ABSTRACT
The phytochemical screening, antimicrobial, antioxidant and cytotoxic properties of Camellia sinensis were evaluated in the present study. The phytochemical screening revealed the presence of an applicable amount of lycopene, beta-carotenes, flavonoids and tannins in C. sinensis. Among the phytochemicals, tannin was found to be significantly higher in tea plant. The antimicrobial activity of plant extracts against selected bacterial strains namely, Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aurous, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Acinetobacter baumannii, Marginella morganii and Haemophilus influenzae was investigated. The results showed that the stem part of C. sinensis presented greater antimicrobial potential than the leaf and root. Antioxidant activity [assessed through % inhibition of linoleic acid per oxidation test] was the highest [89.22%] in n-hexane extract of root part as compared to other extracts. Finally, the cytotoxicity analysis [haemolytic activity against human erythrocytes] of plant extract showed the negligible [%] lysis of RBCs ranging from 1.73 to 4.01%. In conclusion, it can be suggested that C. sinensis is the potential source to obtain bioactive phenolic compounds with high antimicrobial and antioxidant properties, which could possibly be exploited for the treatment of various infectious diseases
ABSTRACT
Background: Stroke constitutes a significant health problem in paediatric population. The impact of childhood stroke can easily be realised in terms of economic, social and psychological burden related to disability of the affected children. The objective of study was to outline the epidemiology and clinical features of stroke in a cohort of Pakistani children and also ascertain the causes and potential risk factors in these patients. Methods: The study was conducted at the Department of Paediatrics, Ayub Teaching Hospital from January 2008 to October 2010. It was a cross sectional study. A total of 46 patients were included in the study who presented with cerebrovascular disease and were assessed clinically using general physical and systemic examination. The salient epidemiological, clinical, neuro-imaging and laboratory data was retrieved in designed protocol. Results: Out of a total of 46 patients, 50% were from either gender. Mean age of presentation was 39 months. Limb weakness was the commonest presenting feature being present in 37 [80.43%] patients. Infectious disorders was the most prevalent risk factor present in 31 [67.39%] patients followed by microcytic hypochromic anaemia in 28 [60.86%] patients. Conclusion: A Childhood stroke is a disorder with long term morbidity. Identification of risk factors is important in preventing the disorder by guiding appropriate interventions.Keywords: Childhood stroke, Infectious disorders, risk factors