Quantification of ethnodietetic knowledge among noninstitutionally trained Siddha practitioners of Virudhunagar District, Tamil Nadu, India

Savarimuthu Ignacimuthu 한국식품연구원 2016 Journal of Ethnic Foods Vol.3 No.4

Background It is well known that diet plays a vital role in the pathogenesis, prevention, and management of diseases. In indigenous medical systems of India, diet is an integral component of treatment, and such knowledge is poorly documented. This study quantified the consensus about the dietary recommendations prescribed by the noninstitutionally trained Siddha practitioners of Virudhunagar District of Tamil Nadu, India. Methods After obtaining prior informed consent, 87 noninstitutionally trained Siddha practitioners were interviewed using the free-list method. The data were segregated into different groups and the consensus was analyzed using informant consensus factor (Fic). In the case of recommended diets, blood ailments, fever, hemorrhoids, male infertility, kapha, and dermatological ailments had high Fic values. In this group, 500 use-reports were recorded for the treatment of 27 illness categories. The fruits of Vitis vinifera (blood ailments), Panicum sumatrense (fever), and Amorphophallus paeoniifolius (hemorrhoids) were the highly recommended foods. In the case of restricted diets, dermatological ailments, jaundice, gastrointestinal, vadha, and blood ailments had high Fic values and 26 illness categories were reported with 368 citations. In this category, Solanum melongena (dermatological ailments), Tamarindus indica (jaundice and anemia), and Gallus gallus domesticus (gastrointestinal ailments) were the important restricted foods. Conclusion The results of this study indicated that a major portion of local knowledge, other than that of local uses of medicinal species, is still undocumented and underutilized. If the recommendations of dietary changes take the claims from local knowledge beyond scientific evidence, the rate of adherence may increase, since these recommendations have a traditional-brand identity. This study also warrants the need of scientific analyses in some cases.

Gastroprotective effect of epoxy clerodane diterpene isolated from Tinospora cordifolia Miers (Guduchi) on indomethacin-induced gastric ulcer in rats

Antonisamy, P.,Dhanasekaran, M.,Ignacimuthu, S.,Duraipandiyan, V.,Balthazar, J.D.,Agastian, P.,Kim, J.H. G. Fischer 2014 Phytomedicine Vol.21 No.7

The present study evaluated the gastroprotective effect of epoxy clerodane diterpene (ECD), isolated from Tinospora cordifolia on indomethacin-induced gastric ulcer in rats. Administration of indomethacin exhibits extreme levels of ulcer index (UI) and myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity. Indomethacin down regulated PGE<SUB>2</SUB>, anti-inflammatory cytokines (IL-4, IL-10) and pro-angiogenic factors (VEGF and EGF). The ECD pretreatment considerably increased the levels of PGE<SUB>2</SUB>, anti-inflammatory cytokines and pro-angiogenic factors. The ulcer-healing activity of ECD was inhibited by pre-administration of the specific COX-1 inhibitor (SC560) and nonspecific NOS inhibitor (l-NAME), which indicates the involvement of PGE<SUB>2</SUB> and NOS in ECD induced ulcer healing activity. These findings suggest that ECD exerts its antiulcer activity by reinforcement of defensive elements and diminishing the offensive elements.

RNA Interference as a Plausible Anticancer Therapeutic Tool

Ramachandran, Puthucode Venkatakrishnan,Ignacimuthu, Savarimuthu Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention 2012 Asian Pacific journal of cancer prevention Vol.13 No.6

RNA interference has created a breakthrough in gene silencing technology and there is now much debate on the successful usage of RNAi based methods in treating a number of debilitating diseases. Cancer is often regarded as a result of mutations in genomic DNA resulting in faulty gene expression. The occurrence of cancer can also be influenced by epigenetic irregularities in the chromatin structure which leads to alterations and mutations in DNA resulting in cancer cell formation. A number of therapeutic approaches have been put forth to treat cancer. Anti cancer therapy often involves chemotherapy targeting all the cells in common, whereby both cancer cells as well as normal cells get affected. Hence RNAi technology has potential to be a better therapeutic agent as it is possible to deactivate molecular targets like specific mutant genes. This review highlights the successful use of RNAi inducers against different types of cancer, thereby paving the way for specific therapeutic medicines.

Antinociceptive, Immunomodulatory and Antipyretic Activity of Nymphayol Isolated from Nymphaea stellata (Willd.) Flowers

( Subash Babu Pandurangan ),( Antony Samy Paul ),( Ignacimuthu Savarimuthu ),( Alshatwi A Ali ) 한국응용약물학회 2013 Biomolecules & Therapeutics(구 응용약물학회지) Vol.21 No.5

In the present study, we aimed to analyze the antinociceptive, immunomodulatory and antipyretic activities of nymphayol were investigated in wistar rats and mice. Antinociceptive effect was evaluated by acetic acid induced writhing, formalin induced paw licking and hot-plate tests. Immunomodulatory activity was assessed by neutrophil adhesion test, humoral response to sheep red blood cells, delayed-type hypersensitivity, phagocytic activity and cyclophosphamide induced myelosuppression. Antipyretic activity was evaluated by yeast induced hyperthermia in rats. Nymphayol produced signifi cant (p<0.05) antinociceptive activity in acetic acid induced writhing response and late phase of the formalin induced paw licking response. Pre-treatment with nymphayol (50 mg/kg, oral) evoked a signifi cant increase in neutrophil adhesion to nylon fi bres. The augmentation of humoral immune response to sheep red blood cells by nymphayol (50 mg/kg) was evidenced by increase in antibody titres in rats. Oral administration of nymphayol (50 mg/kg) to rats potentiated the delayed-type hypersensitivity reaction induced by sheep red blood cells. Treatment with nymphayol showed a signifi cant (p<0.05) reduction in pyrexia in rats. The results suggest that nymphayol possesses potent anti-nociceptive, immunomodulatory and antipyretic activities.

Beneficial Antioxidative and Antiperoxidative Effect of Cinnamaldehyde Protect Streptozotocin-Induced Pancreatic β-Cells Damage in Wistar Rats

( P Subash Babu ),( Ali A Alshatwi ),( Ignacimuthu ) 한국응용약물학회 2014 Biomolecules & Therapeutics(구 응용약물학회지) Vol.22 No.1

The present study was aimed to evaluate the antioxidant defense system of cinnamaldehyde in normal, diabetic rats and its possible protection of pancreatic β-cells against its gradual loss under diabetic conditions. In vitro free radical scavenging effect of cinnamaldehyde was determined using DPPH (1,1-diphenyl-2-dipicrylhydrazyl), superoxide radical, and nitric oxide radical. Streptozotocin (STZ) diabetic rats were orally administered with cinnamaldehyde at concentrations of 5, 10 and 20 mg/kg body weight for 45 days. At the end of the experiment, the levels of plasma lipid peroxides and antioxidants such as vitamin C, vitamin E, ceruloplasmin, catalase, superoxide dismutase, reduced glutathione and glutathione peroxidase were determined. A significant increase in the levels of plasma glucose, vitamin E, ceruloplasmin, and lipid peroxides and significant decrease in the levels of plasma insulin and reduced glutathione were observed in the diabetic rats. Also the activities of pancreatic antioxidant enzymes were altered in the STZ-induced diabetic rats. The altered enzyme activities were reverted to near-normal levels after treatment with cinnamaldehyde and glibenclamide. Histopathological studies also revealed a protective effect of cinnamaldehyde on pancreatic β-cells. Cinnamaldehyde enhances the antioxidant defense against reactive oxygen species produced under hyperglycemic conditions and thus protects pancreatic β-cells against their loss and exhibits antidiabetic properties.

Gastroprotective Activity of Violacein Isolated from <i>Chromobacterium violaceum</i> on Indomethacin-Induced Gastric Lesions in Rats: Investigation of Potential Mechanisms of Action

Antonisamy, Paulrayer,Kannan, Ponnusamy,Aravinthan, Adithan,Duraipandiyan, Veeramuthu,Valan Arasu, Mariadhas,Ignacimuthu, Savarimuthu,Abdullah Al-Dhabi, Naif,Kim, Jong-Hoon Hindawi Publishing Corporation 2014 The Scientific World Journal Vol.2014 No.-

<P><I>Chromobacterium violaceum</I>, Gram-negative bacteria species found in tropical regions of the world, produces a distinct deep violet-colored pigment called violacein. In the present study, we investigated whether violacein can promote a gastroprotective effect and verified the possible mechanisms involved in this action. For this study, an indomethacin-induced gastric ulcer rat model was used. The roles of biomolecules such as MPO, PGE<SUB>2</SUB>, pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines, growth factors, caspase-3, NO, K<SUP>+</SUP>ATP channels, and <I>α</I><SUB>2</SUB>-receptors were investigated. Violacein exhibited significant gastroprotective effect against indomethacin-induced lesions, while pretreatment with L-NAME and glibenclamide (but not with NEM or yohimbine) was able to reverse this action. Pretreatment with violacein also restored cNOS level to normal and led to attenuation of enhanced apoptosis and gastric microvascular permeability. Our results suggest that violacein provides a significant gastroprotective effect in an indomethacin-induced ulcer model through the maintenance of some vital protein molecules, and this effect appears to be mediated, at least in part, by endogenous prostaglandins, NOS, K<SUP>+</SUP>ATP channel opening, and inhibition of apoptosis and gastric microvascular permeability.</P>

Synergistic effects of essential oil-based creamformulations against Culex quinquefasciatus Say and Aedes aegypti L. (Diptera: Culicidae)

Appadurai Daniel Reegan,Raghunathan Vinoth Kannan,Michael Gabriel Paulraj,Savarimuthu Ignacimuthu 한국응용곤충학회 2014 Journal of Asia-Pacific Entomology Vol.17 No.3

Mosquitoes are major arthropod vectors responsible for several pathogenic diseases. In recent years, repellents ofbotanical origin, particularly essential oils, have been used against mosquitoes and have been found effective andsafe. In this study, five different repellent cream formulations (CF1–5) were prepared using combinations ofessential oils, including camphor, cinnamon, citronella, lemongrass, lime, orange, neem, basil, Vitex, Lantana,eucalyptus, and clove, and their repellency was tested using Culex quinquefasciatus Say and Aedes aegypti L. under laboratory conditions and compared to the standard synthetic repellent N,N-diethyl-meta-toluamide(DEET-12%, w/w). Among the five creamformulations, CF2 at a dose of 5 mg/cm2 showed the longest protectiontime of 4.18 h and 3.31 h against C. quinquefasciatus and A. aegypti, respectively, under laboratory conditions. CF3 at a dose of 5 mg/cm2 was moderately effective, with protection times of 3.42 h and 2.58 h againstC. quinquefasciatus and A. aegypti, respectively, under laboratory conditions. CF2 at a dose of 5 mg/cm2 wasalso tested in the field against wild mosquitoes for 3 h, and 100% protection was observed for the entire studyperiod. Thus, CF2 could be used in developing an effective natural repellent as an alternative to the existingsynthetic repellents to C. quinquefasciatus and A. aegypti.

Ovicidal and Oviposition Deterrent Activities of Medicinal Plant Extracts Against Aedes aegypti L. and Culex quinquefasciatus Say Mosquitoes (Diptera: Culicidae)

Appadurai Daniel Reegan,Munusamy Rajiv Gandhi,Micheal Gabriel Paulraj,Savarimuthu Ignacimuthu 질병관리본부 2015 Osong Public Health and Research Persptectives Vol.6 No.1

Objectives: To evaluate the ovicidal and oviposition deterrent activities of five medicinal plant extracts namely Aegle marmelos (Linn.), Limonia acidissima (Linn.), Sphaeranthus indicus (Linn.), Sphaeranthus amaranthoides (burm.f), and Chromolaena odorata (Linn.) against Culex quinquefasciatus and Aedes aegypti mosquitoes. Three solvents, namely hexane, ethyl acetate, and methanol, were used for the preparation of extracts from each plant. Methods: Four different concentrations-62.5 parts per million (ppm), 125 ppm, 250 ppm, and 500 ppm-were prepared using acetone and tested for ovicidal and oviposition deterrent activities. One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to determine the significance of the treatments and means were separated by Tukey’s test of comparison. Results: Among the different extracts of the five plants screened, the hexane extract of L. acidissima recorded the highest ovicidal activity of 79.2% and 60% at 500 ppm concentration against the eggs of Cx. quinquefasciatus and Ae. aegypti, respectively. Similarly, the same hexane extract of L. acidissima showed 100% oviposition deterrent activity at all the tested concentrations against Cx. quinquefasciatus and Ae. aegypti adult females. Conclusion: It is concluded that the hexane extract of L. acidissima could be used in an integrated mosquito management program.

Plant Regeneration through Micropropagation from Nodal Explants of Critically Endangered and Endemic Plant Exacum travancoricum Bedd

Elangomathavan R.,Prakash S.,Kathiravan K.,Seshadri S.,Ignacimuthu S. The Korean Society of Plant Biotechnology 2006 Plant molecular biology and biotechnology research Vol.8 No.1

A rapid micropropagation protocol was established for Exacum travancoricum Bedd. The effect of two cytokinins viz. BA and kinetin were studied to evaluate the propagation of plants through nodal explants. MS medium supplemented with 13.32 ${\mu}M$ BA induced early bud break and subsequent production of multiple shoots. Rooting of shoots occurred when cultured on 1/2 strength MS medium supplemented with 14.7 ${\mu}M$ IBA. Rooted plants were acclimatized to greenhouse conditions. The propagated plants were transferred successfully to field with 65% success. As the plant was amenable to propagation in vitro, this can be employed as a tool for conservation of this critically endangered and endemic ornamental herb.

Protective effects of friedelin isolated from Azima tetracantha Lam. against ethanol-induced gastric ulcer in rats and possible underlying mechanisms

Antonisamy, P.,Duraipandiyan, V.,Aravinthan, A.,Al-Dhabi, N.A.,Ignacimuthu, S.,Choi, K.C.,Kim, J.H. North-Holland ; Elsevier Science Ltd 2015 european journal of pharmacology Vol.750 No.-

The current study was aimed to investigate the gastroprotective effects of friedelin isolated from the hexane extract of leaves of Azima tetracantha. Ethanol-induced gastric ulcer model was used to investigate the gastroprotective effects of friedelin. Antioxidant enzymes, lipid peroxidation, nitric oxide, gastric vascular permeability, pro and anti-inflammatory cytokines and apoptosis level have been investigated. Ethanol caused severe gastric damage and friedelin pretreatment protected against its deleterious role. Antioxidant enzyme activities, anti-inflammatory cytokines, prostaglandin E<SUB>2</SUB> (PGE<SUB>2</SUB>), constitutive nitric oxide synthase (cNOS) and mucus weight have been increased significantly. However, the vascular permeability, pro-inflammatory cytokines, inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), caspase-3 and apoptosis level have significantly been decreased after friedelin ingestion. The present study has clearly demonstrated the anti-ulcer potential of friedelin, these findings suggested that friedelin could be a new useful natural gastroprotective tool against gastric ulcer.