Immunomodulatory and anticancer activity of Bombax ceiba Linn leaf extract

Objective: To evaluate the immunomodulatory and anticancer activity of the methanolic extract of Bombax ceiba leaves in vitro and in vivo. Methods: The antioxidant property of methanolic extract of Bombax ceiba leaves was determined by measuring hydrogen peroxide scavenging and DPPH scavenging activity. The effect on cellular immunity in vivo was determined by measuring neutrophil adhesion, carbon clearance, sheep red blood cell induced DTH response and cyclophosphamide-induced myelosuppression. In vitro anticancer activity was evaluated on human leukaemia cell line (HL-60) by MTT assay, caspase-3 activity, and cell cycle study. Results: The methanolic extract of Bombax ceiba leaves showed antioxidant activity and significantly increased neutrophil adhesion, carbon clearance from blood, DTH response and cyclophosphamide-induced myelosuppression. The MTT assay showed a significant increase in the death of HL-60 cell line. A rise in caspase-3 activity and sub-G1 population in the presence of methanolic extract of Bombax ceiba leaves was observed. Conclusions: The methanolic extract of leaves of Bombax ceiba L possesses anticancer activity, immunomodulatory activity, and antioxidant properties, proving its therapeutic usefulness in the treatment of immuno-compromised diseases and cancers.

Rising concern of nomophobia amongst Indian medical students.

Background: Aims and objectives of current study were to assess the pattern of mobile phone usage and prevalence of nomophobia amongst third year medical students in north India. Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted amongst 130 medical students of third year MBBS of Sri Aurobindo institute of medical sciences, Indore. A pre-formed pre-tested questionnaire was used. Data were analyzed statistically by simple proportions. Results: Response rate was 90.76%. Female preponderance (65 females out of 118 respondents) was seen in our study. Most of the students were in the age group of 22-24 years. All of them were having possession of at least one mobile phone with activated internet services in 87% of students. 34% were having two mobile phones, while 4% had more than two mobiles. 61% students had to recharge the internet services once a month, 28% twice a month, while 11% students had to recharge it more than three times a month. 73% of students were nomophobics. 21% of nomophobics experienced rinxiety. 83% of students experienced panic attacks when their mobile phone was misplaced. Headache and lethargy were the commonest side effects that were experienced by 61% of students. Conclusion: Our study gives a brief idea about the woeful outcomes of nomophobia. There is a definite need of further studies in this field.