Project No. : AP-01/2012-13
Year. : 2012-13
Project Title: A randomized double blind placebo controlled crossover study to assess the neutraceutical properties of Cassia tora in health and well-being
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Principal Investigator & Organization : Dr. K.K. Reddy, Division of Human Genetics, Department of Anthropology, Sri Venkateswara University, Tirupati- 517 502
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Summary of Project / Major Outcome /Achievements : The acute toxicity study did not show significant change in mice and rats upon oral administration of Cassia tora leaf powder. A randomized, double blind, placebo controlled study with a crossover design was done on 60 healthy normal weight adults. The study consisted of 2 treatment phases of 24 weeks each with a washout period of 4 weeks between the phases. 30 subjects randomly allocated to the ‘Placebo first’ group and 30 to ‘C. tora first’ group and assigned to receive a dose of C. tora (330 mg) or matched placebo three times a day. Safety markers were measured at base line and at the end of both treatment phases. Body mass index, blood pressure, fasting blood sugar, glycated hemoglobin, lipid profile and antioxidants were measured at baseline and at every three months interval. Repeated Measures analysis was applied to assess the period and carryover effects of the drug over placebo. C. tora supplementation was well tolerated and no apparent changes were observed in safety markers. The findings advocate that C. tora supplementation is safe and beneficial in elevating HDL-Cholesterol and antioxidants and hence advised for consumption.
Project No. : AP-05/2008-09
Year. : 2008-09
Project Title: Separation, purification of Bioactive principles of certain Indian herbs by membrance technology
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Principal Investigator & Organization : Dr. K. Kondal Reddy, Membrance Technology Laboratory, D/o livestock products Technology, College of Veterinary Science, S.V. Veterinary University, Rajendranagar, Hyderabad - 500 030
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Summary of Project / Major Outcome /Achievements : "Herbal extracts were subjected to filtration process study for separation and purification of bioactive principles present in them. Glycyrrhiza glabra revealed colour reduction with nearly 18 nanofiltration membrances with different levels of color reduction (upto a maximum of 91% with NFT-50 membrance). The methanolic extract of Ocimum sanctum also shown good response to color reduction with seven membrances, with a maximum reduction of 82% in a single cycle processing with PS-10 membrane. The colour reduction in Andrographis paniculata methanolic extract was up to 83% with NF-10 membrane, while Bacopa monnieri extract has shown 70% and 55% with NF-10 and PES-10 KD (Nishotech) membranes respectively. However, no color reduction was observed in case of Coleus forskohlii methanolic extract with any membrane. Different membranes exhibited different levels of rejection/permeation of bioactive molecule. In the herbal extracts, where more than one active principle is present, some membranes have rejected/permeated the active principles to various levels. This differential rejection behaviour of active principles in Andrographis paniculata, Ocimum sanctum and Bacopa monnieri may be utilized to separate/purify a group or individual principles in any extract for studying their specific activity or utilizing them for specific application. "
Project No. : AP-02/2007-08
Year. : 2007-08
Project Title: Investigation on the effect of brassinosteroids on the performance of Piper longum Linn.and Coleus forskhlii brig. With particular reference to improvement of root growth.
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Principal Investigator & Organization : Prof. Seeta Ram Rao, Department of Botany, Osmania University, Hyderabad - 500007
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Summary of Project / Major Outcome /Achievements : Two bioactive brassinosteroids viz., 24-epibrassinolide and 28-homobrassinoslide were selected to investigate their effect on the performance of Coleus forskohlii and Piper longum. The studies with Coleus foeskohlii was pursued in two lines – propagation studies, growth and root yield studies. In propagation studies Coleus forskohlii plant cuttings were given basal treatment of brassinosteroid solution and transplanted in nursery covers filled with garden soil. Application of brassinosteroids substantially increased rooting of the cuttings. Further, the plants developed from such cuttings exhibited better growth as compared to control plants. In growth studies very dilute concentration of brassinosteroids were given as foliar spray three times to the Coleus forskohlii young plants maintained in pot cultures. Exogenous application of brassinosteroids caused good increase in the growth and contents of chlorophylls, nucleic acids, carbohydrates, protein in the plants. In addition there was enhancement in the tuber yield. Tubers obtained from different treatments were used for extraction and quantification of forskolin. Methanolic extract was subjected to HPLC analysis. The studies clearly proved the positive impact of brassinosteroids in enhancing the levels of forskolin. Growth and root yield was induced by the application of brassinosteroids in field studies also.
Project No. : AP-06/2005-06
Year. : 2005-06
Project Title: Development of Multitier cropping model for medicinal plants in Andhra Pradesh
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Principal Investigator & Organization : Sh. G. Ravi Sankar Reddy, Forest Research Centre (ICFRE), Dulapally, Hakimpet P.O., Hyderabad – 500 014; 09490127198; grsreddt@icfre.org,
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Summary of Project / Major Outcome /Achievements : Medicinal plants viz., Andrographis paniculata, Ocimum sanctum and Withania somnifera were grown under Tectona grandis, Santalum album, Dalbergia latifolia and Eucalyptus sp. in between rows at different spacing to give a multi-layered structure of crop field. The growth of all trees under intercropping with medicinal plants were recorded higher than sole crop. Medicinal plants under Tectona grandism, Santalum album, Dalbergia latifolia yielded significantly higher on dry matter basis rather than Eucalyptus plantation. Under low shade situation like Tectona grandis at 5x5m the yield were highest while higher shade at 5x2 m spacing contributed low yield. Plants in order of suitability are Dalbergia latifolia> Tectona grandis> Santalum album>Eucalyptus and medicinal plants suitability to these are Andrographis paniculata> Ocimum sanctum > Withania somnifera.
