ABSTRACT
Hepatotoxicity is appreciably escalating health dilemma worldwide and the degree of the problem has encouraged importance in the exploration for hepatotherapeutic agents from plants. In the current research work, the hepatoprotective/hepatocurative activity of methanolic extract of Spilanthes acmella Murr aerial parts in paracetamol induced hepatotoxicity was investigated in rabbits by the analysis of different liver enzymes including ALT, AST, ALP along with histopathological investigations. In first phase of the study, paracetamol toxicated rabbits were treated with extract and standard drug jatepar TM. The hepatotoxicant [paracetamol] significantly increased the levels of aspartate transaminase, alanine transaminase, alkaline phosphatase compared to normal control. Spilanthes acmella Murr at [400 mg/kg] reversed the elevation in the level of ALP, AST and ALT caused by the hepatotoxicants and jetepar[R] TM [standard] also reversed the deleterious effects of the hepatotoxicants. In second phase of this study, extract of Spilanthes acmella Murr was given to rabbits for ten days then paracetamol was administered in one group and level of liver parameters was paralleled with regular control group and the group that was receiving the extract. It is concluded that methanolic extract of Spilanthes acmella Murr aerial parts possesses hepatocurative and hepatoprotective activity
ABSTRACT
This study was done to estimate prevalence rate and risk factors for HBV and HCV in Barbers and Beauticians of Bahawalpur City. 100 healthy Barbers and Beauticians were registered for this study. Screening test was applied for HBsAg and Anti-HCV. Blood was drawn with disposable syringe aseptically and serum obtained for HBsAg and Anti-HCV testing. Data was shifted to the master data sheet and analyzed by different tabulation. Data presentation was done by bar and pie diagrams. This Study was carried out from June 2006 to December 2006 at Bahawalpur City. Out of 100 healthy barbers, 6, were found seropositive for Anti-H.C.V antibodies with a prevalence rate of 6%, and 2 persona [2%] wre HBsAg positive. Amongst the seropositive Barbers and Beauticians the risk factors were cuts and pricks during work, major surgery with blood transfusion, IV injections and dental extraction. Only 18% Barbers and Beauticians were having full vaccination done against HBV. The prevalence rate of 2% for Hepatitis B compared to Hepatitis C's seroprevalence at 6% shows the declining attitude of HBV in the community and the retrospective effect of vaccination done against HBV [18%]. The study data further concludes the risk factors this community of Barbers and Beauticians, is facing and with further education, awareness and vaccination hopefully major decline in the HBsAg and Anti-HCV seropositivities will be appreciated