Clinical trial to determine the hypouricaemic potential of Zizyphus jujuba kernel

Clinical trial to determine the therapeutic efficacy of a traditional herbal drug, Zizyphus jujuba kernel reputed for anti-gout action was carried out on 20 healthy volunteers. Using a cross-over design, the subjects were divided into two groups. Group I received standard hypouricaemic drug, allopurinol and Group II was administered Z. jujuba dernel for 14 days. after a wash-out period of another 7 days, the drugs were crossed over between the two groups in which Group I was administered Z. jujuba kernel and Group II was administered allopurinol for further 14 days again. Blood and urine samples of these subjects were taken at 5 days' intervals throughout the study period for determination of uric acid, creatinine and liver function tests. It was found that Z. jujuba shows no abnormalities on kidney and liver function tests. It also possesses neither hypouricaemic nor uricosuric actions.

Comparison of in vivo anti-inflammatory and antiplaque properties of Scoparia dulcis Linn. (Dan-ta-thuka) extract and chlorhexidine mouthwashes on normal and gingivitis subjects

Scoparia dulcis Linn. an indigenous Myanmar medicinal plant, which is being used as mouthwashes for the management of gingival troubles by the local people. In vivo study of the 1 percent Scoparia dulcis Linn. watery extract mouthwash on gingival inflammation and dental plaque accumulation study in comparison with standard 0.02 percent chlorhexidine mouthwash on normal and gingivitis subjects. Its antiplaque activity is similar to that of 0.02 percent chlorhexidine.