ABSTRACT
Environmental disinfection greatly reduces the occurrence of nosocomial or healthcare associated infections (HCAIs) which are the major healthcare problems worldwide. In India, Ayurvedic traditionalfumigation with natural plant products is used to disinfect environment. In the present study, environmental disinfection efficiency of traditional fumigation practice has been evaluated by using naturalplant products such as garlic (Allium sativum) peel, turmeric (Curcuma longa) powder, Carom (Trachyspermum ammi) seeds (Ajwain) and Loban (resin of Styrax benzoin and Boswellia species). The efficiencyof traditional fumigation using these natural products to disinfect air and surface was evaluated. Theeffect of traditional fumigation on the microbiological quality of air was revealed by active air sampling.In addition, the ability of the traditional fumigation using garlic peel to disinfect inanimate surface wasevaluated using three strains of methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). Glass slide wasartificially contaminated with the bacteria and fumigated whereas non-fumigated slide served as control.The control and fumigated slides were analyzed for surviving bacteria and subjected to scanning electronmicroscopy (SEM) analysis. Traditional fumigation performed separately with three grams of garlic peel,turmeric, carom seeds and loban powder reduced the average air borne bacterial colony forming units(cfu)/m3 compared to non-fumigated control. The SEM analysis showed reduced number of bacteria ingarlic peel fumigated surface samples. The results of the study strongly suggested that the traditionalAyurvedic fumigation with natural plant products is effective in reducing air-borne bacteria and indisinfecting inanimate surfaces. The traditional fumigation with herbal products has huge potential toaddress the problem of nosocomial infections.© 2019 The Authors. Published by Elsevier B.V. on behalf of Institute of Transdisciplinary Health Sciencesand Technology and World Ayurveda Foundation. This is an open access article under the CC BY-NC-NDlicense (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/).
ABSTRACT
Herbal toxicity is a field that has rapidly grown over the last few years along with increased use of herbal products worldwide. People prefer using herbal medicines rather than allopathic because herbals are considered safe. Use of herbal medicines from ancient times does not ensure their complete safety. With the growing awareness regarding pharmacovigilance worldwide, there has been an increase in the number of reported adverse events occurring with the use of herbal products. The objective of the study is to aware the researchers about most commonly used Indian medicinal herbs inducing carcinogenicity like Aloe vera, Ginkgo biloba, Kava kava, etc.
ABSTRACT
Background: The objective of the study was to determine level of adherence and recognize various causative factors which can affect the compliance in the diabetic patients.Methods: This was an observational study. The study was conducted by enrolling patients of the outpatient department of Medicine of Rajindra Hospital, Government Medical College, Patiala, Punjab. To assess adherence, a questionnaire was administered to the patients - Morisky Medication Adherence Scale (MMAS) -8 item questionnaire. The various factors affecting compliance was determined by a researcher made questionnaire.Results: Out of a total of 100 subjects, age range extended from 18 years to 80 years. The mean age was 57.52±12.33years. 51% of patients were females and 49% was males. Analysis of MMAS- 8 item scores of patients showed that 52% of patients had low adherence, 29% had medium while 19% had high adherence to the treatment. Only 30% patients were compliant i.e. with HbA1C value of 7 or less while 70% patients were non-compliant i.e. with HbA1C value of more than 7.Conclusions: Compliance to medical treatment is influenced by a myriad of factors. In order to promote compliance, it is necessary to increase awareness about the disease, possible complications and treatment guidelines among patients as well as their family members.