Life Sciences

Forest seeds present a particular importance because they are the principal organs which condition the reforestation success. Furthemore, successful production of replanting seedlings for outplanting sites depends on many parameters, especially biological ones. Along this study, we were interested in the valorization of Cedrus atlantica seeds, by the chemical characterization of essential oils extracted by steam distillation, during different stages of their germination.

The use of tanniferous plants was suggested as a possible alternative option for controlling gastrointestinal nematodes of small ruminants. This experiment evaluated the possible in vitro effects of three phenological stages (Bloom, Seeds formation, Seeds) of Tunisian fabacae (Hedysarum carnosum Desf.) against Haemonchus contortus third stage larvae. The larval exsheathment assay (LEA) was used to determine the proportions (%) of exsheathment of three plant acetonic extracts at different concentrations (1200, 600, 300, 150 μg/ml).

The aim of this research project was to provide a thorough and comprehensive analysis of ethnobotanical and floristic investigations of medicinal and food-based plants. The study was based on a collection of data on food and therapeutical uses among the people of Zerhoun area.A series of ethnobotanical surveys were carried out in the field for three months long(from April to June 2014).

Enzymes are biological catalysts produced by living cells they catalyze metabolic reactions. They are soluble and colloidal substances characterized by great activity, specificity and susceptibility to the influence of environmental changes. Enzymes are the most important tools of the living cells. Cells cannot be without enzymes. They function as catalysts in a wide variety of biological reactions.

To document the medicinal value, local name, plant parts, mode of preparation and IUCN status of medicinal plants sold in local markets of Velliangiri hills (Poondi), Coimbatore district, Tamil Nadu, India. Ethnobotanical data were collected by personal interview through questionnaires from medicinal man, traditional healers and elder persons. The information’s on time of collection of medicinal plants, parts used, dosage and quantity of collection per season or year were gathered from twenty local shops (respondents) and documented.

With the rapid development of poly (ethylene terephthalate) (PET) and its wide use in industry, there is a substantial fraction by volume added to the waste stream every year, which causes an environmental issue, since PET is highly resistant to atmospheric and biological agents. Currently, the handling methods of PET and other polymer wastes involve burying, burning, and recycling. But, as regards environmental protection, these methods have many shortcomings and cannot address poly (ethylene terephthalate) PET waste pollution from the source.

The objective of this study is to synthesize Schiff base ligand, (diimine) N-(1 (propionyloxy)propylidene) benzenamine L1 and N-(2-methyl-1,4-diphenyl-4-(phenylimino) butylidene) benzenamine L2 from precursors propionic anhydride and 1,4-diphenyl-2-methylbutane-1,4-dione successively, and on the other hand their corresponding copper and zinc metal complex (L1)2MCl2 (M = Zn: C1, M = Cu: C2) and (L2)2MCl2 (M = Zn: C3 M=Cu: C4). The compounds thus obtained were characterized by IR spectroscopy, 1H-NMR; 13C-NMR and mass spectrometry.

Turmeric, a spice that has long been recognized for its medicinal properties, has received interest from both the medical/scientific world and from culinary enthusiasts, as it is the major source of the polyphenol curcumin. The use of turmeric, derived from the root of the plant Curcuma longa, for treatment of different inflammatory diseases has been described in Ayurveda and in traditional Chinese medicine for thousands of years. The active component of turmeric responsible for this activity, curcumin, was identified almost two centuries ago.

Cassia auriculata L. (Ceasalpiniaceae) has been used traditionally as antidiabetic and has been proven scientifically to possess high antioxidant activity and anticancer properties. In the present study the effect of Cassia auriculata L (CFEt) and glibenclamide on erythrocyte membrane bound enzymes and antioxidants activity in streptozotocin (STZ) and nicotinamide induced type 2 diabetic model was investigated. Oral administration of CFEt at 0.45 mg/kg body weight to diabetic rats for 45 days.

Ganoderma lucidum is a fungus belonging to family Ganodermataceae of polypore mushrooms which grows on woody root region of a tree. These mushrooms are extensively used as a traditional Asian medicine and are well known for their potential in bioremediation of metals.