ABSTRACT
Overweight and obesity are increasing public health problems recognizedworldwide and rural population is not less affected. Early detection of overweight andobesity as well as cardiovascular and biochemical data are important for rural populationsto prevent and control of obesity related cardio-metabolic diseases. This study aimed todetermine biochemical, cardiovascular parameters and weight status among a ruralpopulation in Mandalay Division. This cross-sectional study of 263 subjects, age ranging from18-86 years, was conducted at Pin-Tee village in Pyin-Oo-Lwin Township in 2015.Anthropometry, cardiovascular and biochemical parameters were determined. Weightstatus was assessed by Body Mass Index (BMI) and classified according to WHO adult AsianBMI criteria. There were 110 males (41.8%) and 153 females (58.2%), respectively, withmean age was 44.8 ± 16.0 years. Current smoking and current betel chewing were found inmales (58.2% and 34.6%) and females (4.6% and 4.6%), respectively. Current alcoholdrinking was observed in males (41.8%). Overweight (16.4% males; 19.6 % females) andobesity (10.9% males; 29.4 % females) were found in this study. Existence of hypertension,hypertriglyceridemia, hyperglycemia (Fasting Blood Glucose≥126mg/dl) andelectrocardiographic abnormalities were detected in 39.9%, 32.3%, 9.5 % and 30.8%,respectively, among all respondents. Hypertension, abnormal electrocardiography,dyslipidemia and high alkaline phosphatase levels were significantly associated withincrease in BMI. The magnitude of obesity was quite high in this study population. Most ofthe cardio-metabolic risk factors were more common in females. Hypertension andhypertriglyceridemia were more frequent in this rural community.
ABSTRACT
Antioxidants possess the ability to protect the body from damage caused by free radical induced oxidative stress and have antiageing property. ‘Theinga Dara Thanhitar’ book, written by Ashin Nagathein described that ‘Rasayana and Triphala’ drugs have the ability to prevent ageing and illness. This study was carried out to investigate the antioxidant activities of commonly used ingredients of ‘Rasayana’ such as Streblus asper Lour. (Okhne), Cassia fistula Linn. (Ngu), Tinospora cordifolia Miers. (Sindone-Ma-Nwe), Asparagus racemosus Willd. (Shin-Matet), Boerhavia diffusa Linn. (Payan-Nawa), and ‘Triphala’ such as Phyllanthus emblica Linn. (Ze-Phyu), Terminalia chebula Retz. (Phan-Ga) and Terminalia belerica Roxb. (Thit-Saint). Their absorbances were evaluated using 1,1-diphenyl -2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay method by using spectrophotometer. Yield percents of these plants were ranging from 4.05% to 28.6%. The watery extracts of Okhne, Ngu, stem of Sindone-Ma-Nwe, tubor of Payan-Nawa, Ze-Phyu, Phan-Ga, and Thit-Saint contain phenols and tannins which have free radical scavenging activities. It was found that the bark and stem of Okhne, tubor of Payan-Nawa and ‘Triphala’ had the least IC50 value i.e. the best antioxidant potency. Therefore, the findings from this study supported the experience-based findings of antiageing activities in ‘Triphala’ and ‘Rasayana’ to be evidence-based.