Sneha S

This study aimed to evaluate the phytochemical profile and antimicrobial potential of extracts derived from Curcuma caesia rhizomes and Nardostachys jatamansi roots. A total of 250 g of Curcuma caesia and 80 g of Nardostachys jatamansi were subjected to solvent extraction. The yields of Curcuma caesia extracts were 2.22% in petroleum ether and 7.15% in ethanol. Phytochemical screening of the ethanolic extracts confirmed the presence of several bioactive constituents, including alkaloids, flavonoids, terpenoids, tannins, phenolics, saponins, glycosides, and proteins. The total phenolic content was measured at 171 mg/g for Curcuma caesia and 393 mg/g for Nardostachys jatamansi, expressed in gallic acid equivalents. Similarly, the total flavonoid content was 175 mg/g and 410 mg/g, respectively, in terms of rutin equivalents. A polyherbal gel was formulated using these extracts, with the G3 combination formulation showing superior performance in antimicrobial activity tests, as evidenced by a larger zone of inhibition. Furthermore, dermal safety assessment revealed no skin irritation, indicating its suitability for topical application. Overall, the findings support the potential of this herbal gel as a safe and effective natural antimicrobial agent.

Kidney is one of the vital organs in the human body. The function of the kidney involves purification of the blood, reabsorption of water, excretion of waste, secretion of hormones like adrenaline. When the kidney becomes non-functional, it leads to a condition called chronic kidney disease (CKD), where the kidney fails to purify the blood. When this happens, the patients are expected to switch over to artificial methods of purifying the blood such as dialysis. Patients suffering from CKD have high levels of phosphate (hyperphosphatemia) and leads to calcification of blood vessels. In order to reduce phosphate levels the patients are recommended drugs which act as phosphate binders like sevelamer hydrochloride and sevelamer carbonate. In the present investigation the banding patterns of serum proteins and the serum along with plant samples and the drug were analysed through Native –PAGE. The serum protein interaction studies showed a positive result for sevelamer hydrochloride where as the sevelamer carbonate displayed less interaction. The swelling property of the drug was studied using phase contrast microscopy. It was observed that the drug swells up when treated with water and also the content of the drug slowly dissolves with time. Keywords: CKD, hyperphosphatemia, calcification, phosphate binders.