Prunus domestica alters functions of frog's heart

Prunes could exert cardiovascular protective effects. Trials have demonstrated antihypertensive effects of Prunus domestica. The aim of this study was to find out if prunes could alter cardiac functions that may help understanding the mode of control of hypertension. Changes in rate and contractile force of frogs' heart were recorded using Power Lab. Effects of prunes' extracts: aqueous [10, 20, 40%]; methanolic, acetonic, ethanolic and chloformic [10%]; were evaluated and compared with other drugs. We tested effects of acetylcholine and atropine [10-5], adrenaline, propranolol, verapamil and diltiazem [10[-3]]; NaC1, KCl, CaC1[2], MgC1[2] [10% w/v] on frog's heart alone and with prunes/drugs. All extracts of prunes significantly reduced HR and contractile force. Prunes combined with acetylcholine, propranolol or verapamil significantly enhanced bradycardia; whereas it blocked tachycardia produced by epinephrine, atropine or calcium; moreover prunes blocked the significant increase in HR and cardiac contractility produced by CaCl[2]; and reduced HR along with MgC1[2]. NaCl and KCl alone or with prunes had non-significant effects on frog's heart. In conclusion, Prunus domestica plays a key role in modification of intracellular Ca+2 concentration resulting in negative ionotropic and chronotropic effects [similar to cholinergic stimulation and adrenergic or calcium channel blockade] that could lead to hypotensive effects

How undergraduate medical students reflect on instructional practices and class attendance: a case study from the Shifa College of Medicine, Pakistan / 보건의료교육평가

The goal of this study was to assess student perceptions of a variety of instructional practices and attitudes toward class attendance. Data were obtained and analyzed by administering a questionnaire to students of the Shifa College of Medicine, Pakistan in 2011 and 2012. The subjects positively assessed most instructional practices, and in particular felt that teaching sessions conducted in small groups were more valuable than formal lectures in large groups. Students did not like having to give presentations, quizzes, panel discussions, and journal club. A positive correlation was found between the perceived importance of attendance and levels of academic motivation. Of the students surveyed, 11.8% were against mandatory attendance, saying that it reduced motivation and that attendance should be optional. In conclusion, the students had a positive perception of a range of instructional practices, and felt especially positively about practices that involve student activity in small groups. Programmatic improvement in instructional practices might increase class attendance.

Prunes and liver function: a clinical trial

Prunes are used by folks as a remedy of various diseases including hepatitis. A clinical trial was designed to see the effects of prunes [Prunus domestica] on liver function. 166 healthy volunteers were divided into three groups randomly. Either three [about11.43g] or six [23g approx.] prunes were soaked in a glass of water [250ml] overnight. Each subject from two test groups was asked to drink prune juice and eat whole fruit[single or double dose of prunes] as well, early in the morning, daily for 8 weeks; whereas each subject from control group was given a glass of water to drink. Blood samples were taken at week 0 and week 8 for chemical analysis. There was significant reduction of serum alanine transaminase [p 0.048] and serum alkaline phosphatase [p 0.017] by the lower dose of prunes. There was no change in serum aspartate transaminase and bilirubin. Alteration in liver function by use of prunes may have clinical relevance in appropriate cases and prunes might prove beneficial in hepatic disease

Use of prunes as a control of hypertension

Fruits and vegetables are shown to reduce blood pressure. It is not merely the antioxidants contained in fruits and vegetables that have health benefits such as lowered systolic and diastolic blood pressures. This study was undertaken to see the cardiovascular protective effects of prunes. A placebo controlled clinical trial study was designed to see the effects of Prunus domestica on blood pressure in 259 pre-hypertensive [Systolic BP=120-139 mmHg, diastolic BP=80-89 mmHg] volunteers. Treated groups drank prune juice and ate the whole fruit [dried plums] while either 3 [about 11.5 gm] or 6 prunes were soaked overnight in a glass of water whereas control group took only a glass of plain water early in the morning on empty stomach. Blood pressure was recorded fortnightly for 8 weeks, and blood samples were taken at 0 and 8 weeks. There was significant reduction of blood pressure by single dose of prunes daily group and the controls [p<0.05]. With the double dose of prunes, only systolic BP was reduced significantly [p<0.05]. Control group had significantly increased serum HDL whereas test groups had significantly reduced serum cholesterol and LDL [p<0.05]. Data was analysed by paired-sample t-test with 95% confidence interval. The data predicts cardiovascular protective effects of prunes