Irrigation development and its environmental consequences in arid regions of India

The present paper examines the nature and dimensions of environmental transformation induced by canal irrigation in the arid region of India. The case study pertains to the Indira Gandhi Canal comand area in Rajasthan where the density and area of vegetation cover have increased due to afforestation, and the cultivated area has expanded due to irrigation. Consequently, there has been a perceptible improvement in the structure and fertility of sandy soils, but it would require a herculean effort on the part of the canal authority and local people to reduce soil erosion and siltation in the lower parts of stage I and the entire command area of stage II. Moreover, the water table has been rising rapidly throughout the command area of stage I. About half of the command area and adjoining Ghaggar basin in Ganganagar District will be facing the danger of waterlogging by the turn of the century. The incidence of irrigation-induced alkalization is higher in the lower parts of stage I. Soil alkalinity has appeared within five years of the introduction of irrigation in the interdunal basins and is manifested as a strong salt regime or calcareous pans near surface. This calls for immediate reclamation of the affected area and prevention of its expansion by altering the strategy of irrigation development, by changing cropping patterns, and by providing soil drainage.     

Therapeutic applications of resveratrol nanoformulations

Resveratrol, or 3, 5, 4-trihydroxy-trans-stilbene, is a naturally occurring polyphenol present in several dietary sources such as grapes, soybeans, berries, pomegranate and peanuts. Resveratrol has received recent attention due to its diverse pharmacological activities. However, resveratrol clinical efficacy is limited due to its poor systemic bioavailability, of less than 1%, which is due to its low aqueous solubility, extensive first-pass metabolism and existence of enterohepatic recirculation. Therefore, in order to overcome these limitations, various nanocarriers including polymeric nanoparticles, solid lipid nanoparticles, liposomes, micelles and conjugates have been developed. These nanocarriers are able to enhance the bioavailability of resveratrol by modulating the P-glycoprotein, cytochrome P-450 enzymes and bypassing the hepatic first-pass effect. Here we review resveratrol nanoformulations for enhancing the efficacy of native resveratrol.     

Cyclodextrin-based delivery systems for dietary pharmaceuticals

Environmental Chemistry Letters - The food industry is increasingly seeking innovative solutions for enhancing the bioavailability and clinical efficacy of phytochemicals. In this regard,...