A novel homologous series a-4-[4'-n-alkoxy benzoyloxyj benzoyl-ß-3",4"-dimethoxy phenyl ethylenes has been synthesized and studied for liquid crystal (LC) properties to understand and establish the relation between molecular structure and liquid crystalline behavior Twelve members of series were synthesized. All the members except first member of the series are mesomorphic. The hexyloxy to tetradecyloxy homologoues are smectogenic and nematogenic in character. The ethoxy to pentyloxy and the hexadecyloxy homologues exhibit only nematogenic character with the absence of smectogenic mesophase formation. An odd-even effect is observed for the smecticnematic and the nematic-isotropic transition curves in the phase diagram. The smectic mesophase showed as either the SmA or SmC. The nematic mesophase shows a threaded or Schlieren type texture. Spectral and analytical data confirms the molecular structures of the homologues. The thermal stabilities for the smectic and the nematic are 115.6°C and 156.6°C. The smectogenic and nematogenic mesophase length va,y from 7°C to 28°C and from 7°C to 52^C respectively. The transition temperatures were observed through an optical polarizing microscope equipped with heating stage. Thus, the presently investigated novel homologous series is predominantly nematogenic and partly smectogenic with a middle ordered melting type and a considerable mesophase length. The LC properties of the novel series are compared with structurally similar homologous series.

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The present study evaluates the efficacy of ethanolic extract of Boerhaavia diffusa L (BD) administered orally at a dose of 500mg/kg body weight for a period of 30 days to alloxanized diabetic rats and its efficacy compared with the standard hypoglycaemic drug metformin. Diabetic animals showed glycemic dysregulation, altered ionic balance, increased levels of serum markers of kidney function, and reduced Na+-K+ ATPase activity and endogenous antioxidant status. Administration of BD not only maintained the ionic balance and renal Na+-K+ ATPase activity but also significantly minimized diabetic hyperglycaemia. The renal antioxidant status (GPx, Catalase, SOD and GSH) remained in the near normal range and LPO level lower than the non-diabetic level. These effects are comparable to the changes brought about by metformin treatment and even better. Over all, the present study provides evidence for BD to be a potent renoprotective and antihyperglycaemic agent in diabetic animals.

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