Pharmaceutico-Analytical Study of Vishatinduka Taila

Vishatinduka Tailam is mentioned in context of Vataroga nidhanalakshana chikitshaadhyana of Basavarajiyam text for the treatment of Sarvangasandhiasthigatavata, Amlavata, Sula, Anulomanavayu, Sthambha, Dhanurvata, Kaphajavikaras, severe painful condition of the body, etc., It is prepared with ingredients like Vishatinduka, Jambira, Aranala, Tilataila and Erandataila. It is an attempt made to validate the pharmaceutical and analytical parameters of Vishatinduka taila. Three batches of Vishatindukataila were prepared. Pharmaceutical study of batches and its standardization was done. It took five days for preparation of each batch due to presence of Aranala. Intermittent cooling was done. At the end of Taila preparation, mustard brown coloured oil was obtained and strong odour present. All Sneha siddhi lakhanas were observed and the loss was approximately 10% in all the three batches of Taila. To establish standards of Vishatinduka Taila, physicochemical and chromatographical methods were performed. The results found are acid value 12.344mg/KOH/g, peroxide value 5Meq/kg, Density 0.932g/cm3, Specific gravity 0.932, pH 4.5+/_0.3, Loss on drying 0%, Refractive index 73.5+/_0.2% brix, saponification value 112.22mg KOH/1g and Total fatty matter 95.4%. Physicochemical test was done in first and second month also results obtained. In HPTLC evaluation variable number of spots are visualized. It showed the presence of four phytoconstituents.

Toothbrush injury in an adult.

Tooth brushing is an oral hygiene measure. Keeping the toothbrush in the mouth and doing other works with both arms may lead to injury of the oral tissues. We hereby report a case of severe injury to the oral mucosal tissues caused by the toothbrush, which was treated surgically.

Voices of people who have received ECT.

Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is controversial but widely practised in India. We elicited perspectives, using qualitative interviews, from patients who received ECT and their relatives. Ethical issues related to personal autonomy, right to information, competence, informed consent and consent by proxy are discussed. We suggest strategies to ensure a basic minimum standard for obtaining informed consent for ECT in India.

Perceptions about suicide: a qualitative study from southern India.

BACKGROUND: Studies from India have reported high rates of suicide. We aimed to understand the social and cultural factors that modulate the risks related to suicide. METHODS: Focus group discussions were conducted with community health workers (1 group) and members of the public (6 groups). In-depth interviews were also conducted with 5 people who had attempted suicide and survived. The interviews were tape-recorded and transcribed verbatim. The results were summarized and analysed using standard procedures. RESULTS: The most common causes for suicide were interpersonal and family problems, and financial difficulties. Mental illness was also reported as causal. All 5 subjects who had attempted suicide mentioned marital and family discord as the cause. The majority of the general population and all the subjects who had attempted suicide were not aware of any community and support services for the prevention of suicide. CONCLUSION: Our study reveals that people perceived suicide as an option to overcome interpersonal, family and financial stress among normal individuals as well as those with mental illness. Healthcare providers should place greater emphasis on educating the general public regarding the policies and services available for suicide prevention.