Ranjitsinh Devkar | The M.S.University Of Baroda-Vadodara (original) (raw)

Papers by Ranjitsinh Devkar

Lancet, 2011

Ethnopharmacological relevance: Clerodendron glandulosum.Coleb leaf aqueous extract (CG) is tradi... more Ethnopharmacological relevance: Clerodendron glandulosum.Coleb leaf aqueous extract (CG) is traditionally used by people of North-East India to alleviate symptoms of diabetes, obesity and hypertension. Previous study from our laboratory have documented anti-diabetic and anti-hypertensive properties of CG extract but, till date there are no pharmacological studies available on its anti-obesity potential. This inventory investigates the underlining molecular mechanism/s of CG induced regulation of in vivo HFD induced obesity and in vitro adipocyte differentiation. Aim: To evaluate effects of CG extract on (i) expression of genes regulating visceral adiposity and (ii) in vitro adipocyte differentiation and LEP release. Materials and methods: Body weight, lee index, plasma lipids and LEP, mRNA expression of PPAR␥-2, SREBP1c, FAS, CPT-1 and LEP in epididymal adipose tissue of control and experimental groups were evaluated. Also, potential of CG extract on in vitro adipocyte differentiation and LEP release was assessed. Results: Supplementation of CG extract to HFD fed mice significantly prevented HFD induced increment in bodyweight, lee index, plasma lipids and LEP, visceral adiposity and adipocyte hypertrophy. Also, CG extract supplementation resulted in down regulation of PPAR␥-2, SREBP1c, FAS and LEP expression along with up-regulation of CPT-1 in epididymal adipose tissue compared to HFD fed mice. In vitro study recorded significant anti-adipogenic effect of CG extract that resulted in decreased adipogenesis, TG accumulation, LEP release, G3PDH activity along with higher glycerol release without significantly altering viability of 3T3L1 pre-adipocytes. Conclusions: Clerodendron glandulosum.Coleb extract prevents adipocyte differentiation and visceral adiposity by down regulation of PPAR␥-2 related genes and Lep expression thus validating its traditional therapeutic use in controlling obesity.

Colloids and Surfaces A-physicochemical and Engineering Aspects, 2011

The stem latex of a medicinally important plant, Euphorbia nivulia was successfully used to induc... more The stem latex of a medicinally important plant, Euphorbia nivulia was successfully used to induce room temperature/microwave synthesis of silver and copper nanoparticles even at high concentrations. The major component of the latex, Euphol, is assumed to be the reducing moiety; while stabilization is assisted by certain peptides and terpenoids present within the latex as supported by the FT-IR analysis.

Journal of Complementary and Integrative Medicine, 2010

Thounaojam, Menaka C.; Jadeja, Ravirajsinh N.; Patel, Dipak K.; Devkar, Ranjitsinh V.; and Ramach... more Thounaojam, Menaka C.; Jadeja, Ravirajsinh N.; Patel, Dipak K.; Devkar, Ranjitsinh V.; and Ramachandran, A V. (Abstract Acute and sub chronic oral administration of Sida rhomboidea.Roxb (SR) aqueous leaf extract did not register any adverse behavioral alterations or significant toxic manifestations. However, significant decrement in food intake and body weight gain along with higher plasma AST and ALT levels were recorded with a dose of 3000 mg/kg body weight. It is inferred that SR extract is non-toxic, therefore, safe for consumption.

Human & Experimental Toxicology, 2011

This inventory evaluates toxicological effects and hepatoprotective potential of Clerodendron gla... more This inventory evaluates toxicological effects and hepatoprotective potential of Clerodendron glandulosum.Coleb (CG) aqueous extract. Acute and subchronic toxicity tests were performed using Swiss albino mice as per the guideline of Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD). Also, hepatoprotective potential of CG extract was examined in experimental model of carbon tetrachloride (CCl( 4))-induced hepatotoxicity. Acute and subchronic toxicity tests revealed that CG extract is non-toxic and its median lethal dose (LD(50)) value is &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;5000 mg/kg bodyweight. Also, rats pretreated with CG extract followed by administration of CCl(4) recorded significant decrement in plasma marker enzymes of hepatic damage, total bilirubin content and hepatic lipid peroxidation. While, hepatic reduced glutathione, ascorbic acid content, activity levels of superoxide and catalase and plasma total protein content were significantly increased. Microscopic examination of liver showed that pretreatment with CG extract prevented CCl(4)-induced hepatic damage in CG + CCl( 4) group. CG extract has hepatoprotective potential by modulating activity levels of enzymes and metabolites governing liver function and by helping in maintaining cellular integrity of hepatocytes that is comparable with that of standard drug silymarin. CG extract exhibits potent hepatoprotective activity against CCl(4)-induced hepatic damage but does not exhibit any toxic manifestations.

Cardiovascular Toxicology, 2010

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the efficacy of pre-supplementation with pomegranate... more The aim of the present study was to evaluate the efficacy of pre-supplementation with pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) juice (PJ) on heart weight, infarct size, plasma marker enzymes of cardiac damage, lipid peroxidation, endogenous enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidants, cardiac ATPases and histopathology of isoproterenol (IP)-induced cardiac necrosis (CN) in rats. Rats treated with IP (85 mg/kg, s.c.) for 2 days at an interval of 24 h caused significant (P +2 ATPase and plasma marker enzymes, while there was significant (P +-K+ and Mg+2ATPases. Pre-supplementation with PJ for 30 consecutive days and treated with IP on days 29th and 30th showed significantly (P +2 ATPase and a significant protective effect in endogenous enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidants, Na+-K+ and Mg+2 ATPases compared to IP alone treated group. Present study provides first scientific report on protective effect of supplementation of Pomegranate juice against IP-induced CN in rats.

Experimental and Toxicologic Pathology, 2011

The present study investigates cardioprotective effect of Sida rhomboidea. Roxb (SR) extract on h... more The present study investigates cardioprotective effect of Sida rhomboidea. Roxb (SR) extract on heart weight, plasma lipid profile, plasma marker enzymes, lipid peroxidation, endogenous enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidants and membrane bound ATPases against isoproterenol (IP) induced myocardial necrosis (MN) in rats. Rats treated with IP (85 mg/kg, s.c.) recorded significant (po 0.05) increment in heart weight, plasma lipid profile, plasma marker enzymes of cardiac damage, cardiac lipid peroxidation (LPO) and activity levels of Ca + 2 ATPase whereas there was significant (po 0.05) decrease in plasma HDL, cardiac endogenous enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidants, Na + -K + ATPase and Mg + 2 ATPase. Pre-treatment with SR extract (400 mg/kg per day, p.o.) for 30 consecutive days followed by IP injections on days 29th and 30th, showed significant (p o 0.05) decrease in heart weight, plasma lipid profile, plasma marker enzymes of cardiac damage, cardiac lipid peroxidation, Ca + 2 ATPase and significant increase in plasma HDL, cardiac endogenous enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidants, Na + -K + ATPase and Mg + 2 ATPase compared to IP treated group. Hence, this study is the first scientific report on cardioprotective effect of SR against IP induced MN in rats.

Cardiovascular Toxicology

The present inventory evaluates anti-atherogenic potential of flavonoid-rich Eugenia jambolana se... more The present inventory evaluates anti-atherogenic potential of flavonoid-rich Eugenia jambolana seed extract (EJSE) against in vitro low-density lipoprotein (LDL) oxidation, foam cell formation, and atherogenic (ATH) diet-induced experimental atherosclerosis in rats. EJSE was able to prevent in vitro LDL oxidation and oxidized LDL-induced macrophage foam cell formation. Also, EJSE supplementation to ATH rats significantly minimized increment in serum markers of LDL oxidation. The ex vivo oxidation indices were also minimized in LDL of EJSE-treated animals. Microscopic evaluation of thoracic aorta of ATH + EJSE rats recorded minimal evidence of atheromatous plaque formation, accumulation of lipid laden macrophages, calcium deposition, and expression of cell adhesion molecules (vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 and P-selectin). This is the first scientific report that demonstrates anti-atherogenic potential of EJSE and warrants further evaluation at clinical level.

Breeding biology of Spoonbill and Painted Stork has not been documented in detailed in captivity.... more Breeding biology of Spoonbill and Painted Stork has not been documented in detailed in captivity. This inventory unravels some of the aspects of their reproduction in captivity and generates useful baseline data for further studies in detail. The study was conducted in aviary of Sakkarbaug zoo, Junagadh, Gujarat. The alterations in artificial nesting platforms (ANPs), use of supplementary nesting material, behavioural changes of birds in anthropogenic environment and the factors affecting breeding success of both species of birds has been monitored and documented. Ample availability of food and lack of predators has positive effects on their breeding success. Changes in dimension of ANP greatly improved the breeding success of Spoonbill. Both male and female birds were seen foraging together often leaving the eggs/chicks along on ANP, contrary to its behaviour in wild.

Asian Pacific Journal of Tropical Medicine, 2010

ObjectiveTo evaluate the safety of ethanolic seed extract of Eugenia jambolana (EJSE) using acute... more ObjectiveTo evaluate the safety of ethanolic seed extract of Eugenia jambolana (EJSE) using acute and sub-chronic toxicity assays in Swiss albino mice as per Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) guidelines.

Journal of Health Science, 2010

The present study investigates effect of Sida rhomboidea ROXB. (S. rhomboidea ROXB., SR) on high ... more The present study investigates effect of Sida rhomboidea ROXB. (S. rhomboidea ROXB., SR) on high fat diet (HFD) induced insulin resistance in C57BL/6J mice and the results obtained have been compared with mice fed with rosiglitazone (ROS). Changes in bodyweight, food intake, fasting blood glucose, plasma insulin, plasma and hepatic triglyceride (TG), total cholesterol (TC) and free fatty acids (FFAs) have been investigated in various experimental groups. It was observed that feeding of SR extract to HFD fed mice (HFD+SR) reduced bodyweight (p < 0.05), food intake (p < 0.05) and feed efficiency ratio ( p < 0.05). Plasma and hepatic TC, TG and FFA were also significantly lowered ( p < 0.05) in HFD+SR groups. Efficient clearance of glucose in intraperitoneal glucose tolerance test (IPGTT), lowered area under curve (AUC glucose ) values, low plasma insulin and fasting insulin resistance index (FIRI) coupled with higher K ITT values were observed in HFD+SR groups. These findings were further justified by significant reduction of adipocyte diameter (p < 0.05) and surface area ( p < 0.05) in HFD+SR groups. This study is a first scientific report on protective role of S. rhomboidea ROXB. extract against HFD induced insulin resistance in C57BL/6J mice and strengthens the folklore claim of use of SR leaves as alternative medicine against diabetes and obesity.

Experimental and Toxicologic Pathology

Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 2010

Ethnopharmacological relevance: Sida rhomboidea.Roxb (SR) known as "Mahabala" in Ayurveda and mar... more Ethnopharmacological relevance: Sida rhomboidea.Roxb (SR) known as "Mahabala" in Ayurveda and marketed as "Shahadeyi" is used in ethnomedicine to treat ailments such as dysuria and urinary disorders. Aim of the study: To evaluate nephroprotective potential of SR against gentamicin (GM) induced nephrotoxicity and renal dysfunction. Materials and methods: Nephrotoxicity was induced in rats with GM (100 mg/kg bodyweight (i.p.) for 8 days) and were treated with SR extract (200 and 400 mg/kg bodyweight (p.o.) for 8 days) or 0.5% carboxymethyl cellulose (vehicle). Plasma and urine urea and creatinine, renal enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidants along with lipid peroxidation were evaluated in various experimental groups. Results: GM treatment induced significant elevation (p < 0.05) in plasma and urine urea, creatinine, renal lipid peroxidation along with significant decrement (p < 0.05) in renal enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidants. SR treatment to GM treated rats (GM + SR) recorded significant decrement (p < 0.05) in plasma and urine urea and creatinine, renal lipid peroxidation along with significant increment (p < 0.05) in renal enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidants. Conclusion: SR leaf extract ameliorates GM induced nephrotoxicity and renal dysfunction and thus validates its ethnomedicinal use.

Materials Science and Engineering: C, 2011

Organically modified silver nanoparticles were prepared by biosynthetic route induced by stem lat... more Organically modified silver nanoparticles were prepared by biosynthetic route induced by stem latex of a medicinally important plant, Euphorbia nivulia. The reduction and stabilization is assisted by certain peptides and terpenoids present within the latex. The aqueous formulation of latex capped silver nanoparticles (LAgNPs) being completely free of toxic chemicals can be directly used for administration/in vivo delivery of nanoparticles. The in vitro cytotoxicity evaluation of the latex capped nanoparticles was carried out using human lung carcinoma cells (A549) by MTT cell viability assay. Further, possible cytotoxic mechanisms were evaluated using various biomarkers for cytotoxicity and oxidative stress viz. extracellular lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release, reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, intracellular reduced glutathione (GSH), malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide generation and acridine orange/ethedium bromide staining. It can be concluded from the present study that LAgNP formulation is toxic to A549 cells in a dose dependent manner. Thus plant latex solubilizes the AgNPs in water and acts as a biocompatible vehicle for transport of AgNPs to tumor/cancer cells.

Food and Chemical Toxicology, 2010

This study evaluates the protective role of Clerodendron glandulosum.Coleb (CG) aqueous extract a... more This study evaluates the protective role of Clerodendron glandulosum.Coleb (CG) aqueous extract against high fat diet/fatty acid induced lipotoxicity in experimental models of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). Supplementation of NASH mice with CG extract (1% and 3% in high fat diet for 16 weeks) prevented high fat diet induced elevation in liver enzymes, plasma and hepatic lipids, mitochondrial oxidative stress and compromised enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidant status and histopathological damage to hepatocytes. Furthermore, results from in vitro study indicates, addition of CG extract (20-200 μg/ml for 24h) to HepG2 cells minimizes oleic acid induced lipid accumulation, higher lipid peroxidation, cytotoxicity and reduced cell viability. These in vivo and in vitro studies suggest that CG extract has the potential of preventing high fat/fatty acid induced NASH.

Food and Chemical Toxicology, 2011

This study elucidates the process of synthesis of copper (Cu) nanorods using almond skin extract ... more This study elucidates the process of synthesis of copper (Cu) nanorods using almond skin extract as stabilizing cum capping agent. These nanorods were (about 200 nm long and 40 nm wide) characterized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Further, cytotoxicity potential of these nanorods was evaluated in A549 cells (Human lung carcinoma cell line) via cell viability assay and extracellular lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release. Also, reduced glutathione (GSH), lipid peroxidation (LPO), cellular oxidative stress (Rhodamine 123 florescence) and apoptosis (Annexin V FITC/Propidium iodide staining) were also investigated in control and treated cells. Results indicated that Cu nanorods induced apoptotic death of cancer cells by induction of oxidative stress, depletion of cellular antioxidants and mitochondrial dysfunction. This study reports a novel process of synthesis of almond skin extract capped Cu nanorods and its potential as an anticancer agent against A549 lung carcinoma cells.

Materials Chemistry and Physics, 2011

Extracellular synthesis of copper nanoparticles was carried out using stem latex of a medicinally... more Extracellular synthesis of copper nanoparticles was carried out using stem latex of a medicinally important plant, Euphorbia nivulia. The nanoparticles were stabilized and subsequently capped by peptides and terpenoids present within the latex. The protein capping is a promising biocompatible vehicle for destruction of tumor/cancer cells. The cytotoxicity potential of the plant protein capped nanoparticles was evaluated using various parameters like MTT cell viability assay and extracellular lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release in cancer cell line. Other parameters that determine the oxidative stress viz., reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, intracellular reduced glutathione (GSH), malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide generation and acridine orange/ethidium bromide staining were also investigated. The present study led to the conclusion that copper nanoparticles are toxic to A549 cells in a dose dependent manner. The nontoxic aqueous formulation of latex capped copper nanoparticles can be directly used for administration/in vivo delivery of nanoparticles for cancer therapy.

Food and Chemical Toxicology

The present study investigates hepatoprotective effects of polyphenol rich Murraya koenigii L. (M... more The present study investigates hepatoprotective effects of polyphenol rich Murraya koenigii L. (MK) hydro-ethanolic leaf extract in CCl 4 treated hepatotoxic rats. Plasma markers of hepatic damage, lipid peroxidation levels, enzymatic, and non-enzymatic antioxidants in liver and histopathological changes were investigated in control and treated rats. MK pretreated rats with different doses (200, 400 and 600 mg/kg body weight) showed significant decrement in activity levels of alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, total protein, and bilirubin. Also, MK treated rats recorded a dose dependent increment in hepatic super oxide dismutase, catalase, reduced glutathione and ascorbic acid and, a decrement in lipid peroxidation. Microscopic evaluations of liver revealed CCl 4 -induced lesions and related toxic manifestations that were minimal in liver of rats pretreated with MK extract. These results demonstrate that hydro-ethanolic leaf extract of MK possesses hepatoprotective potentials.

Journal of Health Science, 2009

The present study was undertaken to evaluate the efficacy of freeze dried extract of Sida rhomboi... more The present study was undertaken to evaluate the efficacy of freeze dried extract of Sida rhomboidea.roxb leaves (FESR) on alteration in lipid and cholesterol metabolism in high fat diet induced hyperlipidemia in experimental rats. Plasma and hepatic lipid profiles, lipid and cholesterol metabolizing enzymes in target tissues and fecal total lipids and bile acid contents were evaluated in FESR treated normolipidemic and hyperlipidemic rats. These results were compared with synthetic hypolipidemic drug lovastatin (LVS). Results indicate that FESR was able to positively regulate induced experimental hyperlipidemia by significant alteration in plasma and tissue lipid profiles. These results can be attributed to reduced absorption, effective elimination and augmented catabolism of lipids and cholesterol possibly due to high content of saponin and phytosterols in S. Rhomboidea. roxb (SR). Use of SR extract as a potential therapeutic agent against hyperlipidemia is indicated.

Oreocnide integrifolia (Gaud.)Miq (Urticaceae) leaves are used to alleviate diabetic symptoms in ... more Oreocnide integrifolia (Gaud.)Miq (Urticaceae) leaves are used to alleviate diabetic symptoms in folk medicine in northeast India. In the present study, dose and duration dependent hypoglycemic potentials were evaluated in streptozotocin induced diabetic rats. Administration of aqueous leaf extract (100, 250, 500 and 750 mg/kg body weight orally once daily) to diabetic rats reduced glycemic levels by 56 % by 4 weeks of treatment and was comparable to standard reference drug Metformin. The experimental data also revealed significant improvement in lowering lipid profile, Urea, Creatinine, Hb, HbA1c and insulin levels. The present study clearly demonstrates hypoglycemic and hypolipidemic potential of Oreocnide integrifolia leaf extract.

International Journal of Green Pharmacy, 2009

... Atherogenic index and triglyceride secretion rate were lowered in the polyherbal extract feda... more ... Atherogenic index and triglyceride secretion rate were lowered in the polyherbal extract fedanimals when compared to hyperlipidemic animals. ... How to cite this article: Ansarullah, Jadeja RN, Thounaojam MC, Patel V, Devkar RV, Ramachandran AV. ...