Analytical study of compound Unani drug Habb-e-Mudir

The drugs used in Unani Medicine consist of materials from plant, animal and mineral origin that are either used single or in combination with other drugs as poly-pharmaceuticals. Habb-e-Mudir is a poly-ingredient formulation comprising Sibr [Aloe species], Zafran [Crocus sativus] and Hira Kasees [Ferrous Sulphate], in the ratio of 2:1:1 [NFUM I] indicated for the treatment of amenorrhoea. Present study is aimed to standardize the formulation for quality control purpose. Standard sample of the formulation was prepared in laboratory following the NFUM methodology [National Formulary of Unani Medicine]. Separate studies were undertaken for each ingredient in respect of pharmacognostical characters, physico-chemical constituents and HPTLC profile. Standard formulation was subjected to chemical analysis viz. extractive values, ash values, etc. including chromatographic profile in line with standard pharmacopoeial protocols. The results may ensure the quality of Habb-e-Mudir through determining the genuineness and quality of ingredients as well as the manufacturing process

Hepatoprotection by Jigrine, a Unani herbal formulation, during country-made liquor-induced hepatotoxicity in rats

The hepatoprotective potential of Jigrine tablets [a Unani polyherbal formulation containing a mixture of 14 medicinal plants] was evaluated in country-made liquor [CML]-induced hepatotoxicity in Wistar rats. The rats were made hepatotoxic by administering CML [3 ml/100 g/day in 2 divided doses] and corn oil [1 ml/100 g/day, in a single dose] orally for 21 days. The administration of Jigrine [200 mg/kg and 400 mg/kg] orally from day 15 to day 21 along with CML produced significant lowering [p<0.01] of serum AST, ALT, ALP, gamma-GTP and tissue lipid peroxide levels. The results were comparable to silymarin [25 mg/kg, orally]. The study shows that the Jigrine is definitely a hepatoprotective agent and reduction of liver damage by Jigrine treatment involved several mechanisms

Posters as a tool for disseminating health related information in a developing country: a pilot experience

To investigate the effectiveness of posters as a tool, for imparting information related to high blood pressure. The intervention involved hanging posters conveying information about blood pressure, in the waiting rooms of 339 health facilities. The impact of this intervention was assessed after 30 days of hanging the posters with the main assessment component of the survey aimed at the target audience at the facilities. 1017 people attending the facilities were interviewed. Mean age of this population was 40.4 [SD 11.06] years. There were 79% males and 21% females. 80.2% [n=816] of the respondents had noticed the posters. 84.5% of the people were of the opinion that the poster was good. 63.7% of the people understood the overall message of the poster correctly. Regarding change in behaviour, 96.7% [n=789] of the people thought that the poster was asking them to do something; 85.9% [n=501] of these got their blood pressure checked compared to 60.9% [n=14] of those who did not think the poster was asking them to do anything [p=0.004]. Of those who said that the poster was asking them to do something, there were varied responses as to what they thought the poster was asking them to do. If the response was that they should have their blood pressure checked, it was taken as a correct response. 87.3% of those who said that the poster was asking them to get their blood pressure checked, actually got their blood pressure checked compared to 83.7% of those who did not understand this message [p= 0.241]. Given the limitations of the study it is difficult to assess the effectiveness of the poster in changing people's behaviour regarding blood pressure check up. This experience will serve as a pilot for a larger prospective study to assess poster as a tool for prompting people to get their blood pressure checked