Effects of diverse doses of Lead (Pb) on different growth attributes of <i>Zea-Mays</i>L.

The aim of the investigation was to determine the potential effect of lead on maize growth. Lead is considered as important potent environmental contaminant. Various ecological, environmental and evolutionary processes in the microsphere are disrupted because of lead toxicity to the microbial community. The effects of Lead Nitrate (Pb(No3)2) as heavy metal on germination, early growth seedling, root-shoot length, root-shoot fresh and dry weights, total protein content and the uptake of lead by roots and shoots of Zea-mays were investigated. All of the parameters were reduced by the increased lead concentrations. Such growth retardation was due to metals toxicity that resulted in damages to various physiological and biochemical processes.

Assessment of pasture and plasma minerals of cows: A case study in Pakistan

An investigation was conducted to evaluate the nutrient level of grazing livestock as influenced by the sampling periods in Punjab state districtSargodha,Pakistan. Twenty composite soil and pasture and twenty five blood samples were collected at two different sampling periods dur ing December 2010 to March, 2011, respectively. Higher soil content of all elements except iron was observed during December than those found in Mach at the 2nd harvest during this pe riod but all mean values were above the critical levels investigated for soil for the requirements of forage crops. Forage, potassium, magnesium and copper levels did not differ between samplings. Calcium, sodium, zinc, manganese, cobalt and selenium were higher during December, while reverse was true for forage iron reflecting the soil iron contents. The sodium, manganese, iron and selenium in forage were found to be deficient than the requirements of livestock during both sampling times in this investigation. From the four minerals assessed in the serum calcium, magnesium and zinc levels were high after the December in March. The macro mineral which were found to be moderately deficient at this animal farm are sodium and magnesium. Micro elements most likely to limit livestock production efficiency are copper, zinc, manganese and cobalt. Specific mineral supplementation should be supplied containing copper and zinc, as both pasture and blood plasma samples exhibited their deficiency. The present investigation suggests the requirement and provision of an appropriate specificity tailored mineral mixture to ruminants in this specific studied area. The objective of this study was to determine deficiency or excess of various minerals to have the knowledge of the status of different minerl elements for supplementation if necessary.

Nickel, lead and manganese content of forages irrigated with different sewage water treatments: A case study of a semiarid region (Sargodha) in Pakistan

The use of sewage water for agricultural purpose has tremendously increased during the last few years due to shortage of water availability, especially in semi-arid regions. Despite of many nutrients recycling advantages of sewage water, farmers are not fully aware of its harmful chemical composition. Heavy metals toxicity in soil and crops results from the long term use of sewage effluent for irrigation purposes. The present study was conducted to assess effect of sewage water on the uptake of Ni, Pb and Mn in different forage species with respect to the nutrient requirement of the grazing ruminants inSargodha,Punjab,Pakistan. Five samples each of six fodder species viz., Trifolium alexandrinum, Cichorium intybus, Avena sativa, Medicago polymorpha, Brassica campestris and Medicago sativa were collected from three fields irrigated with canal water, mix water (canal plus sewage water) and sewage water respectively. Pb, Ni and Mn concentration in the forage species during different treatments varied from 0.624 to1.672 mg/g, 7.364 to 10.17 mg/g and 5.136 to 12.422 mg/kg respectively. High value of Pb and Mn concentrations was observed during sewage water treatment. Lead is a non-essential element and is a very toxic metal. But in the present investigation Ni and Pb level in forages were below the toxic level, so the ruminants feeding on these forage species had no chance of Pb and Ni toxicity. On the other hand, Mn concentration in the forage species under observation was below the critical level. So the grazing animals at this location need continued mineral supplementation of Mn to prevent diseases caused by Mn deficiency, and to support optimum animal productivity. The objective of this study was to examine the potential for forage analysis as indicators of likely mineral deficiencies or excesses of grazing livestock during different sewage water treatments.

Selenium profile in blood plasma of grazing sheep: A case study in specific ranch in Punjab, Pakistan

A survey was conducted in Southwestern, Punjab, Pakistan during two different seasons to assess the status of selenium of three different classes of grazing sheep. Blood plasma from lactating, non-lactating and male sheep were collected four times monthly in winter and summer seasons and analyzed for selenium concentration. Seasonal variations were found for plasma selenium concentration. Selenium concentration of plasma was higher in male sheep than those lactating and non lactating ewes during both the seasons as well as it were higher compared to the established critical value for blood plasma selenium for these ruminants. High incidence of deficiencies was found particularly for lactating ewes. These deficiencies in plasma selenium based on critical level were 35% to 15 % for lactating, 28% to 12% for non lactating ewes and 15% to 5% for male animals during winter and summer seasons, respectively. Although some differences among the three classes of sheep were found for selenium concentrations of blood plasma, but dramatic class differences could not be concluded based on this study. It was suggested based on the results obtained, pellets, glass bolus or mixture that contain selenium, should be used for supplementation for grazing sheep in the study area to maintain the plasma Se at optimum required level for the prevention of complication in livestock caused due to deficiency of this element.

Exploration of concentration of two macro-minerals in different wild forages in relation to nutrient requirements of livestock

The composition of two macro-minerals (Ca and Na) was examined in soil and forages in two fields of District Sargodha, Pakistan. During winter and summer season, soil and forage samples were collected. In both seasons, Na was sufficient in soil and forages. As compared to the winter season, the Na and Ca levels in soil were considerably higher in summer season. In forages, the level of Ca was deficient than the level which is essential for livestock growth. In the pastures, grazing livestock may be?deficient in these minerals as these pastures are not supplying sufficient minerals to the ruminants grazing therein. Supplementation of minerals is necessary to prevent the mineral imbalances and deficiency diseases in grazing livestock.

Approximation of some minerals in soil and forage as a function of non-conventional compost: A case study

In present study concentration of some metals (Magnesium, Nickel and Calcium) were determined in soil and different parts of Avena sativa treated with poultry waste grown in the pots. Nine different treatments of poultry waste were used: 0 (control), 60, 90, 120 and 150 kg/ha applied to soil as full doses before sowing, and 60, 90, 120, and 150 applied as two equal splits, 1st before sowing and the 2nd before flower instigation. The samples of soil were obtained after mixing the poultry waste with soil in each pot before sowing. Different parts (roots, leaves, and seeds) of plants were taken after 90 days of sowing and after grain filling. Samples of soil and forages were analyzed. Mg concentrations found both in soil and plants were non-significantly affected by treatments and were lower than the requirements of ruminants in forage crops, but above requirement of forages in soil. Soil and forage Ni was affected non-significantly from the treatments of poultry waste and soil and forage Ni levels were found to be lower than the toxic level for animals and forages. Soil Ca was affected non-significantly by treatments having far lower values than the requirements of both forage species and ruminants. The study showed that soil Mg was higher and Ca was lower than the requirements of forages, but forage Mg and Ca were not fulfilling the requirements of livestock indicating the non significant effect of poultry waste on their concentrations. From the results of this study it has been anticipated that various deficiency problems in livestock may be resulted as these elements play very important role in animals’ metabolic progression. Therefore, soil amendment with poultry manure along with other synthetic fertilizers for enhancing the levels of various minerals is acceptable. The soil amendment and specifically tailored mineral mixture with appropriate proportion of these elements is the dire needs for livestock consuming Avena sativa in pasture treated with poultry waste.

Insulin sources and types: a review of insulin in terms of its mode on diabetes mellitus

Insulin is involved in regulation of glucose utilization in the body. Inability of the body to synthesize insulin or human cells resistance to insulin leads to a condition called Diabetes mellitus which is characterized by chronic hyperglycaemia. There are two types of diabetes; type 1 and type 2. Exogenous supply of insulin is needed consistently for type 1diabetes treatment and type 2 diabetes also needs to be cured by the exogenous supply of insulin in advance stages of the disease. These sources have been proved very useful to meet the needs of the patients. However, these insulin types are expensive for the large population of patients in the developing countries. Furthermore, the incidence of diabetes is advancing at an alarming rate. Hence production systems with even higher capabilities of production are desired. Therefore, currently plants are being investigated as alternative production systems. Based on the mode of action of insulin various formulations of insulin have been developed that have different onset of action, peak effect and duration of action according to the needs of the patients.

Synergistic antibacterial effect of honey and Herba Ocimi Basilici against some bacterial pathogens

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the antibacterial activity of the combination of different honey brands and methanolic fraction of Herba Ocimi Basilici using agar well diffusion assay. METHODS: The antibacterial activity was determined against thirteen pathogenic bacterial clinical isolates including six gram negative(Klebsiella pneumonia, Pseudomonas aeroginosa, Escherichia coli, Salmonella typhi, Salmonella typhimirium, Xanthomonas campestris) and six gram positive strains(Enterococcus faecalis faecalis, Bacillus subtilis, Staphylococcus aureus, Clostridium perfringens type C, Clostridium perfringens type D, Clostridium chauvoei). Agar well diffusion method was used while zones of inhibition were measured with vernier scale. RESULTS: At higher concentration, all the honey brands showed good to significant activity. The highest activity was observed for Hamdard brand honey(27.60±0.40) against Enterococcus faecalis. CONCLUSION: These results revealed that combinations of plant extracts of Herba Ocimi Basilici with honey can be used for the development of potent and novel antibacterial agents.

Antibacterial activity of honey in north-west Pakistan against select human pathogens

OBJECTIVE:To investigate the antimicrobial activity of commercially available honey and raw honey samples in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa,Pakistan,against pathogenic bacterial strains.METHODS:Well diffusion assays were performed to screen pure and diluted honey samples for antibacterial activity against six Gram-negative and six Gram-positive bacterial strains.Zones of inhibition were measured and compared with 10 mg Gentamycin.RESULTS:When honey samples were diluted to20%-70%,the honey samples showed no activity to mild antibacterial activity.The highest antibacterial activity was recorded when 90%and pure undiluted honey samples were tested and compared with a control Gentamycin disc(10 mg).CONCLUSION:Commercially processed honey and raw honey samples from north-west of Pakistan possess good antimicrobial potential.

Evaluation of antileishmanial,antibacterial and brine shrimp cytotoxic potential of crude methanolic extract of Herb Ocimum basilicum(Lamiacea)

OBJECTIVE:To collect and screen for ethnopharmacological properties(antileishmanial,antibacterial and brine lethality assays) of medicinal plant Ocimum basilicum from Peshawar region(34.008 latitude and 71.57 altitudes).METHODS:In the present study a general antileishmanial activity against Leishmania tropica strain was carried out.The antibacterial potential of the plant was performed against 06 gram positive and 06 gram negative bacteria.Brine shrimp cytotoxicity assay at different concentrations were investigated.RESULTS:The anti-promastigotes profile of the plant showed good antileishmanial activity exhibited LC_(50) value 21.67 μg/mL.The result for gram positive antibacterial activity revealed that the O.basilicum leaves extract possesses significant inhibitory activity at highest two concentrations ranging from20.66 ± 0.31 to 31.86 ± 0.80 for Clostridium perfringens type C and Bacillus subtitilis,respectively,as compared to the gentamycin(27.36 ± 0.55 and21.80 ± 0.72,respectively).For gram negative bacteria good activity was observed.A highest zone of inhibition was recorded for Pseudomonas aeroginosa(28.83 ± 0.28) atthe highest concentration(10 mg/mL).The LC_(50) value obtained for brine shrimp lethality assay was 91.56 μg/mL.CONCLUSION:The herb basil possesses effective cidal activities which make this plant a good candidate for the isolation of antiprotozoal and antibacterial compounds which may lead to the development of novel drug.

Antifungal, phytotoxic and hemagglutination activity of methanolic extracts of Ocimum basilicum

OBJECTIVE: To report some of the pharmacological features of the medicinal plant Ocimum basilicum.METHODS: In the current studies, Antifungal activity of crude methanolic fraction of Ocimum basilicum was determined against eight pathogenic fungal strains using tube dilution assay. The methanolic fraction was also investigated for phytotoxic and hemagglutination activity.RESULTS: Of the eight strains investigated only Candida albicans and Curvilaria lunata were found to be least affected by plant extract while the rest were significantly inhibited. Moderate phytotoxic activity was observed against lemna minor. Hemagglutination activity showed absence of phytolectins and hence no agglutination of erythrocytes.CONCLUSION: The crude extract of Ocimum basilicum has significant properties against fungi and phytotoxic substances.

Antimicrobial,hemagglutination and phytotoxic activity of crude ethanolic and aqueous extracts of Seriphidium kurramense

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the antimicrobial activity, hemagglutination and phytotoxic activity of crude ethanolic and aqueous extracts of Seriphidium kurramense.METHODS: The extracts were analyzed by agar well diffusion assays against five bacterial species:Staphylococcus aureus(S. aureus), methicillin-resistant S. aureus, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Bacillus subtilis, and Salmonella typhi. The extracts were also screened against six fungal species — Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus flavus, Alternaria solani, Rhizoctonia solani, Fusarium solani and Pleurotus florida — using the agar tube diffusion method. Additionally, hemagglutination and phytotoxic activities of the crude ethanolic and aqueous extracts were assessed.RESULTS: The crude ethanolic and aqueous extracts showed dose-dependent inhibition of the various tested fungal and bacterial strains. No hemagglutination activity was observed. Both the ethanolic and aqueous extracts showed dose-dependent phytotoxic activity toward Lemna minor.CONCLUSION: The crude ethanolic and aqueous extracts of Seriphidium kurramense possess good antimicrobial and phytotoxic activities, but no hemagglutination activity.

Phytochemical screening, antioxidant and antibacterial properties of daphne mucronata

OBJECTIVE:To aim at preliminary phytochemical screening of Daphne mucronata and evaluate its antioxidant and antibacterial activities.METHODS:Preliminary phytochemical screening was conducted for the crude extracts using standard methods.Antioxidant properties of crude methanolic extracts,n-hexane,chloroform,ethyl acetate and aqueous fractions of leaves,roots and bark were evaluated following standard procedures.The antibacterial activities were checked against Acinetobacter baumannii(A.baumannii),Escherichia coli(E.coli),Pseudomonas aeruginosa(P.aeruginosa),Staphylococcus aureus(S.aureus),Morganella morganii(M.morganii)and vancomycin resistant S.aureus(VRSA).RESULTS:Carbohydrates,saponins,steroids,phenols/tannins,flavonoids and glycosides were present in different parts of Daphne mucronata.The extracts showed good antioxidant activity with EC50 values of 157.82-361.61μg/m L.Methanolic extracts of roots showed good activity against A.baumannii(86.95%),E.coli(85.18%)and S.aureus(84.61%).Methanolic extracts of bark were active against A.bumanni(65.21%),M.morganii(65.21%)and E.coli(62.96%).Methanolic extracts of leaves showed good activity against A.bumanni(78.26%),E.coli(77.78%),P.aeruginosa(74.07%),S.aureus(73.07%),M.morganii(69.56%),VRSA(68%)and Proteus vulgaris(60%).The n-hexane fraction of roots was effective against A.bumanni(78.26%).Chlorofom fraction of roots showed moderate activity against A.bumanni(60.86%)and S.aureus(61.53%).Ethyl acetate fraction of roots showed moderate activity against A.bumanii(69.56%),E.coli(62.96%)and S.aureus(69.23%).CONCLUSION:This study illustrates that Daphne mucronata possesses good antioxidant and antibacterial properties.The plant could be further exploited as potential natural antioxidant and as a new source of antimicrobials for treatment of various infections.