Isolation and identification of antibacterial components in seed extracts of Argemone mexicana L.(Papaveraceae)

Objective:The column chromatographic fractions of chloroform(CH1,CH2,CH3) seed extracts of Argemone mexicana(A.mexicana) were screened for antibacterial activity and phytochemical analysis.Methods:CH3 fraction was isolated and identified by column chromatography,thin layer chromatography,spectral data analysis and phytochemical screening were used for analysis. Results:CH3 fraction was significantly active at 4 to 64 mg/mL against Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli,Klebsiella pneumoniae and Pseudomonas aeruginosa with minimum inhibitory concentration of 1.5625 to 3.125 mg/mL.The active fraction(CH3) revealed presence of alkaloid with retention factor value of 0.44.The active antibacterial agent in the most potent fraction (CH3) was isolated and identified as N-demethyloxysanguinarine by thin layer chromatography (TLC) and phytochemical screening.The CH1 and CH2 fractions did not show inhibitory activity. Conclusions:The results support the ethnomedicinal use of seeds of A.mexicana for treatment of bacterial diseases.

Studies on seasonal fluctuation of different indices related to filarial vector,Culex quinquefasciatus around foothills of Susunia of West Bengal,India

Objective:To collect information on the seasonal activity of filarial vector around foothills of Susunia of West Bengal,India.Methods:Indoor-resting mosquitoes were collected from the human habitations of 16 villages.Collected mosquitoes were identified and examined for different parameters following standard methods recommended by World Health Organization and pioneer workers.Results:Overall man hour density,infection rate,infectivity rate,human blood index and daily mortality rate of the vector were assessed as 10.54%,6.31%,1.38%,77.33%and 13.00%, respectively,which were 12.17%,8.63%,2.26%,100.00%and 17.00%,respectively in the summer season.Average load of microfilaria,1st stage,2nd stage and 3rd stage larvae of Wuchereria bancrofti in infected vectors were 10.02.7.50,5.56 and 4.68,respectively,which were 11.58,9.90. 6.27 and 5.44,respectively in summer.Among the searched shelters 63.37%,8.16%and 2.08% were found to be invaded by any vector,infected vector and infective vector,respectively,which were 68.75%,12.76%and 3.91%,respectively in summer.Conclusions:Different indices related to the vector were much higher in summer,which indicates that,summer is the most favorable season for transmission of lymphatic filariasis in the study area.Available data will help to formulate an effective vector control measure.