ABSTRACT
Moringa (Moringa olifera Lam.), belonging to the family Moringaceae, is a plant native to the Indian sub-continent and has become naturalised in tropical and sub-tropical areas around the world. Traditionally, the leaves, fruits, flowers, and immature pods of this tree are eaten in many countries. It is an economically important, multipurpose tree with immense nutritional value, containing all essential vitamins and minerals. In view of the high nutritional and nutraceutical values the aim of this study was to compile a comprehensive review on the functional nutrients of Moringa with their respective health benefits and its significant potential to address malnutrition. The majority of the research articles reviewed showed that Moringa leaves have very dense nutritional values, with highest number of antioxidants, and is rich in vitamins A, B, C, D, E and K. Apart from vitamins, the plant is also very rich in mineral content and contains Calcium, Iron, Potassium, Magnesium, Manganese and Zinc. Every part of Moringa tree is nutritious. Taking Moringa leaf as a vegetable, juice or in the form of dried powder can help in curing a number of deficiencies and diseases. Regular consumption of its leaf, in various forms, can control blood pressure, blood sugar and anemia, enhance mental alertness and bone strength. Further studies on recommended daily intake and scientific consensus on therapeutic benefits are needed.
ABSTRACT
Background: To the best of our understanding, very few studies focusing on the adverse drug reaction (ADR) profile of non-ionic contrast medium (NICM) has been carried out until date among the Indian population. Hence, this study was planned. We sincerely believe that the knowledge gathered from this study can improve safer usage of these agents among the patients of Indian origin. The objective was to evaluate the incidence and severity of ADRs of non-ionic radio contrast media (CM) used in tertiary care hospital in Eastern India. Methods: For the duration of 1-year from July 2011 to July 2012, we prospectively recorded all the ADRs associated with the administration of NICM (iohexol and ioversol) in 3708 patients of Indian origin undergoing computed tomography scan at the hospital. The average median age, weight, dose used; types of ADRs, concomitant medication, final diagnosis, reasons for use were recorded and analyzed with appropriate statistical tools. Causality assessment was performed using Naranjo scale. Results: Eleven of 3708 patients who received either ioversol or iohexol developed ADRs (i.e. 0.3% of patients). The most common ADR was rigor. The incidences of mild, moderate and severe reactions were 55%, 36% and 9%, respectively. Average median age, weight, and dose used were 35 years, 66 kg and 70 ml, respectively. All the ADRs were early (occurred within 1 hr of CM administration). Due to logical constraints, the follow-up of these patients was not possible and hence late ADRs were not captured. The common concomitant medication used was pantoprazole (63.63% of patients). The difference in the incidence of ADRs by age distribution (Group 1 - Iohexol, Group 2 - Ioversol) and weight distribution was not statistically significant (p=0.75 and p=0.18, respectively). Causality analysis revealed that all the ADRs were possible (Score of 4). Interestingly, the incidence of reactions was noted to be higher in patients with a history of gastro intestinal disorders (45.45%). Conclusions: This pilot study reveals that adverse reactions to NICM are rare and severe reactions are less common among the patients of Indian origin. However, a larger multicentric study across the country should be carried out to understand the safety profile of these CM better among the Indian population.