Spring applied phosphorus loss with cover crops in no-till terraced field.

Cover crops (CC) can improve phosphorus (P) cycling by reducing water related P losses and contributing to P nutrition of a rotational crop. This is particularly important in claypan soils with freeze-thaw cycles in early spring in the Midwest U.S. This 4-year study (2019-2022) examined the impact of CC monoculture and mix of CC species on P losses from a fertilizer application, and determined the P balance in soil compared to no cover crop (noCC). The CC mix consisted of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.), radish (Raphanus raphanistrum subsp. Sativus), and turnip (Brassica rapa subsp. Rapa) (3xCCmix) in 2019 and 2021 before corn, and cereal rye (Secale cereale L.) was planted as monoculture before soybean in 2020 and 2022. The 3xCCmix had no effect on total phosphorus (TP) and dissolved reactive phosphorus (PO4-P) concentration or load in 2019 and 2021. Cereal rye reduced TP and PO4-P load 70% and 73%, respectively, compared to noCC. The variation in soil moisture, temperature, and net precipitation from fertilizer application until CC termination affected available soil P pools due to variability in CC species P uptake, residue decomposition, and P loss in surface water runoff. Overall, the P budget calculations showed cereal rye had 2.4 kg ha-1 greater P uptake compared to the 3xCCmix species which also reduced P loss in water and had greater differences in soil P status compared to noCC. This study highlights the benefit of CCs in reducing P loss in surface runoff and immobilizing P through plant uptake. However, these effects were minimal with 3xCCmix species and variability in crop residue decomposition from different CC species could affect overall P-soil balance.

Underutilized fruit lasoda (Cordia myxa L.): Review on bioactive compounds, antioxidant potentiality and applications in health bioactivities and food.

Underutilized fruits are thought to be nutrient and antioxidant gold mines. Despite their high nutritive value, therapeutic properties, and ability to grow in adverse soil and climatic conditions, they have received little attention. However, these underutilized fruits are an important component of traditional foods, particularly in arid and semiarid regions of Rajasthan. Lasoda (Cordia myxa) contains numerous phytochemicals that contribute to its antioxidant potential, including tannins, flavonoids, phenolic acids, xanthones, terpenes, and saponins. The primary goal of this review is to emphasize the importance of extracting bioactive compounds from lasoda and evaluating their antioxidant potential. Furthermore, this review emphasizes the major areas for the application of lasoda and its extract as prospective positive health agents that can be used in the preparation of functional foods. The use of lasoda may also improve the value of bakery products and meat quality and prevent postharvest losses. This review is a pilot article that can aid in the nutritional profiling of Cordia fruits and seeds, and it provides information on the effective and efficient use of this underutilized fruit in the food and nutraceutical industries.

Role of microRNAs and their putative mechanism in regulating potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) life cycle and response to various environmental stresses.

The exponentially increasing population and the demand for food is inextricably linked. This has shifted global attention to improving crop plant traits to meet global food demands. Potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) is a major non-grain food crop that is grown all over the world. Currently, some of the major global potato research work focuses on the significance of microRNAs (miRNAs) in potato. miRNAs are a type of non-coding RNAs that regulate the gene expression of their target mRNA genes by cleavage and/or their translational inhibition. This suggests an essential role of miRNAs in a multitude of plant biological processes, including maintenance of genome integrity, plant growth, development and maturation, and initiation of responses to various stress conditions. Therefore, engineering miRNAs to generate stress-resistant varieties of potato may result in high yield and improved nutritional qualities. In this review, we discuss the potato miRNAs specifically known to play an essential role in the various stages of the potato life cycle, conferring stress-resistant characteristics, and modifying gene expression. This review highlights the significance of the miRNA machinery in plants, especially potato, encouraging further research into engineering miRNAs to boost crop yields and tolerance towards stress.

Cardioprotective Activity of Cassia fistula L. Bark Extract in Isoproterenol-Induced Myocardial Infarction Rat Model.

Cassia fistula Linn, generally recognized as Indian laburnum, is one of the ancient trees in the Indian subcontinent used for its ornamental and diverse medicinal properties. It is known for its ethnic medicinal uses in inflammatory and infectious pathologies such as antihelmintic, purgative, carminative, antipyretic, expectorant, analgesic, laxative, antiseptic, and antidote against snake poison. The Cassia bark is rich in anthraquinones, flavanols glycosides, and sitosterols, which renders it cardioprotective properties. The existing experiments were designed to assess the potential of Cassia fistula bark against isoproterenol (ISP)-induced cardiotoxicity in rats, which has not been validated yet. The bark was successively extracted with five different solvents, and each extract was subjected to in vitro antioxidant studies. Further acute oral toxicity assays were carried out preceding in vivo myocardial studies. Cardiotoxicity-inducing agent, ISP, was administrated to the rats for two consecutive days (8th and 9th). Based on in vitro studies, the Cassia fistula methanolic extract (CFME) was administered in two doses: CFME-LD (lower dose 250 mg/kg) and CFME-HD (high dose 500 mg/kg) separately. It was found that CFME produced a substantial decrease in lipid peroxidation and an increase in antioxidants in myocardial tissues. CFME abrogated the levels of triglyceride and total cholesterol with a decrease in alanine transaminase (ALT) and aspartate transaminase (AST) activity in serum at both doses. 2,3,5-Triphenyltetrazolium chloride (TTC) staining and histopathology also revealed the protective effects of CFME against ISP-induced myocardial infarction. The study showed the significant role of the CFME as a strong antioxidant and cardioprotective action in ISP-induced toxicity.

Exploring terminology for puerperal sepsis and its symptoms in urban Karachi, Pakistan to improve communication, care-seeking, and illness recognition.

Puerperal sepsis is an important cause of maternal morbidity and mortality in developing countries. Awareness of local terminology for its signs and symptoms may improve communication about this illness, what actions to take when symptoms appear, timely care seeking, and clinical outcomes. This formative research aimed to improve recognition and management of postpartum sepsis in Pakistan by eliciting local terms used for postpartum illnesses and symptoms. We conducted 32 in-depth interviews with recently delivered women, their relatives, traditional birth attendants, and health care providers to explore postpartum experiences. Terms for symptoms and illness are used interchangeably (i.e. bukhar, the Urdu word for fever), many variations exist for the same term, and gradations of severity for each term as not associated with different types of illnesses. The lack of a designated term for postpartum sepsis in Urdu delays care-seeking and proper diagnosis, particularly at the community level. Ideally, a common lexicon for symptoms and postpartum sepsis would be developed but this may not be feasible or appropriate given the nature of the Urdu language and local understandings of postpartum illness. These insights can inform how we approach educational campaigns, the development of clinical algorithms that focus on symptoms, and counselling protocols.

Caffeic Acid Prevents Vascular Oxidative Stress and Atherosclerosis against Atherosclerogenic Diet in Rats.

Diet and lifestyle play a crucial role in the progress of some cardiovascular disorders (CVDs). Rising interest in natural products and their pharmacological investigations witnessed therapeutic potential against CVDs. Caffeic acid (CA) is an organic composite hydroxycinnamic acid derivative classified among phenolics. It is a secondary metabolite biosynthesized in all plant species in the form of ester conjugates. The reported pharmacological activities of CA are neuroprotective, cardioprotective, hypoglycemic, antioxidant, and immunomodulatory properties. This work is aimed to examine the outcome of CA in atherogenic diet- (Ath-) induced rat model on lipid profile changes and endothelium function. The method involves a study duration of 35 days utilizing (n = 6) male Wistar rats (180-200 g) that were fed either normal chow or Ath. Study groups are given (i) normal chow diet, (ii) Ath, (iii) Ath + CA (25 or 50 mg/kg, p.o.), (iv) normal chow diet + CA (50 mg/kg, p.o.), and (v) Ath + Atorvastatin (ATORVA) (5 mg/kg, p.o.). Blood samples were collected at the end of the study to measure serum lipid profile, alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, lactate dehydrogenase, and tissue oxidative stress level. Hemodynamic parameters and aorta staining were performed. CA treatment ameliorated lipid profile and significantly reduced the oxidative stress level. Aorta staining examination revealed a marked reduction of the atherosclerotic lesions. These findings suggested that CA is an effective treatment approach for preventing atherosclerotic lesion progression attributed to protection against oxidative stress and various enzymatic activities in the Ath model.

Geothermal heating: Is it a boon or a bane for bioremediation?

There has been a worldwide interest in renewable energy technologies, as a means of decreasing reliance on fossil fuels, minimizing climate change effects, and reducing greenhouse emissions. One such technology is geothermal heating where the constant subsurface temperature is used to cool or heat building interiors via heat pumps. In Canada, the use of geothermal heating has become a popular option for heating and cooling buildings, and it is anticipated that, in the near term, most large buildings will include geothermal heating as part of their climate control strategy. However, little is known about the environmental impacts of geothermal heating on the subsurface environment. The present review will examine the effect of geothermal heating on groundwater flow and remediation efforts, whereby the heat generated by geothermal systems may help with urban pollution. "Geothermal Remediation" could leverage the subsurface heating resulting from geothermal systems to accelerate biodegradation of certain petroleum-based pollutants at brown-field sites, while providing building(s) with sustainable heating and cooling. This idea coincides with the rising momentum towards sustainable and green remediation in Europe and the United States. To ensure that Geothermal Remediation is achievable, the effect of heat on bioremediation needs to be examined. This review provides an insight into what we know about heat effects on bioremediation activities and subsurface transport.

Salicylic acid pre-treatment modulates Pb2+-induced DNA damage vis-à-vis oxidative stress in Allium cepa roots.

The current study investigated the putative role of salicylic acid (SA) in modulating Pb2+-induced DNA and oxidative damage in Allium cepa roots. Pb2+ exposure enhanced free radical generation and reduced DNA integrity and antioxidant machinery after 24 h; however, SA pre-treatment (for 24 h) ameliorated Pb2+ toxicity. Pb2+ exposure led to an increase in malondialdehyde (MDA) and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) accumulation and enhanced superoxide radical and hydroxyl radical levels. SA improved the efficiency of enzymatic antioxidants (ascorbate and guaiacol peroxidases [APX, GPX], superoxide dismutases [SOD], and catalases [CAT]) at 50-µM Pb2+ concentration. However, SA pre-treatment could not improve the efficiency of CAT and APX at 500 µM of Pb2+ treatment. Elevated levels of ascorbate and glutathione were observed in A. cepa roots pre-treated with SA and exposed to 50 µM Pb2+ treatment, except for oxidized glutathione. Nuclear membrane integrity test demonstrated the ameliorating effect of SA by reducing the number of dark blue-stained nuclei as compared to Pb2+ alone treatments. SA was successful in reducing DNA damage in cell exposed to higher concentration of Pb2+ (500 µM) as observed through comet assay. The study concludes that SA played a major role in enhancing defense mechanism and protecting against DNA damage by acclimatizing the plant to Pb2+-induced toxicity.

Therapeutic Potential of Essential Oil-based Microemulsions: Reviewing State-of-the-art.

A pre-eminent emulsion-based micellar drug delivery system, "microemulsion", comprising drug in oil or water phase, stabilized by surfactants and co-surfactants, has been evidenced to have a phenomenal role in a number of applications. Oils play an important role in the formation of ME and increase the drug absorption at the site of action. Oils employed in microemulsion formulation solubilize lipophilic drug. As the concept of "natural" therapies is recently gaining importance amongst researchers all over the world, scientists are employing essential oil as an organic component in this system. The active components of essential oils include flavonoids, phenylpropanoids, monoterpenes and polyunsaturated mega-6-fatty acids. These oils are enriched with characteristic intrinsic properties such as anti-oxidant, anti-bacterial, anti-viral, etc., bestowing enhanced supremacy to the whole microemulsion system. This mini-review is the first to document various types of essential oils employed in microemulsion systems and highlight their therapeutic potential and applications as drug delivery vehicles. Key inferences from this study suggest: 1) Clove oil is the most explored oil for incorporation into a microemulsion based system, followed by peppermint and Tea Tree Oil (TTO). 2) Penetration enhancing effects of these oils are due to the presence of terpenic constituents. 3) Essential oil based microemulsions protect volatility of ethereal oils and protect them from degradation in the presence of light, air, temperature. 4) These systems may also be explored for their applications in different industries like aromatherapy, food, drink, fragrance, flavour, cosmeceutical, soap, petroleum and pharmaceutical industry.

Optimization and utilization of single chain metallocatanionic vesicles for antibacterial photodynamic therapy (aPDT) against E. coli.

Currently, bacterial infection due to multi-drug-resistant bacteria is one of the foremost problems in public health. Photodynamic therapy plays a significant role against bacterial infection, without causing any side effects. But the photosensitizers are associated with many drawbacks, which lessen their photodynamic efficiency. In this context, the current study describes the synthesis of new metallocatanionic vesicles and employs them in photodynamic therapy. These vesicles were synthesized by using a single-chain cationic metallosurfactant (CuCPC I) and sodium oleate (NaOl) as an anionic component. These vesicles were characterized from conductivity, dynamic light scattering, zeta potential, field emission scanning electron microscopy, and confocal microscopy measurements. Methylene blue (MB) was used as a photosensitizer and its singlet oxygen quantum yield in the presence of these vesicles was determined by irradiating with 650 nm wavelength laser light. These vesicles play a dual-functional role, one helping in delivering the photosensitizer and the second doubling their singlet oxygen production capability due to the presence of metal ions. Antibacterial photodynamic therapy (aPDT) was studied against E. coli bacteria (Gram-negative bacteria). These vesicles also inherit their antibacterial activity and MB-encapsulated metallocatanionic vesicles on irradiation have shown 100% killing efficiency. In summary, we offer metallocatanionic vesicles prepared via a facile approach, which encapsulate a photosensitizer and can be used to combat E. coli infection through photodynamic therapy. We envisage that these synthesized metallocatanionic vesicles will provide a new modification to the catanionic mixture family and could be used for various applications in the future.

Toxicity assessment of palladium oxide nanoparticles derived from metallosurfactants using multi assay techniques in Allium sativum.

In today's world, nanotechnology is reaching practically every ground and entering the human lifestyle by becoming a part of it. Thus, it is vital to check the cytotoxic and genotoxic effects of nanosubstances on plants, as they are the base constituent of ecosystem. The present work deals with the toxicity evaluation of metallosurfactant derived palladium oxide nanoparticles towards Allium sativum (Garlic cloves). The nanoparticles were prepared using microemulsion quenching method (a softer approach) using palladium metallosurfactants as precursors. The three ligands used were cetyltrimethylammonium chloride (CTAC), dodecylamine (DDA) and hexadecylamine (HEXA). Further, their characterization was done using TEM, Size Distribution curve, FESEM, EDS, XRD and Zeta potential. Garlic (Allium sativum) cloves were used to investigate the cytotoxicity and genotoxicity of fabricated PdO NPs. To check the cytotoxicity, optical microscopy was employed and for the genotoxic assessment, different parameters such as chromosomal aberrations in the mitosis, circular dichroism, and gel electrophoresis were utilized. From mitosis study, chromosomes aberrations were confirmed such as chromosomes stickiness, breakage, C-Mitosis, delay in anaphase, spindle fibre abnormality, laggard, vagrant and condensed chromosomes. Morphology of A. sativum clove, rooting and shooting pattern in the presence of PdO nanosuspension was observed. From all the experiments, it was concluded that all the three PdO nanosuspension are toxic in nature to both the cells and to genome, although, bishexadecyltrimethyl ammonium palladium tetrachloride (PdCTAC) Ns was found to be the most cytotoxic and genotoxic. Gel electrophoresis also confirmed the complete degradation of DNA in the presence of PdCTAC Ns.

Immunotherapeutic potential of Codonopsis clematidea and naringenin against visceral leishmaniasis.

In an attempt to explore reasonable and impervious remedies against visceral leishmaniasis, antileishmanial potential of hydroethanolic extract of Codonopsis clematidea (HECC) and its active component, naringenin (NRG) was investigated on the basis of innocuous and immunostimulatory properties. In vitro analysis showed the ability of HECC and NRG to arrest the promastigotes in sub G0/G1 phase. Further to evaluate the protective efficacy, inbred BALB/c mice infected with L. donovani were treated with HECC and NRG for 14 days. The treated animals were sacrificed on 7th and 14th post treatment days and scrutinized for clearance of parasite, DTH response, different Th1/Th2 cytokines (IFN-γ, IL-12, TNF-α, IL-17, IL-10, IL-4), T cells and B cell responses. The expression of iNOS, NFκB and the levels of nitric oxide (NO) and reactive oxygen species was also evaluated. The toxic effect of HECC and NRG was checked in terms of biochemical parameters and histological studies. Maximum reduction in parasite load and increase in the DTH response was observed in NRG treated animals in comparison to HECC and infected control. HECC and NRG switched the host Th2 immune response to the Th1-type along with the induction of CD4+ and CD8+ T cells. CD19 B cells were found to be decreased in NRG and HECC treated animals as compared to infected control. Moreover, treatment of HECC and NRG showed no alterations in hepatic and renal enzymes which was well supported by normal architecture of liver and kidney. The mechanistic details of NRG proved that it increased the NO and ROS production by activating the NFκB and iNOS expression and thus reduced the parasite load. These findings depicted that activity of HECC might be due to the presence of NRG and that the NRG provides an encouraging alternative for the treatment of visceral leishmaniasis with the rejuvenation of immune status of the host.

Near-infrared reflectance spectroscopy calibrations for assessment of oil, phenols, glucosinolates and fatty acid content in the intact seeds of oilseed Brassica species.

BACKGROUND: Very few near-infrared reflectance spectroscopy (NIRS) calibration models are available for non-destructive estimation of seed quality traits in Brassica juncea. Those that are available also fail to adequately discern variation for oleic acid (C18:1 ), linolenic (C18:3 ) fatty acids, meal glucosinolates and phenols. We report the development of a new NIRS calibration equation that is expected to fill the gaps in the existing NIRS equations. RESULTS: Calibrations were based on the reference values of important quality traits estimated from a purposely selected germplasm set comprising 240 genotypes of B. juncea and 193 of B. napus. We were able to develop optimal NIRS-based calibration models for oil, phenols, glucosinolates, oleic acid, linoleic acid and erucic acid for B. juncea and B. napus. Correlation coefficients (RSQ) of the external validations appeared greater than 0.7 for the majority of traits, such as oil (0.766, 0.865), phenols (0.821, 0.915), glucosinolates (0.951, 0.986), oleic acid (0.814. 0.810), linoleic acid (0.974, 0.781) and erucic acid (0.963, 0.943) for B. juncea and B. napus, respectively. CONCLUSION: The results demonstrate the robust predictive power of the developed calibration models for rapid estimation of many quality traits in intact rapeseed-mustard seeds which will assist plant breeders in effective screening and selection of lines in quality improvement breeding programmes. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry.

Extraction and derivatization of Leucaena leucocephala (Lam.) galactomannan: Optimization and characterization.

Water soluble gums also known as hydrocolloids are increasingly finding applications in the pharmaceutical and food industry due to their versatile functional properties. They possess considerable use in food and pharmaceutical industries as emulsifying, thickening and gelling agents. In the present investigation a heteropolysaccharide galactomannan was extracted from Leucaena leucocephala (Lam.) seeds by an aqueous method, characterized for its compositional analysis (mannose: galactose ratio), physicochemical and functional properties (solubility), and mechanical properties. The extracted gum was derivatized to form its carboxymethyl derivative and the method of its derivatization was optimized by varying the reaction parameters. The native and derivatized gum was characterized by FTIR, XRD, DSC, NMR, SEM and elemental analysis, etc. The yield of Leucaena leucocephala galactomannan (LLG) was found to be 20% (w/w). The optimized parameters for carboxymethylation reaction (degree of substitution 0.805) were found to be 6.0g NaOH, 10.0g MCA, at 60°C for 4h. The physicochemical and functional characteristics of native and derivatized gum suggest its potential role in food and pharmaceutical industries.

Facility-based active management of the third stage of labour: assessment of quality in six countries in sub-Saharan Africa.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the quality of facility-based active management of the third stage of labour in Ethiopia, Kenya, Madagascar, Mozambique, Rwanda and the United Republic of Tanzania. METHODS: Between 2009 and 2012, using a cross-sectional design, 2317 women in 390 health facilities were directly observed during the third stage of labour. Observers recorded the use of uterotonic medicines, controlled cord traction and uterine massage. Facility infrastructure and supplies needed for active management were audited and relevant guidelines reviewed. FINDINGS: Most (94%; 2173) of the women observed were given oxytocin (2043) or another uterotonic (130). The frequencies of controlled cord traction and uterine massage and the timing of uterotonic administration showed considerable between-country variation. Of the women given a uterotonic, 1640 (76%) received it within three minutes of the birth. Uterotonics and related supplies were generally available onsite. Although all of the study countries had national policies and/or guidelines that supported the active management of the third stage of labour, the presence of guidelines in facilities varied across countries and only 377 (36%) of 1037 investigated providers had received relevant training in the previous three years. CONCLUSION: In the study countries, quality and coverage of the active management of the third stage of labour were high. However, to improve active management, there needs to be more research on optimizing the timing of uterotonic administration. Training on the use of new clinical guidelines and implementation research on the best methods to update such training are also needed.

Coencapsulation of hydrophobic and hydrophilic antituberculosis drugs in synergistic Brij 96 microemulsions: a biophysical characterization.

A microemulsion has been formulated to coencapsulate antituberculosis drugs to solve the issue of stability of rifampicin (RIF) in the presence of isoniazid (INH) and pyrazinamide (PZA). The structural transition, solubilization locus, and quantitative release of drugs without interference have been estimated. Derivative absorbance spectroscopy, especially ratio derivative and double divisor ratio derivative methods, has been employed for estimating the release. The coencapsulation of the anti-tuberculosis drugs were carried out in single, binary, or ternary mixtures and occupy the same solubilization sites in multiple drugs microemulsion systems as in the case of single drug-loaded systems. INH and PZA obey the diffusional (Fickian) release mechanism, whereas RIF shows anomalous release. Resazurin assay and agar well diffusion method were adopted for cytotoxicity analysis and antimicrobial activity, respectively. Cytotoxicity was found to be dependent on concentration and on colloidal structure of microemulsion.

Biotechnological interventions in Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal.

Withania somnifera is one of the most valued plants and is extensively used in Indian, Unani, and African systems of traditional medicine. It possess a wide array of therapeutic properties including anti-arthritic, anti-aging, anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, immunoregulatory, chemoprotective, cardioprotective, and recovery from neurodegenerative disorders. With the growing realization of benefits and associated challenges in the improvement of W. somnifera, studies on exploration of genetic and chemotypic variations, identification and characterization of important genes, and understanding the secondary metabolites production and their modulation has gained significant momentum. In recent years, several in vitro and in vivo preclinical studies have facilitated the validation of therapeutic potential of the phytochemicals derived from W. somnifera and have provided necessary impetus for gaining deeper insight into the mechanistic aspects involved in the mode of action of these important pharmaceutically active constituents. The present review highlights some of the current developments and future prospects of biotechnological intervention in this important medicinal plant.

Ameliorative potential of Ocimum sanctum in chronic constriction injury-induced neuropathic pain in rats.

The present study was designed to investigate the ameliorative potential of Ocimum sanctum and its saponin rich fraction in chronic constriction injury-induced neuropathic pain in rats. The chronic constriction injury was induced by placing four loose ligatures around the sciatic nerve, proximal to its trifurcation. The mechanical hyperalgesia, cold allodynia, paw heat hyperalgesia and cold tail hyperalgesia were assessed by performing the pinprick, acetone, hot plate and cold tail immersion tests, respectively. Biochemically, the tissue thio-barbituric acid reactive species, super-oxide anion content (markers of oxidative stress) and total calcium levels were measured. Chronic constriction injury was associated with the development of mechanical hyperalgesia, cold allodynia, heat and cold hyperalgesia along with an increase in oxidative stress and calcium levels. However, administration of Ocimum sanctum (100 and 200 mg/kg p.o.) and its saponin rich fraction (100 and 200 mg/kg p.o.) for 14 days significantly attenuated chronic constriction injury-induced neuropathic pain as well as decrease the oxidative stress and calcium levels. It may be concluded that saponin rich fraction of Ocimum sanctum has ameliorative potential in attenuating painful neuropathic state, which may be attributed to a decrease in oxidative stress and calcium levels.

Withania somnifera shows a protective effect in monocrotaline-induced pulmonary hypertension.

CONTEXT: Withania somnifera (Linn.) Dunal (Solanaceae), a clinically used herbal drug in Ayurveda, shows potent antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, pro-apoptotic, and cardioprotective effects. However, the efficacy of W. somnifera in pulmonary hypertension (PH), a cardiopulmonary disorder, remains unexplored. OBJECTIVE: The present study investigates the effect of W. somnifera root powder on monocrotaline (MCT)-induced PH in rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In preventive studies, W. somnifera root powder (50 and 100 mg/kg/d, p.o.) was administered from day 1 following single administration of MCT (60 mg/kg, s.c.) in Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats. After 35 d, right ventricular pressure (RVP) was measured in anesthetized rats. Various physical markers of right ventricular hypertrophy (RVH) were measured in isolated hearts. Markers of endothelial function, inflammation, and oxidative stress were estimated in lung homogenate. Vasoreactivity of pulmonary arteries was also studied. In therapeutic treatment, W. somnifera (50 and 100 mg/kg/d, p.o.) was administered from day 21 to 35 post-MCT administration. RESULTS: Preventive treatment with 50 and 100 mg/kg W. somnifera significantly reduced the RVP (32.18 ± 1.273 mm Hg and 29.98 ± 1.119 mm Hg, respectively, versus 42.96 ± 1.789 mm Hg of MCT) and all markers of RVH in MCT-challenged rats. There was an improvement in inflammation, oxidative stress and endothelial dysfunction, and attenuation of proliferative marker and apoptotic resistance in lungs. Therapeutic treatment with W. somnifera (100 mg/kg) also reduced RVP and RVH. DISCUSSION: This study demonstrated that W. somnifera significantly protected against MCT-induced PH due to its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, pro-apoptotic, and cardioprotective properties.

Applications of thin-layer chromatography in extraction and characterisation of ajoene from garlic bulbs.

Novel and inexpensive methods of thin-layer chromatography (TLC) were employed for the extraction, characterisation and mechanism of quorum sensing inhibition by ajoene, a component from toluene garlic bulb (Allium sativum L.) extract (TGE). TLC profiling of TGE was carried out using ethyl acetate as solvent. Out of total spots extracted from TLC, four spots exhibited quorum sensing inhibitory (QSI) potential. Among those, spot 5 was identified as Z-ajoene by TLC and confirmed by NMR and MS. HPLC analysis indicated 97.7% purity for purified ajoene. TLC densitometric analysis quantified 221.08 µmol/g of ajoene in TGE and indicated that ajoene is stable at 4°C and at acidic pH. HPTLC profiling showed that ajoene exhibits QSI effect by inhibiting the production of both long-chain acyl homoserine lactones and Pseudomonas quinolone signal (PQS) by P. aeruginosa and also by inactivating PQS molecules.