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Background: The genus Ipomoea consists of many climbing herbs and weeds belonging to the family Convolvulceae which are distributed all over India and are extensively important in Ayurvedic, Unani, and Siddha medicine. Objectives: Looking into its above important activity the present research studies were carried out to investigate the Ipomoea reniformis Choisy ethnomedicinal plant for its quality, purity, and identification with the help of Pharmacognostic, Physicochemical, and Phytochemicals evaluation. Materials and Methods: The selected and authenticated medicinally important plant I. reniformis is belonging to the family Convolvulceae with the help of Pharmacognostic and Physicochemical characterization of powder and Phytochemicals evaluation of various extracts for its quality, purity, and identification. Results: Macroscopic studies of the plant part’s color, odor, size, taste, and arrangement of leaves, Petiole, and stem of I. reniformis were observed. Microscopy of leaves, petiole, and stem of the I. reniformis plant confirmed the presence of several significant sections. Physiochemical parameters such as % moisture content, % total solid content, total Ash values, water and alcohol soluble ash, acid-insoluble ash, and Sulfated ash values (% w/w) are 1.15±0.02, 98.85±0.04, 4.91±0.14, 3.28±0.27, 4.02±0.22, 0.93±0.37, 1.31±0.35 respectively. Ethanol and methanol produced high extractive yields of 11.06% and 9.86% respectively. Phytochemical evaluation of the various herbal extracts found many significant phytochemical constituents in ethanol and methanol extracts. Conclusion: Pharmacognostic, physiochemical, and phytochemical studies were carried out for the identification and authentication of I. reniformis Choisy, and these studies will help in the differentiation of the medicinal plants from its various species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two species, namely, Apium graveolens Linn. and Trachyspermum roxburghianum (DC.) Craib., are being popularly known as 'Ajmoda' in India and 'celery' in english. both the species belong to the family Apiaceae. The plant specimens are mostly collected from wild sources by unskilled collectors on the basis of the local names, which leads to adulteration and substitution for genuine drugs. There is a chance of improper identification because of similar name. The seeds of these species are morphologically very similar and it is difficult to identify because of their smaller size. Therefore, this study aims to find out the detailed pharmacognostical evaluation to differentiate the seeds of the two species on the basis of microscopic characters, fluorescence analysis, physicochemical values and TLC fingerprint profile. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The genus Dipcadi Medik. (Subfamily: Scilloideae) has a narrow distribution in India and several overlapping morphological traits make the genus taxonomically challenging at the species level. Cytogenetic characterization can provide additional taxonomic data and can be used to evaluate genetic diversity at the species level. We have accomplished comparative karyotype analysis and fluorescence banding patterns using 4′-6-Diamidino-2-phenylindole (DAPI) and Chromomycin A3 (CMA) in five Indian species for the first time. The karyotypes of D. concanense and D. goaense exhibited similar fluorochrome banding profiles. However, D. montanum, D. ursulae and D. erythraeum differ distinctly in their karyotypes. In all taxa, CMA+ve/DAPI−ve or DAPI0 (GC-rich) constitutive heterochromatin was located at the constriction region or terminal satellite of the nucleolar chromosome. DAPI+ve/CMA−ve or CMA0 (AT-rich) heterochromatin dominates in D. montanum, D. ursulae and D. erythraeum. However, D. erythraeum shows a distinct variation in fluorochrome banding pattern from all other species. The distribution of CMA and DAPI bands is a reflection of heterochromatin composition and variations acquired by different species. This characterization can be used to assess phylogenetic relationships in the understudied genus Dipcadi and may serve as a basis for other genomic analyses and evolutionary studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Corchorus olitorius L. (Family: Tiliaceae) or 'Tossa Jute or Nalta Jute is an important fiber crop in India and Bangladesh. Its leaves are used as folk medicine, food source and have demulcent, diuretic, lactagogue, purgative, antidiabetic, anticancer, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and tonic effects. The aim of the research is to evaluate the pharmacognostic characteristics and antimicrobial activity of Corchorus olitorius L. (C. olitorius). Materials and Methods: The pharmacognostic studies were carried out in terms of organoleptic, macroscopic, microscopic, physico-chemical evaluation, phytochemical screening, fluorescence analysis, TLC fingerprinting by standard procedures. Antibacterial activity against gram-negative bacteria E. coli was determined by agar well diffusion method. Results: The leaf of C. olitorius showed serrate margin, stipules at the base, and acute to acuminate apex. Leaves surface microscopy showed numerous prismatic calcium oxalate crystals and covering trichomes. The moisture content 6.6% w/w, ethanol and water-soluble extractive value 4 and 17.6% w/w, total ash 12% w/w, while acid insoluble and water-soluble ash value 2.2 and 2.0% w/w respectively were determined. Phytochemical screening showed the presence of flavonoids, polyphenols, phytosterols/triterpenoids, alkaloids, carbohydrates, tannins, and proteins. Thin layer chromatographic profiling of ethanolic extract was carried out which showed different Rf values. The antimicrobial test showed that aqueous extract has better antimicrobial activity around the tested bacteria (E. coli) than ethanolic extract. Conclusion: The results are helpful in the standardization of the leaf part of the plant C. olitorius. The aqueous leaf extract possessed antimicrobial properties. There is a need to isolate its constituents responsible for antimicrobial activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Bunium persicum (Boiss.) B. Fedtsch belongs to family Apiaceae of genus Bunium, which is comprised of about 166 species and is widely distributed in Kashmir valley. It is used medicinally in dyspepsia and diarrhea, digestive and urinay tract infections, chronic gastiritis, colitis, anticonvulsant, antiasthma and diuretic. Objectives: The current study deals with Pharmacognostic parameters of the fruits of Bunium persicum (Boiss.) B. Fedtsch. Materials and Methods: The fruits of Bunium persicum (Boiss.) B. Fedtsch was collected, shade dried for about 2 weeks and powdered and the powered fruit part of plant material was evaluated for Pharmacognostic parameters by standard methods. The hydroalcholic extract of Bunium persicum was subjected to preliminary phytochemical screening for the presence of various Phytoconstituents. The microscopy of the fruits of Bunium persicum (Boiss.) B. Fedtsch reveals the presence of Part of a group of sclereids from the mesocarp, thicker-walled sclereids with adjacent thin walled parenchyma, Fragment of vitta, Thin-walled fibre and Calcium-oxalate crystals. Results: Proximate analysis of the fruits of Bunium persicum (Boiss.) B. Fedtsch showed that the dried fruit powder has 34.0 % Total ash value, 29.0 % Acid insoluble ash value, 9.5 % Sulphated ash value. Loss on drying was found to be 6.2 %. The hydroalcholic extract of Bunium persicum was found to contain various phytoconstituents. Fluorescence analysis of the fruit powder showed the behavour, when treated with different chemical reagents. Conclusion: The current study displayed the microscopical characters, the preliminary phytochemical screening and the proximate analysis of the fruits of Bunium persicum (Boiss.) B. Fedtsch. Data composed from such studies can be used as standard in the quality control of this plant as a herbal medicine for treatment of various diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A study was conducted to assess the concentration of uranium and dissolved radon in drinking water samples collected from Jalandhar district of Punjab, India. The samples were analysed for dissolved radon using scintillation cell method. Laser fluorimetry was used for measurement of uranium concentration. Correlation analysis of radon and uranium concentrations and salinity and total dissolved solids with uranium was carried out. The uranium concentration in water samples varied from a minimum value of 1.53 ± 0.06 mg m−3 to 50.2 ± 0.08 mg m−3 with a geometric mean value of 14.85 mg m−3. The radon concentration in water varied from a minimum value of 0.34 ± 0.07 kBq m−3 to a maximum value of 3.84 ± 0.48 kBq m−3 with a geometric mean value of 1.46 kBq m−3. Ingestion dose to local population, due to radon and uranium in drinking water, for different age categories, was computed and results are being reported in this paper. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Bunium persicum (Boiss.) B. Fedtsch belongs to family Apiaceae of genus Bunium, which is comprised of about 166 species and is widely distributed in Kashmir valley. It is used medicinally in dyspepsia and diarrhea, digestive and urinay tract infections, chronic gastiritis, colitis, anticonvulsant, antiasthma and diuretic. Objective: The current study deals with Pharmacognostic parameters of the fruits of Bunium persicum (Boiss.) B. Fedtsch. Materials and Methods: The fruits of Bunium persicum (Boiss.) B. Fedtsch was collected, shade dried for about 2 weeks and powdered and the powered fruit part of plant material was evaluated for Pharmacognostic parameters by standard methods. The hydroalcholic extract of Bunium persicum was subjected to preliminary phytochemical screening for the presence of various Phytoconstituents. The microscopy of the fruits of Bunium persicum (Boiss.) B. Fedtsch reveals the presence of Part of a group of sclereids from the mesocarp, thicker-walled sclereids with adjacent thin walled parenchyma, Fragment of vitta, Thin-walled fibre and Calcium-oxalate crystals. Results: Proximate analysis of the fruits of Bunium persicum (Boiss.) B. Fedtsch showed that the dried fruit powder has 34.0 % Total ash value, 29.0 % Acid insoluble ash value, 9.5 % Sulphated ash value. Loss on drying was found to be 6.2 %. The hydroalcholic extract of Bunium persicum was found to contain various phytoconstituents. Fluorescence analysis of the fruit powder showed the behavour, when treated with different chemical reagents. Conclusion: The current study displayed the microscopical characters, the preliminary phytochemical screening and the proximate analysis of the fruits of Bunium persicum (Boiss.) B. Fedtsch. Data composed from such studies can be used as standard in the quality control of this plant as a herbal medicine for treatment of various diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Salvia moorcroftiana Wall. ex Benth. belongs to genus Salvia, which is one of the largest genera from Lamiaceae family, which compromises about 900 species and is widely distributed in Kashmir valley. It is used medicinally in guinea worm infection, itching, colic, dysentery and boils. Objective: The present study deals with Pharmacognostic parameters of the aerial part of Salvia moorcroftiana Wall. ex Benth. Materials and Methods: The aerial part of Salvia moorcroftiana Wall. ex Benth was collected, shade dried for about 3 weeks and powdered by using mechanical grinder and the powered aerial part of plant material was evaluated for Pharmacognostic parameters by standard methods. The various fractions of Salvia moorcroftiana were subjected to preliminary phytochemical screening for the presence of various Phytoconstituents. The microscopy of the aerial part of Salvia moorcroftiana Wall. ex Benth revealed the presence of stomata, covering trichome, calcium-oxalate crystals and multicellular- headed glandular trichome. Results: Proximate analysis of the aerial part of Salvia moorcroftiana showed that the dried plant powder has 6.5 % total ash value, 1.0 % acid insoluble ash value, 0.2 % sulphated ash value. Loss on drying was found to be 5.4 %. The fractions of Salvia moorcroftiana were found to contain various phytoconstituents. Fluorescence analysis of the plant powder showed the behavour, when treated with different chemical reagents. Conclusion: The current study showed the microscopical characters, the preliminary phytochemical screening and the proximate analysis of the aerial part of Salvia moorcroftiana. Information collected from such studies can be used as benchmark in the quality control of this plant as a herbal medicine for treatment of various disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Comprehensive analytical and functional biosimilarity of innovator product and six biosimilars that are being marketed in India. • Physiochemical characterization with respect to primary structure, higher order structure, and post-translational modifications. • Functional characterization by SPR and cell proliferation assay. • Chemometrics based quantitative evaluation of biosimilarity. The antiangiogenic drug bevacizumab is a blockbuster therapeutic pharmaceutical product that is used to treat many different types of cancer including kidney, colon, rectum, lung, and breast cancer. As a result, multiple biosimilars have been approved across the various regulatory jurisdictions in India (>20 in number till date). The rapidly growing market and acceptance of biosimilars was the motivation to perform comparability study of bevacizumab biosimilars that are presently available in the Indian market. A comprehensive analytical and functional biosimilarity assessment has been performed to examine and compare innovator product of bevacizumab (Avastin-innovator product, Roche Products (India) Pvt Ltd) and six biosimilars that are being marketed in India (Abevmy from Mylan Pharmaceuticals Pvt Ltd, Bevazza from Lupin Ltd, Bryxta from Zydus Cadila, Krabeva from Biocon, Ivzumab from RPG Life Sciences Ltd, and Advamab from Alkem Laboratories Ltd). Physiochemical characterization of drug products was performed with respect to their primary structure (intact mass, reduced mass, peptide mapping by LC-MS), higher order structure (secondary structure by FTIR, Far-UV-CD, and tertiary structure by Near-UV-CD, intrinsic fluorescence spectroscopy), impurity profile (SE-HPLC, SEC-MALS, extrinsic fluorescence: size heterogenicity, degradation, stability; DLS: hydrodynamic radius; WCX-HPLC: charge variants analysis) and post-translational modifications by measuring reduced glycans through fluorescence dye analysis. Functional characterization was performed by SPR and cell proliferation assay. Further, chemometrics based quantitative evaluation of biosimilarity has been performed by combining the data obtained from analytical characterization platform. The analysis of the analytical, functional and chemometric results revealed significant levels of similarity, with biosimilar4 being the sole exception. Despite being within product specifications, Biosimilar4 displayed significant deviations with respect to critical quality attributes, including a lower proportion of monomer content, a larger percentage of basic charge variant species, and a lower proportion of aglycosylated glycoform. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Telosma pallida (L.) Kurz., is one of the traditional medicinal plants from Asclepiadaceae family. It is abundantly available in Gujarat, India during monsoon. It is a slender and deciduous climber used traditionally in the treatment of various diseases such as cough, cold, skin diseases etc., Aims: To study the leaves of Telosma pallida (L.) Kurz. for detailed Pharmacognostic characters and Analytical Profile. Materials and Methods: In this work pharmacognostic, preliminary phytochemical screening, fluorescence analysis, and HPTLC profile of leaves were determined following standard procedures. Results: The leaves are simple, entire, opposite, cordate in shape, the upper surface is dark green and lower surface is light green in colour. The Transverse section of a leaf through petiole shows the presence of uniseriate multicellular warty trichomes and laticifer cells at the adjacent side of the phloem. Surface study shows paracytic and anomocytic type of stomata. Preliminary physicochemical analysis shows water soluble extractive value as 28.44 ± 2.89% w/w and alcohol soluble extractive value as 14.60 ± 0.79% w/w. Preliminary phytochemical analysis of extracts shows the presence of glycosides, alkaloids, carbohydrates, proteins, amino acids and flavonoids. Conclusion: The information obtained from this research work may be useful to establish the botanical as well as analytical standards for the leaves of T. pallida. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, an attempt is made to distinguish the normal and abnormal tissues in breast thermal images using Gabor wavelet transform. Thermograms having normal, benign and malignant tissues are considered in this study and are obtained from public online database. Segmentation of breast tissues is performed by multiplying raw image and ground truth mask. Left and right breast regions are separated after removing the non-breast regions from the segmented image. Based on the pathological conditions, the separated breast regions are grouped as normal and abnormal tissues. Gabor features such as energy and amplitude in different scales and orientations are extracted. Anisotropy and orientation measures are calculated from the extracted features and analyzed. A distinctive variation is observed among different orientations of the extracted features. It is found that the anisotropy measure is capable of differentiating the structural changes due to varied metabolic conditions. Further, the Gabor features also showed relative variations among different pathological conditions. It appears that these features can be used efficiently to identify normal and abnormal tissues and hence, improve the relevance of breast thermography in early detection of breast cancer and content based image retrieval. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mumbai Harbour Bay (MHB) is a recipient of low level treated effluents from BARC, Trombay. In addition, the Bay is also a recipient of domestic and industrial wastes from the city of Mumbai and adjoining areas. The average value of uranium concentration reported for Indian Bay water at Tarapur and Mumbai is ~3.0 ppb which is comparable with the reported value for Arabian sea. As such the global average is reported to be ~3.3 ppb by Oceanologists. The present study deals with the distribution of uranium in seawater of MHB. The uranium activity in MHB by alpha spectrometry was found to be between 1.0 and 4.4 ppb with an average concentration of 2.5 ppb which is comparable with the earlier reported average activity of 2.6 ppb in the MHB as well as those reported globally. To compare the results obtained by alpha spectrometry, uranium estimation was also carried out using Laser fluorimeter and the levels of uranium concentration have ranged between 0.8 and 4.9 ppb with an average concentration of 2.7 ppb. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A study has been done to assess the uranium intake through drinking water. The area of study is twin cities of Hyderabad and Secunderabad, India. Uranium concentration in water samples was analysed by laser-induced fluorimetry. The associated age-dependent uranium intake was estimated by taking the prescribed water intake values. The concentration of uranium varies from below detectable level (minimum detectable level=0.20±0.02 μg l−1) to 2.50±0.18 μg l−1, with the geometric mean (GM) of 0.67 μg l−1 in tap water, whereas in ground water, the range is 0.60±0.05 to 82±7.1 µg l−1 with GM of 10.07 µg l−1. The daily intake of uranium by drinking water pathway through tap water for various age groups is found to vary from 0.14 to 9.50 µg d−1 with mean of 1.55 µg d−1. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Abstract: Ionoluminescence (IL) studies of two natural kyanite (Al2SiO5) minerals collected from different regions of India was carried out using 120MeV Ag9+ ions in the fluence range of 1.50–10.5×1011 ions/cm2. Identical emission peaks were observed in both the samples at ∼416, 463, 530–540nm along with other emission peaks at ∼689nm, 706nm (sharp) and 770nm (broad). The sharp emission peaks at 689nm correspond to R lines of Cr3+ impurities and are related to transition of 2Eg → 4A2g. The sharp and broad emission peaks in the range of 706–770nm are attributed to Fe3+ impurities and are related to the transition of 4T1g → 6A1g. The peak in the range of 530–540nm is attributed to Mn2+ impurities and is related to the transition of 4T1 → 6A1. IL peak intensity decreases with the Ag9+ ion fluence which might be due to the thermal quenching/amorphization, caused by the ion beam irradiation. The amorphization in the sample was explained with the help of thermal spike model (TSM). These results demonstrated that IL is a very sensitive technique for impurity characterization and differentiating the origin of minerals. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Standardization of herbal formulations is essential in order to assess the quality of drugs, based on the concentration of their active principles. This article reports on standardization of Ajmodadi churna, a polyherbal ayurvedic medicine used as a carminative and an antispasmodic, and is a strong wormifuge, and helps in all painful conditions like sciatica and stiffness in back and also restores normal digestive functions. Ajmodadi churna was prepared as per Ayurvedic Formulary of India. In-house preparation and the marketed drug have been standardized on the basis of organoleptic characters, physical characteristics, and physico-chemical properties. The set parameters were found to be sufficient to evaluate the churna and can be used as reference standards for the quality control/quality assurance laboratory of a Pharmaceutical house. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Exposure due to natural radiation is of particular importance because it accounts for the largest contribution (nearly 85 %) to the total collective dose of the world population. An attempt has been made to present the feasibility of uranium occurrence in drinking water samples from different states of India, by laser-induced fluorimetry. The associated age-dependent radiation dose was estimated by taking the prescribed water intake values of different age groups. The concentration of uranium obtained, i.e. 0.1 ± 0.01 to 19.6 ± 1.8 µg l−1, is well below the drinking water guideline value of 30 µg l−1. The annual ingestion dose due to uranium in drinking water for various age groups is found to vary from 0.14 to 48 µSv y−1. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The article presents a study that measures the level of uranium, and observes the trend in variation of uranium content in drinking water in samples collected from some areas of Punjab and Himachal Pradesh, India. The samples were analyzed using laser induced fluorimetry techniques, and sources of water comprise hand pumps and tube wells. The study shows that uranium concentration in the water samples from Punjab varies from 1.39±0.16 to 98.25±2.06 parts per billion (ppb) with a mean value of 19.84±0.87 ppb, which exceeds the limit recommended by the World Health Organization, while the uranium concentration in water samples from Himachal Pradish is within the recommended levels.

Water samples were collected from different areas of the states of Himachal Pradesh and Punjab in India for uranium analysis. The sources of these samples comprise of drains ponds, springs, dug wells, handpumps, municipal committee supply and tube wells. Initially, the fission track technique was used for the estimation U-content. As some of the samples showed high values of U-content, all these samples along with some new samples were also analysed using the laser fluorometry technique in order to confirm the results. A comparative analysis of the results obtained from these two different techniques has been made. The comparison confirmed high U-content in some of the samples. It is observed that the laser fluorometry technique is more suitable for analysis of the water samples having high U-content than the fission track technique. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Objective: To present a detailed pharmacognostic study of the Lens culinaris Medikus (Fabaceae) seeds, a food grain used as Dhal in India. Methods: The macroscopy, microscopy, fluorescence analysis of powdered drug, physicochemical analysis, preliminary testing and other WHO recommended methods for standardization were investigated. Results: Seeds are greyish brown in colour. Treatment of powdered drug with various chemical reagents showed the presence of proteins, cellulose, lignins and fixed oils. Microscopy of seeds revealed the presence of starch grains in seed. The colour of seed coat changed from brown to greenish grey in day light and brown to black at 254nm when treated with acetic acid. Total ash value of the seeds was found to be 1.86% w/w whereas foreign organic matter was found to be nil. Qualitative phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of tannins and flavonoids in acetone extract. Conclusions: The present study on pharmacognostic profile of Lens culinaris Medikus seeds provides an important tool in identification and authentication of this plant to researchers in future. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Objective: Celastrus paniculatus Willd. is an important Indian medicinal plant and widely used in the treatment of the verity of disease and well explored scientifically for their pharmacological properties. The current study was therefore carried out to provide requisite pharmacognostic details about the plant. Methods: Pharmacognostic investigation of the fresh, powdered and anatomical sections of the leaves of Celastrus paniculatus Willd. was carried out to determine its morphological, anatomical, and phytochemical diagnostic features. Quantitative diagnostic characteristics, physicochemical properties and quantitative phytochemical measures were established. Results: The morphology of leave reveled, leaves are alternate, acute, acuminate or obtuse, rounded with cuncate base,; margin is finely crenate, venation is reticulate. The microscopy reveals the dorsiventral type of leave, with anomocytic stomata, covering (lower epidermis) and glandular (upper epidermis) trichomes. The collateral vascular bundle crowned with sclerenchymatous fiber, ideoblast of calcium oxalate. The Quantitative diagnostic characteristics such as leaf constant were measured. Physicochemical properties such as ash, extractive values and fluorescence analysis were established. Quantitative phytochemical revealed presence of carbohydrates, fixed oil, glycosides, cumarines, tannins, flavonoids, saponins, steroids and triterpenoids. Conclusion: The results of the study could be useful in setting some diagnostic indices for the identification and preparation of a monograph of the plant. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The article discusses the gemological properties of the faceted orange and brown sunstones from Orissa, India submitted by Anil Dholakia of Anil B. Dholakia Inc. at the 2005 Tucson gem shows. Under a Chelsea filter reaction, the sunstones had a weak orangy pink color, while their fluorescence showed inert to long wave and weak red to short-wave ultraviolet (UV) radiation. Microscopic examination of the samples revealed numerous angular transparent-to-semitransparent thin platelets that were reddish orange in transmitted light and iridescent in reflected light.