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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Open Access
Evaluation of hepatoprotective effect of ethanolic extract of eugenia jambolana (njaval) leaves on paracetamol induced toxicity in rats
(Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences Mannuthy, 2008) Midhun, M V; Aravindakshan, C M
Open 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.
Open 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.
Open 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.
Open Access
Hypoglycaemic effect of Coccinia indica (ivy gourd) leaves and its interaction with glibenclamide in diabetic rats
(Department of Veterinary Pharmacology & Toxicology, COVAS, Mannuthy, 2009) Eliza Jose; KAU; Usha, P T A
The present study was undertaken to assess the hypoglycemic, hypolipidemic, antioxidant effect, interactive effects with glibenclamide and toxicity of ethanolic extract of Coccinia indica leaves. The experiment was conducted in seven groups of eight adult Sprague-Dawley rats each. Group I served as the normal control. All the groups except normal control were made diabetic by subcutaneous injection of alloxan at the dose rate of 130 mg/kg body weight and group II was kept as diabetic control. The groups III and IV were administered with the extract of C. indica at the dose rate of 200 mg/kg and glibenclamide at the dose rate of 0.25 mg/kg respectively for 45 days. The groups V, VI and VII were administered with a combination of C. indica at the dose rate of 100, 150 and 200 mg/kg respectively with glibenclamide at the dose rate of 0.125 mg/kg body weight for 45 days. Blood glucose, serum cholesterol and serum triglyceride and body weight were noted on day zero, 16th, 30th, 45th and 60th day and liver glycogen on 60th day. The antioxidant effect was assessed by estimation of reduced glutathione and lipid peroxides in pancreas and liver. Representative samples of pancreas were also subjected to histopathological examination. The diabetic control showed significant increase in the level of blood glucose, serum cholesterol and serum triglyceride level and also a significant reduction in body weight. All the other groups showed a gradual increase in body weight after 30 days of treatment. The groups III and IV restored the blood glucose levels after 45 days. The serum cholesterol, serum triglyceride, reduced glutathione and lipid peroxide levels in pancreas and liver were also restored indicating the hypolipidemic and antioxidant effect of the treatments. The groups V, VI and VII, in which the combinations of C. indica with glibenclamide were used, regained the blood glucose levels in 45 days of treatment. Group VII showed most marked effect and is found to be better than group III. The combination treatments produced a marked reduction in serum cholesterol and triglyceride levels and there was restoration of lipid peroxides and reduced glutathione in pancreas and liver. The ethanolic extract of C. indica leaves were screened for acute oral toxicity and sub acute toxicity. The administration of the extract upto 2000 mg/kg body weight (OECD guidelines 423) did not show any acute oral toxicity in mice. The sub acute toxicity studies conducted in wistar rats, did not show any toxic symptoms like mortality, change in biochemical, hematological parameters. The results revealed that C. indica did not possess any sub acute toxicity. These toxicity studies indicated the safety of ethanolic extract of C. indica as a drug in the treatment of diabetes. From the study it can be concluded that C. indica at the dose of 200 mg/kg body weight produced better hypoglycemic effect when compared with glibenclamide at the dose rate of 0.25 mg/kg body weight. Further the combination of C. indica ( 200 mg/kg ) with glibenclamide (0.125 mg/kg) showed a more effective hypoglycemic, hypolipidemic and antioxidant effect than C. indica or glibenclamide alone and the combination can be safely used in the treatment of diabetes.
Open Access
Antipyretic and CNS activity of seeds from red and white types of lotus (nelumbo nucifera) in albino rats
(Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy, 2006) Deepa, P K; KAU; Usha, P T A
The antipyretic and CNS activity of the extract of the seeds of red and white Nelumbo nucifera was studied in albino rats. Qualitiative tests for the detection of phytochemicals showed the presence of steroids, alkaloids, flavonoids, glycosides, phenolic compounds, diterpenes, triterpenes and saponins. Pyrexia was induced by subcutaneous injection of 20% Brewer’s yeast suspension. Group I served as pyrexia control, group II was administered aspirin at the dose rate of 100 mg/kg body weight, Group III and IV with extract of red lotus seed and group V and VI with extract of white lotus seed at the dose rate of 400 and 600 mg/kg body weight respectively. The body temperature was recorded from zeroth to fifth hour at one hour interval. Haematological parameters and Serum ALT, AST levels were estimated at peak of pyrexia and five hours after drug administration. For CNS study group I was kept as normal control, Group II was administered chlorpromazine at the dose rate of 7 mg/kg body weight. Group III , IV V and VI were treated as in the case of antipyretic study. Actaphotometer and Rotarod were used to assess the spontaneous and forced motor activities respectively. Haematological parameters and serum ALT, AST levels were estimated at peak of tranquillization. The extract of white lotus seed at dose rate of 600 mg/kg body weight showed maximum antipyretic effect followed by red lotus at 600 mg/kg body weight and white lotus at the rate of 400 mg/kg body weight among the treatment groups. By the fifth hour the effect of white lotus seed extract at the dose rate of 600 mg/kg body weight was comparable to that of standard drug aspirin. Eventhough the extract of red lotus at the dose rate of 600 mg/kg body weight inhibited the spontaneous motor activity to the maximum initially, the extracts were found to be equipotent after 120 minutes of drug administration. But the activity was less when compared with the standard drug chlorpromazine. Comparison of the treatment groups showed that group IV showed maximum inhibition of forced motor activity followed by group VI and group III. The haematological and biochemical parameters assessed were within the normal range in both studies. From the present study it can be concluded that the extracts of red and while lotus seeds possessed potent antipyretic and CNS effects. The extract from the seeds of white lotus showed more potent CNS activity where as both the extracts were showing equipotent tranquillizing property.
Open Access
Anti-inflamatory and analgestic actions of red and white lotus seeds (nelumbo nucifera) in albino rats
(Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy, 2006) Vikrama Chakravarthi, P; KAU; Gopakumar, N
Anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects of Nelumbo nucifera (lotus) seeds, red and white types were assessed and compared in albino rats. The carrageenin induced paw oedema was one of the acute inflammatory models followed in anti-inflammatory screening. The acute and chronic type pain models viz., tail flick method and experimental neuropathy model of analgesic activity, respectively, were adopted for analgesic screening. Diclofenac potassium at the rate of 3 mg/kg was used as a standard drug for both the studies. In cyclooxygenase-2 enzyme inhibition assays the celecoxib @ 10mg/kg was used as a standard drug. Both red and white types of lotus seeds at the dose rate of 400 mg/kg and 600 mg/kg were taken for the anti-inflammatory and analgesic studies. Anti-inflammatory effect of red and white lotus seeds was found to be effective in all phases of carrageenin induced inflammation. The higher dose groups of lotus seed extracts were revealed more inhibition than their corresponding lower dose. While comparing all groups, the higher dose group of white lotus seed, exhibited more pronounced inhibition of paw oedema than others. Analgesic effect was found to be significant in both acute and chronic analgesic models. The analgesic activity was more in tail flick method when compared to experimental neuropathy model. The cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) enzyme inhibition assays in both ELISA and spectrophotometer showed significant effect than control. The percentage of inhibition of COX-2 was more evidenced in both lotus seed extract of higher dose groups than its lower dose. However, the higher dose groups of white lotus seed exhibited more control over inhibition of COX-2 enzyme than others. . In case of biochemical parameters in both anti-inflammatory and analgesic screening the serum cholesterol level was found to be decreased in treatment groups when compared to control. Even though, there was a reduction in serum cholesterol level, all the values were within the normal range. The rise in serum level of AST and ALT in both inflammation and analgesic models were noticed in lower dose treated group. Conversely, there was a reduction in level of enzyme was noticed in higher dose treated groups. However, the values were with in the normal level. Both the studies showed the haematological parameters viz., total leukocyte and differential counts were within the normal range in all groups, even though a non-significant increase in neutrophil count than lymphocyte was noticed in carrageenin induced inflammation and tail flick method in rats.
Open Access
Assessment of Dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT ) residues in cattle of floor area
(Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy, 2003) Deepa, A K; KAU; Usha, P T A
A study was conducted to assess the impact of environmental pollution with DDT in cattle of Eloor industrial belt. Hindustan Insecticides Limited (HIL) is the major pesticide manufacturing factory of the region producing pesticides like ODT. Hence Eloor was selected as the study area. Environmental samples like sludge, water and fodder, biological samples like blood, urine, dung and milk were collected from the cattle of Eloor area. Whole blood and serum samples were collected for haematology and serum biochemistry respectively. The collected samples were analysed for ODT residues in the gas liquid chromatograph (GLC). The values obtained were compared statistically with the samples collected from University Livestock Farm, Mannuthy. Higher levels of DOT residues were obtained from the environmental and biological samples from Eloor than the corresponding samples from Mannuthy. The mean levels of total 'nOT in environmental samples of Eloor were 1.463 ± 0.555 ppm (fodder), 0.00255 ± 0.00002 ppm (water) and 35.157 ± 0.198 ppm (sludge). Biological samples from Eloor contained mean total ODT of 0.201 ± 0.123 ppm (serum), 0.023 ± 0.006 (urine), 0.910 ± 0.689 ppm (dung) and 0.058 ± 0.019 ppm (milk). Environmental samples from Mannuthy contained mean total DDT of 0.062 ± 0.021 ppm, 0.011 ± 0.006 ppm, 0.000085 ± 0.00007 ppm in fodder, sludge and water respectively. Serum, urine and dung from cattle of Mannuthy contained mean total DOT of 0.252 ± 0.145 ppm, 0.030 ± 0.003 ppm and 0.026 ± 0.017 ppm respectively. No DOT residues were detected in the milk samples from Mannuthy. The haematological values from Eloor cattle remained within the normal range except differential leucocyte count which exhibited marked neutropenia and eosinophilia. Values of total protein and albumin were normal in both groups of animals. Serum enzymes like alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase were significantly different fr~m Mannuthy sample but were within the normal range. It can be inferred that the DDT residues present in the field and biological samples were not high enough to cause toxicity in cattle. Variation in the haematological and biochemical parameters may be due to the presence of other environmental pollutants along with DDT in the discharged industrial effluents.
Open Access
Anti-ulcer effect of Azadirachta indica (neem) and Eupatorium triplinerve (Ayyappana) in rats
(Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy, 2005) Sangeetha Satheesan; KAU; Joy, A D
The present study was conducted in adult albino rats to assess the anti-ulcer effect of alcoholic extract and powder of leaves of Azadirachta indica and Eupatorium triplinerve in comparison with famotidine, a standard anti-ulcer drug. Ninety six rats weighing 150-200gm body weight of either sex divided into twelve groups were used for the study with eight rats in each group. Group 1 was administered the vehicle, five per cent gum acacia for seven days where as group 2 was administered aspirin at the dose of 200mg/kg for seven days. Group 3 was administered aspirin for seven days and from 8th day onwards, they were maintained by normal feeding and watering for 20 days to assess the natural healing. Famotidine, a standard anti-ulcer drug was given at the dose of 40mg/kg for 20 days following aspirin administration to the group 4 animals. The alcoholic extract and powder of A.indica and E.triplinerve were administered to the treatment groups (Groups 5-12) at the two dose levels of 250mg/kg, 500mg/kg and 500mg/kg, 1000mg/kg respectively for 20 days following aspirin administration. The control group as well as the aspirin group were sacrificed on the 8th day, whereas all the other groups were sacrificed on 28th day. The number of ulcers and severity (ulcer score) were determined with the help of magnifying lens and the ulcer index and healing index were calculated. Various biochemical parameters were studied to confirm the anti-ulcer activity of the plant preparations under study. The degree of lipid peroxidation, as well as the anti-oxidant enzyme status, namely, superoxide dismutase and catalase levels were assessed in gastric mucosa. The serum alkaline phosphatase activity was estimated on 28th day of the experiment. Body weight was taken at weekly intervals. Heamatological parameters such as total leucocyte count, differential count and haemoglobin count were determined to assess any changes in the haemogram. Histopathological study was also conducted to evaluate the severity of ulceration and healing process. The results indicated that all the treatment groups under study produced a significant decrease in ulcer index when compared to aspirin treated control group. The alcoholic extract at the two dose levels 250mg/kg and 500mg/kg as well as powder at the two dose levels 500mg/kg and 1000mg/kg of both A.indica and E.triplinerve were found to produce a dose-dependent healing effect which is comparable to that of famotidine. Administration of the herbal formulation at the various dose levels brought about a significant reduction in lipid peroxidation and an increase in the activities of anti-oxidant enzymes namely, superoxide dismutase and catalase, which suggest its efficacy in preventing free radical induced damage. The treatment reversed the increased activity of serum alkaline phosphatase observed in the aspirin treated group. There was no significant difference in the mean body weight gain between any of the groups. Haematological study revealed no significant change and all values fall within the normal range of blood value for the species under study. The results are substantiated by the histopathological studies, which confirmed that treatment with A.indica and E.triplinerve inhibited aspirin-induced necrosis, haemorrhage and congestion in gastric mucosa. Phytochemical analysis of the extracts revealed the presence of tannins, saponins, flavonoids, triterpenes, alkaloids, phenolic compounds which are known to affect the integrity of mucous membranes. In the present study, the fact that A.indica and E.triplinerve significantly reduced ulcer index in a dose-dependent manner supports their cytoprotective effect, which may be mediated by prostaglandins and the ulcer healing effect could be attributed to its predominant effect on the mucosal defensive factors rather than offensive factors.

Kerala Agricultural University, Thrissur

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