South Asian Journal of Experimental Biology

Phytochemical and Therapeutic Potential of Pongamia pinnata Linn. - A Comparative Analysis of Fresh and Dry Leaf Extracts

Vaishnavi V V, Evelyne Priya. S — Thu, 13 Feb 2025 00:00:00 +0000

P. pinnata (Linn.,) Pierre, also known as Karanja or Indian Beech, has been traditionally used for its medicinal properties across Southeast Asia. This study aimed to compare the phytochemical and therapeutic potential of fresh and dry leaf extracts of Pongamia pinnata. Leaves were collected, air-dried, powdered, and analyzed for their organoleptic, physico-chemical, and phytochemical properties. Organoleptic analysis revealed green leaves with astringent odor and smooth texture. Physico-chemical analysis showed alcohol and water extractive values of 9% and 14%, respectively, with a moisture content of 1.6%. Phytochemical screening revealed the presence of alkaloids, phenolic compounds, tannins, glycosides, gums, mucilage, terpenoids, steroids, and flavonoids in both fresh and dry ethanolic extracts, while proteins were absent. Quantitative analysis showed that fresh extracts had higher chlorophyll (0.1941 mg/g), flavonoid (21.5 mg/g), and phenol (22.1 mg/g) content compared to dry extracts. These findings suggest that fresh leaves retain more bioactive compounds, enhancing their therapeutic potential. Further pharmacological studies are recommended to validate these findings and explore the plant's potential in modern medicine.

Metformin as a protective substance against cisplatin-induced acute renal injury in rats

Thu, 13 Feb 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Despite the efficacy of cisplatin as a chemotherapeutic agent against various cancers, its clinical utility is limited by serious adverse reactions including nephrotoxicity. Various studies revealed that metformin is more than a simple antidiabetic agent. Metformin was found to improve inflammatory, and fibrotic renal damage. The present study aims to investigate the protective effect of metformin against cisplatin-induced acute renal injury in rats. 40 adult male albino rats were divided into 4 groups with 10 rats in each group. Group I (control group). Group ІІ animals receive metformin at a dose of 200 mg/kg/day by oral gavage for 10 days. Group ІІI animals receive a single injection of cisplatin intraperitoneally at a dose of 8 mg/kg. Group ІV animals receive cisplatin Plus metformin. At the end of the experiment, the kidneys were removed, weighed, and sampled for histopathological, immunohistochemical, and biochemical studies. Metformin decreased elevated serum creatinine, blood urea nitrogen, renal malondialdehyde (MDA) and immunoexpression of the proapoptotic protein (Bax) induced by cisplatin. It increased reduced glutathione (GSH), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and immunoexpression of the antiapoptotic protein (Bcl2). It also ameliorated the morphological changes induced by cisplatin. Cisplatin has nephrotoxic effects as indicated by biochemical, histological, and immunohistochemical alterations. Metformin was found to have protective effects against cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity through the improvement of kidney function, and histopathological changes in rat kidney.

New Distributional Record and Morphological Characterization of Emilia sonchifolia (L.) DC. from South-Central Rajasthan

Shahdab Hussain, Jayant Sharma Sharma — Thu, 13 Feb 2025 00:00:00 +0000

The species Emilia sonchifolia (L.) DC., belonging to the tribe Senecioneae in the Asteraceae family, is widely known for its ecological significance and medicinal properties. This study documents its first-ever record from the semi-arid Lakhola region in Bhilwara, Rajasthan, highlighting its adaptability to diverse environmental conditions and expanding its known distribution range. The primary objective was to describe its morphological characteristics, evaluate its ecological adaptability, and contribute to its taxonomic understanding. Field surveys were conducted to collect specimens, which were analyzed for detailed morphological traits. Standard taxonomic protocols were followed to compare the species with related taxa. Geographic and ecological data were also recorded to understand its habitat preferences. The study revealed distinct morphological features, including variable leaf forms, tubular pink to purple flowers, and narrow-obloid achenes with a pappus, aiding in species identification and classification. Its presence in the semi-arid region indicates ecological resilience and adaptability to Rajasthan's climatic and soil conditions. These findings are significant in bridging gaps in the distribution and taxonomy of Emilia sonchifolia and highlight its potential for further studies on medicinal applications and propagation methods. The study concludes with recommendations for in-depth research into its ecological interactions and conservation strategies, emphasizing its importance to local biodiversity and sustainable utilization.

Optimization of process parameters for exopolysaccharide production by submerge fermentation using Bacillus licheniformis KP062r

Nirali Tandel, Farida P. Minocheherhomji — Thu, 13 Feb 2025 00:00:00 +0000

The increased demand for natural polymers has spurred interest in microbial exopolysaccharide (EPS) production for various industrial applications, and as EPS production is influenced by medium composition and environmental conditions, the study of these factors has become a crucial focus in recent years. This study focused on screening, production, and optimization of process parameters to achieve a high EPS yield. Industrial effluent samples were collected from Valsad, Vapi, Daman, Silvassa and Surat region. Total 100 Bacteria were isolated from which 58 were screened positive in primary screening and 34 were screened positive in secondary screening. Maximum EPS producing strain was subjected to optimization of various process parameters such as incubation temperature, incubation time, medium pH, carbon source and its concentration, nitrogen source and its concentration. Maximum EPS 3.4 g/L was produced by bacterial strain N-95 and 16s rRNA sequencing of these bacteria show 98.89% similarity with Bacillus licheniformis strain KP062r. Optimum EPS production was achieved at temperature 300C, pH 7, sucrose as a carbon source at 3% concentration, urea as nitrogen source at 0.075% concentration with inoculum concentration 2.5%. Through process optimization, EPS production increased from 3.4 g/L to 7.1 g/L, reflecting a 2.08-fold enhancement compared to previous conditions. This demonstrates that changes in environmental factors have significant effect on EPS production.

Larvicidal efficacy of Martynia annua plant extract against major Culicinae vectors in the Greater Hyderabad region of Telangana state

Siddaiah Madpathi, Reddya Naik Bannoth — Thu, 13 Feb 2025 00:00:00 +0000

The impact of mosquito-borne diseases extends beyond just health concerns, affecting the overall well-being and economic stability of communities, particularly in developing nations such as India. The World Health Organization (WHO) emphasizes the importance of controlling mosquito populations as a more effective approach compared to relying solely on pharmaceutical interventions. With the rising costs and increasing resistance to traditional drugs, researchers are exploring innovative solutions to combat mosquito-borne illnesses, with plant-based mosquitocides emerging as a promising alternative to synthetic insecticides. This implies that Martynia annua could serve as a viable natural larvicide against four disease-carrying mosquito vectors (Aedes aegypti, Ae. albopictus, Culex quinquefasciatus, and Cx. gelidus), offering a promising solution for disease prevention in humans. The study findings revealed that Martynia annua plant extract exhibited larvicidal properties, showing LC50 values of 82.31, 127.24, 126.48, and 37.34 μg/mL, and the LC90 values were 203.61, 270.01, 312.59, and 99.67 μg/mL for the tested mosquito species. Additional testing is necessary to determine the causes of larval mortality at a molecular level, despite the positive outcomes observed in laboratory experiments. Furthermore, extensive field investigations are essential to gain a deeper understanding of the toxic effects of plant extract on a larger scale.

Expanding the Distributional and Ecological Understanding of Ophioglossum rubellum Welw. Ex A.Braun: A New Record from Semi-Arid Menal Forest of Rajasthan

Dr. Shahdab Hussain, Shreya Shekhawat — Thu, 13 Feb 2025 00:00:00 +0000

This study reports the first documented occurrence of Ophioglossum rubellum Welw. ex A. Braun in the Menal Forest of Rajasthan, a region characterized by its semi-arid climate. This finding significantly extends the known geographical range of the species, previously unrecorded in such dry environments. Detailed observations were conducted to document the species’ morphological features, habitat preferences, and ecological traits. The study highlights the remarkable adaptability of O. rubellum, which thrives in the challenging conditions of the Menal Forest. The findings underline the ecological significance of the Menal Forest as a biodiversity hotspot in semi-arid India. This region, though underexplored, hosts unique flora that demonstrates resilience and ecological importance. The observation of O. rubellum emphasizes the critical need for targeted conservation efforts to protect this fragile ecosystem and its diverse species. The study contributes to our understanding of the ecological diversity of semi-arid landscapes and calls for enhanced preservation strategies to safeguard such habitats. By shedding light on this rare occurrence, the research advocates for further exploration and conservation of semi-arid regions, which play a crucial role in supporting global biodiversity.