Biotechnology has created unprecedented opportunities not only for the manipulation of biological systems for the benefit of mankind, but also for undertaking studies to understand the fundamental life processes.

The first article, “Antibacterial Activity of Traditional Medicinal Plants Against Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus aureus and Methicillin Sensitive Staphylococcus aureus”, by Lali Growther and Jiya Janardhanan, suggests that aqueous and ethanolic extracts from plants used in allopathic medicine are potential sources of antiviral, antitumoral and antibacterial agents. The antibacterial activities of ten medicinal plants were assessed by using its crude extract against Methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and Methicillin sensitive Staphylococcus aureus (MSSA). The extracted plants were used as crude drugs for detecting antibacterial activity.

The second article, “In Silico Analysis of Different Gene Expressions and Phylogenetic Analysis of Corynebacterium efficiens”, by M Balakrishnan and R C Srivastava, evaluates the phylogenetic analysis of the proteins and explains that the selected genes had only 53% relationship among their protein sequences. Using this gene expression data, highly efficient glutamic acid producing plasmids are constructed in this study. This gene expression study also helps in identifying new genes, diagnosing diseases, identifying toxic levels and designing new drugs.

The third article, “3’-Hairpin Oligonucleotides Inhibitor of RNase H Activity of MMLV Reverse Transcriptase”, by Ajay kumar, focuses on 3’-Hairpin oligonucleotides containing phosphodiester backbone in the loop portion of the oligonucleotides. These were synthesized and their binding to Moloney murine leukemia virus reverse transcriptase (MMLV RT) was evaluated using PAGE band mobility shift assay. The inhibitory activity of the RNase H activity of MMLVRT was studied in vitro using 3H-UTP labeled RNA:RNA-DNA hybrid.

The oligonucleotide containing phophorothiates linkage at 3’-loop portion showed inhibition of RNase H activity with IC50 falling in the range of 140-150 nM, which is lower than tenofovir, a nucleotide drug used for curing AIDS.

The fourth article, “Phytochemical Studies of Antibacterials for Multi-Drug Resistant Nosocomial Pathogen Pseudomonas aeruginosa”, by Amsaveni V and S S Sudha, investigates the screening of antibiotic resistance modifying compounds from plant sources, which may be helpful in identifying therapeutically useful compounds. Antibacterial activity of Punica grantum plant parts was evaluated on different strains of Pseudomonas aeruginosa, one of the most important nosocomial pathogens. Punica grantum plant parts such as leaves and flowers were extracted with various solvents such as ethanol, methanol, chloroform, petroleum ether and water. A qualitative phytochemical analysis was done for the presence of various secondary metabolites such as tannins, saponins, glycosides, flavonoids, alkaloids and phenols. The fifth article, “Antioxidant Properties of Citrus paradisi” by Harish R and Santa Ram A explains the antioxidant activity of aqueous and ethanolic extracts of Citrus paradisi, using different in vitro models such as scavenging of 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), Superoxide Reactive oxygen species (ROS) radicals and inhibition of microsomal lipid peroxidation, reducing power and metal chelating properties. The aqueous extract of Citrus paradisi exhibited higher antioxidant activity in DPPH radical and reducing power than that of ethanolic extract. Results obtained suggest that Citrus paradisi have intrinsic antioxidant activity to scavenge various radicals, viz., superoxide and peroxyradicals, and ameliorate the level of oxidative stress.

The sixth article, “Caulogenesis and Organogenesis Studies in Coleus forskholii Using Lasiodiplodia sps.”, by Bipasha Das and R Chakravarthy, deals with in vitro regeneration of Coleus forskholii via direct organogenesis from young leaf cultures and calli buds through indirect method. Coleus forskholii is made up of an active component called forskholin extracted from roots, which stimulates the catalytic subunit of adenylate cyclase and brings positive inotropic effect. It shows anticancer properties, promotes weight and fat loss, increases lean body mass, reduces allergies and asthma, lowers blood pressure, relaxes muscles, stomach and menstrual cramps, and lowers intraocular pressure.

The seventh article, “Isolation and Characterization of Cellulase Enzyme from Aspergillus sps.”, by Kanchana Devi D and N Hemashenpagam, focuses on the isolation, characterization and production of cellulase enzyme from Aspergillus niger using cheaper carbon sources like sugarcane bagasse, etc. Cellulose-rich plant biomass is one of the foreseeable and sustainable sources of fuel, animal feed and feed stock for chemical synthesis. This study focuses on optimization of pH, temperature and use of different carbon sources in czapekdox broth to enable high cellulase production.

The eighth article, “Study of In vitro Seed Germination and Development of Seedling of Gymnema sylvestre (Retz.) R. Br. Ex. Schult”, by A V Jaybhaye and S S Deokule, deals with the in vitro propagation of seed germination, which further leads to the growth of plantlets. Gymnema is a potent antidiabetic, antimicrobial and antihypercholesterolemic plant used in ayurvedic and homeopathic systems of medicine. It is also used in the treatment of asthma, eye complaints, inflammations, family planning and snake bite.

- - R Chakravarthy
Consulting Editor