Hypolipidaemic and antioxidant effect of Enicostemma littorale Blume

Objective:To investigate the hypolipidaemic and antioxidant effects of aqueous leaf extract of Enicoslemma littorale(E.littorale)Blume(Ens)against ethanol induced hepatic injury in albino rats.Methods:Male albino rats of six numbers in each group were undertaken for study.Hypolipidaemic and antioxidant effect of E.littorale Blume(Ens)aqueous leaf extract at a dosage of 250 mg/kg bw was evaluated.Results:Levels of serum and tissue cholesterol,triglycerides and free fatty acids were elevated and levels of tissue thiobarbituric acid reactive substances(TBARS)and lipid hydroperoxide were increased in ethanol treated rats.The activity levels of liver antioxidant enzymes such as superoxide dismutase(SOD),catalase(CAT),glutathione peroxidase(GPX)and glutathione-s-transferase(GST)were decreased.After adiminstration of extract of E,littorale Blume,levels of cholesterol,triglycerides and free fatty acids were decreased in serum and liver tissue,levels of TBARS and lipid hydroperoxide were decreased,and Ever antioxidant enzymes were increased in liver tissue;Conclusions:It can be concluded that the aqueous leaf extract of E,littorale Blume(Ens)has potent restorative effect on hyperlipidaemic and oxidative stress.

Hypoglycemic effect of Brassica juncea(seeds) on streptozotocin induced diabetic male albino rat

Objective:To evaluate the hypoglycemic effect of Brassica juncea(seeds) on streptozotocin induced diabetic male albino rats.Methods:Hypoglycemic activity of Brassica juncea(seeds)aqueous extract at a dose of 250,350 and 450 mg/kg body weight was evaluated.Adult male Swiss albino rats of six numbers in each group was undertaken for study and evaluated.Results:The serum insulin levels were recorded a significant depletion in all groups,short term as well as long term diabetic animals,when compared to that of normal animals.A significant dosage dependent augmenting effect of the seed extract on the serum insulin was recorded in both short term as well as long term groups.Conclusions:The aqueous seed extract of Brassica juncea has potent hypoglycemic activity in male albino rat.

Larvicidal and repellent activity of medicinal plant extracts from Eastern Ghats of South India against malaria and filariasis vectors

Objective:To evaluate the larvicidal and repellent activities of ethyl acetate and methanol extracts of Acacia concinna（A.concinna）,Cassia siamea（C.siamea）.Conundrum sativum（C. sativum）,Cuminum cyminum（C.cyminum）,Lantana camma（L.camara）,Nelumbo nucifera （N.nucifera） Phyllanlhus amarus（P.amarus）.Piper nigrum（P.nigrum） and Trachyspermum ammi（T.ammi） against Anopheles stephensi（An.stephensi） and Culex quinquefasciatus（Cx. quinquefasciatus）.Methods:The larvicidal activity of medicinal plant extracts were tested against earl) fourth-instar larvae of malaria and filariasis vectors.The mortality was observed 24 h and 48 h after treatment,data were subjected to probit analysis to determine the lethal concentrations(LC50 and LC90) to kill 50 and 90 per cent of the treated larvae of the tested species. The repellent efficacy was determined against two mosquito species at five concentrations（31.25. 62.50.125.00.250.00,and 500.00 ppm） under the laboratory conditions.Results:All plant extracts showed moderate effects after 24 h and 48 h of exposure;however,the highest activity was observed after 24 h in the leaf methanol extract ol N.nucifera.seed ethyl acetate and methanol extract of P.nigrum against the larvae of An.Stephensi(LC50 = 34.76.24.54 and 30.20 ppm) and against Cx.quinquefasciatus(LC50= 37.49.43.94 and 57.39 ppm),respectively.The toxic effect of leaf methanol extract of C.siamea,seed methanol extract of C.cyminum,leaf ethyl acetate extract of N.nucifera.leaf ethyl acetate and methanol extract of P.amarus and seed methanol extract of T.ammi were showed 100%mortality against An.stephensi and Cx.quinquefasciatus alter 48 h exposer.The maximum repellent activity was observed at 500 ppm in methanol extracts of N. nucifera.ethyl acetate and methanol extract of P.nigrum and methanol extract of T.ammi and the mean complete protection time ranged from 30 to 150 min with the different extracts tested. Conclusions:These results suggest that the leaf and seed extracts of C.siamea.N.nucifera.P. amarus.P.nigrum and T.ammi have the potential to be used as an ideal ecofriendly approach for the control of the An.stephensi and Cx.quinquefasciatus.

Antibacterial activity of various leaf extracts of Merremia emarginata

Objective:To investigate the antibacterial activity and phytochemical screening of the aqueous.methanol and petroleum ether leaf extracts of Merremia emarginata(M.emarginata).Methods:The antibavterial activity of leaf extracts of M.emarginata were evaluated by agar well diffusion method against four selected bacterial species.Results:The presence of tannins,flavonoids,amino acids,starch,glycosides and carbohydrates in the different leaf extracts was established.The methanol extract was more effective against Baciilus cereus and Eseherkhia coli,whereas aqueous extract was more effective against Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa.Condusions:The results in the present study suggest that M.emarginata leaf can be used in treating diseases caused by the tested organisms.

Catharanthus roseus:a natural source for the synthesis of silver nanoparticles

Objective:To develop a simple rapid procedure for bioreduction of silver nanoparticles(AgNPs)using aqueous leaves extracts of Catharanthus roseus(C.roseus).Methods:Characterization were determined by using UV-Vis spectrophotometry,scanning electron microscopy(SEM),energy dispersive X-ray and X-ray diffraction.Results:SEM showed the formation of silver nanoparticles with an average size of 67 nm to 48 nm.X-ray diffraction analysis showed that the particles were crystalline in nature with face centered cubic geometry.Conclusions:C.roseus demonstrates strong potential for synthesis of silver nanoparticles by rapid reduction of silver ions(Ag^+ to Ag^0).This study provides evidence for developing large scale commercial production of value-added products for biomedical/nanotechnology-based industries.

phytochemical analysis and in vitro antioxidant acitivity of hydroalcoholic seed extract of Nymphaea nouchali Burm.f.

Objective:To evaluate the phytochemical constituents and the antioxidant activity of hydroalcoholic extract of Nymphaea nouchali seed locally prescribed as a diet for diabetes mellitus.Methods:The antioxidant and free radical scavenging activity of hydroalcoholic extract of the plant was assessed against 1,1 diphenyl-2-picryl hydrazyl(DPPH),nitric oxide and lipid peroxidation using standard protocols.Total phenolics,flavonoids and tannins were also determined.Results:Phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of phenols,flavones,tannins,protein,reducing sugars,glycosides,saponins,alkaloids and steroids.The activities of plant extract against DPPH,nitric oxide and lipid peroxidation was concentration dependent with IG_(50)value of42.82,23.58 and 54.65μg/mL respectively.The total antioxidant capacity was high with 577.73 mg vitamin E/g of the extract and showed a moderately high vitamin C content of 197.22 mg/g.The total tannin content of hydroalcoholic seed extract was high(195.84 GE/g),followed by phenolics(179.56 GE/g)and flavonoids(23.55 QE/g).Conclusion:Our findings provide evidence that the crude extract of Nymphaea nouchali is a potential source of natural antioxidants and this justifies its use in folkloric medicine.

Mosquito larvicidal properties of Ficus henghalensis L.(Family:Moraceae) against Culex tritaeniorhynchus Giles and Anopheles subpictus Grassi(Diptera:Culicidae)

Objective:To determine the larvicidal efficacy of different solvent leaf extract of Ficus benghalensis（F.benghalensis） against Culex tritaeniorhynchus（Cx.tritaeniorhynchus） and Anopheles subpictus（An.subpictus）.Methods:Twenty five early third instar larvae of Cx. tritaeniorhynchus and An.subpictus were exposed to various concentrations and were assayed in the laboratory by using the protocol of WHO 2005.The larval mortality was observed after 24 h of treatment.Results:Among three solvent extracts tested the maximum efficacy was observed in the methanol extract.The LC50 and LC90 values of F.benghalensis against early third instar of Cx. tritaeniorhynchus and An.subpictus were 100.88.159.76 ppm and 56.66.85.84 ppm.respectively. No mortality was observed in controls.The chi-square values were significant at P【0.05 level. Conclusions:From the results it can be concluded the crude extract of F.benghalensis was an excellent potential for controlling Cx.tritaeniorhynchus and Art.subpictus mosquito larvae.

Acaricidal activity of synthesized titanium dioxide nanoparticles using Calotropis gigantea against Rhipicephalus microplus and Haemaphysalis bispinosa

Objective:To assess the acaricidal activity of titanium dioxide nanoparticles(TiO_2 NPs)synthesized from flower aqueous extract of Calotropis gigantea(C.gigantea)against the larvae of Rhipicephalus(Boophilus)microplus[R.(B.)microplus]and the adult of Haemaphrysalis bispinosa(H.bispinosa).Methods:The lyophilized C.gigantea flower aqueous extract of 50 mg was added with 100 mL of TiO(OH_2)(10 mM)and magnetically stirred for 6 h.Synthesized TiO_2 NPs were characterized by X-ray diffraction(XRD).Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy(FTIR),Scanning electron microscopy(SEM),and Energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy(EDX).The synthesised TiO_2 NPs were tested against the larvae of R(B.)microplus and adult of H.bispinosa were exposed to filter paper impregnated method.Results:XRD confirmed the crystalline nature of the nanoparticles with the mean size of 10.52 nm.The functional groups for synthesized TiO_2NPs were 1405.19,and 1053.45 cm^(-1)for-NH_2 bending,primary amines and amides and 1053.84and 1078.45 cm^(-1)for C-O.SEM micrographs of the synthesized TiO_2 NPs showed the aggregated and spherical in shape.The maximum efficacy was observed in the aqueous flower extract of C.gigantea and synthesized TiO_2 NPs against R.(B.)microplus(LC_(50)=24.63 and 5.43 mg/L and r^2=0.960 and 0.988)and against H.bispinosa(LC_(50)=35.22 and 9.15 mg/L and r^2=0.969 and 0.969).respectively.Conclusions:The synthesized TiO_2 NPs were highly stable and had significant acaricidal activity against the larvae of R.(B.)microplus and adult of H.bispinosa.This study provides the first report of synthesized TiO_2 NPs and possessed excellent anti-parasitic activity.

Efficacy of larvicidal and pupicidal activity of Catharanthus roseus aqueous and solvent extracts against Anopheles stephensi Liston and Culex quinquefasciatus Say (Diptera: Culicidae)

Objective: To investigate the larvicidal and pupicidal activities of aqueous, ethyl acetate and methanol extracts of Catharanthus roseus ( C. roseus ) against malaria and filariasis vectors. Methods: The larvicidal and pupicidal activities of C. roseus leaf extracts were tested against the fourth instar larvae and pupae of Anopheles stephensi ( An. stephensi ) and Culex quinquefasciatus ( Cx. quinquefasciatus ). The mortality was observed after 24 and 48 h post the treatment. The data were subjected to probit analysis to determine the lethal concentrations (LC 50 and LC 90 ) at which 50% and 90% of the treated larvae or pupae of the tested species were killed. Results: The larval and pupal mortality were observed after 24 and 48 h of exposure of aqueous, ethyl acetate and methanol extracts of C. roseus ; no mortality was observed in the control group. The LC 50 values against the fourth-instar larvae of An. stephensi were 68.62 and 72.04 mg/mL for the aqueous extract, 82.47 mg/mL for the ethyl acetate extract, and 78.80 and 86.64 mg/mL for the methanol extract, while the aqueous, ethyl acetate and methanol extracts had LC 50 values of 85.21, 76.84 and 94.20 mg/mL against the fourth-instar larvae of Cx. quinquefasciatus . The aqueous, ethyl acetate and methanol extracts had LC 50 values of 118.08, 182.47 and 143.80 mg/mL against the pupae of An. stephensi and 146.20, 226.84 and 156.62 mg/mL against the pupae of Cx. quinquefasciatus , respectively. Conclusions: The aqueous and methanol extracts of C. roseus leaves had an excellent potential to control the malarial vector An. stephensi and filariasis vector Cx. quinquefasciatus .

Evaluation of larvicidal activity of medicinal plant extracts against three mosquito vectors

Objective:To evaluate the mosquito larvicidal activity of plant extracts.Methods:The hexane,chloroform,ethyl acetate,acetone,and methanol leaf,flower and seed extracts of Abrus precatorius（A.precatorius）,Croton bonplandianum（C.bonplandianum）,Cynodon dactylon （C.dactylon）,Musa paradisiaca（M.paradisiaca） and Syzygium aromaticum（S.aromaticum） were tested against fourth instar larvae of Anopheles vagus（An.vagus）,Armigeres subalbatus （Ar.subalbatus） and Culex vishnui（Cx.vishnui）.Results:The highest larval mortality was found in seed ethyl acetate extracts of A.precatorius and leaf extracts of C.bonplandianum, flower chloroform and methanol extracts of M.paradisiaca,and flower bud hexane extract of S. aromaticum against An.vagus with LC50 values of 19.31,39.96,35.18,79.90 and 85.90μg/mL;leaf ethyl acetate and methanol extracts of C.dactylon,flower methanol extract of M.paradisiaca, flower bud methanol extract of S.aromaticum against Ar.subalbatus with LC50 values of 21.67, 32.62,48.90 and 78.28μg/mL,and seed methanol of A.precatorius,flower methanol extract of M.paradisiaca,flower bud hexane extract of S.aromaticum against Cx.vishnui with LC50 values of 136.84,103.36 and 149.56μg/mL,respectively.Conclusions:These results suggest that the effective plant crude extracts have the potential to be used as an ideal ecofriendly approach for the control of disease vectors.This study provides the first report on the larvicidal activity of crude solvent extracts of different mosquitoes.

Larvicidal activity of green synthesized silver nanoparticles using bark aqueous extract of Ficus racemosa against Culex quinquefasciatus and Culex gelidus

Objective:To investigate the larvicidal activity of synthesized silver nanoparticles（Ag NPs） utilizing aqueous bark extract of Ficus racemosa（F.racemosa） was tested against fourth instar larvae of filariasis vector,Culex quinquefasciatus（Cx.quinquefasciatus） and japanese encephalitis vectors,Culex gelidus（Cx.gelidus）.Methods:The synthesized Ag NPs was characterized by UV-vis spectrum,X-ray diffraction（XRD）,Scanning electron microscopy（SEM） and Fourier transform infrared（FTIR）.The larvicidal activities were assessed for 24 h against the larvae of Cx.quinquefasciatus and Cx.gelidus with varying concentrations of aqueous bark extract off.racemosa and synthesized Ag NPs.LC50 and r2 values were calculated.Results:The maximum efficacy was observed in crude aqueous extract of F.racemosa against the larvae of Cx.quinquefasciatus and Cx.gelidus(LC50=67.72 and 63.70 mg/L;r2=0.995 and 0.985) and the synthesized Ag NPs(LC50=12.00 and 11.21 mg/L;r2=0.997 and 0.990).respectively.Synthesized Ag NPs showed the XRD peaks at 2θvalues of 27.61,29.60,35.48,43.48 and 79.68 were identified as （210）,（121）,（220）,（200） and（311） reflections,respectively.The FTIR spectra of Ag NPs exhibited prominent peaks at 3 425,2 878,1 627 and 1 382 in the region 500-3 000 cm-1.The peaks correspond to the presence of a stretching vibration of（NH） C=O group.SEM analysis showed shape in cylindrical,uniform and rod with the average size of 250.60 nm.Conclusions:The biosynthesis of silver nanoparticles using bark aqueous extract of F.racemosa and its larvicidal activity against the larvae of disease spreading vectors.The maximum larvicidal efficacy was observed in the synthesized Ag NPs.

Green synthesis of titanium dioxide nanoparticles using Psidium guajava extract and its antibacterial and antioxidant properties

Objective:To determine the efficacies of antibacterial and antioxidant activities of aqueous leaf extract of Psidium guajava mediated biosynthesis of titanium dioxide nanoparticles(TiO_2,NPs).Methods:Synthesized TiO_2 NPs were tested by disc diffusion method against against human pathogenic bacteria.The total antioxidant activity and phenolic content(Folin—Ciocalteau method) of synthesized TiO_2 NTs and aqueous plant extract were determined.The scavenging radicals were estimated hv DPPH method.The synthesized TiO_2 NPs were characterized by XRD,FTIR.FESEM and EDX,Results:FTIR spectra of synthesized TiO_2 NPs exhibited prominent peaks at 3410 cm^(-1)(alkynes),1 578 cm^(-1).1 451 cm^(-1)(alkanes),and 1 123 cm^(-1)(C-O absorption).The morphological characterization of synthesized TiO_2 NPs was analysed by FESEM which showed spherical shape and clusters with an average size of 32.58 nm.The maximum zone of inhibition was observed in the synthesized TiO_2 NPs(20 μg/mL) against Staphylococcus aureus(25 mm) and Escherichia coli(23 mm).The synthesized TiO_2 NPs showed more antibacterial activity than the standard antibiotic disk,tetracycline which drastically reduces the chances for the development of antibiotics resistance of bacterial species.The plant aqueous extract and synthesized TiO_2NPs were found to possess maximum antioxidant activity when compared with ascorbic acid.The content of phenolic compounds(mg/g) in Leaf aqueous extract and synthesized TiO_2 NPs were found to be 85.4 and 18.3 mgTA/g,respectively.Conclusions:Green synthesized TiO_2 NPs provides a promising approach can satisfy the requirement of large-scale industrial production hearing the advantage of low—cost,eco—friendly and reproducible.

Hepatoprotective potential of petroleum ether leaf extract of Crossandra infundibuliformis on CCl_4 induced liver toxicity in albino mice

Objective:To analyze the hepatoprotective effect of the Crossandra infundibuliformis.Methods: Hepatotoxicity was induced by carbon tetrachloride.Petroleum ether extract of dried leaves was administrated to mice for 7 days.The hepatoprotective effect of petroleum ether extract was evaluated by the assay of liver function biochemical parameters.Results:The result clearly indicates that petroleum ether extract showed significant hepatoprotection when compared with standard Silumarin.Conclusions:The petroleum ether extract of the leaves of Crossandra infundibuliformis possess significant acute hepatoprotective activity.Thus further investigation on this species would bring a promising drug for liver disorders.

Adult emergence inhibition and adulticidal activities of medicinal plant extracts against Anopheles stephensi Liston

Objective:To determine the adult emergence inhibition（EI） and adulticidal activities of hexane,chloroform,ethyl acetate,and acetone leaves extracts of Anisomeles malabarica（A. malabarica）,Euphorbia hirta（E,hirta）,Ocimum basilicum（0.basilicum）,Ricinus communis（R. communis）,Solanum trilobatum（S.trilobatum）,Tridax procumbens（T.procumbens） and seeds of Gloriosa superba（G.superba） against Anopheles stephensi（An,stephensi）.Methods:The EI and adulticidal trials were carried out according to World Health Organization（WHO） procedures with slight modifications.The extracts were diluted in dimethyl sulphoxide in order to prepare a serial dilution of test dosages（15.625,31.25,62.5,125,250,500 and 1 000μg/mL）.Five duplicate trials were carried out for every sample concentration,and for each trial a negative control was included and the mortality was determined after 24 h of exposure.Results:The highest EI activity was found in ethyl acetate extracts of A malabarica,chloroform extracts of O.basilicum, S.trilobatum,acetone of extract of R.communis,T.procumbens,and seed extract of G.superba with EI50 values 143.12,119.82.157.87,139.39,111.19,and 134.85μg/mL,and the effective adulticidal activity was observed in chloroform,acetone extracts of G.superba,T.procumbens,R. communis,S.trilobatum and ethyl acetate extract of 0.basilicum with LD50 values 120.17,108.77, 127.22,163.11,118.27,and 93.02μg/mL,respectively.Chi-square value was significant at P【0.05 level.Conclusions:These results should encourage further efforts to investigate the compounds that might possess good EI and adulticidal properties when isolated in pure form.

Effect of Solanum surattense seed on the oxidative potential of cauda epididymal spermatozoa

Objective:To evaluate the effect of aqueous seed extract of Solarium suratlense(S.suraltense)on the oxidative potential of cauda cpididymal spermatozoa.Methods:S.surattense seed extract was orally administered at the dosage of 10 mg/kg b.w.for 15 days,after which aspartate transferase(AST),alanine transferase(ALT),glutamate dehydrogenase(GDH),citric acid and isocitrate dehydrogenase(ICDH)were assayed.Results:The activity levels of the enzymes AST and ALT,which are considered to be the androgenicity in the sperm suspension,were depleted in the extract fed rats.The activity level of the enzyme ICDH,was reduced significantly in the treated group(P<0.00l).Conclusions:It can be concluded that the oral administration of the aqueous seed extract of S.surattense can deplete the oxidative stress of cauda epididymal spermatozoa in albino rats.

Larvicidal and adulticidal potential of medicinal plant extracts from south India against vectors

Objective:To determine the larvicidal and adulticidal activities of hexane,ethyl acetate and methanol extracts of Momordica charantia（M.charantia）,Moringa oleifera（M.oleifera）,Ocimum gratissimum（O.gratissimum）,Ocimum tenuiflorum（0.tenuiflorum）,Punica granalum（P. granatum） and Tribulus terrestris（T.terrestris） against Culex gelidus（Cx.gelidus） and Culex quinquefasciatus（Cx.quinquefasciatus）.Methods:Bioassay test was carried out by WHO method for determination of larvicidal and adulticidal activity against mosquitoes.Results:All plant extracts showed moderate larvicidal and adulticidal activities,however the effective larval mortality was found in the leaf ethyl acetate and methanol extract of O.gratissimum and bark methanol extract of M.oleifera against Cx.gelidus with LC50 values of 39.31.66.28,and 21.83μg/mL respectively,and methanol extract of 0.gratissimum,0.tenuiflorum and P.granatum against Cx.quinquefasciatus with LC50 values of 38.47.24.90 and 67.20μg/mL,respectively.The adult exposed for 1 h and mortality was recorded at 24 h recovery period.Above 90%- mortality was found in the ethyl acetate and methanol extract of all experimental plants at the concentrations of 500μg/mL.Conclusions:The present results suggest that the medicinal plant extracts provided an excellent potential for controlling Cx.gelidus and Cx.quinquefasciatus.

Phylogenetic analysis and protective effects of thymol and its chromatographic fractions from a novel wild mushroom in combating oxidative stress

Mushrooms are good sources of phytochemicals that have antioxidant and anti-proliferative effects.This study identifi ed a unique isoform of 18S rRNA gene(864 bp)from a novel wild mushroom(SMK-1)(GenBank accession number:SUB3267363).Thin layer chromatographic(TLC)profiling of the methanolic extract of the dried mushroom fruiting bodies of SMK-1 revealed the presence of phenolic and fl avonoid fractions with retention factor(Rf)values of 0.955 and 0.927 respectively.The GC/MS chromatograms of the SMK-1 methanolic extract identifi ed the main bioactive compound was phenol,5-methyl-2-(1-methylethyl)(74.00%)(thymol).The radical scavenging activity for the fl avonoid fraction was greater than the phenolic fractions(Rf–phenolics fractions>Rf–fl avonoid fractions)with the antioxidant activity more than that of standard ascorbic acid.Also,the phenolic and flavonoid fractions of SMK-1 expressed cytotoxic effects in HeLa cells with IC50 values ranging from 5μg/mL to 80μg/mL in a dose-dependent manner.This present research highlights the presence of high thymol concentration in a novel wild mushroom that has antioxidant and anti-poliferative potential with therapeutic benefi ts.The application of thymol natural products from novel mushroom SMK-1 as nutrition supplements could inhibit oxidative stress triggered by numerous pathologies that may pave the way to develop a new therapeutic natural drug.

Antifeedant and insecticidal activities of selected plant extracts against Epilachna beetle, Henosepilachna vigintioctopunctata (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae)

Six different indigenous plants were screened for antifeedant and insecticidal activity against fourth instar larvae of Epilachna beetle, Henosepilachna vigintioctopunctata, which is a severe pest on brinjal. Among the plants screened, Achyranthes aspera showed higher activity against the selected pest. Ethyl acetate extracts of A. aspera showed higher antifeedant index and insecticidal activity against fourth instar larvae of H. vigintioctopunctata. Preliminary phytochemical analysis revealed that the presence of alkaloid and quinines in the ethyl acetate extracts indicate higher percentage of activities. Hence, it may suggest its use for controlling the vegetables insect pest, H. vigintioctopunctata.

Pharmacognosy of Enicostemma littorale:A review

Traditional medicine system of India comprised varieties of plants which are playing a significant role in curing diseases from ancient times.Among them,Enicostemma littorale blume(E.littorale)a perennial herb of the family Gentianaceae is cosmopolitan in occurrence in India.The bittery natured plant acts as a laxative,helps in curing fever,rheumatism,skin diseases,abdominal disorders,snake bite,obesity and helps to regulate blood sugar levels.The plant constituents have been reported for possessing antimicrobial,antioxidant,antiulcer,antiinflammatory,hypolipidaemic,hepatoprotective and hypoglycemic properties.This review provides a bird's eye view about geographical distribution,physicochemical parameters,phvtoconstituents and pharmacological properties of E.littorale.

Distribution of <i>cry</i>and <i>cyt</i>Genes among Indigenous <i>Bacillus thuringiensis</i>Isolates with Mosquitocidal Activity

Bacillus thuringiensis strains isolated from Madurai, TamilNadu, India were evaluated for their mosquitocidal activity, as well as cry and cyt genes diversity. It revealed that 99% of the parasporal crystal morphology of these isolates was spherical in nature and a variable percentage (0% - 100%) of toxicity was observed against Culex quinquefasciatus and Aedes aegypti. PCR analysis revealed that 53% of the isolates were positive for the various cry and cyt genes tested, whereas 47% did not produce any PCR product for the cry gene analyzed. Diverse pattern of cry and cyt genes distribution was observed even in the isolates from the same sample. B. thuringienis subsp. LDC-9 showed three-fold higher toxicity against Culex quinquefasciatus than that of B. thuringiensis var israelensis which might be used as a potential strain to control mosquitoes in near future after field evaluation.