Browsing by Author "Karunananda, H.T.A.R."

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    Inhibitory Effects of Andrographis paniculata Water Extracts against Glycation-Induced Cross-Linking
    (Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2020) Karunananda, H.T.A.R.; Jayasinghe, J.A.V.R.; Perera, H.K.I.; Bandara, A.M.P.S.T.M.
    Diabetes mellitus is a metabolic disorder that causes an increase in blood glucose level, which can lead to the acceleration of glycation-induced protein cross-linking and associated complications. It has been a major health issue worldwide affecting over 400 million people. In Sri Lanka, one in twelve adults suffers from diabetes. Past studies have shown that Ayurvedic medicine can be used for the treatment of diabetes. A study was designed to investigate the anti-glycation effects of water extracts of Andrographis paniculata (AP). Sonicated (APS) and boiled (APB) samples of AP leaves were prepared by sonicating for 1 hr and boiling for 1 hr respectively. Extracts at concentrations of 0.02%, 0.1% and 0.2% (w/v) were incubated with lysozyme and fructose at 37°C and pH 7.4 for 7 days. Incubation was also done with standard glycation inhibitor aminoguanidine (AG) as a positive control and other controls in replace of extracts. After 7 days, products of protein cross-linking in the incubation mixtures were detected using Sodium dodecyl sulphate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE). High molecular weight products representing dimer, trimer, and tetramer were observed in the negative control containing fructose but no AG and extract, indicating the occurrence of protein cross-linking. Such products were not observed in the positive control (AG), confirming the inhibition of glycation. Similarly, APS and APB showed dose-dependent inhibition of protein cross-linking at all three concentrations, with a complete protein cross-linking inhibition observed at a concentration of 0.2%. Despite being to a slightly lesser degree than APS, the presence of glycation inhibition in APB indicates good thermal stability of AP. In conclusion, AP water extracts can be used to prevent diabetic complications and due to its thermal stability, can be used as a home remedy. Keywords: Glycation, Cross-linking, Antidiabetic, Andrographis paniculata
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    Toxicity Assessment of a Commercial Product Containing DTetramethrin and Cyphenothrin on Ecosystem by using Butterflies as Indicator Species
    (Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2019-02) Karunananda, H.T.A.R.; Gunawardena, M. P.
    Ecotoxicology is a specialized form found in toxicology that focuses more specifically on the toxic substances and its effect on ecosystems. In Sri Lanka, over the past decade there is an increase in the use of pesticides. More importantly, the increase in mosquito borne diseases such as dengue fever have been resulted to the extensive use of insecticides to control the mosquito populations especially in urban areas. These chemicals can exert toxic effects for other non-target species including butterflies. This research was conducted to determine the toxic effects of a commercial pesticide containing dtetramethrin and cyphenothrin on butterflies. This chemical is mixed with diesel and fogged extensively in urban areas. Butterflies were used as indicator species since they are very sensitive to the changes in the environment. The 5th instar larvae of Tirumala limniace exoticus (Blue Tiger) were used as the test species. The larvae used for the experiment were obtained by breeding the adult species in a butterfly cage. The larvae were exposed to 6 different formulations which included ‘Aged Aerated Water’ as Control, Diesel as Solvent Control and 4 increasing concentrations of the commercial pesticide (10, 100, 500 & 1000 ppm). A volume of 1µl was applied to the thorax region of the larvae (4 per each concentration). The chemical was allowed to air dry for a few seconds and observations were recorded. The larvae that were exposed to all the concentrations of the commercial pesticide including the solvent control did not manage to survive. This study concludes that the chemical has an effect on butterflies, thus on ecosystem. However, further studies including Acute and Chronic toxicity assessments must be conducted. The outcomes will be important in establishing conservation plans to protect butterflies as well as other insects that play a vital role in a balanced ecosystem.