ABSTRACT
Abstract Ricinus communis L. and Withania somnifera L. have traditionally been used as analgesic and anti-inflammatory remedies. The current study was aimed to evaluate the in vitro antioxidant potential and anti-inflammatory activity of hydroalcoholic extract of R. communis leaves (RCE) and W. somnifera roots (WSE) in Wistar rats. Total phenolic and flavonoid contents were quantified and in vitro antioxidant activity of extracts was determined through DPPH* scavenging, superoxide anion scavenging and reducing power activities, while anti-inflammatory activity was observed by xylene-induced ear edema and paw edema induced by egg albumin and carrageenan. RCE and WSE demonstrated considerable antioxidant activity in DPPH* scavenging (IC50: 250.10 and 309.42 µg/mL), superoxide anion scavenging (IC50: 193.42 and 206.81 ug/mL), and reducing power (maximum absorbance: 1.47±0.01 O.D and 1.28±0.01 O.D at 500 ug/mL) activities, respectively, with high phenolic and flavonoid contents. Both extracts showed dose-dependent edema inhibition in inflammation models. A maximum ear edema inhibitions by RCE (51.49±2.54%) and WSE (49.28±1.90%) at 500 mg/kg were observed when compared to indomethacin (56.42±13.17%) in xylene-induced ear edema. RCE and WSE showed a maximum percentage of paw edema inhibitions of 46.62±8.98% and 43.00±12.44%, respectively as compared to chlorpheniramine (62.02±12.21%) after 4 h in the egg albumin model. In carrageenan-induced paw edema, RCE (72.88±13.79%) significantly inhibited paw edema in comparison to WSE (57.81±17.43%) against diclofenac (89.93±18.53%). Conclusively, both plants have shown plausible antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities that might be due to high phenolic and flavonoid contents. Moreover, RCE demonstrated more promising effects than WSE.
ABSTRACT
Background: Frozen shoulder is defined as the painful and disabling condition with unknown etiology. It has a limited shoulder range of motion due to decreased capsular flexibility and altered muscle function. Assessment on the frozen shoulder is needed, and it is vital to know the alteration in scapular muscles in the shoulder range of motion during arm elevation. The intention of conducting this study is to reach conclusions of tightness of a muscle in the upper trapezius, pectoralis minor muscle, and frozen shoulder levator scapulae showing limited ranges. Methods: In this cross-sectional observational study, 50 subjects of age 30 and above were assessed for muscle length in the frozen shoulder and unaffected shoulder. Subjects with shoulder pain with frozen shoulder stage 2 and above are allotted into the affected shoulder, and unaffected shoulder; both groups were assessed. The following parameters were measured: ROM of the shoulder, SPADI ratings, short pectoral thickness, levator scapulae length, and upper trapezium muscle length. Results: Decreased shoulder flexion, extension, abduction, and limited rotations were the problems associated with frozen shoulder. Pearson correlation coefficient for PMI and LSI shows Positive Correlation r = 40.6% on the affected side. Pearson correlation for PMI and UTI shows Positive Correlation r = 13.4%. Pearson Correlation for LSI and UTI shows Positive Correlation r= 28.1% on the affected side. Conclusion: There was a correlation between upper trapezius, levator scapulae, and pectoralis minor muscle length. Most of the affected side shoulder showed the tightness in the pectoralis minor muscle.
ABSTRACT
Objective Statins are widely used drugs, known to cause myalgia, leading to high discontinuation rates. The objective of our study was to determine the frequency of myalgia in patients on everyday-dose (EDD) regimen with those on alternate-day dose (ADD) regimen. Methods This cross sectional study was conducted in a tertiary care hospital of Pakistan. A sample size of 400 patients between the age of 40–70 years, taking simvastatin 40 mg for at least 6 months or more were selected. Patients with prior musculoskeletal or neuromuscular complains, and family history of muscular disorders were excluded. Subjects were evaluated for myalgia via a self-administered questionnaire, and those complaining of myalgia were then evaluated for serum vitamin D levels. Data was analyzed through SPSS 16.0 and compared using chi square test. Results The overall prevalence of myalgia was 7% (28/400). Frequency of myalgia in patients taking simvastatin everyday (n = 20, 10%) was significantly higher compared to those taking it every alternate day (n = 8, 4%) (p = 0.02). There was no significant difference between the time of onset, nature, severity, type, or location of myalgia between the 2 groups. The most common cited triggering factor for pain was physical exercise. Of the patients experiencing myalgia, 13 (6.5%) from the EDD group and 6 (3%) from the ADD group had low levels of vitamin D. Conclusions ADD regime was better tolerated by the patients than EDD regime. Alternate day therapy, with or without vitamin D supplementation, may be used by the physicians for troublesome muscular complains.