histological study of parotid gland malformation in fetuses with maternal treatment with Panax ginseng

The current study was conducted to evaluate the efficacy and safety of Panax Ginseng on the development of salivary [parotid] glands in mice. It is generally believed that natural' herbal medicines including Ginseng are better and safer than conventional medicine and can be used safely during pregnancy even during the organ genic period. However, it was found that maternal treatment with Panax Ginseng negatively affected the development of parotid gland in fetuses with a reduction in number of acini and increase in mesenchymal connective tissue which failed to differentiate into parenchyma of the acini. There was also an increased erythrocytic infiltration in the glandular tissue; the changes encountered in the treated groups were dose dependent, with severe malformations apparent in high dose treated group

Diagnosis of temporomandibular disorders based on research diagnostic criteria

The Research diagnostic criteria for Temporomandibular Disorders [RDC/TMD] is a tool used by International RDC/TMD Consortium [A Designated Network of the International Association for Dental Research], to diagnose and categorize TMD patients. The aim of the present study was to investigate the frequency of TMD in undergraduate dental and medical students based on RDC/TMD; and its relation with depression and somatization. 37 male and 48 female dental and medical students from FMH College of Medicine and Dentistry, Lahore, Pakistan were evaluated. A clinical physical diagnosis [Axis I] and pain related disability and psychological status [Axis II] were assessed using a questionnaire and clinical examination on RDC/TMD protocol. Seventeen students diagnosed with TMD showed significantly higher incidence in females [p=0.003]. Maximum number of TMD was in internal derangement group, followed by pathosis and muscle disorder groups. Significantly higher TMD incidence was noted in; participants [p = 0.00, Likelihood ratio = 10.80] with Axis II than those without Axis II. Significant TMD participants showed somatization than those without TMD [p = 0.000, Likelihood ratio = 12.04]. A comparatively lower incidence of TMD in young adults, with much higher prevalence in females was found. Disc displacement was the commonest Axis I diagnosis. TMD patients showed greater RDC/TMD Axis II

Panax ginseng, its effects on development of hair follicles - an experimental study

Abstract: The use of herbal in developed and developing countries is rapidly increasing; oil presumption that they are better and safer than conventional medicines. It is now being reported that herbal medicines have far revenging effects on body systems especially in the developmental processes. The current study was conducted to evaluate the effect of Panax ginseng on developing hair of albino mice

Materials and methods: Thirty mice, 6-8 weeks old were housed together for mating and pregnancy was confirmed by vaginal plug. The fetuses were dissected oil 19[th] day and the animals were delivered, microscopic slides of the hair follicles of the fetuses were prepared and examined under light microscope

Results and conclusion: The pregnant dams were treated with Panax ginseng and the litter obtained showed an increase in the number of hair follicles. Histological sections showed signs of hemorrhages and tissue degeneration. Although, embryo-toxicity in animal experimental model may not reflect the situations in humans, further investigation and monitoring of the adverse effects of the Panax ginseng during pregnancy is warranted in humans