Evaluation of standardisation parameters, pharmacognostic study, preliminary phytochemical screening and in vitro antidiabetic activity of Coccinia indica fruits as per WHO guidelines.

Coccinia indica an annual creeper is available all over India and well known for its antidiabetic property. In the present investigation, aqueous extract, and ethanolic extract of the fruits were made using hot extraction procedure using soxhlet apparatus, decoction and maceration. The qualitative phyto-chemical screening procedure was performed on each extract. Phyto-chemical study reveals that carbohydrates, tannins, phenols, alkaloids, saponins was present in both the extracts. An attempt has been made to highlight this folk herbal medicine through present study which will assist in the identification of fresh as well as dried crude samples of fruits anatomically and physiochemically. TLC finger printing and fluorescence analysis of powdered fruits has been conducted and reported .The antidiabetic activity is conducted by enzyme inhibition (α-glycosidase) in invitro method on each extract and ethanolic extract showed significant inhibition.

An effective integrated learning programme in the first year of the medical course.

BACKGROUND: An integrated approach to teaching medical subjects is an effective educational strategy. Yet, this has not become popular in medical colleges in India. We describe an integrated learning programme to teach the gastrointestinal system in the first year of the medical course. METHODS: The integrated learning programme was conducted for 3 years (2003-2005). It incorporated elements of problem-based learning, early clinical exposure, lectures and small group laboratory work. Student assessment was formative (for problem-based learning sessions) and summative (using problem-based learning and knowledge tests). Evaluation of the programme was based on feedback from the students and faculty members. RESULTS: Ninety-six per cent of the students obtained more than 60% marks in the problem-based learning test. The mean (SD) score in the knowledge test was 62 (0.89)%. The majority of students received satisfactory and more than satisfactory grades for their performance in the problem-based learning sessions. The feedback from faculty members and students was positive, which highlighted benefits such as integrated learning of the basic sciences, their application to clinical cases and active student learning. The challenges encountered included the higher input required from faculty members. Most of the faculty members and students recommended that the integrated programme should be continued and extended to other parts of the curriculum. CONCLUSION: An integrated learning programme is feasible within a conventional medical curriculum of an Indian medical college.

Plasma fibrinogen--an independent risk factor for ischaemic heart disease.

Although several risk factors have been identified for ischaemic heart disease, yet their predictive value on an individual basis remains rather low. Hence there is a need to identify other variables that can be associated with ischaemic heart disease. Fibrinogen level has been associated as an independent risk factor in studies undertaken in the west. This study was done to find out whether fibrinogen level is a risk factor in Indian populations. Out of 131 consecutive male subjects undergoing coronary angiogram over a four-month period, 98 were found to have ischaemic heart disease based on angiogram. Fibrinogen levels (estimated using the Clauss method) were higher in patients with ischaemic heart disease when compared with controls (374 +/- 11.9 vs 268 +/- 14.9 p < 0.0001). In the multivariate analysis it was found that fibrinogen levels more than 300 mg percent had an odds ratio of 4.4 for ischaemic heart disease (confidence interval of 2.4 to 19). The only other variable associated with ischaemic heart disease other than fibrinogen, was low level of HDL. The fibrinogen levels were higher in patients with triple-vessel disease when compared with single or two-vessel disease. Our results are in agreement with the findings in the west that fibrinogen levels are a risk factor for ischaemic heart disease. This factor needs to be addressed seriously and steps taken to lower the fibrinogen level in clinical practice.