A Leucodelphinidin derivative isolated from the bark of Ficus bengalensis Linn demonstrated hypoglycemic action at a dosage of 250 mg/kg given both in normal and alloxan diabetic rats. It's action is closely similar to that of an effective dose of glibenclamide (2 mg/kg) tested under the same conditions. However, after a glucose load the plant product is only just significantly active but not a...

This study aimed at characterizing fecal microbiota of three captive carnivore species of leopard cats Prionailurus bengalensis, Eurasian otters Lutra lutra and raccoon dogs Nyctereutes procyonoides. We used DNA barcoding sequencing to analyze 16S rRNA genes of uncultured bacteria in the feces collected in the Seoul Zoo. The sequencing analyses revealed that: 1) Firmicutes was the most dominant...

The present study characterized Argulus spp. infecting the cultured carps using 18S rRNA gene sequences, estimated the genetic similarity among Argulus spp. and established their phylogenetic relationship. Of the 320 fish samples screened, 34 fish (10.6%) had Argulus infection. The parasitic frequency index (PFI) was observed to be high (20%) in Hypophthalmichthys molitrix and Labeo bata. The f...

During the last two decades populations of three resident species of Gyps vulture have declined dramatically and are now threatened with extinction in South Asia. Sex identification of vultures is of key importance for the purpose of conservation breeding as it is desirable to have an equal sex ratio in these monogamous species which are housed together in large colony aviaries. Because vulture...

The present study was undertaken to assess in vitro antioxidant and immunomodulatory activity for methanolic extract of Ficus benghalensis Linn. aerial roots (MEFB). Antioxidant activity of (MEFB)was evaluated by reducing power assay and hydrogen peroxide assay. Immunomodulatory activity was evaluated for specific and non-specific immune response by using in vitro assays as plaque forming cell ...

Two new species of water striders in the genus Pleciobates are described from India and compared with allied species. Pleciobates bengalensis Jehamalar, Basu & Zettel sp. nov. is described from the Jalpaiguri District, West Bengal and Pleciobates expositus Jehamalar, Chandra & Zettel sp. nov. (Hemiptera: Gerridae) is described from the Dhubri District, Assam. A key to the species of Pleciobates...

A new, nickel-hyperaccumulating species of Rinorea (Violaceae), Rinorea niccolifera Fernando, from Luzon Island, Philippines, is described and illustrated. This species is most similar to the widespread Rinorea bengalensis by its fasciculate inflorescences and smooth subglobose fruits with 3 seeds, but it differs by its glabrous ovary with shorter style (5 mm long), the summit of the staminal t...

River Ganga is a lifeline to about 500 million people inhabiting its basin. The river Ganga provides water for drinking, domestic needs, agriculture, livelihoods, industrial use, fishing, boating, recreation, religious, cultural activities and for energy. Besides the humans, the river supports rich fauna and flora, including the endangered Ganges river dolphin (Platanista gangetica gangetica), ...