ABSTRACT
To search for an herbal remedy for protection against and treatment for typhoid fever, a number of plants were screened. Anti-Salmonella activity of Terminalia belerica, an ingredient of Ayurvedic preparation 'triphala' used for treatment of digestive and liver disorders, has been reported. Fruits of T. belerica were extracted with petroleum ether, chloroform, acetone, alcohol and water and efficacy of extracts against Salmonella typhi and Salmonella typhimurium was evaluated. Alcoholic and water extracts of T. belerica showed significant anti-Salmonella activity and MIC was 12.5 mg/ml against S. typhimurium. Aqueous extracts of Picrohiza kurroa and Vitits vinefera also showed low anti-Salmonella activity where as aqueous extracts of Asparagus racemosus and Zingiber officinale showed no anti-Salmonella activity. Extracts of T. belerica, Picrohiza kurroa and Vitits vinefera with other solvents such as chloroform and petroleum ether showed insignificant activity. Results showed that aqueous extract of T. belerica was bactericidal at high concentrations where as low concentrations showed bacteriostatic property. In vitro cellular toxicity studies showed no cyto-toxicity associated with T. belerica extracts. Pretreatment of mice with aqueous extract of T. belerica conferred protection against experimental Salmonellosis and 100% survival of animals has been reported when challenged with lethal doses of S. typhimurium.
ABSTRACT
A group of 5,518 female Asian house keepers working in Abha District of Saudi Arabia was examined (1990 through 1992) to determine the prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections. They came from Indonesia, Sri Lanka, Philippines and Thailand. Fresh stool specimens were obtained in special containers and examined by light microscopy of wet smears in normal saline and Lugoll's iodine solution within one hour of collection. The study revealed an overall prevalence of 46.5% which was higher than that reported among the Saudi population. The common parasites found included Trichuris trichiura (28.8%), Ascaris lumbricoides (22.2%), Hookworm (14.9%), Enterobius vermicularis (0.8%), Strongyloides stercoralis (0.6%), Entamoeba histolytica (1.2%), Hymenolepis nana (0.2%), and Giardia intestinalis (0.1%). The prevalence of intestinal parasites was statistically different among various studied nationalities. The possibility of spreading such diseases throughout the community should be considered in the light of the nature of work of this group being in close contact with different family members. It is recommended that all expatriate workers be checked and treated if necessary on arrival for the first time or from vacation. This policy must be strictly monitored, particularly for female house keepers.