ABSTRACT
Ranunculus muricatus is commonly known as spiny fruit buttercup and is used in the treatment of intermittent fevers, gout and asthma. Qualitative analysis of phytochemicals of Ranunculus muricatus indicated the presence of saponins, tannins, phenols, flavonoids and alkaloids. Saponins were present in high amount as compared with other chemicals. Inorganic and heavy metals constituents were determined. Heavy metals estimation in the sample showed that iron was present in high amount followed by zinc even then the concentration of these metals is below acceptable limit. The physical parameters, antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of the extracts were determined. Acetone extract fraction showed optimal antioxidant activity as compared to ethanol and chloroform fractions of the candidate plant. The antimicrobial and antifungal activities of the crude extract and extract fractions were determined by well agar diffusion method. Highest zone of inhibitions were observed for crude extract followed by acetone extract fraction against Micrococcus luteus. Antifungal activities were high for crude extracts against Candida Albican. Findings of this study show that Ranunculus muricatus has a good medicinal impact
Subject(s)
Antioxidants , Anti-Infective Agents , Antifungal Agents , Phytochemicals , Plant ExtractsABSTRACT
To determine and compare the level of awareness regarding diabetes mellitus, its complications and management in male and female diabetic patients of Peshawar, Pakistan. A cross sectional study conducted in Peshawar, from February to July 2013. A well organized questionnaire was used, having fourteen items. The participants were interviewed and the questionnaire was filled by trained persons [Diabetes Educators]. The correct answers were marked as aware and incorrect as unaware, and made conversions to percentage. Total 561 diabetic patients were assessed. The data was analyzed using SPSS v.16 software and excel 2007. The level of awareness regarding diabetes and its management was found inadequate. Amongst, 36.3% male and 13% female diabetics were aware that why glycemic control is important, 63% male and 32.4% females were aware that diabetes could produce some complications. Similarly 23.7% male and 10% female respondents know importance of blood glucose monitoring. Only 181 male and 31 female diabetics were aware of hypoglycemia symptoms and management. Over all level of awareness in female patients as compared to male patients was found low. The overall level of awareness in both male and female diabetics was found low; and comparatively female patients have poorer awareness.
ABSTRACT
To determine the frequency of vitamin B12 deficiency in patients with Helicobacter pylori gastritis. Descriptive study Department of Medicine, Military Hospital, Rawalpindi. From October 2007 to March 2008. One hundred Helicobacter pylori [H pylori] positive patients with endoscopic evidence of gastritis were included. Demographics [age and gender] and levels of vitamin B12 [using Vitros Immunodiagnostic system] were collected in all cases. Nearly two third [64%] patients were males with mean age of 50.8 +/- 13.59 years. Thirteen percent patients had deficiency of vitamin B12, 5% were border line deficient, and 82% had normal levels of vitamin B12. In H pylori gastritis patients frequency of vitamin B12 deficiency is 13% i.e. about one fifth of patients in present study
ABSTRACT
About 70-80% of the world population relies on herbal products, especially in the developing countries. Herbal products are available in various dosage forms for different types of ailment. Contamination of medicinal plants with heavy metal is of great concern. Heavy metals are known to affect the normal physiological function when the level of heavy metals exceeds in plants or animals. It can cause various acute and chronic effects in living organisms. Silybum marianum commonly known as milk thistle is used for varieties of liver diseases. Concentration of Fe 375 mg/kg is found high in the blue capitulum's seeds and concentration of Cr 49.80 mg/kg is present high in the white capitulum's seeds from district Sawabi. Less concentration of Zn 32.00 mg/kg is determined in the blue capitulum's seeds from Karak, while high concentration 30.00 mg/kg of Mn is noted in blue capitulum's seeds from Charsadda. Copper concentration 27.15 mg/kg is recorded in blue capitulum's seeds from Charsadda. High concentration of Cd 1.00 mg/kg is present in white capitulum's seeds from Khyber agency, while concentration of Pb is not detected in white capitulum's seeds collected from Karak district