Evaluation of wound healing effects between Salvadora a persica ointment and Solcoseryl jelly in animal model

In this research study very first time a herbal ointment contain 10% Salvadora persica extract was compared with Solcosseryl jelly 10% and blank Vaseline to evaluate wound healing effects using excision wound healing model in animals. Three groups of rats [n-6] were experimentally wounded on the back of their neck. Group I was dressed with Vaseline containing 10% test drug, Group II was treated with thin layer of Solcoseryl jelly 10% as reference drug while Group III was dressed with thin layer of blank Vaseline as control group. The effect of vehicle on rate of wound healing were assessed and in all cases there were progressive decreased in wound area with time but wound dress with Vaseline containing S. persica extract and wound treated with Solcosseryl jelly significantly healed earlier than those treated with Vaseline. It is concluded that S. persica extract significantly enhance the acceleration rate of wound enclosure in rats

Pharmacological rational of dry ripe fruit of Aegle marmelos L. as an anti-nociceptive agent in different painful conditions

The aim of study is to investigate central and peripheral analgesic effects of methanolic extract of dry ripe fruit of Aegle marmelos Linn. Corea [Am. Cr] by two methods, tail flick test and acetic acid induced writhing test at 100, 250 and 500mg/kg doses in animal models. Analgesic activity against tail flick test revealed that Am. Cr induced significant increase in latency period in dose dependent manner i.e. 65.38% at 100mg/kg, 395.37% at 250mg/kg [p<0.01] and 459.25% at 500mg/kg [p<0.01] body weight at 1hr after drug delivery while at 2hr effect decreased i.e. 61.53% at 100mg/kg, 161.11% [p<0.01] at 250mg/kg and 165.74% [p<0.01] at 500mg/kg but interestingly again there is an elongation in latency period at 3hr i.e. 106.15% at 100mg/kg dose, 251.85% [p<0.01] at 250mg/kg and 293.51% [p<0.05] at 500mg/kg respectively. The standard drug Diclofenac sodium at the dose of 5mg/kg continuously increased the latency period but less significantly as compared to the test substance i.e. 79.43%, 113.08% and 222.42% [p<0.05] respectively. Acetic acid induced writhing test produced highest significant activity at the dose of 100mg/kg i.e. 89.83% [p<0.01] as compared to Diclofenic sodium [standard drug] at a dose of 5mg/kg body weight i.e 63.63% [p<0.01]. It is concluded that dry ripe fruit of A. marmelos possesses significant dual analgesic activities i.e. central and peripheral

Evaluation of nutritional and sub-acute toxicological study of plant based supplement of Achyranthes aspera

The present study was conducted for the nutritional, microbiological and toxicological evaluation of test compound having main ingredient Achyranthes aspera

Nutritional value assessment, microbiological analysis and toxicological studies were conducted according to the standard reported methods which exhibited that A. aspera contains moisture 4.05%, proteins 20.54%, fats 0.903%, ash 20.25%, carbohydrates 54,26% and energy 294 Kcal. Vitamin profile was found to be B1 0.27mg/100g, B[2] 0.28mg/100g, B[3] 0.58mg/100g, B[6] 0.27mg/100g and B[9] 39microg/100g. The content of sodium, calcium, magnesium, potassium, chloride and phosphorus was found to be 1119.67, 5385.23, 5446.08, 1343.6, 675880.73 and 1447.5mg/kg respectively and trace metals i.e. iron, copper, zinc, manganese and aluminum were detected as 283.05, 8.062, 48.37, 16.12 and 9.853 mg/kg respectively

The microbiological result indicated that the compound qualifies the international standards of microbial limit and was found free from Salmonella species

The toxicological study was conducted to find safe use of Achyranthes aspera compound in human as a nutritive supplement in blood disorders

The toxicity studies exhibited that the test compound has a good effect on general health as an increase in body weights of animals of test group was noticed as compared to that of control group. Blood parameters before and after the study were monitored which confirms our hypothesis by showing an increase in hemoglobin from 9.133 to 10.96, RBC count from 3.11 to 3.6, WBC count from 5.68 to 5.73 and platelets from 245 to 319

Screening of solvent dependent antibacterial activity of Prunus domestica

Fruit of Prunus domestica was extracted in ethanol. The ethanol extract was further extracted with two solvents ethyl acetate and chloroform. The crude ethanol extract and two fractions [ethyl acetate and chloroform] were screened for their antibacterial activity using the agar well diffusion method. They were tested against nine bacteria; five Gram positive bacteria [Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcuc intermedius, Bacillus cereus, Bacillus pumilus] and four Gram negative bacteria [Eschrichia coli, Proteus mirabilis Shigella flexneri, Salmonella typhi and Klebsiela pneumoniae]. The susceptibility of microorganisms to all three fractions was compared with each other and with standard antibiotic [Ampicillin] Among all fractions ethyl acetate exhibited highest antibacterial activity [average zone of inhibition 34.57mm +/- 1.3] while ethyl alcohol exhibited least antibacterial activity [average zone of inhibition 17.42mm +/- 3.3]. Minimum inhibitory concentration of ethanol, ethyl acetate and chloroform fractions was found in the range of 78ug/ml to 2500ugl/ml against gram positive and gram negative bacteria

Evaluation of analgesic activity of P. domestica L.

This research study was conducted to investigate acute oral toxicity and analgesic activity of ethanol extract of P. domestica fruit by using tail flick analgesiometer at 300 and 500mg/kg doses in animal models. Acute oral toxicity results showed that crude extract is safe up to the dose of 5g/kg body weight of animals. The analgesic activity revealed that P. domestica extract at 500mg/kg dose possesses highest significant and prolonged analgesic activity in dose dependent manner as compared to standard and control groups. Aspirin 300mg/kg body weight was used as standard drug. Phytochemical analysis was also carried out which showed the presence of certain phytochemicals constituents in test drug that are responsible for analgesic activity. Therefore the results are justified

Pharmacological profile of salvadora persica

This work was conducted to investigate the various pharmacological activities of Salvadora. persica family Salvadoracea and that includes anti inflammatory, analgesic, CNS, bleeding and clotting time activity by oral administration at the dose of 300 and 500mg/kg of body weight in animal models. Acute oral toxicity results showed that crude extract of S. persica is safe up to the dose of 5g/kg body weight of animals. Carraganeen induced hind paw edema method for anti inflammatory activity, tail immersion test method for analgesic activity, Rota rod and grip strength test for CNS activity were carried out in animal models. The analgesic activity was compared with aspirin, 300mg/kg body weight, anti inflammatory activity was compared with indomethacine, lOmg/kg body weight, Transamin 250mg/kg and Vitamin K lOmg were used for bleeding and clotting time activity respectively while diazepam 5mg/kg were used as standard for behavior and CNS activities. In all activities S. persica showed prolonged and dose dependent effects. Phytochemical analysis was also carried out which showed the presence of certain phytoconstituents which possesses these properties. Therefore the results justified the traditional use of the plant

Influence of gender and socioeconomic status on self-esteem of adolescent students

The purpose of present study is to explore the effects of gender and socioeconomic status on the self-esteem of adolescent students. The sample of the present research was consisted of 450 [225 males and 225 females] adolescents of ages 16-20 years [mean 18.38]. The sample of the study was selected from different public and private educational settings situated in different areas of Karachi, Pakistan. The measures, which were used in the study, included: Demographic data form; and Rosenherg Self-esteem scale. Two-way ANOVA was applied to assess the gender and socioeconomic status differences in self-esteem among adolescents. The results showed that adolescents of lower, middle and upper socioeconomic statuses differed significantly on self-esteem [F [444] =18.85981, p < .01]. Further, there was a significant difference in level of self-esteem of male and female adolescents [F [444]= 23.4486, p<.01]. But interactive effect of gender and socioeconomic status on self-esteem among adolescents was found statistically insignificant [F [444] = 1.411215, p>.05]. It is concluded that the level of self-esteem influenced by SES and gender individually

General self efficacy and perceived social support in psychiatric patients

To determine the difference between the Psychiatric patients and normal group on the variable of General Self-Efficacy and Multidimensional Perceived Social Support A between group design. Psychiatric out patients including depressive and anxiety disorders were selected. After detailed literature review it was hypothesized that, 1] Psychiatric patients would score lower on the variable of general self-efficacy as compared to control group; and 2] Psychiatric patients would score lower on the variable of perceived social support as compared to control group. The sample consisted of two groups with equal number of psychiatric patients [n 30] and normal participants [n=30]. Each group comprised of equal number of males and females. The age range of both groups was from 25 to 40 years and minimum educational level was Matric [10 years of study]. General Self Efficacy Scale1 and Multidimensional Perceived Social Support Scale[2] were administered to assess the level of self efficacy and social support of psychiatric patients and normal group respectively, [t] test was applied to determine difference between psychiatric patients and normal group on the variable of general self efficacy and perceived social support. results showed the significant difference between Psychiatric patients and normal group on the variable of general self efficacy [t=8.132, df:=58, p < .05] and perceived social support [t= 6.095, df =58, p < .05]. Findings reflect that psychiatric patients have low level of general self efficacy and perceived social support as compared to normal group

Exploring determinants of academic achievement among college students of age between 16-18 years

This study was designed to assess the effect of emotional intelligence and self esteem on academic achievement of adolescents. It was hypothesized that: [Emotional Intelligence and self esteem would predict academic achievement of adolescents]. The sample consisted of 112 college going adolescent students [61 males and 51 females] between age ranges of 16 to 18 years. Entire sample was recruited from middle socio economic status. Initially the participants were requested to fill the demographic form and then to measure the level of Emotional Intelligence and Self Esteem, the Trait Emotional Intelligence Questionnaire [TEIQue-SF; Petrides, and Furnham, 2003] and Rosenberg Self Esteem Scale [Rosenberg, 1965] was administered respectively. Multiple regression analysis was used in order to explore the predictive relationship of Emotional Intelligence and Self esteem with academic achievement. Results showed Emotional Intelligence and Self Esteem as significant predictors of academic achievement [R[2] = .156, F[2, 109] = 10.067, p<001]]

Influence of repeated intake of nigella sativa seed oil in albino rats

The Chronic toxicity study of Nigella saliva seeds [Black seeds] oil has been evaluated in male and female rats. The Nigella saliva seeds oil was administered following a dose of 2.5 ml and 5 ml for 12 weeks by oral administration. All animals tolerate N. sativa oil during experiment and show no sign of toxicity or discomfort with any significant changes in clinical signs This oil produces no significant changes in hematological indices [hemoglobin [Hb], Packed Cell Volume [PCV], Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin [MCH], Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin Concentration [MCHC], Mean Corpuscular Volume [MCV], Red Blood Cell Count [RBC], and White Blood Cell Count [WBC] following the oral administration. Results taken as whole indicate that Nigella saliva seed oil is non-toxic for rats in long-term use. The sign and symptoms exhibited by chronic studies were almost alike and conform it non toxic up to wide range of dose

Association between percieved social support and depression in cancer outpatients

The objective of the present study was to determine the relationship between perceived social support and depression in male and female cancer patients. 50 cancer patients [25 males and 25 females] from lower socioeconomic class who were under treatment in different hospitals and clinics of Karachi, Pakistan were tested. Subjects were requested to fill the demographic form and were briefly interviewed. The Multi dimensional Scale for Perceived Social Support [Zimet, Dahlem, Zimet, and Parley, 1988] and Siddiqui-Shah Depression Scale [Siddiqui and Shah, 1997] were administered to measure perceived social support and level of depression respectively in participants. Pearson product correlation coefficient and z-test was applied to explain the data in statistical terminology. Results shows that lower the social support, higher would be the depression [r= -.347, p< .05]. No difference was found between correlation of social support and depression among male and female cancer patients

Exploring predictors of compulsive buying behavior among young college/university students

The objective of the present study is to find out the significance of Materialism and self-esteem as the predictors of compulsive buying behavior among young college/university students belongingto middle socioeconomic status. 155 students between the ages of 18 years and 25 years participated in the research, and completed measures of compulsive buying [Edwards, 1993], Material value scale [Richins, 2004] and self-esteem [Rosenberg 1965]. Multiple regression analysis was used to assess the hypothesized relationship of Materialism and self esteem with compulsive buying behavior which yields significant results reflecting Materialism and Self esteem as significant predictors of compulsive buying behavior [R[2] = .113, F [2, 152] = 9.646, p<001]

Emotional intelligence as a determinant of self esteem and depression among adolescents

This study was designed to assess the relationship of emotional intelligence with self esteem and depression among adolescents. After detailed literature review, it was hypothesized that: 1] Emotional Intelligence would be positively related to self esteem among adolescents, 2] Emotional intelligence would be negatively related to depression among adolescents. Entire sample was drawn form different colleges of Karachi city. The sample consisted of 112 participants [61 males adolescents and 51 females adolescents] between age range of 16 to 18 years. Entire sample was recruited from middle socio economic status. Initially the participants were requested to Jill the demographic form and to measure the level of Emotional Intelligence, Self Esteem and Depression, the Trait Emotional Intelligence Questionnaire [TEIQue-SF; Petrides, and Furnhm, 2003], Rosenberg Self Esteem Scale [Rosenberg, 1965] and Siddiqui Shah Depression Scale [Siddiqui, 1992] were administered respectively. Pearson product correlation coefficient was used in order to explore the relationship of Emotional Intelligence with Self Esteem and Depression. Results showed significant positive correlation between Emotional Intelligence and Self Esteem [r = .457, p<.001], and Emotional Intelligence was found to be negatively correlated with Depression [r = -.566p<. 001]

Self efficacy: relationship with stress, anxiety and depression

The aim of the present research is to examine the relationship of general self-efficacy with psychological wellbeing. Correlational Study Federal Urdu University for Arts, Science and Technology, Karachi, from August 2005 to February 2006. After detailed literature review following hypotheses were formulated: a] There would be a significant inverse relationship between self-efficacy and stress. b] There would be a significant inverse relationship between self-efficacy and depression. c] There would be a significant inverse relationship between self efficacy and anxiety. Science students ['including females=84 males=113] from different departments of Federal Urdu University, Karachi were selected and were required to complete the questionnaires. Age range of the sample was from 19 to 25 years and minimum educational level was intermediate. Entire sample was recruited from middle socioeconomic class. To assess the psychological wellbeing, the Depression Anxiety Stress Scales[1] [DASS21] was administered. A measure of General Self-efficacy[2] [GSE] was also administered. In order to interpret the data in statistical terminology the Pearson product moment correlation was applied. General self efficacy was found to have significant inverse relationship with stress [r=-.166; p<0.05], anxiety [r=-.186; p<0.01] and depression [r=-157. p<0.05]. High self efficacy as the perceived capability to organize and execute the courses of actions appears to have positive effects on a person 's mental health

Religious orientation and schizotypal personality traits: a correlational study

The present study examined the relationship between religious orientation and schizotypal personality traits. To investigate the relation between the two variables it was hypothesized that an intrinsic orientation towards religion would be negatively related to schizotypal personality traits and an extrinsic orientation towards religion would be positively related to schizotypal personality traits. To assess the relation between two variables sample included 53 students [23 males and 30 females] from University of Karachi. The age range of the sample was between 20 - 30 years [X= 22.84 years] with a minimum qualification of graduation. The Age-Universal Religious Orientation Scale [Gorsuch and Venable, 1983] and Schizotypal Personality Questionnaire, SPQ [Raine, 1991] were administered to assess the religious orientation and presence of Schizotypal Personality traits. The data was analyzed by using the Pearson product moment coefficient correlation. The results indicate insignificant relationship between intrinsic religious orientation and schizotypal personality traits [r = 0.192, p > 0.05] and extrinsic religious orientation and schizotypal personality traits [r = 0.142, p > 0.05]