Pharmacognostic standardization and evaluation of antiulcer potential of Olax psittacorum leaf extract

The modern medicine has received many plants as a gift from ethnobotany. It is an efficient method of discovering new medicines. The leaves of Olax psittacorum (Lam.) Vahl. were extracted with ethanol, and the phytoconstituents present in the leaf extract were identified using Gas chromatography-mass spectrometric analysis (GC-MS), followed by determination of physico-chemical parameters and anti-ulcer properties. The leaf ethanolic extract (LEE) yield was observed to be 43.2%. The quantitative surface microscopy analysis revealed a stomatal index of 30 and 22 epidermal cells and qualitatively confirms presence of quinone, flavonoid, phenol, carbohydrate, tannin, saponin and absence of alkaloids using various screening techniques. The LEE confirms its anti-ulcer potency by inhibiting ulceration by 58% and 75% respectively, thus proving the hypothesis. These identified parameters may be helpful in developing some botanical standards for the standardisation and identification of O. psittacorum leaves with anti-ulcer properties.

Antibacterial Activity of Plant Polyphenols Belonging to the Tannins against Streptococcus mutans-Potential against Dental Caries

Dental caries (DC) is the most common oral pathology. The main bacteria responsible for DC is Streptococcus mutans. One of the strategies that can decrease or eliminate the risk of DC development is using compounds that will inhibit both the growth and virulence factors of S. mutans. Tannins are plant polyphenols that have strong antibacterial activity. The purpose of this study was to assess the antibacterial activity of three tannins against S. mutans. In this investigation, microbiological tests (MIC and MBC) and physicochemical techniques like the fluorescence measurements of tannins' interaction with S. mutans cell membrane and membrane proteins, zeta potential, and thermodynamic analyses were used to obtain knowledge about the antibacterial potential of the investigated compounds against S. mutans as well as about the mechanisms associated with antibacterial activity. The obtained results demonstrate that the used compounds exhibit high antibacterial activity against S. mutans. The mechanisms of their antibacterial activity are linked to the strong change in the S. mutans membrane fluidity and potential, and to their interaction with membrane proteins that can result in great disturbance of bacterial physiology and ultimately the inhibition of bacterial growth, triggering their death. Therefore, it can be concluded that the investigated compounds can be potentially used as natural factors in the prevention of dental caries.

Short-Term and Long-Term Effects after Exposure to Ionizing Radiation and Visible Light on Retina and Retinal Pigment Epithelium of Mouse Eye

A comparative in vivo study of the effects of ionizing radiation (accelerated protons) and visible light (400-700 nm) on the retina and retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) of the mouse eye was carried out. Using the methods of fluorescence spectroscopy and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), we analyzed the relative composition of retinoids in chloroform extracts obtained from the retinas and RPEs immediately after exposure of animals to various types of radiation and 4.5 months after they were exposed and maintained under standard conditions throughout the period. The fluorescent properties of chloroform extracts were shown to change upon exposure to various types of radiation. This fact indicates the accumulation of retinoid oxidation and degradation products in the retina and RPE. The data from fluorescence and HPLC analyses of retinoids indicate that when exposed to ionizing radiation, retinoid oxidation processes similar to photooxidation occur. Both ionizing radiation and high-intensity visible light have been shown to be characterized by long-term effects. The action of any type of radiation is assumed to activate the mechanism of enhanced reactive oxygen species production, resulting in a long-term damaging effect.

[Advances in methods for detecting plastics biodegradation]

The pollution caused by improper handling of plastics has become a global challenge. In addition to recycling plastics and using biodegradable plastics, an alternative solution is to seek efficient methods for degrading plastics. Among them, the methods of using biodegradable enzymes or microorganisms to treat plastics have attracted increasing attention because of its advantages of mild conditions and no secondary environmental pollution. Developing highly efficient depolymerizing microorganisms/enzymes is the core for plastics biodegradation. However, the current analysis and detection methods cannot meet the requirements for screening efficient plastics biodegraders. It is thus of great significance to develop rapid and accurate analysis methods for screening biodegraders and evaluating biodegradation efficiency. This review summarizes the recent application of various commonly used analytical techniques in plastics biodegradation, including high performance liquid chromatography, infrared spectroscopy, gel permeation chromatography, and determination of zone of clearance, with fluorescence analysis techniques highlighted. This review may facilitate standardizing the characterization and analysis of plastics biodegradation process and developing more efficient methods for screening plastics biodegraders.

Eu-Chelate Polystyrene Microsphere-Based Lateral Flow Immunoassay Platform for hs-CRP Detection

Inflammation caused by viral or bacterial infection is a major threat to human health globally. Blood C-reactive protein (CRP) has been proven to be a sensitive indicator for the occurrence and development of inflammation. Furthermore, a tiny change of blood CRP concentration may portend chronic diseases; therefore, high-sensitivity CRP (hs-CRP) detection in a quantitative, rapid, user-friendly, and low-cost manner is highly demanded. In this paper, we developed a europium-chelate polystyrene microsphere (EuPSM)-based lateral flow immunoassay (LFIA) integrating with a benchtop fluorescence analyzer for hs-CRP detection. The optimization of the EuPSM-based LFIA was implemented through adjusting the antibody density on EuPSM from 100% to 60% of the saturated density. Finally, the limit of detection of 0.76 pg/mL and detection range of 0.025-250 ng/mL were obtained. Moreover, the clinical application capability of the proposed platform was validated through detecting CRP in clinical serum samples, showing high consistency with the results obtained from the clinical standard method. Hence, the proposed EuPSM-based LFIA has been verified to be well suitable for hs-CRP detection, while also showing great applicability for sensitively and rapidly detecting other biomarkers.

Programmable-Printing Paper-Based Device with a MoS2 NP and Gmp/Eu-Cit Fluorescence Couple for Ratiometric Tetracycline Analysis in Various Natural Samples

Paper-based fluorescence devices, with smartphone aids, bring considerable operation convenience for tetracycline (TC) sensing. Nevertheless, they must meet the challenge in real determination against complicated backgrounds. Considering that, we present a programmable-printing paper-based device and then apply it to TC determination for various natural samples. MoS₂ NPs and Gmp/Eu-Cit are synthetized as composite probes. A static quenching process is found with MoS₂ NP fluorescence at 430 nm, while significant magnification of Gmp/Eu-Cit emission is obtained at 617 nm, establishing a valuable ratiometric indicator. Remarkably, two-stage programmable printing maximizes the proposed sensing capability. A transitive device, containing a gradually changing amount of a certain probe, is prepared to sense TC. With a homemade smartphone application and 3D-printed measurement chamber, the corresponding signals are examined to explore optimal setups. These setups are automatically processed to prepare the final-version device, not requiring manual operations. Benefitting from this interesting feature, the proposed device gains many rewards in performances. It effectively senses TC in a wide range from 12.7 nM to 80 μM and simultaneously provides naked eye-legible signals and smartphone-based readouts with confident selectivity and stability. This device is consequently applied for various samples of soil, river water, milk, and serum and meets well with HPLC-MS and recovery tests.

Phytochemical and pharmacognostic studies of Buddleja asiatica leaves

Buddleja asiatica commonly known as "Booi" is a large deciduous shrub belongs to family Scrophulariaceae, traditionally used as antipyretic, analgesic, hypotensive, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and antifungal agent recorded from essential oil obtained from leaves. The literature revealed that the plant has been widely used for many other purposes. The said plant has been analyzed through pharmacognostic techniques such as morphological, microscopic, and physio-chemical evaluations to keep the originality of the plant and to avoid adulteration. Morphologically, the plant is evergreen shrub, while organoleptic studies showed that the leaf has glabrous upper surface and tomentose lower surface, with slightly bitter taste and aromatic odor. Anatomically, the leaf showed typical dicot histological differentiation with hypostomatic nature having highest frequency (90%) of actinocytic stomata. The average stomatal number and stomatal index were 336 ± 39.5 and 30.01 ± 2.34, respectively. The palisade cell ratio, vein termination, and vein islet number were 9.2 ± 0.72, 10.2 ± 3.1, and 10.3 ± 3.3, respectively. Various tissue fragments have been observed during powdered drug analysis of the leaf. Preliminary phytochemical screening confirmed the presence of proteins, phenols, alkaloids, saponins, flavonoids, tannins, and glycosides. Fluorescence analysis in ordinary day light and under UV light along with extractive values was also analyzed. The above-mentioned studies that have been reported, for the first time, for the said plant may be significant to establish the pharmacognostic and phytochemical standards of the said species.

Controlling the Movement of Magnetic Iron Oxide Nanoparticles Intended for Targeted Delivery of Cytostatics

Background

A promising approach to solve the problem of cytostatic toxicity is targeted drug transport using magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs).

Purpose

To use calculation to determine the optimal characteristics of the magnetic field for controlling MNPs in the body, and to evaluate the efficiency of magnetically controlled delivery of MNPs in vitro and in vivo to a tumour site in mice.

Material and Methods

For the in vitro study, reference MNPs were used, while for in vivo studies, MNPs coated in polylactide including fluorescent indocyanine (MNPs-ICG) were used. The in vivo luminescence intensity study was performed in mice with tumours, with and without of a magnetic field at the sites of interest. The studies were performed on a hydrodynamic stand developed at the Institute of Experimental Medicine of the Almazov National Medical Research Centre of the Ministry of Health of Russia.

Results

The use of neodymium magnets facilitated selective accumulation of MNPs. One minute after the administration of MNPs-ICG to mice with a tumour, MNPs-ICG predominantly accumulated in the liver, in the absence and presence of a magnetic field, which indicates its metabolic pathway. The intensity of the fluorescence in the animals' livers did not change over time, although an increase in fluorescence in the tumour was observed in the presence of a magnetic field.

Conclusion

This type of MNP, used in combination with a magnetic field of calculated strength, can form the basis for the development of magnetically controlled transport of cytostatic drugs into tumour tissue.

Pharmacognostical and phytochemical studies of Atibala (Abutilon indicum [Linn.] sweet) fruit

Background

Abutilon indicum (Linn.) Sweet (Malvaceae), generally called as "Atibala" is a plant of high medicinal importance. The plant possesses several beneficial effects such as cooling, laxative, digestive, analgesic, anti-inflammatory, astringent, diuretic, expectorant, antihelmintic, aphrodisiac, and demulcent which is widely used in the Ayurveda system of medicine.

Aim

The current study is aimed to establish the macroscopy, powder microscopy and physicochemical analysis of A. indicum fruits.

Materials and methods

The Pharmacognostical studies on A. indicum fruits, including parameters such as morphological evaluation, powder microscopy, ash values, foreign organic matter, extractive value, phytochemical, fluorescence studies, and high-performance thin-layer chromatography fingerprint profile, are established in the current study.

Results

Fruit powder microscopy has shown diagnostic characteristics such as stellate hairs of different sizes, testa, lignified endocarp, and palisade cells. The loss on drying value of fruit powder was 7.7% w/w. The total ash values of the drug were found to be 10.5% and acid insoluble ash 2.4% w/w with respect to the air-dried crude drug. Water-soluble and alcohol-soluble extractives were found to be 9.64% w/w and 9.04% w/w, respectively.

Conclusion

Phytochemical characterization of aqueous, alcoholic extracts of A. indicum fruit revealed the presence of proteins, carbohydrates, phenols, flavonoids, saponins, and steroids. The powder microscopical and phytochemical studies observed in this study can serve as a valuable resource for the authentication of A. indicum fruits.

An examination of handwritten signatures forged using photosensitive signature stamp

Signature examination is the most common examination performed by any document examiner. Determination of the authenticity of a handwritten signature on a questioned document is an important task for forensic document examiners in the forensic science field. As a result of continuous developments in technology, a signature stamp can now be created using a photosensitive seal to enable the reproduction of a handwritten signature. These stamps are commonly used in China and several other countries. In this study, 10 types of black photosensitive stamp-pad ink, 10 brands of fountain pen ink, 15 types of black gel ink and six types of black erasable gel ink found on the Chinese domestic market were collected and 10 photosensitive signature stamps were created using the signatures of 10 people. Microscopic analysis, infrared (IR) and fluorescence analyses and microspectrophotometry (MSP) techniques were used to examine the resulting photosensitive signature stamp impressions when applied to printing papers, writing papers and invoice papers. By comparing the printing and spectral characteristics of the photosensitive signature stamp impressions with those of the signatures executed using the fountain pens, gel pens and erasable gel pens, it was possible to determine whether each signature was written or stamped using a photosensitive signature stamp. To validate these results, a 96.7% absolute accuracy and a 99.3% detection rate were achieved over a total of 150 blind tests conducted by five forensic document examiners, thus demonstrating that a combination of the four analysis methods used in this work can provide a more scientific approach and improve the accuracy and the detection rate of the examination process.

KEY POINTS

A signature stamp is a photosensitive seal made in the style of a handwritten signature.

Although microscopic analysis can usually provide better examination results, a comprehensive examination method that includes microscopic analysis and ink composition analysis is required to improve the accuracy and the detection rate of the examination process.

This study collected and tested photosensitive stamp-pad inks, fountain pen inks, gel inks and erasable inks.

Infrared and fluorescence analyses and microspectrophotometry were able to distinguish the photosensitive ink from both erasable ink and fountain pen ink.

Supplemental data for this article are available online at https://doi.org/10.1080/20961790.2021.1898755.

Insight into the binding mechanism of macrolide antibiotic; erythromycin to calf thymus DNA by multispectroscopic and computational approaches

In the present study, the interactions between Erythromycin drug and calf thymus deoxyribonucleic acid (ct-DNA) were explored by multi spectroscopic techniques (UV-Visible, fluorescence, circular dichroism spectroscopies), viscosity, molecular docking simulation, and atomic force microscopy (AFM). In addition, the values of binding constant were calculated by the UV-Visible and fluorescence spectroscopy. Competitive fluorescence study with methylene blue (MB), acridine orange (AO), and Hoechst 33258 were indicated that the Erythromycin drug could displace the DNA-bound Hoechst, which displays the strong competition of Erythromycin with Hoechst to interact with the groove binding site of DNA. In addition, the observed complexes in AFM analysis comprise the chains of ct-DNA and Erythromycin with an average size of 314.05 nm. The results of thermodynamic parameter calculations (ΔS° = -332.103 ± 14 J mol^-1 K^-1 and ΔH° = -115.839 ± 0.02 kJ mol^-1) approved the critical role of van der Waals forces and hydrogen bonds in the complexation of Erythromycin-DNA. Fluorescence spectroscopy results demonstrate the existence of a static enhancement mechanism in the interaction of Erythromycin-DNA. According to the obtained results, Erythromycin drug interacts with the major groove of ct-DNA. These consequences were further supported by the molecular docking study, and it could be determined that DNA-Erythromycin docked model was in a rough correlation with our experimental results.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.

Anatomy, micromorphology, and physiochemical analysis of Rhus succedanea var. himalaica root

Root micromorphology can play a vital role in the systematics of angiosperms to understand the complexity among different genera and species. Present study is about microscopic and physiochemical evaluation of Rhus succedanea root belonging to the family Anacardiaceae. Various organoleptic characteristics of root were studied. Microscopy showed that transverse section of the root appeared rounded and presented a typical histological differentiation having different average cells length and width. Under light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy, the powder revealed the existence of pitted xylem vessels, phloem sieve elements, phloem fibers and cork cells, and so forth. Fluorescence study of the powder showed various shades of color that gives a valuable information regarding characterization, authentication, and identification of the plant material. These documented information can be acted as record and monograph of a specific plant materials. Nutritional composition of root showed that Ash, fat, protein, carbohydrates, and total gross energy were higher in summer as compared to winter season. On the other hand, moisture and fibers were higher in winter and declined in summer. Root powder gave highest extractive value (37.3%) in methanol and showed the presence of various groups of secondary metabolites qualitatively while, quantitatively flavonoids (0.18 mg/g) was detected in highest amount. The above parameters, being reported for the first time and are significant toward establishing the microscopic and pharmacognostic standards for future identification and authentication of genuine herbal drug. Root micromorphology can be used as an additional tool to aid description and to distinguish many complex taxa and that is of significant value for the taxonomic assessment of this genera and species.

Phenotypic Characterization of Rhodococcus equi Biofilm Grown In Vitro and Inhibiting and Dissolving Activity of Azithromycin/Rifampicin Treatment

Microbial biofilm has been implicated in a wide range of chronic infections. In spite of the fact that Rhodococcus equi is a recognized cause of chronic disease in animals and humans, few studies have focused on the sessile phenotype of R.equi. The aim of this research was to phenotypically characterize the biofilm development of R. equi and its answerability for hypo-responsiveness to macrolides and rifampicin. Biofilm formation is initiated by bacterial adhesion to the surface. In this work, the ability of R. equi to adhere to the surface of human lung epithelial cells was detected by a fluorometric adhesion test performed on 40 clinical isolates. Subsequently, the capability of R. equi to produce biofilm was investigated by colorimetric, fluorescence and scanning electron microscopy analysis, revealing a general slow growth of rhodococcal biofilm and different sessile phenotypes among field isolates, some also including filamented bacteria. Azithromycin treatment produced a higher long-term inhibition and dissolution of R. equi biofilms than rifampicin, while the two antibiotics combined boosted the anti-biofilm effect in a statistically significant manner, although this was not equally effective for all R. equi isolates. Increasing the MIC concentrations of drugs tenfold alone and in combination did not completely eradicate pre-formed R. equi biofilms, while a rifampicin-resistant isolate produced an exceptionally abundant extracellular matrix. These results have strengthened the hypothesis that biofilm production may occur as an antibiotic tolerance system in R. equi, potentially determining persistence and, eventually, chronic infection.

Microanatomical and Physicochemical Characterization and Antioxidative Activity of Methanolic Extract of Oudemansiella canarii (Jungh.) Höhn

Objectives

Oudemansiella canarii is an edible mushroom highly appreciated throughout the world due to its being a gastronomic delicacy. To date, no extensive work has been reported on the pharmacological or antioxidative aspects of this macrofungus. The present study focuses on the micromorphological features, confirmation of its identity based on molecular sequence (nrITS rDNA) data, and determination of its physicochemical parameters such as organoleptic features and fluorescent behavior.

Materials and Methods

Collected basidiocarps were powdered and used for microscopic and organoleptic evaluation. 2,2-Diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging method, total antioxidant activity methods, and 2,2-azinobis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS) assay were used for evaluating the antioxidant capacities of the methanolic extract. High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis profile was also recorded to analyze the phenolic fingerprint.

Results

The DPPH radical scavenging activity was determined with an EC₅₀ value of 0.912 μg, total antioxidant activity was found to be 15.33 μg ascorbic acid equivalent/mg of extract, and the ABTS assay revealed 12.91 μm TE/mg of extract antioxidant activity. The HPLC chromatogram revealed the presence of 12 peaks. Several parameters were tested for the determination of chemical composition, revealing the existence of major bioactive components in the extract in the following order: phenol>flavonoid>ascorbic acid>β-carotene~lycopene.

Conclusion

The present work suggests that O. canarii may be considered a novel prospect as a functional food and antioxidant supplement.

Interactions of Fipronil within Fish and Insects: Experimental and Molecular Modeling Studies

Fipronil is an efficient phenylpyrazole insecticide that acts on insect γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) receptors (GABARs) and has low toxicity to mammals but high toxicity to nontarget organisms such as fish. To develop novel efficient low-toxicity insecticides, it is necessary to determine the detailed toxic mechanism at the molecular target level. In this work, methods including affinity chromatography, fluorescent-labeled binding assays, and molecular modeling were integrated to explore the binding of fipronil to GABARs in fish ( Aristichthys nobilis) and insects ( Musca domestica). Affinity chromatography revealed that fipronil acts on two different subunits of GABARs in fish and M. domestica. Moreover, fluorescence assays revealed that fipronil exhibits similar affinity to the two GABARs. The K_d and B_max of fipronil binding to the A. nobilis GABAR were 346 ± 6 nmol/L and 40.6 ± 3.5 pmol/mg of protein, respectively. And the K_d and B_max of fipronil binding to the GABAR in M. domestica brain were 109 ± 9 nM and 21.3 ± 2.5 pmol/mg of protein, respectively. In addition, similar fipronil binding positions but different binding modes were observed in docking studies with Brachydanio rerio var. and M. domestica GABARs. These findings indicated similar interactions of fipronil with fish and insects, leading to high toxicity. The different binding features of fipronil between the two species might be helpful for the design and development of highly selective insecticides with low toxicity to fish.

SNP mutations occurring in thyroid hormone receptor influenced individual susceptibility to triiodothyronine: Molecular dynamics and site-directed mutagenesis approaches

The increasing evidences have suggested that expression of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) coded thyroid hormone receptors (THR) generally are associated with individual susceptibility to chemicals. In the present research, multiple molecular dynamics simulations on four SNP mutants (G332R, T337Δ, G345R, and G347E) were performed to investigate the structural and dynamical altering, which could lead to a binding capability variation to triiodothyronine (T3). It proved the structures of two SNP mutants (G345R and T337Δ) occurring in the THR proteins had experienced conformational change to a great extend, which also led to a significant decreasing in binding ability with T3. In addition, two mutates (G345R and G347E) and wild type THR proteins were expressed and purified based on site-directed mutagenesis technology to test their binding abilities with T3 by fluorescence experiments. The fluorescence quenching efficiencies of two mutates displayed that the conjugation with T3 decreased with a significant rate in G345R system and a little rate in G347E system compared with its wild type. It was consistent with the molecular dynamic research that the SNP mutations did change structures of THR protein, and thereby decreased the binding behavior of T3 at different extent. The overall molecular-level look at the protein structure may provide the structural basis to explain how one amino acid change can create a ripple effect on the protein structures and eventually affect the binding affinity of the ligands, which maybe the first stage to understand how SNP mutation results in individual difference in susceptibility to variant chemicals.

Substitution at the C-3 Position of Catechins Has an Influence on the Binding Affinities against Serum Albumin

It is known that catechins interact with the tryptophan (Trp) residue at the drug-binding site of serum albumin. In this study, we used catechin derivatives to investigate which position of the catechin structure strongly influences the binding affinity against bovine serum albumin (BSA) and human serum albumin (HSA). A docking simulation showed that (-)-epigallocatechin gallate (EGCg) interacted with both Trp residues of BSA (one at drug-binding site I and the other on the molecular surface), mainly by π-π stacking. Fluorescence analysis showed that EGCg and substituted EGCg caused a red shift of the peak wavelength of Trp similarly to warfarin (a drug-binding site I-specific compound), while 3-O-acyl-catechins caused a blue shift. To evaluate the binding affinities, the quenching constants were determined by the Stern-Volmer equation. A gallate ester at the C-3 position increased the quenching constants of the catechins. Against BSA, acyl substitution increased the quenching constant proportionally to the carbon chain lengths of the acyl group, whereas methyl substitution decreased the quenching constant. Against HSA, neither acyl nor methyl substitution affected the quenching constant. In conclusion, substitution at the C-3 position of catechins has an important influence on the binding affinity against serum albumin.

A sensitive fluorescence method for detection of E. Coli using rhodamine 6G dyeing

Negatively charged bacteria combined with positively charged alkaline dye rhodamine 6G (Rh6G) in NaH2 PO4 -Na2 HPO4 buffer solution pH 7.4, by electrostatic interaction. The dyed bacteria exhibited a strong fluorescence peak at 552 nm and fluorescence intensity was directly linear to Escherichia coli (E. coli), Bacillus subtilis (B. subtilis) and Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) concentrations in the range of 7.06 × 10(4) to 3.53 × 10(7) , 4.95 × 10(5) to 2.475 × 10(8) and 32.5 to 16250 colony forming unit/mL (cfu/mL) respectively, with detection limits of 3.2 × 10(4) cfu/mL E. coli, 2.3 × 10(5) cfu/mL B. subtilis and 16 cfu/mL S. aureus, respectively. Samples were cultured for 12 h, after which the linear detection range for E. coli was 2 to 88 cfu/mL. This simple, rapid and sensitive method was used for the analysis of water and drinking samples. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Pharmacognostical evaluation of Cardiospermum halicacabum Linn. leaf and stem

Background:

Cardiospermum halicacabum Linn (Sapindaceae) is an important medicinal plant in the traditional system of medicine, known as karṇasphoṭa. The root of it is officially included in Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia for its therapeutic uses such as jvara, kuṣṭha, pāṇḍu, kṣaya and sandhivāta etc. As no detailed analysis of macroscopy, microscopy characters of the plant, except root, have been carried out till date, it was thought worth to carry out the detailed macroscopic and microscopic study of leaves and stem, following standard pharmacognostical procedures.

Materials and Methods:

Pharmacognostic studies of C. halicacabum were carried out, and in this, the macroscopic, microscopic, physicochemical, fluorescence and phytochemical analyses were done. Physicochemical parameters such as total ash, moisture content, extractive values were determined by World Health Organization guidelines. The microscopic features of leaf and stem components were observed.

Results:

Macroscopically the leaves are bi-ternate, ovate-lanceolate in shape with dentate margin. Microscopically, leaf shows prominent midrib and thin dorsiventral lamina. The midrib shows the presence of epidermal layers, angular collenchyma, palisade cells and vascular strands comprised of thin walled xylem and thick walled phloem elements. The lamina shows prominent, narrow and cylindrical upper epidermis. The upper epidermal cells are large and contain mucilage, whereas lower epidermis possesses thin, small and elliptical epidermal cells. The mesophyll was differentiated into two zones upper and lower. The upper zones show narrow cylindrical palisade cells and lower zone shows 2-3 layers of loosely arranged spongy parenchyma cells. In the Paradermal section of the lamina we observe anomocytic stomata. The transverse section of stem shows a pentagonal appearance with five short blunt ridges and prominent cuticle. Parenchymatous cells, cortical sclerenchyma, lignified xylem fibers, phloem and pit were also found. In the powder microscopy of whole plant, glandular trichomes, non-glandular trichomes, fragments of lamina, xylem elements, parenchyma cells and fibers are observed. Phytochemical screening reveals that the C. halicacabum extract contains glycosides, carbohydrates, flavonoids, phytosterols, phenolic compounds and saponin.

Conclusion:

Various pharmacognostic characters observed in this study help in identification, quality, purity and standardization of C. halicacabum.

Study on interaction between plasmid DNA and berberine derivatives with aliphatic chain by fluorescence analysis

In this study, the fluorescence analysis was used to reveal the interaction between berberine derivatives and plasmid DNA. The results showed that berberine (C0) and its 8-alkyl derivatives can enhance the fluorescent intensity of plasmid DNA. Compared with 8-dodecyl- (C12) and 8-hexadecyl- (C16) berberine, 8-alkylberberine with shorter alkyl group, such as 8-ethyl (C2), 8-butyl (C4), 8-hexyl (C6), and 8-octyl (C8) berberine derivatives showed higher fluorescence increasing effect. Among all compounds, C4 showed highest fluorescence increasing effect. All compounds tested obviously enhanced fluorescent intensity at the concentration of 6.25 × 10(-5) mol/L. These results suggested that berberine and its derivatives can be selectively inserted to the grooves running down the plasmid DNA helix, thus, lead to the increase of fluorescence intensity of the reaction system. Also, adding proper length of aliphatic chain to berberine could promote the interaction between DNA and berberine derivatives. The results of this study may lay some useful foundation for the development of berberine-based medicine agents.

Detailed pharmacognostical studies on Berberis aristata DC plant

Background:

Berberis aristata DC (Berberidaceae) commonly known in Hindi as “Dāruhaldi” and “Citra,” is an important medicinal herb native to Northern Himalaya region. The plant is used traditionally in Indian system of medicine as an antibacterial, antiperiodic, antidiarrheal and anticancer and it is also used in the treatment of ophthalmic infections. Its root, stem and leaves also find their use in treatment of various ailments and hence is used extensively in Ayurveda.

Materials and Methods:

Samples of the whole plants of B. aristata were collected and identified. Hand and microtome sections were taken, stained and mounted and the cell content and cell wall structure were studied according to the method described by Kay and Johansen. Representative sketches were made with the help of camera Lucida. Methods for determining the quantitative values were the same as described elsewhere. For fluorescence analysis, the powder of the root, stem and leaf were examined under ultraviolet light. Total ash, acid insoluble ash and water-soluble ash values and water- and alcohol-soluble extractives were determined.

Results:

The detailed investigations carried on the pharmacognosy of the root; stem and leaf of B. aristata have brought out some salient diagnostic features, which allow one to differentiate it from other substitutes and or adulterants. The determination of quantitative values, fluorescence analysis and the use of lycopodium spore analysis has specifically contributed to this differentiation.

Conclusion:

From the foregoing observation on the pharmacognosy of root, stem and leaf of B. aristata DC, the salient diagnostic characters of three parts have been presented, which can allow one to differentiate it from other substitutes and or adulterants.

Pharmacognostic standardization of leaves of Calotropis procera (Ait.) R. Br. (Asclepiadaceae)

Calotropis procera, belonging to the Asclepidaceae family, is present more or less throughout India and in other warm, dry places such as, Warizistan, Afghanistan, Egypt, and tropical Africa. Its common names are Akra, Akanal, and Madar. The leaves of Calotropis procera are said to be valuable as an antidote for snake bite, sinus fistula, rheumatism, mumps, burn injuries, and body pain. The leaves of Calotropis procera are also used to treat jaundice. A study on Calotropis procera leaf samples extracted the air-dried leaf powder with different solvents such as petroleum-ether (60-80°C), benzene, chloroform, ethanol, and sterile water. Preliminary phytochemical analysis was done long with measurement of the leaf constants, fluorescence characteristics, and extractive values. Quantitative estimation of total ash value, acid insoluble ash, and water- soluble ash may serve as useful indices for identification of the powdered drug. Histochemical studies which reveal rows of cylindrical palisade cells and, vascular bundles may also serve as useful indices for identification of the tissues. These studies suggested that the observed pharmacognostic and physiochemical parameters are of great value in quality control and formulation development of Calotropis procera.

New approach to breast tumor detection based on fluorescence x-ray analysis

A new technical approach to breast-tumor detection is proposed. The technique is based on fluorescence x-ray analysis, and can identify a miniature malignant tumor within the breast. The primary beam intensity needed in fluorescence x-ray analysis is on a lower order of magnitude than that used in mammography. Thus, the newly-proposed technique would enable detection of a still tiny breast cancer while dramatically lowering the radiation dose. Field-emission x-ray sources might be a key for translating this concept into a medical technique.

Pharmacognostical Standardization of Tephrosia purpurea Pers Root

Wild Indigo or Purple Tephrosia or fish poison occurs throughout the Indian subcontinent. It is widely used in the treatment of inflammation, diabetes, rheumatism, asthma, diarrhoea and many other ailments. But so far the pharmacognostic standardization has not been reported for its proper identification. Hence the present study is a pharmacognosy work carried out for the root part. This may help in the identification of the plant species. A thin transverse section, powder microscopy, measurement of the dimensions of cell structures, fluorescence analysis and physico chemical parameters were conducted for the root. From the TS, the secondary xylem fibres and vessels were found to be the tissues of diagnostic importance. The xylem vessels were of two types: narrow and long; broad and short. The important characters in the powdered microscopy were vessel elements, fibres and xylem parenchyma cells. The different fluorescent light shades were obtained under short and long UV light for both powder as well as the extracts of the root. The proximate analysis values were also obtained in a satisfactory way. Combining all these data a suitable root profile for plant can be constructed which may help in the identification of quality of the plant part.