A cross-sectional survey was used to determine the prevalence of disease (n = 6493) and microfilaraemia (n = 24,946) due to Wuchereria bancrofti in Pondicherry, south India. The total disease attributable to filariasis was significantly higher in males (13.67%) than females (2.26%), due to the occurrence of hydrocele in males. While the prevalence of chronic signs was clearly age-dependent in both sexes, that of acute signs was independent of age. Thus the age and gender structure of the survey sample will crucially influence apparent prevalence. Examination of the gender differences in the point prevalence of disease in 12 areas of India showed a significant relationship between occurrence of disease and gender, but this relationship did not significantly differ between northern and southern Indian populations. The study suggested that the failure to appreciate the importance of age and gender in disease prevalence has led to misconception about disease patterns in India.

Background & Objectives. The plan of this work was to study the larvicidal activity of Cassia occidentalis (Linn.) against the larvae of Culex quinquefasciatus. These larvae are the most significant vectors. They transmit the parasites and pathogens which cause a deadly disease like filariasis, dengue, yellow fever, malaria, Japanese encephalitis, chikungunya, and so forth, which are considered harmful towards the population in tropic and subtropical regions. Methods. The preliminary laboratory trail was undertaken to determine the efficacy of petroleum ether and N-butanol extract of dried whole plant of Cassia occidentalis (Linn.) belonging to the family Caesalpiniaceae at various concentrations against the late third instar larvae of Culex quinquefasciatus by following the WHO guidelines. Results. The results suggest that 100% mortality effect of petroleum ether and N-butanol extract of Cassia occidentalis (Linn.) was observed at 200 and 300 ppm (parts per million). The results obviously showed use of plants in insect control as an alternative method for minimizing the noxious effect of some pesticide compounds on the environment. Thus the extract of Cassia occidentalis (Linn.) is claimed as more selective and biodegradable agent. Conclusion. This study justified that plant Cassia occidentalis (Linn.) has a realistic mortality result for larvae of filarial vector. This is safe to individual and communities against mosquitoes. It is a natural weapon for mosquito control.

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Background: Ventilago calyculata Tul. ('kevati'), is found throughout India as climbing shrub. It is widely used in various traditional system of medicine. Objective: In the present work pharmacognostical standardization has been developed for the systematic identification of the bark of Ventilago calyculata. Phenols and flavonoids were also quantified. Materials and Methods: Morphological, microscopical and phytochemical studies were performed. Various physicochemical parameters conforming the identity, quality, purity of the bark. The quantity of phenols and flavonoids were estimated. Results: The bark was oval, brownish yellow, bitter with characteristic odour and rough texture. The microscopical studies revealed the presence of cork with brownish contents, crimson inner cork, collenchyma, cellulosic parenchyma with cuboidal calcium oxalate crystals and schlereids. The total ash value, acid insoluble ash value and water soluble ash values of stem bark were found to be 15% w/w, 3.4% w/w and 11.6% w/w respectively. The percentage yields, total phenolic content and the total flavonoid content of the petroleum ether, chloroform, ethyl acetate, ethanol and aqueous extracts were 2.77% w/w, 2.66% w/w, 3.8% w/w, 5.8% w/w, 11.0% w/w; 2.16 ± 0.04, 4.16 ± 1.04, 9.12 ± 1.14, 7.16±1.16, 1.16 ±1.02 mg/g (gallic acid equivalent) and 4.5 ± 0.55, 8.20 ± 1.12, 10.1 ± 0. 26, 6.5 ± 1.3, 0.66 ± 1.13 mg/g (rutin equivalent) respectively. Conclusion: There was a need to evaluate the extracts of the plant in order to provide scientific proof for its application and to explore the possibility of treating various diseases and disorders. Literature review indicates that very less work has been done on this plant and there is a wide scope for investigation.