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The antioxidant and antidiabetic activity of methanol leaves extract (CPMLE) and ethyl acetate fraction (CPEALF) of lemon hill (Citrus pseudolimon) was examined on key enzymes (α-glucosidase and α-amylase) in type-2 diabetes. In-vivo antidiabetic activity was evaluated in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats against CPMLE and CPEALF. Methanolic extract of the plant was effective against 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging (IC50 = 313.20 µg mL−1), reducing power (IC50 = 366.69 µg mL−1), and H2O2 scavenging (IC50 = 498.26 µg mL−1) and phosphomolybdate radical scavenging activity (IC50 = 508.02 µg mL−1). Ethyl acetate fraction demonstrated DPPH radical scavenging (IC50 = 259.33 µg mL−1), reducing power (IC50 = 268.91 µg mL−1), and H2O2 scavenging (IC50 = 476.39 µg mL−1) and phosphomolybdate radical scavenging activity (IC50 = 278.60 µg mL−1). C. pseudolimon methanol extract had inhibitory activity against α-glucosidase (IC50 = 350.09 µg mL−1) and α-amylase (IC50 = 291.17 µg mL−1) enzymes. Oral administration of CPMLE and CPEALF reduced elevated fasting blood glucose, lipid levels, and oxidative stress along with Hb1AC level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Metabolic syndrome consists of a group of risk factors characterized by abdominal obesity, hypertension, atherogenic dyslipidemia, hyperglycemia, and prothrombotic and proinflammatory conditions. Raw garlic homogenate has been reported to reduce serum lipid levels in animal model; however, no precise studies have been performed to evaluate the effect of raw crushed garlic (Allium sativum L.) on components of metabolic syndrome. Therefore, the present study was designed to investigate the effect of raw crushed garlic on components of metabolic syndrome. A total of 40 metabolic syndrome patients were randomly selected from the diabetic center of SP Medical College, Bikaner, Rajasthan, India. They underwent treatment with 100 mg/kg body weight raw crushed garlic 2 times a day with standard diet for 4 weeks; their anthropometric and serum biochemical variables were measured at both the beginning and the end of the study. Statistical analysis was performed using IBM SPSS version 20, and Student's paired “t” test was used to compare variables before and after treatment with garlic preparation. Raw crushed garlic significantly reduced components of metabolic syndrome including waist circumference (p <.05), systolic and diastolic blood pressure (p <.001), triglycerides (p <.01), fasting blood glucose (p <.0001) and significantly increased serum high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (p <.0001). There was no significant difference found in body mass index (p >.05) of patients with metabolic syndrome after consumption of raw crushed garlic for 4 weeks. Raw crushed garlic has beneficial effects on components of metabolic syndrome; therefore, it can be used as an accompanying remedy for prevention and treatment of patients with metabolic syndrome. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The sources of organic matter in three typical mangrove systems of Cochin estuary were assessed for the first time with help of sediment bulk parameters and fatty acid biomarkers. The C/N and δ13C analysis showed intermediate values to that of autochthonous and terrestrial inputs of organic matter, signaling to a mixed origin. The biochemical composition of sedimentary organic matter revealed a dominance of lipids over proteins and carbohydrates, indicating the nutritive or energetic value as well as the freshness of organic matter in all the systems. Fatty acids ranging from C8 to C24 were identified in the study. C20:5n-3 was one of the major fatty acids at station 1, indicating significant benthic phytoplankton contribution. The zooplankton biomarkers C20:1 and C24:1 were also present in appreciable levels, suggesting the tidal influx. Principal fatty acids at station 2 were the zooplankton biomarkers C20:1 and C24:1 implying significant estuarine contribution through tidal influx. The major fatty acids at station 3 were diatom marker C20:5n-3 and the higher plant marker C24:0. Dominant fatty acids in mangrove leaves; C18:2n-6 and C18:3n-3 were also present at station 3. The low contributions of C20:1 and C24:1 confirms the limited tidal exchange at this station. Presence of significant amount polyunsaturated fatty acids in the mangrove sediments confirms the freshness of organic matter. Thus, fatty acid biomarker study of the three mangrove systems of Cochin estuary could substantiate the bulk parameter approaches effectively; distinguishing the multiple sources of the organic matter and the observed spatial variations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The antihyperlipidemic effect of ethanolic extract of seeds of Solanum nigrum L. and its chloroform fraction was explored in Triton induced hyperlipidemic rats. Bioactivity guided fractionation followed by flash chromatography of the most active fraction resulted in the isolation of Stigmast-5, 22-dien-3β-ol. After 24 h of i.p. injection of Triton administration at 400 mg. kg-1 b.w., the extract and fraction were administered orally at doses of 200 and 400 mg. kg-1 b.w. Serum samples analyzed showed a dose dependent inhibition of the total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), low density lipoproteins (LDL) and increased high density lipoprotein (HDL) level. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Dhokla and idli are popular breakfast foods in India. The objective of the present study was to evaluate their antioxidative properties during different stages of preparation. The effects of fermentation on the enhancement of antioxidative activities were reflected by a higher total phenol content (TPC) in the fermented batters, which also displayed better antioxidative activities than their unfermented batters and steam-cooked products. Fermentation enhanced>2.5-fold TPC and>125% reducing activity. The fermented batters were better free-radical scavengers, which increased in a time and dose-dependent manner, than either the unfermented batters or their steamed products. There was significant enhancement of metal-chelating and lipid peroxidation inhibitory activities during fermentation. The TPCs of both dhokla and idli extracts were positively correlated with the respective values of other parameters, suggesting a possible role of phenolics in the extracts as the antioxidant. The data also revealed a strong correlation between any two of these five parameters tested. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The methanolic extract of Trianthema portulacastrum (Aizoaceae) was evaluated for antihyperlipidemic and antioxidant activity in high-fat-diet-induced hyperlipidemic rats. It was found that the extract caused a significant reduction in the lipid levels in hyperlipidemic rats and was comparable with the standard anti-hyperlipidemic drug atorvastatin. It was also found that the plant extract increased the liver antioxidant enzyme (catalase, superoxide dismutase, glutathione) levels while reducing the lipid peroxide (malondialdehyde) levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Variability of nature and composition of organic matter in the surficial sediments of mangrove and estuarine systems of Cochin were investigated. Assessment of biochemical composition and elements such as carbon, nitrogen and sulphur were employed for this. Irrespective of the higher content of total organic matter, the labile organic matter was very low in both mangrove and estuarine sediments. Concentrations of biochemical compounds were comparatively higher in mangrove sediments. Total lipids were the dominant class among labile organic compounds in both mangrove and estuarine sediments contributing 51.4% and 45.3%, respectively. Protein to carbohydrate ratio was higher in estuarine sediments when compared to mangroves, indicating low dead organic matter accumulation, probably due to the strong hydrodynamic conditions in estuaries. Correlation analysis showed that sediment texture had no significant correlation with any of the sedimentary parameters in mangroves, whereas in estuaries, it showed significant correlations with most of the sedimentary parameters. Principal component analysis indicated three different dominant processes in mangroves namely mangrove litter addition, diagenesis and other geochemical process like siltation and sorption/desorption, while in estuaries the dominant process seems to be diagenesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two new hemiterpenes, utililactone (1) and epiutililactone (2), along with nine known compounds (3-11), were isolated from the leaves of Prinsepia utilis. Their structures were elucidated on the basis of spectroscopic data. The isolated compounds showed significant immunosuppressive activities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to assess the impact of deep-sea mining on the in situ benthic life, we measured the microbial standing stock and concentration of organic nutrients in the deep-sea sediments of the Central Indian Ocean Basin in the Indian pioneer area. Sediments were collected using box core and grab samples during September 1996. The total bacterial numbers ranged from 10[sup 10]-10[sup 11] cells per g[sup -1] dry weight sediment. There was a marginal decrease in the number of bacteria from surface to 30 cm depth, though the subsurface section registered a higher number than did the surface. The highest numbers were encountered at depths of 4-8 cm. The retrievable number of bacteria were two orders less in comparison with the direct total counts of bacteria. An almost homogeneous distribution of bacteria, total organic carbon, living biomass, and lipids throughout the depth of cores indicates active microbial and benthic processes in the deep sea sediments. On the other hand, a uniform distribution of total counts of bacteria, carbohydrates, and total organic carbon in all the cores indicates their stable nature and suggests that they can serve as useful parameters for long-term monitoring of the area after the benthic disturbance. Further studies on temporal variability in this region would not only verify the observed norms of distribution of these variables but would also help to understand restabilization processes after the simulated benthic disturbance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

High cost is the principal drawback of treating visceral leishmaniasis (VL; kala-azar) with any of the new lipid formulations of amphotericin B. The aim of the present study was to see if the costs of treatment with such drugs could be reduced by using ultra-short courses. Amphotericin-B-lipid complex (ABLC) was given to 77 Indian patients with antimony-unresponsive VL, either as a single infusion of 5 mg/kg (Group A) or two infusions, each of 5 mg/kg, given 5 days apart (Group B) or on consecutive days (Group C). Other than the anticipated higher fever and chills, treatment was well-tolerated. On day 19 after first infusion, 72 patients were considered apparent cures: 24 (89%) of the 27 in Group A; all 24 (100%) in Group B; and 24 (92%) of the 26 patients in Group C. Six months after treatment, 19 (70%) of 27 in Group A, 19 (79%) of 24 in Group B, and 21 (81%) of 26 in Group C were healthy, relapse-free and considered definitive cures. These cure rates were not statistically different. All 18 treatment failures (five initial non-responders and 13 relapses) were cured after treatment with a 5-day course of ABLC at a higher dose (10-15 mg/kg.day). In a related analysis of hospital plus drug costs for treating antimony-unresponsive VL, short-course ABLC (1-5 days) was compared with conventional amphotericin B (0.75-1.0 mg/kg on alternate days over 30-34 days). This analysis, which included the cost of re-treatment, identified one short-course ABLC regimen with an overall estimated expense which was only modestly higher than that of amphotericin B. Together, the present results provide further support for the use of ABLC in the management of VL patients who fail antimony therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Presents a comparative study of the serum lipid peroxides, lipids, blood pressure, body mass index, and dietary intake of 190 age-matched urban and rural men in India. Differences in the health of the two groups of Indian men; Statistically significant correlations between lipid peroxides and serum cholesterol and triglycerides in urban men; Elevation of lipid peroxides in urban men.