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J. D. Sharma ¹, V. Venkatesh ¹

Affiliations
1 Laboratory of Reproductive Physiology, Department of Zoology, University of Rajasthan, Jaipur 302 004, IN

Abstract

Allium cepa (onion) seed extract (50 mg/day/rat) was fed orally to male albino rats for 60 days. The body weights were not affected but the weights of reproductive organs were decreased following the treatment. The sperm motility of cauda epididymis and sperm count of cauda epididymis and testis declined significantly leading to negative fertility test.

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Bhinda Shalini ¹, J. D. Sharma ²

Affiliations
1 Department of Zoology, Reproductive Physiology and Environmental Toxicology Lab, Centre for Advanced Studies, University of Rajasthan, Jaipur, Rajasthan, IN
2 Department of Zoology, Reproductive Physiology and Environmental Toxicology Lab, Centre for Advanced Studies, University of Rajasthan, Jaipur, Rajasthan, IN

Abstract

Aims: The present study was aimed to investigate the effects of Emblica officinalis against fluoride-induced alterations in the behavioral and biochemical abnormalities in rats. Design: The healthy adult albino rats of Wistar strain (Rattus norvegicus) weighed 200–250 g were used for experiments. The animals were divided into three groups. Group I, control rats received only drinking water (F 0.9 ppm). Group II rats were exposed to fluoride (10 ppm) water for 60 days. Group III rats were treated with E. officinalis (100 mg/day/rat) along with fluoride water for 60 days. In order to investigate the effects of elevated levels of fluoride (10 ppm) in drinking water on behavioral pattern of rat, a maze test was carried out in all three groups from day 1 till completion of treatment. Materials and Methods: The animals were weighed before and after treatment. After respective treatment, the animals were autopsied. The blood was collected through cardiac puncture and brain was excised blotted free of blood weighed and used for biochemical parameters. The estimation of protein, enzyme activity of cholinesterase (ChE), and lipid peroxidation were carried out in brain using standard techniques. Results: The tissue (brain) and serum fluoride was estimated by a fluoride-specific electrode (Orion). Learning and memory abilities assessed during maze test showed reduced memory retention in rats exposed to fluoride water in comparison to control whereas amla powder (E. officinalis) fed rats showed increased memory retention than fluoride water exposed rats. The protein content and ChE enzyme activity in brain of fluoride exposed rats diminished as compared to control whereas the same was found to be elevated in E. officinalis fed rats. The level of malanoaldehyde showed a significant increase in fluoride-treated group and decrease in E. officinalis treated group. Conclusions: Our results suggest that exposure of rats to Na-F has detrimental effects on the brain as reflected in diminished learning and memory. Administration of E. officinalis during fluoride exposure significantly overcome neuronal fluoride toxicity and, therefore, may be used as a therapeutic agent for fluorotic victims.

Keywords

Antioxidant, Emblica officinalis, Fluoride, Maze Test, Neurotoxicity.

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Ravinder Singh ¹, J. D. Sharma ¹, Suman Kumar ¹, Sanjay Kumar ¹

Affiliations
1 CSK Himachal Pradesh Krishi Vishvavidyalaya, Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Bilaspur at Berthin -174 029, IN

Abstract

The present investigation was carried out at the Experimental Farm of Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Bilaspur, Himachal Pradesh for two consecutive years 2017-18 and 2018-19 to study the effect of curing methods on shelf life of onion bulbs, harvested at their physiological maturity, cured with and without leaves and dried in shade in a well ventilated airy room. The Kharif onion bulbs kept for curing alongwith 12-15 cm tops, dried from top towards bulbs, leading to retaining their proper shape, size and bulbs remains compact which leads to prolonged shelf life of bulbs, whereas, 40 per cent sprouting was observed in bulbs kept for curing without tops and they become loose and cannot be kept for further storage.

Keywords

Kharif Onion Bulbs, Shelf Life, Curing Methods, Sprouting.

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