Synergistic effect of folic acid and galantamine against experimentally induced oxidative stress in IMR 32 cells

Galantamine is an active constituent obtained from Galanthus nivalis L., a traditional herb known for its pharmacological properties, particularly nootropic effect. Folic acid is a dietary supplement that enhances neuronal activity. Effect of galantamine and folic acid on human neuronal cells is well known. In the present study, we explored the protective effect of galantamine and folic acid, both independently as well as in combination, over antioxidant defence system and nootropic effects on human neuroblastoma cells IMR-32. The treatment galantamine, folic acid and their combination was given for 24 h and cytotoxicity study was carried out by trypan blue dye exclusion assay. Apoptosis and necrosis were observed using Propidium iodide (PI) and Hoechst double staining method. Biochemical assays viz. total protein, protein carbonyl, lipid peroxidation and glutathione were analyzed along with super oxide dismutase and catalase. Result of cytotoxicity showed dose dependent increase in percent viability and significant decrease was observed in apoptosis and necrosis. Moreover, exposure to Galantamine, Folic acid and their combination significantly decreased lipid peroxidation and protein carbonyl formation along with the enhancement in antioxidant defence mechanism. Findings of these dose reliant toxicity study of Galantamine , Folic acid and their combination suggest that these has higher potency when given together and shows synergistic effect. They also causes repair of human neuronal cells IMR-32 cells enhancing the cell viability and consumption of Galantamine and Folic acid together will help in prevention of CNS disorders and neurodegeneration.

Nutrient Composition, Metabolites and Microbial Counts in Litter Material of Broiler Chicken Fed Condensed Tannins Containing Guava Leaf Meal Supplemented Diets: Reduce Environmental Pollution and Alternate Feedstuffs for Ruminants

Present study was conducted in 240 day-old broiler chicks to assess the effect of condensed tannins (CT) containing guava leaf meal (GLM) supplemented diet on nutrient composition, litter metabolites viz. pH, moisture and ammonia concentration) and microbial counts after completion of feeding trial of 42 days. Chicks were randomly allocated into 4 dietary treatments, with 4 replicates of 15 chicks in each pen in a completely randomized block design (CRD). Chicks were fed basal diets supplemented with GLM @ 1.5, 2.5 and 3.5 percent, in T1, T2 and T3 groups, respectively, while, T0 group fed only basal diet. Litter materials of chicks showed good nutrient profiles and properly sterilized litter material act as alternative feed ingredient for ruminants feed. Supplementation of GLM in the diets of chicks significantly (P<0.05) reduced moisture, pH, NH3 concentration, harmful Eschericia coli and Clostridia spp. counts in the litter materials and reduced environmental pollution. The litter material of GLM supplemented (T1, T2 and T3) chicken showed significantly higher (P<0.05) CP contents as compared to un-supplemented control. It can be concluded that properly sterilized litter material of GLM supplemented chicks act as cheaper alternative feedstuffs for ruminant’s ration and reduce environmental pollution by lowering NH3 concentration, harmful E. coli and Clostridia counts in broiler litter material

Influence of Eugenia jambolana and Psidium guajava Leaf Meal Mixture Supplementation on Carcass Characteristics and Economics of Broiler Chickens

Present study was conducted in 120 day-old unsexed broiler chicks. They were randomly distributed into 4 dietary treatments (T1, T2, T3 and T4) supplemented with leaf meal mixture (LMM) of Eugenia jambolana and Psidium guajava@ 0, 2.5, 5.0 and 7.5 % of diet, respectively of 30 birds per treatment, each having 3 replicates (10 chicks per replicate) in a complete randomized block design (CRD). Significantly (P<0.05) higher mean body weight was observed in T1 as compared to T2, T3 and T4 groups. Carcass yields viz. live weight, de-feathered weight, slaughtered weight and eviscerated weights (in gram and % LWt.) were statistically non significant (P>0.05) with and without LMM supplemented diets. However, weights of spleen and liver were significantly (P<0.000, P<0.026) higher in LMM supplemented groups as compared to un-supplemented control (T1). Dietary supplementation significantly reduced abdominal fat content in T4 compared to T1, whereas, T2 and T3 have an intermediate values between T1 and T4 and increased the net profit, it ranged from ` 30.41 to 34.24 per bird

Organ Weights and Intestinal Morphology of Broiler Chickens Fed Diets Containing Different Supplements

The present study was evaluated the effect of dietary inclusion of various feed supplements and their combination on the performance index, glucose and serum cholesterol for 6 weeks. Day-old broiler chicks (n=252) were randomly assigned to seven treatment groups, each with 3 replicates. The first treatment was designated as control (T0) in which no supplement was added to the feed, while in treatments T1; organic mineral mixture (Organomin forte), T2; organic mineral mixture (Vannamin), T3; probiotics (Microguard), T4; enzyme (Brozyme -XPR) and probiotics, T5; emulsifier (Lipigon) were provided through feed. In the T6 group, 3 percent less energy was given through feed. The weight of vital organs viz. heart, liver, gizzard, and spleen were significantly (P<0.05) increased by the feed supplements of which were in the normal range. The gut morphology was also favorably altered due to feed supplementations. This indicates that the organic mineral mixtures, probiotics, enzymes and emulsifiers, and their combinations can be used as a growth promoter in broiler diets and can improve gut health. These products show promising effects as alternatives for antibiotics as pressure to eliminate growth-promoting antibiotic use increases

Isolation, Identification and Antibacterial Activity of Endophytic Bacteria from Leaves of Acacia catechu

Drug resistance in bacteria is becoming an alarming problem in recent years. Post-antibiotic era is not so far. The need for novel antibiotics, chemotherapeutic agents and agrochemicals are utmost. Endophytes are microorganisms that reside in the tissues of living plants which are relatively unstudied and are potential sources of novel natural products for exploitation in medicine, agriculture and industry. The endophytes of medicinal plants participate in biochemical pathways and produce novel bioactive compounds. The aim of the study was to isolate, identify and to assess antibacterial activity of endophytic bacteria from leaves of Acacia catechu. 18 endophytic bacteria had been isolated and identified by sequencing 16S rRNA gene. The isolated endophytic bacteria were identified as Bacillus humi. Considerable in vitro antibacterial activities against a panel of human pathogenic microorganisms (Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pyogenes, Bacillus cereus, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Salmonella Typhimurium and Escherichia coli) were recorded. Among 18 isolates, 15 isolates had shown inhibitory activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Salmonella Typhimurium and 10 isolates had shown inhibitory activity against Klebsiella pneumoniae

Emission Characteristics of Methyl Ester of Rice Bran Oil Blends with Ethanol in CI Engine

Increasing demand and rapid depletion of fossil fuels have together prompted the researchers of many countries to look for alternate renewable fuels. This study is an attempt to test the feasibility of rice bran oil as fuel in C. I. engine in its original and in its refined form. It is generally produced from rice bran which is a by-product produced during paddy processing. Its viscosity though relatively higher than diesel can be reduced by natural sedimentation process. In this attempt, the performance and emission characteristics of rice bran oil and its refined form were studied and compared with diesel by employing them as a fuel in a single cylinder, direct injection, 4.4 KW, air cooled diesel engine. The performance characteristics revealed that the brake thermal efficiency of the rice bran oil was higher than its refined form and were marginally lower than that of diesel. Emission measurements were carried out using MRU Delta 1600L gas analyzer and the soot concentration was measured with AVL smoke meter. It was found that though blends of rice bran oil with ethanolexhibited greater soot concentration characteristics than rice bran oil and diesel at all loads, it exhibited desirable characteristics for other emissions such as lower CO, HC, NOx emissions and lower exhaust gas temperatures with increasing load.

Effect of Eugenia jambolana and Psidium guajava Leaf Meal Mixture Supplementation on Performance, Biochemical Profile and Histopathological Changes of Broiler Chicks

Present study was undertaken in 120 day-old broiler chicks, randomly distributed into 4 dietary treatments (T1, T2, T3 and T4 supplemented with leaf meal mixture (LMM) of Eugenia jambolana and Psidium guajava @ 0, 2.5, 5.0 and 7.5 % of diet, respectively) each having 3 replicates (10 chicks/ replicate) in a complete randomized block design (CRD). Experimental chicks were fed basal diets (starter and finisher) supplemented with graded levels of LMM. Feed intake, body weight gain and feed conversion ratio (FCR) were recorded at weekly intervals. Two birds from each replicate were slaughtered at the end of feeding trial (42 days). Blood samples were collected and serum separated for biochemical profiles. For histopathological examination, representative tissue samples were collected in 10% neutral buffer formalin and then processed for paraffin embedding employing alcohol as dehydrating agent and xylene as clearing agent. Sections were cut at 4-5µm thickness and stained by routine haematoxylin and eosin method. On histopathological examination of liver, kidney, heart and intestine of T1 and T2 groups showed normal integrity, mild to moderate histopathological changes in T3 group, while, T4 showed drastic histopathological changes. It was concluded that E. jambolana and P. guajava LMM supplementation (2.5% or even 5%) maintained birds performance, minor histopathological changes and producing healthy low cholesterol broiler meat. The LMM incorporation (2.5%) in the diet of broiler chicks may be recommended as socioeconomic, alternative functional feed resource

Evaluation of Wound Healing Properties of Herbal Medicaments on the Basis of Clinical and Haemato-biochemical Changes

The present study was conducted on 24 dogs irrespective of sex, breed and aged between 1year to 8 years with different types of wounds. The animals were randomly divided into four groups. Each group consisted of 6 dogs. The animals of group I were treated with povidone iodine (5.0%) and in group II, III, IV animals were treated with the herbal ointment which were prepared from hydroalcoholic extract of Marigold leaves, Guava leaves and 1:1 mixture of both extract for 7 consecutive days. Clinical and haematological parameters were recorded at different time intervals in all four groups. The study revealed better wound healing properties of the Ointment of 1:1 mixture of Marigold and Guava (10% w/w) leaves extract without any side effect as compared to povidone iodine 5%, ointment of Marigold leaves extract (10% w/w) and ointment of Guava leaves extract (10% w/w) on the basis of clinical and haematological parameters

Landuse impact on soil physical variability and erodibility in North Western subtropics of India

Aim: The study was conducted to determine the impact of landuse on soil physical properties and erodibility. Methodology: Representative soil samples were collected from surface and sub-surface soil depths. Soil physical properties and erodibility indices viz suspension percentage, dispersion ratio, clay/moisture equivalent ratio, erosion ratio, percolation ratio, clay ratio, erosion index and modified clay ratio were determined using standard procedures. Interrelationship among soil properties and erodibility indices were evaluated using Pearson correlation analysis (at 95% and 99% significance level). Results: Among landuse systems, the clay was highest in forest while least in soils under barren landuse. Lowest bulk density and highest value of maximum water holding capacity was found in forest soils. According to susceptibility to erosion, the landuse systems were found in the following order barren lands > cultivated systems (agriculture and horticulture) > forest lands. The ‘r’ values showed positive and highly significant correlations between sand content and bulk density with suspension percentage (SP), clay ratio (CR), modified clay ratio (MCR), dispersion ratio (DR), percolation ratio (PR), erosion ratio (ER), erosion index (EI) while negative and significant correlations of these erodibility indices were found with clay and porosity. Among the erodibility indices SP, DR, PR, ER and EI were positively and significantly correlated with each other. Interpretation: Physical quality of soil was higher in forest compared to other landuse systems. Erodibility of different landuse systems could be arranged in order barren lands > cultivated systems (agriculture and horticulture) > forests. The study was useful for suggesting remedial measures and landuse planning for future

A study of prevalence of peripheral arterial disease in type 2 diabetes mellitus using ankle-brachial index and its correlation with coronary artery disease and its risk factors

Background: Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) is one of the macrovascular complications of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). There is significant difference in the reported prevalence of PAD and its associated risk factors between Indian and Western studies. The purpose of this study was to examine the PAD complicating T2DM, in particular the influence of PAD on the risk of CAD.Methods: Randomly selected 100 T2DM patients presented to Guru Nanak Dev hospital were included. In addition to a detailed history and physical examination, anthropometric parameters like body mass index was measured. CAD in patients was diagnosed by a history of angina, ECG changes, any past history of CAD or any treatment taken for CAD. Ankle brachial index (ABI) was measured. Data was collected systematically and analyzed according to the standard statistical methods.Results: The prevalence of PAD was 15%. CAD was present in 31%. PAD was found to be significantly correlated with age, duration of diabetes, smoking, systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, prevalence of BMI >25 kg/m2, HbA1c and serum HDL ≤40 mg%. Old age, high HbA1c level, and dyslipidaemia were found to be significant independent predictors of CAD.Conclusions: Using ABI authors found evidence of PAD in 15% patients of T2DM. The prevalence of CAD was higher in patients with PAD. So, there is definite and strong correlation between PAD and CAD. Thus, the early diagnosis of PAD should alert the clinician to a high probability of underlying CAD.

Comparison of Wound Healing Properties of Herbal Ointments with Povidone iodine on Basis of Histological Changes

Present study was conducted on 24 dogs, aged between 1 to 8 years, irrespective of sex, breed. The animals were randomly divided in to four groups. In group I, animals were treated with standard dressing material Povidone iodine (5.0%). In animals of group II, III, IV herbal ointments (10% w/w) of hydroalcoholic extract of Marigold leaves, Guava leaves and mixture of both Marigold and Guava leaves extracts respectively were used for dressings of wounds for 7 consecutive days. In animals of group IV, marked re-epithelialization and moderate inflammatory cells, neovascularization and thicker but scattered collagen fibrils were seen on day 7 and mature collagen fibres were observed with least number of inflammatory cells on day 14 as compared to other three groups. Therefore, it can be concluded that group IV (mixture of Marigold and Guava leaves hydroalcoholic extract) revealed better wound healing properties as compared to group I (Povidone iodine 5.0%), group II (Marigold leaves hydroalcoholic extract) and group III (Guava leaves hydroalcoholic extract).

Seronegative invasive gastro‑intestinal cytomegalovirus disease in renal allograft recipients a diagnostic dilemma! – Tissue PCR the saviour.

Seronegative Invasive Gastro-intestinal cytomegalovirus disease in renal allograft recipients Background –CMV as oppurtunistic infection affecting the gastrointerstinal tract is the most common cause for tissue invasive CMV disease occuring in 10–30% of organ transplant recepients. Gastrointerstinal CMV disease can be diagnosed in presence of clinical suspecion along with histopathological findings (CMV inclusions) and presence of mucosal lesion(s) on endoscopic examination with collaborative evidences via molecular technique. Aims-Few cases of CMV infection affecting the gastrointerstinal tract show no evidences of dissemintion despite use of highly sensitive molecular techniques. We encountered 6 cases where in despite strong clinical suspecion of Gastrointerstinal CMV disease there were seronegative and endoscopic negative evidences for CMV, blind tissue biopsy yeilded positive results for CMV disease with excellent improvement with antiviral therapy. Conclusions-Blind biopsy specimen for tissue PCR could serve as saviour in an immunocompromised individiual who has a strong clinical symptomatology for GI-CMV disease in absence of viremia, normal endoscopy and histopathology, so that the early therapeutic interventions could help in excellent patient and graft survival.

Intestinal microsporidiosis in renal transplant recipients: Prevalence, predictors of occurrence and genetic characterization.

Purpose: Intestinal microsporidiosis, which occurs in immunocompromised states such as acquired immunodeficiency syndrome, has rarely been studied in patients with renal transplantation (RT) on immunosuppressive therapy. Materials and Methods: Three hundred and twenty‑four consecutive RT recipients on immunosuppressive treatment and 170 healthy subjects were evaluated for intestinal microsporidiosis and other parasites by modified trichrome staining, wet mount using normal saline, iodine and polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Clinical, demographic and laboratory parameters associated with occurrence of intestinal microsporidiosis were studied using univariate and multivariate analysis. The species of microsporidia were studied using PCR‑restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP). Patients were treated with albendazole (400 mg twice daily for 2 weeks). Results: Of 324 RT recipients initially screened, 52 were excluded from final analysis due to incomplete data. Patients with RT [n = 272, age 42 ± 12.54 years, 222 (81.6%) male] more often had microsporidiosis than healthy subjects by modified trichrome stain and PCR [n = 170, age 33.8 ± 6.7 years, 123 (72.3%) male] [16/272 (5.8%) vs. 0/170 (0%), P < 0.001]. Patients with intestinal microsporidiosis were younger (33.9 ± 8.3 years vs. 42.3 ± 12.6 years; P = 0.009), had diarrhoea more often (13/16, 81% vs. 123/256, 48%; P = 0.02), which was longer in duration (60, 32.5-105 days vs. 12, 6.2-18 days; P < 0.001) and had associated giardiasis (2/16, 12.5% vs. 2/256, 0.8%; P = 0.018). Younger age, presence of diarrhoea and associated giardiasis were significant on multivariate analysis. Enterocytozoon bieneusi was detected in 15/16 (93%) patients with intestinal microsporidiosis. Conclusion: Intestinal microsporidiosis occurs frequently in patients with RT on immunosuppressive treatment, particularly among younger patients with longer diarrhoea duration and associated giardiasis. E. bieneusi is the major species identified among these patients.

Health literacy on tuberculosis amongst vulnerable segment of population: special reference to Saharia tribe in central India.

Background & objectives: Health literacy on tuberculosis (TB) is an understanding about TB to perform activities with regard to prevention, diagnosis and treatment. We undertook a study to assess the health literacy on TB among one of the vulnerable tribal groups (Saharia) in central India. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 2721 individuals aged >15 yr from two districts of Madhya Pradesh state of India were interviewed at their residence during December 2012-July 2013. By using a short-form questionnaire, health literacy on cause, symptoms, mode of transmission, diagnosis, treatment and prevention of TB was assessed. Results: Of the 2721 (Gwalior 1381; Shivpuri 1340) individuals interviewed; 76 per cent were aged <45 yr. Living condition was very poor (62% living in huts/katcha houses, 84 per cent with single room, 89 per cent no separate kitchen, 97 per cent used wood/crop as a fuel). Overall literacy rate was 19 per cent, and 22 per cent had >7 members in a house. Of the 2721 respondents participated, 52 per cent had never heard of TB; among them 8 per cent mentioned cough as a symptom, 64 per cent mentioned coughing up blood, and 91 per cent knew that TB diagnosis, and treatment facilities were available in both government and private hospitals. Health literacy score among participants who had heard of TB was <40 per cent among 36 per cent of respondents, 41-60 per cent among 54 per cent and >60 per cent among 8 per cent of respondents. Interpretation & conclusions: The finding that nearly half of the respondents had not heard of TB indicated an important gap in education regarding TB in this vulnerable population. There is an urgent need to implement targeted interventions to educate this group for better TB control.

Transmission dynamics & epidemiology of malaria in two tribal districts in Madhya Pradesh, India.

Background and objectives: Epidemiology and transmission of malaria vary within the tribal areas with the variation in topography, forest cover and type of forest. For the control of disease, understanding of the dynamics of transmission in the varied ecological situation is essential. This study was carried out in the two distinct tribal areas- Baiga Chak (thick forested area) of Dindori district and Bichhia block (forest fringe area) of Mandla district, Madhya Prasdesh, India, to understand the epidemiology and transmission dynamics of malaria. Methods: Mosquitoes were collected using hand catch and whole night collections to determine the proportion of vectors, their density and seasonality. Vector incrimination was done by sporozoite ELISA and feeding preferences of vector by gel diffusion method. Active fever surveys were carried out fortnightly to determine the age specific malaria parasite rates among the inhabitants of two areas. Results: Density of Anopheles culicifacies was significantly higher in Bichhia while the density of An. fluviatilis was higher in Baiga Chak. An. culicifacies was incriminated from both the areas while An. fluviatilis was incriminated from Baiga Chak only. Malaria slide positivity rate (SPR) was significantly higher (OR=3.7 95%CI, 3.1-4.4) in Baiga Chak (28.2%) than Bichhia (9.6%). Interpretation & conclusions: The features of malaria transmission in tribal areas differed from those reported in rural or semirural population. Site-specific and region-specific studies are required to develop appropriate intervention measures to control malaria.

Localization of IgG Antigenic Sites in Goat Testicular Tissue.

Testis is the tissue with immune privilege which is maintained by blood-testis barrier to protect autoimmunogenic components of testis. IgG have binding affinity for CD16, CD32 and CD64 receptors present on various immune cells. Present study was conducted to investigate the IgG antigenic sites in the testicular tissue of goat. The paraffin embedded histological sections were processed for immunohistochemistry protocol using Anti Mouse IgG FITC conjugate antibodies and observed under fluorescence microscope. Strong reaction was observed in epithelial lining of seminiferous tubule and moderate reaction was observed in lumen of seminiferous tubules and interstitial space. Present studies indicate that the most of IgG antigenic components i.e. CD16, CD32 and CD64 receptors were located in these sites. Current work will help in understanding of immune privilege and provide a baseline on which further studies can be conducted.

Identification of pregnancy-associated glycoproteins by peptide mass fingerprinting in water buffalo (Bubalus bubalis).

Ruminant placentas synthesize pregnancy-associated glycoproteins (PAGs) during pregnancy, which serve as biomarkers of pregnancy. The present study was conducted to verify, whether PAGs are expressed in buffalo placenta by using lectin-based affinity chromatography and peptide mass finger printing (PMF). Fetal cotyledonary tissues were collected from gravid uteri procured from slaughtered house. Proteins were extracted and subjected to wheat germ agglutinin (WGA) lectin affinity chromatography to isolate the PAGs. The isolated glycoproteins were separated by one-dimensional SDS-PAGE. PMF results of the 75 kDa protein revealed presence of two PAGs (PAG-7 and -11). The PAG-7 consisted of about 170 mass signals, of which 16 were assigned to corresponding/translated cDNA sequences of buffalo PAG-7, leading to sequence coverage of 40%. PMF result of PAG-11 showed 170 mass signals, of which 15 were assigned to buffalo PAG-11, leading to sequence coverage of 34%. In conclusion, the glycoprotein isolated from placental extract corresponding to 75 kDa band on SDS PAGE gel was a mixture of PAG-7 and -11, which may help in development of suitable diagnostics for pregnancy in buffalo.

Attitude and knowledge of healthcare workers in critical areas towards deceased organ donation in a public sector hospital in India

Background. The attitude of healthcare workers towards organ donation can either facilitate or hinder the process of organ donation. We assessed the attitude of healthcare workers employed in intensive or emergency care units of our hospital towards organ donation, and the influence of various factors on willingness for self-organ donation after death. Methods. All doctors, paramedical workers, nursing staff and other staff members working in six distinct intensive or emergency care units in the hospital were requested to fill a completely anonymous, voluntary and self-administered questionnaire. Younger individuals, women and nurses constituted a majority of the study population. Results. The questionnaire completion rate was 99%. About 55% of the study population were agreeable to donating organs after death and 27% were undecided. The factors that positively influenced their willingness to donate organs after death were favourable attitude of the spouse, religious beliefs supporting organ donation, knowledge of hospital’s organ transplant programme, personal experience of the organ donation scenario, having ever donated blood or involvement in social activities, willingness to become an eye donor and willingness to become a living kidney donor. Conclusion. A largely favourable attitude towards organ donation was seen in our study population. However, the study reflects incomplete knowledge leading to confusion and thus, desire to know more among participants with respect to various aspects regarding organ donation. The factors identified that positively influence decisions regarding organ donation can be used as direct interventions.

Arteriovenous Malformation in Crouzon Syndrome: A Case Report.

Crouzon syndrome, a hereditary syndrome of craniofacial dysostosis, is a triad of skull deformities, facial anomalies and exophthalmos . It accounts for approximately 4.8% of all cases of craniosynostosis with the prevalence of approximately 1 per 25,000 live births worldwide. This is a case of Crouzon syndrome with arteriovenous malformation over vertex which has not been reported so for in the literature.

Reaching tribal men to improve awareness to sexual morbidities Experience from Baiga tribe of Central India.

Background and objectives: Tribal men’s reluctance in sharing responsibilities as supportive partners in reproductive and sexual health matters debar women from their sexual rights coupled with their negligence in health care and lesser utilization of reproductive health facilities. As a matter of fact a large proportion of ill health particularly related to sexually transmitted infections (STIs) suffered not only by men but also by their spouses. The present study was planned among one of the primitive tribes of Madhya Pradesh to understand the knowledge of males about reproductive tract infection (RTI)/STI/HIV/AIDS, RTI symptoms suffered, perception on sexual health, utilization of health services and to improve the knowledge by intervention of need based IEC (information, education, communication) strategy. Method: The study was conducted among 400 currently married men in the age group of 15-40 yr in one of the primitive tribes, Baigas of Dindori district of Madhya Pradesh. Eighteen villages were explored in the study. The IEC intervention was made by using quasi-experimental before and after with control design. Result: The baseline data generated indicated that Baigas male were poorly informed about RTI (18%), STI (21.5%) and HIV/AIDS (10%). Further, men also projected misconception on different aspects of sexuality. Women’s views recorded also suggested a disturbing trend regarding male involvement in reproductive health particularly related to STIs. Interpretation & conclusions: After intervention of IEC targeting male population in age group 15 - 40 yr by adopting a before and after with controls design the awareness was improved significantly. The utilization of the health services was also improved significantly. The study recommends replication of the IEC strategy designed in other Baiga villages for improving the reproductive health of the tribe.