Analysis of antibacterial and cytotoxic potential of medicinal plants from Cholistan desert,Pakistan

This study aimed to investigate the antibacterial and cytotoxic activity of 03 medicinal plants, Calligonum polygonides, Farsetia hamiltonii, and Pulcaria crispa, from Cholistan desert, Pakistan. The active constituents of plants species were extracted in 05 different solvents and the extracts were tested against various bacterial strains and brine shrimps. Although all Calligonum polygonides’s extracts except chloroform were active against Staphylococcus aureus the most active was the acetone extract (21 ± 0.00 mm at 200 μg/disc) and activity was better than Caricef (p-value 0.03). While its water extract was more potent (18 ± 1.45 mm at 200 μg/disc) than Augmentin and Caricef (p-value < 0.005). The methanol extract’s activity (15 ± 0.39 mm in 200 μg/disc) was comparable to Fucidin against Proteus vulgaris (p-value > 0.99) and activity of diethyl ether extract against Escherichia coli (10 ± 1.16 mm in 200 μg/disc) was same as of Urixin (p-value 0.91). Farsetia hamiltonii’s acetone extract against Pseudomonas aeruginosa (10 ± 0.15 mm in 1 μg/disc) was more active than Augmentin Caricef and Cefotax (p-value < 0.02) and against Staphylococcus aureus (15 ± 1.15 mm in 200 μg/disc) activity was higher than Caricef (p-value 0.03). All Pulicaria crispa’s extracts except water extract were found active against Staphylococcus aureus. However, the diethyl ether extract was most effective (25 + 0.00 mm at 150 μg /disc) and activity was more than Augmentin, Oxy-tetracycline, Fucidin, Urixin, Ceftriaxone (p-value < 0.05). Although all extracts were exhibited cytotoxic activity, the Calligonum polygonides’s acetone extract (100%), Farsetia hamiltonii’s diethyl ether extract (90%) and Pulicaria crispa’s methanol extract (100%) were most active at 1000 μg/ml concentration. This study validated the medicinal significance of the studied plants and thus opens the way for their therapeutic applications.     

Antioxidant and antimicrobial potential of two extracts from Capparis spinosa L. and Rumex nervosus and molecular docking investigation of selected major compounds

The present study examined the phytochemical composition, antioxidant, antimicrobial properties, and molecular docking of different solvents extracts (methanol and water) of two medicinal plants, namely, Capparis spinosa L (CS) and Rumex nervosus (RN). Phytochemical analysis showed that total phenol, flavonoids, alkaloids, and vitamin C were significantly (P ≤ 0.05) higher in the methanolic extract of both plants than in other solvents. However, tannin content was significantly (P ≤ 0.05) high in the water extract for both plants. Chloroform and acetone extracts were significantly lower in phytochemicals than other solvents, therefore excluded in this study. GC–MS analysis showed one dominant compound in CS (isopropyl isothiocyanate) and two in RN (pyrogallol and palmitic acid). The antioxidant methods applied (DPPH, ABTS, β-Carotene/linoleic acid assay, and reducing the power) showed that the methanolic extract of CS exerted higher activity in methanolic extract but lower than that of BHA standard. The methanolic extract of both plants inhibited the bacterial pathogens when a minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) method was applied, compared to water extract with RN-methanolic extract had a lower inhibition concentration than CS-methanolic extract. The molecular interactions study revealed that the palmitic acid and pyrogallol interacted with the receptors' active site. This work concluded that CS and RN showed a remarkable antioxidant and antibacterial effect with the high antimicrobial activity of RN extract.     

Discosorids and Oncocerids (Cephalopoda) of the Middle Ordovician Kunda and Aseri Regional Stages of Baltoscandia and the early evolution of these groups

Discosorid and oncocerid cephalopods of the Kunda and Aseri Regional Stage (Darriwilian, Middle Ordovician) from Öland Island, Sweden and North Estonia are described for the first time. We demonstrate that a high generic and specific diversity of Oncocerida was already established in the earliest Darriwilian. The new oncocerid species Neumatoceras borense nov. sp., N. breviborense nov. sp., Paramiamoceras breviventrum nov. sp., Richardsonoceras gastroscopium nov. sp., R. gerhardi nov. sp., R. goldmanni nov. sp., R. haelluddenense nov. sp., Richardsonoceroides kingi nov. sp., R. oelandense nov. sp., and R. rhytium nov. sp. are erected; Richardsonoceroides schiefferdeckeri (Dewitz) is revised. The new graciloceratid Kundoceras evansi nov. gen., nov. sp. is erected. A review of records of early oncocerids from China shows that Richardsonoceras Foerste is probably the most primitive oncocerid and supports the hypothesis that oncocerids evolved in the early Floian or latest Tremadocian from a Bassleroceras Ulrich and Foerste-like ancestor. The new discosorid genus Paldoceras nov. gen. and species Paldoceras paldiskense nov. sp. and P. neptunsakerense nov. sp. are erected. These discosorids record the morphological link between the late Darriwilian Ruedemannoceras Flower and the early Floian Apocrinoceras Teichert and Glenister, which is considered to be the earliest discosorid.     

Chemistry,antioxidant and antimicrobial potential of nutmeg (Myristica fragrans Houtt)

Antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of nutmeg (Myristica fragrans Houtt) seed extracts were evaluated. Seeds were extracted with acetone, ethanol, methanol, butanol and water. All the extracts have shown significant antioxidant and antimicrobial activities against the tested microorganisms. Among all extracts, acetone extract has shown the highest antioxidant activity. The acetone extract showed 93.12 ± 1.48 mg gallic acid equivalents (GAE)/100 g dry weight total phenolic content, DPPH scavenging activity of 63.04 ± 1.56%, chelating activity of 64.11 ± 2.21% and 74.36 ± 1.94% inhibition of β-carotene bleaching, at 1 mg/mL extract concentration. Out of all extracts, acetone extract was able to exert antimicrobial activity against all tested bacteria and fungi. Acetone extract has shown the strongest antibacterial and antifungal activity with Staphylococcus aureus (13.8 ± 0.42 mm) and Aspergillus niger (14.4 ± 0.37 mm), respectively. GC–MS analysis of acetone extract has revealed the presence of 32 compounds of extract representing 99.49%. Sabinene (28.61%) has shown the highest occurrence in the extract. β-Pinene (10.26), α-pinene (9.72), myristicin (4.30%), isoeugenol (2.72%), p-cymene (1.81%), carvacrol (1.54%), eugenol (0.89%) and β-caryophellene (0.82%) were reported as possible contributor for antioxidant and antimicrobial activity of nutmeg.     

In-vitro antibacterial,antioxidant potentials and cytotoxic activity of the leaves of Tridax procumbens

The present study explored the phytochemicals, antibacterial, antioxidant and cytotoxic effect of Tridax procumbens leaves. The leaves were dried and extracted with various organic solvents. The leaves contained the phytochemicals such as alkaloids, carbohydrates, polyphenols and tannins respectively. Antimicrobial potentials of the extracts were determined by performing the disc diffusion techniques. Results revealed that different organic solvents extracts namely methanol, ethanol and ethyl acetate extracts documented comparatively good activity against the studied microbial strains. The methanol extract of leaves of T. procumbens showed combatively better antioxidant potential. The tested plant leaf extract showed high activity against human lung cancer cells than breast cancer cell lines. 250 µg/ml plants extract showed 84 ± 2.8% toxicity against human lung cancer cells.     

In vitro antioxidant and cytotoxic activities of polyherbal extracts from Vetiveria zizanioides,Trichosanthes cucumerina,and Mollugo cerviana on HeLa and MCF-7 cell lines

Various metabolites exist in the medicinal plants have lot of potential to cure various diseases and disorders. Plants such as, Vetiveria zizanioides, Trichosanthes cucumerina, and Mollugo cerviana were collected from Western Ghats, Tamilnadu, India. Phytochemicals were extracted from these plants using various organic solvents and tested against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. The phytochemicals such as, carbohydrate, alkaloids, steroids, saponins, flavonoids and tannin were detected from these medicinal plants. Among the extracts, methanol showed potent activity and this solvent was used to extract polyherbal medicinal plants. Methanol extract of V. zizanioides was found to be highly active against E. coli (27 ± 2 mm), P. mirabilis (19 ± 3 mm) and B. subtilis (18 ± 2 mm). Ethyl acetate extract showed high activity against E. coli (24 ± 2 mm), P. mirabilis (22 ± 3 mm) and B. subtilis (20 ± 1 mm). These three plants were taken at 1:1:1 ratio and extracted with methanol at 1:10 ratio and synergistic activity was tested against bacterial pathogens. Synergistic activity of polyherbal extract was analyzed. The extracted crude herbal medicine was found to be effective against Staphylococcus aureus, E. coli, Enterbacter sp., Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Bacillus subtilis and Proteus mirabilis. The zone of inhibition was 33 ± 3 mm, 17 ± 2 mm, 22 ± 2 mm, 40 ± 2 mm, 33 ± 1 mm and 38 ± 2 mm zone of inhibition against E. coli, S. aureus, P. aeruginosa, P. mirabilis, B. subtilis and Enterobacter sp. Polyherbal extract was found to be highly effective against P. mirabilis and Enterobacter sp. MIC values of polyherbal extract ranged from 29 ± 2.5 µg/ml to 34 ± 2.5 µg/ml. MIC value was found to be less against P. mirabilis and was high against S. aureus. Antioxidant property varied between 49 ± 3% and 95.3 ± 2%. At 20 µg/ml antioxidant activity was reported as 49 ± 3% and it was increased at higher concentrations of polyherbal extract. Two cell lines (HeLa and MCF cell lines) were selected to analyze cytotoxic activity of polyherbal extract. The methanol extract of polyherbal fraction showed cytotoxicity against these two cell lines. The LC50 value was 467 ± 2.9 µg/ml against HeLa cell line and >800 µg/ml against MCF-7 cell lines. The polyherbal extract showed antibacterial, antioxidant and anticancer activities.     

Systematics and taphonomy of an Early Kimmeridgian belemnite fauna from the Mediterranean Tethys (Monte Nerone, Central Apennines, Italy)

About three hundred belemnite rostra were collected from Lower Kimmeridgian beds of a structural high sequence cropping out at Mt. Nerone (central Apennines, Pesaro Province, Italy). The belemnite fauna is composed mainly of new species. Nine species were recognised, ascribed to five genera, which include Hibolithes semisulcatusMünster, 1830; H. pignattii nov. sp.; Acutibelu0s sp. cf. acuariformisRiegraf, 1981; Belemnopsis neronensis nov. sp., Duvalia matteuccii nov. sp., D. nicosiai nov. sp., D. pallinii nov. sp., D. raymondi nov. sp. and Rhopaloteuthis massimoi nov. sp.; moreover a single specimen is treated in open nomenclature as Belemnopseidae incertae sedis. The stratigraphic and palaeobiogeographic significance of the new fauna is discussed. The taphonomy of the belemnite-rich level is described, with reference to borings found on the belemnite rostra.La fauna a belemniti risulta composta quasi esclusivamente da specie nuove. Sono state riconosciute le seguenti specie: Hibolithes semisulcatusMünster, 1830; H. pignattii nov. sp.; Acutibelus sp. cf. acuariformisRiegraf, 1981, Belemnopsis neronensis nov. sp., Duvalia matteuccii nov. sp., D. nicosiai nov. sp., D. pallinii nov. sp., D. raymondi nov. sp. and Rhopaloteuthis massimoi nov. sp. Inoltre un esemplare è stato discusso con nomenclatura aperta come Belemnopseidae incertae sedis. Alcuni nuovi dati stratigrafici e paleobiogeografici sono stati analizzati ed integrati con i dati della letteratura. E’ stata anche esaminata la tafonomia del livello a belemniti e le perforazioni presenti sulla superficie dei rostri.     

Chemical composition and antibacterial activity of Cordia verbenacea extracts obtained by different methods

The present study describes the chemical composition and the antibacterial activity of extracts from Cordia verbenacea DC (Borraginaceae), a traditional medicinal plant that grows widely along the southeastern coast of Brazil. The extracts were obtained using different extraction techniques: high-pressure operations and low-pressure methods. The high-pressure technique was applied to obtain C. verbenacea extracts using pure CO₂ and CO₂ with co-solvent at pressures up to 30 MPa and temperatures of 30, 40 and 50 °C. Organic solvents such as n-hexane, ethyl acetate, ethanol, acetone and dichloromethane were used to obtain extracts by low-pressure processes. The antibacterial activity of the extracts was also subjected to screening against four strains of bacteria using the agar dilution method. The extraction yields were up to 5.0% w/w and up to 8.6% w/w for supercritical fluid extraction with pure CO₂ and with ethyl acetate as co-solvent, respectively, while the low-pressure extraction indicates yields up to 24.0% w/w in the soxhlet extraction using water and aqueous mixture with 50% ethanol as solvents. The inhibitory activity of the extracts in Gram-positive bacteria was significantly higher than in Gram-negative. The quantification and the identification of the extracts recovered were accomplished using GC/MS analysis. The most important components identified in the extract were artemetin, β-sitosterol, α-humulene and β-caryophyllene, among others.     

Determination of antimicrobial and phytochemical compounds of Jatropha curcas plant

The aim of this study was to explore the effectiveness of different parts of J. curcas plant against some selected human pathogens as antimicrobial agent which are known to cause diseases and to check antioxidant and phytochemicals from different plant sections of J. curcas. Plant extracts were analyzed by quantification of antimicrobial and phytochemical compounds. This study reveals that 20% ethanol stem extract of J. curcas showed maximum antibacterial activity (40 ± 0.0 mm) against Klebsiella pneumonia. Water extract of root of J. curcas also inhibited E. coli (35.25 ± 0.35 mm). The growth of K. pneumonia and Agrobacterium tumifaciens were also ceased when ethanol extract of J. curcas root applied to check their potential as antimicrobial agent. The results also revealed that fungal species, Aspergillus niger, and Pencillium notatum noted the maximum antifungal activity in ethanol extract of flower and methanol extract of root (38.5 ± 0.7 mm) and (27.25 ± 0.35 mm) respectively. Phytochemicals and many secondary metabolites were present in J. curcas extracts such as alkaloids, steroids, tannins, glycosides, flavonoids, saponins, courmerin, and phenolic compounds. It also showed the highest density of color in the different parts of plant extract of J. curcas. Similarly, biochemical primary metabolites were observed at maximum amount of biochemical in different parts of J. curcas, and correlated with antimicrobial activity. The study concluded that J. curcas has great potential as antibacterial agent and cure various human pathogens.     

Protection of ornamental gold fish Carassius auratus against Aeromonas hydrophila by treating Ixora coccinea active principles

Herbals such as Ixora coccinea, Daemia extensa and Tridax procumbens were selected to screen in vitro antibacterial and immunostimulant activity against the freshwater fish pathogen Aeromonas hydrophila using different organic polar and non-polar solvents. Initial screening results revealed that, ethyl acetate extracts and its purified fraction of I. coccinea was able to suppress the A. hydrophila strains at more than 15 mm of zone of inhibition and positive immunostimulant activity. The purified active fraction, which eluted from H40: EA60 mobile phase was structurally characterized by GC–MS analysis. Two compounds such as Diethyl Phthalate (1,2-Benzene dicarboxylic acid, monobutyl ester) and Dibutyl Phthalate were characterized using NIST database search. In order to study the in vivo immunostimulant influence of the compounds, the crude extracts (ICE) and purified fractions (ICF) were incorporated to the artificial diets at the concentration of 400 mg kg⁻¹ and fed to the ornamental gold fish Carassius auratus for 30 days. After termination of feeding experiment, they were challenged with highly virulent A. hydrophila AHV-1 which was isolated from infected gold fish and studied the survival, specific bacterial load reduction, serum biochemistry, haematology, immunology and histological parameters. The control diet fed fishes succumbed to death within five days at 100% mortality whereas ICE and ICF fed groups survived 60 and 80% respectively after 10 days. The diets also helped to decrease the Aeromonas load after challenge and significantly (P ≤ 0.01) improved the serum albumin, globulin and protein. The diets also helped to increase the RBC and haemoglobin level significantly (P ≤ 0.05) from the control group. Surprisingly the immunological parameters like phagocytic activity, serum bactericidal activity and lysozyme activity were significantly increased (P ≤ 0.001) in the experimental diets. Macrophages and erythrocytes were abundantly expressed in the treated groups and the present work concluded that, the Phthalate derivatives from I. coccinea helps to stimulate the immune system against A. hydrophila challenge in C. auratus.     

Alilepus meini nov. sp. (Leporidae,Lagomorpha) from the Early Messinian of Tuscany (central-western Italy)

Alilepus meini nov. sp., a new leporid known only from the Early Messinian of central-western Italy (Baccinello-Cinigiano basin, V3 faunal assemblage; Tuscany), is described here. A. meini nov. sp. is an endemic taxon – not inherited from the older Tusco-Sardinian assemblages – of the continental and balanced BCB V3 fauna. The peculiarities of A. meini nov. sp. mainly reside in the occlusal surface of p3 (very large anteroconid, extremely short talonid, deep and crenulated posterior flexids, extremely thin protoisthmus) and P3 (wide hypoflexus). A. meini nov. sp. seems closely related to Alilepus turolensis, as testified by shared morphological characters (globous anteroconid and deep protoflexid, very thin protoisthmus). Palaeobiogeographical evidences support morphological data as A. meini nov. sp. and A. turolensis are the only two species of the genus present in western Europe.     

Avocado seeds (Persea americana cv. Criollo sp.): Lipophilic compounds profile and biological activities

This study aimed to evaluate the volatile or lipophilic chemical profiling and the biological activities of avocado (Persea americana cv. Criollo sp.) seed extracts. Chemical profile of volatile compounds (GC/MS), antioxidant properties (phenolic compounds, DPPH radical scavenging activities and reducing power), and antimicrobial activity (Salmonella Typhimurium and Staphylococcus aureus) of avocado (Persea americana cv. Criollo sp.) seed extracts (ethanol and acetone) were characterized. Sixteen volatile chemical compounds were determined, including isoprenoid derivatives (estragole), esters of fatty acids (linoleic and linolenic acids), and their derivatives (9,12-Octadecadien-1-ol and 9,12,15-Octadecatrien-1-ol). Acetone was the best solvent to obtain volatile compounds from avocado seed; this extract also showed a higher reducing power (56.35 mg AAE/100 g). Maximum S. aureus and S. Typhimurium log reductions were 4.0 ± 0.3 and 1.8 ± 0.3 at the highest amount used (2000 mg/L), without significant effect (p < 0.05) of the solvent used. According to the results of the volatile chemical profiling of avocado (Persea americana cv. Criollo sp.) seed extracts, they can have potential application as antioxidant (212.75 and 183.75 mg Trolox/100 g) and antimicrobial additives.     

Three species of Fulvifomes (Basidiomycota,Hymenochaetales) associated with rots on mangrove tree Xylocarpus granatum in Thailand

We describe three new species of Fulvifomes from Thailand, all of which grow on Xylocarpus granatum, a major mangrove tree species in southeastern Asia. Fulvifomes xylocarpicola sp. nov. is characterized by the perennial and sessile basidiocarps, woody context without a distinct crust, pores 4–6/mm, a dimitic hyphal system both in the context and trama, broadly ellipsoid basidiospores measuring 4–5.5 × 3.5–4.5 μm, and occurrence on the stem of X. granatum. Fulvifomes siamensis sp. nov. is characterized by the perennial and sessile basidiocarps, woody context without a crust, pores 7–8/mm, a monomitic hyphal system in the context, subglobose basidiospores measuring 4.5–6 × 4–5 μm, and occurrence on the root or butt of X. granatum. Fulvifomes halophilus sp. nov. is characterized by perennial, sessile basidiocarps, leathery to corky context with a crust near the pileus surface, pores 5–8/mm, a subdimitic hyphal system in the context, subglobose basidiospores measuring 4–5.5 × 3.5–5 μm, and occurrence on the root or butt of X. granatum. Fulvifomes mangrovicus comb. nov. is proposed for Fomes mangrovicus. A key to the worldwide species of Fulvifomes is provided.     

Groupe de Candona clivosa, nouveau groupe de Candoninae (Crustacea, Ostracoda) et sa diversification dans le Bassin de Turiec (Slovaquie) au Miocène supérieur

The Candona clivosa-group, a new group of Candoninae - is erected on the base of the folded inner lamella observed on the postero-ventral border of the female valve. The elongated sub-triangular and rectangular valves of this group are described from the Miocene and Quaternary deposits of Europe. A folded inner lamella is also observed in 11 species of Candona from the Upper Miocene of the Turiec Basin of which 8 are new - Candona fatrica nov. sp., C. tatrica nov. sp., C. lacustris nov. sp., C. palustris nov. sp., C. stagnosa nov. sp., C. laterisimilis nov. sp., C. jiriceki nov. sp. and C. incurva nov. sp. They show a higher variability of the outline, calcification of the valves and width of the zone of concrescence. The extrinsic and intrinsic aspects of this morphological diversification in the Turiec Basin are discussed.     

Antimicrobial effect of different herbal plant extracts against different microbial population

This study evaluates the antimicrobial effects of ethanolic extract of five herbal plants; Guava (Psidium guajava), Sage (Salvia officinalis), Rhamnus (Ziziphusspina Christi), Mulberry (Morusalba L.), and Olive (Oleaeuropaea L) leaves against several microbial population representing Gram positive, Gram negative and Mollicutes; S. aureus, E. coli, Pasteurella multocida, B. cereus, Salmonella Enteritidis and M. gallisepticum using standard agar disc diffusion technique and minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC). Different extracts reveal variable results against the microorganism under study. All extracts have no antibacterial potency for Mycoplasma gallisepticum except Psidium guajava. The results of minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) and Minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) of the extracts against the six bacteria ranged from 625 to 5000 μg/ml. The used herbal extract could inhibit the selected microorganism under study with variable minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC).     

Description of Massilia rubra sp. nov., Massilia aquatica sp. nov., Massilia mucilaginosa sp. nov., Massilia frigida sp. nov., and one Massilia genomospecies isolated from Antarctic streams,lakes and regoliths

Bacteria of the genus Massilia often colonize extreme ecosystems, however, a detailed study of the massilias from the Antarctic environment has not yet been performed. Here, sixty-four Gram-stain-negative, aerobic, motile rods isolated from different environmental samples on James Ross Island (Antarctica) were subjected to a polyphasic taxonomic study. The psychrophilic isolates exhibited slowly growing, moderately slimy colonies revealing bold pink-red pigmentation on R2A agar. The set of strains exhibited the highest 16S rRNA gene sequence similarities (99.5–99.9%) to Massilia violaceinigra B2^T and Massilia atriviolacea SOD^T and formed several phylogenetic groups based on the analysis of gyrB and lepA genes. Phenotypic characteristics allowed four of them to be distinguished from each other and from their closest relatives. Compared to the nearest phylogenetic neighbours the set of six genome-sequenced representatives exhibited considerable phylogenetic distance at the whole-genome level. Bioinformatic analysis of the genomic sequences revealed a high number of putative genes involved in oxidative stress response, heavy-metal resistance, bacteriocin production, the presence of putative genes involved in nitrogen metabolism and auxin biosynthesis. The identification of putative genes encoding aromatic dioxygenases suggests the biotechnology potential of the strains. Based on these results four novel species and one genomospecies of the genus Massilia are described and named Massilia rubra sp. nov. (P3094^T = CCM 8692^T = LMG 31213^T), Massilia aquatica sp. nov. (P3165^T = CCM 8693^T = LMG 31211^T), Massilia mucilaginosa sp. nov. (P5902^T = CCM 8733^T = LMG 31210^T), and Massilia frigida sp. nov. (P5534^T = CCM 8695^T = LMG 31212^T).     

Identification of vibriocidal compounds from medicinal plants using chromatographic fingerprinting

The aim of the present study was to investigate the vibriocidal activity of bark of Syzygium cumini, leaves of Lawsonia inermis, fruits of Terminalia bellerica and identify the bioactive compounds. The vibriocidal activity of plant extracts was determined in aqueous and organic solvents, and the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) against Vibrio spp. using the disk diffusion method was established. The chemical constituents of the plant extracts were analysed by thin layer chromatography (TLC), the vibriocidal compounds were determined by TLC-bioautography and were further confirmed by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Significant inhibitory activity was observed with ethanol extract of plants against the test bacteria while less antibacterial activity was observed in acetone, methanol and aqueous extracts. The MIC of the plant extracts ranged between 2.5 and 20 mg/ml. The TLC, TLC-bioautography and HPLC analysis showed that gallic acid and tannin present in ethanol extracts of S. cumini, tannin present in L. inermis and gallic acid present in T. bellerica may be responsible for the vibriocidal activity. S. cumini, L. inermis and T. bellerica can be used for the treatment of gastroenteritis, diarrhoea and cholera diseases after detailed investigations. We also conclude that the plants rich in gallic acid and tannin can be used as an alternative to search for new vibriocidal drugs.     

Tremadoc (earliest Ordovician) brachiopods from Purmamarca and the Sierra de Mojotoro, Cordillera Oriental of northwestern Argentina

The Late Tremadoc storm-dominated shoreface to inner platform deposits exposed west of the Purmamarca village (Coquena Formation) contain a considerably more diverse brachiopod fauna than previously reported. Coquinite horizons from the lower heterolitic succession have yielded monospecific associations of Nanorthis purmamarcaensis nov. sp. (formerly assigned to N. christianiae KJERULF), which is also reported from the Late Tremadoc rocks of the Cerro San Bernardo area. The fine-grained Upper Member of the Coquena Formation contains a more diverse fauna composed by Nanorthis brachymyaria nov. sp., Astraborthis quebradensis nov. sp. and the new plectorthid genus Lipanorthis (type species L. andinus nov. sp.). A different species of Lipanorthis (L. santalaurae nov. sp.) from the Mid Tremadoc Floresta Formation of the Sierra de Mojotoro is also described.     

Studies in the lichen family Pannariaceae X. The lichen genus Protopannaria in the subantarctic islands.

The lichen genus Protopannaria is defined as different from Pannaria, being a bipolar taxon with three (of four) species in the subantarctic region: P. austro-orcadensis (Øvst.) comb. nov. in the western part and P. alcicornis P.M. Jørg. & R.S. Poulsen sp. nov. as well as P. azorellae P.M. Jørg. & R.S. Poulsen sp. nov. in the eastern one (Kerguelen), showing the greatest diversity there.