Ethanolic root extract of Rauwolfia serpentina alleviates copper induced genotoxicity and hepatic impairments in spotted snakehead fish, Channa punctatus (Bloch, 1793)

Aim: The present study was designed to evaluate the plausible efficacy of ethanolic extract of Rauwolfia serpentina to mitigate copper induced toxicity by investigating cytogenetic biomarkers, i.e., chromosome aberrations (CA) and micronucleus (MN) formation; assessment of biochemical changes in liver enzymes (SGOT, SGPT and ALP) and estimation of protein levels in a freshwater spotted snakehead fish(Channa punctatus). Methodology: The experiment was carried out in six groups, each having 15 specimens for 24, 48, 72, and 96 hr. Group I served as control. Groups II and III were maintained with 3 mg l-1 of Rauwolfia root extract and 0.4 mg l-1 of Cu2+, respectively. Groups IV, V, and VI were simultaneously co-exposed with 0.4 mg l-1 of Cu2+ and three different concentrations of Rauwolfia root extract 1, 2 and 3 mg l-1, respectively. For the genotoxicity assessment, blood and kidney tissues were used. Hepatic impairments were assessed after each exposure period. Results: A significant increase (p<0.05) in chromosomal aberrations, micronuclei frequency, activity of liver enzymes (SGOT, SGPT and ALP) and a decrease in protein level were recorded in Group III in comparison to the control. Groups co-exposed with Cu2+and Rauwolfia serpentine showed a significant (p<0.05) decrease in cytogenetic biomarkers, activity of liver enzymes and an increase in protein levels, as compared to Group III, with respect to control in a dose dependent manner. Interpretation: Thus, result of the present investigation establish the efficacy of R. serpentina root extract against Cu2+ induced toxicity in spotted snakehead (Channa punctatus).

DEVELOPMENT OF AN ENZYME BIOSENSOR BASED ON pH-SENSITIVE FIELD-EFFECT TRANSISTORS FOR ESTIMATING THE TOTAL CONTENT OF INDOLE ALKALOIDS IN TISSUE CULTURE OF RAUWOLFIA SERPENTINA BENTH. EX KURZ

A laboratory prototype of an enzyme biosensor based on pH‑sensitive field-effect transistors has been developed to determine the total content of indole alkaloids in Rauwolfia serpentina Benth. Ex Kurz tissue culture. The biosensor was characterized by high sensitivity to th A laboratory prototype of an enzyme biosensor based on pH‑sensitive field effect transistors has been developed to determine the total content of indole alkaloids in Rauwolfia serpentina Benth. Ex Kurz tissue culture. The biosensor was characterized by high sensitivity to the total content of indole alkaloids (minimum limit of determination – 0.5 μg/ml of the total content of indole alkaloids contained in the juice obtained from tissue culture of Rauwolfia serpentina). The linear range of biosensor determination of the analyte was from 2 to 15 μg / ml of the total content of indole alkaloids. Analysis of indole alkaloids using a biosensor is simple and fast and does not require expensive equipment and special sample preparation for analysis, unlike traditional methods. The created biosensor can be further used to control the total content of indole alkaloids in modern biotechnological and pharmaceutical processes for the production of drugs and biologically active additives. e total content of indole alkaloids (minimum limit of determination – 0.5 μg/ml of the total content of indole alkaloids contained in the juice obtained from tissue culture of Rauwolfia serpentina). The linear range of biosensor determination of the analyte was from 2 to 15 μg / ml of the total content of indole alkaloids. Analysis of indole alkaloids using a biosensor is simple and fast and does not require expensive equipment and special sample preparation for analysis, unlike traditional methods. The created biosensor can be further used to control the total content of indole alkaloids in modern biotechnological and pharmaceutical processes for the production of drugs and biologically active additives.

IN VITRO ASSESSMENT OF ANTIBACTERIAL ACTIVITY OF STEM AND ROOT OF RAUWOLFIA SERPENTINA AGAINST DIFFERENT BACTERIA

Medicinal Plants are the good source of natural antimicrobial agents. The main aim of present study was to evaluate the antibacterial activity of stem and root of Rauwolfia serpentina against six microorganism, Powdered stem and root of plant were extracted with acetone, chloroform and methanol and streptomycin used as positive control. The antibacterial activity of Rauwolfia serpentine was detected by using disc diffusion method and agar well diffusion method on the following bacteria- Bacillus cereus, Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus fusiformis, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and P. luminescens. The experiment reported that R. serpentina Root methanol extract shown 14.86 ± 1.11 highest antibacterial activity against Pseudomonas aeruginosa through well diffusion method. Whereas root chloroform recorded 13.46 ± 1.28 highest antibacterial activity against E. coli through disc diffusion method, maximum zone of inhibition 22.66±0.52 mm was found for the positive control, streptomycin through well diffusion method. Further studies should be undertaken to reveal the correct mechanism of action of antimicrobial effect to identify the active ingredients which can be used in drug development program.