http://repo.lib.jfn.ac.lk/ujrr/handle/123456789/2 2026-10-16T05:09:26Z http://repo.lib.jfn.ac.lk/ujrr/handle/123456789/13152 Title: Antimicrobial Potential of Leaf, Seed Coat, and Bark Extracts of Sri Lankan Syzygium cumini (L.) Skeels: A Comparative Study Authors: Gowri, R.; Vethanayahan, K.; Vinotha, S. Abstract: Background and Objectives: Emergence of antimicrobial resistance emphasizes the requirement for new plant-derived bioactive compounds. Syzygium cumini (L.) Skeels (S. cumini) has been reported to possess various pharmacological properties; however, systematic comparison of different parts of the plant and extraction solvents under similar conditions is lacking. This study aimed to evaluate and compare the antifungal and antibacterial activities of extracts obtained from leaves, seed coats, and bark of the plant using ethanol, methanol, and water. Methods: The extracts were evaluated for antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, and Pseudomonas sp. Antifungal activity was evaluated using the agar well diffusion method against Mucor sp., Aspergillus niger, and Fusarium sp. through an in vitro bioassay. Zones of inhibition were measured and statistically analyzed. Results: Antimicrobial activities varied with plant parts and solvent. The ethanolic seed coat extract showed the maximum antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus (27.56 ± 0.46 mm), while the aqueous bark extract showed the minimum antibacterial activity against Pseudomonas sp. (11.50 ± 0.66 mm). The leaf methanolic extract exhibited the highest antifungal activity against Fusarium sp. (15.87 ± 0.73 mm), whereas the bark aqueous extract exhibited the lowest antifungal activity against Aspergillus sp. (37.93 ± 0.80 mm). Seed coat extracts were more efficacious against bacteria, and leaf extracts were relatively more potent against fungi. Conclusion: This comparative study identified the most effective plant part–solvent combinations of S. cumini, supporting its potential as a naturally occurring source of antimicrobial agents for pharmaceutical and nutraceutical applications. 2026-01-01T00:00:00Z http://repo.lib.jfn.ac.lk/ujrr/handle/123456789/13110 Title: Current status of medicinal plant diversity in paalameenmadu, Batticaloa, eastern province of Sri Lanka Authors: Saruja, N.; Karunya, S.; Sivagajendran, S.; Viviyan, S. Abstract: Sri Lanka Possesses rich medicinal plant diversity that is important for ecosystem conservation and pharmaceutical development. This study aimed to document and evaluate the diversity of medicinal plant species recorded in paalameenmadu, a mangrove ecosystem located in Batticaloa, eastern province of Sri Lanka. The study area was identified using the maps, and field surveys were conducted from April 2024 to April 2025 using the belt transect method to identify and record medicinal plant species. Specimens collected during the fieldwork were authenticated using the herbarium of the faculty of siddha medicine, university of Jaffna. A total of 130 medicinal plant species belonging to 43 botanical families were recorded, with Fabaceae being the dominant family. According to an analysis of growth forms, trees accounted for 42.32% of living forms, with herbs coming in second at 20.77%, shrubs at 18.46%, climbers at 13.84%, and creepers at 4.62%. according to a life cycle study, 66.92 of species were perennials, 20% were annuals, and 13.08% were biennials. Among the recorded medicinal flora, 10species were identified as mangroves. The most commonly used plant part was leaves (n=102), which were followed by seeds (n =75), fruits (n=49), roots (n =44), flowers (n = 32), bark (n =24) whole plant (n = 11), and tubers (n =9). Exudates such as toddy (n =2) and milky latex (n =4) were also utilized. A total of 17 species produced edible fruits, while latex (n = 4) were also utilized. A total of species produced edible fruits, while 18 species were used as edible leafy vegetables. despite their rich medicinal plant diversity, mangrove ecosystems are increasingly threatened by climate change and human activities such as urbanization, deforestation, aquaculture expansion, pollution and runoff. These finding provide valuable baseline date for biodiversity conservation, ethnobotanical research, and the sustainable management of mangrove ecosystems in Sri Lanka. 2026-01-01T00:00:00Z http://repo.lib.jfn.ac.lk/ujrr/handle/123456789/13105 Title: Anthropometric Measurement on Wrist and Manikkadai Alavu (Forearm Circumference) in Gunmam (Gastric Ulcer) Patients – A Comparative Study Authors: Rakulini, S. Abstract: Siddha Medicine is a system of traditional medicine originating in ancient Tamil Nadu in South India and Sri Lanka. Traditionally, it is taught that the Siddhars laid the foundation for this system of medicine. Siddha system has a unique diagnostic method to identify the diseases and their causes. Manikkadai Nool is one of the diagnostic tools. It is explained in the Agasthiyar Soodamani Kajiru Soothiram by Saint Veadammamuni in Pathinen Siddhar Naadi Nool. The aim of this study was to compare the wrist circumference and Manikkadai alavu (cm) in gunmam patients. It is an observational study. After identifying the eligible subjects, Data was collected by using the interview administrated questionnaire & relevant data was collected by measurement. Collected data were processed and statistically analyzed by a SPSS. The mean age of the subjects was 46.06 (SD±13.833). Majority of subjects in 14 (28%) were between 51 – 60 years of age. The majority of subjects in 30 (60%) were female. The average wrist circumference of the subjects was 16.3cm (SD ± 1.34) and 16.616cm (SD ± 1.24) and Manikkadai alavu was 18.10cm (SD ± 1.81) and 17.97cm (SD ± 1.82) in right and left hand. In group I, II and III, the mean value of right and left wrist circumferences was almost same. On the other hand, right and left Manikkadai alavu in cm was increase slightly. In the present study revealed that In Group I, II and III, the mean value of right and left wrist circumference.was almost same. On the other hand, right and left Manikkadai alavu in cm was increase slightly. These slight differences may influence in the disease diagnosis by Manikkadai Nool. 2026-01-01T00:00:00Z http://repo.lib.jfn.ac.lk/ujrr/handle/123456789/13095 Title: In-vitro Antioxidant Activity of Methanol Extract of Medicinal Herbals Used in Athiyathi Kashayam: A Siddha Polyherbal Formulation Authors: Devappriya, B.T.M.; Sameem, M.L.M.; Ilham, F.M.; Sivasinthujah, S.; Sivarangini, S. Abstract: Antidiabetic drugs possess antioxidant properties that help to manage diabetic complications associated with oxidative stress. Athiyathi Kashayam (AK) is a polyherbal formulation consisting of Ficus racemosa, Syzygium cumini, Salacia reticulata, Cassia auriculata, and Cassia fistula. According to Siddha literature, it is utilized in the treatment of diabetes mellitus (DM). There has been a study reported on the antioxidant potential of Kashayam in India. However, there has been no investigation done on methanol extract of the herbs used in AK. Objective: To evaluate antioxidant activity of methanol extract of medicinal herbals used in Athiyathi Kashayam using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay and ferric reduction assay Methods: The fresh barks of F. racemosa, S. cumini, C. auriculata, C. fistula were collected from Kegalle District and S. reticulata was collected from Mullaithivu District. They were shade dried and powdered into fine powder. The crude drug was prepared according to the specified ratio, with equal amount of F. racemosa, S. cumini and S. reticulate and double amount of C. auriculata and C. fistula. The methanol extract of polyherbal formulation was prepared by the maceration process. The in-vitro anti-oxidant activity of polyherbal extract was evaluated through DPPH assay and ferric reduction assay using ascorbic acid as the standard. Results: The IC50 value of methanol extracts of AK was found to be 18.78 μg/mL, whereas in ascorbic acid it was 11.92 μg/mL. The ascorbic acid equivalents in ferric reduction assay for the formulation was 76.48 μg/mL, AAE/g at 200 μg/mL concentration. Conclusions: This study indicated that, methanolic extract of the polyherbal AK was found to exhibit strong antioxidant activity. Further studies are needed to understand the in-vivo antioxidant potential of the polyherbal formulation. 2025-01-01T00:00:00Z