THERAPEUTIC USES OF BUTEA MONOSPERMA

New synthetic drugs have many side effects on health as compared to the traditional herbs used in the past.The use of medicinal plants have been en established source for a relief from illness which can be traced back over five millennia. Antibiotics are one of the life saving weapons for humans but over the past few decades these health benefits are under threat as antibiotics have become less effective and also create toxic after effects affecting human life more. The well-known medicinal herb Butea monosperma is a moderately Sizeable deciduous tree and is widely dispersed in Asian hemispheres, Burma and Sri Lanka. From time to time it has been used in traditional medicinal practices. It has been mentioned in ayurveda for medicinal uses and mythological references, also The population's health care system continues to be heavily influenced by traditional medical practises, homoeopathy, and folklore. Rural and tribal people utilise the herb extensively to treat a variety of ailments. It is known in many languages apart from its botanical name. It is called Flame of forest, Dhak, Palash etc. It has been used to treat a variety of illnesses including cancer, diabetes, dysentery, fever, jaundice, diarrhoea, and jaundice, among others. A great variety of phytochemicals, primarily flavonoids, lactones, diterpenoids, phytosterols, etc., are present in the plant's aerial portion. The need for new antimicrobial compounds from alternative sources has arisen as a result of the development of drug resistance in human infections against routinely used antibiotics. Finding possible novel chemicals for therapeutic purposes requires screening medicinal plants for antibacterial and phytochemical properties

ROLE OF NELUMBO NUCIFERA (LOTUS) STEM AS IMMUNITY BOOSTER AND ANTI-INFLAMMATORY FOOD

In China and India, Nelumbo nucifera, a perennial aquatic plant, has been used as a medicinal herb. The various sections of plants, such as leaves, seeds, flowers and rhizomes, have been reported to have beneficial effects in the treatment of pharyngopathy, pectoralgia, spermatorrhoea, leucoderma, smallpox, dysentery, cough, haematemesis, epistaxis, haemoptysis, haematuria, metrorrhagia, hyperlipidaemia, fever, cholera, hepatopathy and hyperdipsia in the traditional medicine system. Different pharmacological activities such as anti-ischaemic activity, antioxidant activity, hepato- protective activity, anti-inflammatory activity, anti-fertility activity, anti- arrhythmic activity, anti-fibrosis activity, antiviral activity, anti-proliferative activity, anti-diarrhoeal activity, psychopharmacological activity, antipyretic activity, immune-modulatory activity, hypoglycaemic activity, aldose reductase inhibitory activity, antibacterial, aphrodisiac activity, anti-platelet activity, cardiovascular activity, anti-obesity activity, lipolytic activity, hypo-cholesterolaemic activity, hepato-protective activity, anticancer activitydiuretic activity, antioxidant activity have been clinically evaluated for N.nucifera. Different pharmacological activities such as anti-ischaemic activity, antioxidant activity, hepato-protective activity, anti-inflammatory activity, anti-fertility activity, anti-arrhythmic activity, anti- fibrosis activity, antiviral activity, anti-proliferative activity, anti-diarrhoeal activity, psychopharmacological activity, diuretic activity, antioxidant activity have been clinically evaluated for N.nucifera. A wide number of phytoprinciples from the plant have been isolated. The present review seeks to consolidate the traditional, ethno-botanical, phytochemical and pharmacological data available on N.nucifera stem and to explore its role as an immunity booster and anti-inflammatory food.

Effect of Cage or Deep Litter Housing on Production Performance of White Leghorn Chickens

The effect of cage or deep litter housing on production performance of White Leghorn was investigated in this experiment. A total 144 pullets of White Leghorn were randomly assigned to two treatments as; Cage housing and Deep litter housing. Results revealed that body weight at sexual maturity was significantly (P<0.05) lower in birds reared in cage than the deep litter housing. Moreover, lower feed intake was observed in birds kept in cages than that of deep litter housing. Feed conversion ratio in terms of feed intake/dozen eggs or feed intake/kg egg mass was better in birds reared in cages than the deep litter housing. The average hen day and hen house egg production were not affected due to different housing systems. Egg quality traits like albumen index, yolk index and Haugh unit score were significantly (P<0.05) higher for eggs produced by birds reared in cage housing than the deep litter housing. The profit of about 20% was observed in cage housing over deep litter housing. It was concluded that the lower feed consumption and body weight at sexual maturity, better feed conversion, egg quality and economic returns were achieved in cages compared to deep litter housing. However, cage or deep litter housing had no effect on egg production

Conservation of Indigenous Cattle Breed

India, one of the twelve mega biodiversity countries in the world, is home to large diversified cattle genetic resources, having 190.9 M cattle and so far 43 registered native cattle breeds. These cattle breeds are specially adapted to different agro-climatic conditions of India and their genetic diversity is due to the process of domestication over the centuries. There is decrease of 4.10% in cattle population and 3.14% in cattle genetic resources of India as compared to the quinquennial livestock census. The exotic / crossbred population has been increased by 20.18% during the period of last census while population of indigenous cattle has been decreased by 8.94% during the same duration. The reasons for depletion of native breeds includes crossbreeding with exotic breeds, economically less viable, loosing utility, reduction in herd size and the large scale mechanization of agricultural operation. The native breeds need to be conserved for genetic insurance in future, scientific study, as a part of our ecosystem, cultural and ethical requirements and for energy sources in future. The indigenous breeds of cattle posses various unique characteristics such as the presence of unique genetic variation in HSP70 gene family, carry a ‘thermometer gene’ and presence of A2 allelic variant in cow milk, which makes them well adapted to the tropical climate. The conservation includes the preservation along with up-gradation (improvement) of the genetic potential and management of a breed for use in future. The effective management of indigenous cattle resources includes identification, characterization, evaluation, documentation and conservation. The future strategy should be to combine genetic improvement and conservation. Establishment of regional gene banks and people’s participation by involving breeders, communities, gaushalas, NGOs and other relevant stakeholders in conservation programs. For more effective conservation measures, proper coordination and integration among various agencies (ICAR, SAHD, SAUs, SVUs and Research Institutes) is highly needed. “National Consortium of Partners’ comprising different stakeholders should be formulated for conservation of indigenous breed resources with a holistic approach.

A Post-Mortem Medicolegal Study of Violent Asphyxial Deaths - An Autopsy Based Study

Background: The study was conducted in the mortuary of Babu Jagjivan Ram Memorial Hospital, Jahangir Puri, North-West district, Delhi to determine the frequency and epidemiology of violent asphyxial deaths in that region, in relation to age and gender variation. Duration of study: Autopsies conducted during January 1, 2012 to December 31, 2013. Methods: Out of 2479(two thousand four hundred seventy nine) medico legal deaths autopsied at B.J.R.M. Hospital Delhi, during the study period, details were collected for those medico legal deaths identified to be due to violent asphyxial deaths. Results: 219 out of 2479 medico legal deaths were identified to be violent asphyxial deaths, making incidence rate 8.83%. There were 149(68.03%) males and 70(31.97%) females. Male predominance was seen in all asphyxial deaths except manual strangulation and smothering. Hanging and drowning were leading causes of violent asphyxial deaths. Conclusions: This study concludes that immuno-toxicity by cypermethrin insecticide is not similar in male and female subjects.

Prevalence And Bio- Social Predictors Of Hypertension In Rural Dehradun.

Abstract: Background and Objectives: Cardiovascular diseases account for a large proportion of all deaths and disability worldwide. Hypertension is directly responsible for 57% of all stroke deaths and 24% of all coronary heart disease deaths in India. Studies have shown a high prevalence of hypertension in both urban and rural areas. Although there is generally a lower prevalence of hypertension in rural Indian population, there has been a steady increase over time in this rural population as well. Methodology: This observational cross sectional study was conducted in a randomly chosen block in district Dehradun. Overall 457 people were interviewed and measurements were taken to know the prevalence of hypertension and related risk factors. The collected data was entered and analysed in SPSS software (21.0 version ). Results: The prevalence of hypertension was 23.9% and male subjects had higher prevalence than females (26.2% and 21.5%respectively). With increasing age, prevalence of hypertension increased significantly. Age, sex, marital status, family type and occupation were found as important bio-social predictors of hypertension. Conclusion: Increasing prevalence of hypertension in rural areas and in younger age groups is of concern to the public health. In developing countries like India, preventive strategies should be directed towards masses with focus on behaviour change communication.

A study on rural & urban differences in tobacco use and its socio-demographic determinants in district Dehradun.

Background: Today, tobacco use causes 1 in 10 deaths among adults worldwide – more than five million people a year. By 2030, unless urgent action is taken, tobacco’s annual death toll will rise to more than eight million. Material & method: A community based cross sectional study was undertaken in district Dehradun. Multistage stratified random sampling was done for selection of study area. A sample of 632 was taken for study purpose. Kish method was used for selection of respondents in selected household. Statistical analysis: Chi-square test, Mantel Haenszel Odds Ratio and Multi Variate Logistic Regression Analysis was done to develop results. Significant level was assumed at p<0.05. Results: The overall prevalence of ever use of tobacco was 24.4%. It was more (32.9%) in rural area as compare to urban area (15.8%). Tobacco use was directly proportional to age, more prevalent in Muslims and was indirectly proportional to education & socioeconomic status. Conclusion: Legislation pertaining to tobacco and alcohol sale and use does exist. However its strict enforcement is required in order to reduce the menace.

Chemotherapeutic potential of Boerhaavia diffusa Linn: A review.

Boerhaavia diffusa Linn. has been shown to exhibit a wide range of medicinal properties for the treatment of diabetes, inflammation, stress, hepatotoxicity, jaundice and heart failure. The extraordinary antioxidant, hepatoprotective, antibiotic, antidiabetic and anticarcinogenic properties of B. diffusa have attracted pioneers in the field of science and medicine. Moreover, the therapeutic importance of this plant, which is due to presence of polyphenols and flavanoids, makes this plant medically more important to be exploited by clinicians and scientists to gain more insight into its biological and medicinal properties. The present review on B. diffusa focuses over the chemical compositions and its ethno-medicinal uses, linked from ancient times to the present with a scope of development in future. Furthermore, a recent update on mechanistic approaches of B. diffusa has also been discussed, which could be helpful for the researchers working in this field. Eventually, based on its antioxidant and antidiabetic characteristics, it is hypothesized that B. diffusa might exhibit antiglycating properties as well.

Demographic profile of head injury cases in Agra region.

Head injury is a serious health problem throughout the world. Increasing vehicles on roads work as catalyst for high incidence of casualties especially of Cranio-cerebral injuries. This is an autopsy based study of head injury cases, conducted in the Department of Forensic Medicine, S.N. Medical College Agra in year 2009-2010 for their demographic and etiological profile. Majority of the victims of head injury are male (76%) and of 3rd – 4th decade of life (54.4%). 66.4% head injury cases due to accident, Road traffic accident is the single largest cause i.e. 59.2%; out of which two wheelers are responsible for one-third (33%) of the casualties. Most common external injury is laceration of the scalp with or without contusion. Fracture of skull bones (97.2% cases; mostly fissured and comminuted fracture of parietal & temporal) and intracranial hemorrhages (96.4%) are seen in almost all the cases. Contre-coup injuries seen in about 2.8% cases, contre-coup haemorrhage observe mostly fronto-temporal area. Majority of the victim died on the spot or in the way to hospital without any medical assistance where the Cause of death mostly haemorrhage and shock.

Fall: The accidental injury in geriatric population.

The term 'accident' is often used to describe a multitude of disparate events from falls and road accidents to suicides and violence. A 'fatal accident' for this purpose is defined as one in which death occurs within 30 days. Falls, road accidents and burns are major categories of accidents which lead to the highest rates of mortality among Geriatric Population. In most of the studies cited 'elderly people' are defined as those aged 60 or over and falls are the accidents with the highest mortality rates, particularly in the age group 85 or over. In 2006, with approximately 76.6 million (above 7.7% of total population) India alone accounted for one-seventh of world’s elderly. Their population has been steadily growing. It is projected to rise to about 12.4 % in 2026, doubling from 76.6 million in 2006 to 173.1 million in 2026. The major area of concern is their health with multiple medical and psychological problems. Falls are one of the major problems in the elderly and are considered one of the “Geriatric Giants” (immobility, instability, incontinence and impaired intellect/memory).

Estimation of stature by percutaneous measurements of distal half of upper limb (forearm & hand).

Determination of stature from skeletal / dismembered remains is not new for Forensic Experts. In this study efforts are made to reconstruct stature from distal half of upper limb (forearm & hand), for which standing height and distance between tips of olecranon process and middle finger of right and left arms are measured in 100 adult male and female students of 19 -25 years of age. These measurements are analyzed statistically to establish relation between stature and forearm and hand in form of regression equation and multiplication factor. Multiplication factors are also calculated in the study and these are 3.67 for male and 3.73 for female but their results are less compatible with regression equations.

Se-acquisition and reactive oxygen species role in growth, photosynthesis, photosynthetic pigments, and biochemical changes in essential oil(s) monoterpene of geranium ( pelargonium graveolens L.HER.’ EX. AIT.).

Se is an essential element required for various metabolic pathways and act as an antioxidant in the various redox-reactions of primary and secondary plant production of – biomolecules. Geranium is an important essential monoterpene oil(s) bearing plant. Culturing the plant at different doses of Se from 0-1.0 mg Se ml-1 revealed that Se plays an important role as an in antioxidant promoter, apart from its micronutrient essentiality. 0.25 mg Se ml-1 is the critical concentrations for maximum content of (0.21%) total essential monoterpene oil(s). At concentration below and above 0.25 mg Se ml-1, the CO2 assimilation rate, photosynthetic pigments content and ultimately the accumulation of essential monoterpene oil(s) are affected. The maximum peroxidase and SOD activities were obtained at 0.25 mg Se ml-1, with the production of biomolecule geraniol. Results revealed an oxidoreducable reaction of Se in the formation of monoterpene essential oil(s) and possibly for the major constituents Geraniol.

Cr-acquisition and reactive oxygen species role in growth, photosynthesis, photosynthetic pigments, and biochemical changes in essential oil(s) monoterpene of geranium (pelargonium graveolens L.HER.’ EX. AIT.)

Cr is an essential element required for various metabolic pathways and act as an antioxidant in the various redox-reactions of primary and secondary plant production of – biomolecules. Geranium is an important essential monoterpene oil(s) bearing plant. Culturing the plant at different doses of Cr from 0-1.0 g Cr ml-1 revealed that Cr plays an important role as an in antioxidant promoter, apart from its micronutrient essentiality. 0.25 m g Cr ml-1 is the critical concentrations for maximum content of (0.21%) total essential monoterpene oil(s). At concentration below and above 0.25 g Cr ml-1, the CO2 assimilation rate, photosynthetic pigments content and ultimately the accumulation of essential monoterpene oil(s) are affected. The maximum peroxidase and SOD activities were obtained at 0.25 g Cr ml-1, with the production of biomolecule geraniol. Results revealed an oxido-reducable reaction of Cr in the formation of monoterpene essential oil(s) and possibly for the major constituents Geraniol.

Simultaneous detection of strychnine and brucine in biological matrix by gas chromatography-mass spectroscopy.

A new gas chromatography-mass spectroscopy (GC-MS) method is being presented for the separation and detection of strychnine and brucine, alkaloids of Strychnos nux vomica in a single run. The analysis was carried out using 5% phenyl methyl silicone capillary column, electron impact ionization mode and quadrupole mass analyzer. The extracts of the exhibits were analyzed using the new method. The peaks of the two alkaloids were found to be well resolved, and there was clear separation between the two. The retention time and mass fragmentation pattern, base peaks, molecular peaks of strychnine and brucine standard/NIST library and crime case exhibits matched, establishing the presence of the two active principles of Strychnos nux vomica. The new method has the advantage of better separation of the two alkaloid peaks over the conventional GC-MS methods, and is useful for the identification and confirmation of Strychnos nux vomica constituents in biological matrices of poisoning cases that have ended in death.

Estimation of stature by anthropometric examination of forearm and hand.

As the incidences of crime are going on increasing, the matter of identification of an individual is becoming prime importance now days. Estimation of stature forms important criteria for establishing individuality of the person and require special attention in cases when bodies are found in mutilated state and only fragment are discovered. The mutilation of dead body is done intentionally by criminals who wants to destroy all traces of identity and thus facilitates the disposal of the dead. In a country like India, animals and vultures may attack a dead body and mutilate in a very short time when exposed in open field. 200 young and healthy male medical students aged between 18 to 25 years having no disease or deformity were examined anthropometrically in respect to their height and length of right forearm and hand. The stature varied from 149.13 cm to 177.33 cm with mean value 164.97 cm and the standard deviation 5.52 cm. On the other hand mean length of the forearm and hand was found to be 45.47 cm and the multiplication factor is calculated as 3.899 cm.

Time since death from degenerative changes in the Kidney.

Time since death is made out from gross postmortem changes like cooling of the body, postmortem staining, rigor mortis, decomposition etc. In the present study Histological changes in the Kidney tissue were studied at various postmortem intervals in the human body died due to road traffic accidents. This study is conducted in the Department of Forensic Medicine in collaboration with Department of Pathology, G.S.V.M. Medical College, Kanpur, U.P. A total of 45 cases are taken belonging to both sexes i.e. 36 males and 9 females were studied. These are of different age groups. All road traffic accidents are taken into account. In this study control can not be taken because the histological changes of tissue after death is influenced a great deal by atmospheric temperature and humidity besides other external and internal factors. Therefore these must be taken into account in all studies of postmortem interval whether histological, biochemical or physical.

Penetrating chest injuries: a medicolegal analysis.

Penetrating injuries are one of the commonest methods of committing murder, of which penetrating injuries of the chest/heart are very serious and prove fatal in most of the cases (1). In a post mortem study of penetrating chest injuries at Lucknow, majority of the victims were adult male between 20-50 years of age. In majority of the cases injuries were caused by firearms usually a shot gun. Injuries by knives and daggers were also seen in few cases. Injuries were seen on the front of chest, predominantly on the left side, in majority of the cases. Lungs were damaged in all the cases. Heart; aorta & other thoracic organs were also injured in substantial number of cases. In the cases where heart was found damaged, the right ventricle was injured in majority of the cases. Two-third of the victims died within three hours after getting injuries, either on the spot or in the way to the hospital. All the cases of penetrating chest injuries were homicidal & personal rivalry was the single most common reason behind these deaths.

Primary amebic meningoencephalitis.

We report an 8 month-old infant with primary amebic meningoencephalitis (PAME) due to Naegleria fowleri. The child was treated with amphotericin B, chloramphenicol and rifampicin for 3 weeks. PAME is an almost universally fatal condition with very few survivors till date. Our patient was one of the rare survivors who recovered after treatment and was discharged without any residual neurological deficit.

Suspicious deaths in newly married females: A medicolegal analysis.

A rapid increase in unnatural deaths in females, especially in the first few years of their married life was observed in our society for last few decades. This drew the attention of people and forced the socio-political system to investigate and develop preventive measures [1-3]. In this study most of the victims were young (18-22 years) Hindu females of middle or lower-middle socioeconomic status living in a joint family with their husband & in- laws and died in suspicious circumstances within three years of their marriage. Majority of such deaths were suicidal or homicidal. Burning was the most common cause of death, followed by hanging and poisoning. Few of them were strangled to death and then burned to temper the evidences. Pressure for dowry was the single largest reason behind such deaths. Ill-treatment by the in-laws, rash and negligent behavior or extra-marital affairs of husbands, and mal-adjustment in females were other important reasons. Few of these deaths were also accidental, catching fire while cooking or handling open lamp/fire carelessly. Loose synthetic saris of the victims were responsible for large number of mortalities in this study.