Novel extraction technique: quantification of major phytoconstituents of arjuna in infused edible oil.

A rapid, precise, accurate, and cost-effective liquid chromatography-mass spectrometer method was developed by using a novel extraction technique for the simultaneous quantification of major oleane derivatives: arjunetin, arjungenin, arjunolic acid, and arjunic acid of Terminalia arjuna in infused edible oil. An innovative idea was implemented to extract the active phytoconstituents from the oil matrix based on the freezing point of oils and extraction solvent. The developed method was validated for all four active compounds in the linear working range of 0.47-1.72 µg/mL, 0.845-2.93 µg/mL, 1.73-5.95 µg/mL and 0.62-2.22 µg/mL with good correlations value (r2) more than 0.99 for arjunetin, arjungenin, arjunolic acid, and arjunetin, respectively. Furthermore, the HPTLC method was also developed for the quick identification of all four active markers along with other phytoconstituents infused in oil.

Understanding the Effect of Irrigation with Chromium Loaded Tannery Effluent on Ocimum basilicum L. vis-a-vis Metal Uptake.

In this study, we investigated the effect of irrigation with heavy metal loaded tannery effluent on Ocimum basilicum L., an important aromatic crop for utilization of tannery wastewater and remediation of chromium rich tannery affected soils. The soil was irrigated with three different dilutions of tannery wastewater viz. 50%, 75% and 100% of tannery effluents (T, UD and U) including control. The maximum herbal biomass (105.17 g plant-1) was found in UD100. Although oil quality was not affected by application of tannery effluents, the oil yield was decreased significantly, as compared to control, in all treatments except in UD75. The chromium concentration in different plant parts was in order of root > shoot > leaf. This indicates O. basilicum is an effective aromatic crop for remediation of tannery affected sites without any effect on crop growth, oil yield per unit area and oil quality and increase in soil fertility.

Classifying COVID-19 and Viral Pneumonia Lung Infections through Deep Convolutional Neural Network Model using Chest X-Ray Images.

Context: Automated detection of COVID-19 in real time can greatly help clinicians to handle increasing number of cases for preliminary screening. Deep CNN models trained with sufficiently large datasets may become best candidates to meet the purpose. Aims: This study aims for automated detection and classification of COVID-19 and viral pneumonia diseases by applying deep CNN model using chest X-ray images. The proposed model performs multiclass classification to meet the purpose. Settings and Design: The proposed model is built on top of VGG16 architecture with pretrained ImageNet weights. The model was fine-tuned using additional custom layers to deliver better performance specific to the target. Subjects and Methods: A total of 15,153 samples are used in this work. These samples include chest X-ray images of COVID-19, viral pneumonia, and normal cases. The entire dataset was split into train and test sets, with a ratio of 80:20 before training the model. To enhance important image features, image preprocessing and augmentation were applied before feeding the image batches to the model. Statistical Analysis Used: Performance of the model is evaluated through accuracy, precision, recall, and F1 score performance metrics. The results produced by the model are also compared with other recent leading studies. Results: The proposed model has achieved a classification accuracy of 98% with 98% precision, 96% recall, and 97% F1 score on the test dataset for multiclass classification. The area under receiver operating characteristic curve score was 0.99 for all three cases of multiclass classification. Conclusions: The proposed classification model may be highly useful for the preliminary diagnosis of COVID-19 and viral pneumonia cases, especially during heavy workloads and large quantities.

Decellularization of caprine esophagus using fruit pericarp extract of Sapindus mukorossi.

Biological detergents like sodium deoxycholate, sodium dodecyl sulphate and Triton X-100 impairs the collagenous and non-collagenous proteins, glycosaminoglycans and growth factors. Further, certain chemical and enzymes are responsible for residual cytotoxicity in the decellularized extracellular matrix. The main focus of this study was to explore the decellularization property of soap nut pericarp extract (SPE) for development of decellularized tubular esophageal scaffold. For this 2.5, 5.0 and 10% concentrations of SPE were used for decellularization of caprine esophageal tissues. Histological analysis of hematoxylin and eosin and Masson's trichrome stained tissue samples confirmed decellularization with preservation of extracellular matrix microarchitecture. Scanning electron microscopic images of luminal surface of decellularized esophageal matrix showed randomly oriented collagen fibres with large interconnected pores and cells were absent. However, the external surface was more textured with fibrous structures and collagen fibres were well preserved. DAPI stained decellularized tissues revealed complete removal of nuclear components, verified by DNA content measurement and SDS-PAGE. The FTIR spectra of decellularized esophagus shows absorption peaks of amide A, B, I, II and III. Elastic modulus of the decellularized esophagus scaffolds increased (P > 0.05) as compared to native tissues. Histological and scanning electron microscopic evaluation of in vitro seeded scaffolds showed attachment and growth of primary chicken embryo fibroblasts over and within the decellularized scaffolds. It was concluded that 5% SPE is ideal for preparation of cytocompatible decellularized caprine esophageal scaffold with well-preserved extracellular matrix architecture and, may be used as an alternative to biological detergents and other chemicals.

Development of decellularized aortic scaffold for regenerative medicine using Sapindus mukorossi fruit pericarp extract.

The aim of this study is to develop a novel decellularization method using aqueous extract of soap nut pericarp (SPE) and its evaluation using hematoxylin-eosin staining, scanning electron microscopy, diamidino-2-phenylindol (DAPI) staining, mechanical testing, sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and DNA quantification. The presently available decellularization agent raises some concerns due to the potential for presence of residual cytotoxic agents in the extracellular matrix. Histological analysis of hematoxylin and eosin and masson's trichrome stained processed aortic samples shows complete decellularization with preservation of extracellular matrix microarchitecture at 120 h. Further, staining of tissue samples with DAPI demonstrates complete removal of DNA fragments. Quantitative evaluation of DNA in the decellularized aorta tissues demonstrated a significant (P < 0.01) decrease in DNA content as compared to native tissues. Collagen quantification assay indicate no significant (P> 0.05) difference in its content between native and decellularized caprine aorta. Tensile strength of the decellularized scaffolds decreased non-significantly (P > 0.05) when compared to native tissues. There was no significant (P > 0.05) difference in young's modulus of elasticity, stiffness and stretch ratio between native aortic tissues and decellularized aortic scaffolds. Histological and scanning electron microscopic examination of in vitro cultured scaffold demonstrated the cell viability and proliferation of primary chicken embryo fibroblasts. SPE treatment is thus capable of producing cytocompatible decellularized caprine aorta scaffold with preservation of extracellular matrix architecture for vascular tissue engineering and could be applied widely as one of the decellularization agent.

Trace element accumulation potential in lemongrass varieties (Cymbopogon species) and prediction through regression model equations followed by path analysis: a field study.

A field investigation was conducted to monitor the trace element accumulation pattern and potential in lemongrass varieties when cultivated in varying concentrations of tannery sludge contaminated soils. Regression model equations were developed to predict the trace elements concentration in lemongrass plant parts. Model efficiency values ranged between 0.53 and 0.85 for roots and 0.50 to 0.77 for shoots. R2 for all the equations was high and ranged between 0.52 and 0.95 for roots and 0.50 to 0.91 for shoots. Path analysis coefficients revealed the status of interdependence between soil properties and heavy metal concentrations in plant tissues and their translocation pattern in the same. TF > 1 for Ni and Pb was recorded in all test varieties at different tannery sludge concentrations in soil and for Cd in Suwarna variety grown in sole TS. BAF>1 and BAC>1 for Ni and Pb was observed for all test varieties. BCF>1 for Cr was found in Suwarna variety at sole tannery sludge. It can be concluded that lemongrass can accumulate lead and nickel in its harvestable plant parts. Hence, it can act as a suitable phytoextractor for the same metals. Range of essential oil content (percentage) varied in all test varieties i.e. Shikhar (1.04-1.29), Krishna (0.94-1.05), Suwarna (0.82-0.95) and Chirharit (0.87-1.06) at different tannery sludge concentrations. Moreover, heavy metal content in the essential oil of all test varieties was found to be within the permissible limits, hence cultivation of lemongrass can be recommended at metal contaminated sites with minimum risk of food chain contamination.

Dengue in children and young adults, a cross-sectional study from the western part of Uttar Pradesh.

BACKGROUND: Dengue has emerged as a major public health problem in India. It presents more aggressively among younger age groups as compared to adults. Therefore, it necessitates the accurate estimation of prevalence in younger age groups. MATERIALS AND METHOD: Of all the 1026 clinically suspected cases of dengue up to the age of 18 years were enrolled in this study and grouped into four age groups (Group I - <0 to 1 year, Group II- 1 to 6 years, Group III- 7 to 12 years, and Group IV- 13 to 18 years). Their blood samples were aseptically collected from different clinical departments and were submitted to the Viral Research and Diagnostic Laboratory (VRDL), Department of Microbiology during the outbreak of 2016-17. Serum was separated and processed for dengue Non Structural Protein 1 antigen (NS1 Ag)and Immunoglobuline M antibody (IgM Ab) enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). All the relevant variables like age, sex, and demographic profile were recorded and statistically analyzed. RESULTS: A total 295 of the 1026 cases were detected positive for dengue either by NS1 Ag or IgM Ab ELISA. The results show the susceptibility to dengue being increased in the order of age Group I to IV. We analyzed the outbreak of year 2016 and 2017, of these 159/483 (33%) cases and 136/543 (25%) cases, respectively, were found seropositive during these years. The months of September, October, and November are more prone to dengue infection. CONCLUSION: Group III and IV were more susceptible to dengue fever (DF). The months of postmonsoon season are more favorable for spread of dengue among different age groups of the population.

Prevalence of Dengue Fever in Western Uttar Pradesh, India: A Gender-Based Study.

OBJECTIVE: Gender-based serologic differences for nonstructural protein 1(NS1) antigen (Ag) and IgM antibody (Ab) detection have been reported among cases of dengue in few studies. However, to understand its distribution with patient's gender and their demographic profile, this study is designed to fill the gaps in the available gender based data, and is the first from this region. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 4252 blood samples were collected aseptically during the outbreaks of 2016-17. Serum was separated and processed for dengue ELISA (NS1Ag and IgM Ab). All the relevant clinical data and variables such as gender and their demographic profile were recorded and statistically analyzed. RESULTS: A total of 978 (23%) patients were found seropositive either by NS1 Ag or IgM Ab ELISA. The proportion of male was higher than female among all seropositive cases, with the ratio of (M:F) 1.54:1 (P < 0.0001). The males were predominately more affected compared to females among rural (P = 0.001) and semi-urban (P = 0.016) areas. The positive NS1 (P = 0.004) and IgM (P = 0.0001) both results were significantly associated with male gender. CONCLUSION: Every case of dengue must be screened for NS1Ag and IgMAb to increase the diagnostic precision, despite the males being more affected as compared to females due to sociocultural differences.

Clinical correlation of severe acute respiratory syndrome-coronavirus-2 cases in selected districts of Uttar Pradesh: A cross-sectional hospital-based study.

BACKGROUND: The novel coronavirus (CoV) has resulted in a global pandemic despite drastic measures to avoid contagious spread. On April 3, 2020, there were around 1 million reported cases and 51,515 deaths due to CoV disease 2019. The disease presents with flu-like symptoms such as fever, dry cough, and fatigue. India being a resource-limited country, it is very important to differentiate the suspected cases clinically. AIM: The aim was to know the correlation of various clinical features of severe acute respiratory syndrome CoV 2 (SARS-CoV-2)-infected cases in selected districts of UP. SETTING AND DESIGN: This was a retrospective cross-sectional hospital-based study. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a retrospective cross-sectional study performed on 1243 suspected cases of SARS-CoV-2 infection from March 25, 2020 to April 17, 2020 in the department of microbiology of our institute to know the incidence of SARS-CoV-2 infection in selected districts of Uttar Pradesh. These cases were analyzed to see the association of various clinical symptoms with SARS-CoV-2 infection. For statistical analysis, Pearson's Chi-square test was performed using SPSS version 23. RESULTS: Out of total suspected cases, 4.5% were positive. Travel history was present in 80.4% of positive cases. About 83.9% had fever, 28.6% had shortness of breath, 35.7% had dry cough, 17.9% had either Type I or II diabetes mellitus, 12.5% had chronic kidney disease, and 7.1% had obstructive pulmonary diseases. CONCLUSION: Negative clinical history is very important in ruling out the suspected cases who came out to be free from the infection.

Phytoremediation of sewage sludge by Cymbopogon martinii (Roxb.) Wats. var. motia Burk. grown under soil amended with varying levels of sewage sludge.

Sewage sludge used as agriculture fertilizers contains a conspicuous amount of potentially toxic metals. In order to prevent the contamination in the food chain, there is an urgent need for the development of sewage sludge clean up technology. The use of non-food, multi-harvest aromatic crops for phytoremediation of sewage sludge has many benefits. Besides the eco-friendly approach, plant biomass generated can be used to extract economically important essential oil free of heavy metals. Cymbopogon martinii was grown in soil (s) amended with different ratios of sewage sludge (ss), that is, 100s:0ss (control), 80s:20ss, 60s:40ss, 40s:60ss, 20s:80ss, and 0s:100ss. The experiment was conducted in a plastic sack under an open environment for 1 year and harvesting was done thrice. Plant growth and essential oil yield were significantly increased with the increasing dose of sewage sludge. Accumulation of toxic metal (Cd, Cr, Pb, Ni) and micronutrient (Fe, Zn, Cu, Mn) increased significantly in the shoot tissues confirmed by estimation of bioaccumulation and bioconcentration, and scanning electron microscopy and X-ray microanalyses. Soil enzyme activities were significantly improved with the plant growth period and increased doses of sludge. Results showed C. martinii acts as hyper-accumulator and thus could be used for phytoremediation of sewage sludge.

Microbial Inoculants Assisted Growth of Chrysopogon zizanioides Promotes Phytoremediation of Salt Affected Soil.

Restoration of salt-affected soil through cultivation Chrysopogon zizanioides is a promising approach. The two way benefit of such an approach is that reclamation of salt-affected soil concomitant to improve plant growth and increased yield of essential oil produced in the plants roots. Earlier studies showed physiological changes and reduced growth of C. zizanioides under salinity. In the present study, plant growth promoting microorganisms viz. Pseudomonas monteilii, Bacillus megaterium, Azotobacter chroococcum and Rhizophagus intraradices were used as bio-inoculants for cultivation of C. zizanioides under salt-affected soil. Bio-inoculants in combination with vermicompost significantly increased the growth and productivity of C. zizanioides under salt-affected soil, and simultaneously improved soil health. When compared to control, the soil physico-chemical and biological properties of bio-inoculants treated plants was significantly improved. The reclamation of salt-affected soil was evident by the significant decrease in the level of soil pH (11.0%), electrical conductivity (23.5%), sodium adsorption ratio (15.3%), and exchangeable sodium percent (12.4%) of bio-inoculants treated plants. The improvement of soil cation exchange capacity indicated the decrease in soil salinity. Whereas increase in the microbial count (four-fold), AMF spores (447 spores), dehydrogenase (six-fold), acid (two-fold) and alkaline phosphatase (five-fold) activities in rhizosphere soil of bio-inoculant treated plants indicated the improved biological properties. A positive correlation of plant biomass production to soil organic carbon, total Kjeldahl nitrogen, available phosphorus and cation exchange capacity depicted improved nutrients content in rhizosphere soil of bio-inoculant treated plants. The findings of this study suggest that P. monteilii and R. intraradices with vermicompost can be effectively used as bio-inoculants for encouragement of phytoremediation in salt-affected soil.

Suitability of aromatic plants for phytoremediation of heavy metal contaminated areas: a review.

This review briefly elucidates the research undertaken and benefits of using aromatic plants for remediation of heavy metal polluted sites. A sustainable approach to mitigate heavy metal contamination of environment is need of the hour. Phytoremediation has emerged to be one of the most preferable choices for combating the metal pollution problem. Aromatic plants can be used for remediation of contaminated sites as they are non-food crops thus minimizing the risk of food chain contamination. Most promising aromatic plants for phytoremediation of heavy metal contaminated sites have been identified from families - Poaceae, Lamiaceae, Asteraceae, and Geraniaceae. They act as potential phytostabilisers, hyper accumulators, bio-monitors, and facultative metallophytes. Being high value economic crops, monetary benefits can be obtained by growing them in tainted areas instead of food crops. It has been observed that heavy metal stress enhances the essential oil percentage of certain aromatic crops. Research conducted on some major aromatic plants in this context has been highlighted in the present review which suggests that aromatic plants hold a great potential for phytoremediation. It has been reported that essential oil from aromatic crops is not contaminated by heavy metals significantly. Thus, aromatic plants are emerging as an ideal candidate for phytoremediation. Highlights • Aromatic plants hold a great potential for phytoremediation of heavy metal contaminated sites. • Being high value economic crops, monetary benefits can be obtained by growing them in contaminated areas instead of food crops. • Research done on some major aromatic plants in this context has been highlighted in the present review.

Screening of most potential candidate among different lemongrass varieties for phytoremediation of tannery sludge contaminated sites.

One of the most sustainable approaches for reclamation of heavy metal contaminated sites is by phytoremediation. Cultivation of aromatic plants in such areas has been proposed by a number of researchers as it fulfills the purpose of phytoremediation alongside monetary benefits. A pot experiment was conducted to screen out most potential candidate among different lemongrass varieties which can be recommended to be grown in tannery effluent contaminated sites. Four consecutive harvests of nine varieties of lemongrass were tested. Translocation factor (TF) < 1 for chromium and cadmium whereas >1 for nickel and lead was observed in all varieties. Bioconcentration factor (BF) > 1 was observed for chromium in Suwarna variety. Photosynthetic pigments, growth parameters, antioxidants, oil content, and yield were highly correlated. Neighbor joining (NJ) cluster analysis was performed to predict the relationship between varieties according to their chromium uptake potential. Endurance of varieties towards metal stress was assessed using chlorophyll a fluorescence kinetics. Maximum reduction potential of chromium (70.07%), lead (85.29%), and cadmium (77.36%) was observed in Suwarna variety. Our study indicated that lemongrass acts as potential phytoextractor for nickel and lead. Suwarna variety appeared to be the best candidate among all the varieties tested owing to its higher biomass and metal uptake potential.

Nitrogen treatment enhances sterols and withaferin A through transcriptional activation of jasmonate pathway, WRKY transcription factors, and biosynthesis genes in Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal.

The medicinal plant Withania somnifera is researched extensively to increase the quantity of withanolides and specifically withaferin A, which finds implications in many pharmacological activities. Due to insufficient knowledge on biosynthesis and unacceptability of transgenic approach, it is preferred to follow alternative physiological methods to increase the yield of withanolides. Prior use of elicitors like salicylic acid, methyl jasmonate, fungal extracts, and even mechanical wounding have shown to increase the withanolide biosynthesis with limited success; however, the commercial viability and logistics of application are debatable. In this investigation, we tested the simple nitrogeneous fertilizers pertaining to the enhancement of withaferin A biosynthesis. Application of ammonium sulfate improved the sterol contents required for the withanolide biosynthesis and correlated to higher expression of pathway genes like FPPS, SMT1, SMT2, SMO1, SMO2, and ODM. Increased expression of a gene homologous to allene oxide cyclase, crucial in jasmonic acid biosynthetic pathway, suggested the involvement of jasmonate signaling. High levels of WRKY gene transcripts indicated transcriptional regulation of the pathway genes. Increase in transcript level could be correlated with a corresponding increase in the protein levels for WsSMT1 and WsWRKY1. The withaferin A increase was also demonstrated in the potted plants growing in the glasshouse and in the open field. These results implicated simple physiological management of nitrogen fertilizer signal to improve the yield of secondary metabolite through probable involvement of jasmonate signal and WRKY transcription factor for the first time, in W. somnifera besides improving the foliage.

Comparison of Antigen Detection and Nested PCR in CSF Samples of HIV Positive and Negative Patients with Suspected Cryptococcal Meningitis in a Tertiary Care Hospital.

INTRODUCTION: The cases of cryptococcal meningitis and other forms of cryptococcosis have increased in recent time and the present scenario of the condition with significant morbidity and mortality is actually posing a serious threat to the community, so an early and prompt diagnosis is necessary to prevent serious complications and thus improving the overall disease outcome. AIM: Comparison of diagnostic efficacy of nested Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) with Latex Agglutination Test (LAT) in the Cerebro Spinal Fluid (CSF) samples of the cases of meningitis in HIV positive and negative cases. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We have compared the diagnostic efficacy of Latex Agglutination Test (LAT) with nested Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) in 200 Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF) samples, including 14 HIV positive also, in the cases of suspected cryptococcal meningitis. Nested PCR was done in all cases reporting positive by LAT and results were then compared with that of India ink and culture on Sabouraud Dextrose Agar (SDA), and the isolates were further identified by urease, nitrate and sugar assimilation tests. RESULTS: Of the 200 cases, including 14 HIV positive, LAT was positive in 46 cases while 154 were negative. Out of these 46 LAT positive cases, nested PCR was positive in 40 cases only, while culture and India ink was positive in 38 and 33 cases respectively. Majority of the cases, 30 (65.2%) were between age group 21-50 years, while 2 (4.3%) in 0-20, and 14 (30.4%) in 51-80 years age group. CONCLUSION: Although negative staining like India ink and nigrosin are most widely used techniques, but these suffer with subjective error. Rapid method like LAT is available but it always has the scope of false positive and negative results. In such cases nested PCR can help in establishing final diagnosis.

Improvement in the yield and quality of kalmegh (Andrographis paniculata Nees) under the sustainable production system.

Andrographis paniculata Nees is an annual erect herb with wide medicinal and pharmacological applications due to the presence of andrographolide and other active chemical constituents. The large-scale cultivation of the kalmegh is not in practice. The aim of this study was to establish sustainable production systems of A. paniculata cv CIM-Megha with the application of different bioinoculants and chemical fertilisers. A. paniculata herb and andrographolide yield in the dried leaves was found to be highest (218% and 61.3%, respectively) in treatment T3 (NPK+Bacillus sp.) compared with T1 (control). The soil organic carbon, soil microbial respiration, soil enzymes activity and available nutrients improved significantly with combined application of bioinoculants and chemical fertilisers.

Prophylactic role of melatonin against radiation induced damage in mouse cerebellum with special reference to Purkinje cells.

Melatonin, a hormone with a proven antioxidative efficacy, crosses all morphophysiological barriers, including the blood-brain barrier, and distributes throughout the cell. The present study is an attempt to investigate the prophylactic influence of a chronic low level of melatonin against an acute radiation induced oxidative stress in the cerebellum of Swiss albino mice, with special reference to Purkinje cells. After 15 days of treatment the mice were sacrificed at various intervals from 1 to 30 days. Biochemical parameters included lipid peroxidation (LPO) and glutathione (GSH) levels as the endpoints. The quantitative study included alterations in number and volume of Purkinje cells. Swiss albino mice were orally administered a very low dose of melatonin (0.25 mg/mouse/day) for 15 consecutive days before single exposure to 4 Gy gamma radiation. Melatonin checked the augmented levels of LPO, by approximately 55%, by day 30 day post-exposure. Radiation induced depleted levels of GSH could be raised by 68.9% by day 30 post-exposure. Radiation exposure resulted in a reduction of the volume of Purkinje cells and their total number. The administration of melatonin significantly protected against the radiation induced decreases in Purkinje cell volume and number. Results indicate the antioxidative properties of melatonin resulting in its prophylactic property against radiation induced biochemical and cellular alterations in the cerebellum. The findings support the idea that melatonin may be used as an anti-irradiation drug due to its potent free radical scavenging and antioxidative efficacy.

Radioprotective role of Amaranthus gangeticus Linn.: a biochemical study on mouse brain.

Brain tissue is highly susceptible to oxidative damage due to its high utilization of oxygen and its poorly developed antioxidative defense mechanisms. Radiation or pro-oxidants interact with cells and tissues through secondary ionization mechanisms such as lipid peroxidation (LPO). LPO can be inhibited by antioxidants such as vitamins A, C, and E and the carotenoid beta-carotene. beta-Carotene, the provitamin A, plays an important radioprotective role due to its properties as a potent free radical scavenger, singlet oxygen quencher, and lipid antioxidant. Amaranthus gangeticus Linn., widely considered as a weed, has a high content of carotene, ascorbic acid, and folate and may prove an efficient antioxidant. To evaluate the antioxidative efficacy of Amaranthus, healthy Swiss albino mice from an inbred colony were treated with alcoholic extract of A. gangeticus leaves (AE) for 2 weeks, at 800 mg/kg body weight, before radiation exposure. Irradiated mice were examined and autopsied at intervals of 1, 3, 7, 15, and 30 days after exposure. Brain was removed by skull dissection, and various biochemical changes were sought. Radiation caused a maximum increase of 27% in LPO and a maximum decrease of 27.96% in protein content at day 7 in controls. However, in the experimental group the increase in LPO was 9.98% and the increase in protein content was 18.78% at day 7. By day 30 after irradiation, AE brought these values to near-normal levels. AE protected brain biochemical activity in this murine study and may prove beneficial for clinical use as a radioprotector.