Totally 35 B. thuringiensis strains (17strains from plain areas and 18 strains from hilly areas) were subjected to plasmid profiling. Different sizes of plasmids ranging from 108 kb to 2 kb in 97.22% strains were isolated. A major chromosomal DNA band near 23 kb marker band was obtained in all isolates. Each B. thuringiensis strain from Kashmir has shown single
megaplasmid only. While as B. thuringiensis strains from Salem, Tamil Nadu revealed see more 77.77% and 22.22% single and multiple megaplasmids respectively. B. thuringiensis strains isolated from Tamil Nadu hilly areas (Yercaud and Kollimallai) have shown 58.82% and 29.41% single and multiple plasmids respectively. Special care was taken to obtain un-degraded megaplasmids during the purification procedure. Plasmid comparison mainly focused only on those plasmids migrating below the chromosomal DNA band. The present study describes how the RO4929097 purchase plasmid profile is varying and showing diversity in B. thuringiensis isolates from different environmental conditions. B. thuringiensis strains from hilly areas (Yercarud and Kollimalai) have revealed more megaplasmid content (29.41%) compared to the isolates from plain areas (11.76%) of Tamil Nadu and Kashmir. As these megaplasmids harbor cry genes. Thus it can be concluded that isolates from Eastern Ghats of India have good chances of having B. thuringiensis strains with more novel cry genes. All authors
have none to declare. We are highly thankful to Daniel R. Zeigler Ph.D, director BGSC, Department of Biochemistry, Ohio State University Columbus, for providing the references strains. “
“Millions of people in developing countries, for instance Nigeria, use herbal medicines because they are locally available and are prescribed by traditional medicine practitioners who are a part of their community. About
80% of the world population relies on the use of traditional medicine, which is predominantly based on plant material.1 Over 90% of Nigerians in the rural areas and 40% in the urban areas depend partly or wholly on traditional medicine for their health care.1 The use of herbal medicines as complements or alternatives to orthodox medicines has been on the increase. The reasons which have given rise to this trend, include: cheapness, availability and accessibility of these natural medicines.2 On the other hand, their use is limited because those many of the claimed medicinal values have not been scientifically evaluated and their safety profiles uncertain.2 Diarrhoea is defined by,3 as having three or more loose or liquid stools per day, or as having more stools than is normal for a person. Diarrhoea can lead to severe dehydration and become life-threatening when not treated. In developing countries, diarrhoea, which may or may not be infectious, is one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality in children and one out of every five children dies of diarrhoea before the age of five.