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Kerala Agricultural University, Thrissur

The history of agricultural education in Kerala can be traced back to the year 1896 when a scheme was evolved in the erstwhile Travancore State to train a few young men in scientific agriculture at the Demonstration Farm, Karamana, Thiruvananthapuram, presently, the Cropping Systems Research Centre under Kerala Agricultural University. Agriculture was introduced as an optional subject in the middle school classes in the State in 1922 when an Agricultural Middle School was started at Aluva, Ernakulam District. The popularity and usefulness of this school led to the starting of similar institutions at Kottarakkara and Konni in 1928 and 1931 respectively. Agriculture was later introduced as an optional subject for Intermediate Course in 1953. In 1955, the erstwhile Government of Travancore-Cochin started the Agricultural College and Research Institute at Vellayani, Thiruvananthapuram and the College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences at Mannuthy, Thrissur for imparting higher education in agricultural and veterinary sciences, respectively. These institutions were brought under the direct administrative control of the Department of Agriculture and the Department of Animal Husbandry, respectively. With the formation of Kerala State in 1956, these two colleges were affiliated to the University of Kerala. The post-graduate programmes leading to M.Sc. (Ag), M.V.Sc. and Ph.D. degrees were started in 1961, 1962 and 1965 respectively. On the recommendation of the Second National Education Commission (1964-66) headed by Dr. D.S. Kothari, the then Chairman of the University Grants Commission, one Agricultural University in each State was established. The State Agricultural Universities (SAUs) were established in India as an integral part of the National Agricultural Research System to give the much needed impetus to Agriculture Education and Research in the Country. As a result the Kerala Agricultural University (KAU) was established on 24th February 1971 by virtue of the Act 33 of 1971 and started functioning on 1st February 1972. The Kerala Agricultural University is the 15th in the series of the SAUs. In accordance with the provisions of KAU Act of 1971, the Agricultural College and Research Institute at Vellayani, and the College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy, were brought under the Kerala Agricultural University. In addition, twenty one agricultural and animal husbandry research stations were also transferred to the KAU for taking up research and extension programmes on various crops, animals, birds, etc. During 2011, Kerala Agricultural University was trifurcated into Kerala Veterinary and Animal Sciences University (KVASU), Kerala University of Fisheries and Ocean Studies (KUFOS) and Kerala Agricultural University (KAU). Now the University has seven colleges (four Agriculture, one Agricultural Engineering, one Forestry, one Co-operation Banking & Management), six RARSs, seven KVKs, 15 Research Stations and 16 Research and Extension Units under the faculties of Agriculture, Agricultural Engineering and Forestry. In addition, one Academy on Climate Change Adaptation and one Institute of Agricultural Technology offering M.Sc. (Integrated) Climate Change Adaptation and Diploma in Agricultural Sciences respectively are also functioning in Kerala Agricultural University.

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  • ThesisItemOpen Access
    Hypolipidaemic effect of allium sativum and emblica officinals in rabbits
    (Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy, 1992) Mini, K P; KAU; Gopakumar, N
    The study was undertaken with the objective of determining the hypolipidaemic effect of Allium sativum and Emblica officinalis in hyper lipidaemic rabbits. The different forms of the indigenous agents tried were aqueous extract of A. sativum and fruit pulp as well as aqueous extract of E. officinalis. The effects produced by the above agents were compared with that of the known hypolipidaemic drug namely, Gemfibrozil which served as the positive control drug. Thirty Newzealand white adult male rabbits were used for the study. The average body weight of the animals were 1.5 kg. They were housed in cages designed for the purpose. Each rabbit received 200 g standard rabbit’s feed per day. The experiment was conducted in two stages. The first step was to render all the rabbits hyper chloesterolaemic. In order to achieve this goal, the standard ration was supplemented daily with 100 mg cholesterol and 8 g Vanaspathi for each rabbit. The rabbits were fed on this diet continuously for 60 days when they developed hypercholesterolaemia. This was ascertained by the estimation carried out initially and every fortnightly during this period. The parameters estimated were plasma cholesterol and plasma triglyceride. The second part of the study was to evaluate the hypolipidaemic efficacy of the chosen indigenous preparations in comparison to that of Gemfibrozil. Each agent was tried on a separate group by dividing the hypercholesterolaemic rabbits into five groups of six each. Group I was kept as the control group which received no treatment. Group II was administered aqueous extract of A. sativum 10 ml (2g/kg b.wt.) orally. The animals of Group III were treated with fruit pulp of E. officinalis at a dose rate of lg/kg orally. Group IV animals received aqueous extract of E. officinalis, orally at a dose rate of I g/kg prepared in 10 ml of water. The Group V served as the positive control which received Gemfibrozil at a dose rate of 120 mg/kg orally. All the drugs were administered for a period of 75 days. The high cholesterol containing diet was continued throughout the period of study. The difference brought about by the above agents on plasma cholesterol and triglyceride of hyperlipidaemic rabbits was determined by routine estimations of the above parameters carried out every fortnightly. At the end of the period of study histopathological studies of liver and aorta were also performed in order to detect the structural changes in tissues caused by the different treatments. The control group of animals increased their plasma cholesterol and triglycerids by 76.59 and 81.36% respectively. This increase was found to be statistically significant. The liver and aorta of these animals also supported the above finding on histopathological examination. Diffused fatty changes was noticed throughout the section of liver and aorta. The hepatocytes were filled with fat and the nucleus was displaced. Lining of the wall of aorta also showed severe fatty infiltration in the control group. It was found that administration of aqueous extract of A. sativum reduced plasma cholesterol by 79.08 per cent and plasma triglycerides by 75.76 per cent within a period of 75 days. Both the reductions were highly significant. Compared to the control group, the histopathological findings of this group showed that garlic was very effective in counteracting the fatty changes induced by high cholesterol diet in rabbits. The fatty changes of liver was only of a mild degree and the fatty infiltration of aorta was also very mild. The percentage reduction obtained in the case of fruit pulp of E. officinalis was 69.74 and 78.20 with respect to cholesterol and triglycerides which was also statistically significant. Aqueous extract of E. officinalis administered to the fourth group of animals could produce a reduction in plasma cholesterol and triglyceride by 79.40 per cent and 82.80 per cent respectively. The histopathological studies conducted in the above two groups showed almost similar findings. Compared to the control group, the degree of fatty changes was only mild to moderate. Infiltration of fat into the elastic tissues of aorta was also very mild. Hence it can be suggested that E. officinalis is capable of counteracting the fatty changes in liver and aorta partially. Gemfibrozil which served as the positive control brought about a percentage reduction of 78.43 with respect to cholesterol and 81.54 per cent in the case of triglyceride, both were found to be highly significant. The above observation was well supported by the photomicrographs of liver and aorta taken from the animals of this group. Mild to moderate degree of fatty changes was noticed in the liver and aorta. Aorta did not reveal prominent changes like that of the control group due to fatty infiltration. The histopathological observation made in the case of Gemfibrozil resemble that of E. officinalis. From the results of the present study, it can be inferred that aqueous extract of A. sativum and fruit pulp as well as aqueous extract of E. officinalis are effective as hypolipidaemic agents and this finding is further asserted by the simultaneous histopathological studies carried out. Both the indigenous agents were capable of correcting the fatty changes produced by the fat containing diet to a considerable extent and garlic was found to be superior to E. officinalis in this respect. The efficacy of these agents in lowering plasma cholesterol and triglyceride was comparable to that of Gemfibrozil as shown by the statistical analysis of the results obtained. Hence these agents prove to be of value as hypolipidaemic agents in the future clinical trials that can be carried out in animals and also in human beings.
  • ThesisItemOpen Access
    Assessment of the antipyretic and analgesic effect of selected indigenous plants in rats
    (Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy, 1992) Suresh, B; KAU; Marrykutty, P
    The experiments were conducted in three different parts. In the first part of the experiment the antipyretic activity of Ocimum sanctum and Tinospora cordifolia was determined. Twenty four groups of ten albino rats each were used for the study. Pyrexia was induced by injecting 20 per cent yeast suspension subcutaneously. Benzene extract of O. sanctum was given at 50, 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg dose levels in four different groups. A dose dependent reduction in temperature was obtained after four hours of its administration. Four hundred mg/kg dose level produced an affective lowering in the temperature than other doses used and showed the reduction in the temperature from 38. 840 C to 37. 590 C . Dose rates used for essential oil of O. sanctum were same as benzene extract. Two hundred mg/kg dose level revealed a more effective reduction in the temperature than four hundred mg/kg. A reduction of temperature was observed from 39. 370 C to 37. 960 C after four hours of its administration. Single, double and triple the doses of decoction of O. sanctum were used for antipyretic study. Compared to other doses, double the dose of decoction produced a maximum reduction in the temperature. It produced a reduction from 38. 930C to 37.490 C. Dose rate used for benzene extract of T. cordifolia were 50, 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg body weight. A dose depandant reduction in the temperature could be observed after four hours of its administration. Four hundred mg/kg dose level revealed as an effective dose caused a reduction from 39.010 C to 37.770 C after four hours of its administration. Single, double and triple the dose of decoction of T. cordifolia were used for assessing antipyretic activity. Double the dose of decoction was found to be more effective. And it reduced the temperature from 39.720 C to 38.140 C after four hours of its administration. In the second part of the experiment analgesic effect of benzene extract of O. sanctum and T. cordifolia were evaluated. All the dose rates of both the drugs used were compared with aspirin for a period of two hours showed no significant analgesic effect. In the third part of the experiment long term effect of essential oil of O. sanctum and benzene extract of T. cordifolia were studied. Haematological parameters were determined at an interval of 15 days. Benzene extract of O. sanctum and T. Cordifolia produced a significant charge in the erythrocyte count from 45 days onwords. At the end of the study Benzene extract of T. cordifolia treated group revealed a significant change in the leucocyte count. Both the groups showed a significant change in the haemoglobin value from days onwards. Fifteen days after the administration of the drug, both the groups showed a significant increase in the neutrophil count and decrease in the lymphocyte count. At the end of study same effect was noticed. On 61st day histopathological studies of liver were conducted. Lesions observed in both the treated groups were in general, comparable with those of control group. It was found that neither essential oil of O. sanctum nor benzene extract of T. cordifolia caused lesions in hepatic tissue in any of the experimental animals.
  • ThesisItemOpen Access
    Influence of buprenorphine , pentazocine and xylazine analgesia on ketamine anaesthesia in dogs
    (Department of Pharmacology, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy, 1989) Usha, P T A; KAU; Rajagopalan, N K
    The experiments were conducted in three different parts. In the first part of the experiment the ED50 of the three drugs namely buprenorphine, pentazocine and xylazine was determined using the analgesiometer (tail flick method) in rats and tail clip method in mice. The ED50 of buprenorphine in rats and mice was 0.25 + 0.084 mg/kg and 0.9827 + 0.0751 mg/kg intraperitoneally. The ED50 of pentazocine in rats was 32.60 + 0.071 mg/kg and in mice 48.50 + 0.323 mg/kg. The ED50 of xylazine for analgesia in rats and mice was 1.424 +0.229 mg/kg and 7.523 + 0.47 mg/kg respectively. In the second part of the experiment the influence of buprenorphine, pentazocine and xylazine analgesia on ketamine anaesthesia in dogs were studied. Twenty – four animals divided into four groups (A(K), B(X-K), C(B-K) and D(P-K) were administered with ketamine (20 mg/kg), xylazine (2 mg/kg) plus ketamine (15 mg/kg), buprencrphine (0.03 mg/kg) plus ketamine (15 mg/kg) and pentazocine (2 mg/kg) plus ketamine (15 mg/kg) respectively. The sternal recumbency time, clinical signs, duration of anaesthesia, regaining of sternal recumbency time, mean standing time, total recovery time and haemogram were studied. The sternal recumbency time was minimum in xylazine administered group. Untoward reactions like salivation and rigidity of the muscles were observed in groups A(K) and D(P-K). There was significant reduction in rectal temperature in all the groups. The pulse rate was elevated in group A(K) and depressed in group B(X-K), while a transient increase followed by decrease showed in group C(B-K) and D(P-K) . Respiratory depression was observed in groups C(B-K) and D(P-K). Average duration of anaesthesia was maximum in group B(X-K) while all other groups showed almost similar durations of anaesthesia. The time for regaining of sternal recumbency was also maximum in group B(X-K), then the groups A(K), C(B-K) and D(P-K) respectively. Mean standing time was maximum in group B(X-K). The rest of the groups followed the same pattern as above. The total recovery time was maximum in group C(B-K), then group B(X-K), A(K) and D(P-K) respectively. The study of haemogram showed that, the haemoglobin, packed cell volume and erythrocyte counts decreased at 30 min. after drug administration in groups A(K) and B(X-K) while there was no significant variation in group C(B-K) and D(P-K). The group D(P-K) showed a significant reduction in leucocyte count, while there were no variations in other groups observed. In the third part of the experiment the reversal of anaesthesia using the 2 blocker yohimbine was studied. Twenty-four animals divided into four groups (E,F, G and H) were administered with the same drugs as in the second part of the experiment. Along with that yohimbine (0.25 mg/kg in group E, G and H and 2 mg/kg in group F) was administered 15 min. later. The groups E, F, G and H were designated as K-Y, X-K-Y, B-K-Y and P-K-Y respectively. Uptoward effects exhibited after yohimbine administration were salivation, panting and hyperaesthesia during recovery. Rectal temperature, pulse and respiration were increased in all the groups. The duration of anaesthesia, regaining of sternal recumbency time, mean standing time and total recovery time were significantly reduced in group F(X-K-Y), while there was no variation in the above parameters in group E(K-Y). Only the total recovery time significantly reduced in group G(B-K-Y) and prolongation of standing time and total recovery time was observed in group H(P-K-Y). The haematological changes noticed in the second part of the experiment were completely reversed by yohimbine.
  • ThesisItemOpen Access
    Assessment of the antifertility property of ocimum sanctum
    (Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy, 1979) Girisdan, K; KAU; Jacob Cheeran, V
    A study was carried out in rats, to assess the antifertility property of the benzene fraction of the leaves of the plant Ocimum sanctum. Premating treatment was done in female animals at does levels of 200 and 400 mg per kilogram body weight for a duration of eight days. Male animals were subjected to the treatment at a dose level of 200 mg per kilogram body weight for 20 days . The experimental animals were allowed to mate with untreated animals of the opposite sex. Histopathological examination of the organs – pituitary, ovary, tests, liver and kidney were carried out. Results of the study suggested considerable reduction of fertility in both the sexes. This can be attributed to the impaired release of gonadotrophic hormones and the resulting improper functioning of the gonads. Administration of the extract showed no toxic effects in the treated rats as well as in their offspring.
  • ThesisItemOpen Access
    Assesment of cadmium toxicity in cattle of Eloor industrial area
    (Department of Veterinary Pharmacology and Toxicology,College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy, 2001) Nisha, A R; KAU; Chandrasekharan, A M Nair
    A study was undertaken to assess impact of environmental pollution with cadmium in cattle of Eloor industrial belt. Areas around Fertilizers and Chemicals Travancore (FACT), India, Aluminium Company (INDAL), Binani Zinc and Hindustan Insecticides Limited (HIL) were selected for the study. As the first step, retrospective analysis of case sheets was done in Eloor and Muppathadam Veterinary hospitals. In Eloor veterinary hospital out of the 1503 case sheets examined 851 digestive disorders, 126 repeat breeders, 75 respiratory diseases and 41 deficiency diseases were observed. Out of 5920 case sheets analysed in Muppathadam veterinary hospital 3348 digestive disorders, 1284 repeat breeders 398 respiratory diseases and 433 deficiency diseases were observed. Disease conditions like digestive disorders, deficiency diseases and repeat breeders are suggestive of cadmium toxicity. The field samples like water and forages, biological samples like blood, serum, urine dung and milk were collected from cattle in the industrial field localities. The cadmium content in this field and biological sample were estimated by Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer. Animals kept in the University Livestock Farm, Mannuthy were taken as controls. Field samples like water and fodder were also collected from area around University Livestock Farm, Mannuthy. The cadmium content of water from Alupuram, Binanipuram, Eloor south, Eloor north ranges from 0.03 – 0.04 ppm. These were significantly higher than controls (0.01 ppm). The cadmium content of fodder from Alupuram, Binanipuram, Eloor south, Eloor north ranges from 2.60 – 6.53. These were also significantly higher than controls (0.65 ppm). The cadmium level of blood, serum, milk, urine and dung from cattle of Alupuram, Binanipuram, Eloor south and Eloor north were significantly higher than controls. Haematologocal values like total erythrocyte count, haemoglobin and packed cell volume showed significant decrease in catle of test areas than controls. Other haematologic values like differential leucocyte count, total leucocyte count, mean corpuscular volume, mean corpuscular haemoglobin and mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration did not show any significant changes. Total serum protein and albumin values from cattle of Alupuram, Binanipuram, Eloor south and Eloor north were significantly lower than control values. Serum enzymes like aspartate amino transferase, alamine amino transferase and alkaline phosphatase levels were higher in cattle from test areas than controls. It can be concluded that field and biological samples collected from the vicinities around Fertilizers and Chemicals, Travancore (FACT), Binani Zinc and Indian Aluminium Company (INDAL) are contaminated with cadmium.
  • ThesisItemOpen Access
    Studies on the Effect of Corticosteroids, Neostigmine and Calcium in Cobra Venom (Naja naja) Intoxication
    (Department of Veterinary Pharmacology and Toxicology,College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy, 1975) Venugopalan, K; KAU; Nair, K P D
    Administration of specific antiserum as early as possible after snake bite is of utmost importance for better chances of survival. Supportive measures are definitely capable of reducing the venom toxicity And prolonging survival period eg., if the absorption of venom from the site of bite could be delayed or retarded it will be highly beneficial to the patient. It has been shown that certain drugs are capable of decreasing capillary permeability and altering the rate of absorption of venom from the site while other agents may alleviate neurotoxicity or reduce haemotoxicity of venoms on the system. The present study was undertaken to evaluate the beneficial effect of (1) ‘Betnesol’ (Glaxo brand of betamethasone), (2) Neostigmine bromide (E Merck) and (3) Calcium gluconate – 10% (Sandoz) in experimental envenomation with cobra venom (Naja naja) in adult rats of both sexes. One LD50 cobra venom (0.097 mg per 100 g body weight – death within 8 hours) was given intramuscularly to these experimental rats and the trial drugs viz., ‘Betnesol’ (0.6, 0.8 and 1 mg per 100 g body weight), neostigmine bromide (30 mcg per 100 g body weight) and calcium gluconate (8,10 and 12 mg per 100 g body weight) were given intraperitoneally at varying intervals to evaluate the efficacy to these drugs in respect of their ability to prolong the survival period of experimentally envenomated rats. It is observed that ‘Betnesol’ at dose rate of 0.8 to 1 mg per 100 g body weight of rate when given immediately after injection of one LD50 cobra venom gave 100 percent prolongation of survival period and the degree of protection decreases when the time lag for the administration of this drug. Neostigmine bromide was found to be of not much value to counteract the neurotoxicity produced by cobra venom. Results of calcium administration were of a varying nature and require further investigation.
  • ThesisItemOpen Access
    Antibacterial and antifungal activity of selected medicinl plants available in Kerala
    (Department of Veterinary Pharmacology and Toxicology,College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy, 2010) Sabitha, Jose; KAU; Usha, P T A
    In the present study cold ethanolic extract and fresh juice of five medicinal plants were screened for their in vitro antibacterial and antifungal activities. The plants were Annona squamosa (Aatha), Cassia alata (Anathakara), Coleus amboinicus (Panicoorka), Myristica fragrans (Nutmeg) and Tectona grandis (Teak). Antimicrobial activity was tested against Staphylococcus aureus subsp.aureus (MTCC 96), Salmonella enteritidis (MTCC 3219), Escherichia coli (MTCC 723), Pasteurella multocida subsp.multocida (MTCC 1161), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (MTCC 741), Aspergillus fumigatus (MTCC 870), Candida albicans (MTCC 227) and Cryptococcus neoformans var neoformans (MTCC 4404). Phytochemical analysis was conducted for the presence of routine secondary plant metabolites. The diameter of inhibitory zone at various concentrations of the extract, minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) and minimum fungicidal concentration (MFC) were used to evaluate the in vitro antimicrobial activity of the above mentioned plants. Disc diffusion method, microtitre plate dilution technique and broth dilution technique were used. The reference drugs used in this study were penicillin G, furazolidone, ketoconazole and clotrimazole. The maximum yield was obtained from ethanolic extract of A. squamosa leaves (18.07 per cent). Leaves of C. amboinicus produced the maximum amount of fresh juice among the five plants (8 ml from 10 g of the fresh tender leaves). Phytochemical analysis reported the presence of steroids, alkaloids, tannins, flavonoids, glycosides, phenolic compounds, diterpenes, triterpenes and saponins in the leaves of A. squamosa and C. alata. Alkaloids, tannins, flavonoids, glycosides, steroids and saponins were present in the leaves of C. amboinicus. M. fragrans leaves contain glycosides, flavonoids, saponins and phenolic compounds. Qualitative chemical tests revealed the presence of tannins, flavonoids, glycosides, phenolic compounds and saponins in the leaves of T. grandis. All the extracts showed varying degrees of antimicrobial activity on the microorganisms tested. The antimicrobial screening revealed the susceptibility of E. coli to A. squamosa, C. amboinicus and T. grandis. The growth of S. aureus, P. multocida and P. aeruginosa was inhibited by all the five plants. S. enteritidis was found to be susceptible to T. grandis, M. fragrans and C. amboinicus. MIC values ranged from 200-1000 µg/ml and MBC values ranged from 500-1000 µg/ml. In case of A. squamosa, MBC value against E. coli was more than 1000 µg/ml. The antifungal screening revealed that the growth of C. albicans was inhibited by C. alata, C. amboinicus, M. fragrans and T. grandis. A. squamosa and C. alata inhibited the growth of C. neoformans. A. fumigatus appeared to be susceptible to A. squamosa, C. alata and C. amboinicus. MIC values ranged from 250-1000 µg/ml for the fungal strains. MFC values ranged between 500-1000 µg/ml except for A. squamosa and C. alata. MFC of C. alata against A. fumigatus and C. albicans was more than 1000 µg/ml. MFC of A. squamosa against C. neoformans was found to be more than 1000 µg/ml. The growth of S. aureus was inhibited by fresh juice of A. squamosa, C. amboinicus, M. fragrans and T. grandis leaves. E. coli was susceptible to fresh juice of C. amboinicus leaves. Fresh juice of C. alata was found to be effective against C. albicans. P. aeruginosa was inhibited by fresh juice of M. fragrans leaves. All the plants under the study were found to possess antimicrobial properties, thereby justifying their popular use in the treatment of infectious diseases caused by resistant microorganisms. Further study is required to assess the in vivo efficacy of these plants for the said action.
  • ThesisItemOpen Access
    Hypoglycamic effect of pleurotus ostreatus in sprague - dawley rats
    (Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy, 2007) Saritha, Krishna I K; KAU; Usha, P T A
    The present study was undertaken to assess the antidiabetic activity of Pleurotus ostreatus and its combination with Murraya koenigii and Aegle marmelos in a model of alloxan induced diabetic rats. The experiment was conducted in seventy two adult Sprague-Dawley male rats which were randomly divided into nine groups of eight animals each. Group I served as normal control. All the groups except normal control were made diabetic by the subcutaneous injection of alloxan at the dose rate of 130 mg/kg body weight. Group II was kept as the diabetic control. In the initial phase, rats of group III, IV and V were administered orally with ethanolic extract of Pleurotus ostreatus at the dose rate of 250,500 and 1000 mg/kg body weight respectively from day 16 to day 45. Parameters like blood glucose, serum cholesterol and serum triglyceride were estimated on zeroth day, 16th, 30th and 45th day. Body weight was also recorded on these days. Liver glycogen was estimated on 45th day after sacrificing the animals. All the three treatment groups except diabetic control showed gradual increase in body weight after 30 days of treatment. Among the treatment groups, the maximum regain in body weight was observed in rats treated with Pleurotus ostreatus at the dose rate of 1000 mg/kg (group V). The highest decrease in blood glucose level was also observed with the same group. Administration of the extract also produced significant reduction in serum cholesterol level. Group V showed the lowest serum cholesterol level and serum triglyceride level. The liver glycogen level was found to be highest in group V. The results of the present study clearly demonstrated the hypoglycaemic effect of Pleurotus ostreatus. It was also quite evident that among the three doses of Pleurotus ostreatus chosen, the dose rate of 1000 mg/kg was found to possess the highest hypoglycaemic and hypolipidaemic effect. Hence this was selected as the suitable dose for combination with Murraya koenigii and Aegle marmelos. In the second phase of study, group VI received ethanolic extract of Murraya koenigii at the dose rate of 250 mg/kg and group VII was given ethanolic extract of Aegle marmelos at the same dose rate from day 16 to day 45. A combination of the ethanolic extract of Pleurotus ostreatus at the dose rate of 1000 mg/kg with Murraya koenigii and Aegle marmelos each at the dose rate of 250 mg/kg was given to group VIII for the same period. Group IX received glibenclamide at the dose rate of 0.25 mg/kg/day for 30 days. Group I and II served as normal and diabetic control respectively. Parameters like body weight, blood glucose, serum cholesterol and serum triglyceride were recorded on zeroth day, 16th, 30th and 45th day. Liver glycogen was estimated on 45th day after sacrificing the animals. After 30 days of treatment, a significant gain in body weight was observed in animals which underwent combination therapy compared to group VI and VII and the effect was comparable to that produced by glibenclamide. The animals which received Murraya koenigii and Aegle marmelos (groups VI and VII) showed similar reduction in blood glucose level. Group VIII which received combination showed a significant reduction in blood glucose level than groups VI and VII suggesting a synergistic effect of the three drugs in producing hypoglycaemia. However, the most effective reduction in blood glucose level was produced by glibenclamide. A significant decrease in serum cholesterol level was seen in all treated groups compared to diabetic control. Among the groups treated with ethanolic extract, group VIII showed the lowest serum cholesterol level. Group IX which received glibenclamide showed the highest reduction in serum cholesterol level. The highest reduction in serum triglyceride level was also shown by group IX followed by group VIII. Animals treated with Aegle marmelos extract (group VII) had a higher liver glycogen value than those treated with Murraya koenigii (group VI). Treatment with the combination produced significant regain in liver glycogen level but was lower than that obtained with group IX. From the study, it can be concluded that the combination of Pleurotus ostreatus with Murraya koenigii and Aegle marmelos has the highest hypoglycaemic and hypolipidaemic effect than the individual effect of Murraya koenigii and Aegle marmelos suggesting a synergistic action of the three.
  • ThesisItemOpen Access
    Studies on the influence of chloramphenicol on thiopentone sodium anaesthesia in dogs
    (Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy, 1978) Aravindakshan, C M; KAU; Zacharias, Cherian
    A study was undertaken to find out the influence of chloramphenicol, streptomycin and kanamycin on thiopentone sodium anaesthesia in dogs. Chloramphenicaol 50 mg/kg body weight, streptomycin 10 mg/kg body weight and kanamycin 10 mg/kg body weight were administered intramuscularly at 30, 60 and 120 minutes prior to the administration of thiopentone sodium, which was given at the rate of 30 mg/kg body weight intravenously. These antibiotics (chloramphenicol, streptomycin and kanamycin) produced a slight prolongation in the surgical anaesthesia and sleeping time, induced by thiopentone sodium. Chloramphenicol showed a significant effect over the other two drugs in these respects. It was also noticed that neither thiopentone sodium nor its administration along with chloramphenicol, streptomycin and kanamycin does possess any influence on the PCV and ESR values.