Studies on Lichens of Mizoram,Northeast India

Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, India Section B: Biological Sciences - The paper enumerates 159 species of lichens recorded from the Mizoram state of northeast India. Buellia...     

Calcium and phosphorus determination in bones of low value fishes,Sardinella longiceps (Valenciennes) and Trichiurus savala (Cuvier), from Parangipettai,Southeast Coast of India

ObjectiveTo investigate calcium and phosphorus levels in the bones of low value fishes Sardinella longiceps (oil sardine) and Trichiurus savala (ribbon fish).MethodsBones and skeletal remains were subjected to alkaline-alcohol treatment for specified period of time and were then dried and pulverized. Calcium and phosphorus levels were determined by both volumetric and instrumental methods using atomic absorption spectroscopy.ResultsVolumetric analysis of calcium and phosphorus were 28.98% and 14.2% in oil sardine; 24.2% and 11.6% in ribbon fish respectively. Atomic absorption spectroscopy analysis of calcium and phosphorus were 32.73% and 17.2% for oil sardine and 27.17% and 10.83% for ribbon fish respectively. Protein level was 4.82% in oil sardine and 3.97% in ribbon fishes.ConclusionsThe findings of the present study revealed that sardine bones are rich in calcium and will be utilized for the production of calcium powder to treat osteoporosis.     

Production of chitosan from endolichenic fungi isolated from mangrove environment and its antagonistic activity

Objective

To screen the chitosan producing ability of endolichenic fungi and its antibacterial activity.

Methods

Lichen collected from mangroves was screened for endophytes and the chitosan producing ability of endolichenic fungi by submerged fermentation was also determined. Antibacterial activity was carried out against different pathogens.

Results

Totally 4 different groups of fungi were isolated from the lichen Roccella montagnei. Among the four genera, Aspergillus niger (A. niger) is potential to produce chitosan (1.3 g/L) on the twelfth day of incubation. Glucose plays an important role in the productivity of chitosan and the yield was maximum at 10% (1.93 g/L). Antibacterial activity revealed that Vibrio cholerae was sensitive to chitosan followed by Escherichia coli.

Conclusions

In conclusion, our findings suggest that A. niger is a potential candidate to produce more chitosan than the other strains and glucose plays an important role in the production of chitosan which proves to have a good antibacterial activity.     

Capsicum annuum L. and its bioactive constituents: A critical review of a traditional culinary spice in terms of its modern pharmacological potentials with toxicological issues

Capsicum annuum L., commonly known as chili pepper, is used as an important spice globally and as a crude drug in many traditional medicine systems. The fruits of C. annuum have been used as a tonic, antiseptic, and stimulating agent, to treat dyspepsia, appetites, and flatulence, and to improve digestion and circulation. The article aims to critically review the phytochemical and pharmacological properties of C. annuum and its major compounds. Capsaicin, dihydrocapsaicin, and some carotenoids are reported as the major active compounds with several pharmacological potentials especially as anticancer and cardioprotectant. The anticancer effect of capsaicinoids is mainly mediated through mechanisms involving the interaction of Ca²⁺-dependent activation of the MAPK pathway, suppression of NOX-dependent reactive oxygen species generation, and p53-mediated activation of mitochondrial apoptosis in cancer cells. Similarly, the cardioprotective effects of capsaicinoids are mediated through their interaction with cellular transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 channel, and restoration of calcitonin gene-related peptide via Ca²⁺-dependent release of neuropeptides and suppression of bradykinin. In conclusion, this comprehensive review presents detailed information about the traditional uses, phytochemistry, and pharmacology of major bioactive principles of C. annuum with special emphasis on anticancer, cardioprotective effects, and plausible toxic adversities along with food safety.