ABSTRACT
Nutmeg, Myristica fragrans Houtt, has shown anti-inflammatory properties in some studies. At present experimental study, we evaluated the effect of seed extract of nutmeg on adjuvant-induced arthritis in rats in comparison with flunixin meglumine. Experimental study was done in six groups of Wistar rats [each group 8 rats] as following: Group 1 was kept as control under similar conditions to other groups. All other rats received complete Freund's adjuvant at dose 0.1 ml which injected under skin of foot. Group 2 was received vehicle [normal saline]. Group 3 received flunixin intraperitonealy at dose of 2 mg/kg body weight of rats daily for 12 days. Group4 to 6 received extract of nutmeg at dose 100, 200 and 300 mg/kg intraperitonealy and daily for 12 days. Four rats in each group were anesthetized and blood collected for serum analysis on 12th day. The ankle joint prepared for histopathological examination. The remained rats were kept until 21th day. Levels of the cytokine TNF-alpha in serum was measured using ELISA kit. The serum levels of TNF-alpha in the group 2 were significantly increased; while nutmeg decreased the elevated TNF-alpha level in a dose-dependent manner but significantly with 300 mg/kg. The flunixin did not significantly decrease the levels of TNF-alpha. Nutmeg treated rats manifested pathological events in the ankle joints to a markedly lesser degree. Flunixin prevented pannus formation but it was ineffective in other lesions. Thus, nutmeg protected the joints against cartilage destruction and bone erosion in a dose-dependent manner
ABSTRACT
The objective of this study was characterization of antimicrobial extract of shallot in terms of its stability at different pH, Heat, enzymes and detergents and also determination of its MIC and shelf life. Active fraction was determined by column chromatography and agar diffusion test. The amount of carbohydrate and protein in different forms of shallot extract were estimated. Stability of antimicrobial activity of shallot extract at different pH and temperature, solubility in different solvent, determination of shelf life and susceptibility to enzymes and detergents were evaluated. Shallot extract was active against microbes at pH 4-8. Relative activities of shallot extract at temperature -7 to 121°C were 88 to 100%. Extract of shallot only was soluble in dimethyl sulphoxide, dimethyl formamide and water. The enzymes and detergents used in this study had no effect on antimicrobial activity on water extract of shallot. Relative antimicrobial activity at incubation times of one hour to6 mounts were 94 to 100%. In this study antimicrobial properties of shallot were investigated for discovery of a new antibiotic. Based on this the antimicrobial compound can be an effective medicine for treatment of dermatomycosis and other infectious diseases
Subject(s)
Phytotherapy , Plant Extracts , Anti-Infective Agents , Microbial Sensitivity TestsABSTRACT
Tuberculosis [TB] remains an important health problem throughout the world. Despite its significance in public health, mechanisms of protective immunity against Mycobacyerium Tuberculosis in humans have not yet been understood. To evaluate cell mediated immune response against purified Ag 85, PPD and Phytohemagglutinin [PHA] in patients with tuberculosis and healthy tuberculin positive and negative individuals. Thirty patients with tuberculosis and 60 healthy tuberculin skin test positive and negative volunteers were participated in this study. Cell mediated immunity was assessed by measuring [[3]H]-thymidine uptake and detection of IFN-gamma in the culture supernatant using commercial ELISA test. In the present study, we showed that IFN-gamma production and cell proliferation response to Ag 85 were significantly higher in tuberculin positive than tuberculin negative individuals [P<0.01]. Among tuberculous patients, IFN-gamma production and cell proliferative responses to Ag 85 was significantly lower in contrast to healthy tuberculin positive individuals [P<0.01]. In addition, IFN- gamma response in patients with cavitary tuberculosis was lower than patients without cavitation [P<0.05]. Based on the higher cell mediated immune responses to Ag 85 in healthy tuberculin positive volunteers compared to patients [especially with advanced disease], purified Ag 85 can be used as a sensitive marker for analysis of immune responses in tuberculosis