Four-year survey of the quality of antimicrobial medicines in Cambodia / 国際保健医療

Background and Objectives  Falsified or substandard antimicrobials present a health hazard to patients, and may promote antimicrobials resistance. We conducted a four-year study to evaluate the quality of selected antimicrobials and to examine the prevalence of falsified or substandard antimicrobials in Cambodia, aiming to promote efforts to improve the quality of medicines in Cambodia.Methods   We collected samples of clarithromycin, sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim, ceftriaxone, cefuroxime, levofloxacin, gentamicin, ciprofloxacin, fluconazole, nalidixic acid, ofloxacin, phenoxymethyl penicillin and roxithromycin products from several different types of drug outlets in five provinces (rural areas) and Phnom Penh (an urban area), during 2011 to 2014. The authenticity of the collected medicines was investigated, and the medicines were analyzed to determine whether they met the appropriate pharmacopoeial standards.Results   We collected 647 samples, produced by 179 manufacturers, from 353 outlets. Only 51 (15%) of the outlets were air-conditioned. We found different-coloured packaging of the same brand (different lots) of products from some manufacturers. The insert information of one sample was different from the package information. Twelve (1.9%) samples were not officially registered with Department of Drug and Food (DDF). In authenticity investigation, 43 of 179 manufacturers replied and confirmed the authenticity of 154 samples (out of 647); also, 18 out of 40 Medicine Regulatory Authority (MRA) replied to enquiries about whether products were licensed or not (one was not). Among the samples, 424 (80.4%), 406 (86%) and 533 (90.6%) passed in dissolution, content uniformity and quantity tests, respectively. Samples of cefuroxime and roxithromycin that failed were significantly cheaper than those that passed.Conclusion  Poor-quality antimicrobials were found in Cambodian markets, though no falsified medicines were detected. Result of samples were not confirmed in authenticity, so it was possible to include falsified medicines. Manufacturers should be encouraged to improve GMP implementation. Storage conditions in the distribution chain may also need to be improved. Continuous efforts by stakeholders are needed to ensure that medicines are properly licensed.

Standardization, quality control and pharmacological review on Glycyrrhiza glabra L. A potential medicinal herb in Unani and Ayurvedic systems of medicine

Glycyrrhiza glabra L. is a potential herbal drug used in Unani and Ayurvedic systems of medicine. In view of the medicinal and pharmacological importance of this species in different systems of medicine, an attempt has been made to provide comprehensive information on standardization and quality control of the herb based on WHO guidelines. The important parameters for standardization and quality control are sensory, macroscopic, microscopic and chemical characteristics along with the physico-chemical characteristics [moisture content, successive extractive value, ash value, acid insoluble ash, water soluble extractive value, acid value, iodine value] and TLC finger prints of different extractives. At the same time, chemical constituents, properties and its uses, pharmacology, precautions and toxicity are discussed based on literature review

Theft of Unani formulations for the treatment of various diseases is not new but it is a matter of concern since last couple of decades. However, information regarding Unani Medicine exists in Arabic, Urdu, Persian and other regional languages. The examiners of different national/ international patent offices are unable to understand this information as prior art, before granting patents due to language barrier

Some of the examples of case studies of misappropriation of Pistacia lentiscus Linn is discussed in which the indication of Pistacia lentiscus Linn i.e. anti-inflammatory [mentioned in Unani classical texts] has been claimed for wrong patent

Standardization, quality control and pharmacological review on andrographis paniculata[Burm.f.] Wall ex nees a Potential Medicinal herb in unani and ayurvedic systems of medicine

Andrographis paniculata [Burm.f.] Wall ex Nees is a potential herbal drug used in Unani and Ayurvedic systems of medicine. In view of the medicinal and pharmacological importance of this species in different systems of medicine, an attempt has been made to provide comprehensive information on standardization and quality control of the herb based on WHO guidelines. The studied important parameters for standardization and quality control are sensory characteristics, macroscopic and microscopic characteristics, chemical characteristics with some chemical reagents, physico-chemical characteristics [moisture content, successive extractive value, ash value, acid insoluble ash, water soluble extractive value, acid value, iodine value] and TLC and HPLC finger prints of different extractives. At the same time, chemical constituents, properties and uses, pharmacology, precautions and toxicity arc discussed based on literature review

Serological prevalence of brucellosis of cattle in selected dairy farms in Bangladesh / 대한수의학회지

This study was conducted to investigate the status of brucellosis in dairy cattle from five selected dairy farms in the Mohammadpur Beribadh area of Bangladesh. A cross-sectional study was carried out from October 2010 to March 2011 in which a total of 334 serum samples from cattle in five herds were screened by the Rose-Bengal plate-agglutination test (RBPT) and the positives were confirmed using an indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (I-ELISA). A structured questionnaire was used to collect epidemiological information describing the animals. Overall, 4.20% of the animals were RBPT positive, while subsequent confirmatory tests with I-ELISA revealed that the overall animal-level prevalence derived from the samples was 1.20%. Additionally, the prevalence was relatively higher in females than in males. A significant association was found between abortion, age of the animals, and the occurrence of brucellosis (p < 0.05). Considering the overall low prevalence of brucellosis in the selected farms in the present study, a brucellosis eradication program for dairy farms using a test-and-slaughter policy would be possible.

Age-dependent Electroencephalographic Differences in the Genetic Absence Epilepsy Rats from Strasbourg (GAERS) Model of Absence Epilepsy

Genetic Absence Epilepsy Rats from Strasbourg (GAERS) are a prognostic genetic model of absence epilepsy. This model displays the electro-clinical, behavioural, and pharmacological features of absence seizures. Although GAERS share typical characteristics, including spike-and-wave discharges (SWDs) in the electroencephalography (EEG), age-dependent studies with these animals have not yet been reported. The aim of the present study is to perform a systematic comparison contrasting the SWDs of young and older GAERS, in terms of the number, duration, frequency, and waveform morphology of the discharges, as well as the pre-SWD EEG characteristics, using identical measurement and analysis techniques. The number, cumulative total duration and mean duration of SWDs were significantly higher in young GAERS (4 to 6 months) compared to older GAERS (12 to 14 months). Furthermore, the SWD spectra and average SWD waveforms indicated that a single cycle of the SWD contains more energy in faster components, such as increased spikes and higher power, in the SWDs of the young GAERS. Additionally, older GAERS showed weak amplitude spikes in SWDs and higher power pre-SWDs. These clear morphological differences in the EEGs of young and older GAERS rats should be further examined in future studies that explore new dimensions of genetic absence epilepsy.

Record of ethnomedicinal plants used for the treatment of various diseases and ailments in the South-Western Region of Bangladesh

An ethnomedicinal survey was undertaken to collect information from local traditional healers on the medicinal use of plants in the south-western region of Bangladesh during June 2003 to July 2005 for the first time. The indigenous knowledge of local traditional healers and the native plants used for medicinal purposes were collected through questionnaire and personal interviews during field trips. The investigation revealed that, the local people and traditional healers used 126 species of plants distributed in 112 genera belonging to 58 families to treat various diseases and ailments. These plant species are enumerated alphabetically in the text by adopting the accepted names, synonym/s wherever applicable, local names, habit and habitat, along with short description of their ethnomedicinal uses

Antidiabetic and hypolipidemic effects of different fractions of coccinia cordifolia L. on normal and streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats

The present study was carried out to observe the antidiabetic and hypolipidemic effects of petroleum-ether, ethyl acetate and chloroform fractions isolated from ethanolic extract of the leaves of Coccinia cordifolia Linn. [150 mg/kg body weight] on normal and streptozotocin [STZ]-induced diabetic rats for one day experiment. Single doses [150 mg/kg, i.p.] of C. cordifolia extracts were given to normal and diabetic rats. The fasting blood glucose [FBG], serum triglyceride [TG] and serum total cholesterol [TC] levels were investigated in normal and STZ-diabetic rats on 0, 1, 2, 3, 6, 10, 16, and 24[th] hours. In normoglycemic rats the pet-ether and ethyl acetate fractions of C. cordifolia reduced blood glucose level significantly [39.66% and 40.68% at 16[th] and 24[th] hour respectively]. In the STZ-diabetic rats pet-ether and ethyl acetate fractions also reduced blood glucose level significantly [50.39% and 50% at 10[th] and 24[th] hour respectively]. Ethyl acetate fraction is most effective which reduced total cholesterol level by 31.04% and 36.69% in normal and STZ-diabetic rats respectively. Ethyl acetate fraction reduced triglyceride level by 43.82% and 42.01% in normal and STZ-diabetic rats respectively. Our results indicate that pet-ether and ethyl acetate fractions of C. cordifolia have potentiality against diabetes

Multiple congenital anomalies in a Korean native calf (Bos taurus coreanae) / 대한수의학회지

Supernumerary ectopic limb(s) (SEL) is a congenital anomaly defined as the presence of accessory limb(s) attached to various body regions. This paper describes a case of SEL with ectopic lung and ectopia cordis in a newborn calf, based on macroscopic, microscopic and radiographic findings. External features of multiple congenital anomalies included an ectopic lung growing over the middle of the backbone and covered with normal haired skin. Ectopia cordis was found in the abdominal cavity and attached to the liver. Two extra abnormal limbs originated separately from within the ectopic lung. Most of the abdominal organs were exposed to the outside through the opened abdominal cavity. Microscopically the ectopic lung tissue had edema in the connective tissue around the bronchus and artery. Changes in other organs included congestion of the renal medulla, infiltration of inflammatory cells (lymphocytes and eosinophils) around the hepatic portal tract, and edema surrounding blood vessels and neurons in the brain. The rudimentary humerus of the forelimb was attached to the thoracic spine, as viewed radiographically. The hindlimb was consisted of an irregularly shaped femur, short tibia and fibula, two tarsal bones, one metatarsal bone, and three phalanges. This is the first description of congenital anomalies involving the SEL, ectopic lung and ectopia cordis in a calf.

Antenatal care seeking behaviour among slum mothers: a study of Rajshahi city corporation, Bangladesh

The study aimed to identify the important effects of some selected variables in antenatal care [ANC] seeking behaviour among slum mothers. The data for the study were collected in 2006 from 700 mothers in the slum areas of Rajshahi City Corporation [RCC], Bangladesh. The results indicate that tetanus toxoid [TT] is relatively widespread in slum areas of RCC. Serious health implications were observed for the mothers and their children who lived in the study areas because more than half of the respondents [56.1%] were not assisted at their last childbirth by any health professional. The respondents were too poor to buy iron tablets/syrup and vitamin tablets/syrup during their last pregnancy. The application of a logistic regression model suggested that demographic and socio-economic factors were associated with ANC seeking behaviour among slum mothers. Respondents' education, place of treatment, husband's occupation, family's income, and exposure to mass media had highly significant effects on mothers seeking medical checkups during their last pregnancy

Ethnobotanical survey of medicinal plants and their ethnic uses in Ramgarh Upazila of Khagrachhari district, Bangladesh

A survey was carried out in the years 2004 and 2006, in Ramgarh Upazila of Khagrachhari District in Bangladesh to record - the medicinal plants of that area and their uses. During this work, 85 species representing 77 genera were found, which are used by Marma, Tippara and Chakma ethnic people and Bengalis living there for the treatment of 60 diseases. Botanical and tribal names of the plants, parts used as medicine and diseases to'be treated with each plant have been presented. The major threats to the medicinal plants have been identified and a number of recommendations have also been made for the sustainable use and conservation of those plants

Oral glucose tolerance test [OGTT] in normal control and glucose induced hyperglycemic rats with Coccinia Cordifolia L. and Catharanthus roseus L

The aim of this study is to investigate the hypoglycemic effects of petroleum ether, chloroform and ethyl acetate fractions isolated from ethanolic extracts of Coccinia cordifolia and Catharanthus roseus on normal control and orally glucose-induced hyperglycemic rats. Single doses [150 mg/kg] of different fractions of C. cordifolia and C. roseus extracts were intraperitonelly administered. The serum blood glucose level was obtained by pricking the tail vein using glucometer at time 0, 30, 60, 90, 150 and 270 minutes.In the orally glucose induced hyperglycemic rats, chloroform-coccinia [CHCl[3]-CC] fraction showed maximum reduction of blood glucose level by 21.94% on 60 minute of the experiment. On the other hand maximum reduction [p<0.05] of 17.92% was observed for petroleum ether-catharanthus [PET-CR] on 30 minute of the experiment. Metformin HCl was used as standard drug.Our results indicate that the CHCl[3]-CC fraction is relatively more potent than other fractions of C. cordifolia. Similarly the PET-CR is found to be better than other fractions of catharanthus. Phytochemical screening test results showed that chloroform fraction of C. cordifolia contain saponins and flavonoids compounds, which are known to be hypoglycemic. On the other hand petroleum ether fraction of C. roseus contains tannins, flavonoids and alkaloid compounds produced varying degree of blood sugar reduction. On the pharmacological point of view C. cordifolia and C. roseus appears to be a valuable plant, which can be useful, at least as an adjunct, in the therapy of diabetes

Biological Screening of a Novel Nickel (II) Tyrosine Complex

A newly synthesized Nickel (II) tyrosine complex was screened as potential antimicrobial agent against a number of medically important bacteria (Bacillus subtilis, Streptococcus beta-haemolytica, Escherichia coli, Shigella dysenterae) and fungi (Aspergillus fumigatus, Candida albicans, Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus flavus, Penicillium sp.) strains. were used for antifungal activity. The antimicrobial activity was evaluated using the Agar Disc method. Moreover, the minimum inhibitory concentration of the complexes was determined against the same pathogenic bacteria and the values were found between 4~64 microg ml(-1). Brine shrimp bioassay was carried out for cytotoxicity measurements of the complexes. The LC50 values were calculated after probit transformation of the resulting mortality data and found to be 6 microg ml(-1).

In Vitro Effect of Fungicides, Plant Extracts and Smoke on Conidial Germination of Fusarium oxysporum Root Rot Pathogen of Piper betle

Five fungicides such as rovral, bavistin, cupravit, dithane M-45 and thiovit were tested against conidial germination of Fusarium oxysporum. Dithane M-45 was the most effective against the fungus. Rests of the fungicides were more or less effective in the inhibition of conidial germination after 5~30 minutes immersion in 500~2500 ppm concentration. Five plant extracts(leaf extracts of Ocimum sanctum, Lantana camera, Calotropis procera, Azadirachta indica and Vinca rosea) found to be more or less effective against the fungus. 'Dhup' somke have good inhibitory effect on conidial germination of F. oxysporum.

In vitro Inhibition Effect of Plant Extracts, Urine, Fertilizers and Fungicides on Stem Rot Pathogen of Sclerotium rolfsii

Twenty plant extracts were tested against mycelial growth, sclerotium formatiom and dry weight of mycelium with sclerotia of Sclerotium rolfsii Sacc. The highest(90 mm) mycelial growth was measured in Adhatoda vasica, Tegetes erecta, Allium cepa, and Curcuma longa. The lowest(25 mm) was in Azadirachta indica. No mycelial growth was found in any concentration of cow, buffalo, and goat urine. The highest(90 mm) and the lowest(15 mm) mycelial growth were measured in Biomil and Urea, respectively. No mycelial growth was observed in Zinc. The highest(60 mm) and the lowest(2 mm) mycelial growth were recorded in Macuprex(Dodine; 65% WP) and Boron(100% Boric acid and 17% Boron) respectively. Mycelial growth was totally inhibited in Rovral(Iprodione; 50% WP).

Effects of Plant Extracts on Conidial Germination, Mycelial Growth and Sporulation of Fungi Isolated From Poultry Feed

Effect of ethanolic extracts of Lawsonia inermis, Azadirachta indica, Vinca rosea, Tagetes patula, Ocimum sanctum, Colocasia antiquorum, Adhatoda vasica, Moringa oleifera, Datura metel and Curcuma longa leaf on conidial germination, mycelial growth and sporulation of Aspergillus flavus, A. niger and A. fumigatus were examined. The conidial germination of A. flavus and A. fumigatus were most inhibited by the extract of L. inermis, while that of A. niger was inhibited by A. indica. Other tested plant extracts have a good effect on conidial germination on the selected fungi. The highest mycelial growth of A. flavus (37 mm) was found in V. rosea, but in case of A. niger and A. fumigatus it (38 and 39 mm) was found in D. metel. The lowest (4, 9 and 6 mm) respectively mycelial growth of these fungi found in L. inermis. The highest sporulation (75 x 10(4)/ml) of A. flavus was counted in V. rosea, but in case of A. niger and A. fumigatus those (45 x 10(4) and 55 x 10(4)/ml) were in D. metel and the lowest (5 x 10(4), 12 x 10(4) and 9 x 10(4)/ml) respectively sporulation of these fungi counted in L. inermis plant extract medium.