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The effect of different doses of Tarantula-Logoplex® on oxidative status and biochemical parameters in Japanese quails
Full text linkTwo commercial forms of Tarantula cubensis (TC) extract are used as homeopathic agents in veterinary medicine. These are Tarantula-Logoplex® (TL) and Theranekron® (THR). This study aims to evaluate the effect of TL on albumin (ALB), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), cholesterol (CHO), creatinine (CRE), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) values in healthy quails. A total of 24 Japanese quails were divided into 2 equal groups TL0.6 (n: 12, 0.6 mL/animal, IM) and TL0.8 (n: 12, 0.8 mL/animal, IM). Before the application, control blood was taken from the medial metatarsal vein of 6 quails in each group. Blood was drawn from the medial metatarsal vein at the 2nd, 4th, 8th, 24th and 48th hours after administration (6 quails were used at each sampling time). Animals were euthanized by decapitation after blood collection at the last sampling time. ALB, AST, ALP, CHO, CRE and BUN levels were measured with an auto-analyzer, whereas MDA, SOD and CAT values were determined with an ELISA reader. TL caused increases in hepatic damage markers (AST, ALP) and fluctuations in oxidative stress markers (MDA, SOD). Due to the increase in AST and ALP values in Japanese quail, it is recommended to be careful when using TL at these doses
Leech repellents used by Estate workers in O’ valley Panchayat of Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve
Full text linkA field study was conducted among estate workers of different types of plantations viz., cardamom, tea, clove, pepper and coffee where leech bite is common for humans and cattles in forest and estates. Plant- based products as leech repellents are used and applied by estate workers of O’valley Panchayat of Gudalur taluk in Nilgiris. The plant species used are enlisted. Estate workers as informants were interviewed with questionnaire group discussion. The data were analyzed using different statistical quantitative tools viz., use value (UV), frequency citation (FC), fidelity level (FI %) and factor informant consensus (FIC). The data obtained revealed use of seven medicinal plants as effective leech repellents. The species identified are- Oxalis latifolia L., Ageratum conizoides L., Nicotiana tobacum L., Piper betle L, Tithonia diversifolia (Hemslay), Cucumis prophetarum L. and Brugmansia suaveolens (Bercht)
Suitability of barnyard millet (Echinochloa frumentacea) for development of low glycemic index and hypolipidemic pizza base
Full text linkThe present study was conducted to formulate low glycemic index pizza base using barnyard millet flour (BMF), analyze its nutrient composition and to evaluate its effect on the lipid profile of rats induced with hyperlipidemia. BMF pizza base was prepared by substituting refined wheat flour (RWF) with 40% of BMF. Incorporation of BMF resulted in significantly (p<0.05) higher crude fibre, protein, total ash, total dietary fiber (TDF), antioxidant activity, zinc and iron content in the pizza base in comparison to RWF pizza base. BMF incorporated pizza base with 8.89% of TDF was found to be rich in fiber. To determine the glycemic response and GI, ten non-diabetic adult female participants were administered with of BMF pizza base and pizza on alternate days. BMF pizza base and pizza with GI values of 36.67 and 43.43, respectively were observed as low GI products (<55). In order to analyze the effect of BMF pizza base on the lipid profile, albino rats (induced with hyperlipidemia) were supplemented with BMF pizza base diet for 28 days. Administration of BMF pizza base diet significantly (p<0.05) reduced triglyceride level, total cholesterol, very-low-density lipoprotein (VLDL), low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and increased high-density lipoprotein (HDL) level among hyperlipidemic rats. These results validate that the replacement of RWF with 40% of BMF is feasible for the formulation of low GI pizza base which also confers hypolipidemic property.
A multi-centre study to evaluate the effect and safety of a classical Ayurveda medicine Vyaghri Haritaki in bronchial asthma
Full text linkBronchial asthma (vis-à-vis Tamaka Swasa in Ayurveda) is a chronic inflammatory disorder of the airway. Multiple Ayurvedic formulations are prescribed by Ayurveda physicians for Tamak Swasa. Vyaghri Haritaki is one such commonly prescribed poly herbal classical Ayurvedic formulation. A multicentre single-arm study was conducted at three Ayurveda Research Institutes in India to explore the effect and tolerability of Vyaghri Haritaki, a classical Ayurvedic medicine, on bronchial asthma (Tamaka Swasa). One forty seven patients between 18 and 60 years diagnosed with bronchial asthma showing a positive test of reversibility of airway obstruction were enrolled. Patients with peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR) < 50% and/ or forced expiratory volume in the first second (FEV1) < 50% of the predicted value and other major co-morbidities were excluded. 10 g Vyaghri Haritaki twice a day with lukewarm water was given for 12 weeks (84 days). Changes in the clinical symptoms (Asthma Control Questionnaire), quality of life (St. George Respiratory Questionnaire), respiratory function (peak expiratory flow rate and forced expiratory volume in one second), and haematological and biochemical parameters were compared before and after the treatment. Data of 142 participants were analysed which revealed significant improvement in PEFR [Baseline 301.7 litre/minute and 84th Day 334.85 litre/minute (p<0.001)], FEV1 [Baseline 1.83 litres and 84th Day 2.12 litres (p<0.001)], Asthma Control Questionnaire [Baseline 2.95 and 84th Day 1.43 (p<0.001)], and the total score of the St. George Respiratory Questionnaire [Baseline 50.46 and 84th Day 30.74 (p<0.001)]. No adverse events were reported during the study. Vyaghri Haritaki may prove beneficial in improving the pulmonary function, overall symptoms, and quality of life of patients with bronchial asthma which is well tolerated
On-farm conservation of traditional mango varieties by custodian farmers in Uttar Pradesh
Full text linkFarmers in Uttar Pradesh play a crucial role as guardians of the state's diverse mango heritage, actively contributing to the evolution and on-farm conservation of numerous varieties. This extensive study across 23 key mango-growing districts in Uttar Pradesh sought to identify custodian farmers employing Indigenous Technical Knowledge (ITK) to conserve a minimum of ten mango varieties within their orchards. District-wise analysis unveiled a concentration of custodian farmers, with Lucknow district standing out at 31.68%, showcasing their dedication to maintaining the highest number of traditional varieties. Across districts, substantial variations were noted in fruit maturity, suitability, color (peel and pulp), size, quality, and fiber content. Saharanpur district emerged as a notable area where custodian farmers dedicated significant orchard space to mango cultivation. The discovery of a 250-year-old orchard in Bulandshahr district adds a historical dimension to the custodian farmers' commitment. Malihabad nurseries in Lucknow took center stage as primary sources for planting materials of traditional varieties, highlighting their pivotal role in supporting on-farm conservation efforts. This emphasizes the synergy between custodian farmers and local nurseries, both rooted in ITK practices. The study identified a strong correlation (r=0.997), emphasizing that the number of traditional varieties significantly contributes to on-farm conservation, underscoring the importance of preserving mango diversity. This research illuminates the proactive measures taken by Uttar Pradesh farmers, providing insights with potential implications for sustainable agriculture and biodiversity conservation.
Traditional plant-based artifacts of Odisha
Full text linkThe state of Odisha, formerly known as “Utkal” is a land of enchanting beauty, art, culture and it houses exquisite handicrafts made by different groups of artisans who have traditionally specialized in craft making. The field surveys were conducted during the year 2019-21 to explore the skill and knowledge of craft preparation from plant materials. A total of 46 plant species belonging to 39 genera and 21 families were documented for 73 types of artifacts preparation. Out of these 46 species, 24, 21 and 1 species were monocots, dicots and gymnosperm, respectively. They were categorised under herb (20 species) followed by tree (19 species), shrub (4 species) and climber (3 species). Data were collected through openended/structured/semi-structured interviews with artisans of different districts of Odisha. The artistic skills of Odia artists are well known in the world. Each article is aesthetically pleasing and reflects the creativity of the artisan and is a representative of local culture and tradition. There should be awareness among people to appreciate the craft products and craftsmanship to preserve this threatened traditional knowledge bestowed to us