Evaluation of suspected chronic pesticide poisoning among residents near agriculture fields

The present study was performed to evaluate the incidence of organophosphorus toxicity among agrarian and non agrarian subjects residing near agriculture fields. The location of this study was Nawakot village, Multan. From the cotton producing area of Multan, 225 volunteers [farmers] including 103 females and 122 males were selected. Children <12 years of age constitute 15% of the population. A total of 100 volunteers [non agrarians] from Multan city were taken as control. Blood [4 ml] was drawn from the volunteers to test the level of acetylcholine estrase [Ach E] in plasma. The blood samples were then analysed at the laboratory of National Poison Control Center [NPCC]. Organo-phosphate [OP] and carbamates [CM] both act to block Ach E hydrolysis, necessary for synaptic response in the CNS. Acute illnesses were seen in 6 [2.67%], children [group 1]. They had fever and signs of pulmonary infections. Generalised weakness was found in 9 males and 13 females. Paraesthesia was found in 11 volunteers of group IV. Blood sampling test revealed that 6 volunteers [2.67%] had plasma Ach E below 5300 IU/ml [< 50% reduction], whereas 4 volunteers had Ach E level between 5300 - 5500 IU/ml [< 45% reduction], 81 volunteers fall in group "c", and 126 individuals had an Ach E reduction of at least 25% and 8 volunteers had the serum cholinesterase level above 10000 IU/ml. None of volunteers had the value above 11000 IU whereas plasma Ach E level of control population was between 11500 - 13500 IU/ml. Medical tests of the level of Ach E in plasma suggest that the overall incidence of poisoning from exposure to OP and CM is quite high, and appears to be consistent with the results from other studies in other developing countries

fungi recorded in imported feed samples with reference to control of T-2 toxicosis by antioxidant substances in chicks

Fifty samples of imported animal feed were evaluated for fungi and their toxins contamination. Nine genera and eight species of mould were isolated. The genus Mucor and Penicillium [66% and 65%] were predominantly isolated, followed by Aspergillus [40%]. Fusarium [20%] and Cladosporium [14%]. Belonging to genus Aspergillus, A. flavus was frequently isolated [28%] but F. graminearium was obtained only from 10% of Samples. Species of Rhizopus, Scopulariopsis and Alternaria were yielded from 4, 2 and 2% of samples respectively, T2-toxin [member of trichothecene] was detected in 30% of these samples with the mean amount of 60 ppb and aflatoxin in 20% with the mean amount of 3, 4 ppb, whereas ochratoxin A was gained from 14% of samples with mean level of 2.2 ppb, but Zearalenon and Fumonisin B[1] toxins were found in 6 and 2% with mean level of 22 and 70 ppb respectively. The induction of T-2 toxicosis in the broiler chickens and their elimination by dietary Vitamin E and/or selenium revealed that T-2 toxicosis significantly decreased the concentration of serum total protein, albumin and beta globulin and increased alpha and lambda globulins. Levels of total lipids, triglycerides, cholesterol and copper were significantly increased and levels of zinc, vitamin A and E were decreased. The groups of chicks given vitamin E and/or selenium in the T-2 toxic diet showed general improvement in most of biochemical findings which were altered due to T-2 toxicosis, where the levels of alpha, beta and lambda globulin were increased and a significant decrease in levels of total lipid, triglycerides and cholesterol were obtained. Also, the treatment of toxicated chicks with selenium and/or Vit. E produced significant alteration in levels of Vit. A and E, copper, zinc and sodium. The antioxidant effect of Vit. E and/ or selenium reduced the toxic effect of T-2 toxin but not inhibit it

Identification and standardisation of commercial sibr' [Aloes] a cancer agglutinative drug

The 'Sibr' [Aloes], which is one of the earliest known purgatives used in Unani System of Medicine, is botanically the dried leaf juice of the plant Aloe barbadensis Miller. Results of the recent research work have induced a revival of interest in this drug as it has shown anti-inflammatory, cancer agglutinating and radiation injury healing activities. Procuring genuine Sibr, the most efficacious among all aloes, is a difficult problem as all other varieties, morphologically indistinguishable, are also available in the crude drug's market under the common name aloes. A detailed study on botanical characteristics, physicochemical constants and phytochemical colour reactions [qualitative chemical tests] of two commercial samples of Sibr has, therefore, been carried out as this will facilitate identification, standardization and evaluation of these samples as well as other commercial samples. The parameters described and discussed in this communication include macroscopic characters, microscopical study of the powdered drug mounted in lactophenol, total ash, acid insoluble ash, solid contents, water soluble matters, aloin contents and qualitative chemical tests, besides T.L.C. patterns of successive extracts and fluorescence characteristics under U.V. light

Identification of the natural drug 'Biranjasaf' [Artemisia Nilagarica] A comparative Pharmacognostical study

Pharmacognostical studies have been carried out on the plant Artemisia nilagarica [Clarke] Pamp. synonym A. vulgaris Lin. [Family-Asteraceae] described as the correct and authentic source of the natural drug Biranjasaf, being used in Unani system of medicine as anti-inflammatory and deobstruent, along with a commercial sample of the natural drug procured from Aligarh market. The studies have revealed that the market sample does not have the characters of the plant Artemisia nilagarica. The two profoundly differ in their macro and microscopic characters, fluorescence behavriour under UV light, physico-chemical constants, successive extractive values and thin layer chromatographic patterns. The market sample has been provisionally identified as an entirely different taxon Stachys parvifora Benth [Family-Lamiaceae]. The studies carried out on the two samples along with a comparative account have been described in detail. Possibility of use of another plant Achillea millefalium L., usually available in the name of Biranjasaf has also been discussed

Pharmacognostical studies on the leaves of jasminum grandiflorum, linn

Pharmacognostical studies carried out on the leaves of Jasminum grandiflorum linn. commonly used as crude durg by the name 'Chameli' have been described and discussed. The macro and microscopic characters of the leaf, fluorescence characteristics under UV light and other features of powdered drug, qualitative estlimation of organic and inrorganic chemical constituents, some other physico-chemical constants and results of thin layer chromatography have been described in detail

Pharmacognostical studies on the flowers of matricaria chamomilla linn

Pharmacognostical studies on genuine sample of the crude drug Gul-e-Baboonah which are flower heads of the plant Matricaria chamomilla Linn. have been carried out. Detailed marco and microscopic characters, features of the powdered drug, fluorescence characteristics, some phytochemical parameters and results of thin layer chromatography have been described