Objective: The seeds and sprouts of matki bean (Vigna aconitifolia), a common food, contain abundant nutrients with biological activities. This work was focused to analyze and compare the medicinal properties of seeds and sprouts of matki beans, with the goal of providing scientific evidence for better application of this commonly used food as a medicine. Methods: Using Soxhlet apparatus, ethanol extracts of matki bean sprouts and seeds were prepared. Anti-inflammatory activity (inhibition of protein denaturation, inhibition of heat induced hemolysis, and inhibition of protease activity), antioxidant activity, and antihypertensive activity were determined for both sprout and seed extracts. Results: The anti-inflammatory activity of sprout ethanol extract was found to be highest. Sprout ethanol extract inhibited the activity angiotensin-I-converting enzyme (ACE1) which was maximum as compared to seed extracts. Same was observed for the antioxidant activity, sprout ethanol extract showed higher activity than the seed extract. Conclusion: The results of the present study will help us to use Vigna aconitifolia as a healthy herbal alternative for the existing chemical remedies for various disorders and rule out the issue of side effects and resistance.

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Background: Staphylococcus aureus is a serious pathogen responsible for nosocomial and community acquired infections. It is leading cause of healthcare associated infections globally. Methicillin was developed to overcome penicillin resistant S. aureus but by 1961 Methicillin resistant S. aureus (MRSA) were identified in UK. MRSA strains developed due to integration of 21-67 Kbp mobile element called as staphylococcal cassette chromosome mec (SCCmec) into its genome, which harbours the methicillin resistance (mecA) gene. Material and Methods: Known MRSA and MSSA cultures were received from Dr. Y. Patil Medical College, Pune. These organisms were isolated from patient samples like blood, pus, urine, wound swabs and other body fluids. They were characterized and confirmed to be S. aureus based on conventional microbiological methods like Gram staining, coagulase test and growth on mannitol salt agar. The cultures were segregated as MRSA and MSSA. Total 80 PCRs were carried out for detection of mecA gene from MRSA cultures using genomic DNA and 20 from MSSA cultures. Result: All microbiologically identified MRSA gave amplification of 147 bp Amplicon of mecA gene whereas; all MSSA did not show amplification of mecA gene. Conclusion: PCR based tool has advantage over earlier used molecular techniques since Rapid detection of MRSA is critical as it helps in faster patient care and also minimizes the transmission.

Background: For thousands of years plants have been used to enhance health and solve medical issues but still there is abundant medicinal flora which is unrevealed through research. The present study was conducted to elucidate the in vitro antimicrobial potential of Guava leaves, Jamun tree bark, Heeng powder and Betel leaves extracts with a view of searching a novel extract as a remedy for dental caries pathogens. Material and Methods: Bacteria were isolated and identified from oral swabs taken from dental caries of four patients. Extracts prepared from Guava leaves, Jamun tree bark, Heeng powder and Betel leaves were screened for in vitro antimicrobial activity against these dental isolates, using agar well diffusion method. Result: Six bacteria identified by MALDI-TOF belonged mainly to the genus Bacillus and one to Brevundimonas. Guava, Jamun tree bark and Betel leaves extract effectively inhibited the growth of all dental caries isolates, but three of them showed resistance to Heeng powder extract. Conclusion: Our results suggest that these plants synthesize natural phytochemicals which have inhibitory effect on isolated oral bacteria. Furthermore, purification and molecular characterization of the active component would enable us to formulate a sustainable oral hygiene product.