Bioactivities of Azadirachta indica, Murraya koenigii, liquorice and Nicotiana tobacum against two strains of Callosobruchus chinensis L.

The current research work was conducted for the evaluation of repellent and growth inhibitory potential of Azadirachta indica, Murraya koenigii, Nicotiana tobacum and Liquorice against Callosobruchus chinensis (L.). Each plant extract was tested with four concentrations viz; 5, 10, 15 & 20 % for bioassay experiments. Repellent potentials of acetone extract of the plants were evaluated by using the area preference method against the pulse beetle. The four dilutions of the extracted plant materials (extract) were used at one half of the filter papers (of each) while remaining halves were solely treated with acetone (used as control experimental unit) for the comparison purposes. Data regarding repellence were taken after 12, 24 and 48 hours of the post treatment. In repellency bioassay, the highest (93.32%) repellence of Callosobruchus chinensis was observed for which against 20% concentration of A. indica extract, whereas lowest repellence (78.87%) was recorded in case of Liquorice. Repellency values of 90.07% and 84.76% were recorded in extracts of M. koenigii and N. tobacum in Faisalabad strain. In case of Lahore strain highest repellence of C. chinensis was observed for which 95.16% at 20% concentration of A. indica extract was whereas relatively lowest value (82.04%) was recorded in case of Liquorice. Repellency values of 87.27% and 91.06% were recorded in extracts of M. koenigii and N. tobacum. The results regarding growth inhibitory effect revealed that highest mean progeny inhibition (78.12%) was noted at 20% dose rate of A. indica extracted plant material after longest exposure time (60 days). Comparatively lowest inhibition (28.21%) was noted after 30 days exposure period at 5% dilution of Liquorice extract in Faisalabad strain. Mean inhibition of progeny was found directly dependent on both time as well as concentration, applied. Results revealed that highest mean progeny inhibition (85.03%) was recorded at 20% concentration of A. indica extract after longest exposure time (60 days). Comparatively, lowest inhibition (35.18%) was recorded at 5% after 30 days of application of Nicotiana tobacum extract in Lahore strain. Hence, use of plant-based materials can be helpful for the ecofriendly management of the stored grains insect pests as a part of IPM program.

Formulation and Evaluation of Isabgol and Liquorice Based Nutraceuticals Floating Tablets for Management of Gastric Ulcer

Background: Floating tablets extend drug residence time, enhance bioavailability and promote the delivery of local drugs to the stomach. With this objective, floating tablets were prepared for the treatment of gastric ulcers containing aqueous extract of liquorice and Isabgol. Methods: Tablets containing HPMC K100M (hydrophilic polymer), liquorice extract, sodium bicarbonate (gas generating agent), talc, and magnesium stearate were prepared using direct compression method. Physical parameters of formulations such as diameter, thickness, hardness, friability, weight uniformity, drug content, buoyancy time, dissolution, and mechanism for drug release, were assessed. The formulations have been optimized based on buoyancy time and in- vitro drug release. Results: The diameter of all formulations was in the range 11.310-11.833 mm; thickness was in the range 4.02-4.071 mm. The hardness ranged from 3.1 to 3.4 kg/cm. All formulations passed the USP requirements for friability and uniformity of weight. All tablet formulations had a buoyancy period of less than 5 min and throughout the research, the tablet stayed in floating condition. All tablet formulations were accompanied in drug discharge by zero-order kinetics and model Korsemeyer-Peppas. Conclusion: It was discovered that the optimized formulation was F7, which released 98.5 percent of the drug in 8 hr. invitro, while the buoyancy time was 3.5 min. For gastroretentive drug delivery systems, formulations containing Isabgol, sodium bicarbonate and HPMC K100 M in combination may be promising.

EFFECTS OF THE ADDITION OF AQUEOUS LIQUORICE (Glycyrrhiza glabra) EXTRACT TO DRINKING WATER IN THE PRODUCTION PERFORMANCE, CARCASS CUTS AND INTESTINAL HISTOMORPHOLOGY OF BROILER CHICKENS

This study was undertaken to investigate the effect of aqueous liquorice extract (ALE) on the growth performance, carcass cuts and intestinal histomorphology of broiler chickens between hatch and 35 days of age. A total of 160-d old (Ross 308) broiler chicks were randomly assigned to 4 treatments, each with 4 replicates, 10 birds per replicate. Four different levels of aqueous liquorice (0, 0.5, 0.7 and 0.9g) were administrated to a liter of drinking water and offered to the birds throughout the entire experimental period. Across the 35 days of trial, administration of ALE to the drinking water resulted in higher (P<0.05) body weight and weight gain. While, feed intake, water intake and FCR did not influence by ALE administration. On the other hand, there was no significant effect of the ALE on carcass cuts, visceral organs and intestinal histomorphology. The study demonstrated that ALE could be administrated to the drinking water of broilers between 0.5 and 0.9g/ liter. However, it would be more economical to use the medium level of ALE (0.7g/ liter) to achieve better results.