Effect of the aqueous extract of matricaria chamomilla on stress-ethanol induced acute gastric ulceration in rabbits

The anti-ulcer effect of the aqueous extract of Matricaria chamomilla flowers [chamomile extract, CE] had been tested on stress- ethanol induced gastric ulceration in rabbits. The first part of the study was to induce acute gastric ulceration by stress or stress ethanol combinations. Stress alone teas unable to produce gastric ulcerations while ulcer was induced in the group of rabbits exposed to stress in the presence of ethanol [5ml / kg] with a mean value of ulcer index of 108.3mm +/- 29 [n=8]. Histopathological examination was done to confirm the effect of stress-ethanol combination on gastric mucosa. The second part of the study was performed to investigate the pharmacological effect of various concentrations of the aqueous extract of chamomile [1%, 4% and 8%] on gastric ulceration. The extract was given 15 minutes before ethanol administration. The results have shown a significant anti ulcer effect of chamomile extract with mean values of ulcer index of 76. 4mm +/- 14.2 [P< 0.01]; 11mm +/- 14.2 [P<0.005] and 53mm +/- 27.9 [P<0.01] for the concentrations 1%, 4% and 8% respectively as compared to the control value of 133.25 mm +/- 46.2 [n=8]. It is concluded that the extract of Matricaria chamomilla flowers has anti ulcer effect

Effect of methoxyverapamil, diltiazem, morphine and their combination on the formation of irreversibly sickled cells: an in vitro study

The effect of methoxyverapamil and diltiazem [calcium antagonists] and morphine [calcium antagonist activity] on the formation of irreversibly sickled cells [ISCs] was investigated. Methoxyverapamil at therapeutic concentration and 10 times that level resulted in a 12% and 21% reduction in the formation of ISCs respectively, which was statistically significant. Diltiazem also produced a significant reduction in ISCs but morphine produced no significant reduction. Combination of these drugs produced a net effect similar to their individual effects. These drugs might be useful in decreasing the intensity of sickling crises and vaso-occlusive events. Thus in vivo trials in patients with sickle-cell disease are suggested

Awareness of hypertension in Basrah City: first announcement which needs action

Present study is the first announcement of the prevalence of hypertension among Basrah population and it estimates for the first time the percentage of awareness among the hypertensives to their high blood pressure. The distribution of hypertension was determined by age, Sex and body weight. In addition, risk factors such as smoking and family history were also evaluated. The WHO recommended diagnostic criteria were followed so that hypertension is defined as blood pressure measured greater than or equal to 140/90 mm Hg at the age of 20's and 160/95 mm Hg at the age of 50's or self-reported taking antihypertensive medication. Hypertension in turn was classified into mild, moderate and severe categories. The prevalence of hypertension among the total subjects [750] studied was found to be 32% and it is higher in males than in females [37% vs 27% respectively]. Blood pressure was increased with age and body weight in both males and females. Only 19% of the hypertensives were aware of their high blood pressure and the percentage of awareness correlated positively with age and severity of hypertension and it was higher in females [31%] than in males [12%]. However, only 5% of the aware hypertensives were on regular antihypertensive medications. This study estimates the size of the problem in Basrah which can provide a data base for a further epidemiological studies of hypertension in Basrah