ABSTRACT
The objective of present study was to investigate Petroleum ether, ethyl acetate and hydroalcoholic extracts of B. racemosa fruits in vitro on human polymorphonuclear (PMN) cells to screen their effects on phagocytosis and chemotaxis. Ethyl acetate extract of B. racemosa fruitswas found to be a stimulant of PMN cell phagocytosis of Nitroblue tetrazolium (NBT) dye and candida albicans. It also stimulated intracellur killing capacity of PMN cells. It was further found to increase the chemotaxis of human PMN cells.While, petroleum ether extract and hydroalcoholic extract were lesser active as far as these activities are concerned.
ABSTRACT
Background: Different species of frogs had been used by many researchers for evaluation of analgesic drugs e.g., Rana pipiens and African claw frog. In our study, we used Rana tigrina, which was never used for evaluation of analgesic activity of drugs. So by doing this project, we judged usefulness of R. tigrina to evaluate analgesic drugs. Methods: Animals used were R. tigrina of either sex weighing 100-150 g. Glass flask with porous platform was used for observation of frog. All groups were treated with 4% NaCl solution S.C. on abdomen). Characteristic parameter i.e., number of eye blinkings (this parameter was observed during the pilot study after 4% NaCl S.C. injection on lower third of frogs abdominal wall) were observed before and after drug administration. Each observation was for 5 mins. Centrally and periphrally acting drugs effect was tested on the number of blinks and buccal oscillations. Results: Centrally acting drug inhibit rise in number of eye blinkings and buccal oscillation significantly. Piroxicam diclofenac sodium and ketoprofen decreased rise in number of blinks; but, it was not significant as compared with control. Conclusion: This animal may be used alternative to existing methods of evaluating analgesics in Indian setup.
ABSTRACT
Background: Pharmacology and pharmacy practice has undergone a sea change over the last century. The most notable change in pharmacy in modern times has been the virtual disappearance of the preparation and compounding of medicines. Pharmacy practical classes still form a part of the MCI curriculum in Pharmacology undergraduate teaching in many states of India including West Bengal. This study was undertaken to assess the attitude of students as well as teachers towards continuation of these practical classes in the curriculum and possible alternatives. Methods:102 students and 12 teachers participated in the study answering a structured and pre-tested questionnaire anonymously. Results: The results showed that nearly 84% students and 50% teachers wanted these practical classes to continue citing various reasons. The most popular alternative to these classes remain demonstration of clinical effects of drugs which was supported by 88.23% students and 91.66% teachers. Conclusion: Pharmacy practical classes can be continued in pharmacology curriculum. But the better beneficial alternatives can also be considered which may be more beneficial to the students.
ABSTRACT
Background: Barringtonia racemosa (B. racemosa) is used medicinally in treatment of diarrhoea, asthma, coughs, jaundice. It is also used as an analgesic and antipyretic. This plant has also significant anti-tumor activity. However, systematic evaluation of its immunomodulatory effects has not been reported. In present study the hydroalcoholic extract of fruits of B. racemosa has been evaluated for its immunomodulatory properties in animal models. Methods: Extract of Fruits of B. racemosa was prepared from fruit powder and methanol by macerations and filtration. Healthy albino Wistar rats of either sex having 110-160 g body weight were used for this study. 1. Delayed type hypersensitivity reaction (DTH) using Sheep red blood cells (SRBCs): After immunization with SRBC effect of cyclophosphamide and hydroalcoholic extract of B. racemosa was seen on paw volume changes in rats challenged with SRBC by using digital Plethysmometer. 2. Humoral antibody response to SRBC: Animas were immunized with SRBC and treated with cyclophosphamide and hydroalcoholic extract of B. racemosa. Serum of these animals was observed for haemagglutination titer. Results: Fruits extract at the dose of 5 mg/kg i.p. showed significant decrease in DTH response as compared to that of control group animals. However, the effect of extract was less potent as compared to that of cyclophosphamide treated group. In haemagglutination titer assay, antibody titer in case naïve control, SRBC treated, cyclophosphamide treated and extract treated groups was 1:1, 1:32, 1:8 and 1:16 respectively. Conclusions: The hydroalcoholic extract of this fruits was found to inhibit SRBCs induced DTH in rats. Similarly, SRBCs induced antibody titer was also reduced.
ABSTRACT
Background: The normal histogenesis of human kidney during fetal life gives us information regarding histological maturation of kidney Objectives: - Present study aims at establishing details of histogenesis of human kidney with time of appearance of various microscopic elements. Methods: - The present study was conducted on kidneys of 59 human foetuses of gestational age ranging from16 to 38 weeks. The pieces of kidneys were processed and paraffin blocks were formed. Sections of kidney were cut which were studied with light microscope after staining. Results: - The subcapsular nephrogenic zone became narrow with increasing fetal age and disappeared at 38 weeks of gestation. In cortex, differentiation occurs from centre to periphery as indicated by more number of mature renal corpuscles and well differentiated proximal convoluted tubule, distal convoluted tubules in deeper part than superficial part of cortex. As the fetal age increases, the number of well differentiated tubules seen in medulla went on increasing. The histological structure of kidney was almost similar to kidney at 35 weeks of gestation. Conclusion:-This may help us in understanding various renal disorders. This study can also be used for determination of age of fetus.