ABSTRACT
None of the currently available therapeutic interventions for type 2 diabetes mellitus address the intracellular metabolism of glucose through the main energy pathways of the cell. Thiamine [vitamin B1] is a water-soluble vitamin and essential normal dietary component. When modified in the body to the pyrophosphate derivative, it acts as a coenzyme for pyruvate dehydrogenase, alpha-ketoglutarate dehydrogenase and transketolase which are required for the utilization and consumption of glycolytic and hexose monophosphate pathway intermediates and form an integral part of intracellular and glucose metabolism. Thiamine deficiency decreases the activities of these enzymes, leading to imbalances in the metabolic pathways. The effects of these imbalances are more pronounced in diabetes mellitus where renal dysfunction produces mild thiamine deficiency. This indepth review presents a novel perspective on, the cellular energy cycles, thiamine dependant enzymes, pharmacotherapeutics of type 2 diabetes especially thiamine and their impact on type 2 diabetes treatment. Thiamine, with its well established safety record, easy accessibility and affordability could be an invaluable adjunct for our type 2 diabetic population and help to improve the quality of their lives by giving them some respite from the complications of type 2 diabetes and perhaps reduce the need of more expensive oral hypoglycaemic agents required by them
ABSTRACT
Modern day medical science is still waiting for more potent and safer drugs and anti-inflammatory drugs are no exception
Purpose of the study: Seeds of Mucuna pruriens have shown to possess anti-inflammatory activity and we planned to test flavonoids and alkaloids to find the active principles because both of them are found in relatively higher concentration in seeds of Mucuna pruriens plant
Materials and Methods: Study has been carried out in four groups of eight albino mice each, group I [control], group II [standard], group III [flavonoids] and group IV [alkaloids]. Carrageenan induced paw edema has been used to evaluate the anti-inflammatory activity by recording the edema development after 1-, 2-, 3-, and 4- hours after Carrageen an injection in the right dorsal surface of hind paw of mice
Results: Flavonoids have shown significant anti-inflammatory activity with p <0.05 after 1-, 3- and 4 hours whereas they have mild activity at 2 hours [P < 0.05]
Conclusion: Isolated flavonoids from Mucuna pruriens seeds have showed significant anti-inflammatory activity whereas alkaloids have not shown any significant anti-inflammatory activity. So, flavonoids are most likely responsible for the anti-inflammatory effect of Mucuna pruriens
ABSTRACT
George Ohsawa One [G.O.1] is a natural product [macrobiotic] made up of powdered carbonized aubergine and unrefined sea salt in a ratio of 3:1, and is extremely inexpensive and easy to make. It is claimed that G.O.1 is an anti-hemorrhagic agent that can be used in accidents, trauma, rectal and internal hemorrhages
Study Objectives: The objective of this study was to assess the sample size for large scale study to find effect of G.O.1 and to verify the effectiveness of dosage of G.O.1, Warfarin and Heparin in rabbits
Study Design: Randomized Control trial
Sample Size: 8 male rabbits, 6 - 10 weeks of age, with an average weight of 1300 to 1500 grams were selected to see the effect G.O.1
Study Setting: Department of Pharmacology, Federal Post Graduate Medical Institute and National Health Research Complex, PMRC, Shaikh Zayed Hospital Complex, Lahore
Results: In group 1 rabbits, warfarin was given for 7 days; more than double the baseline values of PT were achieved. The prolonged prothrombin time in the experimental group [group 1A], came down successively after the first and second dose of G.O.1, indicating that G.O.1 did have some effect on bringing down the raised prothrombin time after administration of warfarin. In group 1B, the control group rabbits, where normal saline was used in place of G.O.1, the prothrombin time remained elevated to more than double the baseline value. Thus, normal saline had no effect on prothrombin time raised by warfarin. Mean PT values for Group 1 given warfarin in Interventional group [1 A] given G.O.1 was 12.75+/- SD 4.6. In control group given normal saline [1 B], it was 17.0 +/- SD 2.0. In group 2, the activated partial thromboplastin time was raised to almost three times the baseline value after administration of heparin for 7 days. In both, group 2 A, the experimental group and 2B the control group, both G.O.1 and normal saline had no effect on raised activated partial thromboplastin time. Mean APTT value for Group 2 given heparin in interventional group [2A] given G.O.1 was 29.3 +/- SD 9.3. In control group given normal saline [2B], it was 36.5 +/- SD 2.0
Conclusion: The prolonged prothrombin time in experimental group, was successively reduced after the first and second doses of G.O.1, indicating that G.O.1 did have some effect on bringing down the raised prothrombin time after administration of warfarin. G.O.1 did not have any effect on prolonged activated partial thromboplastin time
ABSTRACT
Ashwagandha [Withania somnifera] is rich in bioactive compounds and has so many beneficial properties
Objective: The project was designed to evaluate its current susceptibility against pathogenic organisms in comparison with antibiotics used now-a-days
Methodology: Roots of the Withania somnifera plants were collected, washed, dried, and group to powder. The extraction procedures were done using Chloroform in multiple phases. Antibacterial activity was done against pathogenic strains of E. coli and staphylococcus aureus isolated from the patient's specimen by the Kirby Bauer Technique
Results: The average zone values against E. coli isolated were found to be Withania somnifera [28.15+/- 2.39], followed by Ciprofloxacin [19.3 +/- 9.30], Cefotaxime [16.46 +/- 9.86], and Gentamicin [12.57+/- 2.19]. Withania somnifera was giving significantly higher zone than all the three drugs. Difference was significant as all the cases were with p-values <0.001. In all the cases of E.coli isolates, Withania somnifera was found to be effective and no resistance was found. Whild sensitivity of Ciprofloxacin, Cefotaxime, and Gentamicin, was 17.50%, 15%, and 2.50% respectively. The average zone values against Staphylococcus aureus isolates were found to be Imipenem [31.36 +/- 5.14], followed by Withania somnifera [29.16 +/- 2.21], Methicillin [23.77 +/- 6.53], and Vancomycin [14.76 +/- 4.30]. Withania somnifera and Imipenem were giving significantly higher zone than other two drugs with p-values <0.001. In all cases Withania somnifera was effective against Staphylococcus aureus isolates. Methicillin and Vancomycin showed no response in 58.33% and 16.67% cases respectively, showing complete resistance. Vancomycin was the most resistant and Withania somnifera was the most sensitive one
Conclusion: Results showed efficient antibacterial activity of Withania somnifera root extract against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. Withania somnifera showed highest zone of inhibition in culture plates. Results were compared by using ANOVA and Chi-square
ABSTRACT
Medicinal plants have been used as analgesics since millennia
Purpose of the study: Seeds of Mucuna pruriens have shown to possess analgesic activity and we planned to test flavonoids and alkaloids to find the active principles because both of them are found in relatively higher concentration in seeds of Mucuna pruriens plants
Materials and Methods: This study has been carried out in four groups of eight albino mice each, group I [control], group II [standard], group III [flavonoids] and group IV [alkaloids]. Formalin paw licking test has been used to evaluate the analgesic activity by recording the number of lickings for 30 minutes after formalin injection in dorsal surface of left hind paw
Results: Flavonoids have shown significant analgesic activity [mean no. of lickings 24.25 +/- 8.97] p<0.05. While alkaloids have not shown any significant analgesic activity [mean number of lickings 39 +/- 6.78]
Conclusion: Isolated flavonoids from Mucuna pruriens seeds have showed significant analgesic activity whereas alkaloids have not shown any significant analgesic activity. So, flavonoids are responsible for the analgesic effect of Mucuna pruriens
ABSTRACT
Background: Impaired fibrinolysis, prothrombotic states, altered second messenger signaling mechanisms and enhanced oxidative stress levels have all been termed as the nontraditional risk factors of micro and macrovascular disease in diabetes mellitus. These are significant promoters of the pathogenesis of diabetes in general and type 2 diabetes in particular. High dose Vitamin B1 [thiamine] has been found at preclinical level to play an ameliorative role through a number of intracellular metabolic pathways. In order to demonstrate whether this was translatable to a clinical therapeutic level in type 2 diabetics, pioneering research on the effect of high dose thiamine on associated markers of incipient diabetic nephropathy, hemostasis [plasminogen activation inhibitor 1PAI1], oxidative stress [plasma thiols] and seond messenger signaling [protein kinase C] was conducted
Methodology: 100 Type 2 microalbuminuric type 2 diabetics were enrolled in a randomized, double blind placebo controlled clinical trial for 6 months. Patients were divided into two groups, one was orally administered 300 mg/day thiamine, while the other group was provided placebo for a period of 3 months followed by a 2 month washout period. 50 normal healthy controls participated bar baseline estimations only. Plasma and urinary thiamine levels, microalbuminuria, metabolic, plasminogen activation inhibitor 1 [PAI1], oxidative stress marker plasma thiols and second messenger signaling protein kinase C profile was determined in normal controls at exclusively baseline. While in type 2 diabetics the same profiling was performed at baseline, 3 months post therapy and 2 months post washout, using HPLC flourimetric detection for thiamine, estimation kits for protein kinase C, plasminogen activation inhibitor, glycated hemoglobin, microalbuminuria and specialized assay protocol for plasma thiol determination
Results: Markedly lower median plasma thiamine concentration of diabetic patients [7.5 nM] was present compared to normal range of normal healthy human subjets [44.6-93.7 nM.]. Thiamine treatment for 3 months increased median plasma thiamine concentration 10 fold and urinary thiamine excretion 29 fold. It reduced significantly, microalbuminuria by 33% and glycated haemoglobin by 1.4%. Type 2 diabetics had significantly higher plasminogen activation inhibitor type 1 and protein kinase C levels at baseline, +82.5% [p<0.000] and 3.56 fold [p<0.001] respectively as compared to normal controls. Following 3 months thiamine therapy, plasminogen activation inhibitor type 1 levels remained unchanged, while levels of protein kinase C were reduced significantly by 555 in thiamine treated diabetics and this decrease was maintained at a lowered rate of 44% even 2 months after discontinuing the drug [p<0.01]. While the placebo group in comparison registered a significant increase of 26.09% in protein kinase C levels [p<0.05] which persisted during the washout period. Oxidative stress marker, plasma thiols was reduced significantly by 21% in diabetics at baseline versus normal controls with no change occurring following thiamine or placebo therapy as well as after washout
Conclusion: Type 2 diabetics were microalbuminuric, thiamine depleted with deranged metabolic, fibrinolysis, second messenger signaling and oxidative stress profile as compared to the normal population. High dose thiamine therapy significantly improved micoalbuminuria, glycated haemoglobin, thiamine status and decreased protein kinase C levels with no significant impact on oxidative stress and fibrinolysis profile
ABSTRACT
Objective: the objective of this study was to evaluate current susceptibility of pathogenic isolates of E coli against ciprofloxacin, cefotaxime and gentamicin
Methodology: antibacterial activity was performed using Kirby Bauer Technique
Results: the average zone values were compared by using ANOVA and result found to be significant with p-value <0.001. Highest zone values were found to be 19.31+/-9.30 for ciprofloxacin followed by cefotaxime 16.46+/-9.86. The lowest zone value was found to be for gentamicin i.e. 12.57+/-2.19. Resistance against ciprofloxacin and cefotaxime were 82.5% and 85 % respectively. While high degree of resistance was observed among isolates against gentamicin [97.5 %]
Conclusion: increasing resistance against ciprofloxacin and cefotaxime demands coordinated monitoring of activity and rational use of these antibiotics and development of new, safe and effective therapeutic agents
ABSTRACT
Objective: we have conducted a study to evaluate the protective effect of Ficus Carica [Anjiir] leaf extract on elevated levels of cardiac enzymes due to Doxorubicin toxicity in rats
Material and Methods: 30 Albino rats were divided into 3 groups of IO each, one of which was control group. The 2nd group received intraperitoneal Doxorubicin, while the third also had oral feed of Ficus carica leaf extract following Doxorubicin injection. Blood was drawn after 10 days by cardiac puncture and serum was prepared for estimation of serum Lactate dehydrogenase [LDH], Creatinine phosphokinase [CPK], Aspartate transferase [AST], serum sodium 'and serum potassium levels
Results: administration of Ficus carica leaf extract via oral route after the intraperitoneal injection of Doxorubicin produced significant decline in serum CPK and LDH levels with p
Conclusion: ficus Carica leaf extract has shown to possess protective effect on cardiotoxicityi.bt Doxorubicin by decreasing the elevated levels of cardiac enzymes
ABSTRACT
Inflammation is associated with pathophysiology of various clinical conditions like arthritis, gout and cancer. Numbers of drugs are being used to treat inflammation but they are partly effective and have significant adverse effect profile. Mucuna, pruriens is traditionally used to relieve fever, pain and inflammation
Purpose of the study: to evaluate the anti-inflammatory activity of Mucuna pruriens Linn. seed powder
Materials and Methods: this study has been carried out in five groups of albino mice, having eight animals each. Three different doses of Mucuna pruriens Linn seed powder has been given to three groups and anti-inflammatory activity has been compared with the other two groups, standard and control Carrageenan-induced paw edema has been used to evaluate the anti-inflammatory activity and decrease in paw edema after 1-, 2-, 3-, and 4-hours have been interpreted as anti-inflammatory activity
Results: mucuna pruriens Linn seed powder showed significant anti-inflammatory activity in all three groups as depicted by decrease in edema after 1-, 2-, 3-, and 4-hours [p < 0.05]
Conclusion: mucuna pruriens seed powder showed significant anti-inflammatory activity in all three groups of mice and activity increases with increasing the dose of seed Powder
ABSTRACT
Diabetes mellitus enjoys pandemic status. Majority of patients will suffer, life threatening complications resulting from microvascular and macrovascular damage associated with diabetic nephropathy, cardiovascular and cerebrovascular disease, dyslipidemias and a plethora of intracellular and extracellular biochemical abnormalities. New theories regarding its pathogenesis and specially those for type 2 have emerged over the years. This review focuses on the different aspects of epidemiology, pathogenesis and presentations of type 2 diabetes mellitus
ABSTRACT
Abstract: Pain is one of the most common symptom though having protective role, but usually unpleasant. So far medicines available for its management are not only partly effective but having significant adverse effects. Purpose of study: To evaluate the analgesic activity of Mucuna pruriens Linn. seed powder
Materials and Methods: This study has been carried out in five groups of albino mice, having 8 animals each. Three different doses of Mucuna pruriens Linn seed powder has been given to three groups and analgesic activity has been compared with the other two groups, standard and control. Formalin paw licking test has been used to evaluate the analgesic activity and decrease in the number of lickings in 30 minutes after formalin injection has been interpreted as analgesic activity
Results: Mucuna pruriens Linn Seeds showed significant analgesic activity as depicted by decrease in number of lickings in 30 minutes period i.e, seeds in lgm/kg group, 32.625 +/- 6.13 and group receiving seeds 2gm/kg 24.25 +/- 6.64. Group receiving 3gm/kg seed powder is 21.0 +/- 8.48 which is significantly less than the control which is 44.125 +/- 5.88 [p < 0.05]
Conclusion: Mucuna pruriens seeds powder showed significant analgesic activity in all three groups and activity increases with increasing the dose of the seed powder
ABSTRACT
Background: the present study was planned to observe the hypoglycaemic effect of Panax ginseng C.A. Meyer [Radix rubra] a traditional Far Eastern medicinal plant. This research was performed to study the possible role of medicinal plants in the treatment of Diabetes mellitus type
Study Design: it is a comparative and non interventional study
Study Period: from May 2004 to December 2004
Setting: Department of Pharmacology FPGMI
Subjects and Methods: 96 rabbits were divided into two main groups. Group1 of normal rabbits was further subdivided into 6 subgroups [A-F] of 8 animals each. Subgroup A served as control and received 5 ml of water only. Subgroups B,C and D were administered ginseng root powder in aqueous solution, in doses of 25, 50, 100 mg/kg body weight per 5 ml of distilled water. Subgroup E and F were administered 5 mg of glibenclamide and 250 mg of metformin each dissolved in 5 ml of distilled water respectively. The alloxan diabetic rabbits [Group 2] were also subdivided into 6 subgroups [G-L] on the same pattern. The blood glucose levels were estimated before and 2,4, 8, 10, 12, 14 and 16 hours after administration of the aqueous solutions of ginseng, glibenclamide and metformin
Results: the aqueous solution of Panax ginseng exerted a significant hypoglycaemic action [P value <0.5] at 2 hours with the 50mglkg dose continuing till 4 hours with the 100 mgkg body weight dose in the normal rabbits. In the alloxan diabetic rabbits there was statistically significant hypoglycemic action [P value <0.5] with the 50 mg/kg dose at the 12th hour proceeding till the 14th hour with the 100mgkg body weight dose. The doses used did not show acute toxicity or result in behavioral changes
Conclusion: from this study, it maybe concluded that the powdered Panax ginseng [Radix rubra] root has a significant, mild and short lived hypoglycemic action in both normal and in alloxan induced diabetic rabbits
ABSTRACT
The present study was designed to estimate the coagulation parameters like fibrinogen degradation products [FDPs], fibrinogen levels, thrombin time [TT], Prothrombin time [PT] and activated partial thromboplastin time [APTT]. In this study, 40 subjects on combined oral contraceptives [COCs] with a contraceptive duration from 3-18 months and 20 normal females without hormonal contraceptives were included. Blood samples were collected for coagulation parameters in accordance with the standard protocol. FDPs and fibrinogen levels were significantly elevated whereas PT, APTT and TT were shortened in subjects using combined oral contraceptives [COCs] as compared to normal controls