion (MPP+) toxicity. The TLC fingerprinting may be used to authenticate the plant material in herbal industry.

Amelioration of experimental diabetic neuropathy and gastropathy in rats following oral administration of plant (Eugenia jambolana, Mucuna pruriens and Tinospora cordifolia) extracts.

Extract of M. charantia (200 mg/kg), E. jambolana (200 mg/kg), M. pruriens (200 mg/kg) and T. cordifolia (400 mg/kg) was administered for 50 days in STZ induced diabetic mice, the plasma glucose concentration was reduced by 24.4, 20.84, 7.45 and 9.07% respectively. Tail flick latency (TFL) and gastric transit percentage were significantly higher in diabetic controls versus normal controls. M. charantia and E. jambolana modified it favorably while M. pruriens and T. cordifolia did not exert any favorable change.