Synthesis of 3-(1-alkyl/aminoalkyl-3-vinyl-piperidin-4-yl)-1-(quinolin-4-yl)-propan-1-ones and their 2-methylene derivatives as potential spermicidal and microbicidal agents

A series of twenty two derivatives of 3-(1-alkyl/aminoalkyl-3-vinyl-piperidin-4-yl)-1-(quinolin-4-yl)-propan-1-one and their 2-methylene derivatives were synthesized from naturally abundant cinchonine (I). Tartarate salts of these compounds were prepared and evaluated for spermicidal activity. The most active compounds (24, 27, 34, 36, and 38) showing potent spermicidal activity were further evaluated against different strains of Trichomonas vaginalis, for antimicrobial activity, in HeLa cell lines for cytotoxicity and against Lactobacillus jensenii for eco-safety. The tartarate of 3-(1-pentyl-3-vinyl-piperidin-4-yl)-1-(quinolin-4-yl)-propan-1-one (27) was found to be more active than N-9 in spermicidal activity.     

Non-timber forest products (NTFPs): a viable option for biodiversity conservation and livelihood enhancement in central Himalaya

The present study aims to document detail information of some of the selected wild edible having enormous potential for livelihood enhancement and socio-economic development by making a variety of value added products. To this end, some of the wild edibles of central Himalaya were selected and prioritized for harnessing their economic potential along with their detail information in terms of distribution, ethnobiology, phenophases and appropriate time of harvesting so as to make communities well aware about the resource availability and their harvesting period round the year. The cost-benefit analysis of each value added product prepared from selected wild edibles was worked out in detail and these analyses revealed that total monetary output, as well as the net return, is very high for all value added products prepared. Since wild edible fruits or other edible parts can be collected from wild free of cost except labour is involved in collection of these wild edibles bio-resources. In addition, information on a participatory action research framework & approaches for promoting participatory conservation of these wild edible species were also highlighted for appropriate management of these resources. The present attempt provides a practical example of sustainable utilization of wild edibles, their potential in livelihood improvement of local people, distribution and phenophases and availability in natural conditions, participatory conservation of these wild edibles may help policy planners at the regional and national levels to link livelihood/socio-economic development with conservation.     

The spermicidal and antitrichomonas activities of SSRI antidepressants

The study investigated spermicidal and antitrichomonas activities of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) antidepressants with a view to generate new lead for development of dual-function spermicidal microbicides, which is an urgent global need. Fluoxetine, Sertraline, and Fluvoxamine exhibited both spermicidal and anti-STI (antitrichomonas) activities in vitro, whereas Paroxetine and Citalopram showed only the spermicidal activity. Fluoxetine exhibited better activity profile than the other antidepressant drugs with its spermicidal and antitrichomonas activities being comparable to that of the OTC contraceptive Nonoxynol-9. The non-detergent nature of Fluoxetine and a much lower spermicidal ED50 value (than N-9) may add considerably to its merit as a candidate for microbicidal contraceptive. Thus, the antidepressants exhibiting both spermicidal and antitrichomonas activities might provide useful lead for the development of novel, dual-function spermicidal contraceptives.