Hepatoprotective effect of Solatium xanthocarpum fruit extract against CCl_4 induced acute liver toxicity in experimental animals

Objective:To investigate the hepatoprotective potential of Solonum xanthocarpum（Solanaceae） （S.xanthocarpum） in experimental rats to validate its traditional claim.Methods:50%ethanolic fruit extract of S.xanthocarpum（SXE,100.200 or 400 mg/kg hods weight） was administered daily for 14davs in experimental animals.Liver injury was induced chemically,by CCl4 administration （1 mL/kg i.p.）.The hepatoprotective activity was assessed using various biochemical parameters like aspartate aminotransferase（AST）,alanine aminotransferase（ALT）.Serum alkaline phosphatise （SALP） and total bilirubin.Meanwhile,in vivo antioxidant activities as lipid peroxidation（LPO）, reduced glutathione（GSH）.superoxide dismutase（SOD） and calalase（CAT） were screened along with histopathological studies.Results:Obtained results demonstrated that the treatment with SXE significantly（P【0.05- 【0.001） and dose-dcpendcntly prevented chemically induced increase in serum levels of hepatic enzymes.Furthermore.SXE significantly（up to P【0.001） reduced the lipid peroxidation in the liver tissue and restored activities of defence antioxidant enzymes GSH,SOU and catalasc towards normal levels.Histopathology of the liver tissue showed that SXE attenuated the hepatocellular necrosis and led to reduction of inflammatory cells inflltration. Conclusions:The results of this study strongly indicate the protective effect of SXE against acute liver injun which may he attributed to its hepatoprotective activity,and there by scientifically support its traditional use.

Antihyperglycemic activity,antihyperlipedemic activity,haematological effects and histopathological analysis of Sapindus mukorossi Gaerten fruits in streptozotocin induced diabetic rats

Objective:To investigate the antihyperglycemic and antihyperlipidemie properties of hydroalcoholic extract of fruits of Sapindus mukorossi Caerlen and its beneficial effect on haeniatological parameters with histopathological analysis in streptpzotocin induced diabetic rats.Methods:Sapindus mukorossi fruits extract(250 and 500 mg/kg body weight) and standard drug glybenclamide(0.5 mg/kg body weight) were administered to diabetic rats.Effect of extract on hyperglycemia,hyperlipidemia and hematological parameters was studied in diabetic rats.Histopathological changes in diabetic rat pancreas were also observed after extract and glybenclamide treatment.Results:Daily oral administration of Sapindus mukorossi fruits extract(250 and 500 mg/kg body weight) and glybenclamide for 20 days showed beneficial effects on blood glucose level(P【0.01) and lipid level.The extract has a favorable effect on the histopathological changes of the pancreas in streptozotocin induced diabetes.Conclusions: These findings reveal that the hydroalcoholic extract of Sapindus mukorossi fruits extract possesses antihyperglycemic and antihyperlipidemie properties.In addition.the extract can prevent various complications of diabetes and improve some haeniatological parameters.

Hepatoprotective potential of ethanolic extract of Ziziphus oenoplia(L.)Mill roots against antitubercular drugs induced hepatotoxicity in experimental models

Objective:To evaluate the hepatoprotective potential of ethanolic(50%) extract of Ziziphus oenoplia(L.) Mill(Z.oenoplia) root against isoniazid(INH) and rifampicin(RIF) induced liver damage in animal models.Methods:Five groups of six rats each were selected for the study.Ethanolic extract at a dose of 150 and 300 mg/kg as well as silymarin(100 mg/kg) were administered orally once daily for 21 d in INH + RIF treated groups.The serum levels of glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase(SGOT),glutamate pyruvate transaminase(SGPT),alkaline phosphatase (SALP),and bilirubin were estimated along with activities of superoxide dismutase,catalase, glutathione S-transferase,glutathione peroxidase,and hepatic melondialdehyde formation. Histopathological analysis was carried out to assess injury to the liver.Result:The considerably elevated serum enzymatic activities of glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase,glutamate pyruvate transaminase,alkaline phosphatase and bilirubin due to INH + RIF treatment were restored towards norma) in a dose dependent manner after the treatment with ethanolic extract of Z.oenoplia roots.Meanwhile,the decreased activities of superoxide dismutase,catalase, glutathione S-transferase and glutathione peroxidase were also restored towards normal dose dependency.In addition,ethanolic extract also significantly prevented the elevation of hepatic melondialdehyde formation in the liver of INH + RIF intoxicated rats in a dose dependent manner. The biochemical observations were supplemented with histopathological examination of rat liver sections.Conclusions:The results of this study slrongly indicate that ethanolic extract of Z.oenoplia has a potent hepatoprotective action against INH + RIF induced hepatic damage in rats.

Morpho-anatomical and physicochemical studies of Fumaria indica(Hausskn.)Pugsley

Objective:To study morpho-anatomical characters and physicochemical analysis of Fumaria indica(F.indica)(Hausskn.)Pugsley,(Fumariaceae),an important medicinal plant used extensively for treating a variety of ailments in various system of indigenous medicine.Methods:Evaluation of the different parts of the plant was carried out to determine the morphoanatomical,physicochemical,phytochemical and HPTLC fingerprinting profile of F.indica and other WHO recommended methods were performed for standardization.Results:Morphoanatomical studies showed compound and pinnatifid leaf,4 to 6 cm in length,linear and oblong in shape and anomocytic arrangement of stomata,thin walled parenchymatous cells,scattered,sclerenchymatous,capped vascular bundles and radiating medullary rays.Physicochemical studies showed foreign matter 0.2%,loss on drying 6.8%,total ash 16.77%,alcohol and water soluble extractives 8.92%and 20.26%,respectively,sugar 17.75%,starch 22.97%and tannins 2.37%.Phytochemical evaluation revealed the presence of carbohydrate,alkaloids,flavonoids,saponins,tannins and sterol.Thin layer chromatography was carried out with different solvents and the best solvent system was chloroform and methanol in 80:20 ratio and revealed 12 spots with different R_f value under UV light 366λ.Conclusions:The results of the study can serve as a valuable source of information and provide suitable standards for identification of this plant material for future investigations and applications.

And-hyperglycemic activity of leaves extract of Hyptis suavcolens L.Poit in streptozotocin induced diabetic rats

Objective:To evaluate the antihyperglycemic activity of leaves of Hyptis suaveolens using streptozotocin model.Mothods:Hyptis suaveolens extract(HSE) 250 and 500 mg/kg body weight was administered orally to streptozotocin induced diabetes,once daily for 21 days.Results:A significant reduction in blood glucose was observed in diabetic animals treated with HSE at different doses when compared with diabetic rats.Levels of triglyceride,total cholesterol,low density lipoprolein.very low density lipoprotein were decreased while administering HSE at different doses,compared with their control values in diabetic animals.Conclusions:Our results show that HSE possesses significant antihyperglycemic activity which might be attributed to stimulating effects on glucose utilization and antioxidant enzyme.

A review on ethnobotany,phytochemistry and pharmacology of Fumaria indica(Fumitory)

Fumaria indica(Hausskn.) Pugsley(Fumariaceae),known as "Fumitory",is an annual herb found as a common weed all over the plains of India and Pakistan.The whole plant is widely used in traditional and folkloric systems of medicine.In traditional systems of medicine,the plant is reputed for its anthelmintic,diuretic,diaphoretic,laxative,cholagoguc,stomachic and sedative activities and is used to purify blood and in liver obstruction in ethnopharmacology. The whole plant is ascribed to possess medicinal virtues in Ayurvedic and Unani systems of medicine and is also used in preparation of important Ayurvedic medicinal preparations and polyhedral liver formulations.The review reveals that phytochemical constituents of wide range have been separated from the plants and it possesses important pharmacological activities like smooth muscle relaxant,spasmogenic and spasmolytic,analgesic,anti-inflammatory, neuropharmacological and antibacterial activities.The separation of hepatoprotective and antifungal constituents from this plant was also reported newly.This review highlights the traditional,ethnobotanical,phytochemical,pharmacological information available on Fumaria indica,which might be helpful for scientists and researchers to find out new chemical entities responsible for its claimed traditional uses.

Evaluation of chemopreventive effect of Fumaria indica against N-nitrosodiethylamine and CCl_4-induced hepatocellular carcinoma in Wistar rats

Objective:To investigation the chemopreventive potential of Fumaria indica（F.indica） extract（FIE） on N-nitrosodiethylamine and CCl4-induced hepatocarcinogenesis in Wislar rats.Methods:The experimental animals were divided into six groups（n=6）.Hepatocellular carcinoma was induced by single intraperitoneal injection of N-nitrosodiethylamine（NDEA） in normal saline at a dose of 200 mg/kg body weight followed by weekly subcutaneous injections of CCl4（3 mL/kg/week） for 6 weeks,as the promoter of carcinogenic effect.After administration of the carcinogen,200 and 400 mg/kg of FIE were administered orally once a day throughout the study.At the end of 20 weeks,the body weight,liver weight and relative liver weight were measured.The percentage of nodule incidence and liver cancer markers such as aspartate transaminase（AST）,alanine transaminase（ALT）,alkaline phosphatase（ALP）,γ-glutamyl transferase（γ-GT）,total bilirubin level（TBL）,α-feto protein（AFP） and carcinoembryonic antigen were estimated along with histopathological investigation in experimental groups of rats. Results:Obtained results demonstrated that the cotreatment with FIE significantly prevented the decrease of the body weight and also increased in relative liver weight caused by NDEA. The treatment with FIE significantly reduced the nodule incidence and nodule multiplicity in the rats after NDEA administration.The levels of liver cancer markers such as AST,ALT,ALP,γ-glutamyl transferase,TBL,AFP and carcinoembryonic antigen were substantially increased by NDEA treatment.However,FIE treatment significantly reduced the liver injury and restored the entire liver cancer markers.Histological observations of liver tissues too correlated with the biochemical observations.Conclusions:These finding powerfully supports that F.indica exert chemopreventive effect by suppressing the tumor burden and restoring the activities of hepatic cancer marker enzymes on NDEA and CCl4-induced hepatocarcinogenesis in Wistar rats.

Evaluation of antihepatotoxic potential of Solanum xanthocarpum fruit extract against antitubercular drugs induced hepatopathy in experimental rodents

Objective:To assess the hepatoprotective effect of Solanum xanthocarpum(S. xanthocarpum) fruit extract against antitubercular drug-induced liver toxicity in experimental animals.Methods:Ethanolic(50%) fruit extract ofS. xanthocarpum(100, 200 and 400 mg/kg bw) was administered daily for 35 days in experimental animals. Liver toxicity was induced by combination of three antitubercular drugs [isoniazid(I) 7.5 mg/kg, rifampicin(R) 10 mg/kg and pyrazinamide(P) 35 mg/kg] given orally as suspension for 35 days in rats. The hepatoprotective activity was assessed using various biochemical parameters like aspartate aminotransferase(AST), alanine aminotransferase(ALT), alkaline phosphatise(ALP), total bilirubin(TBL), albumin(ALB), total protein(TP), lactate dehydroginase(LDH), and serum cholesterol(CHL). Meanwhile,in vivoantioxidant activities as lipid peroxidation(LPO), reduced glutathione(GSH), superoxide dismutase(SOD) and catalase(CAT) were measured in rat liver homogenate. The biochemical observations were supplemented by histopathological examination.Results:The results demonstrated that treatment withS.xanthocarpumsignificantly(P<0.05-P<0.001) and dose-dependently prevented drug induced increase in serum levels of hepatic enzymes. Furthermore,S. xanthocarpumsignificantly(up toP<0.001) reduced the LPO in the liver tissue and restored activities of defence antioxidant enzymes GSH, SOD and CAT towards normal levels. Histopathology of the liver tissue showed that S. xanthocarpumattenuated the hepatocellular necrosis and led to reduction in inflammatory cells infiltration.Conclusions:The results of this study strongly indicate the protective effect of S. xanthocarpumagainst liver injury which may be attributed to its hepatoprotective activity, and thereby scientifically support its traditional use.

Effect of Trichoderma koningiopsis on Chickpea Rhizosphere Activities under Different Fertilization Regimes

Interaction of plant growth promoting microorganisms (PGPMs) with plants involves interplay at physical, physiological and molecular levels. Proliferation and root colonization of PGPMs manipulate the rhizosphere to optimize plant functions. This benefits plant by nutrient enrichment and induction of plant vigor and defense system. The present work aims to decipher the rhizosphere modulations promoted under different fertilization regimes by an organic acid producing Trichoderma koningiopsis strain (NBRI-PR5). Chickpea was selected as the host plant for the study since it responds well to the application of in/organic fertilizers and PGPMs. Microbial communities associated with the rhizosphere were studied by determining culturable population of heterogeneous microflora, and rhizosphere functions were studied by determining the soil enzyme activities and HPLC profiles of organic acids in root exudates. Application of NBRI-PR5 induced changes in rhizosphere in consent with the amendments. The changes observed in microbial populations were found to be associated with the rhizosphere enzymes. The inhibitory effect of chemical fertilizers on rhizosphere microflora was evident from least bacterial CFU observed in the NPK treatments. No detection of alkaline phosphatase enzyme in all the treatments with NBRI-PR5, with organic or inorganic amendments evidently represents the acidified rhizosphere. Similarly, an opposite trend in DHA and protease enzyme activities in the rhizosphere of FYM and FYM+PR5 treated plants showed that NBRI-PR5 had reframed microbial activities to facilitate nutrient uptake in plants rather than fix in the microbes. It is concluded from the study that NBRI-PR5 fatefully modulates rhizosphere activities, specific to different fertilization regimes by varying the enzyme activities to maximize the utilization of available nutrients.

Nephroprotective activity of Solanum xanthocarpum fruit extract against gentamicin-induced nephrotoxicity and renal dysfunction in experimental rodents

Objective:To evaluate nephroprotective potential of Solarium xanthocarpum(S.xanthocarpum) fruit extract(SXE) against gentamicin(GM) induced nephrotoxicity) and renal dysfunction. Methods:Twenty-four Wistar rats were divided into four groups(n=6).Control rats that received normal saline(i.p.) and 0.5%carboxymethyl cellulose(p.o.) per day lor 8 d.Nephrotoxicity was induced in rats by intraperitoneal administration of GM(100 mg/kg/d for 8 d) and were treated with SXE(200 and 400 mg/kg/d(p.o.) for 8 d).Plasma and urine urea and creatinine,kidney weight,urine output,blood urea nitrogen,renal enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidants and lipid peroxidation was evaluated along with histopathological investigation in various experimental groupsof rats.Results:It was observed that the GM treatment induced significant elevation(P【0.001) in plasma and urine urea,creatinine,kidney weight,blood urea nitrogen, renal lipid peroxidation along with significant decrement(P【0.001) in urine output,renal enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidants.SXE 200 and 400 mg/kg treatment to GM treated rats recorded significant decrement(up to P【0.001) in plasma and mine urea and creatinine, renal lipid peroxidation along with significanl increment(up to P【0.001) in renal enzymatic and non-enzvmatic antioxidants.Histological obsenatioiis of kidney tissues too correlated with the biochemical obsenatioiis.Conclusions:These finding powerfully supports that S,xanthocarpum fruit extract acts in the kidney as a potent scavenger of free radicals to prevent the toxic effects of GM both in the biochemical and histopathological parameters and thus validates its elhnomedicinal use.

Models and form factors for stand volume estimation in natural forest ecosystems: a case study of Katarniaghat Wildlife Sanctuary (KGWS), Bahraich District, India

In view of the difficulties in stand volume estimation in natural forests, we derived real form factors and models for volume estimation in these types of forest ecosystems, using Katarniaghat Wildlife Sanctuary as a case study. Tree growth data were obtained for all trees （dbh 〉10 cm） in 4 plots （25 × 25 m） randomly located in each of three strata selected in the forest. The form factor calculated for the stand was 0.42 and a range of 0.42 0.57 was estimated for selected species （density 〉10）. The parameters of model variables were consistent with general growth trends of trees and each was statistically significant. There was no significant difference （p〉0.05） between the observed and predicted volumes for all models and there was very high correlation between observed and predicted volumes. The output of the performance statistics and the logical signs of the regression coefficients of the models demonstrated that they are useful for volume estimation with minimal error. Plotting the biases with respect to considerable regressor variables showed no meaningful and evident trend of bias values along with the independent variables. This showed that the models did not violate regression assumptions and there were no heteroscedacity or multiculnarity problems. We recommend use of the form factors and models in this ecosystem and in similar ones for stand and tree volume estimation.

Antihyperglycemic and antihyperlipidemic activity of ethyl acetate fraction of Rhododendron arboreum Smith flowers in streptozotocin induced diabetic rats and its role in regulating carbohydrate metabolism

Objective:To explore and identify the most potent antihyperglycemic fraction from the ethanol extract of Rhododendron arboreum(R.arboreum)flowers.Methods:Normal and streptozotocin induced diabetic rats were treated with all four fractions of R.arboreum flowers for short term and with fraction 3 for long term study.On completion of the treatment,a range of indicators were tested including fasting blood glucose,plasma protein,haemoglobin A1C,insulin secretion,body weight,blood lipid profile and carbohydrate metabolism regulating enzymes of liver.Results:In short term study,the fraction 3(Active fraction)produced a significant(P<0.0001)reduction(73.6%)in blood glucose level at a dose of 200 mg/kg after the treatment in the diabetic rats.Administration of active fraction(200 and 400 mg/kg)once daily for 30 d in streptozotocin diabetic rats resulted in a significant(P<0.001 to P<0.0001)fall in blood glucose level,hemoglobin A1C,serum urea and creatinine with significant but a increase in insulin level similar to standard drug glybenclamide.Further,the active fraction showed antihyperlipidemic activity as evidenced by significant(P<0.001 to P<0.0001)decreases in serum serum total cholesterol,triglycerides,low density lipoprotein cholesterol and very low density cholesterol levels coupled together with elevation of high density lipoprotein cholesterol in the diabetic rats.Conclusions:The active fraction of R.arboreum flowers decreases streptozotocin induced hyperglycemia by promoting insulin secretion and glycolysis and by decreasing gluconeogenesis.

南非太阳紫外线B曝射量的时空变化:对受威胁分类群的影响

南非大阳光中的UV-B(28～315nm)曝射量在空间和时间上的变化是按2.5km^2的分辨率用臭氧、相对湿度、云量及海拔高度数据进行模拟并绘图的。计算机处理的结果显示,UV-B曝射量存在着很大的天然梯度,纬度跨越14度,变化幅度为34.2%,经度跨越16度,UV-B变化幅度为44.2%。对未来UV-B年曝射量情况的模拟显示出其小辐增长的趋势,2003年增加2.5%(臭氧耗减过程的最佳状况);2051年增加8.1%(臭氧耗减过程的最差状况)。值得注意的是,防臭氧耗减,UV-B的年内变率显著增加。2003年深秋(5月)曝射量增加12%,2051年同一季节增加35%。对代表103科468属的2146种受威胁(稀有、濒危、脆弱)生物分析其分类、生活型和机能特征,并将它们的分布与模拟得到的UV-B时空分布型式相比较。我们看到,在受威胁分类群中,常绿和内质的生活型及地下芽植物出现的比例很高,这说明,这些植物时太阳先中UV-B作用的增强有很高的生理修复能力,尽管有些生活型(如树木)的抵抗力显得相对差一些。有些植物机能类型(如一年生本本植物)显示出单位繁殖产出的降低及植物总体适应水平的下降,这些可能会导致物种共存型式、植物组成成分和多样性的改变。

Pharmacognostic studies of the leaves and stem of Careya arborea Roxb.

Objective:To study detailed pharmacognostic profile of leaves and stem of Careya arborea(C. arborea) Roxb.(Lecthyidaceae),an important medicinal plant in the Indian system of medicine. Methods:Leaf and stem samples of C.arborea were studied by macroscopical,microscopical, physicochemical,phytochemical,fluorescence analysis of powder of the plant and other methods for standardization recommended by WHO.Results:Maeroscopieally,the leaves are simple, broadly obovate in shape,acuminate apex with crenate,dentate margin,petioles(0.1-1.8 cm) long. Microscopically,the leaf showed the presence of median large size vascular bundle covered with fibrous bundle sheath,arrangement of xylem in cup shape and presence of cortical vascular bundle, patches of sclerenchyma,phloem fibers in groups and brown pigment containing cells in stem are some of the diagnostic features noted from anatomical study.Powder microscopy of leaf revealed the presence of parenchyma cells,xylem with pitted vessels and epidermis with anisocylic slomata.The investigations also included leaf surface data;quantitative leaf microscopy and fluorescence analysis. Physiochemical parameters such as loss on drying,swelling index,extractive values and ash values were also determined and results showed that total ash of the stem bark was about two times higher than leaf and water soluble extractive value of leaf and stem bark was two limes higher than alcohol soluble extractive value.Preliminaiy phytochemical screening showed the presence of triterpenoids, saponins,tannins and flavonoids.Conclusions:The results of the study can serve as a valuable source of information and provide suitable standards for identification of this plant material in future investigations and applications.

Expression Pattern of Sucrose Transporters in <i>Arabidopsis thaliana</i>During Aphid (<i>Myzus persicae</i>) Infestation

Herbivorous insects change the metabolism of the plant during their attack. Our study reports the changes in the expression pattern of sucrose transporters in response to the infestation of aphids at different time intervals. Results showed a significant enhancement in the expression pattern for six out of nine sucrose transporters in response to aphid infestation, followed by suppression after some point. During an earlier time point of infestation, the expressions of sucrose transporters were enhanced probably to compensate for the energy requirements of the damaged cell. However, suppression of sucrose transporters at a later stage may be a defense strategy of the plant to repel the aphids because at a later stage of infestation, aphids become a secondary sink. To complement our assumption, we performed aphid infestation choice and reproductive performance tests in the null mutant of one of the transporters, SUC2, which was compromised in phloem loading of sucrose. Results showed that the mutant was less preferable to aphid for choice as well as reproduction performance.

New additions of macrolichens to the lichen flora of Arunachal Pradesh,India in Eastern Himalaya

Lichen exploration of West Kameng district and Tawang district of Arunachal Pradesh state,India located in the Eastern Himalayas reveal seventy nine lichens represented primarily by foliose(73%),a few fruticose(15%),dimorphic(8%),leprose(2%)and crustose(1%)types.Of these,seventeen species,one fruticose,sixteen foliose growth forms,belonging to 12 genera and 5 families are recorded as new additions to the lichen flora of Arunachal Pradesh state.The lichens were sampled at an elevation ranging from 1618 meter to 4509 meter.The diagnostic features of new additions to macrolichens of Arunachal Pradesh based on the phytogeographic affinities and distribution of species is briefly described.

New and noteworthy records of lichens from Pathanamthitta district,Kerala,India

Lichen biota of Pathanamthitta district of Kerala state was thoroughly studied which resulted in 24 lichen species as new to Kerala and one species,Phaeographis nylanderi(Vain.)Zahlbr.as new to India.All the species identified are either crustose or foliose forms belonging to families Graphidaceae and Caliciaceae indicating the dominance of these groups in the study area.List of all the 25 species are provided along with their distribution.

New records of Graphidaceae(lichenized fungi)from the Western Ghats of Kerala state,India

In the present paper,15 lichenized fungal species belonging to family Graphidaceae are described,of which Ocellularia albomaculata,O.ascidioidea,O.kanneliyensis,O.monosporoides,O.pertusariiformis and O.rhicnopora are new records to Indian lichen biota and Pallidogramme chrysenteron is new to Peninsular India,whereas Asteristion alboolivaceum,Chapsa hiata,Diploschistes rampoddensis,Fissurina rubiginosa,Pseudochapsa phlyctidioides,Thelotrema canarense,T.piluliferum and T.subtile are new to lichen biota of Kerala state.

Gastroprotective effect of the iridoid fraction from Barleria prionitis leaves on experimentally-induced gastric ulceration

AIM: To study the gastroprotective effect and in vivo antioxidant potential of a standardized iridoid fraction from B. prionitis leaves(BPE) against different gastric ulcer models in rats. METHOD: The standardized iridoid fraction from BPE at 50, 100, and 200 mg/kg body weight was administered orally, twice daily for 5 days for prevention from aspirin, ethanol, cold-restraint stress(CRS), and pylorus ligation(PL)-induced ulcers. Estimation of the antioxidant enzyme activity was carried out in a CRS-induced ulcer model, and various gastric secretion parameters including volume of gastric juice, acid output, and pH value were estimated in the PL-induced ulcer model. RESULTS: BPE showed a dose-dependent ulcer protective effect in PL(18.67%–66.26% protection), aspirin(24.65%–63.25% protection), CRS(20.77%–59.42% protection), and EtOH(16.93%–77.04% protection)-induced ulcers. BPE treatment in PL-rats showed a decrease in acid-pepsin secretion, and enhanced mucin and mucosal glycoproteins. However, BPE reduced the ulcer index with significant decrease in LPO(P < 0.01–0.001), SOD(P < 0.01–0.001), and an increase in CAT(P < 0.01–0.001), activity in the CRS-induced model. CONCLUSION: The data shows that the iridoid fraction from BPE possesses anti-ulcerogenic and antioxidant potential.

Use of a Bioaugmented Organic Soil Amendment in Combination with Gypsum for Withania somnifera Growth on Sodic Soil

Limited availability of organic matter is a problem to sustain crop growth on sodic soil. Organic soil amendments are a costeffective source of nutrients to enhance crop growth. A field study was conducted to evaluate the effect of an organic soil amendment bioaugmented with plant growth-promoting fungi(SF_(OA) ) in combination with gypsum on soil properties and growth and yield attributes of Withania somnifera, one of the most valuable crops of the traditional medicinal system in the world, on a sodic soil at the Aurawan Research Farm of CSIR-National Botanical Research Institute, Lucknow, India. The SF_(OA) used was prepared by pre-enriching farm waste vermicompost with plant growth-promoting fungi before mixing with pressmud and Azadirachta indica seed cake. The application of SF_(OA) at 10 Mg ha^(-1)after gypsum(25.0 Mg ha^(-1)) treatment significantly(P < 0.05) increased root length(by 96%) and biomass(by 125%) of Withania plants compared to the control without SF_(OA) and gypsum. Similarly, the highest withanolide contents were observed in leaves and roots of Withania plants under 10 Mg ha^(-1)SF_(OA) and gypsum. Combined application of SF_(OA) and gypsum also improved physical, chemical and enzymatic properties of the soil, with the soil bulk density decreasing by 25%, water-holding capacity increasing by 121%, total organic C increasing by 90%, p H decreasing by 17% and alkaline phosphatase, β-glucosidase, dehydrogenase and cellulase activities increasing by 54%, 128%, 81% and 96%, respectively, compared to those of the control. These showed that application of the SF_(OA) tested in this study might reclaim sodic soil and further support Withania cultivation and results were better when the SF_(OA) was applied after gypsum treatment.