Indian Journal of Public Health Research & Development

Ankita Komal Labh ¹, S. Rajeshkumar ², Anitha Roy ², J. Santhoshkumar ³, T. Lakshmi ²

Affiliations
1 Undergraduate Student, Department of Pharmacology, Saveetha Dental College, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Saveetha University, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, IN
2 Associate Professor, Department of Pharmacology, Saveetha Dental College, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Saveetha University, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, IN
3 Researcher, Department of Biotechnology, School of Biosciences and Technology, VIT, Vellore, Tamil Nadu, IN

Abstract

Background: Candida albicans is known to cause a variety of diseases like oral candidiasis, vaginal candidiasis, invasive candidiasis etc. Although there are anti-fungal drugs in use for the treatment of these diseases, alternative medicine is required for their prophylaxis and improved prognosis. For this purpose, silver nanoparticles (Ag-NPs) can be used as antifungal agents. They are already in use as anti-microbial and anti-fungal agents in agriculture and can potentially be used as targeted drugs for the human body. The aim of this research is to study the anti-fungal efficacy of silver nanoparticles synthesised using a herbal formulation of Androgrophis paniculata and Moringa olifera against Candida albicans.

Materials and Method: Herbal formulation was created using the leaves of Androgrophis paniculata and Moringa olifera. Silver nitrate solution was added to this and the solution was transferred to an orbital shaker for silver nanoparticle preparation. The powder of Ag-NPs was created. The bioreduction of pure AgNO₃ was characterized by UV-visible spectroscopy. Candida albicans was isolated using serial dilution method and a fresh fungal suspension was dispersed on Rose Bengal agar. Both disc diffusion and agar well diffusion methods were used. Different concentrations of Ag-NPs (50, 100 and 150 microliter) were incorporated into the wells, discs, and plates and these were incubated at 37°C for 24 hours. The antifungal agents were used as positive control. Zone of inhibition was recorded in each plate. Proper documentation methods were used.

Results: Colour change was seen after the preparation of silver nanoparticles. The peak in UV-vis spectroscopy was seen to be at 400 nm. The zone of inhibition was seen to increase with an increase in the concentration of Ag-NPs in the agar wells. The plate dispersed with the highest concentration of Ag-NPs had the lowest cultural population.

Conclusion: The herbal synthesis of Ag-NPs is highly eco-friendly and should be practised more than chemical synthesis of the same. The antifungal activity of Ag-NPs was comparably effective to the control used and in the future they can be administered as an antifungal drug for the prophylaxis and treatment of various types of Candidiasis.

Keywords

Antifungal, Silver Nanoparticles, Candida albicans, Androgrophis paniculata, Moringa olifera.

Full Text

     

K. Sathvika ¹, S. Rajeshkumar ², Anitha Roy ², J. Santhoshkumar ³, T. Lakshmi ², Deepa Gurunathan ⁴

Affiliations
1 Undergraduate Student, Department of Pharmacology, Saveetha Dental College, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Saveetha University, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, IN
2 Associate Professor, Department of Pharmacology, Saveetha Dental College, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Saveetha University, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, IN
3 Researcher, Department of Biotechnology, School of biosciences and technology, VIT, Vellore - 632014, Tamil Nadu, IN
4 Professor, Department of Pediatric and Preventive Dentistry, Saveetha Dental College, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Saveetha University, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, IN

Abstract

Background: When left unchecked, dental pathogens cause chronic diseases like periodontitis and dental caries that lead to the irreversible loss of tooth structure. However, with proper prophylactic measures, we can inhibit the excessive proliferation of pathogenic oral flora. The aim of this study was to examine the plausible antibacterial potential of silver nanoparticles synthesized using neem and Aloe vera against four dental pathogens - Streptococcus mutans, Staphylococcus aureus and the Enterococcus and Pseudomonas species.

Materials and Method: Leaves of Azadirachta indica and Aloe vera were made into a filtered herbal formulation. A metallic solution of silver nitrate was added to it and the conjunction was kept in an orbital shaker for the synthesis of nanoparticles. After centrifugation, the resultant pellet was powdered. The agar well diffusion method was used to determine the antibacterial efficacy of Ag-NPs. Fresh bacterial suspensions of Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus mutans, the Enterococcus and the Pseudomonas species were dispersed on the surface of Muller-Hinton agar containing plates. Ag-NP concentrations of (25, 50 & 100) μl were incorporated into the wells and the plates were then incubated at 37°C for 24 hours. Antibiotics were used as a positive control. The zone of inhibition was recorded for each plate

Results: A colour change was observed after the synthesis of Ag-NPs. The prepared particles were then characterised by a peak seen at 425 nm in UV-vis-spectroscopy. The zone of inhibition increased in size with an increase in Ag-NP concentration. They increased in the order of: Staphylococcus aureus, the Enterococcus species, Streptococcus mutans and the Pseudomonas species - with Staphylococcus aureus being the smallest and the Pseudomonas species being the largest.

Conclusion: Ag-NPs synthesized using neem and Aloe vera is an effective antibacterial agent against Streptococcus mutans and the Pseudomonas species. It is eco-friendly, rapid, easy to synthesize and effective. These Ag-NPs are a non-toxic solution for multiple-drug resistant bacteria.

Keywords

Silver Nanoparticles, Neem, Aloe vera, Antibacterial, Dental Pathogens.

Full Text

     

K. Kiran ¹, S. Rajeshkumar ², Anitha Roy ², J. Santhoshkumar ³, T. Lakshmi ²

Affiliations
1 Undergraduate Student, Department of Pharmacology, Saveetha Dental College, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Saveetha University, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, IN
2 Associate Professor, Department of Pharmacology, Saveetha Dental College, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Saveetha University, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, IN
3 Researcher, Department of Biotechnology, School of Biosciences and Technology, VIT, Vellore, Tamil Nadu, IN

Abstract

Background: The present work mainly deals with the study pertaining to the synthesis, characterization and evaluation of copper nanoparticles using avocado. The copper nanoparticles were synthesized by using a rapid, single step and completely green synthesis method.

Materials and Method: The synthesized copper nanoparticles were characterized by using various instrumental techniques such as ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy (UV-vis), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) TEM (Transmission Electron Microscope). The synthesized copper nanoparticles were found to be spherical in shape with average diameter of 35.6 nm. The synthesized nanoparticle solution is primarily characterized by using UV-vis-spectroscopy, 3mL of the solution is taken in cuvette and scanned in double beam UV-vis spectrophotometer from 300 nm to 700 nm wavelength.

Results: In the UV-vis spectrum, a single, strong and broad surface plasmon resonance (SPR) peak was observed at 420 nm that confirmed the synthesis of AgNPs. Transmission electron microscope result showed 2-6 nm difference.

Conclusion: The present study shows that aqueous seeds extract of Avocado can be used efficiently for the synthesis of copper nanoparticles at room temperature. The synthesized copper nanoparticles were found to be stable at room temperature. The green synthesized method is convenient, eco-friendly and can be applied in various applications and the use of Avocado has added advantages that the plant has many medicinal properties.

Keywords

Green Synthesis, Nano-Medicine, Avocado, Cytotoxicity.

Full Text

     

A. Trishala ¹, T. Lakshmi ², S. Rajeshkumar ², Deepa Gurunathan ³, R. V. Geetha ⁴, Anitha Roy ²

Affiliations
1 Undergraduate Student, Department of Pharmacology, Saveetha Dental College, SIMATS, Saveetha University Chennai, Tamil Nadu, IN
2 Associate Professor, Department of Pharmacology, Saveetha Dental College, SIMATS, Saveetha University Chennai, Tamil Nadu, IN
3 Professor, Department of Pedodontics & Preventive Dentistry, Saveetha Dental College, SIMATS, Saveetha University Chennai, Tamilnadu, IN
4 Associate Professor, Department of Microbiology, Saveetha Dental College, SIMATS, Saveetha University Chennai, Tamilnadu, IN

Abstract

Introduction: Acacia catechu has a great importance due to its medicinal properties. It is a historical plant; widely used in traditional medicine especially in Asia. The bark of this plant is strong antioxidant, astringent, anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial and antifungal in nature. It is used as mouthwash for mouth, gum, sore throat, gingivitis, dental and oral infections. It is also helpful in numerous women related problems. It also has abundant anti-microbial properties. This study aims at evaluating the physicochemical profile of Acacia catechu bark extract in order to make optimum use of the extract for therapeutic purposes.

Materials and Method: The plant material of Acacia catechu was shade dried at a temperature range of 20° to 30° C for about 2 weeks. The dried sample was then powdered in a grinding mill. The obtained powder was used for physico chemical analysis and for extraction using solvents.

Results: Ash value was found to be 12.7%. Acid insoluble & soluble content of the plant material was found to 1.67 & 6.26 %. The percentage weight of loss on drying or moisture content was found to be 7.245%. Extractive values found, are tabulated for different solvent systems. Ethanol 95 % showed 2.436 %.

Conclusion: Acacia catechu was characterized on the basis of the physicochemical parameters. The present work will, thus, provide helpful information on the quality of these herbal materials to ensure genuineness, safety and efficacy prior incorporation in pharmaceutical formulations.

Keywords

Acacia catechu, Solubility, Applications.

Full Text

     

Gayathri Karthikeyan ¹, T. Lakshmi ², S. Rajeshkumar ², Anitha Roy ², Deepa Gurunadhan ³, R. V. Geetha ⁴, R. Pradeep Kumar ⁵

Affiliations
1 Undergraduate Student, Department of Pharmacology, Saveetha Dental College, SIMATS, Saveetha University Chennai, Tamilnadu, IN
2 Associate Professor, Department of Pharmacology, Saveetha Dental College, SIMATS, Saveetha University Chennai, Tamilnadu, IN
3 Professor, Department of Pedodontics & Preventive Dentistry, Saveetha Dental College, SIMATS, Saveetha University Chennai, Tamilnadu, IN
4 Associate Professor, Department of Microbiology, Saveetha Dental College, SIMATS, Saveetha University Chennai, Tamilnadu,, IN
5 Professor, Department of Public Health Dentistry, Saveetha Dental College, SIMATS, Saveetha University Chennai, Tamilnadu, IN

Abstract

Introduction: Ficus racemosa is widely used in ayurvedic medicine in India, mostly as fruits and bark decoction to treat uncontrolled diabetes, the objective of this study is to study the uptake of glucose in L6 myotubes by Ficus racemosa.

Background: Diabetes is a common metabolic disease characterized by abnormally high plasma glucose levels, leasing to major complications, such as diabetic neuropathy, retinopathy and cardiovascular disease. Presently available oral hypoglycaemic agents exhibit several side effects. Therefore, there is a need for more effective oral antihyperglycemic agent, particularly those that normalize both insulin and glucose levels.

Method: Cell culture: L6, a mono layer myoblast culture (obtained from NCCS, Pune-Passageno-19) was cultured in the DMEM. In vitro glucose uptake activity: Glucose uptake assay was followed by the methodology of (Gupta et al).

Result: It was observed from the results that Ficus racemosa extract at different concentrations exhibited substantial degree of glucose uptake in skeletal muscle cells, which was compared with that of Standard Metformin. A maximum glucose uptake of 53% was observed for ficus 30mg/ml, whereas metformin exhibited 61% of glucose uptake. The IC50 of ficus extract and metformin was found to be 2.57mg/ml and 1.79mg/ml respectively.

Conclusion: From the study that was conducted above it can be concluded that Ficus racemosa had a better glucose uptake compared to the with that of Standard Metformin used by diabetic patients.

Keywords

Ficus racemose, Glucose, l6 Motube, Uptake, Myoblast.

Full Text

     

T. Nandhini ¹, T. Lakshmi ², S. Rajeshkumar ², Anitha Roy ², R. V. Geetha ³

Affiliations
1 Undergraduate Student, Department of Pharmacology, Saveetha Dental College, SIMATS, Saveetha University Chennai, Tamilnadu, IN
2 Associate Professor, Department of Pharmacology, Saveetha Dental College, SIMATS, Saveetha University Chennai, Tamilnadu, IN
3 Associate Professor, Department of Microbiology, Saveetha Dental College, SIMATS, Saveetha University Chennai, Tamilnadu, IN

Abstract

To investigate seed germination assay of Hemidesmus indicus ethanolic ischolar_main extract by an invitro study.It is a slender, laticiferous, twining, sometimes prostrate or semi-erect shrub. Roots are woody and aromatic. The stem is numerous, slender, terete, thickened at the nodes. The leaves are opposite, short-petioled, very variable, elliptic-oblong to linear- lanceolate. The flowers are greenish outside, purplish inside, crowded in sub-sessile axillary cyme. Seed germination study is an novel cost effective method in tissue culture techniques.

Keywords

Seed Germination, Hemidismus indicus, Ethanolic Root, Novel Technique.

Full Text

     

T. Sai Sandhya ¹, T. Lakshmi ², S. Rajeshkumar ², Anitha Roy ², Deepa Gurunathan ³, R. V. Geetha ⁴, R. Pradeep Kumar ⁵

Affiliations
1 Undergraduate Student, Department of Pharmacology, Saveetha Dental College, SIMATS, Saveetha University, Chennai, Tamilnadu, IN
2 Associate Professor, Department of Pharmacology, Saveetha Dental College, SIMATS, Saveetha University, Chennai, Tamilnadu, IN
3 Professor, Department of Pedodontics & Preventive Dentistry, Saveetha Dental College, SIMATS, Saveetha University, Chennai, Tamilnadu, IN
4 Associate Professor, Department of Microbiology, Saveetha Dental College, SIMATS, Saveetha University, Chennai, Tamilnadu, IN
5 Professor, Department of Public Health Dentistry, Saveetha Dental College, SIMATS, Saveetha University, Chennai, Tamilnadu, IN

Abstract

Introduction: Drug abuse is an extreme desire to obtain and use increasing amounts of one or more substances. Drug abuse indicates the following risk factors for developing drug abuse problems include poor relationships with parents, inadequate supervision over adolescent activities, poor achievement in schools and so on.

Materials & Method: An online survey comprising 17 questions was administered to the participants of age group 14-19.The results are statistically analysed.

Results and Discussion: From the survey conducted, it is analysed that 67%of the adolescents have attended many drug awareness programmes. 45% of them say that alcoholism and drug addiction are genetically inherited.

Conclusion: The abuse of alcohol and drugs has resulted in significant morbidity and mortality among adolescents worldwide.School-based health centers should have the capacity to counsel students who are in need of such treatment plans and connect students to available community resources.

Keywords

Drug Abuse, Poor Relationship, Marijuana, Health Centre, Community.

Full Text

     

S. Tanish Ahamad ¹, T. Lakshmi ², S. Rajeshkumar ², Anitha Roy ², Deepa Gurunadhan ³, R. V. Geetha ⁴

Affiliations
1 Undergraduate Student, Department of Pharmacology, Saveetha Dental College, SIMATS, Saveetha University, Chennai, Tamilnadu, IN
2 Associate Professor, Department of Pharmacology, Saveetha Dental College, SIMATS, Saveetha University, Chennai, Tamilnadu, IN
3 Professor, Department of Pedodontics & Preventive Dentistry, Saveetha Dental College, SIMATS, Saveetha University, Chennai, Tamilnadu, IN
4 Associate Professor,Department of Microbiology, Saveetha Dental College, SIMATS, Saveetha University Chennai, Tamilnadu, IN

Abstract

Aim: To evaluate Anti-Microbial Activity of taxifolin isolated from Acacia catechu leaf extract against Streptococcus mutans and Lactobacillus acidophilus.

Objectives: The study is to determine the antimicrobial activity of taxifolin isolated Acacia catechu leaf extract against Streptococcus mutans and Lactobacillus acidophilus.

Background: An anti microbial is a agent that kills or inhibits the growth of micro organism such as bacteria and fungi. Acacia catechu also commonly called Mimosa catechu, is a deciduous, thorny tree which grows up to 15 m (50 ft) in height. Acacia catechu traditionally used for curing many diseases and commonly for mother and child healthcare. Taxifolin is the main constituent of Acacia catechu which possesses antifungal, antiviral, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant activity.

Reason: This study is to evaluate the anti microbial activity of Acacia catechu against micro organisms such as Streptococcus mutans and Lactobacillus acidophilus. This may help in development of health products without artificial chemical agent.

Keywords

Antimicrobial, Herbal, Antibacterial, Acacia, S. mutans, L. acidophilus.

Full Text