ABSTRACT
Medicinal plants have been used since ancient times as therapeutic agents for treatment of various diseases and ailments. Description of medicinal uses of plants are found abundantly in ancient papyrus writings from various civilizations. Indigenous cultures even today use herbs in their healing rituals. Medicinal plants are considered as rich sources of phytochemical ingredients which play a vital role for the development of new drugs.Nigella sativa (N. sativa) is commonly known as Black seed or Kalongi, sometimes also referred to as miracle herb has been studied extensively for its various medicinal benefits. Apart from being used as a spice it is also used in various traditional systems of medicine including Ayurveda due to its healing properties in the treatment of various diseases. The seeds of Nigella sativa and their oil have been widely used for centuries in the treatment of various ailments throughout the world. And it is an important drug in the Indian traditional system of medicine like Unani and Ayurveda. It has been extensively studied for its biological activities and therapeutic potential and has been shown to possess wide spectrum of activities like diuretic, antihypertensive, antidiabetic, anticancer, immunomodulatory, analgesic, antimicrobial, anthelmintic, analgesic, antiinflammatory, spasmolytic, bronchodilator, gastroprotective, hepatoprotective, renal protective and antioxidant properties. Most of the therapeutic properties of this plant are due to the presence of thymoquinone (TQ) which is a major active chemical component of the essential oil.Research into its therapeutic potential has highlighted its use due to its efficacy as an antioxidant, for glycaemic control, anticancer, antimicrobial and for its various other potential health benefits. Experimental studies have reported that Nigella sativa Oil and Nigella sativa extracts have anti-microbial activity against a wide range of microbes, especially multiple-antibiotic resistant bacteria. The current article tries to present a comprehensive and yet short review of this miraculous herb and its various applications in medicine especially in the backdrop of emerging antibiotic resistant superbugs.
ABSTRACT
Denture adhesives play a vital role in retention of complete dentures, wherever indicated. Dentists need to know about denture adhesives to be able to identify those patients who actually need them and to be able to educate them about the advantages, disadvantages and correct use of these products. The aim of the study was to evaluate the knowledge about denture adhesives among complete denture wearers indicated for use of denture adhesives visiting Dental Colleges in Western Maharashtra. METHODSThe study was conducted on 300 completely edentulous patients with conventional complete dentures indicated for use of denture adhesives. RESULTSPatients (n= 300) who were wearing ill - fitting complete dentures and required use of denture adhesives were selected, their response about knowledge was assessed by questionnaire survey and those who knew about it were instructed to demonstrate the application of denture adhesive to the intaglio surface of complete denture. 34.7% (n1= 104) of the total subjects (n= 300) had heard about denture adhesives. Out of these 104 subjects, 69.2% (n1= 72; CP= 24%) had used and 77.8% (n1= 81; CP= 27%) knew when to use denture adhesives. Out of 72 subjects who had used denture adhesive, only 30.5% (CP= 7.3%) could demonstrate the adequate technique to use denture adhesive. CONCLUSIONSKnowledge about use of denture adhesives for those who are in need per se has to be spread along with right technique of its use. The indication of its use, and correct technique/techniques of application, should be taught to the patients who demand the use of denture adhesives.
ABSTRACT
Foreign bodies and tissue reactions to foreign materials are commonly encountered in the oral cavity. Exogenous materials causing foreign body reactions may be metallic (amalgam) or nonmetallic (suture materials, vegetable matter). Implantation of food particles in the oral tissues has been known to cause reactive lesions such as oral pulse granuloma. Implantation could be through extraction sockets, deep periodontal pockets, associated with tumor growth, interdental areas of teeth, unfilled root canals, and grossly decayed teeth. These get rapidly digested and altered by host responses. Cellulose persists as hyaline material and invokes chronic granulomatous response. This change may mimic other pathologies. Materials and Methods: Representative specimens from commonly consumed food groups were selected, fixed in 10% neutral buffered formalin, processed, sectioned, stained with hematoxylin and eosin stain and observed under light microscope. Results: Each specimen revealed unique, distinct histology of each food type. The plant materials had a characteristic appearance of rigid double cell wall while rigid regular partitions containing nutrient material were revealed in seeds and beans. Starch-contained lentils exhibited clear spaces. Following is a brief description of some of the significant histological findings of each of the specimens processed and stained. Conclusion: Thus, the study of histological structure of vegetables and legumes will enable their easy recognition in oral biopsy samples and help in distinguishing them from other pathologies and artifact.