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Background Costus speciosus (J. Koenig) Sm. (Syn. Cheilocostus speciosus) is an ethnic anti-diabetic plant, used for its high diosgenin content. Objectives This study aimed to evaluate the seasonal variation of diosgenin content in Costus speciosus rhizome, quantified through validated RP-HPLC method. Materials and Methods The rhizomes were collected in four different seasons, such as rainy (August), autumn (October), winter (February) and summer (May), from Lucknow, India. The HPLC method validation was done in terms of linearity, precision, repeatability, accuracy, sensitivity and robustness. Results Diosgenin was separated under isocratic elution on an RP-HPLC column (4.6 × 250 mm, 5 µm) with a mobile phase consisting of methanol and water, eluted at retention time (Rt) of 18.396 min and content was calculated with the help of standard curve. The limit of detection and limit of quantification (LOQ) was found to be 522.68 and 1583.90 ng (nanogram), respectively. The diosgenin content varies significantly in different seasons. Conclusion The diosgenin content was found higher in rainy (193.97 µg/mg) season and was concluded to be optimum season for collection of rhizomes as quality raw material. Harvesting at optimal season may fulfill the commercial demand of diosgenin and may reduce the diosgenin-intended overexploitation of the species from the wild.

Coscinium fenestratum (Goetgh.) Colebr. is widely used for urinary disorders and kidney stones by ethnic communities in southern India. The species is documented in various ancient Indian Ayurvedic literatures having therapeutic use in ‘Ashmari’ i.e., urolithiasis. The present study aims at validation of in-vitro anti-urolithiatic potential of various extracts of C. fenestratum stem along with identification and quantification of major bioactive alkaloids, i.e., berberine and palmatine through HPTLC and LC-MS/MS. Water extract showed maximum anti-urolithiatic activity which on further kinetic analysis, showed concentration dependent inhibitory delay in nucleation and aggregation of calcium oxalate crystals. Berberine and palmatine were quantified with maximum content in methanolic extract (0.478 ± 0.003 and 0.0358 ± 0.001) followed by chloroform and petroleum ether extracts. The study validates ethnobotanical use of C. fenestratum as anti-urolithiatic agent. Further, species can also be explored as a substitute for Berberis spp. for the alkaloid metabolites i.e., berberine and palmatine.

Structure analysis and design are significantly influenced by earthquake. It is believed that seismic evaluation is required for the viability and serviceability of both present and future building structures. When a structure's base is subjected to a certain type of ground motion, a time history analysis is performed to examine the dynamic reaction of the structure at each time interval. The near-field earthquake ground motion verification may have specific impacts for both forward and backward directivity. The initial's velocity and displacement motions, respectively, exhibit pulse and fling-step characteristics. Therefore, it is crucial to assess how well structures built solely to withstand the primary shock would work through future aftershocks. Using modern seismic protection systems, such as base isolations or / and supplemental dampening devices, that significantly reduce building damages during main shocks and their related aftershocks is one of the appropriate solutions to this issue. Due to changes in both static and dynamic stress that take place during the earthquake process, aftershock events are set off by the primary shock. In order to better understand the ground motion features of a sizable collection of mainshock and subsequent aftershock ground motion data recorded in accelerograph stations around the region, this study reviews pertinent literature in the field. The G+9 RCC building will be used in this study to conduct a time history analysis of the mainshock and aftershock data of the Chamoli earthquake provided by the Centre for Engineering Strong Motion Research Ground Motion Database. For designing purposes, the IS 456-2000 code is taken into consideration. Live loads are measured in accordance with IS 875-part 1, and seismic zone IV is selected for analysis in accordance with IS 1893-2016. Storey drift, base shear, joint reactions, and storey displacement are just a few of the variables that can have an impact on how well a building performs. Since each of these variables has a significant impact on how a structure responds to seismic loads, they are also taken into account when evaluating the results.

Coleus forskohlii Briq. is an important medicinal herb, endowed with a wide range of medicinal properties against the variety of ailments. Seven germplasm of C. forskohlii collected from different phyto-geographical locations and identification of elite chemotype was performed with the help of high performance thin layer chromatography. Data of soil analysis correlated with the bioactive compounds and inhibitory potential of the species. Quantification of forskolin and its isomer (iso-forskolin) content were done in all the collected samples of C. forskohlii, which revealed a wide range of variations, varying from 1.15–0.004% and 0.0091 to 0.1077% per dry weights basic, respectively. Variation in the bioactive content may be due to the soil nature and environmental factors. Soil analysis of collected samples demonstrated that there is significant variation in available NPK and micronutrient content and may be reasoned for existing chemotypic variability. In vitro biological activity (antioxidant and antidiabetic) analyses were performed, which reveals that germplasms have a high amount of forskolin and iso-forskolin, both show more activity. The aim of this study was to elucidate the effect of elicitors and precursors on the production of bioactive compounds and identification of best elite germplasm among the populations, to provide basic lead to the industry for commercial exploitability including its location-specific commercial cultivation.

Anemia in a patient with cirrhosis is a clinically pertinent but often overlooked clinical entity. Relevant guidelines highlight the algorithmic approach of managing a patient of cirrhosis presenting with acute variceal hemorrhage but day-to-day management in hospital and out-patient raises multiple dilemmas: Whether anemia is a disease complication or a part of the disease spectrum? Should iron, folic acid, and vitamin B complex supplementation and nutritional advice, suffice in those who can perform tasks of daily living but have persistently low hemoglobin. How does one investigate and manage anemia due to multifactorial etiologies in the same patient: Acute or chronic blood loss because of portal hypertension and bone marrow aplasia secondary to hepatitis B or C viremia? To add to the clinician's woes the prevalence of anemia increases with increasing disease severity. We thus aim to critically analyze the various pathophysiological mechanisms complicating anemia in a patient with cirrhosis with an emphasis on the diagnostic flowchart in such patients and proposed management protocols thereafter.

The present study has been planned to evaluate the impact of seasonal variation in labdane-type diterpenoids namely isoforskolin, forskolin, 1,9-dideoxyforskolin and 1-deoxyforskolin in Coleus forskholii (roots). The plant samples were harvested in different seasons from our experimental field located at CSIR-NBRI garden, Lucknow (India) and metabolite contents were estimated through validated high performance thin layer chromatography (HPTLC) method. The HPTLC plate was developed in tertiary mobile phase of toluene-ethyl acetate-methanol (8.5-1-0.05 v/v) for separation of all the four metabolites. The metabolite content viz. isoforskolin, forskolin, 1,9-dideoxyforskolin and 1-deoxyforskolin varies from 0.0247% to 0.198%, 0.238 to 0.730%, 0.056 to 0.161% and 0.0401 to 0.332% on dry weight basis respectively. The maximum content of metabolites was recorded in winter season and was found optimum for harvesting of C. forskholii roots. Optimization of harvesting season for this industrially valuable medicinal plant will lead to sustainable sources of good quality raw material to herbal drug industry.

Objective: This study was undertaken to carry out genetic barcoding, pharmacognostical and phytochemical studies on leaves of Pothos scandens L. belonging to the family Araceae. Methods: P. scandens, was collected from Cochin, Kerala, during the month of August 2019. Its leaves were examined for pharmacognostical characters and physicochemical, qualitative analysis and HPTLC studies was carried out following standard protocols recommended by the Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India. Genetic barcoding of the fresh tender leaves samples was carried out through following standard methods. Results: Leaves are simple, alternate, broadly winged petiole. Transverse section through winged petiole portion showed U-shaped, epidermal cell along with cluster crystals. Transverse section through midrib boat-shaped structure, mesophyll undifferentiated, consist parenchyma cell, epidermis with thick cuticle along with waxy coating. Leaves powder shows green in color and microscopy reveals the presence of prismatic crystals, raphides, fibres, acicular crystals and monocot type 1 stomata. The plant is identified as Pothos scandens based on sequence homology and phylogenic analysis. Qualitative results show the presence of carbohydrates, protein, alkaloids and tannins. HPTLC profile shows 7 spots at both short UV and long UV and ferulic acid and kaempferol were identified through quantitative HPTLC. Conclusion: Pothos scandens is a climber with simple, alternate leaves. Acicular crystals and raphides, mucilaginous cavities, undifferentiated mesophyll are key characters of the identification of its leaf. DNA Barcoding results helps in correct identification of Pothos scandens. The results obtained from the phytochemical study will be helpful in the determination of the strength of purity and also for further standardization of the plant.

The metabolic variation of berberine and palmatine content in the roots of Berberis lycium was analyzed by HPTLC–UV for the identification of quality raw material (QRM) used in the industry. Ten na...

Background Childhood immunization against hepatitis B is one of the most effective strategies for reducing the global burden of chronic hepatitis B infection and its sequelae. There are limited data from India on both the anti-Hep B antibody titres in children after vaccination and the age-related decline in the titres. This study was planned to estimate the proportion of children in the age group of 1–10 years who develop protective levels of anti-hepatitis B antibodies after childhood vaccination and to examine the change in antibody titres with age in these children. Methods A hospital-based cross-sectional study was carried out in children admitted to the hospital for various ailments. Basic demographic data, vaccination history and HBsAg status of the mother were recorded. All the enrolled children were evaluated for HBsAg and anti hepatitis B surface antibody (anti-HBS) titres. Institutional ethical clearance was obtained, and informed consent from the parents of the children was taken before drawing samples. Results We found that 68.86% Confidence Interval ((CI): 59.8–76.8%) of the children showed protective antibody titres after vaccination, while 31.14% (CI: 23.1–40.2%) of the children had titres less than 10 IU/L. Although 100% of children in the age group from birth to three years had titres more than 10 IU/L, this percentage showed a decline across the age groups, and 60% of children aged 9–10 years had titres less than 10 IU/L. Conclusion Childhood vaccination against hepatitis B is effective in 68% children, and the antibody levels showed a steady decline with increasing age.

Background Gloriosa superba is a valuable Ayurvedic medicinal plant and is in high demand in the world market for its colchicine content, which is used to treat gout. Objective The study aims (1) to record the metabolic variations in major bioactive metabolites, colchicine and gloriosine, in the natural populations of G. superba from Western Ghats and adjoining areas in India and (2) to develop HPTLC protocol for the identification of elite chemotypes of species and regulation of quality raw material, extract, and finished material. Method Simultaneous quantification of colchicine and gloriosine in 22 natural populations through validated HPTLC as per ICH guidelines. Results Colchicine and gloriosine were identified at Rf 0.51 ± 0.03 and 0.41 ± 0.05 and the content varied from 0.021 to 0.86% and 0.003 to 0.198%. The method was found linear at a concentration range of 0.1–0.7 µg/spot, and LOD (3.3 σ/S) and LOQ (10 σ/S) was 0.71 and 2.16 µg/spot. The method was precise in the concentration range of 100–300 ng/spot, with 98.29% and 101.12% recovery (% RSD) for colchicine and gloriosine. Subsequently, four elite chemotypes were identified based on cluster analysis of metabolite content. Conclusion The developed HPTLC method is linear, accurate, precise, and robust for simultaneous quantification of colchicine and gloriosine metabolite(s). Intraspecific metabolic variation was significant among the collected population, leading to the identification of four elite chemotypes. Highlights Colchicine is an industrially viable metabolite and is therefore quintessential to the development of an economical and analytical method to regulate the quality of raw material, extract, and finished products.

COVID-19 is a multi system disorder and causes various abnormalities in liver function tests. The aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence of abnormal liver function tests in patients of COVID-19 and to describe the association of liver function tests with clinical features and disease severity in these patients.We retrospectively evaluated and analyzed the liver function tests of all real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) positive COVID-19 patients admitted to a tertiary care hospital in Western Maharashtra. The Institutional Ethics Committee of our hospital approved the study.Of the 533 patients included in our study, 50% had abnormal albumin levels while 40.1%, 43.5%, 9.3%, and 6.3% patients had deranged alanine transaminase (ALT) aspartate transaminase (AST), total protein and bilirubin levels, respectively. Hepatocellular injury was observed in 21 (3.9%) patients, and cholestatic liver injury was observed in seven (1.3%) patients. Abnormal liver function test (LFT) was significantly associated with disease severity but not with mortality.Abnormal LFT in patients of COVID-19 is associated with severe disease but not mortality. Liver injury is common in patients of COVID-19.

Background Ageratum conyzoides is an aromatic plant. It is considered as an invasive and cosmopolite weed, widely spread in tropical and subtropical regions. Phytochemicals such as benzopyrenes, flavonoids, and terpenoids are reported from A. conyzoides. Objective Development and validation of a reversed-phase HPLC-photodiode array (PDA) detection method for simultaneous identification and quantification of coumarin, precocene-I, β-caryophyllene oxide, α-humulene, and β-caryophyllene in extracts of A. conyzoides and essential oils was carried out. Methods Separation of analytes was achieved on a RP-18 (250 mm × 4.6 mm, 5 µm) column using a solvent system comprising of a mixture of acetonitrile and water with 0.05% trifluoroacetic acid in gradient elution mode at ambient temperature with flow rate of 1 mL/min. Results The retention time of coumarin, precocene-I, β-caryophyllene oxide, α-humulene, and β-caryophyllene was 4.38, 12.86, 20.10, 33.34, and 35.11 min, respectively. Limits of detection for coumarin, precocene-I, β-caryophyllene oxide, α-humulene, and β-caryophyllene were 2.5, 2.5, 2.5, 0.025, and 2.5 µg/mL, respectively. Similarly, LOQ were 10, 10, 10, 0.10, and 10 µg/mL for coumarin, precocene-I, β-caryophyllene oxide, α-humulene, and β- caryophyllene, respectively. Repeatabilities (RSD, %) values for intraday and interday precision for coumarin, precocene-I, β-caryophyllene oxide, α-humulene, and β-caryophyllene was 0.765–2.086 and 0.886–2.128; 0.879–1.672 and 0.979–1.825; 0.696–2.418 and 0.768–2.592; 1.728–2.362 and 1.965–2.378; 1.615–2.897 and 1.658–2.906, respectively. Conclusions The separation of five analytes was achieved within 50 min. The developed and validated HPLC-PDA method was successfully applied for identification and quantification of above five analytes in A. conyzoides extracts and essential oils. The method could be used for meeting the characterization criteria of phytoformulations.

Intra-specific chemical variability in the natural population of Gloriosa superba from Eastern Ghats (India) was recorded through validated HPTLC method and in vitro antiarthritic activity of elite...

Ayurveda is an age old system of medicine which utilizes thousands of medicinal plants, rich in secondary metabolites for their therapeutic benefits and phenolic compounds are important one. Plant phenolic compounds are one of the major group of phytomolecules having tremendous therapeutic and nutraceutical potential. Indian medicinal plants like Emblica, Terminalia spp., Withania, Tinospora etc. are some of the potential source of bioactive phenolics and had been used from ages in various Ayurvedic formulations and were scientifically validated too. In this contribution, a brief account of some common Indian medicinal plants rich in bioactive phenolics are summarized along with their therapeutic action on human health and disease. The vast array of phenolics in these plants makes them a suitable candidate for modern medicine, nutraceutical supplements, immuno-modulatory formulations etc. With the advent of modern separation tools and techniques, it is now possible to identify, isolate and purify desired phytoconstituents from plant extracts. This further opens the avenues of utilizing medicinal plants or plant constituents/metabolites as super food for strengthening the body and maintaining the healthy work-life balance. The need of the hour is to identify therapeutically potential phenolics rich plants and development of herbal formulations for human welfare.

To combat the problem of acaricide resistance in ticks, efforts have been made to develop eco-friendly herbal acaricides which are safe for animal use with no possibilities of evoking environment and residual toxicity. In the present study, the acaricidal properties of a commonly available plant, Annona squamosa have been established to develop a novel antitick phytoformulation using leaf extract, suitable solvents and emulsifier for managing resistant tick infestations in animals. The quality control of the safe and stable phytoformulation using Rutin as a major constituent was maintained by HPTLC profiling. Several phytformulations (A-E) were prepared and formulation 'C' is identifried as the most effective showing 52.5-75% antitick activity against in vitro treated resistant strains of R. microplus (IVRI-IV and V) with 33.8-40.2% inhibition of oviposition while 65-85% mortality against multiacaricide resistant field populations. The phytoformulation provided 70.4% efficacy after first larval challenge in experimentally infested animals. The field efficacy of the formulation in different multilocational field trials was 68.53-77.8%. The detail antitick efficacy of the formulation along with safety and stability are explained as a component of antitck technology to manage resistant tick problem in livestock.

Ephedra gerardiana Wall. (Ephedraceae) is an evergreen xerophytic shrub and is used in Indian and Chinese folk medicine since ancient times. It is used in asthma, hay fever, rheumatism, syphilis and as CNS stimulant due to its bioactive metabolite ephedrine. In this study, a validated HPTLC method was developed for the quantification and identification of the elite chemotype of E. gerardiana from Kashmir Himalayas. Ten samples were collected from different regions and their botanical and pharmacognostical standards were established. HPTLC method was developed and validated on pre-coated silica gel 60 GF254 plates in a tertiary solvent system of methylene chloride–ammonia–propan-2-ol (0.5:1.5:8 v/v), and quantification was done after derivatization with ninhydrin reagent. The method developed for quantification of ephedrine was linearly calibrated and found to be specific, repeatable and robust. LOD and LOQ were 36.33 and 110.10 µg/spot. Precision studies (inter-day and intra-day) are within the standard limit of ICH guidelines, and RSD (%) is not more than 5%. Mean recovery of ephedrine at three spiking levels of 25, 50 and 75% was 103.17%. The quantification of ephedrine within the population varies from 0.31 ± 0.05 to 0.81 ± 0.02% dry wt. basis, and in cluster analysis, two elite chemotypes viz. EPH-1 and EPH-5 were identified. These findings will help in setting the standard parameter for this plant in herbal Pharmacopoeia. The study will aid in the identification of potential sources of high ephedrine containing germplasm which will be useful to industry for quality raw material in herbal drug development.

The variation in alkaloid metabolites (colchicine and gloriosine) was found significant in the nine germplasms of G. superba (L.), collected from Central India. The maximum content of colchicine an...

Sphaeranthus indicus is an important medicinal plant in Ayurveda which grows as weed in rice fields throughout India, Sri Lanka, Australia and Africa. The present study aimed for the pharmacognostical evaluation and pharmacological validation of this high-value medicinal species. All the pharmacognostical parameters were done as per the API guideline. A simple, rapid, sensitive and reproducible method was also developed for simultaneous HPTLC quantification of two bioactive compounds eugenol and β-sitosterol in S. indicus. The HPTLC was performed on silica gel 60 F254 by using toluene/ethyl acetate/glacial acetic acid (8:2:0.2) as a mobile phase for eugenol and β-sitosterol at Rf value 0.64 and 0.48, respectively. The content of eugenol (0.03%) and β-sitosterol (0.013%) was detected in dry weight per gram. In vitro activities viz. antioxidant, antidiabetic and anti-inflammatory were done to evaluate the pharmacological potential of S. indicus. Four antioxidant models viz. DPPH, ferric reducing power, 2-deoxyribose assay and antioxidant capacity were used to determine the free radical scanning. Antidiabetic and anti-inflammatory potential were determined by using starch–iodine colour assay and inhibition of protein denaturation model. IC50 value of S. indicus extract in DPPH and 2-deoxyribose assay was found (328.96 ± 0.003 µg/ml) and (30.36 ± 0.004 µg/ml), respectively. The present study will be helpful for quality check of the raw material and monitoring batch-to-batch consistency of herbal drugs, wherein S. indicus is used as an ingredient.

Leptospirosis is an infectious disease which causes reproductive disorders in goats and is considered as one of the important factors responsible for hampering the productivity of Indian goat husbandry. Microscopic Agglutination Test (MAT) was employed in the present study to detect anti-leptospira antibodies in suspected serum samples of goats. The caprine sera analyzed in the present study were collected from different states of India representing twelve agro-climatic zones. Out of 2075 caprine sera screened, we found agglutinins against various leptospiral serovars in 371 goats (seropositivity 17.88%).The present study indicates proclivity of leptospiral serovars to thrive in specific agro-climatic zones of India (Spatial Variation). The serovar Icterohaemorrhagiae was predominantly reported from sera collected from landlocked regions of Northern India (Upper and Middle Gangetic plains, Western and Eastern Himalayan region, Western dry region, Central and southern plateau and Hills). This lack of serovar diversity observed in landlocked regions is in stark contrast to the serovar epidemiology observed in peninsular and coastal belts of India (Gujarat, West and East coast plains and hills). The peninsular and coastal belts were bastions for a wide diversity of serovars such as Javanica, Australis, Autumnalis, Hardjoprajitno, Pyrogenes, Hebdomadis, Pomona and Djasiman which were encountered along with Icterohaemorrhagiae and Grippotyphosa. The vast majority of caprine sera screened from Andaman and Nicobar Islands, an archipelago located in Bay of Bengal, were positive for serovar Pyrogenes whereas serovars Icterohaemorrhagiae and Grippotyphosa which were predominantly reported from mainland India were restricted to a few positive sera samples. Thus, our study clearly suggests differences in geographic distribution of leptospiral serovars between agro-climatic zones. All the caprine sera subjected to MAT were further (n = 2075) screened using recombinant LipL41 based Latex Agglutination Test. The sensitivity of rLipL41 based LAT for 371 MAT positive sera was 88.40% and the specificity with 1704 MAT negative sera was 94.40%. Further, Kappa value of 0.828 for rLipL41 based LAT indicates high agreement with MAT. The results obtained with LipL41 based LAT indicates that this test has direct field applicability in resource poor settings as it yielded high sensitivity and specificity for detection of anti-Leptospira antibodies in serum samples from goats.

ObjectivesThe study aimed to document the association between intussusception in Indian children and meteorological parameters and examine regional variations.DesignA bidirectional (retrospective and prospective) surveillance between July 2010 and September 2017.SettingAt 20 hospitals in India, retrospective case record review during July 2010 and March 2016 and prospective surveillance during April 2016 and September 2017 were performed.Participants2161 children aged 2–24 months with first intussusception episode were included.InterventionsThe monthly mean meteorological parameters (temperature, sunshine, rainfall, humidity and wind speed) for the study sites were collected.MethodsThe association between monthly intussusception cases and meteorological parameters was examined at pooled, regional and site levels using Pearson (r) and Spearman’s rank-order (ρ) correlation, factorial analysis of variance, and Poisson regression or negative binomial regression analyses.ResultsThe intussusception cases were highest in summer and lowest in autumn seasons. Pearson correlation analysis showed that temperature (r=0.056; pr=0.134; pr=0.075; pρ=0.049; pρ=0.096; pρ=0.051; pConclusionsSignificant correlations between intussusception cases and temperature, humidity, and wind speed were observed at pooled and regional level in India. A peak in summer months was noted, which may be used for prediction, early detection and referral for appropriate management of intussusception.

Costus speciosus is a rich source of commercially important compound Diosgenin, distributed in different regions of India. The present investigation was aimed to quantify diosgenin through High Performance Thin Layer Chromatography in 34 germplasms of Costus speciosus and also to identify the superior sources and to correlate the macronutrients of rhizospheric soil. The starch content varied in microscopic examination and correlated inversely (r=-0.266) with diosgenin content. Findings revealed that the extraction process with acid hydrolysis yielded higher diosgenin content (0.15-1.88 %) as compared to non-hydrolysis (0.009-0.368 %) procedure. Germplasms from Uttar Pradesh (NBCS-4), Jharkhand (NBCS-39) and Bihar (NBCS-2) were identified as elite chemotypes based on hierarchical clustering analysis. The phosphorous content of respective rhizospheric soil correlated positively (r=0.742) with diosgenin content. Findings of present study are useful to identify the new agrotechniques. The elite germplasms can also be used as quality planting material for large scale cultivation in order to assure a sustained supply to the herbal drug industry.

Rhipicephalus microplus is posing a serious threat to productive animal husbandry. Excessive use of synthetic chemicals in tick management has led to the development of resistant tick populations. Characterization of resistance to deltamethrin, cypermethrin, coumaphos and ivermectin in ticks is necessary to develop a suitable and sustainable control strategy. Based on adult immersion test and larval packet test, the resistance ratios (RR50) for adults and larvae of R. microplus populations from two Indian states ranged from 3.8 to 19.4 and 1.35-25.0 against deltamethrin, 0.061-26.3 and 0.22-19.2 against cypermethrin, and 0.2-9.5 and 0.01-3.1 against coumaphos, respectively, were recorded. Moreover, the RR50 for adults ranged from 0.212 to 3.87 against ivermectin. The RR50 for different acaricides was significantly (p