http://tdudspace.texicon.in:8080/jspui/handle/123456789/6 Tue, 14 Apr 2026 16:46:50 GMT 2026-04-14T16:46:50Z http://tdudspace.texicon.in:8080/jspui/handle/123456789/750 Title: Exploring the therapeutic potential of the ayurvedic formulation Vilwadi Gulika through an integrated approach employing network pharmacology and microbiome analysis Authors: Masum, Ifra Abstract: Vilwadi Gulika is a classical Ayurvedic polyherbal formulation traditionally used for snake bites, insect bites, gastrointestinal disorders, toxicological conditions, and inflammatory states. Despite its long use, systematic scientific evaluation of its molecular mechanisms and microbial characteristics remains limited. In this study, the therapeutic potential of Vilwadi Gulika was investigated using an integrated approach combining network pharmacology and microbiome analysis. Network pharmacology analysis was performed using phytochemicals derived from 13 medicinal plants, comprising of 3004 phytochemicals, curated based on the traditionally prescribed plant parts. Phytochemical data were retrieved from 3 databases (IMPPAT, Dr. Duke’s Phytochemical and Ethnobotanical Database, and KNApSAck), followed by molecular target prediction using Binding DB and Swiss Target Prediction accumulating 68,635 targets. 1,347 Disease and 238 pathway annotation led to the construction of interaction networks with 1,047 genes. 6 gastrointestinal diseases were identified yielding 7 key genes, TNF, PTGS2, JAK2, NOS2, SRC, TGFB1, and CXCL8. Colitis-related targets (NOS2, SRC, PTGS2) were associated with ellagic acid, eugenol, elemicin, and ethyl gallate. Crohn’s disease–associated JAK2 showed interactions with multiple terpenoids and alkaloids, while TGFB1 and TNF were linked to phytochemicals relevant to duodenal ulcer, ileocolitis, and regional enteritis. Microbiome profiling was carried out across different stages of Vilwadi Gulika preparation, including in-house, Vaidya-prepared, and commercial formulations, using 16S rRNA gene sequencing. The in-house formulation was dominated by Firmicutes (97.37%), with Aerococcus (94.15%) and Aerococcus viridans (71.65%) as the predominant genus and species, respectively. Overall, the findings indicate that Vilwadi Gulika exhibits a layered therapeutic profile involving inflammatory gene modulation and a structured microbial community, supporting its traditional use in gastrointestinal disorders. Sun, 01 Mar 2026 00:00:00 GMT http://tdudspace.texicon.in:8080/jspui/handle/123456789/750 2026-03-01T00:00:00Z http://tdudspace.texicon.in:8080/jspui/handle/123456789/749 Title: Dry Fractionation of Pulses Using Air Classification for Protein-Enriched Fractions and Development of Low Moisture Extruded Functional Foods Authors: S, Manoj Abstract: The growing demand for sustainable and clean-label plant proteins has increased interest in dry fractionation as an alternative to conventional wet extraction. This study optimized an integrated dry fractionation process combining high-speed impact milling and air classification to produce clean-label, chemical-free protein-enriched fractions from black gram (Vigna mungo) and green gram (Vigna radiata) under water-free conditions at temperatures below 40 °C. The effects of milling and air-classification parameters on particle size distribution and protein enrichment were systematically evaluated, revealing that mill speed primarily influenced coarse particle size represented by D90, while airflow significantly affected D10, D50, and D90, with internal classifier wheel speed ranging from 2,000 to 8,000 RPM showing minimal independent impact. Optimized conditions enabled recovery of fine fractions with sub-20 μm D90 and effective protein–starch separation, increasing protein content from 24.81% to 45.79–46.00% in black gram, corresponding to an enrichment of 84.6% and from 24.60% to 49.16% in green gram, corresponding to an enrichment of 87%. The fine fractions exhibited small median particle sizes, with D50 values ranging from 9.59 to 10.35 micrometres, high foaming capacity approximately 90%, and enhanced water absorption capacity ranging from 3.37 to 3.71 grams per grams. Protein-enriched fractions were incorporated into low-moisture extruded products using a twin-screw extruder at 22% feed moisture, 280 RPM screw speed, and a temperature profile of zones varies from 50–125°C. Increasing levels of pulse protein fractions substitution resulted in a reduction in torque from 28.6 Nm to values between 20 and 22.9 Nm, as well as a decrease in melt pressure from 135 bar to between 77 and 90 bar, indicating changes in melt rheology. The expansion ratio decreased from 2 to 1.4, while bulk density increased, producing denser yet structurally stable extrudates. A marked reduction in hardness from 308 N to values between 60 and 75 N demonstrated improved textural acceptability. Overall, the integration of dry fractionation and extrusion successfully produced clean-label, protein-dense functional foods without chemical processing. This research establishes a scalable and environmentally sustainable approach for developing indigenous plant-protein ingredients and high-protein extruded snacks, supporting the growing demand for nutritionally enhanced, plant-based foods. Sun, 01 Mar 2026 00:00:00 GMT http://tdudspace.texicon.in:8080/jspui/handle/123456789/749 2026-03-01T00:00:00Z http://tdudspace.texicon.in:8080/jspui/handle/123456789/748 Title: Comprehensive exploration of antibiotic use in dairy cows Investigating milk and curd microbiota, antimicrobial resistance gene in native versus crossbreeds Authors: N, Sunaina Abstract: The indiscriminate use of antibiotics in dairy farming has raised serious concerns regarding antimicrobial resistance (AMR), food safety, and variations in dairy microbiota. This study aimed to analyze antibiotic usage patterns in dairy cows, investigate the microbiota composition of milk and curd from native and crossbred cows and assess the occurrence of antimicrobial resistance gene in milk samples. A structured questionnaire survey revealed that 69.6% of stakeholders expressed concerns regarding antibiotic use in dairy cows. Significantly, 87.5% acknowledged the devastating consequences of antibiotic overuse, and 76.8% agreed that minimizing antibiotic use is vital for controlling AMR. Mastitis was identified as the most common condition treated with antibiotics (86.79%), with tetracycline (47.6%), gentamycin (38%) and penicillin (30.9%) being the most frequently prescribed antibiotics. Physicochemical analysis revealed relatively stable values across different samples of milk, starter culture and curd. Nanopore sequencing of milk, curd, and starter culture samples generated good-quality reads, enabling comprehensive microbiome profiling. Taxonomic analysis showed dominance of the phylum Firmicutes across all fermented samples, while genus level varied among breeds, with Lactococcus, Streptococcus, and Bacillus being predominant. Native breeds, particularly Gir and Malnad gidda, exhibited higher microbial richness and diversity in milk samples. The AMR gene (mecA) analysis in milk samples confirms the presence of AMR resistance, indicating a potential link between antibiotic usage practices and resistance. Broadly, the findings highlight the very essential need for improved antibiotic supervision and promotion of ethno-veterinary practices in disease management protocols to mitigate AMR in the Indian dairy sector. Sun, 01 Mar 2026 00:00:00 GMT http://tdudspace.texicon.in:8080/jspui/handle/123456789/748 2026-03-01T00:00:00Z http://tdudspace.texicon.in:8080/jspui/handle/123456789/746 Title: Documenting the traditional indigenous knowledge of the korku adivasi community in melghat, maharashtra for integrating it into community forest resource (cfr) management Authors: Punaji Kale, Ramlal; Dhaju Bethekar, Vasant Abstract: The objective of their study was to document the traditional knowledge of the Korku tribal community, to which they both belong. The study aims to understand whether a sense of coexistence with wildlife can be fostered based on the customs and practices of the Korku community, and whether this can simultaneously lead to the economic and social development of the Korku people. The means of connecting the Korku community with coexistence and socio-economic development is through Community Forest Resource (CFR) management. CFR management is a key provision of the Forest Rights Act of 2006, which has been successfully implemented in some parts of Maharashtra. The Korku community has been residing in Maharashtra, particularly in the villages of the Melghat forest region, for many years. Their findings indicate that if the community forest rights of the Korku villages across the landscape are fully recognised, then, based on Korku traditional knowledge, then these villages of the Melghat region can successfully manage CFRs with a spirit of coexistence. This study suggests that the Korku community, along with various other forest-dependent tribal communities in Central India, can effectively manage forests collectively based on their traditional knowledge and have the capacity to coexist with wildlife. To promote this coexistence, it is essential to acknowledge the historical injustices they have faced and grant them recognition of their forest rights. Wed, 01 Oct 2025 00:00:00 GMT http://tdudspace.texicon.in:8080/jspui/handle/123456789/746 2025-10-01T00:00:00Z