Ethnobotanical study of medicinal plants used for cancer treatment at the province of Nador, Morocco

Morocco has varied wealth of aromatic and medicinal plants (AMPs) which are commonly used for prevention and treatment of vario us diseases or as complementary therapy such for cancer diseases. An ethnobotanical study was carried out in the province of Nador, located northeast of Morocco. A total of 418 persons were interviewed, information about their profile, type of medicinal pl ants existing in this area, plant characteristics and uses of those existing plants. Results showed 35 species distributed in 23 families, the most represented were Lamiaceae (7), Apiaceae (5) and Fabaceae (3). This study revealed that the population mainl y used seeds (28%), leaves (26%), aerial parts (20%) and fruits (14%). Moreover, it has shown that Nerium oleander were used by the local population for cancer treatments. Biological activity of N. oleander showed an antimicrobial effect on Escherichia col i , Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus

Marruecos tiene una riqueza vegetal muy variada de plantas aromáticas y medicinales (AMP) y se utilizan com únmente para la prevención y el tratamiento de diversas enfermedades o como terapia complementaria, como las enfermedades del cáncer. Se llevó a cabo un estudio etnobotánico en la provincia de Nador, situada al noreste de Marruecos. Se entrevistó a un tota l de 418 personas, información sobre su perfil, tipo de plantas medicinales existentes en esta zona, características de las plantas, usos de las plantas existentes, etc. Los resultados mostraron una alta riqueza de especies de 35 especies distribuidas en 2 3 familias, las más representadas fueron Lamiaceae (7), Apiaceae (5) y Fabaceae (3). Este estudio reveló que la población utilizó preferentemente semillas (28%), hojas (26%), partes aéreas (20%) y frutos (14%). Además, se ha demostrado que la población loc al utilizaba Nerium oleander para tratamientos contra el cáncer. La actividad biológica de N. oleander mostró un efecto antimicrobiano sobre Escherichia coli , Pseudomonas aeruginosa y Staphylococcus aureus

Intoxicación por adelfa, un caso poco frecuente / Oleander poisoning, a rare case

Introducción: Las intoxicaciones por plantas son infrecuentes, de complicada orientación diagnóstica, que en general, se dificulta la identificación de la planta, su potencial tóxico y el tratamiento específico. Entre ellas la adelfa, capaz de producir cuadros de intoxicación grave, como un caso consultado a la guardia del Centro Nacional de Toxicología. Objetivos: Presentar un caso clínico de intoxicación grave por adelfa. Caso clínico: Paciente adulto, con intranquilidad, vómitos, dolores abdominales, tensión arterial 150/90 mmHg, frecuencia cardiaca y respiratoria normales, refirió que había consumido vía oral y rectal una poción elaborada con una planta, como tratamiento antiparasitario. El médico de guardia decidió comunicarse con el Centro Nacional de Toxicología. Se identificó la planta como adelfa. A pesar de la aplicación de reposición de volumen, lavado gástrico y la administración de carbón activado; presentó bloqueo auriculoventricular, extrasístoles aisladas y bradicardia. Se suministró atropina endovenosa, luego se trasladó hacia la unidad de cuidados intensivos y posteriormente egresó. Conclusiones: El caso presentó una intoxicación aguda grave por adelfa, con un correcto diagnóstico y tratamiento, que requirió de la labor conjunta de los médicos del cuerpo de guardia del hospital, la terapia intensiva y del Centro Nacional de Toxicología(AU)

Introduction: Poisoning by plants is infrequent, with a complicated diagnostic orientation, which in general makes it difficult to identify the plant, its toxic potential and specific treatment. Among them the oleander, capable of producing serious intoxication, as a case consulted to the National Toxicology Center. Objectives: To present a clinical case of severe oleander poisoning. Clinical case: Adult patient with restlessness, vomiting, abdominal pain, blood pressure 150/90 mmHg, normal heart and respiratory rates, and reported that he had consumed orally and rectally a potion made with a plant, as an antiparasitic treatment. The doctor who assisted him decided to communicate with the National Toxicology Center. The plant was identified as oleander. Despite the application of volume replacement, gastric lavage and the administration of activated charcoal; the patient presented atrioventricular block, isolated extrasystoles and bradycardia, intravenous atropine was administered, and subsequent transfer to the intensive care unit, and later he was discharged. Conclusions: The case presented a severe acute oleander poisoning, there was correct diagnosis and treatment, which required the joint work of the doctors from hospital emergency, the intensive care unit and the National Toxicology Center(AU)

Accidental Poisoning with Nerium Oleander in Dairy Goat in the Santiago Metropolitan Region in Chile / Intoxicación accidental con Nerium oleander en lechería caprina en la Región Metropolitana de Santiago en Chile / Intoxicação acidental com oleandro de Nerium em laticínios de cabras na região metropolitana de Santiago, no ChileResumo

Abstract A small dairy goat farm in central Chile stocked their troughs with ornamental plants and grasses, which were obtained after pruning the gardens of neighboring sectors. Twelve hours after the goats ingested this food, the farm registered a death toll of eight goats, all of which were adult females in their productive stage, before entering the milking parlor. The mortality episode lasted 84 hours and produced mortality and morbidity values of 48 and 54 percent, respectively (n = 52). During a visit to the farm, clinic inspections, autopsies, and sample tissues were obtained for microscopic analysis (the tissues specimens were fixed in 10% buffered formaldehyde solution). The clinic inspection and microscopic analysis both confirmed that the animals had cardiovascular disease. The lesions were compatible with those produced by cardiac glycosides. During the site visit, Nerium oleander was found in the troughs, which suggested that the animals were poisoned by eating this plant. There was a high presence of this plant in the poisoned area, and it was not associated with the mortality episode before the on-site visit, which indicates that the authors should conduct training and inform producers about the handling and feeding of their animals.

Resumen En establecimiento de pequeño productor caprino (n = 52) en la zona central de Chile, se les administraron en comederos plantas ornamentales y pastos que fueron obtenidos posterior a la poda de jardines en sectores aledaños. A las 12 horas post ingesta de este alimento se encuentran 8 caprinos, hembras, adultos, productivos muertos previo al ingreso a sala de ordeña. El episodio de mortandad se extendió por 84 horas generando una mortalidad del 48 % y una morbilidad del 52 %. Se realizó visita, inspección clínica, necropsia y análisis microscópico de especímenes fijados en solución formolada tamponada al 10 %. La inspección clínica confirma la presencia de animales con afección cardiovascular, al igual que el análisis microscópico. Las lesiones son compatibles con las producidas por glucósidos cardiotóxicos, al recorrer el lugar se observa la presencia de Nerium oleander en comederos de lote afectado, lo que sugiere la intoxicación de estos animales. La presencia de esta planta en la zona de la intoxicación es elevada y antes de nuestra visita no fue asociada al episodio de mortandad, lo que nos indica que se debe realizar capacitación e informar a productores sobre el manejo y alimentación de sus animales.

Resumo No estabelecimento de um pequeno produtor de cabras (n = 52) na zona central do Chile, plantas ornamentais e pastagens foram administradas em alimentadores que foram posteriormente podados por jardins em setores próximos. Às 12 horas após a ingestão deste alimento, são oito cabras, fêmeas, adultos, mortos produtivos antes de entrar na sala de ordenha. O episódio da morte prolongou-se por 84 horas, gerando uma mortalidade de 48% e uma morbidade de 52%. Foram realizadas visita, inspeção clínica, necropsia e análise microscópica das amostras fixadas em solução formolada tamponada a 10%. A inspeção clínica confirmou a presença de animais com doença cardiovascular e a análise microscópica. As lesões são compatíveis com as produzidas pelos glicosídeos cardiotóxicos, ao atravessar o local, observa-se a presença de oleandro de Nerium nos alimentadores do lote afetado, o que implica na intoxicação desses animais. A presença desta planta na zona de envenenamento é alta e, antes da nossa visita, não estava associada ao episódio da morte, o que indica que o treinamento deve ser realizado e informa os produtores sobre o manuseio e a alimentação de seus animais.

Evaluation of the Bio-insecticidal Effects of Three Extracts on the Larvae of the Green Lacewing Chrysoperla carnea (Stephen) under the Laboratory Conditions

Aims: To control aphids without the misdeeds of the chemical insecticides. To make sure of the harmlessness of three bio-aphicides. Study Design: Experimental device in complete random block with three replications. Place and Duration of Study: Laboratory of bio-insecticidal entomology, Regional Center of Agricultural Research of Kenitra, INRA- Morocco and the Biodiversity and Natural Resources Laboratory of Sciences Faculty, Ibn Tofail kenitra, morocco. The experiments were done between March and December 2017. Methodology: The present study highlighted the lethal and sublethal effects of three bio-aphicides plants collected from the Gharb region of morocco: Capsicum frutescens, Nerium oleander and Melia azedarach, tested in five concentrations of their plant material against Chrysoperla carnea larvaes. Adding to these concentrations, two controls were used: one without any treatment (blanc) and another treated with a chemical insecticide (Deltamethrine). Results: The obtained results indicated that the aqueous extract of the Nerium oleander was harmful to the larvae of the Chrysoperla carnea. Indeed, the insecticidal activity of different concentrations increased with the exposure time, reaching about 10; 16 and 20% of mortality, respectively by applying 10; 15 and 20 g/20 ml after three days of exposure. However, low concentrations of 2 and 5 g/20 ml caused no effect whatever the duration of exposure. Also, the corrected mortality rate caused by the aqueous extract of Nerium oleander, at the concentrations tested is much lower than that caused by the insecticide Deltamethrin. Conclusion: Nerium oleander plant is harmful to the larvae of the Chrysoperla carnea at concentrations of 10; 16 and 20%. At these concentrations, the aqueous extracts of hot pepper and melia are not haurmful to the larvae of the green lacewing, so they can be recommended as a biological insecticide. Moreover, other works on these two extracts are outstanding in our laboratory.

Epidemiological and clinical profile of various plant poisons in a tertiary care center in South Tamilnadu, India

Background: Plant poisoning is a common scenario in a toxicology unit . Some of the plants contain active components used as medicines. However, some of the plant constituents are poisonous with wide variety of clinical manifestations. Authors aimed to study the pattern of various types of plant poisons and clinical presentations and complications of various plant poisons admitted in our toxicological unit.Methods: A total of 87 patients admitted with history of plant poison ingestion, in toxicological unit of Tirunelveli medical college were studied . It was a retrospective observational study and was done over a period of one year.Results:  Out of 87 cases studied, 92%were due to consumption with suicidal intention. Plant poisoning ranks second only to pesticide poisoning . among the plant poisons encountered 66.6% were due to Oleander poison, followed by Datura (8%) and Glory lily(5.7%). Common parts of plant consumed by patients include seeds and plant oils . Vomiting and abdominal pain were the commonest presentations. Encephalopathy, dyselectrolytemia and arrhythmias were the notable complications in our study.Conclusions: Early admission and prompt first aid and monitoring at tertiary care center are key to the reduced mortality. The study throws light on various manifestations, toxic parts and complications of plant poisons.

A Study on Incidence, Clinical Profile and Outcome of Cardiac Dysrhythmias in Yellow Oleander Poisoning

Background: Cardiac toxicity after self-poisoning from ingestion of yellow oleander seeds is a common toxicological emergencyin South India.Objectives: The objectives of this study were to identify the various cardiac arrhythmias and electrolyte abnormalities in yellowoleander poisoning. This study was also designed to identify the clinical and biochemical parameters at presentation whichcan predict serious arrhythmias.Materials and Methods: This was a observational study among 111 patients who attended our emergency department afterconsuming yellow oleander seeds. Clinical, biochemical, electrocardiographic, and treatment details were collected from thepatients and recorded. Patients were monitored with serial electrocardiograms (ECGs).Results: Oleander seed poison was most prevalent in the 20–40 years of age. Incidence was more among the young females.ECG abnormalities were found in majority of the individuals. More the crushed seeds consumed and delay to admission to thehospital, poorer was the outcome. All symptomatic patients had conduction defects affecting the sinus node, atrioventricularnode, or both. Patients showing cardiac arrhythmias that required specific management had significantly higher serumpotassium concentrations. At presentation, 21 patients had serious arrhythmias, and on follow-up, 4 developed new-onsetserious arrhythmia. Sinus bradycardia (41.8%) was the most common arrhythmia followed by segment-wave changes (33%).Mortality rate was 1.9%.Conclusions: The arrhythmias produced by this poisoning might range from sinus bradycardia to complete heart block andventricular tachycardia. Although serum potassium correlated significantly with serious dysrhythmias, it did not predict thedevelopment of new-onset serious arrhythmia. On the whole, serious dysrhythmias were significantly associated with ingestionof crushed seeds, delay in admission, hyperkalemia.

Cardiac Manifestations of Thevetia peruviana Poisoning: A Descriptive Study from Northern Sri Lanka

Background: Poisoning with Thevetia peruviana (yellow oleander) is commonly observed in Northern and Eastern provinces of Sri Lanka causing significant morbidity and mortality. It contains cardiac glycosides which are toxic to cardiac muscle that results in cardiovascular dysrhythmias. Objective: To determine the pattern of cardiac dysrhythmias and outcome of yellow oleander poisoning at a tertiary care center of Northern Sri Lanka. Methods: A descriptive, cross sectional, prospective study was carried among patients with yellow oleander poisoning admitted to Teaching hospital, Jaffna, Sri Lanka over a period of two years. Twelve lead standard electrocardiography and 2‑lead ECG monitoring were performed in all patients during the hospital stay at the cardiology unit. Data were entered in Microsoft Excel sheet and was analyzed using SPSS [version 21] analytical package. Results were presented as counts, percentages and mean ± SD for continuous variables. Results: 23 out of 44 patients were females. Mean age of the patients was 24.84 [SD ± 0.43] years. Most of the patients were symptomatic and presented with gastro intestinal symptoms like vomiting, abdominal pain and diarrhea. Bradycardia was the most commonly observed cardiac rhythm abnormality within the first 24 hrs of ingestion of yellow oleander seeds. Sinus bradycardia [75%] was the commonest cause for bradycardia. All patients were treated with multiple doses of activated charcoal irrespective of the time of presentation. Patients with bradyarrhythmias were treated with intravenous boluses of atropine and 12 of them needed temporary pacing. Conclusion: Most of the victims of Yellow oleander poisoning were young adults. The cardiac toxicity developed within 24 hours of ingestion of the seeds. The risk of toxicity has not related to the number of seeds consumed. Most patients have nonspecific symptoms. AV conduction abnormalities are common. Activated charcoal is useful in most cases.

Cytotoxic, antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of Nerium oleander collected in Morocco

Objective: To investigate the cytotoxic, antioxidant and antibacterial activities of ethanolic and aqueous crude extracts of Nerium oleander (N. oleander) leaves. Methods: Cytotoxic activities were evaluated by WST-1 bioassay on two human cancer cell lines, namely human colon adenocarcinoma cell line HT-29 and human breast cancer cell line MDA-MB-231. The antioxidant property of N. oleander extracts was assessed by DPPH scavenging and β-carotene bleaching tests. The agar disc diffusion method was used for the determination of antimicrobial activity against different strains. Results: Using cell viability indices, the WST-1 test revealed that both extracts reduced cell viability in both cell lines. Our results also showed that aqueous extract was more active than ethanolic extract, with IC50 values of (1.67±0.22) μg/mL and (2.36±0.44) μg/mL on MDA-MB-231 cells, and (2.89±0.35) μg/mL and (5.09±0.52) μg/mL on HT29 cells, respectively. The study of the antioxidant activity showed that N. oleander extracts had a considerable scavenging capacity and exerted a significant preventive effect against the oxidation of β-carotene by the peroxide radicals. However, the antibacterial test showed that both ethanolic and aqueous extracts of N. oleander had a moderate antibacterial effect limited only to Gram-positive bacteria. Conclusions: Our results shows that N. oleander aqueous and ethanolic extracts have significant cytotoxic activities against tumor cell lines and possesses a strong antioxidant capacity, suggesting the presence of active compounds in N. oleander leaves that could be a potential source of phytochemicals with high medicinal value to be used in cancer treatment and prevention.

Cytotoxic, antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of Nerium oleander collected in Morocco

Objective: To investigate the cytotoxic, antioxidant and antibacterial activities of ethanolic and aqueous crude extracts of Nerium oleander (N. oleander) leaves. Methods: Cytotoxic activities were evaluated by WST-1 bioassay on two human cancer cell lines, namely human colon adenocarcinoma cell line HT-29 and human breast cancer cell line MDA-MB-231. The antioxidant property of N. oleander extracts was assessed by DPPH scavenging and β-carotene bleaching tests. The agar disc diffusion method was used for the determination of antimicrobial activity against different strains. Results: Using cell viability indices, the WST-1 test revealed that both extracts reduced cell viability in both cell lines. Our results also showed that aqueous extract was more active than ethanolic extract, with IC

Evaluation of anxiolytic activity of aqueous extract of Nerium oleander flowers in albino rats

Background: Anxiety has become a very important area of research interest in psychopharmacology as it affects one-eighth of the population worldwide. Benzodiazepines are still the most commonly used drugs for anxiety despite a number of side effects.There is a need for newer antianxiety drugs with increased safety and efficacy, hence this study was undertaken to evaluate the anxiolytic activity of Nerium oleander flowers.Methods: Aqueous extract of Nerium oleander flowers (NA) was prepared using soxhalet apparatus. A total of 24 Albino rats aged 8-10 weeks of either sex weighing about 100-150g were obtained and divided into 4 groups of 6 rats each. Group I: Normal saline 10mL/kg. Group II: Diazepam 2mg/kg Group III: NA at a dose of 200 mg/kg Group IV: NA at a dose of 400mg/kg. The anxiolytic activity of Aqueous extract of NA was tested by elevated plus maze and digital actophotometer models. Data was analysed using one way ANOVA followed by Posthoc Tukey’s test.Results: In EPM model, the NA at 200, 400mg/kg doses showed that the number of entries and time spent in the open arms were increased significantly as compared to the control animals. (p<0.001). In Actophoptometer model, two different doses of NA (200 and 400mg/kg) showed a dose-dependent decrease in the locomotor activity, when compared to the control animals (p<0.001).Conclusions: Both the doses of aqueous extract of Nerium oleander flowers (200mg and 400mg/kg) possess anxiolytic activity and could be used as a new approach to treat anxiety.

Improved method for diagnosis of Nerium oleander poisoning in necropsy tissues / Método aprimorado para diagnóstico da intoxicação por Nerium oleander em tecidos de necropsia

Nerium oleander is an ornamental cardiotoxic plant found in tropical and subtropical areas of the World. Its toxicity is related to the content of cardioactive glycosides, mainly oleandrin, found throughout the plant. The present study aimed to describe a new and improved method for oleandrin detection in tissue samples. The determination of oleandrin was made after extraction with a modified QuEChERS technique and measurement by UFLC-MS/MS. A total of 36 guinea pigs (Cavia porcellus) were distributed into 3 groups (n=12): control group that received only water orally (CON), and two treated groups that received hydroalcoholic oleander extract at doses of 150mg.kg-1 (OLE 150) and 300mg.kg-1 (OLE 300) in single oral dose. After three hours, fragments of heart, kidneys, liver and brain were collected for determination of oleandrin levels. The extraction and chromatographic procedures were effective for oleandrin detection and quantification in tissues, with retention time of 1.2 min and detection limit of 0.001μg g-1. The chromatographic analysis of treated guinea pigs indicated that oleandrin is distributed equally among the analyzed tissues. The developed methodology is a reliable, effective and rapid form of diagnosis of N. oleander poisoning based on necropsy tissue samples.(AU)

Nerium oleander é uma planta cardiotóxica ornamental encontrada em áreas tropicais e subtropicais do mundo. Sua toxicidade é relacionada á presença de glicosídeos cardioativos, principalmente a oleandrina, encontrada em toda a planta. O presente estudo objetiva descrever um novo e aprimorado método para detecção da oleandrina em amostras de tecido. A determinação da oleandrina foi feita após extração utilizando técnica modificada de QuEChERS e mensuração por UFLC-MS/MS. Um total de 36 cobaios (Cavia porcellus) foi distribuído em três grupos (n=12): grupo controle que recebeu apenas água por via oral (CON), e dois grupos tratados que receberam extrato hidroalcóolico de oleander nas doses de 150mg.kg-1 (OLE 150) e 300mg.kg-1 (OLE 300) em uma única dose oral. Após três horas, fragmentos do coração, rins, fígado e cérebro foram coletados para determinação dos níveis de oleandrina. A extração e procedimentos cromatográficos foram eficientes na detecção e quantificação da oleandrina nos tecidos, com tempo de retenção de 1,2min e limite de detecção de 0,001μg g-1. A análise cromatográfica dos animais tratados indicou que a oleandrina é distribuída de forma equalizada pelos tecidos analisados. A metodologia desenvolvida representa uma forma de diagnóstica segura, efetiva e rápida da intoxicação por N. oleander a partir de amostras de tecidos de necropsia.(AU)

Nerium oleander Distillate Can Reduce Oxidative Deoxyribonucleic Acid Damage in Rats Fed with High Cholesterol Diet

Aim: To evaluate the effect of Nerium oleander distillate on the high cholesterol diet(HCD) induced oxidative deoxyribonucleic acid damage via assessing blood 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine(8-OHdG) and superoxide dismutase(SOD) levels. Methodolody: Twenty-one male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided equally into three groups. The first group (control group) was fed a normal diet and administered 0.5 ml distilled water via gavage for 90 days. The second and third groups were fed with HCD. The second group was administered 0.5 ml distilled water and the third group was administered 0.5 ml Nerium oleander distillate(0.375 mg/rat) via gavage for 90 days, after being fed the HCD for two weeks. Blood samples were collected, and 8-OHdG and SOD levels were measured. Results: 8-OHdG levels were statistically significantly different in all groups. Highest 8-OHdG levels were determined in the second group whereas Nerium oleander treatment reduced the level of 8-OHdG. In addition, decreased SOD levels were detected in the rats fed with HCD(Groups 2 and 3) when compared to the control group. Conclusion: It may be stated that HCD may cause oxidative damage in deoxyribonucleic acid and Nerium oleander distillate may reduce this damage. Hence, Nerium oleander distillate may show beneficial effects in the treatments of diabetes mellitus, hypercholesterolemia, and metabolic syndrome. In the future, it should investigate the effect of Nerium oleander distillate on different antioxidant pathways.

Study on analysis of socio-demographic aspects, clinical profile, ECG changes, electrolyte status and outcome with acute yellow oleander seed poison patients in GDMCH, Dharmapuri

Background: Patients with diabetes mellitus (DM) are at an increased risk of dying from cardiovascular diseases, the reason for which is not completely understood. Aim: To study the clinico-demographic profile of type 2 diabetes patients with cardiac autonomic neuropathy (CAN). Materials and methods: This was a cross sectional study involving 100 patients attending the diabetic clinic of a tertiary care hospital. Demographic data was collected and autonomic function testing was done with Ewing and Clark’s tests. Results: The prevalence of CAN was 58 %. CAN had statistically significant association with increasing duration of diabetes (p < 0.00001), increasing values of HbA1c (p < 0.00001), and with combined use of insulin and oral medications (p < 0.05). Conclusion: There is a high prevalence of CAN in the diabetic population providing a large pool of patients awaiting effective interventions.

Trends of poisoning cases in Melmaruvathur region of Tamil Nadu: A retrospective study of 3 years.

Background: Poisoning cases is a significant contributor to mortality and morbidity all over the world. Acute poisoning cases form one of the commonest causes of emergency hospital admissions. Material and methods: It is a retrospective study of 106 poisoning cases admitted in M.A.P.I.M.S., which is a tertiary health care centre in Tamil Nadu, India from January 2010 to December 2012. Results: The incidence of poisoning was highest in the age range from 20-50 years. Most common poison was insecticide/ rodenticide and cases were mostly suicidal in nature. Conclusion: Trends of poisoning cases in melmaruvathur region of Tamil Nadu are more or less similar to other parts of India.

Yellow oleander poisoning in eastern province: An analysis of admission and outcome.

Introduction: Cardiac toxicity after self-poisoning from ingestion of yellow oleander seeds is common in Eastern Sri Lanka. Objective: To determine the clinical manifestations, cardiac arrhythmias, electrolytes abnormalities and outcome of management using currently available treatment, Poisoning Unit, Tertiary Care Hospital in Eastern Sri Lanka. Materials and Methods: We studied 65 patients [Mean age : 23(±0.43)yrs], (Male: Female=27:38) with yellow oleander poisoning (YOP) admitted to a Poisoning Unit, Tertiary Care Hospital in Eastern Sri Lanka from January to December 2011. Results: Most patients are symptomatic who presented with classical symptoms of vomiting, abdominal pain and diarrhea. Cardiac dysrhythmias such as bradycardia or an irregular pulse are the most common findings on examination. Most symptomatic patients had conduction defects affecting the sinus node, the atrioventricular (AV) node, or both. Patients showing cardiac arrhythmias that required transfer for specialised management had significantly higher serum potassium concentrations. Almost all patients were treated with multiple activated charcoal even late presentation. Patients with brad arrhythmias were treated with intravenous boluses of atropine and intravenous infusions of isoprenaline. Temporary cardiac pacing was done for those not responding to drug therapy. There were two deaths (3.07%), both had third-degree heart block. They died even definitive treatment could be instituted. Of the remaining 63 patients, 54 (83.1%) patients required treatment, and 29 were treated with only atropine and/or isoprenaline while one required cardiac pacing in addition. 12 (18.4%) patients had arrhythmias that were considered life threatening (second-degree heart block type II, third-degree heart block and nodal bradycardia). They had good recovery even though they had developed cardiac toxicity. Conclusions: YOP are common among young females. The cardiac toxicity develops within 24hrs of ingestion of YO seeds. The risk of toxicity has negative correlation with number of seeds. Most patients have nonspecific symptoms. AV conduction defects are common. Multiple activated charcoals alone were safe and adequate in most cases even late presentation.

Antifungal properties of selected plants of Apocynaceae family against the human fungal pathogen Candida albicans.

The ethnobotanical evaluation of plant based chemicals has proven themselves greatly in last few decades. Plants have been a rich source of therapeutic agents and form the basis of traditional medicine system. On the basis of this, in vitro antifungal activities of extracts of Catharanthus roseus, Nerium oleander and Taberenemontana divaricata leaf extracts were evaluated in the present study by 96 well microtiter plate assays using human fungal pathogen Candida albicans ATCC90028 strain. The activity was measured by spectophotometric methods to determine the Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC). The Minimum Fungicidal Concentrations (MFC) for the extracts was also determined by a plate assay. The distilled water extract, petroleum ether extract, methanolic extract, ethyl acetate extract and sequential distilled water leaf extracts of all the plants showed potential activity against C. albicans ATCC 90028. The study ascertains the value of Apocynaceae plants, which could be of considerable interest to the development of new safer antifungals.

Antifungal properties of selected plants of Apocynaceae family against the human fungal pathogen Candida albicans.

The ethnobotanical evaluation of plant based chemicals has proven themselves greatly in last few decades. Plants have been a rich source of therapeutic agents and form the basis of traditional medicine system. On the basis of this, in vitro antifungal activities of extracts of Catharanthus roseus, Nerium oleander and Taberenemontana divaricata leaf extracts were evaluated in the present study by 96 well microtiter plate assays using human fungal pathogen Candida albicans ATCC90028 strain. The activity was measured by spectophotometric methods to determine the Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC). The Minimum Fungicidal Concentrations (MFC) for the extracts was also determined by a plate assay. The distilled water extract, petroleum ether extract, methanolic extract, ethyl acetate extract and sequential distilled water leaf extracts of all the plants showed potential activity against C. albicans ATCC 90028. The study ascertains the value of Apocynaceae plants, which could be of considerable interest to the development of new safer antifungals.

Exploring a natural MDR reversal agent：potential of medicinal food supplement Nerium oleander leaf distillate

Objective: To investigate the molecular effects of Nerium oleander leaf distillate on paclitaxel and vincristine resistant (MCF-7/Pac and MCF-7/Vinc) cells and sensitive (MCF-7/S) cell lines. Methods: Nerium oleander (N. oleander) leaf extract was obtained by hydrodistillation method.The toxicological effects of N. oleander distillate, previously suggested as medicinal food supplement, on drug resistant cells were evaluated by XTT tests. MDR modulation potential of the plant material was evaluated by flow cytometry and fluorescent microscopy. Paclitaxel and vincristine were applied to the sublines in combination with N. oleander distillate. Results:Fractional inhibitory indices show that N. oleander distillate did not increase the antiproliferative effects of anticancer drugs. N. oleander treatment in to MCF-7/Pac and MCF-7/Vinc did not inhibit P-gp activity and MDR1 gene expression level. Conclusions: As a result it may be suggested that although N. oleander distillate has some medicinal effects as food supplement it may not be suitable as an MDR modulator for drug resistant breast cancer cells.

Non-fatal oleander poisoning: A case report.

In rural India, traditional methods are often employed for treatment of ailments and also for getting rid of unwanted pregnancy. Nerium oleander (common oleander) is one such plant, the leaves and roots of which are used in Indian traditional medicine and the root is often used by rural folk as abortifacient. In this paper, the case of a 20-year old girl who had developed signs and symptoms of oleander poisoning as a result of consumption of a drink prepared by boiling the root of oleander is presented. Even though oleander poisoning has been reported to be a common occurrence in many parts of India, it is a rare occurrence in the State of Manipur.

Curiosity almost killed the cat: A case of accidental yellow oleander poisoning in school children.

Seven schoolchildren (9–12 years) accidentally ingested the seeds of yellow oleander (Cerbera thevetia or Thevetia neriifolia) while playing outdoors. Yellow oleander is an evergreen ornamental shrub that grows wild in most parts of India. The whole plant, including its sap, is toxic, containing several cardiac glycosides. All parts of the plant are dangerous, especially the seeds. After repeated vomiting by one child, all seven children were taken to hospital by their schoolteacher. On admission most of the victims appeared normal, though a few were drowsy or irritable. A few hours later, some of them developed hypotension, for which they were successfully treated and discharged after 18 hours. All children were followed up periodically over the next week, but did not display evidence of any sequelae or complications.