Traditional Medicinal Knowledge on Moringa concanensis Nimmo of Perambalur District, Tamilnadu

Moringa concanensis Nimmo (Moringaceae) is one of the important medicinal plant. It is restricted in its distribution. The present study was aimed at recording traditional knowledge about this plant in various localities of Perambalur district, Tamilnadu. The medicinally useful part, drug preparation, mode of administration and the disease which can be treated have been discussed in this paper.

MASS MULTIPLICATION OF THE INDIAN MEDICINAL PLANT Tylophora Indica (Burm.f.) Merr

Tylophora indica (Burm.f) Merr. (ASCLEPIDACEAE) is an important Indian medicinal plant. It is called "ASTHMA KODI" OR "NANJARUPPAN" IN Tamil in the Siddha system of medicine. Tamil medical literature reveal that it is an ideal plant medicine for respiratory problems and is also a cardiac tonic. For medicinal purposes it is collected only from the wild. It has not yet been brought under cultivation. Its taxonomy, morphology, ecology and medicinal uses were studied. Since, tissue-culture is a costly technology and requiring a high-tech laboratory a low-cost mass- multiplication technique has been invented through water-culture experiments, in order to make its saplings available to the interested herbal farmers in a larger scale. The results are reported in this paper, which will be of immense help and use to the herbal farmers.

Isolation of Neospora caninum genes detected during a chronic murine infection

In order to isolate genes coding for antigens of Neospora caninum which are recognised by the host immune system during a chronic murine infection, a cDNA library was immunoscreened with pooled sera from mice which survived three independent infections by N. caninum. Two new genes from N. caninum were isolated and expressed in Escherichia coli. The genes identified include one homologous to GRA1 of Toxoplasma gondii, plus another (NCP20) previously unknown in any taxon. Both genes encode small polypeptides which induced an IgG response in the mouse and were also recognised by IgG from a cow chronically infected with N. caninum. These results are consistent with the hypothesis that the polypeptides encoded by these genes are a target for the host immune system during chronic infections of N. caninum.

Isolation, characterization and expression of a GRA2 homologue from Neospora caninum

A cDNA library derived from mRNA of tachyzoites of Neospora caninum (NC-Liverpool strain) was screened with antisera from a cow naturally infected with N. caninum. The DNA sequence of 1 recombinant isolated predicted a significant protein sequence homology of the gene product to the 28 kDa (GRA2) antigen of Toxoplasma gondii. Studies on the N. caninum gene coding for this antigen demonstrated the presence of a single intron flanked by 2 exons; the gene was also highly expressed in culture-derived tachyzoites. The antigen was expressed in Escherichia coli; when injected into mice it stimulated the production of antibodies which detected a 29 kDa antigen of N. caninum. Secondary structure predictions made for the N. caninum protein showed support for several amphipathic helices separated by loops and turns. The available evidence indicates maintenance of protein secondary structure, and not DNA or amino acid sequence, has occurred during the evolution of GRA2 proteins in N. caninum and T. gondii.

Treatment of eye diseases by the healers of marakanam bio-region

The present study is an attempt to list some of the medicinal plants used by the traditional practitioners of the Marakanam bio-region in the treatment of various eye diseases. The survey of folk medicine men from this bio-region has revelaed that there are 24 medicinal plants locally available for treating both simple and complex eye diseases. Most of these diseases have been identified in Sanskrit and Tamil and are correlated with their English terms.

Phytochemical observations on some species of andrographis wall

Phytochemical studies of leaf of the herbs, Andrographis paniculata and Andrographis lineate (Acanthaceae) were carried out. Presence of phenolic compounds, flavonoids, alkaloids saponins and tannins and absence of steroids and triterpenoids have been reported there in this herbs for the first time.

Nomenclatural confusion of some species of andrographis wall

Andrographis paniculata Nees, Andrographis alata Nees and Andrographis lineate Nees. (Acanthaceae) are important medicinal plants useful in the treatment of various human ailments. Nomenclatural confusion prevails with regards to these medicinal plants in India medical literature and vernacular nomenclature. This nomenclatural confusion has been clarified in the present paper.

Propagation of andrographis lineata nees by stem cuttings

Androgaphis lineate Nees., an important tribal medicinal plant of the Shevaroy Hill was noted to be restricted in its distribution due to biotic pressure. The species was successfully propagated by stem cuttings in its habitat. The percentage establishment of stem cuttings was 67.

Antivenom activities of some species of andrographis wall

Antivenom activities of the alcoholic extracts of three species of Andrographis wall, were measured at a concentration of 10,25,50,75 and 100 μg/ml by in vitro assay of HRBC membrane lysis. All the extracts were found to be effective in the inhibition of in vitro HRBC lysis. The maximum antivenom activity was found in the alcoholicextract of Andrographis paniculata Nees.

Rapid multiplication of wedelia chinensis (osbeck) merr - a valuable medicinal herb

Stem-cuttings of Wedelia chinensis (Osbeck.) Merr. Were treated with different concentrations of IBA and GA. The results indicate that 100 ppm IBA treatment greatly enhances root production and quick establishment of the stem-cuttings.

Antipyretic activities of some species of andrographis wall

The antipyretic activities of the alcoholic extracts of three species of Andrographis Wall, were assayed at a dose of 500 mg/kg body weight in pyrogenic polysaccharide - induced hyperpyrexia in male albino rats. All the extracts were found to be effective in the inhibition of pyrexia. The maximal antipyretic activity was found with the alcoholic extract of Andrographis alata Nees.

Nomenclatural confusion on eclipta prostrate (L.) L

Eclipta prostrate (L.) L. (Asterceae) is a valuable plant used in the treatment of various human ailments in Ayurveda and Siddha systems. Nomenclatural confusion prevails as different plants are mentioned in Indian medical literature as Bhringaraja and Karisalahganni. It is evident from the present study that the nomenclature Bhringaraja and Karisalanganni must be restricted only to Eclipta prostrate (L.) L.