Effect of Muravvaq of Mako, Muravvaq of Kasni and Muravvaqain on hepatotoxicity induced by rifampicin in rats just after rainy season [August-September]

To assess the hepatoprotective activity of Muravvaq of Mako, Muravvaq of Kasni and Muravvaqain frothless juice of Mako [Solanum nigrum] leaves, and Kasni [Cichorium intybus] leaves and collectively leaves of both plants on Rifampicin-induced hepatotoxicity in Wistar albino rats. Hepatotoxicity was induced in rats by Rifampicin given orally as suspension for 30 days. Concurrent group received Muravvaq of Mako, Muravvaq of Kasni and Muravvaqain alongwith Rifampicin. In the second phase of study the effect of Muravvaq of Mako, Muravvaq of Kasni and Muravvaqain on established hepatotoxicity was studied by giving the Muravvaq of Mako, Muravvaq of Kasni and Muravvaqain for 20 days after withdrawal of Rifampicin. Hepatic dysfunction was assessed by biochemical and histological parameters. Muravvaq of Mako, Muravvaq of Kasni and Muravvaqain significantly [p<0.05] prevented changes in the serum levels of bilirubin, SGOT, SGPT and SALP. Similarly it significantly prevented the histological changes as compared to the group receiving Rifampicin. It also significantly reversed the biochemical and histological changes

Massage. A Holistic Therapy

Massage is the oldest form of medical care. Massage is systemized manipulation of soft tissues for the purpose of normalizing them. Massage improves circulation and brings fresh air to the body, it assists in elimination of waste products and speeds up healing after injury and enhances the recovery from the disease. In this paper, history, types of massage, benefits and effects of massage will be described from Unani and modern point of view

Community health and environment

Our community health and environment programme serves to protect the basics: pure food, clean water, fresh air and healthy communities. New issues are always on the rise, so we must stay on the cutting edge to protect our communities, our health and the environment. A EURO symposium in 1966 defined community health as including "all the personal health and environmental services in any human community, irrespective of whether such services were public or private ones". Historical background from ancient India to 20th century will be discussedú in this article which will also enlighten us on the changing concepts in public health, changing global scenario and its effect on community health

laboratory study of susceptibility of methicillin resistant staphylococcus aureus [MRSA]

To study the mode of infection, incidence of Methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus [MRSA] and their susceptibility against glycopeptides and Fucidic acid, so that awareness may be created for consultants against such notorious rapidly spreading bacteria and recommendation can be made for their prevention and control. Design: 350 S.aureus Strains were isolated from 1800 random clinical specimens. 135 MRSA out of these cultures were selected for determining susceptibility to Vancomycin, Teicoplanin 13 Fucidic acid. Place and Duration: The samples were processed in the Department of Pathology, King Edward Medical College, Lahore, during June 2000 to December 2000. The specimens from various infections suspected on clinical ground were processed by Standard methods and antibiotic susceptibility testing of all the 350 S.aureus and 135 MRSA isolates was done by using modified Kirby Bauer Disc diffusion technique. Result: Of 350 positive S.aureus cultures, 135 were found to be Methicillin resistant [38.5%] which showed susceptibility 96%, 94% and 86% to Vancomycin, Teicoplanin and Fucidic acid respectively. This study showed a high incidence of MRSA at Mayo Hospital Lahore. Glycopeptides and Fucidic acid were found to be valuable antibiotics against MRSA