Containment evaluation, cold tolerance and toxicity analysis in Osmotin transgenic tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L. cv. Pusa Ruby).

The present study reports engineered cold tolerance and toxicity analysis in genetically modified tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L. cv. Pusa Ruby) developed through constitutive over expression of Nicotiana tabacum Osmotin gene. Rate of seed germination, seedling establishment and growth remained unaffected in the transgenic tomato in response to a low temperature (15 °C) treatment, but were significantly (P ≤ 0.05) reduced in the wild type. At reproductive stage, the wild type plants failed to recover at the low temperature (4.0 °C) treatment for 10 days but the transgenic plants survived successfully without any leaf senescence or other visible chilling injury symptoms. The quantitative transcript expression analysis confirmed up regulation of the transgene by 55% in the transgenic plants on cold treatment for 2 h whereas, the transcripts were not detected in the wild type. Containment evaluation under normal environmental conditions revealed similar morphology in both the transgenic and wild type tomato plants however an average fruit yield was higher in the transgenic plants (725.91 ± 39.27 g) than the wild type (679.84 ± 28.80 g). The composition of mature fruits in terms of element content was at par in both the transgenic and wild type except significantly higher Ca and Mg contents in the transgenic fruits than that of the wild type. Further, acute and sub-acute toxicity tests conducted in the adult female Wister rats revealed no mortality or significant changes in general and psychological behaviour, at par food intake and body weight and, normal biochemical, and hematological parameters for animals fed with the wild type or transgenic tomato fruits as compared to the control group, confirming its safety for animal consumption.

Sub-acute toxicity of cultured mycelia of himalayan entomogenous fungus Cordyceps sinensis (Berk.) Sacc. in rats.

Oral administration of laboratory cultured mycelia powder of C. sinensis did not show any sign of toxicity as no significant change was observed in organ weight and serological parameters in rats. However, there was a significant increase in food intake, body weight gain and hematological parameters like WBC, RBC, Hb and lymphocytes in treated groups. Histopathology of vital organs also supported the non toxic effect of C. sinensis. The results conclude that laboratory cultured mycelia powder of C. sinensis is safe and non toxic up to 2 g/kg body weight dose.

Evaluation of antioxidant activity of two important memory enhancing medicinal plants Baccopa monnieri and Centella asiatica.

BACKGROUND: Free radicals or highly reactive oxygen species are capable of inducing oxidative damage to human body. Antioxidants are the compounds which terminate the attack of reactive species and reduce the risk of diseases. Both Baccopa monnieri and Centella asiatica are used in treatment of brain disorders in humans and have almost similar effects. OBJECTIVE: The study was conducted to determine the antioxidant properties of two well-known memory enhancer medicinal plants Baccopa monnieri and Centella asiatica. RESULTS: The antioxidant activity of these two medicinal plants was evaluated by measuring reducing ability, free radical scavenging activity by DPPH and hydrogen peroxide methods. The antioxidants compounds like ascorbic acid, total phenols and tannins were also evaluated in these plants. Baccopa monnieri and Centella asiatica exhibited significant differences (P<0.05) in their antioxidant values. The methanolic extract of whole leaf powder of Baccopa monnieri exhibited significantly higher antioxidant activity than the Centella asiatica. The antioxidant components viz. ascorbic acid, total phenols and tannins were also found in a higher concentration in Baccopa monnieri as compared to Centella asiatica. CONCLUSION: It can be concluded from the study that regular use of Baccopa monnieri as a supplement could be more helpful compared to Centella asiatica in treatment of neurological disorders caused by free radical damage.

Shilajit: A panacea for high-altitude problems.

High altitude problems like hypoxia, acute mountain sickness, high altitude cerebral edema, pulmonary edema, insomnia, tiredness, lethargy, lack of appetite, body pain, dementia, and depression may occur when a person or a soldier residing in a lower altitude ascends to high-altitude areas. These problems arise due to low atmospheric pressure, severe cold, high intensity of solar radiation, high wind velocity, and very high fluctuation of day and night temperatures in these regions. These problems may escalate rapidly and may sometimes become life-threatening. Shilajit is a herbomineral drug which is pale-brown to blackish-brown, is composed of a gummy exudate that oozes from the rocks of the Himalayas in the summer months. It contains humus, organic plant materials, and fulvic acid as the main carrier molecules. It actively takes part in the transportation of nutrients into deep tissues and helps to overcome tiredness, lethargy, and chronic fatigue. Shilajit improves the ability to handle high altitudinal stresses and stimulates the immune system. Thus, Shilajit can be given as a supplement to people ascending to high-altitude areas so that it can act as a "health rejuvenator" and help to overcome high-altitude related problems.

GABAA receptors in nucleus accumbens shell mediate the hyperphagia and weight gain following haloperidol treatment in rats.

AIMS: Weight gain is a common outcome of antipsychotics therapy in schizophrenic patients. However, the underlying neuronal mechanisms are unclear. The present study was undertaken to investigate the role of GABA(A) receptors within the framework of nucleus accumbens shell (AcbSh) in haloperidol-induced hyperphagia and body weight gain in sated rats. MAIN METHODS: In acute studies, GABA(A) receptor agonists muscimol, diazepam or antagonist bicuculline were administered by AcbSh route, alone or in combination with haloperidol (intraperitoneal/ip). Immediately after these treatments, preweighed food was offered to the animals at commencement of dark phase. Cumulative food intake was measured at 2 and 6 h post-injection time-points. Furthermore, effects of subacute haloperidol treatment, alone or in combination with muscimol, diazepam or bicuculline, on food intake and body weight were investigated. KEY FINDINGS: While acute treatment with haloperidol, muscimol or diazepam dose dependently stimulated the food intake, bicuculline suppressed the same. Prior administration of muscimol (20 ng/rat, intra-AcbSh) and diazepam (5 microg/rat, intra-AcbSh) significantly potentiated, whereas bicuculline (40 ng/rat, intra-AcbSh) negated the hyperphagic effect of acute haloperidol (0.005 or 0.01 mg/kg/rat, ip). Subacute administration of haloperidol (0.01 mg/kg/rat/day, ip) for 15 days produced increase in food intake and body weight. Although, concomitant administration of muscimol (20 ng/rat/day, intra-AcbSh) or diazepam (5 microg/rat/day, intra-AcbSh) markedly enhanced, bicuculline (40 ng/rat/day, intra-AcbSh) prevented the subacute haloperidol-induced hyperphagia and weight gain. SIGNIFICANCE: The results of present study suggest that increased food intake and body weight following haloperidol treatment in rats, may be mediated via AcbSh GABA(A) receptors.