Halimeda gracilis (Kadarpassi chooranam) Phytochemical analysis and biological significance - a novel Siddha drug

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate biological activity and the phytochemical analysis of kadarpassi chooranam. Seaweeds are the marine macro algae, species belonging to Protista kingdom that has no true system, internal vascular systems, seeds and flowers. It has a lot of biological activity and has been proven to have a lot of medicinal benefits. Since time immemorial, their usage in traditional medicine has been recognized.

METHODS

Halimeda gracilis has been standardized as per siddha pharmacopoeia standard protocol guidelines and prepared kadarpassi Chooranam curtained for Phytochemical analysis (qualitative and quantitative) and carried out various pharmacological activity.

RESULTS

The antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-cancer actions of kadarpassi Chooranam have been associated to alkaloids, phenols, flavonoids, cardiac glycosides, saponins, tannins, and diterpenes.

CONCLUSIONS

The Siddha medicine, kadarpassi chooranam has various phytochemical bioactive compounds, and because of its pharmacological activity can be a potential drug candidate for human use.

Sediment texture and nutrients of Arasalar estuary, Karaikkal, south-east coast of India

Sediment samples were collected for texture, composition and nutrient such as organic carbon, total nitrogen and total phosphorus for a period of two years from three stations in Arasalar estuary. The sediment temperature, pH and nutrients were higher during summer season and lower during monsoon season. At station 1, sediment texture was loamy sand during summer and premonsoon season. At station 2, clay type soil was recorded. Whereas, at station 3, clay was observed in summer and premonsoon and then it shifted to sandy loam type soil during monsoon. Sediment nutrients were lower than that of values of various ecosystem of India.

Distribution and abundance of fish eggs and larvae in Arasalar estuary, Karaikkal, south-east coast of India

The distribution and abundance of fish eggs and larvae have been studied at two Stations of Arasalar estuary. Eggs of Stolephorus sp., Mugil cephalus, Sardinella sp., Cynoglossus sp and the larvae of Stolephorus indicus, Ambassis commersoni, Terapon jarbua, Chanos chanos, Trichiurus sp Anguilla sp and Thryssa sp have been collected and identified. Environmental parameters such as temperature, salinity, pH and dissolved oxygen were also recorded. The present study clearly indicate the higher occurrence and abundant of fish eggs and larvae during March - July. The fair numbers of eggs and larvae indicate the existence of breeding ground within the estuary. Study on the physico-chemical parameters found that the abundance and distribution of fish eggs and larvae were influenced by the salinity of this estuary.

Influence of physico-chemical properties on the abundance of a few economically important juvenile fin-fishes of Vellar estuary

Studies on the economically important juvenile fin-fishes such as Elops machnata, Chanos chanos, Lates calcarifer, Epinephelus sp., Sillago sihama, Etroplus suratensis, Mugil cephalus, Liza parsia and Liza tade with relation to the hydrographical parameters as rainfall, temperature, salinity, dissolved oxygen and pH of Vellar estuary during September 2001 to August 2002. The simple correlation co-efficient showed positive significance against juvenile density with water temperature and dissolved oxygen. The influence of hydrographical parameters to the fin-fishes and its abundance is discussed.

Foraminifera of Arasalar estuary, Karaikkal, south east coast of India

A total of fifty-two foraminiferal species belonging to 23 genera and 16 families were recorded from Arasalar estuary for a period of one year (July 2000 to June 2001). Miliammina fusca, Quinqueloculina agglutinans, Q. seminula, Cibicides refulgens, Ammonia beccarii, Elphidium clavatum, E. incertum are the abundant species. Due to marine water influence the number and populations of foraminifera was high during summer and premonsoon seasons. The various ecological parameters such as temperature, salinity, pH, dissolved oxygen of bottom water and sediment organic matter were studied. Salinity is the key factor for governing distribution and abundance of foraminifera of this estuary.