Acetaminophen (AAP) is an analgesic-antipyretic drug which is considered safe at recommended dose, but its overuse may induce renal and hepatic injuries. Marine macro algae have great potential against drug-induced renal and hepatic dysfunctions. The present study described the reno-protective and hepato-protective effects of the ethanol extract of an edible green alga Ulva fasciata and its fractions (n-hexane, chloroform and methanol) against AAP toxicity. In the 1(st) set of experiment, rats were divided into five groups. Of which two were treatment groups beside three controls, the first treatment group was given ethanol extract of U. fasciata alone and the second group was given the same extract with AAP. In the 2(nd) set of experiment, rats were divided into nine groups, of which three treatment groups administered n-hexane, chloroform and methanol fractions of ethanol extract of U. fasciata respectively while other three treatment groups received the same fractions individually with AAP. On the 11(th) day, rats were decapitated after 12 h of fasting from both sets, blood samples were collected for assessment of biochemical parameters and kidney tissues were used for determination of oxidants and antioxidants. Histopathological assessment was also done in kidney tissues. A single dose of AAP (600 mg/kg) affected kidney markers including creatinine, urea and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and hepatic enzymes. Ethanolic extract of U. fasciata normalized kidney and liver markers in AAP intoxicated rats. AAP also reduced glutathione (GSH) in kidney tissues and altered kidney architecture, which were improved by ethanolic extract and chloroform soluble fraction of U. fasciata. A total of 14 polyunsaturated fatty acids were identified from chloroform soluble fraction of U. fasciata by GC-MS and assumed these may be involved in protective activities of U. fasciata.

Tomato production and quality are of great economic importance, but farmers face significant losses due to root rot infection, which affects tomato yield. Globally, a wide range of chemical pesticides are used to control plant diseases that have an impact on the environmental and nutritional content of the crop. In this scenario, plant growth-promoting microorganisms (PGPMs) are safe and effective substitutes for the control of root infections. In this study, we have investigated the effect of different plant growth promoting microorganisms (PGPMs) on the suppression of root rot disease in tomato plants. In field plot experiments, conducted in the season I and repeated in season II, the application of PGPMs improved the systemic resistance of plants against root rot pathogens via improving the functioning of antioxidant molecules. They considerably reduced the infection caused by Macrophomina phaseolina, Rhizoctonia solani, Fusarium solani, and Fusarium oxysporum compared to untreated control plants. Isolates of PGPMs significantly (p<0.05) enhanced the amount of total phenol, and salicylic acid with an improvement in crop yield and quality of fruit (dry matter, soluble solids, fruit acidity, and lycopene content). In season I, Penicillium (Pen1-R) whereas in season II, Trichoderma (ET-6) treated plants produced the highest quality of tomato fruit with better plant growth and suppression of root rot disease. In both seasons, Penicillium and Trichoderma were found to be effective as compared to untreated control plants and plants treated with carbendazim, a commercial fungicide. This research will help to make an impact on the production of tomatoes in a sustainable way.

Lead causes toxicity and affects plant growth by disturbing photosynthesis and the functions of enzymes. Its removal from the soil is a challenging issue. The present study investigates the efficacy of neem cake as soil organic amendment and inoculation of a lead-tolerant plant growth-promoting rhizobacterium (PGPR), Pseudomonas aeruginosa, to decrease the effects of lead toxicity in sunflower, when cultivated with and without neem cake amended soil. The experiment was performed in earthen pots (10 cm diam) containing 1 kg sandy loam soil irrigated with 0.2 and 0.5 mM lead. P. aeruginosa used in this experiment has a lead remediation capacity of 99% when subjected to 0.6 mM lead. The combination of organic amendment with PGPR improved the growth and physiological performance of the stressed sunflower plant. The plants treated with PGPR in amended soil showed healthier roots and shoots and demonstrated better scavenging of free radicals, with improved H2O2 scavenging and peroxidase (POD) activities. Neem cake and P. aeruginosa separately and combined significantly enhanced sugar contents and POD activity while lowering stress-induced higher levels of phenols and ascorbic acid. The combined application of neem cake and P. aeruginosa could be a promising solution for growing sunflower plants in lead-contaminated soil.

The vesicular arbuscular mycorrhizal (VAM) symbiosis is known to improve nutrient uptake by plants particularly phosphorus, and suppress soilborne plant pathogens. However, mycorrhizospheric bacteria also affect VAM fungi and their host plant. A total of 87 isolates of fluorescent Pseudomonas (MRFP) were isolated from the mycorrhizosphere of 15 plant species in this study. These isolates were initially identified on the basis of biochemical tests. Molecular biology tools (16S rDNA gene sequencing) were used to confirm the identification of promising isolates. These isolates were evaluated against root rot pathogens, Macrophomina phaseolina, Fusarium solani, F.oxysporum and Rhizoctonia solani and Meloidogyne javanica, a root knot nematode in vitro, suppressed growth of most of the fungi and demonstrated strong nematicidal activity. Performance of promising isolates of MRFP were evaluated on sunflower in pots and field plot experiments showed significant suppressive effect on root rot pathogens resulting in the production of taller plants having greater shoot weight and flower weight as compared to control plants. Application of MRFP both in pots and field plot experiments significantly increased VAM population around roots and generally improved phosphorus uptake by plants. MRFP was found very effective in ameliorating activity of native VAM. It seems that MRFP plays some role in the stimulation and proliferation of VAM fungi in plant-fungus interaction.

Management of plant root diseases by the application of seaweed and endophytic bacteria, particularly fluorescent Pseudomonas, is capturing the interest of plant scientists. In this study, the effect of seaweed soil amendment alone or mixed with endophytic fluorescent Pseudomonas (EFP-47) in reducing the root infecting fungi of okra was evaluated in pots and field plot experiments. The experiments conducted in 2019 and repeated in 2020, showed that soil amendment with seaweed, Stokeyia indica, and Ulva fasciata alone or mixed with fluorescent Pseudomonas significantly suppressed Macrophomina phaseolina, Fusarium solani, and Rhizoctonia solani on okra roots compared to untreated control plants. In general U. fasciata + EFP-47 treated plants showed maximum inhibition of root rotting fungi. In addition, seaweed and Pseudomonas (EFP-47) applications increased the plant height and fresh weight in pots as well as in field plot experiments. Seaweed used alone or mixed with Pseudomonas (EFP-47) ameliorated the activity of plant resistance markers like salicylic acid and polyphenolic contents, improved antioxidant activity and phosphorus uptake in plants. It is suggested that endophytic fluorescent Pseudomonas and seaweed could be used for the management of root diseases of okra.

Objectives:Liver fibrosis is one of the serious health concern around the globe. Persistent exposure to drugs, toxicants, and pathogens may induce liver fibrosis. Marine macroalgae are globally consumed because of nutritive and medicinal value. This study was conducted to evaluate the protective role of two seaweeds Padina pavonia and Caulerpa racemosa in carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced liver fibrosis in rats.Materials and Methods:Animal model of hepatic fibrosis was developed by injecting 40% CCl4 dissolved in olive oil [2 mL/kg, body weight (b.w.), i.p.] on alternate days for 30 days. Water extracts (WE) [200 mg/kg b.w., p.o.] of P. pavonia and C. racemosa were given to rats daily for 30 days. On day 31, rats were sacrificed after 12 h fasting. Serum was used for biochemical estimation. 10% neutral buffered formalin was used to preserve the liver sample for histopathological examination, while the other portion was used for the preparation of tissue homogenate to estimate antioxidant enzymes and malondialdehyde levels.Results:WEs of both marine macro-algae significantly abrogate the elevated serum concentrations of aminotransferases (alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferases), alkaline phosphatase and lactate dehydrogenase along with a substantial (p<0.05) reduction in serum bilirubin levels. They also showed positive effects on oxidative stress, evident by improvement in reduced glutathione, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase activities and down regulation of lipid peroxidation level, with stabilizing the destructive cellular morphology of liver induced by repeated CCl4 injection. Both algal extracts also improved kidney function (urea and creatinine) along with lipid metabolism (triglycerides and cholesterol).Conclusion:Water extract of C. racemosa has shown great potential in attenuating liver fibrosis induced by CCl4.

Chili (Capsicum annuum L.), a valuable cash crop of Pakistan is cultivated for both local consumption as well as for export. However, its export is being affected by aflatoxin contamination. Many chili consignments have been found to have aflatoxin concentration greater than the allowable limit. In this study, different chili samples were collected from local markets as well as from chili fields for the detection of aflatoxins and estimation of the incidence of associated fungi with chili fruit. Aflatoxin (AF) contamination was determined by Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) and it was found between the range of 3.2 to 39.2 ppb. However, aflatoxin was found less than 10 ppb in most of the samples. The highest incidence of Aspergillus niger was found in all twenty-one test samples followed by Penicillium spp., Aspergillus flavus, Trichoderma spp., and Rhizopus sp. This investigation showed that the export of Pakistani chili is not at the stack, since more than 50% of chili samples showed the presence of aflatoxin within the acceptable range for human consumption as per US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) standard.

Microorganisms are essential for human life. Since time immemorial, every process on earth has been affected by an unending ability of microorganisms to renovate the world. From the last two decades, microbes residing inside plants have gained special attention, and are called endophytes. These microbes have natural potential for production of various bioactive secondary metabolites and can be directly or indi-rectly used as therapeutic agents against a plethora of maladies. For this purpose, endophytic fungi were iso-lated and identified from different healthy, wild and cultivated plants. They were tested against common laboratory bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Salmonella typhimurium, Bacillus subtilis and Escherichia coli) and they showed strong antibacterial activity against pathogenic bacteria. Most effective isolates of endophytic fungi were further studied for characterization of their organic compounds. Oily n -hexane extract from mycelium and n-hexane fraction of culture filtrates of endophytic fungus Talaromyces trachyspermus revealed the presence of several compounds. The identification of bioactive compounds by GC-MS (Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry) is based on the molecular weights, peak areas, mass frag-mentations and retention times. Most of these compounds have therapeutic properties and are used in the pharmaceutical field. The major bioactive compounds, eicosane, oleic Acid, n-hexadecanoic acid, ethyl Oleate, cis-vaccenic acid, heptacosane identified from T. trachyspermus have been reported to possess antioxidant, antibacterial, antifungal and nematicidal properties. These results will lead to further in-depth research towards the potential use of this endophytic fungus and their bio-constituents can be further isolated and used in therapeutic applications.(c) 2022 SAAB. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Acetaminophen (APAP) is a widely consumed drug for pain management and treatment of pyrexia. However, beyond its recommended dose, it becomes harmful for health and may induce acute liver dysfunction. Current work is designed to ameliorate the APAP induced liver toxicity which was induced in rats by giving intra-peritoneal injection of APAP (800mg/kg) dissolved in 40% polyethylene glycol at day 1 and day 14. APAP dosed/intoxicated rats orally administered either with ethanol extract of Spatoglossum asperum (200mg/kg) and its fractions including n-hexane, chloroform and methanol soluble in a dose of 150mg/kg each daily for 14 days in their respective groups. APAP dosed rats showed remarkable elevation in hepatic biomarkers viz., alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, lactate dehydrogenases, total bilirubin, pro-inflammatory cytokines interleukine-6 and apoptotic protein (caspase-3). In addition, hepatic oxidative stress (lipid per oxidation and indirect nitric oxide) and antioxidant biomarkers (glutathione peroxidase, catalase and reduced glutathione) were also altered. Whereas APAP dosed rats treated with ethanol extract of S. asperum and its fractions showed amelioration in concentration of hepatic enzymes, pro-inflammatory cytokines, apoptotic protein and reduction in hepatic oxidative stress by decreasing the lipid peroxidation, indirect nitric oxide and uplifting the activities of antioxidant enzymes and protein.

Endophytic fungi are now recognized as an excellent source of widely occurring natural products. Fungi are wonderful producers of natural products, mostly secondary metabolites. The vital use of these fungi may provide benefit to current demand for novel biomolecules in agriculture, medical and pharmaceutical industries. In this study, endophytic fungi Aspergillus terreus, Cephalosporium sp., Chaetomium sp., Curvularia lunata, Curvularia hawaiiensis, Macrophomina phaseolina, Fusarium solani, Talaromyces assiutensis and Talaromyces trachyspermus isolated from healthy plants and evaluated for nematicidal activity against Meloidogyne javanica, a root-knot nematode. In vitro culture filtrates of these fungi showed strong nematicidal activity by killing juveniles of nematode to varying degree, where F.solani caused 100% mortality after 48 hours. n-Hexane fraction of culture filtrate and n-hexane extract of mycelium of F. solani were subjected to GC-MS analysis, resulted in the identification of several compounds and some are not reported before from this fungus. Metabolites from endophytic F. solani could be used in the development of antimicrobial agents that can be used in medicine or agrochemicals. The use of fungal based products offers a unique opportunity to discover novel therapeutic agents to combat various infectious agents and agricultural pests. (c) 2021 SAAB. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Background Diabetes mellitus (DM), an endocrine disease is characterized by increased level of blood glucose. Diabetes may affect other functions of the body and organs including, renal function and lipid metabolism. Pandanus tectorius ( P. tectorius) Parkinson ex Du Roi is a small tree used in folk medicine in treatment of many diseases. Methods Diabetes in rats was induced by intraperitoneal injection of alloxan at a dose of 100 mg/kg body weight for 3 days. Water and ethanol extracts of root, stem and leave of P. tectorius were given to rats at 200 mg/kg body weight at day 3. Rats were sacrificed on day 4 after 12 h fasting. Serum glucose and other biochemical parameters like liver enzymes; [alanine aminotransferases (ALT), aspartate aminotransferases (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH)], kidney parameters (urea & creatinine), lipid profile [total cholesterol, HDL and LDL cholesterol and triglycerides] and coronary artery risk index (CRI) were estimated in blood serum. Antioxidant potential, polyphenol content and phytochemical constituents in different parts of P. tectorius were also determined. Results Results showed that water extract of stem and ethanol extract of root of P. tectorius produced maximum fall in sugar level of alloxan diabetic rats. Extracts of all three plant parts significantly dropped the increased level of urea and creatinine with maximum reduction in creatinine was observed by water extract of root. P.tectorius extracts showed positive effect on liver enzymes and lipid profile by bringing them closer to normal range in comparison to alloxan diabetic control rats. Phytochemical screening indicated presence of flavonoids, alkaloids, tannins and saponin in P. tectorius . In DPPH free radical scavenging test the highest antioxidant potential was found in water extract of roots, while ethanol extract of stem also showed good activity. Conclusion The study demonstrated that different parts of P.tectorius have potential to attenuate diabetes and diabetes related complications like, liver, kidney dysfunction and lipid metabolism.

Background Drug-induced hepatotoxicity is one of the most important causes of liver dysfunction. Acetaminophen (paracetamol) an analgesic-antipyretic drug is generally considered safe but its overdose may cause liver toxicity. Marine macro-algae (seaweeds) especially brown seaweeds possess unique biological activities including hepatoprotective potential. The current study focused on the hepatoprotective effect of different solvent fractions of Sargassum ilicifolium and characterization of its n -hexane soluble fraction. Methods The ethanol extract (20 g) of S. ilicifolium was mixed with solvents of increasing polarity, starting with n -hexane followed by chloroform and methanol. All three ( n -hexane, chloroform and methanol) soluble fractions were administered to the rats at dose of 150 mg/kg, b.w. Intraperitoneal administration of acetaminophen (600 mg/kg b.w.) to rats was used to cause liver injury. The hepatic damage was evaluated by liver markers enzymes; aspartate aminotransferases (AST), alanine aminotransferases (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), bilirubin along with other metabolites i.e., triglycerides, cholesterol, urea, glucose and creatinine. Lipid peroxidation and glutathione and were estimated in liver tissue. n- Hexane fraction was subjected to GC-MS analysis in order to identify potent compounds. Results The oral administration of n -hexane and methanol soluble fractions reduced the acetaminophen-augmented liver marker enzymes ALT, AST, ALP, LDH, along with bilirubin, urea, creatinine, glucose and triglycerides. The n -hexane and methanol soluble fractions also improved hepatic antioxidant level via enhancing hepatic glutathione and reversing lipid peroxidation. GC-MS spectroscopy of n -hexane fraction of S. ilicifolium revealed the presence of some new compounds. Among them, fatty acids were found to be in highest concentration followed by halogenated hydrocarbons, benzene derivatives, and sterols. Fatty acid in seaweed may be one of the factors for hepatoprotection from drug-induced hepatotoxicity. Conclusion From the results, it is evident that n -hexane and methanol soluble fractions of S. ilicifolium have the ability to protect the liver against toxicity, which is comparable with silymarin used as a standard drug. Sargassum ilicifolium contains bioactive compounds with pharmaceutical importance.

Postharvest fungal spoilage, particularly anthracnose is a serious problem of mango and it is considered as the main hurdle faced by Pakistan in exporting its mango fruit. In this study, the effects of three different fungicides (topsin-M, carbendazim, and aliette) on shelf life and quality of mango fruit was evaluated at two different storage temperatures i.e., room temperature (23 +/- 3oC) and at refrigerated temperature (5oC). Storage temperatures also affected weight loss, total soluble solids, fruit firmness, total titratable acidity and decay of mango fruit. Optimum holding storage temperature observed for stored mango fruit with least chilling injury symptom and decay was 5oC. Fungicide treated fruits stored refrigerated showed least changes in physiochemical properties with no visual infection of anthracnose on fruit. Among fungicides, carbendazim treatment was found more effective at both storage temperatures. Carbendazim treated mango fruit showed least and steady increase in total soluble solids, gradual increase in pH and steady decrease in total titratable acidity.

Several reports revealed that endophytic fungi have great influence on host plants, as they promote plant growth and minimize disease severity caused by various pathogens. In this study, endophytic fungi isolated from healthy plants were identified as Aspergillus terreus , Curvularia lanata, C. hawaiiensis, Macrophomina phaseolina, Fusarium solani, Talaromyces assiutensis and T. trachyspermus were evaluated for antimicrobial activity, using dual-culture plate assay and agar disc diffusion method. They have shown significant activity against root rot pathogens, Macrophomina phaseolina, Rhizoctonia solani, Fusarium solani and F.oxysporum . Talaromyces assiutensis and T. trachyspermus were selected for further study, since other fungi are well known plant pathogens or environmental contaminants. They were applied in pots and field plot experiments using sunflower as test plant. There efficacy was also compared with endophytic Cephalosporium sp., and Chaetomium sp. Talaromyces spp., significantly suppressed root rotting fungi and improved plant biomass. They ameliorated production of plant defense biochemical markers (polyphenolic content and salicylic acid) and antioxidant potential of treated plants. GC-MS profiling of n- hexane fraction of T. trachyspermus yielded several new compounds from this source. Endophytic fungi associated with healthy plants have great potential to suppress root rotting fungi and stimulate production of plant’s defense biochemical markers.

The present study aims at identifying the ability of nine fungal species, which were isolated from garbage of different sites to degrade commonly used polymers, viz. polyethylene, polystyrene, and polyurethane when treated with four methods separately, viz., sterilized and unsterilized drench methods, sterilized and unsterilized mulching methods for four months. All the species considerably degraded the polymers by the above-mentioned methods. However, polystyrene demonstrated the greatest degradation compared to the other two polymers, particularly by sterilized and unsterilized drench methods. Seven fungal species caused greater than 50% weight loss of polystyrene when treated with the above-mentioned methods. Aspergillus flavus instigated the greatest weight loss (74.78 ± 2.85%) by the unsterilized drench method. Of nine, three species caused more than 50% weight loss of polyurethane by the unsterilized drench method. A. niger divulged greater than 50% weight loss of the polymer by sterilized drench method. In this study, polyethylene was found least degraded compared to polystyrene and polyurethane by the selected fungal species. Of nine, only two species, viz. Aspergillus flavus and A. niger caused a higher than 50% weight loss of polyethylene only by sterilized drench method. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) images of six elevated degraded polymer samples were taken to reveal the formation of spores and hyphae on the surface of the plastic. The images demonstrated the formation of cracks and crevices on the surface of different polymers by spores and the fungal hyphae.

Background The exposure of crops to a variety of fungal and bacterial pathogens leads to huge economic losses. Different strategies are being adapted to control these diseases among which the application of chemicals fungicide is common. However, these chemicals are posing a serious threat to the environment. For biological management of root rot disease of tomato and better fruit quality, studies were conducted on the possible use of endophytic yeast as a biocontrol agent. Results Endophytic yeasts were isolated from healthy plants and identified. Identification of selected isolates was confirmed on the basis of 18S rDNA gene sequencing. They were evaluated for suppressive effect on root rotting fungi in vitro and also in vivo on tomato plants, used alone or under neem cake soil amendment. Seventy-six isolates of yeasts were evaluated against root rotting fungi Fusarium oxysporum, F. solani, Rhizoctonia solani and Macrophomina phaseolina using dual culture plate assay. Seventy-five isolates were found to suppress radial growth of F. oxysporum, F. solani and M. phaseolina by producing zones of inhibition or lysing the fungal hyphae. However, none of the isolates was found to inhibit R. solani in vitro. Most of the isolates also caused nematicidal activity at varying degree against Meloidogyne javanica. All test isolates produced indole acetic acid in vitro and solubilized phosphorus. In pots and field plot experiments, test isolates of yeasts were able to suppress root rotting fungi on tomato in natural soil and soil amended with neem cake with enhancement of growth of tomato plants. Yeasts were also found to ameliorate the plant resistance through enhancing polyphenolic contents, salicylic acid and antioxidant activity. Conclusions Endophytic yeasts were found effective against root rot disease of tomato and could be used as a potential biocontrol agent for the management of soil-borne diseases of tomatoes.

Potato, one of the most important vegetable crops, is feeding the growing global population. It has an enormous economic outlet however; fungal and bacterial pathogens associated with seed tuber cause huge losses in its production. Planting healthy seed potatoes is a key factor in maximizing the production of potatoes for consumption or processing. In this study, the presence of different pathogenic fungi and two pathogenic bacteria (Clavibacter michiganensis subsp. sepedonicus that cause ring rot of potato and Salmonella sp., (a notorious human pathogenic bacterium) in imported seed potato varieties (Asterix, Ultra and Karuda) and four local varieties (Asterix, Lady Rusetta, Qasur and Mozika) were determined. Among highly plant pathogenic fungi, Fusarium solani (8-23%) and Rhizoctonia solani (9-13%) were associated with imported tubers, while Fusarium oxysporum (12-20%) and, R. solani (8-17%) were isolated from local seed tubers. Clavibacter michiganensis subsp. sepedonicus and Salmonella spp., were detected in all potato tubers examined. Association of highly pathogenic fungi and bacteria with seed tubers is a serious issue and needs further investigation.

Cisplatin is widely used in anticancer therapy, but a substantial percentage of patients who receive the therapeutic dose of cisplatin develop nephrotoxicity. Hepatotoxicity may also develop after a single dose or low repeated doses of cisplatin. Ulva fasciata is an edible seaweed, commonly known as sea lettuces have also been shown various biological activities. In this study, ethanol extract and its solvent fractions (n-hexane and chloroform) of U. fasciata were given (orally) to different groups of rats for 10 days. Injury to the kidney was induced by administrating cisplatin, intraperitoneally (i.p.) to rats at a dose of 7 mg/kg body weight (b.w.) dissolved in 1 mL saline, at 5th day of the experiment. At 10th day rats were sacrificed and kidney parameters (creatinine, urea, and blood urea nitrogen (BUN)) and electrolyte balance (Ca++, Mg++, K+, and Na+) in serum were determined, while oxidative stress markers glutathione (GSH), catalase (CAT) and malondialdehyde (MDA), and inflammatory cytokines, tumor necrosis factor (TNF α), and interleukin (IL-6) were determined in kidney tissues. Histological examination of the kidney was also performed to examine the changes in kidney tissues. Cisplatin caused adverse effects on blood parameters, antioxidants, and inflammatory markers with severe renal tubular injury in kidney tissues. Ethanol extract of U. fasciata and its fractions effectively improved these disorders and diminished the renal dysfunction. However, ethanol extract was found more effective in attenuating the adverse effect of cisplatin than its fractions. n-Hexane-soluble fraction that was subjected to GC-FID and GC-MS analysis revealed the presence of several compounds and some of them are new from this source. It could be concluded that the U. fasciata possesses nephroprotective effect and can attenuate cisplatin-induced renal dysfunction. Since U. fasciata is an edible seaweed, it may be used as a diet supplement.

In this study biocontrol potential of rhizobia individually and in combination with Pseudomonas aeruginosa were evaluated against root rot and root-knot diseases of chilies. In vitro seven rhizobial isolates were tested, NFB-30 (Sinorhizobium sahelens) inhibited growth of all four test fungi Macrophomina phaseolina, Rhizoctonia solani, Fusarium oxysporum and E solani and produced zone of inhibition of 10, 2, 2, and 11 mm respectively. Similarly seven isolates of Pseudomonas aeruginosa tested, PGPR-4, PGPR-6 and PGPR-11 suppressed the radial growth of all four fungi tested. In screen house experiments PGPR-6, PGPR-8, PGPR-11 and PGPR-37 showed significant decrease in infection of root rot fungi in chili. While NFB-28, NFB-30, NFB-31 & NFB-32 rhizobial isolates were found effective. In field experiments coinoculation of different strains of PGPR with rhizobia showed better control of root rotting fungi and root knot nematode on chili than either component alone.

Solvent fractions (n-hexane, cholorofrom, methanol) and fractions containing sterols of Jolyna laminarioides was evaluated in triton-induced and high-fat-diet induced hyperlipidemic rats. Oral administration of J. laminarioides significantly reduced the elevated level of serum total cholesterol, triglycerides and LDL-c, both in triton induced and high fat diet induced hyperlipidemic rat models with increased serum HDL-c. Chloroform: methanol fraction (2:1) and n-hexane fraction containing sterol showed promising results in reducing LDL-c. The methanol fraction showed hypolipidemic effect by increasing HDL-c (90%). The extracts and fractions of the seaweed also decreased the increased level of cardiac and hepatic marker enzymes beside lowering lipid profile. J. laminarioides exhibited high anti-hyperlipidemic effects both in triton induced and high fat diet induced hyperlipidemic rats.