Pharmacological validation of the folkloric uses of Cyperus rotundus L. in different ailments: An in vivo and in vitro research

In vivo and in vitro research study was conducted on Cyperus rotundus to evaluate the sound mechanistic background in the treatment of gastrointestinal, bronchial and vascular disorders as well as in pain, emesis, pyrexia and bacterial infections. Results showed that crude extract of Cyperus rotundus [Cr.Cr] exhibited the dose-dependent spasmolytic effect in rabbit jejunum by inhibiting the spontaneous and K+ [80 mM]-induced contractions. Pretreatment of tissue with Cr. Cr caused the rightward shift of calcium concentration response curves, similar to verapamil. Cr. Cr also caused the relaxation of K+ [80 mM]- and carbachol [1 microM]-induced contractions of trachea preparations, similar to that of verapamil. Moreover, Cr. Cr also relaxed the contraction induced by the K+ [80 mM] and phenylephrine [1 microM] of aorta preparations. Data show that C. rotundus possess the spasmolytic, bronchodilator and vasodilator activities possibly through calcium channels blockade; validating its folkloric use in diarrhea, dyspepsia, bronchitis, asthma and hypertension in addition to antibacterial, antiemetic, antipyretic and analgesic activities

comparison of clinical diagnosis and serological diagnosis in an epidemic of Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever

Crimean Congo Haemorrhagic Fever [CCHF] is life-threatening disease caused by Nairovirus of genus Bunyavirus caused by tick bite of Hayalomma species or by direct contact of the blood/sera of the patient and animals suffering from this disease. Epidemics have been occurring in Balochistan province of Pakistan and neighbouring Afghanistan and Iran from time to time with high mortality. Aim: In the absence of facilities for detection of serological markers of CCHF [IgM and IgG antibodies and PCR for viral RNA], a study was designed to diagnose and treat cases of CCHF reporting to a specialist unit hospital situated at Quetta, Pakistan. The aim was to compare the clinical features, complications and outcome of both groups of patients; one detecting the disease clinically only and the other depending upon serological tests for the diagnosis. Thirty-four patients having fever of less than two weeks of duration with features of bleeding from the skin and various orifices were included in this study from June 2001 to September 2001 after hospitalization. Index case and some of the consecutive cases were subjected to detection of serological markers. Rest of the cases were diagnosed on clinical grounds and baseline laboratory investigations only. Difference in both the groups was noted carefully. All the patients were given Ribavirin and blood products as and when required. Statistically there was no obvious difference in clinical manifestations [fever, body aches, purpuric spots, ecchymosis, epistaxis, gum bleed etc.] and laboratory findings [blood picture, serum ALT, serum urea and electrolytes, PT, APTT, etc]. There was also no difference in mortality of the two groups studied. In an on ongoing outbreak of CCHF, history, clinical findings and supportive baseline laboratory investigations may be sufficient for early detection and treatment of CCHF cases. However for documentation of start of epidemic, serological markers should be done. Therefore facilities for detection of viral markers of CCHF should be available at centers like Quetta