<div style="text-align: justify;">This study was carried out to investigate the parasitic fauna in Indian cobra (Naja naja) and Indian rock pythons (Python molurus) under captive condition in Bannerghatta Biological Park, Bangalore, Karnataka during 2015-2016. A total of 18 fecal samples from Indian cobra and 8 from Indian rock pythons were collected and screened. From 8 fecal samples of python, 7 were found positive for ova of Ophidascaris nematode, 4 for ova of Bothridia cestode and 3 for coccidian oocysts. From 18 fecal samples of Indian cobra, 5 were positive for Rhabdias ova and 1 for coccidian oocysts. Lung impression smear taken from one Indian cobra after necropsy and stained with Giemsa stain demonstrated Rhabdias larvated ova. From necropsy of 4 Indian rock pythons, granulomatous pneumonia in lungs, haemorrhages, edema, mucosal necrosis and thickening with nodule formation in large intestine was observed due to Ophidascaris nematode, while Bothridia tape worms caused severe congestion and hemorrhage of small intestinal mucosa as well as thickening of submucosa due to inflammatory reaction. Both Ophidascaris and Bothridia are highly pathogenic and cause mortality in Indian rock pythons. The Rhabdias infestation in Cobra though not much pathogenic, heavy infestation may lead to respiratory failure. Confinement induces stress and dysecdysis affecting the health of snakes under captivity. Probably the host diet (live feed) and the hygiene maintained in the enclosures are the most important determinants of the helminthic fauna of snakes. Careful examination of live feed and cleanliness in the enclosure supported by regular deworming can control the parasitic infections in snakes.&nbsp;</div>

<div style="text-align: justify;">Demonstration of parasitic fauna in Indian cobra (Naja naja) and Indian rock python (Python molurus) reared in a Biological Park of Karnataka, South India</div>

<div>Background: The work reported in this paper targets the ethnobotanical role of one of the traditional medicinal plant Solanum xanthocarpum, whose medicinal value was reported in Ayurveda. Traditionally Solanum xanthocarpum was used as the antidote for treatment of snake bites by different tribal community of India, to explore and scientifically validate these concept this work was planned. 
&nbsp; 
Methods: We have prepared the hydro ethanolic root extract (HERE) of Solanum xanthocarpum and investigated its pharmacological activity both in vitro and in vivo, targeting the enzymes present in Naja snake venom. We have used the wistar albino rat as the animal model in our study.&nbsp; 
 
Result: It was inferred by our study that Solanum xanthocarpum is safe for wistar albino rats upto 2000 mg/kg body weight. Phospholipase A2 (PLA2) and anti-fibrinogenolytic activity are significantly neutralized by Solanum xanthocarpum. Dose dependent inhibition of human red blood cell (HRBC) lysis was also observed. In the future, bioactive compounds from HERE could be isolated and standardized to act as an antidote to Naja venom.</div>

Antivenom Activity of Solanum xanthocarpum Hydroethanolic Root Extract Targeting the Enzymes Present in Naja Snake Venom

<div>Background: Pokkali is a versatile rice- fish system of cultivation, producing naturally organic rice along the waterlogged coastal regions of Kerala. The weed flora of Pokkali rice fields is different from other rice ecosystems. Diverse weed flora appears in low saline phase, when rice is cultivated, but they dry up and decompose in high saline phase. With time, significant deviations have been reported in various climatic parameters and as a result, the weed spectrum has also undergone changes.&nbsp; 
 
Methods: Two level stratified surveys and anotomical studies were conducted during Kharif 2017 and 2018 to study the weed flora in five major Pokkali growing blocks of Kerala. Two panchayaths (political village units) from each block and two padasekharams (group farming units) in each panchayath were selected for surveying. To understand the adaptive mechanism of weeds in saline soil condition, anatomical studies were performed on individual weed species. 
 
Result: Cyperaceae family dominated in the ecosystem with more number of species. Diplachne fusca and Eleocharis dulcis were the major weeds. Echinochloa crus-galli, a dominant weed reported in earlier weed survey was found confined to very few locations and the frequency got reduced from 80% to 12.5%. In addition, Sphenoclea zeylanica was observed as an emerging weed with notable morphological adaptations. Floating ferns like Najas graminea and Hydrilla verticillata caused problems to aeration in the water in fields.</div>

Demonstration of parasitic fauna in Indian cobra (Naja naja) and Indian rock python (Python molurus) reared in a Biological Park of Karnataka, South India

Antivenom Activity of Solanum xanthocarpum Hydroethanolic Root Extract Targeting the Enzymes Present in Naja Snake Venom

Weed Dynamics in Acid Saline Pokkali Ecosystem of Kerala