South Asian Journal of Experimental Biology

Comparative profile of the human coronaviruses

2023-09-21T10:29:12+00:00

The coronavirus disease (COVID-19), a respiratory illness is caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). It is a strain of human corona virus (HCoV) and is infectious in humans. Seven types of human coronaviruses, namely, human coronavirus 229E (HCoV-229E), human coronavirus OC43 (HCoV-OC43), severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus SARS-CoV-1, human coronavirus NL63 (HCoV-NL63), human coronavirus HKU1 (HCoV-HKU1), middle east respiratory syndrome-related coronavirus (MERS-CoV) and SARS-CoV-2 have been identified so far. Almost all these viruses spread between people through respiratory droplets produced from coughs or sneezes; the target cells being the epithelial cells of the respiratory tract. In this review, a brief comparative study of these pathogenic CoVs in humans is done which enables an understanding of the evolution in these diseases over a span of almost a century. This review will provide an insight into all HCoVs identified till date.

Green Synthesis of Platinum Nanoparticle Using Lemon (Citrus Limon) Peel Extract and its Characterization

2024-06-14T13:26:19+00:00

Green synthesis of platinum nanoparticle using lemon peel extract is an alternative way to chemical synthesis of nanoparticles. This research was designed for the environmental friendly, pollution free, cost effective and has no side effects to the environment. The platinum nanoparticle was synthesized using (Citrus limon) lemon peel extract. Parameters such as time, pH, concentration, temperature and change in color from yellow to yellowish brown indicates the reduction of platinum ions which confirmed the synthesized platinum nanoparticle. The green synthesized platinum nanoparticle was further characterized by UV visible spectroscopy, Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) and X-ray Diffraction Spectroscopy (XRD). The results of the UV spectroscopy revealed the reduction of platinum ions to platinum nanoparticle at the peak of 344 nm. The results of the Scanning Electron Microscopy confirmed the morphology of platinum nanoparticle which were smooth and spherical with a diameter of range from 71 to 90 nm at 41.0 kx magnification. The results of the Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy revealed the strong broad band between 1095 to 3244.00 cm-1 which confirmed the presence of functional groups. X- ray diffraction (XRD) analysis confirmed the crystalline structure of synthesized platinum nanoparticle with the distinct peaks at 39.0°, 46.3° and 67.5°. Therefore the green synthesized platinum nanoparticle is an advantage to the environment than the chemical approaches. This technique is efficient and holds potential for various industrial applications and is sustainable.

A Study on The Phytochemical Profile and Therapeutic Potential of Nyctanthes Arbortristis Linn.

2024-06-20T08:10:21+00:00

Nyctanthes arbortristis Linn., commonly known as Night Jasmine, is a plant of significant medicinal value, widely utilized in traditional medicine for its therapeutic properties. This study aimed to identify and quantify the phytochemical constituents of Nyctanthes arbortristis to understand the compounds responsible for its health benefits. Leaf extracts were prepared using aqueous, methanol-aqueous, and acetone-aqueous solvents, followed by qualitative and quantitative phytochemical assays to investigate the presence of secondary metabolites. The qualitative analysis revealed the presence of tannins, terpenoids, saponins, flavonoids, phenolic compounds, reducing sugars, steroids, alkaloids, and glycosides. Quantitative analysis showed that the ethanolic extract of the leaves contained 103.63 mg QE/g of flavonoids and 17.73 mg GAE/g of phenolic compounds. The DPPH radical scavenging activity demonstrated significant antioxidant properties, with the methanol extract showing the highest activity at 32.67%. These findings underscore the medicinal potential of Nyctanthes arbortristis, attributed to its rich phytochemical composition and notable antioxidant activity. The presence of various bioactive compounds supports its traditional use in treating viral infections, diabetes, and other ailments. The high levels of flavonoids and phenolic compounds particularly highlight its potential in combating oxidative stress-related conditions. In conclusion, Nyctanthes arbortristis Linn. stands out as a valuable medicinal plant with a wide range of therapeutic benefits. The study validates its traditional uses and suggests further research to isolate and characterize specific bioactive compounds for potential pharmaceutical applications. This could lead to the development of new, effective treatments derived from this traditional medicinal plant.

Formulation of Herbal Tooth Powder Employing Quercus infectoria as a Potential Agent for Oral Care and Microbial Infections

2024-04-30T06:42:45+00:00

Herbal remedies for oral care are increasingly popular due to their safety, affordability, and compatibility with the mouth's natural bacterial balance. This study develops and evaluates herbal tooth powder using Quercus infectoria (oak galls), Triphala (Amla, Haritaki, Bibhitaki), Liquorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra), black salt, and calcium carbonate to prevent oral infections. The objective was to create an effective alternative to conventional dental products. The tooth powder was formulated and tested through physicochemical, rheological, microbiological, patch, and sensory evaluations. The pH level of 5 is ideal for oral applications, balancing effective hygiene and gentleness. Physicochemical evaluations show a moisture content of 1.64% (indicating stability and low microbial risk), an ash value of 0.58% (acceptable limits), and a bulk density of 4g/ml (ensuring good flow and consistent dosing). The effective minimum inhibitory concentration of 0.1 mg/ml highlights the active compounds' potency in inhibiting bacterial growth. Key findings showed it had strong antibacterial, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties. Tannic acid from Quercus infectoria was effective against oral infections, while Triphala and Liquorice added antibacterial benefits and improved flavour. This study underscores the potential of herbal tooth powders as a natural, effective solution for oral hygiene and infection prevention.

Management of soil phosphorous using phosphate solubilizing microorganisms: A sustainable approach

2024-03-27T11:42:57+00:00

Phosphorus is crucial for plant growth and productivity, and its scarcity in soil negatively affects crop yields. A major portion of chemical phosphate fertilizer precipitates with soil minerals, making it unavailable for plant growth. Phosphate-solubilizing microorganisms play a pivotal role in enhancing phosphorus availability, facilitating better nutrient absorption, and ultimately boosting plant growth. This article presents a brief overview of the phosphorus status in Indian soil, discusses the various forms of phosphorus and its dynamics across different soil types, and analyses the factors involved, highlighting the importance of phosphorus management for sustainable agriculture. Physiological and molecular mechanisms of microbial phosphate solubilization provide deep insights into exploring PSMs for managing phosphorous in different soil types. It also provides a path for the necessity to explore the multifarious plant growth-promoting traits of PSMs underscoring its applicability for sustainable agricultural practices with viable economy. The mechanism of solubilization of phosphorus has been discussed to understand the role of microorganisms in different soils. The study highlights the role of significant microorganisms in developing tailored consortia of PSMs and other plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) based on the chemical composition of the soil, along with an integrated nutrient approach incorporating PSMs. This review offers valuable insights into harnessing PSMs and their practical applications, facilitating their broader adoption in agricultural systems to maintain soil health.

Effect of seasonal variations on phytoconstituents and antimicrobial properties of Holoptelea integrifolia, an important medicinal plant from Kangra District in Himachal Pradesh, India: A case study

2024-05-08T07:24:20+00:00

Medicinal plants have been used for the treatment of many ailments since time immemorial. The pharmacological significance of these plants is attributed to the presence of secondary metabolites which are greatly affected by the changes in the climatic conditions. This study investigates the effect of seasonal variations on the phytochemical constituents and biological activities of Holoptelea integrifolia leaves and bark in Kangra district, Himachal Pradesh, India. The antimicrobial activity and minimum inhibitory concentration of various plant extracts were determined using agar well diffusion and resazurin dye methods. The qualitative and quantitative analysis of phytochemical, besides antioxidant activity, were compared in all samples during different seasons. The experimental results revealed that the chloroform extracts of leaves and bark of plants during winter season were most effective against S. flexneri with highest zone of inhibition (ZOI) of 19.5±0.12mm and 22.6 ±0.32mm at 4 mg/40 μμl, respectively. However, MIC of leaf and bark extracts in case of S. flexneri were 0.3125 mg/100 μl and 0.0781 mg/100 μl, respectively. Phytochemical analysis of H. integrifolia confirmed significant seasonal variation, with phenols, flavonoids and terpenoids highest in the winter season, while alkaloids dominated in autumn season. The chloroform extract of H. integrifolia leaves and bark exhibited highest antioxidant activity in DPPH assay (78.81±0.12% & 81.41±0.24%) followed by H2O2 and phosphomolybdenum at 300μg/ml conc. respectively. The results of the present work revealed that the bark of H. integrifolia during winter season exhibited better antimicrobial activity than the leaves, providing a valuable basis for the future efforts in developing novel herbal drugs.