002271   Upadhyay G;Singh B N;Singh H B;Dhan Prakash; Sandeep Kumar;Singh K K;Singh R L (Nutraceutical Chemistry Laboratory, NBRI, Lucknow-226 001) : Phenolic contents and antioxidant potential of Rhododendron spp species. Indian J agric Biochem 2005, 18(1), 35-8.

In order to assess the antioxidant potential, leaves of 21 species of Rhododendron were studied for their moisture, total phenolic contents (TPC), flavonoids, antioxidant activity (AOA) and free radical scavenging capacity. Out of these, R. baileyii, R. camellieflorum, R. campanulatum, R. cilliatum, R. cinnabarinum, R. griffithianum, R. lepidotum, R. niveum, R. sallignum and R. virgatum were found to have high TPC (91.4-208.9 mg/g GAE), high AOA (73.5-97.2%) and efficient free radical scavengers as evident by their low IC₅₀ (0.07 to 0.19 mg/ml), low EC₅₀ (3.28 to 8.26 mg/mg DPPH), high ARP (antiradical power) (12,10 to 30.48) and high reducing power expressed as ascorbic acid equivalent (ASE/ml) (0.46 to 1.43) as compared to standard quercetin. The promising species were further assayed for their composition of phenolic acids and flavonoids through high performance liquid chromatography. Free radicals can cause damage to cellular bio-molecules leading to several diseases. Rhododendron species with high amounts of phenols, a major group of phytochemicals with antioxidant properties, can help to inactivate them.

1 illus, 2 tables, 27 ref

002270   Tewari P;Saxena A K;Rao O P (NO, , Central Himalayan Environment Association, 08 Weldrof Compound, Email: ak_saxenanduat@india.com) : Effect of sodicity and salinity on seedling growth of two early successional agroforestry tree species. Trop Ecol 2006, 47(1), 125-32.

Growth responses of Dalbergia sissoo Roxb. and Acacia nilotica (Linn.) Willd. ex. Del. seedlings were compared on different levels of soil sodicity and salinity. The growth and dry weight of one-year old seedlings decreased as the level of sodicity and salinity increased in both species. However, the suppression in growth caused by sodicity and salinity was relatively greater in D. sissoo than in A. nilotica. A. nilotica showed wider response breadth compared with D. sissoo on both the gradients. Further, the response breadths were comparatively higher under sodicity levels than under salinity levels. Root : shoot ratio and root weight ratio in both the species increased on increasing the levels of sodicity and salinity, whereas relative growth rate and net assimilation rate indicated a reverse trend.

2 illus, 5 tables, 32 ref

002269   Tandon R;Chaudhury R;Shivanna K R (Botany Dep, Univ of Delhi, Delhi-110 007, Email: rjtnd@redifmail.com) : Cryopreservation of oil palm pollen. Curr Sci 2007, 92(2), 182-3.

1 illus, 15 ref

002268   Sulochana Selvakumari P A;De Britto A J (Botany Dep, St John's Coll, Palayamkottai-627 002) : GC-MS study of the oil fraction of methanol extract of the corm Typhonium roxburghii. J med aromatic Pl Sci 2006, 28(4), 578-9.

Methanol extract of Typhonium roxburghii (Corm) yielded Yellow oil. The oil obtained, was subjected to GC-MS studies and the chemical constitutents present in the oil were identified as methyl ester of 2-hydroxy benzoic acid, diethyl phthalate, palmitic acid ethyl ester, linoleic acid ethyl ester and bis (2-ethyl hexyl) phthalate. Diethyl phthalate was found to be the major constituent.

1 table, 9 ref

002267   Subramanian D (NO, , 277, Mariappanagar, Annamalainagar-608 002) : Mosses from the plains of Tamilnadu. Bull pure appl Sci-Sect B 2006, 25(2), 127-35.

Mosses observed from the plains, particularly Villupuram, Cuddalorc and Tanjore districts of Tamilnadu, are Bryum ramosum Mitt, Barbula indica Brid, B. ricciofolius sp. nov., B. foreauanus sp. nov., B. mayurensis sp. nov., B. kalrayensis sp. nov., Physcomitriella sivapuriensis sp. nov., P. indicum sp. nov., P. athamurensis sp. nov. and P. kolanchiappensis sp. nov. These studies have been made for the first time from the plains of Tamilnadu, near seashore areas.

6 ref

002266   Sridhar Reddy M;Parthasarathy N (Ecology and Environmental Sciences Dep, Pondicherry Univ, Pondicherry-605 014, Email: parthapu@yahoo.com) : Liana diversity and distribution on host trees in four inland tropical dry evergreen forests of peninsular India. Trop Ecol 2006, 47(1), 109-23.

Liana diversity and their distribution on host trees were studied in four 1 ha plots, distributed one in each of the four inland tropical dry evergreen forest sites of peninsular India. A total of 2678 lianas (≥ 1 cm diameter at breast height, dbh) belonging to 35 species in 32 genera and 22 families were inventoried in the four sites. Forty per cent of species were exclusive to individual sites and 25% of species were common to all the four sites. Five predominant liana species formed 56% of the total liana population. Combretuin albidum, the predominant species across the four sites contributed 28% of total liana density. Majority of lianas (70%) were within 1-3 cm dbh class. Of the four climbing modes of lianas (twiners, tendril climbers, scramblers and hook climber) the twiners were the most abundant. Ordination analysis based on species abundance differentiated sites along a disturbance gradient. Sixty-three per cent of the total 2785 trees ≥ 10 cm girth at breast height (gbh) carried at least one liana. Albizia amara and Manilkara hexandra were the most preferred host trees, while the dominant trees Memecylon umbellatum and Glycosmis pentaphylla had lower proportion of trees carrying lianas. The frequency distribution of lianas on trees ranged from 0-10 and the frequency of trees with different number of lianas showed non-random distribution. A significant difference in liana infestation rate as well as mean liana load was observed between trees of 10-30.cm and <62>30 cm gbh classes. Four host species of <62>30 cm gbh had a significantly higher proportion of trees supporting lianas than the forest mean. Further, lianas showed a preference for multi-stemmed trees and host trees of <62>30 cm gbh class with rough bark.

3 illus, 9 tables, 50 ref

002265   Singh J;Tripathi A;Gandha R;Singh S C;Jain S P;Sharma A;Khanuja S P S (Central Inst of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants, , Lucknow-226 015) : Traditional uses of justicia adhatoda (Vasaka). J med aromatic Pl Sci 2006, 28(4), 635-47.

2 tables, 47 ref

002264   Shukla Y N;Bhakuni R S;Singh D P;Jain S P; Khanuja S P S (NO, Central Inst of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants, Lucknow-226 015) : Chemical and biological studies on the genus convolvulus - a review. J med aromatic Pl Sci 2006, 28(3), 392-413.

Genus Convolvulus comprises 370 species. Twenty species are reported in India and of these C. arvensis and C. prostratus are of common occurrence. The genus is reported to possess tropane and ergot alkaloids. The compounds belonging to the class flavonoids, coumarins, lipids, and triterpenoids are also reported. The various extracts and their isolates are found to possess anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, hypotensive, antidysenteric, hypolipidaemic, larvicidal, antifeedant and antimosquito properties. C. microphyllus is especially useful as a memory enhancer whereas C. arvensis grows as weed alongwith several useful crops causing immense damage. It has been controlled by using various synthetic chemicals and hormones. The various studies in the field of chemistry, tissue culture, physiology, agronomy and pharmacology have been carried out on different species of Convolvulus.

1 table, 318 ref

002263   Shukla R D;Shanker J (NO, Kulbhaskar Ashram Post Graduate College, Allahabad-211 001) : Nutritive value and infra-red spectra of leaf protein concetrate extracted from potato Solanum tuberosum L.) Haulms. Indian J agric Biochem 2005, 18(1), 39-41.

Various nutritional parameters like amino acid content, In vitro protein digestibility, crude protein content and food value were studied in leaf protein concentrates obtained by fractionation of potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) Haulms. Fractionated LPC was found to be more nutritious for its use as non-conventional protein source for food and feed.

1 illus, 12 tables, 12 ref

002262   Shrestha B B;Uprety Y;Jha P K (Central Dep of Botany, Tribhuvan Univ, Kirtipur, P. O. Box No. 6132, Kathmandu, Nepal, Email: bhabashre@yahoo.com) : Wood property in relation to foliar phenology of some planted tree species at Kirtipur, Central Nepal. Trop Ecol 2006, 47(2), 201-09.

Wood water content (WWC), wood saturated water content (WSWC) and wood density (Dw) were measured in planted Pinus roxburghii (chir pine), Alnus nepalensis (alder) and Populus x euramericana (poplar)) for one year from (March 2002 to February 2003) at monthly intervals. Phonological events were recorded by frequent visits during the same period. Chir pine and alder retained mature leaves during winter and early summer. Chir pine is unusual in having very short (only 13 months) leaf life span among the pines. With decreasing leaf life span, from chir pine (13 months), alder (10 months) to poplar (7 months), (Dw) wood density decreased, and wood water content (WWC) and wood saturated water content (WSWC) increased. All three species had their highest Dw in late October. Species with high Dw had low WSWC (R = 0.91, p <60> 0.001). These three species were significantly different with respect to Dw. Both leaf production and leaf fall were more concentrated in poplar and chir pine than in alder. Prolonged leaf production in alder appears to be associated with its inherent behavior as an early successional species, and a reduction in leaf area due to insect herbivory. Despite their unequal leaf life span, all species began new growth (bud break and leaf flushing) during the dry, hot summer season. Water stored in the stem and that conserved by reduction in transpirational loss due to leaf fall (in chir pine and alder) was availablbe for leaf initial growth. It appears that climate data alone could not explain the water relations as well as phenology of these trees.

5 illus, 4 tables, 23 ref

002261   Sharma V (Botany Dep, Allahabad Univ, Allahabad) : Germination of spores of Bipolaris tetramera (Mckinney) shoemaker. Indian For 2007, 133(7), 986-92.

13 illus, 2 tables, 11 ref

002260   Sharma N;Narinder Kaur;Gupta A K (Biochemistry and Chemistry Dep, Genetics and Biotechnology (Rice Section) Punjab Agricultural Univ, Ludhiana-141 004) : Effect of salicylic acid on the carbohydrate composition and activities of sucrose metabolizing enzymes in potato. Indian J agric Biochem 2005, 18(1), 43-5.

The effect of salicylic acid (SA) applied as foliar spray on the activities of sucrose metabolizing enzymes and carbohydrate composition was investigated in potato crop. The activity of sucrose synthase (cleavage) was significantly higher than that of acid invertase in all tissues. The activity of alkaline invertase was negligible. A higher reducing sugar content from 60-80 DAS was the reflection of high SS(cleavage) activity during this period in the stem of SA-sprayed crop. In the stolons of the SA-sprayed crop, the higher reducing sugar content from 50-70 DAS could be due to a higher acid invertase activity. Application of SA to plants increased SS activity of tubers on fresh weight basis for most of the development period, but this did not lead to increased tuber yield. This indicates that large change in SS activity is unlikely to be a primary factor in regulating sink activity and growth. The incorporation of ¹⁴C-sucrose into soluble sugars and starch fractions was high, but this did not lead to increased yield of SA treated crop.

3 tables, 19 ref

002259   Sharma C M;Khanduri V P (Forestry Dep, HNB Garhwal Univ, P.O. Box 76, Srinagar Garhwal-246 174, Email: sharmacmin@indiatimes.com) : Vegetative and reproductive phenosphases in Aesculus indica Colebr. at two different altitudes in Himalayan forests. Curr Sci 2007, 92(2), 216-25.

Phenological features of Aesculus indica Colebr. were studied in Kumaun Central Himalaya in relation to leaf sprouting, anthesis, pollen production, fruit setting, development and retention, and leaf and fruit drop at two different altitudes. Leaf initiation in this species starts in the middle of February and leaf formation occurs in March. Initiation of flowering was observed during the first fortnight of April at both the sites, whereas the total period of flowering oscillated between 47 days (on higher elevation, site S₂) and 51 days (on lower elevation, site S₁). The peak period of anthesis was noticed between 1200 and 1400 h of the day. Pollen production per tree varied from 3.90 x 10⁹ to 9.36 X 10⁹ in 1998 and 7.66 x 10⁹ to 9.76 X 10⁹ in the year 1999. Fruit setting was observed in the last week of May with 67.42±6.39% (site S₁) and 71.87±6.92% (site S₂) successful fruit setting after 20 days of pollination. Rapid leaf and fruit drop starts from the end of October to early November, after which the tree remains leafless up to mid-February.

1 illus, 5 tables, 53 ref

002258   Saisivam S;Kishan V (Univ Coll Pharmac Sci, Kakatiya Univ, Warangal-506 009, Email: vbkishan@yahoo.com) : Taxonomy, fermentation and biological activities of a new strain of Streptomyces luridus from Indian soil. Indian J Microbiol 2006, 46(2), 153-60.

In the process of screening for a potent antimicrobial compound active on clinical resistant strains, a new strain of Streptomyces luridus (G22) was isolated from Indian soil. It was found antagonistic to both bacterial test organisms and clinical resistant species of Klebsiella and Staphylococcus. Production of antibiotic was more in nutrient broth as compared to starch casein or czapek's broth. Antibiotic production reached maximum at the end of 24 h of fermentation by shake flask culture. The antimicrobial compound was extracted in ethyl acetate from the culture broth. The ethyl extract of antimicrobial compound showed no significant anticancer activity when tested on HBL 100 breast cancer cell line. This strain from Indian soil produced a different antibiotic when compared to the previously reported antibiotics based on bioautography and spectrum of activity.

3 illus, 4 tables, 17 ref

002257   Saikia S P;Jain V;Srivastava G C (Medicinal Div, Aromatic & Economic Plants, Regional Research Laboratory (CSIR), Jorhat-785 006, Email: sp_sidhu@yahoo.com) : Nitrogen fixation in nodules of maize roots by Azorhizobium caulinodans. Indian J Microbiol 2006, 46(2), 171-3.

Nodules on maize (Zea mays L.) cv. Kiran were induced using plant growth regulator 2,4-D in nitrogen free Hoagland solution. Concentrations of 2,4-D greater than 1 ppm caused stunting and death, while less than 1 ppm had no obvious effect on seedling growth. Presence of nitrogenase activity and leghemoglobin was noticed in the plants treated with Azorhizobium either alone or with nodulated plants, but higher activity was noticed in the nodulated Azorhizobium treated plants. These results confirmed the nitrogenase activity of Azorhizobium caulinodans in association with the 2,4-D induced nodules of maize.

^ssc2 tables, 17 ref

002256   Parolin P;Armbruster N;Junk W J (NO, Max-Planck-Institute for Limnology, Tropical Ecology, P.O. Box 165, 24302 Plon, Germany, Email: pparolin@mpil-ploen.mpg.de) : Two amazonian floodplain trees react differently to periodical flooding. Trop Ecol 2006, 47(2), 243-50.

Tested if two Amazonian floodplain tree species, Laetio corymbulosa (Flacourtiaceae) and Pouteria glomerata (Sapotaceae), react in a similar way to the extreme changes of hydrologic conditions. They have several features in common and both belong to the "alternative energy metabolism" strategy. A strong leaf loss and significant reduction of new leaf production was observed in L. corymbulosa in a period of unusually strong drought, accompanied by a significant decrease in predawn leaf water potential. P. glomerate, was not affected by drought, but showed a complete inhibition of new leaf production in the period of highest water levels. Photosynthetic activity in L. corymbulosa was highest in the terrestrial phase (13 μmol CO₂ m^-2 s^-1). In the first week after inundation net CO₂-exchange rates were comparable to those of the terrestrial phase, but dropped drastically to 3 μmol CO₂ m^-2 s^-1 after approx. six months of waterlogging. In contrast, assimilation rates of P. glomerata were nearly constant during the whole annual cycle, ranging between 8 and 12 μmol CO₂ m^-2 s^-1. The results show that L. corymbulosa reacts more sensitively to both drought and long-term waterlogging than P. glomerata. Both species belong to the same strategy group as defined by root metabolism and show predictable reactions to the changing hydrological conditions, and the reactions are linked to the hydric environment. On the other hand, they show very different phonological and physiological patterns and thus stand for the high diversity of species and of strategies of trees of Varzea floodplains.

2 illus, 1 table, 23 ref

002255   Parihar S S;Pathak P S (Seed Science & Technology Div, Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi-110 012, Email: ssparihar@iari.res.in) : Flowering phenology and seed biology of selected tropical perennial grasses. Trop Ecol 2006, 47(1), 81-7.

Phenological variations, seed yielding components, seed and germination characteristics were investigated in fourteen perennial tropical grasses during monsoon growth (1995 and 1996). Brachiaria brizantha and Panicum antidotale were the earliest flowering grasses with floral initiation during August first week, after about 40-45 days of monsoon initiated growth from June end. Six grasses flowered and produced 'seeds' during September -October, while another six species started inflorescence exsertion during the second half of November under short day response, after <62> four months vegetative growth. Seeds are florets with two spikelets or a group of spikelet with or without appendages. Caryopses are enclosed in the husk and dispersed intact. Five grasses place a high premium in the enclosure of caryopsis as weight of husk exceed the weight of caryopsis. Seed setting was poor in exotic species compared to indegenous. Seed set was also poor to nil in grasses flowering during winter under short day conditions. Germination in 'seeds' was low depending upon per cent seed set, while germination in caryopses was much higher up to 92 percent.

3 tables, 28 ref

002254   Pandey C B;Kanak Lata;Venkatesh A;Medhi R P (NO, Central Agricultural Research Institute, Port Blair-744 101) : Diversity and species structure of home gardesn flora in south Andaman. Trop Ecol 2006, 47(2), 251-8.

Survey was conducted in 19 home gardens and 10 home - forest-gardens in South Andaman to elucidate species structure and diversity in their floristic composition. Number of ligneous species was 18 in home garden and 10 in home-forest-garden. Plantation crops i.e., coconut, arecanut; fruit plants - mango, banana, papaya and spices - clove, nutmeg and cinnamon were major species in the home garden. Density and relative frequency of arecanut was maximum in both home garden as well as in home - forest - garden. Home garden being similar in physiognomy to tropical evergreen forest, formed five tiered and home- forest-garden four tiered canopy structure. Coconut constituted top storey, arecanut and jackfruit fourth storey, mango, cashewnut and tamarind third storey, spices second storey and annuals like Zinziber officinalis, Curcuma longa and Manihot esculenta and pineapple first storey in the home garden. Home - forest - garden differed from the home garden as the former lacked spice trees and contained forest tree species only in the top storey. Similarity in species composition between home garden and home-forest-garden was 72%. Diversity of plant species was greater in home - forest - garden whereas equitability, concentration of dominance and species richness in home garden.

2 illus, 2 tables, 27 ref

002253   Palanisamy M (Botanical Survey of India, , Port Blair-744 102, Email: samy_bsi@yahoo.co.in) : Synedra ulna (Nitzsch) Ehrenberg: a new generic record in Schirmacher oasis, antarctica. Curr Sci 2007, 92(2), 179-81.

3 illus, 1 table, 16 ref

002252   Padma Singh;Karnwal P (Microbiology Dep, Kanya Gurukul Mahavidyalaya, (Gurukul Kangri Vishwavidyalaya), Jwalapur, Haridwar, Uttaranchal-249 407, Email: p_karnwal@yahoo.com.sg) : Antifungal activity of Cassia fistula leaf extract against Candida albicans. Indian J Microbiol 2006, 46(2), 169-70.

Leaf extract of Cassia fistula was tested for antifungal activity against Candida albicans. Extracts of the leaves of Cassia fistula were prepared in acetone, diethyl ether and methanol. The antifungal activity was performed by paper disc diffusion assay. The methanol extract showed highest activity i.e., upto 21mm which was comparable with the standard antifungal antibiotic, clotrimazole.

^ssc1 table, 10 ref

002251   Okwu D E;Morah F N I (Chem Dep, Michael Okpara Univ of Agric, Umudike P.M.B. 7267 Umuahia Abia State, Nigeria, Email: okwudonatus@yahoo.com) : Potentials of Garcinia kola seed as a source for nutraceuticals. J med aromatic Pl Sci 2006, 28(4), 605-11.

^iia3 tables, 60 ref

002250   Oatham M P;Boodram N (Life Sciences Dep, West Indies Univ, St. Augustine, Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, Email: moatham@fsa.uwi.tt) : Dry forest vegetation communities of Little tobago island, West Indies: floristic affinities. Trop Ecol 2006, 47(2), 211-28.

Floristic affinities of the dry forest of Little Tobago, a continental island off northern South America, were assessed. Surveys found a total of 103 native species in the vegetation community of Little Tobago Island. Floristic affinities were strongest with northern South American countries but were also heavily influenced by Antillean elements indicating that Little Tobago lay in a transition zone between continental South American dry forests and Antillean dry forests. Poor protection of dry forests in the areas with which Little Tobago has the highest floristic affinities make the island important for conservation purposes.

3 illus, 4 tables, 41 ref

002249   Nitha B;Meera C R;Janaradhanan K K (Microbiol Dep, Amala Cancer Res Centre, Thrissur-680 555, Email: kkjanardhanan@yahoo.com) : Anti-inflammatory and antitumour activities of cultured mycelium of morel mushroom, Morchella esculenta. Curr Sci 2007, 92(2), 235-9.

Mushrooms are nutritionally functional food and a source of physiologically beneficial and non-toxic medicines. They have been used in folk medicine throughout the world since ancient times. Morchella esculenta (L) Pers. is an edible and highly priced mushroom. Commercial cultivation of this mushroom has not been successful till now and hence its mycelium is extensively used as a flavouring agent. Anti-infla- mmatory and antitumour activities of ethanolic extract of cultured mycelium of M. esculenta were investigated. The extract showed significant dose-dependent inhibition of both acute and chronic inflammation. The activity was comparable to that of the standard reference drug, Diclofenac. Antitumour activity of the extract was determined using both DLA cell line-induced solid tumour and EAC cell line-induced ascites tumour models in mice. The extract exhibited significant antitumour activity against both ascites and solid tumours. The finding suggests the potential therapeutic use of aqueous-ethanolic extract of morel mushroom mycelium in chemotherapy. 

3 tables, 27 ref

002248   Nalini M S;Shylaja M D;Prakash H S;Shetty H S (Studies in Applied Botany and Seed Pathology Dep, Mysore Univ, Manasagangothri, Mysore-570 006) : Production of polyclonal antibody of bean common mosaic virus and its application in seed health testing. Indian J Microbiol 2006, 46(2), 97-108.

Bean common mosaic potyvirus (BCMV) is an important scedborne pathogen of french bean. BCMV was purified to homogeneity employing an improved purification protocol using ammonium sulphate precipitation instead of polyethylene glycol precipitation step. Polyclonal antibody was produced in rabbit for purified virus fraction and characterized for its antigenic determinant by western blotting and the results were compared with MAb-BCMV. PAb-BCMV i) had an antibody titer of 1: 3000; ii) sensitive as it could detect 50 to 250 μg of total protein in crude sap and 10 to 50 μg of purified virus fraction; iii) specific, as it detected only BCMV and not other potyviruses except peanut mottle virus which is not a french bean pathogen; and iv) relevant in seed health testing as it exhibited broad-spectrum reactivity with all isolates and found to be suitable for seed health testing of french bean.

6 illus, 4 tables, 21 ref

002247   Naithani H B (Bot Div, FRI, Dehradun) : Nomenclature and distribution of bamboo Oxytenanthera parvifolia in India. Indian For 2007, 133(7), 993-6.

^ssc2 illus, 91 ref

002246   Nageswara Rao D V K;Thomas J;Punnoose K I (NO, Rubbber Research Institute of India, Kottayam, Kerala-686 009, Email: dvknra@rubberboard.org.in) : Rapid method of determination of total N, P and K in a single digest of fresh leaf material of Hevea. J Indian Soc Soil Sci 2006, 54(3), 277-82.

A rapid method of analysis was tested using 2 mL of concentrated H₂SO₄ and 5 mL of 30% H₂O₂ in Vigruex fractionating head for digestion of fresh leaf material of Hevea. It took much less time for digestion of each leaf sample. The t-test indicated that variance and means of N, P and K recovered from rapid peroxide and routine wet oxidation digests were not significantly different from each other. Similarly, there were no significant differences between variances and means of colorimetry and distillation methods of N determination. It suggested that colorimetry could be a better alternative to distillation to save time. It was clear from the study that this method was rapid, recovery was complete and on par with conventional leaf analysis and permits estimation of N, P and K from a single extract.

4 illus, 2 tables, 11 ref

002245   Mohan J S S;Sharma S;Mahida Y;Ishnava K B (Biosciences Dep, Sardar Patel Univ, Vallabh Vidyanagar-388 120, Email: jssmohan@hotmail.com) : Spectrum of antibacterial activity possessed by petal extracts of some Indian plants. J med aromatic Pl Sci 2006, 28(4), 557-61.

Currently, increase in resistance of microorganisms to antimicrobials has necessitated search for alternative sources to available first line drugs. Methanolic extracts from petals of 32 plants belonging to 19 families were screened for antibacterial activity. Extracts of Cassia angustifolia, Cassia biflora, Cochlospermum religiosa, Couroupita guianensis, Cassia siamea, Datura fastuosa, lxora parviflora, Moringa oleifera, Plumeria alba and Saraca indica exhibited broad spectrum inhibitory activity against five gram-positive and five gramªnegative bacteria. Staphylococcus aureus and Klebsiella pneumoniae were found to be most susceptible to these agents, among the gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria displayed here. The MIC values for Couroupita guianensis, Datura fastuosa and Plumeria alba were in range of 2-8 mg/ml.

1 table, 19

002244   Mishra B;Singh R;Tripathi S K;Chaturvedi S K (Bio-Physics Lab, Mahatma Gandhi Chitrakoot Gramodaya Viswavidyalaya, Chitrakoot, Satna-485 331) : Comparative study of bio-emf performance of different agaves species. Bull pure appl Sci-Sect B 2006, 25(2), 115-21.

Various leaves of Agave species are used to develop Bio-emf-devices (BED) and perform their comparative study. It is found that, the number of living cells present in leaf tissue plays important role in current generation mechanism from BED. Different factors have also discussed to achieve better performance from Agave species.

6 illus, 1 table, 12 ref

002243   Maharashi R P (Aromatic PlantsPlant Pathology Dep, SKN Coll of Agric, Jobner-303 329) : Fusarium solani and Rhizoctonia bataticola - cause of seedling mortality of ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) and their management. J med aromatic Pl Sci 2006, 28(4), 585-8.

Fusarium solani and Rhizoctonia bataticola have been observed sing seedling mortality and later manifest wilt/root rot syndrome in Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera). Mycoflora ,ciated with seeds of Jawahar Ashwangandha 20 showed high percentage of both F. solani and R. batadcola causing low germination of seeds and seedling mortality. Fungicides and Trichoderma spp applied as seed-dresser proved effective in reducing the seedling mortality with improvement of seed germination and vigour index, the fungicides proving better Trichoderma spp promising in view of curtailing hazard of toxic chemicals and their residues left, if any.

2 tables, 15 ref

002242   Koyro H W;Daoud S;Harrouni C;Huchzermeyer B (NO, Institute for Plant Ecology, Justus-Liebig-Univ, Heinrich-Buff-Ring 26-32, 35392 Giessen, Germany) : Strategies of a potential cash crop halophyte (Beta vulgaris) ssp. maritima) to avoid salt injury. Trop Ecol 2006, 47(2), 191-200.

Salt stress effects were studied on Beta vulgaris ssp. maritima plants cultivated in defined nutrient solution in a gravel/hydroponic quick check system (QCS) with flow irrigation. Compared plants grown with 0, 125, 250, 375 and 500 mol m^-3 NaCl-salinity. The salinity tolerance was measured on the basis of three parameters: a) The maximum yield of Beta vulgaris ssp. maritima was reduced by 50% (C₅₀-value) at 375 mol m^-3 NaCl-salinity. b) The salinity threshold was reached at 125 mol m^-3 NaCl-salinity. c) Gas exchange parameters such as net photosynthesis (μmol m^-2 s^-1), stomatal conductance (mol m^-2 s^-1) and transpiration (mol m^-2 s^-1) were highest at 250 mol m^-3 NaCl-salinity. At salinities above the C₅₀-value the ratio of intercellular (C_i) to atmospheric (C_a) CO₂-concentrations (C_i/C_a ratios), transpiration and stomatal conductance showed a distinct reduction and there was a steep rise in water use efficiency. The strategies employed by the seabeet for avoiding salt injury depend on adaptation to low water potential and high Na and Cl concentrations. The seabeet was able to balance out low external water potential and to generate turgor by accumulating high internal Na and Cl concentrations in the leaf and of sucrose and proline in the taproot. However, the specifity for the uptake of K, Mg and Ca was insufficient Co prevent dilution of these ions at tissue and cellular level, supporting the hypothesis that the major reason for the particular threshold of salinity tolerance in the seabeet is ion-deficiency. The biennial seabeet survives NaCl in the range of seawater salinity because of a division of labour between leaf and taproot. It can be concluded that the mechanisms in the leaf are effective only until the taproot provides sufficient conditions for completion of a second vegetation period.

4 illus, 2 tables, 24 ref

002241   Kalra A et al (NO, Central Inst of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants (CIMAP), Lucknow-226 015) : High herb and oil yielding genotype of Pogostemon patchouli with faster regeneration capabioities "CIM-Samarth". J med aromatic Pl Sci 2006, 28(3), 420-3.

Twelve clones (including check P_Nt-I) of Pogestemon patchouli collected from different agroclimatic zones of India were evaluated in a randomized block design (RBD) with three replications. Six potential clones were further tested on a larger plot size with three replication in RBD. Superior clones were tested in open field as well as under shade (with banana). Clone PLTC-l was having highest oil content (2.67%) and was also found significantly superior to all the clones tested for oil yield. The oil content of PLTC 1 varied from 2.51 to 2.65% in open and 1.6 to 1.9% in shade with more than 48% content of patchouli alcohol in oil. This clone (PLTC-l) was identified for its formal release as a variety named "CIM- Samarth". This variety is high yielding having high regeneration capability and it is tolerant to most of diseases.

2 illus, 4 tables, 3 ref

002240   Kalkar S A;Agrawal P B;Paulkar N M (Botany Dep, Inst of Science, Nagpur-440 001) : Ficus extracts against copper intoxication. Ultra Scient phys Sci 2006, 18(2), 265-7.

Continuous ingestion of Cu (II) is sufficient to induce chronic Cu poisoning in man. So removal of such toxic metal is necessary. Here, an attempt has been made using colorimetric EDTA titration in order to find the utility of Ficus extracts in the removal of toxic metals like CU (II). Efforts are also made to find out the solute-solvent and solute-solute interactions from the ultrasonic velocity and density measurement. Such studies may throw light on the antitoxicity of Ficus extracts. It has been observed that plant extracts showing less interactions will be more useful in absorbing toxic metals.

2 tables, 7 ref

002239   Jayakumari S;Rao S;Rajkumar M;Annandhi M V; Maheswari R (Pharmacognosy Dep, Vel's Coll of Pharmacy, Old Pallavaram-600 117, Email: nisajaya@yahoo.com) : Pharmacognostical evaluation of stem and root of Thespesia populnea. J med aromatic Pl Sci 2006, 28(4), 567-72.

Thespesia populnea (Linn.) Soland ex. Correa commonly known "Poovarasu" in Tamil. It belongs to the family Malvaceae. The plant is used in various disease conditions such as sentery, diarrhoea, piles, ulcer and urinary disorders. The and root of the plant are used in treating skin diseases like scabies, psoriasis and itching of the skin and it is also used an anthelmintic. Stem and root of the plant are used in it system of medicine [4]. The requires standardization, before it enters into the market. For the purpose of characterization and standardization, the present study provides an elaborate pharmacognostic study, which includes, macroscopy, powder microscopy, physico-chemical and phytochemical evaluations. The present study reveals that outer ce of the root and stem possesses lenticels. Transverse on of root and stem showed the presence of druses of calcium the crystals. multiseriatc medullary rays, long pitted vessels ~ rounded starch grains. Phytochemical study showed the presence of steroids, navonoids, terpenoids and glycosides.

6 illus, 3 tables, 8 ref

002238   Handique G K;Handique A K (Biotechnology Dep, Gauhati Univ, Guwahati-781 014) : Nutritive value of some non-conventional leafy vegetables. Indian J agric Biochem 2005, 18(1), 47-9.

The study was conducted to evaluate the nutritive value of seven non-conventional leafy vegetables viz. Hibiscus sabdarifa, Sechium edule, Momordica dioica, Cucurbita moschata, Moringa oleifera, Perilla frutescens and Solanum macrocarpon with respect to major nutritional components. It was observed that crude protein content varied from 20.81% (H. sabdarifa) to 26.58% (C. moschata).. Crude fiber content varied from 8.98% in (M. oleifera) to 16.16% (S. edule). The range of variation for ash content was from 7.23% (H. sabdarifa) to 17.45% (S. macrocarpon). Total carbohydrate were low; in the range of 8.8% (S. macrocarpon) to 13.70 % (M. oleifera). Values for lipid contents were lowest of all parameters and varied from 2.24% (M. dioica) to 4.0% (H. sabdarifa). The study thus indicated that non-conventional leafy vegetables were excellent source of protein, minerals and crude fibre content.

1 table, 9 ref

002237   Gupta S;Narayan R (Botany Dep, I.P. (Post-Graduate) College, Bulandshahr-203 001, Email: gupta_shachi@yahoo.co.in) : Species diversity in four contrasting sites in peri-urban area in Indian dry tropics. Trop Ecol 2006, 47(2), 229-41.

Due to human activities peri-urban areas are witnessing rapid ecological alteration that make them highly dynamic. Plant species diversity and aboveground biomass (AGB) were investigated at four contrasting peri-urban sites, namely, brick kiln, grazing land, Kali river bank, and agricultural land in Indian dry tropics. The species occurrences at each site were recorded at monthly intervals for two years. Species IVI and AGB were estimated for each site seasonally. A total of 122 plant species, predominantly annuals, belonging to 34 angiospermic families were recorded from these sites. Total species count at each site was highest in rainy season and lowest in summer, whereas the reverse trend was observed for (3 diversity. Amongst the sites, grazingland and Kali river bank showed greater diversity than brick kiln and agricultural land. 3 diversity was highest at Kali river bank and much lower at agricultural land and brick kiln sites. The herbaceous vegetation showed a mosaic pattern which was more pronounced in dry months than in wet months. Species dominance altered with sites and seasons with increasing tendency of exotic species like Parthenium hysterophorus. Soils of study sites were heterogeneous with lower moisture, organic carbon and C:N ratio at brick kiln compared to other sites. The AGB at these sites (228 to 738 g m^-2) showed wide spatial and temporal variations. In conclusion, the drier months after rains, soil organic C and disturbance regimes greatly influence the species composition and diversity in these peri-urban habitats in Indian dry tropics.

3 illus, 5 tables, 51 ref

002236   Gupta R;Sharma P;Saxena A M (Zool Dep, Univ of Lucknow, Lucknow-226 007, Email: anandmsaxena@rediffmail.com) : Contribution of indigenous anti-diabetic herbs to alternative medicine of diabetes mellitus. J med aromatic Pl Sci 2006, 28(4), 612-23.

Recently, diabetes mellitus has become the common disease of world. Though, advanced technology is being used in modem treatment system, yet we are far away in exploration of many aspects and remedy of this disease. Some oral antidiabetic agents of modem medicine are not up to the mark due to their harmful side effects. Therefore, search for indigenous antidiabetic herbs is continued. Indigenous antidiabetic herbs, today gaining the popularity among alternative forms of medicine because, it is providing sound health and economic support to rural and tribal people also.

^iia12 illus, 132 ref

002235   Gupta B; (Silvicult Agroforestry Dep, UHF, Nauni Solan) : Allelopathic effect of leaf leachates of Pinus roxburghii Sargent on seeds of some grasses. Indian For 2007, 133(7), 997-1000.

^ssc1 table, 10 ref

002234   Fikret Balta M;Muradoglu F (Horticulture Dep, Faculty of Agriculture, Yuzuncu Yil Univ, 65080 Van, Turkey, Email: fikretbalta@yyu.edu.tr) : Indigenous hazelnuts (Corylus avellana L.) from van (eastern Turkey). Bull pure appl Sci-Sect B 2006, 25(2), 109-14.

Research was conducted to determine valuable genetic resources of hazelnut (Corylus avellana L.) grown in Gevas district (Van, eastern Turkey). In this district, hazelnut population consisted of a large of indigenous shrubs were investigated. The thirty Corylus avellana L. genotypes within the wild population were evaluated for further breeding efforts. Their some nut characteristics were determined. Genotypes had nut length 19.85-25.55 mm, nut width 14.47-25.78 mm, nut thickness 12.58-18.06 mm, nut weight between 1.64-3.10 g, kernel weight 0.52-1.21 g, kernel percentage 23.56-43.57. shell thickness 1.45-1.75 mm and kernel defect % 0-40. Their nut shapes were rounded, pointed, oblong and short. Many genotypes were considered promising.

3 tables, 20 ref

002233   Arvind Singh (NO, Banaras Hindu Univ, Old E/1, Jodhpur Colony, Varanasi-221 005) : Growth and leaf nutrient status of companion species as influenced by neighbouring species in mixed plantations raised on mine spoil. Trop Ecol 2006, 47(2), 259-69.

Effect of neighbouring species on growth and foliar nutrient status of companion species was studied in mixed plantation raised on coal mine spoil. The three combinations used were legume:legume,legume:non-legume and non-legume:non-legume. The neighbouring species had influenced the growth and foliar N and P status of companion species in mixed plantations. Acacia catechu had shown greater growth and foliar N and P status when grown with neighbouring legume Pongamia pinnata than when grown with another neighbouring legume Albizia lebbeck. The growth and foliar N and P status of non-legumes Gmelina arborea and Terminalia bellerica were greater when these species were grown with the legume Pongamia pinnata than when grown with non-legume. The legume Pongamia pinnata had exhibited better growth and increased N and P concentration when grown with non-legumes Gmelina arborea and Triminalia bellerica than when grown with legume Acacia catechu. Tectona grandis, on other hand side, had shown reduced growth and foliar N and P concentration, when grown with neighbouring legumes Dalbergia sissoo and Leucaena leucocephala than when grown with neighbouring non-legume Dendrocalamus strictus. The growth rates (height, diameter and volume increments) were positively related to foliar N and P concentration.

1 illus, 5 tables, 43 ref

002232   Alemmeren Jamir S;Upadhaya K;Pandey H N (Botany Dep, Fazl Ali College, Mokokchung-798 601, Email: pandeyhn@yahoo.com) : Life form composition and stratification of montane humid forests in Meghalaya, Northeast India. Trop Ecol 2006, 47(2), 183-90.

Life form composition and stratification was studied in five protected patches of humid montane forest in Jaintia hills of Meghalaya, northeast India. A total of 546 vascular plants recorded from the five stands were distributed in five major life-forms, exhibited dominance of phanerophytes (44-51%) in the community followed by chamaephytes (11-17%), epiphytes (11-16%), lianas (7-16%), geophytes (4-12%) and therophytes (2-9%). The presence of different life forms resulted into a five-layered distribution of plant species in the community. Out of the five layers, the woody species were distributed in three distinct layers, i.e., canopy, sub-canopy, and under canopy layer which was followed by shrub and herb layers in the community, making it similar to those of humid broad-leaved and subtropical forest found in China. These forests are also similar to the humid tropical forests in stratification, except the absence of emergent trees and shorter tree height in the canopy.

2 illus, 1 table, 40 ref

002231   Agarwal P C;Dev U;Baleshwar Singh;Indra Rani; Khetarpal R K (NO, National Bureau of Plant Genetic Resources, New Delhi-110 012, Email: pcag@nbpgr.ernet.in) : Seed-borne fungi detected in germplasm of Sesamum indicum L. introduced into India during last three decades. Indian J Microbiol 2006, 46(2), 161-4.

Quarantine processing of 2240 germplasm samples of Sesamum indicum (Sesame) into India during last three decades resulted in the interception of 12 pathogenic fungi of high economic significance. Among these, Alternaria longissima Deighton & MacGarvie, A. sesami (S. Kawam.) Mohanty & Behera, Cercospora sesami Zimmerm., Corynespora cassiicola (Berk & Curtis) Wei, Fusarium solani (Mart.) Sacc. and Macrophomina phaseolina (Tassi) Goid. are seed-borne on S. indicum while other fungal pathogens like Cephalosporium sp., Colletotrichum acutatum Simmonds ex Simmonds, C. coffeanum Noack, Corticium rolfsii Curzi, Phomopsis sp. and Verticillium albo-atrum Reinke & Berthold do not have S. indicum as the host. Some of the intercepted fungi are known to have a very wide host range. Country-wise information on the interception of various fungi on germplasm introductions could also be developed.

^ssc1 table, 14 ref

002230   Adebiyi A O;Tedela P O (Plant Science Dep, Ado-Ekiti Univ, Nigeria) : Potential of six Nigerian plant species for pulp and paper making. Bull pure appl Sci-Sect B 2006, 25(2), 105-8.

Fiber anatomy of six plant species viz: Andropogon teclorum, Pennisetum glaucum. Pennisetum purpureum, Zea mays, Bambusa vulgaris, and Musa parasidiaca in relation to their suitability for pulp and paper making were examined. Dimensions such as fiber length, fiber diameter, cell wall thickness and lumen diameter were determined and from these dimensions, the Runkel ratio, Flexibility coefficient, Relative fiber length and Pulp yield for each of the species were calculated. A. lectorum had the lowest runkel ratio of 0.41 and the highest flexibility coefficient of 0.71 while M. parasidiaca produced the highest Runkel ratio of 0.81 and the lowest flexibility coefficient of 0.56. However, B. vulgaris recorded the highest pulp yield of 35.70% while all the other species have their pulp yields ranged between 20.30% in M. parasidiaca to 30.00% in Z. mays. The study revealed that though A. teclorum seems to be the best species for pulp and paper making, all the other species equally exhibited good potential for pulp and paper making.

1 table, 10 ref

001366   Vimal Jaffee J;Sahaya G;Anthony Xavier (Plant Biology and Biotechnology Dep, St. Xavier's College (Autonomous), Palayamkottai, Tamil Nadu-627 002) : Allelopathic effect of Prosopis julifora (SW.) DC. leaf extracts on germination, growth and pigment content of green gram. Indian J bot Res 2006, 2(2), 183-6.

Effects of aqueous extracts from the leaves of Prosopis juliflora on the germination and growth characters of green gram has been studied. Prosopis juliflora was found to have LD50 at 5% concentration. Different treatments even with low level of Prosopis juliflora leaf extracts (i.e. 0.25%, 0.50%, 0.75%, 1.00% and 1.25%) on green gram was observed to inhibit the germination percentage, shoot length, root length and other parameters.

2 tables, 5 ref

001365   Vetriselvi J;Muthukumar C;Jayanthi G; Saravanamuthu R (Botany and Microbiology Dep, A.V.C. College, Mannampad, Mayiladuthurai-609 305) : Potentiality of cellulose degradation by the microorganisms associated with crop residues in the soil. Asian J Microbiol Biotechnol envir Sci 2007, 9(1), 91-4.

Five species of bacterial genera namely Pseudomonas, Micrococcus, Bacillus, Serratia and Proteus sp. and five species of fungi namely Aspergillus niger, Trichoderma harzianum, Myrothecium roridum. Curvularia lunata and Fusarium oxysporum were isolated from the agricultural crop residues in the field solar the conventional serial dilution plate technique. Cellulolytic activity of these organisms were deterrmined by viscometric method and loss in dry weight of filter paper disc method. Among the five bacterial generia Pseudomonas and Serratia sp. showed more cellulolytic activity than other bacteria whereas T. harizutium and C. lunata showed more percentage loss in dry weight of the filter paper. All the ten species are cellulase degrading organisms with varying potentiality and the results are discussed.

1 illus, 2 tables, 13 ref

001364   Unnikrishnan P (NO, , "Shivam" Vaidyaratnam Road, Nayadippara, Kottakkal-676 503) : Excerpts from cikitsamanjari-LV. Aryavaidyan 2007, 21(1), 59-63.

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001363   Unnikrishnan K P;Sudhakar Raja;Remashree A B; Balachandran I (NO, Centre for Medicinal Plants Research, Arya Vidya Sala, Kottakkal-676 503) : Occurrence of gmelinol in the stem bark of Gmelina arborea Roxb. Aryavaidyan 2007, 21(1), 34-7.

Deals with the phytochemical characterisation of the stem bark of Gmelina arborea using TLC and HPTLC profiling. The methanolic extract of the dried bark showed the presence of a lignan, gmelinol which has not reported earlier in the stem bark. Identification and quantification were performed and the percentage of gmelinol ranges from 0.11 to 0.17 in the samples analysed.

4 illus, 1 table, 11 ref

001362   Tejasvi A;Charaya M C (Botany Dep, C.C.S. Univ, Meerut-250 004) : Effect of Eucalyptus sp citriodora Hook. leaf litter extract on the litter-decomposing ability of certain microfungi. Asian J Microbiol Biotechnol envir Sci 2007, 9(1), 155-8.

Trichoderma lignorum was the best decomposer of wheat straw in vitro followed by Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus terreus and Aspergillus flavus. Eucalyptus leaf extract had a positive effect on in vitro decomposition of wheat straw by A. terreus and A. flavus, while, it inhibited the in vitro decomposition of wheat straw by A. niger and T. lignorum. Strong inhibition of carboxymethylcellulase activity and polygalacturonase activity of T. lignorum by eucalyptus leaf extract might be responsible for strong inhibition of decomposition by T. lignorum. In case of A. niger, stimulation of CMCase activity largely affects the inhibitory effect on PG activity. Stimulation of both CMCase and PG activity in A. terreus might be responsible for increase in the rate of decomposition by the fungus in the presence of eucalyptus leaf extract. In case of A. flavus, CMCase activity was stimulated substantially and therefore, in spite of inhibition of its PG activity, the net rate of decomposition was increased. The differential effect of eucalyptus leaf litter extract on enzyme activities of the soil fungi might be a factor contributing to differential effects on rate of litter decomposition by these fungi and more accurate.

ref

001361   Sumathi;Pushpa (Biochemistry Dep, Avinashlingam Deemed Univ, Coimbatore) : Evaluation of antibacterial activity of some Indian medicinal plants. Asian J Microbiol Biotechnol envir Sci 2007, 9(1), 201-5.

Ten bacterial isolates were tested for their sensitivity against standard antibiotics, aqueous and alcoholic extracts of the five plant samples and the mixture. E.cloacacea used in the study was multidrug resistant strain. Only the growth of E.coli was inhibited by the aqueous extracts of Acalypha indica and Mollugo latoides while the other aqueous extracts were inert. The aqueous extracts of Acalypha indica and Mollugo latoides were found to be effective in inhibiting the growth of E.coli at a concentration of 12.5 mg/mL and 6.25 mg/mL respectively. The MIC of alcoholic extracts of Nelumbo nucifera was found to be 0.390 mg/ mL for K.pneumoniae. All the plant extracts showed promising antibacterial properties but the alcoholic extracts exerted greater antibacterial activity than aqueous extracts.

2 illus, 5 tables, 15 ref

001360   Srivastava J;Ranade S A;Khare P B (Plant Molecular Biology (Genomics), National Botanical Research Institute, Rana Pratap Marg, Lucknow-226 001) : Distribution and threat status of the cytotypes of Pteris vittata L. (Pteridaceae) species complex in India. Curr Sci 2007, 93(1), 81-5.

In India, Pteris vittata L. is very common and widely distributed. This fern is reportedly a 'species complex' and includes five cytotypes, viz. diploid, triploid tetra-ploid, pentaploid and hexaploid with the basic number being 29 chromosomes. A survey of the literature indicated that some of the cytotypes were reported and collected only once or twice and never thereafter. In order to determine the current availability of these cyto types, several collection excursions were undertaken, and a number of plants were collected from all over India and maintained in the fernery at National Botanical Research Institute (NBRI), Lucknow, India. In the absence of clear morphological characters specific to any cytotype, only the chromosome analysis of these plants confirmed their ploidy status. It was observed that only the tetraploid form was collected from different places. The hexaploid first reported in South India was not traceable during subsequent collection trips to this region. Similarly, in none of our collection trips did we come across any diploid form. In case of the triploid and pentaploid cytotypes, the only specimen available are those maintained in the NBRI fernery ever since their first report. The cytological abnormalities and reproductive failures along with other factors are probably responsible for the extinction of the cytotypes in their natural habitats. Thus in India, only the tetraploid cytotype is abundant while diploid and hexaploid are probably extinct. The triploid and pentaploid cytotypes, represented only by the limited specimens maintained at NBRI fernery, must also be considered as extinct in natural habitats.

2 tables, 40 ref

001359   Sood M;Gulrez;Singh A;Dani H M;Sharma R (Biochemistry Dep, Panjab Univ, Chandigarh-160 014) : Prediction of anticarcinogenic potential of garlic by In vitro rat liver microsomal degranulation. Asian J Microbiol Biotechnol envir Sci 2007, 9(1), 211-14.

In vitro rat hepatic microsomal degranulation is one of the short term techniques that has been employed for the detection of potential chemical carcinogens. This technique measures the knocked-off ribosomes from microsomal membranes by the electrophilic moieties emanating from the activated carcinogens by monitoring the reduction in the RNA/ protein ratios. The study has been carried out to study the inhibition of ribosome- membrane disruption against the 4-dimethyl aminoazobenzene(4-DAB), Benzidine, b-Napthylamine and 9,10-Dimethyl 1,2 Benzanthracene (DBA) as the degranulating agents by measuring the RNA/protein ratios of microsomal membranes in the presnce or absence of garlic preparations. The results show that microsomal degranulation technique besides its use to detect the chemical carcinogens, may also be successfully employed as a rapid tool to detect the anticarcinogenic potential of dietary components like garlic.

3 tables, 19 ref