Chemical composition of home-based fluids commonly used in Myanmar

Rehydration measure should be instituted as early as possible when lifethreatening dehydration state due to diarrhoea or severe fever is suspected or detected. Home-based fluids are usually given under such circumstance and thus chemical compositions of syrups (m=9), soft drinks (n=5), fresh fruit juices (n=3) and plant decoctions (n=7) were analysed by using published methods and atomic absorption spectrophotometer. High concentrations of total sugars (8.67 to 34.87 g/100ml) and free reducing sugars, mainly as glucose and fructose (1.97 to 21.49) g/ 100ml) were detected in syrups and soft drinds. Potassium was found to be rich in plant decoctions (34.08 to 273.10 mg/100ml) and sodium in soups (140.0 to 475.0 mg/100ml). Soft drinks were found to be acidic (pH = 2.76 to 3.63) whereas soups and plant decoctions have pH values 5.29 to 8.91. Colours used in syrups and soft drinks were found to be permitted dyes.

Screening of some medicinal plants reputed for anthelminthic activity on in vitro test models

Thirty three medicinal plants, traditionally claimed to be useful for purging human intestinal roundworms were evaluated experimentally for their anthelminthic action against Ascaris summ in vitro. On the basis of producing muscle paralysis of the worm within predetermined experimental periods, seventeen of the plants tested were found to possess anthelminthic activity. Urginea indica and Ananas sativa were most effective and a fungus, Hydnum repanda also showed good activity.

Chemical aspects of locally produced oral rehydration honey salts

Oral rehydration honey salts developed by Department of Traditional Medicine, Ministry of Health, replacing glucose with honey was investigated for its chemical aspects, comparing with standard oral rehydration salts. Three physico-chemical test parameters pH, electrolytes and total reducing sugar contents were tested. pH value of honey salts solution was found to be very similar with standard oral rehydration salts (ORS) solution. There were slight increases in electrolyte concentrations and total reducing sugar contents of honey salts when compared with standard ORS. Results obtained were discussed and recommandation proposed for therapeutic effectiveness of oral rehydration honey mixture preparation.