Four new compounds from Imperata cylindrica
Four new compounds, impecylone (1), deacetylimpecyloside (2), seguinoside K 4-methylether (3) and impecylenolide (4), were isolated from Imperata cylindrica along with two known compounds, impecyloside (5) and seguinoside K (6). Their structures were elucidated mainly by spectroscopic analyses including 1D- and 2D-NMR techniques, and the absolute configuration of 1 was confirmed by X-ray diffraction analysis. In calcium assay, the result indicated that compounds 1, 2, 4 and 5 cannot obviously inhibit the calcium peak value compared with the negative control, and suggested that the four compounds could not have anti-inflammatory activity.
Anti-Epileptic Effect of Imperata Cylindrica on a Drosophila Melanogaster Model of Seizures
Background: Epilepsy is one of the most prevalent non-communicable neurologic conditions and an important cause of disability and mortality in the East African region alone. It is estimated to affect almost 70 million people worldwide. The prevalence of epilepsy in low- and middle-income countries is about twice that of high-income countries (Nabukenya et al., 2014). 
The aim of this study: was to evaluate the anti-epileptic activity and the mechanism of action of Imperata cylindrica extracton bang-sensitive Drosophila melanogaster. 
Methodology: This was an experimental study in which toxicity of the extract was measured by increasing concentration, after which the concentration below the lethal dose were tested for antiepileptic activity followed by side effects and finally the mechanism of action. 
Results: The extract had reduction in seizures by 25-30% at doses that were generally safe for the fly. Imperata cylindrica had minimal toxic effect on Drosophila; most importantly it had anticonvulsive activity. There was also minimal side effect of the extract to the general health of the flies. 
Discussion and conclusion: Though the extract showed some toxicity the extract ameliorated symptoms generated by increased activity of sodium and potassium channels. Therefore, these results show that Imperata cylindrica has the potential to ameliorate seizure at safe therapeutic doses, it may also provide a solution to patient who do not respond to the current available AEDs. In future studies for precise determination of the origin of both toxicity and activity, independent analysis of the fractionated active compounds is recommended.
Effects of Equipment Dimensions on Liquid Mixing Time of Bubble Column with Draft Tube
The liquid mixing time of a bubble column with a draft tube is experimentally studied. The diameter and height of the column, the diameter and length of the draft tube, and the mode of sparging gas were changed and the liquid mixing time was measured.The lengths of bottom and top clearances have significant effects on the liquid mixing time. The liquid mixing time increases with increasing column aspect ratio of height to diameter. The liquid mixing time of the bubble column with a draft tube is longer than that of a standard bubble column when the column aspect ratio is relatively high. The liquid mixing time has a minimum when the diameter ratio of draft tube to column is 0.5 to 0.6. These effects of equipment dimensions are expressed by an equation. In the experiment using different solutions, the liquid mixing time becomes shorter with increasing liquid surface tension, or with increasing liquid viscosity.