Effects of low molecular weight galactomannans based standardized fenugreek seed extract in subjects with high fat mass: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical study

The present investigation evaluated the effects of low molecular weight galactomannans-based standardized fenugreekseeds extract (LMWGAL-TF) on human subjects with high-fat mass for 8-weeks using a prospective, randomized,double-blind, placebo-controlled design. Twenty-four subjects with percent body fat were randomized to ingest acapsule of LMWGAL-TF (500 mg, once a day) or the matching placebo at a 1:1 ratio for 8 weeks. The outcomemeasurements were recorded at baseline, week-4, and week-8 (end of the treatment). The efficacy outcome includedfat mass (absolute, non-fat mass and %) by skinfold thickness method (along with triceps, suprailiac, and abdominal)and bioelectrical impedance analysis method, body weight, body mass index, and abdominal girth. The standardsafety parameters were measured, such as adverse events, vital signs, hematology, and biochemistry. Eight weeksof LMWGAL-TF supplementation showed significant reduction in suprailiac skinfold thickness (v/s baseline) andabdominal skinfold thickness (v/s baseline and v/s placebo), and percent fat mass, (v/s baseline). The LMWGAL-TFsupplementation was found to be safe and well-tolerated. In conclusion, LMWGAL-TF supplementation showedsafety and efficacy in reducing skinfold thickness (abdominal and suprailiac) and percent body fat in subjects with ahigh fat mass

Analysis of complete blood counts in rotaviral gastroenteritis with special emphasis on platelet indices

Background: The objectives of this study was to analyze complete blood counts in rotaviral gastroenteritis with special emphasis on platelet indices.Methods: Children diagnosed as rotavirus gastroenteritis and healthy controls were enrolled in this study. Severity of acute gastroenteritis was classified into mild, moderate and severe grades using Vesikari score. Rotavirus was determined in fresh stool samples using rapid diagnostic rotavirus antigen test. Hemoglobin, leukocyte, neutrophil to lymphocyte percentage ratio, platelet counts, mean platelet volume (MPV), platelet distribution width (PDW) and platelet crit (PCT) levels were assessed for all children. It's a case control study conducted at Pediatric Speciality Hospital.Results: There were 30 cases with mean age 1.58 years. Healthy controls were 30 with mean age 2.10 years. Mean Hb was lower in cases. Mean of platelet counts was higher in cases. Mean MPV levels was lower in cases. Mean PCT value was higher in cases. Mean MPV to platelet ratio value was lower in cases. All parameters values showed no significant difference among mild, moderate and severe groups of rotaviral gastroenteritis cases. Platelet count was negatively correlated with Hb, MPVP and positively correlated with TLC and PCT. MPV was positively correlated with MPVP and PDW. PCT was negatively correlated with Hb, MPVP and positively correlated with TLC and platelet count.Conclusions: MPV can be used as negative acute phase reactant in rotavirus gastroenteritis and so is the MPV to platelet ratio. Platelet count is acute phase reactant in rotavirus gastroenteritis and so is the platelet crit value.

Preclinical safety assessment of glycosides based standardized fenugreek seeds extract: Acute, subchronic toxicity and mutagenicity studies.

Objective: To evaluate acute oral toxicity (AOT), subchronic toxicity, and mutagenic potential of glycosides based standardized fenugreek (Trigonella foenum graecum L.) seeds extract (SFSE-G). Materials and Methods: The AOT, subchronic (90-day repeated dose) toxicity and mutagenicity (reverse mutation test) of oral administration of SFSE-G were evaluated using Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats as per OECD guideline no. 423, No. 408 and 471 respectively. Results: The SFSE-G did not show mortality or treatment-related adverse signs during acute (limit dose of 2000 mg/kg) and subchronic (90-days repeated dose of 250, 500 and 1000 mg/kgwith 28 days of recovery period) administration. The SFSE-G showed oral median lethal dose (LD50) more than 2000 mg/kg during AOT study. The no-observed adverse effect level (NOAEL) of SFSE-G was 1000 mg/kg in male rats and 500 mg/kg in female rats during subchronic toxicity study. Furthermore, SFSE-G did not show mutagenic potential in vitro. Conclusions: SFSE-G was found safe for acute and subchronic (90 days repeated dose) administration in rats with no mutagenic potential.