Abstract: In our fast paced environment, modern technology and chemical based medicine dominates the scene of medical world. Medical breakthrough happens every second as we speak and cure for previously untreatable conditions become feasible. However, consumption of chemical based medicines comes with a number of side effects. As a result, many have moved back to using plant based preparations and concoctions which come with little or no side effects. Hibiscus sabdariffa is one such plant that has been increasingly becoming popular due to its wide range of applications. Hibiscus sabdariffa is known by different names all over the world like roselle, red sorelle, Jamaican sorelle, sorelle, Indian sorelle etc. It is mostly found in Asia, Australia and Africa and consumed in different forms. It has been used traditionally as beverage served hot and cold, as flavouring and colouring agent in the food industry, and as herbal tonics. Hibiscus sabdariffa extracts showed antiseptic, aphrodisiac, astringent, cholagogue, demulcent, digestive, diuretic, emollient, purgative, refrigerant, resolvent, sedative, stomachic, tonic, antibacterial, emollient, sedative, anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, renal/diuretic effect, anti-cancer, anti-diabetic and antihypertensive effects among others. Because of its extensive range of traditional applications and effects on all the above medical conditions there is an enormous need for further investigation on this species.
Key words: Anticholesterol, Antihypertensive, Antioxidant, Antitumor, Traditional medicine.

Abstract: Notch signalling is an intercellular signalling mechanism that belongs to a family of four highly conserved transmembrane proteins. Its core transcriptional regulator RBPJ_k serves as a molecular centre for interactions with corepressor or coactivators, which inhibit or promote transcription, respectively. It is the main protein that control the expression of the target proteins involved in cell fate decisions by mediating signalling from Notch. Notch signalling pathway is an evolutionarily conserved signalling system that has been proven to be crucial for cell fate specification and embryonic development of all metazoans. Therefore, mutations or complete loss-of-function of Notch, RBPJ_k, and associated genes may effects on embryonic development or sometimes also results in embryonic death. In the present study, we reviewed the previous literatures for the better understanding of the RBPJ_k dependant notch signalling role in the embryonic development of the mice.
Key words: RBPJ_k, Notch signalling, endometrium, embryonic development

Abstract: Trees are one of the main component of the forest ecosystem. Many trees are used for timber purpose while others are used for non-timber products. Rural and poor communities from villages are depend on such economically important trees. Anthropogenic disturbances lead to reduction in the population of some important trees in natural vegetation. However, no research had been done to know the diversity of trees in Maharashtra’s Gondia district. Hence, field data was collected from 5 different forests in Gondia to understand species diversity and population structure of 6 selected tree species. Study was conducted by using centre point quadrate method. Quantitative analysis documented total 3717 Trees. Terminalia alata (1401) had shown overall dominance in all sites based on highest density, IVI and basal area. Similarly, Buchanania lanzan (1094) and Anogeissus latifolia (923) were also found dominant at Ghumdhawda forest. In contrary, T. arjuna (38) was least prevailing tree in all forests. Amongst all sites, Ghumdhawda forest was found to be the most diverse forest where all the selected trees found in number. At Khairbanda, Ghumdhawda and Pangdi forests 5 (83%) out of the 6 species encountered showed contagious distribution while 1 (17%) species had random distribution and no species with regular distribution. Whereas in Bodhalkasa and Murdoli forests, 4 (67%) species showed contagious distribution and 2 (33%) species had random distribution. From this study it can be concluded that except T. alata and B. lanzan, rest of all tree species are not abundant and have poor diversity in forests of Maharashtra’s Gondia district.
Key words: Associated species, Combretaceae, Distribution pattern, Diversity indices, IVI

Abstract: The extraction of essential oil for its analysis and anti-microbial study has been in practice from so many years. The present work in Mentha arvensis L. for its anti-bacterial activity using bioautographic technique is for the first time. The essential oil extracted from Mentha arvensis L. was investigated for its antimicrobial activities against Aspergillus niger, Klebsiella pneumoniae and Escherichia coli. The essential oil extracted from the sample was analyzed using GC-MS technique to find out the presence of constituents. There are 72 identified bioactive molecules were identified in which menthol was present predominantly followed by isomenthane, menthol acetate and D-Limonene. The sensitivity of the chemical compounds against the microorganisms was determined by the bio-autographic assay. The oil exhibited maximum zone of inhibition as anti-bacterial agent against Klebsiella pneumoniae and Escherichia coli followed by as anti-fungal agent against Aspergillus niger. The anti-microbial activity could be due to the combined activity of the compounds present in the oil mixture extracted from the sample.
Key words: Bio autography, TLC, essential oil, Tetrazolium, Vanillin

Abstract: In the present study methanolic crude root bark extract (CRBE) of the plant Cynoglosum zeylanicum has been tested on adult ovary intact cyclic and ovariectimized mice. The root bark of this plant has been traditionally used by the folk women of north east India for successful conceive and gestation. In the present study uterine histomorphology and expression of ER-βhas been carried out by H&E staining and immunofluorescence using ER-β antibody. In contrast to the control group, the CRBE treated females showed considerable alterations in the histoarchitecture of uterus. The treated mice showed a significant (P< 0.5) increase in luminal surface area and glandular cell proliferation of the uterus. This indicates that the extract may specifically target the epithelial cell to cause its effect and this proliferation supports the estrogenic potency of the plant. ER-β has been expressed in a cell-specific manner in both the uterus and the ovary. ER-β signals has been found strong in stromal cells of uterus in the extract treated group. In the ovary, the receptor has been localized with high intensity in thecal cells of extract treated group. Thus, the extract could modulate the estrogen responsiveness in the stromal epithelium. The present research work is the first in vivo and mechanistic insights of Cynoglossum zeylanicum on female reproductive tissue to demonstrate the existence of estrogenic compounds (phytoestrogens) that modulate the expression of ER-β across uterine and ovarian cell types.
Key words:  Cynoglossum zeylanicum, Estrogen receptor β , ovariectomy, Phytocompounds, uterine histoarchitecture,

Abstract: The planet Earth is hospitable and fit for human habitation, mainly because of its average temperature of 150C which is due to the presence of Polar Regions. Though, technically both poles are ‘similar’, due to the geographical position of Arctic, where northern sea is surrounded by land mass, human habitation, industries, usage fossil fuel for various activities etc., compared to Antarctica, the temperature of Arctic region is increasing significantly at a faster rate than ever before resulting in melting of polar ice. While, at Antarctica due to geographic position, where the icy continent is surrounded by marine water, non-human habitation, no vehicular traffic, industries etc., melting of ice is much slower. However, Albedo effect is becoming dangerously alarming. This also contributes to rise in global temperature and thus leading to climate change. Added to the above, anthropogenic activities like uncontrolled fishing including whale in both northern sea and southern sea causes serious concerns.
Key words:  Antarctica, faunal diversity, sustainable development.