Assessment of chemically characterised Gaultheria fragrantissima Wall. essential oil and its major component as safe plant based preservative for millets against fungal, aflatoxin contamination and lipid peroxidation during storage.

The present study aims survey of fungi causing deterioration of millets during storage, detection of aflatoxigenic fungal strains ans assessment of chemically characterized Gaultheria fragrantissiuma Wall essential oil (EO) and its major component methyl salicylate (MS) as plant based preservative. Essential oil (EO) and its major component methyl salicylate (MS) as plant based preservative was evaluated. In this study a total of 13 fungal species along with toxigenic strain of Aspergillus flavus were isolated from the millets. Chemical characterization of G. fragrantissima EO through GC-MS analysis revealed Methyl salicylate (98.04%) as major component. The EO significantly inhibited growth and aflatoxin B1 production by toxigenic strain of A. flavus LHP (B)-7 at 1.0 and 0.7 µl ml-1 respectively. In addition, EO exhibited remarkable antioxidant activity (IC50 7.5 µl ml-1). EO and MS showed non phytotoxic nature on germination of millets. The LD50 of the EO was 3833.33 µl kg-1 for mice showing favourable safety profile. In view of side effects of synthetic preservatives, the study recommends G. fragrantissima EO as a safe plant based preservative to enhance shelf-life of food commodities during storage.

Hypoglycemic effects of Potentilla fulgens L in normal and alloxan-induced diabetic mice.

Tap roots of Potentilla fulgens L. traditionally chewed along with betel nut (Areca catechu) and betel leaves (Piper betel), are commonly used by local practitioners for various types of ailments. The crude methanolic extract of the roots was tested for its effects in normoglycemic and alloxan-induced diabetic mice. Hypoglycemic activity was observed to be dose- and time- dependent. The extracts reduced blood glucose level 2 h following administration in both normal and alloxan-induced diabetic mice. In alloxan-induced diabetic mice blood glucose was markedly reduced by 63%, while in normal mice a 31% reduction was observed 24 h after the effective dose of extract was administered. Further, in the diabetic mice a prolonged anti-hyperglycemic action was observed where glucose levels was, found to be significantly low (79%) when compared with control even on the third day. Glucose tolerance was also improved in both normal and diabetic mice. The results were compared against those of insulin, glibenclamide, metformin, and the probable mechanism of action is discussed.