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Objective: To evaluate a novel polyherbal formulation (BSVT) containing the standardized extracts from the leaves of Boerhavia diffusa, Solidago virgaurea, Vitex negundo, and thymoquinone in CCl4 induced hepatorenal toxicity in rats. Methods: A total of 36 rats were divided into six groups including normal control, CCl4 (2 mL/kg, i.p.), CCl4 (2 mL/kg, i.p.) + Cystone? (750 mg/kg p.o.), CCl4 (2 mL/kg, i.p.) + BSVT (25 mg/kg, p.o.), CCl4 (2 mL/kg, i.p.) + BSVT (50 mg/kg, p.o.), and CCl4 (2 mL/kg, i.p.) + BSVT (100 mg/kg, p.o.). All treatments were given for four weeks. Serum levels of aspartate transaminase, alanine transaminase, alkaline phosphatase, cholesterol, total protein, serum urea, blood urea nitrogen and creatinine were assessed. Superoxide dismutase, malondialdehyde, and glutathione peroxidase were evaluated in tissue homogenate. The histopathological study of liver and kidney tissues was also done. Results: Aspartate transaminase, alanine transaminase, alkaline phosphatase, cholesterol, serum urea, blood urea nitrogen and creatinine were significantly elevated (P<0.001) while total protein was considerably reduced in the CCl4 group as compared to the normal control (P<0.001), which indicated hepatorenal toxicity. In addition, superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase activities were significantly decreased (P<0.001) while malondialdehyde levels were increased markedly (P<0.001). Treatment with BSVT formulation recovered these parameters towards a normal level in a dose-dependent manner. Conclusions: BSVT formulation ameliorates the hepatorenal toxicity in a dose-dependent manner. Furthermore, clinical studies are required to confirm its efficacy.
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Background:To assess the nutritional assessment of the primary school children in Abbottabad. Methods:A descriptive cross-sectional study, conducted among children of private and public sectors primary schools of Abbottabad from January -September 2018 by simple random sampling. 200 students from each school (7 and 13 years), present on the day of data collection were included in this study and those who were absent, sick or not willing, were excluded. The data was collected on apre-tested questionnaire.Results:Total 200 students, males 49.5% (n=99) and females 50.5% (n=101) were interviewed and assessed for their nutritional assessment. Their mean age was 11.67±1.66years, height was 144.93±12.34 cms and weight was 37.69±12.96 kgs. Male students (n=67) 67.7% and from private schools (n=67) 65.7% were healthier then female (n=55) 55.4% and government schools (57.1%), P valve 0.085 and 0.026. Most of the students with grade C in last year school performance were underweight (100%). Raven Test for both types of school gave 0.012 P value which indicated more intelligent students resides in private schools. Furthermore, children of well-serviced fathers and qualified mothers were healthy, more intelligent and practiced good hygiene.Also, children of a private school who has better nutritional status scored more than Public school children.Conclusions:Nutritional status of children have a direct effect on their cognitive abilities. Private school children who have scored better in the intelligence test, have better nutritional status. Socioeconomic status and mother qualification have a direct effect on children’s nutrition, health status, school performance and hygiene.
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Objective of the present study was to carry out the physicochemical and phytochemicals standardization of Lepidium sativum Lseeds to establish the standard pharmacognostical parameters of this valuable medicinal plant. Many standardization parameters of Lepidium sativum were analyzed. Standard method was adopted for the preliminary phytochemicals screening. Analysis of pesticides residues, aflatoxin & heavy metals were also performed. The sections of seeds were prepared for quantitative microscopic parameters. The air dried powdered plant material was subjected for determination of physicochemical standardizations like ash value, Extractive value and fluorescence nature of the powder drug using light of short and longwavelength of 254nm and 366nm respectively. Phytochemical screening was performed for the identification of phytoconstituents in the plant which was helpful in the development of analytical profile. The morphological and microscopic examinations of drug were revealed the presence of endosperm cell which are polygonal in shape and contain alerone grains and oil droplet, cell of testa, yellow colouring matter and starch grains. Preliminary phytochemical screening showed the presence of carbohydrates, phenolic compounds, flavonoids, alkaloids, proteins, saponins and lipids in the drug extract and flourescence nature of drug was confirmed by fluorescence analysis in different solvent. Concentrations of heavy metals,ash value and extractive value were determined and found within acceptable Pharmacopoeial limits. Pesticides residues and aflatoxins were also determined but not detected in the tested samples. The physicochemical and phytochemical standards which are outcome of this research may be utilized as substantial data for identification and standardization of L. sativum seed.
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Nosocomial infections are also known as hospital-acquired/associated infections. National Healthcare Safety Network along with Centers for Disease Control for surveillance has classified nosocomial infection sites into 13 types with 50 infection sites, which are specific on the basis of biological and clinical criteria. The agents that are usually involved in hospital-acquired infections include Streptococcus spp., Acinetobacter spp., enterococci, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, coagulase-negative staphylococci, Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus cereus, Legionella and Enterobacteriaceae family members, namely, Proteus mirablis, Klebsiella pneumonia, Escherichia coli, Serratia marcescens. Nosocomial pathogens can be transmitted through person to person, environment or contaminated water and food, infected individuals, contaminated healthcare personnel’s skin or contact via shared items and surfaces. Mainly, multi-drug-resistant nosocomial organisms include methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, vancomycin-resistant enterococci, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Klebsiella pneumonia, whereas Clostridium dififcile shows natural resistance. Excessive and improper use of broad-spectrum antibiotics, especially in healthcare settings, is elevating nosocomial infections, which not only becomes a big health care problem but also causes great economic and production loss in the community. Nosocomial infections can be controlled by measuring and comparing the infection rates within healthcare settings and sticking to the best healthcare practices. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention provides the methodology for surveillance of nosocomial infections along with investigation of major outbreaks. By means of this surveillance, hospitals can devise a strategy comprising of infection control practices.
ABSTRACT
Objective of the present study was to carry out the physicochemical and phytochemicals standardization of Lepidium sativum L seeds to establish the standard pharmacognostical parameters of this valuable medicinal plant. Many standardization parameters of Lepidium sativum were analyzed. Standard method was adopted for the preliminary phytochemicals screening. Analysis of pesticides residues, aflatoxin & heavy metals were also performed. The sections of seeds were prepared for quantitative microscopic parameters. The air dried powdered plant material was subjected for determination of physicochemical standardizations like ash value, Extractive value and fluorescence nature of the powder drug using light of short and long wavelength of 254nm and 366nm respectively. Phytochemical screening was performed for the identification of phytoconstituents in the plant which was helpful in the development of analytical profile. The morphological and microscopic examinations of drug were revealed the presence of endosperm cell which are polygonal in shape and contain alerone grains and oil droplet, cell of testa, yellow colouring matter and starch grains. Preliminary phytochemical screening showed the presence of carbohydrates, phenolic compounds, flavonoids, alkaloids, proteins, saponins and lipids in the drug extract and flourescence nature of drug was confirmed by fluorescence analysis in different solvent. Concentrations of heavy metals,ash value and extractive value were determined and found within acceptable Pharmacopoeial limits. Pesticides residues and aflatoxins were also determined but not detected in the tested samples. The physicochemical and phytochemical standards which are outcome of this research may be utilized as substantial data for identifica-tion and standardization of L. sativum seed.
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Objective: To perform phytochemical screening and to evaluate the in-vitro antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities of ethanolic extract of seeds and fruits of Zizyphus spina-christi (ZSC) growing in Oman. Methods: Alcoholic extract of the dry powdered seeds and fruits of ZSC was obtained by cold maceration method and was subjected to preliminary phytochemical screening. Total phenolic content were estimated by using Folin-Ciocalteu reagent and 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) was used to determine in-vitro antioxidant activity of plant extracts. Anti-inflammatory activity was investigated by protein denaturation method. Results:Phytochemical analysis of both the extracts revealed the presence of major classes of phytochemicals such as tannins, alkaloids, flavonoids, cardiac glycosides etc.. ZSC seeds were found to contain the highest total phenolics but ZSC fruits exhibited the maximum antioxidant activity. The anti-inflammatory activity of both parts of the plant extract was significant and comparable with the standard anti-inflammatory drug, diclofenac. Conclusions:Based on the results of this pilot study, it can be concluded that ZSC is a good source of natural antioxidants which can be used to prevent progression of many chronic diseases. Further detailed phytochemical studies are needed to identify the chemical compounds responsible for exhibiting potent anti-inflammatory activity.