Phytochemical Screening and Antipyretic Effect of Curcuma zedoaria Rosc. (Zingiberaceae) Rhizome.

Aims: To investigate the antipyretic effect of ethanol extract of Curcuma zedoaria Rosc. (Zingiberaceae) rhizome in animal model. Study Design: Extraction of plant constituents and evaluation of elevated body temperature lowering activity. Place and Duration of Study: Department of Pharmacy, North South University, Dhaka between October 2012 and August 2013. Methodology: We have performed phytochemical screening and evaluated antipyretic activity of ethanol extract of the rhizome of Curcuma zedoaria by yeast-induced pyresis method. Ethanol extract of Curcuma zedoaria rhizome was administered to healthy rats. Results: The results showed that the ethanol extract of Curcuma zedoaria significantly reduced yeast-induced elevated body temperature in rats in a dose dependent manner and the antipyretic effect at a dose of 750 mg/kg was comparable to that of the standard antipyretic drug paracetamol (10 mg/kg). Phytochemical screening of ethanol extract showed presence of tannins, flavonoids, saponins, alkaloids, terpinoids, carbohydrates and steroids as main constituents in Curcuma zedoaria extract some of which may possess antipyretic activity. Conclusion: The results justify the traditional use of the ethanol extract of Curcuma zedoaria in the treatment of fever.

Effect of Ethanol Extract of Coccinia grandis Lin leaf on Glucose and Cholesterol Lowering Activity.

Aims: To investigate the effect of ethanol extract of Coccinia grandis Lin (Cucurbitaceae) leaf in glucose and cholesterol lowering activity in animal model. Study Design: Extraction, glucose and cholesterol lowering activity evaluation. Place and Duration of Study: Department of Pharmacy, North South University, Dhaka between June 2012 and December 2012. Methodology: Glucose and cholesterol lowering effect of the ethanol extract of C. grandis leaf was evaluated using the alloxan-induced diabetic rat and compared the activity with diabetic control and antidiabetic drug (Glibenclamide). Ethanol extract (25mg/kg) of C. grandis and Glibenclamide were administered to normal and experimental diabetic rats for the duration of 10 days. Results: Phytochemical screening showed the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, saponins, cardenolides and polyprenols in significant amounts. In the alloxan-induced diabetic rat model, C. grandis (25 mg/kg) significantly (p<0.05) lowered fasting blood glucose levels. C. grandis extract (25 mg/kg) also produced significant (p<0.05) total cholesterol lowering and HDL increasing (p<0.05) effects. Surprisingly, body weight was increased significantly (p<0.05) in the C. grandis treated diabetic group. Conclusion: These results suggest that the ethanol extract of C. grandis leaf possesses significant glucose and cholesterol lowering activity in animal model, thus supporting the usage of the plant in traditional medicine as an anti-diabetic medication.

Investigation of Consumer Attitudes, Intentions and Brand Loyal Behavior on the OTC Drugs in Bangladesh.

Aims: To investigate the consumers’ attitudes and intentions to exhibit brand loyal behavior of Bangladeshi consumer on over the counter (OTC) drugs. Study Design: A cross- sectional survey. Place and Duration of Study: Consumers from the five major hospitals (Dhaka, Bangladesh) had been surveyed between January 2012 and June 2012. Methodology: The study was conducted among 100 OTC consumers in Bangladesh. Data were collected through questionnaire surveys and personal interviews. Results: The experimental data suggest that direct experience with the product, price range and brand reliance are important determinants of repetitive purchase behavior on OTC drugs. Cost sensitivity had a vital effect on intention to further purchase (r = .02, p =0.05). Moreover, earlier experience with the brand was critical in determining trustworthiness, beliefs, price sensitivity and purchase behavior. The behaviors of OTC consumers are influenced by a different set of factors. Previous experience and price sensitivity is dependent (Chi square = 31.603; p = 0.01. Furthermore, medical experience and buying an OTC product is dependent and the result were also found significant (Chi square = 32.292; p = 0.01). Conclusion: Present study shows that branding and prior experience remains the major influences to buy an OTC drug in Bangladesh.

Study on Polypharmacy in Patients with Cardiovascular Diseases.

We analyzed the prevalence of polypharmacy among cardiac patients in the Natioal Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases of Dhaka, Bangladesh. Polypharmacy was defined as consumption of six or more drugs at the same time. We entered the drugs that were prescribed into the Drug Interaction Checker provided by MedScape online edition. Almost 85% of cardiac patients met criteria for three types of polypharmacy (minor, moderate and serious). However, serious and moderate types of polypharmacy were not influnenced by the increase in number of disorders (polymorbidity) as well as by the total number of drugs taken. The most frequent cause and threat that is associated with polypharmacy comes primarily from the quality of drug-drug interactions and not the total number of drugs prescribed. Most of the dangerous consecuences of polypharmacy came from the interaction of Clopidogrel with either Aspirin or PPIs. Our study emphasizes the need of informing doctors more about the problem of polypharmacy. Careful and thoughtful drug prescription strategy seems to be able to eliminate most of the cases of polypharmacy even in patients who are suffering from a multiplace disorders simultaneously. The results also provide support for development of new drugs that take into account compatibility with other medication, especially in elderly people.