Comparative study of effects of azadirachtaindica [Neem] leaf aqueous extract and n-acetylcysteine on paracetamol induced liver damage in rats

Objective: To study the comparative effects of aqueous Neem leaf extract with N-Acetylcysteine on the basis of liver enzymes [AST, ALT, ALP] and histopathological changes in paracetamol induced liver damage

Study Design: Experimental / Interventional comparative study

Place and Duration of Study: This study was conducted at the Pharmacology Department, Al-Tibri Medical College, Karachi from January 2015 to June 2015

Materials and Methods: Total sixty [60] albino rats of either gender were equally divided into four [04] respective groups. Each group comprised of 15 animals. Animals of group A were considered as un-treated or control group. In group B animals were treated with a single dose 2mg/kg b/w of paracetamol orally. Group C animals with neem extract 500mg/kg b/w orally for 15 days along with oral administration of 2mg/kg b/w paracetamol. In group D, animals were treated with same dose of paracetamol and 140mg/kg b/w of N-Acetylcysteine intraperitoneal for 06 days

Results: The results showed that the liver enzymes were markedly increased in paracetamol treated group of animals, but decreased when animals were treated with Neem and N-Acetylcesteine. The mean serum level of enzymes such as AST, ALT and ALP were found to be more i.e, 110.8, 40.00 and 444.33 respectively but the mean level decreased in the animals of group C such as 29.133, 20.00 and 240.33. However, liver enzymes were also reduced in group D but their levels were relatively lesser than animals of group C. Regarding histopathological review, the tissue sections showed necrotic hepatocytes, congestion in blood vessels in paracetamol treated group of animals. However, the changes were found significantly reversed in group C and group D, but marked changes were seen in animals of group C as compared to N-Acetylcysteine treated group of animals

Conclusion: Paracetamol is a hepatotoxic drug causing histomorphological damage in liver along with alteration in the level of Liver enzymes. Azadirachta indica leaves have given better results compared to N-Acetylcysteine, on the basis of significant differences in biochemical parameters

Effects of Camellia sinensis L. [green tea] extract on the body and testicular weight changes in adult Wistar rats

This research was aimed to study the effects of oral administration of Camellia sinensis L. on the testicular and body weights of adult Wistar rats for short and long time periods. The adult Wistar rats were divided into 3 groups [A, B and C]. Every group had ten rats. Green tea extract 0.692% [w/v] was given to groups A and B on daily basis. The extracts were prepared fresh and given for a period of ten and thirty days, respectively, while distilled water was given to the group C rats only. The adult Wistar rats were sacrificed on eleventh and thirty-first day of experiment for the particular groups. The testes were dissected out cautiously, free from the supporter tissues and weighed to the adjacent 1 mg. There is no significant difference in the body weight in all 3 groups. Moreover, it was observed that Wistar rat's testicular weight was considerably increased in group B but no major changes were seen in group A. Our results indicated that green tea when given for short period of time may be effective to the testes but has no consequence on Wistar rat's body weight. However, it is indistinct if these alterations are reversible

Comparative study on neem leaf extract and nimolicin [NC] on gastric mucosa of albino rats

Compare the anti ulcer effect of Methanolic Neem [Azadirachta indica, A Juss, Meliaceae] Leaf Extract [NLE] and Neem compound Nimolicin on gastric mucosa of albino rats. Azadiradione also called Nimolicine coded as NC has been studied for its anti insect effect but anti ulcer effect has never been studied. Experimental study. This study was carried out at the Pharmacy and Physiology Department of Baqai Medical College for duration of two years. Gastric ulcers in albino rats were induced in group-1 [check group] by a single oral dose of 1 ml 100% ethanol. After 24 hours the treatment was started. Group-2 was treated with oral administration of pea nut oil 1 ml/day for 5 days [control of the treated group]. Group-3 was treated with NLE [1 ml/day for 5 days] and Group-4 with NC 1% [1 ml/day for 5 days]. The healing effects of neem were compared to oral administration of anti ulcer drugs ranitidine [50mg/kg daily for 5 days] and omeperazole [2.5 mg/kg daily for 10 days]. Histopathology of the stomach was performed to confirm the presence or healing of ulcers. Ulcers were scored and indexed on the basis of histopathology. Ranitidine had the highest ulcer inhibition of 84%. NLE proved to be better than omeperazole by showing an ulcer inhibition of 82 % compared to 73% ulcer inhibition of omeperazole. NC showed least anti ulcer activity with an ulcer inhibition of only 69%. HPLC was performed to show the tissue concentration of NC, omeparazole and ranitidine showing their retention time, area and concentration compared to their controls. It is concluded that NLE proved to be better anti ulcer agent as compared to NC and can be used as an anti ulcer drug after clinical trials

Assessment of Cedrus deodara root oil on the histopathological changes in the gastrointestinal tissues in rats

The present study was designed to investigate the effect of Cedrus deodara root oil on the histopathology of different gastrointestinal organs of Wistar rats. This oil was used traditionally as an anti-ulcer agent in the Indus Unic System and extracted from the plant root by destructive distillation method. A total of 90 rats were taken and divided into groups A, B and C, each comprising of 30 animals. The animals of group B and C were given 0.5 ml/kg and 2.5 ml/kg of C. deodara oil respectively while group A served as control and administered vehicle only. The treatment was given to the animals ones only for 24 hours. All animals were sacrificed and the organs like esophagus, stomach and ileum were taken out. Tissue processing and staining procedure was then carried out for any pathological changes in the animal tissues during microscopic examination. The results indicated that Cedurs deodara root oil at both doses 0.5ml/ kg and 2.5 ml/kg exhibited some adverse effects such as erosion of epithelium, edema on sub-mucosal and mucosal layers, congestion of blood vessels as well as presence of inflammatory cells on esophagus, stomach and ileum were seen. Moreover shortening of villi was also seen at both doses. A study conducted on mammalian toxicity previously on rats revealed that the C. deodara root oil used is not very toxic and comes under least toxic group as standardized by toxicologists. Based on the results obtained it was concluded that C. deodara root oil produced some adverse changes in the tissues of GIT when given at 0.5 ml/kg and 2.5 ml/kg doses but the effects were not lethal therapeutically at this dose LC[50] 16.5 ml/kg. The plant oil showed some toxicity and needs further detailed studies to assess its potential toxicity and therapeutic status before using this material as drug

Organophosphate and pyrethroid residues in the milk of women and breast cancer patients from Karachi

The aim of this study was to determine the presence of pesticide residues organophosphate and pyrethroid in the milk of women and in serum of breast cancer patients from different localities of Karachi due to pesticide exposure. An experimental study. This sis a research-based study that was conducted in the Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Baqai Medical University, Karachi from March 2008 to March 2010. A total 40 milk samples were collected from private clinics and 6 serum samples from breast cancer patients were also collected from private cancer hospitals based at different areas of Karachi. All the samples were analyzed for the presence of pesticide residues. Samples of milk and serum were prepared accordingly and the purified samples were injected into the HPLC apparatus. The peaks of the samples were compared by the retention time of the standard peaks. The chromatogram obtained indicated the quantity of pesticide residues. Milk samples and serum samples were analyzed using HPLC technique. Pesticides such as malathion, permethrin, deltamethrin and Polytrin-C were detected in different concentrations. The levels were significantly higher than the maximum residual limit. It is concluded that the presence of pesticides in the human body is a major concern in the development of various ailments because of possible immunotoxic, mutagenic and carcinogenic potential of pesticides

Liquid antacids: a comparative study on palatability and cost effectiveness

To compare the palatability, acid consuming capacity and cost effectiveness of different brands of liquid antacids available in Karachi. Fifty healthy volunteers between the age of 20 to 59 years were recruited in the study. A total of seven antacid brands available in market were physically and chemically tested. The trial design was that of randomized, double blind and cross over study type. All fifty volunteers were individually asked to taste different brands of respectively classified antacids. All antacids were given during a period of 2-hour. Scoring/rating was conducted on the basis of aroma, taste, consistency and after taste using a scheme similar to wine tasting point scale methodology. Acid consuming capacity of antacid were determined according to British Pharmacopeias 2007. A total of 50 volunteers participated in the study after giving informed written consent. The taste rating scores deduced were independent of age and gender. Among all the antacids suspension B [Sodium Bicarbonate and Sodium Alginate] showed maximum palatability; however the overall palatability of the antacids was poor. Antacid containing sodium bicarbonate and sodium alginate was found least palatable. More over the extra strength antacid version showed highest acid consuming capacity entailing small dosage but shows reduced palatability. Antacid brand-B reveals lowest cost effectiveness and least palatability. While, based on the findings of this study G suspension can be one of the suitable antacid for the treatment of gastrointestinal disorders since it showed highest palatability scores and cost effectiveness

effect of Cedrus deodara root oil on the histopathology of rat stomach

The aim of this study was to observe the anti-ulcer effects of Cedrus deodara root oil on the rat's stomach and compare it with standard anti-ulcer drugs, femotidine and protonix. The study was conducted on 50 albino Wistar rats in three different doses i.e. 30, 40, and 50 mg/kg. The animals were divided into five groups, each group comprised of 10 rats [5 male and 5 female]. The oil was extracted from the plant root by dry destructive distillation method and the dose was calculated by dissolving 1.25 gms of Cedrus deodara in 25ml of 10% ethanol. The drugs were administered to the treated animals orally through feeding tube for two weeks. Animals received the dose of 50 mg cedar oil only, showed the healing effects on the mucosal epithelium of stomach, decreased inflammatory cells and granulation tissues on the submucosal layer upon histopathological examination. Therefore it may be concluded that Cedrus deodara root oil has anti-ulcerative effects and may be used in the management of gastrointestinal disorders particularly in peptic ulcer

effect of abietic acid [cedrus deodara compound] on the histopathology of rat stomach in comparison with ulcer healing drugs

The aim of this study is to observe the anti-ulcer effects of Abietic acid [a compound of Cedrus deodara] on the histopathology of rat's stomach in comparison with standard anti-ulcer drugs such as Femotidine [H2 receptor blocker] and Protonix [a proton pump inhibitor]. Experimental study. This study was conducted in the department of Pharmacology, Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Baqai Medical University, Karachi. This study was carried out on 50 albino rats of Wistar Strain for experimental purpose. The animals were divided into five groups and each group comprised of 10 rats [i.e. 5 male and 5 female]. The experimental procedure was repeated for three times. The compound of abietic acid was provided by the chemistry department of Karachi University. The ulcer was induced in the animals by giving 1ml of 100% ethanol after 48 hrs of fasting. The induction of ulcer in animal was then treated with abietic acid [25 mg/kg for 2 weeks] orally through feeding tube. The ulcer healing effects of this compound were then compared with the effect of known anti-ulcer drugs. Abietic acid used in this study showed the healing effects on the mucosal epithelium of stomach, decreased inflammatory cells and formation of granulation tissues on the sub mucosal layer during histopathological examination. It is thus concluded that abietic acid has an anti-ulcerative effects when given in the required dose and may be adapted in the management of gastrointestinal disorders particularly in peptic ulcer

impact of renal lower pole radiographic anatomy on the clearance of stone fragments after extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy

1. To determine the frequency of clearance of stone fragments after extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy [ESWL] for isolated lower pole renal calculi. 2. To compare the average Lower Infundibular diameter and lower infundibulo-pelvic angle [L-IPA] between patients with residual stone fragments and those who become stone free after extracorporeal lithotripsy [ESWL] for isolated lower pole renal calculi. Descriptive Study. This study was conducted at Department of Urology, Liaquat National Postgraduate Medical Centre, Karachi from June 2006 to June 2010. One Hundred patients of either sex, aged > 14 years with isolated lower pole calculi [LPC] of <20mm undergoing ESWL were included in the study, while patients with lower pole calculi > 20mm, multiple renal calculi, congenitally distorted pelvi-calyceal anatomy, with concomitant Ureteric calculi, with decreased urine output due to renal insufficiency, with Hydronephrosis, with previous pyelo-uretral surgery, who required ancillary procedures e.g. Ureteroscopy, DJ Stent insertion were excluded from the study. The confirmation of stone in lower pole and LPC anatomy [width of the infundibulum and lower infundibulo-pelvic angle] were viewed on the IVU. The Infundibular width was measured as the narrowest point of the infundibulum. The L-IPA was determined in two axes, the ureteropelvic axis and the infundibulo-pelvic axis. Frequency of clearance of stone fragments after ESWL for lower pole renal calculi was 82%. Average L-IPA was significantly higher in those who become stone free after ESWL than patients with residual stone fragments [79.34 +/- 8.33 vs. 64.56 +/- 5.53, p<0.001]. Average Lower Infundibular diameter was slightly higher in stone free patients after ESWL but not statistically significant [5.02 +/- 0.76 vs. 4.89 +/- 0.78, p=0.631]. Successful ESWL is sensitive to lower pole anatomical variables especially lower Infundibulo-pelvic angle and preferably first line treatment in patient with a lower pole stone has L-IPA >80 degrees and lower infundibular diameter of >5mm