Résumé
The study was aimed at evaluating various biological actions of widely consumed Areca catechu nut. The nut's ethanolic extract exhibited cytotoxicity [lung cancer cell line], embryotoxicity [chick embryo], phytotoxicity [Lemna minor], insecticidal [Rhyzopertha dominica], anti-bacterial [Pseudomonas aeruginosa], anti-fungal [Microsporum canis] and mitogenic [human blood lymphocytes] actions. The standardization results revealed presence of 1.7 microg arecoline per mg of extract. In conclusion, the Areca nut is endowed with both harmful and beneficial biological actions. Keeping in view its wide consumption and ease of availability, the aforesaid information should be channelized for health and agricultural benefits
Résumé
Background: Fast food consumption is detrimental to the physical health of human. A daily high intake of fast food alters lipid profile results in obesity which leads to development of multiple health hazards including hormone imbalances. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of fast food consumption on the lipid profile, gonadotropins and prolactin levels
Method: This study was a pilot study on fast food consumer [n=35] and non-consumer [n=15] ladies in age range of 18 to 25 years. A self-structured food frequency questionnaire was used to assess the fast food consumption. Fasting serum cholesterol, High Density Lipids [HDL], Low Density Lipids [LDL], and Triglyceride [TG] levels were estimated through Randox kit method. Serum Leutinizing Hormone [LH], Follicular Stimulating Hormone [FSH], and Prolactin were estimated using solid phase chemiluminescent enzyme immunoassay
Results: Significant differences were observed in LDL [p<0.05] among consumers and non-consumers. Significant differences were also found in LH level [p<0.05]
Conclusion: Fast food altered HDL/LDL ratio which may alter the LH/FSH ratio. Further work is needed to determine the role of fast food consumption and hormone imbalance