Studies on antihyperlipidemic and endothelium modulatory activities of polyherbal formulation [POL[4]] and its ingredients in high fat dietfed rats

A compound herbal formulation [POL[4]] is used traditionally in interior parts [Distt. Badin] of Sindh, Pakistan, for the treatment of metabolic disorders like diabetes and hyperlipidemia. This study is aimed to determine the effectiveness of POL[4] and its ingredients in hyperlipidemia and associated endothelial dysfunction and hypertension. POL[4] is composed of equal proportion of Nigella sativa, Cichorium intybus, Trigonella foenum graecum and Gymnema sylvestre mixed in powdered form. Chronic [6 to 7 weeks] administration of POL[4] and its ingredients mixed in diet caused a notable attenuation in total cholesterol, low density lipoprotein cholesterol, triglycerides, atherogenic index, Creactive protein and glucose, while it has increased high density lipoprotein levels. POL[4] intervention markedly [p<0.01] reduced systolic blood pressure in rats to 127+/-1.92 vs. 145.4+/-1.07 mm of Hg using tail-cuff method and significantly [p<0.05] improved endothelium-dependent relaxation [75+/-2.88 vs. 82.75+/-1.22%] to acetylcholine in isolated aortae of rats in treatment groups using force transducer and PowerLab system. Similar activities were assessed on the part of ingredients of POL[4]. These findings indicate that POL[4] and its ingredients possess antihyperlipidemic, endotheliumdependent modulatory and antihypertensive activities, thus providing an evidence to the vernacular use of POL[4] in hyperlipidemia and hypertension

Identification of antiplatelet and acetylcholinesterase inhibitory constituents in betel nut / 中西医结合学报

Objective: To investigate the possible mechanism and the compound(s) responsible for the antiplatelet and acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitory effects of Areca catechu crude extract (Ac.Cr). Methods: Aqueous-methanol (70%) was used for extraction of plant material (betel nut). Antiplatelet activity was measured in human platelet-rich plasma by using a Lumi-aggregometer while anti-AChE activity was measured spectrophotometrically in vitro. In an attempt to find the responsible compound(s) in betel nut for antiplatelet and anti-AChE activities, different commercially available betel nut compounds were tested. Results: Ac.Cr inhibited platelet aggregation induced by arachidonic acid (AA), adenosine diphosphate (ADP), platelet-activating factor (PAF), epinephrine and Ca(2+)-ionophore. Ac.Cr was the most potent in inhibiting ADP- and Ca(2+)-ionophore-induced aggregation. In the AChE assay, Ac.Cr showed significant AChE inhibitory activity with almost complete inhibition of the enzyme. Out of the tested compounds, none of the compounds in betel nut showed any antiplatelet effect except for catechin that was the most potent against epinephrine-induced aggregation. Catechin was significantly less potent than Ac.Cr, indicating a presence of additional compound(s) with antiplatelet activity. For the AChE inhibitory effect, only tannic acid, gallic acid, diosgenin and isoguvacine were found to be active, whereby tannic acid was more potent than Ac.Cr. Conclusion: This study shows the possible antiplatelet and AChE inhibitory potential of betel nut while further studies are needed to confirm and identify more compounds in betel nut for these actions.

Superficial parotidectomy: Audit of 16 cases over 2 years

Sixteen patient underwent superficial parotidectomy at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, Lahore in Surgical Unit-II from January 1999 to December 2000. Male to female ratio was 1:1.66 while mean age was 34 years. On histopathology oncocytoma was 6.25 percent cases, Warthins tumours 6.25 percent, pleomorphic adenoma was 68.75 percent cases, mucoepidermoid carcinoma was 6.25 percent cases and adenocarcinoma was 12.5 percent. Preoperative facial nerve palsy was present in 12.5 percent of patient. Postoperatively facial nerve transient weakness was seen in 12.5 percent of the cases while permanent loss occurred in 18.75 percent cases. The cases of permanent loss were those of malignant disease. Good light, use of x2.5 loop, nerve stimulator, identification of facial nerve by anatomic parameters, good haemostasis and less traction are parameters to save the facial nerve from damage. The histopathological results of FNAC and postoperative tissue biopsy were identical pointing out towards the usefulness of preoperative FNAC in parotid tumours. Availability of intraoperative monitoring facilities for facial nerve can further improve results