Screening of various leaf extracts of Chromolaena odorata L. for biochemical constituents and antimicrobial sensitivity.

Background: Ethanolic, aqueous, petroleum ether and ethyl acetate extracts of leaves of Chromolaena odorata were studied for their antimicrobial activity. Twelve bacterial species, including six Gram-positive and six Gram-negative bacteria viz. Vibrio cholerae, Shigella sonnei, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Salmonella paratyphi A, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Enterococcus faecalis, Staphylococcus citreus, methicillin-resistant S. aureus, nonpathogenic Mycobacterium gordonae and Mycobacterium fortuitum along with fungi Candida albicans and Aspergillus niger were studied. Methods: This study involved antibiotic sensitivity testing of extracts against a wide spectrum of micro-organisms, to determine the antimicrobial activity of the plant. Results: Initial phytochemical testing unveiled the chemical constituents of C. odorata as saponins, flavonoids, tannins, steroids and proteins. The zone of inhibition for the respective extracts was compared with the zone of the standard antibiotic and was found to be quite effective. Conclusions: The ethanolic extract of C. odorata exhibited significant antimicrobial activity. The plant extracts could be used to treat resistant form of prevailing infections. Successful antimicrobial drugs can be developed out of these extracts if specific compounds are isolated and purified.

Ambiversive nature of Indian population in disease management: what is the need of the hour.

Allopathic and ayurvedic medicines have been used since ages, and both have their advantages and disadvantages. Not a single allopathic drug manufactured until date is free from side effects. Then why is allopathic medicine still preferred? Mainly because everyone of us need quick relief and/or fast action. In the case of HIV, cancer, stroke, myocardial infarction, medical emergency and/or casualty cases ayurvedic medicines are either unavailable or can’t be used.

Thalidomide induced xerosis: an unwanted reaction.

A 59-year-old male exhibited anemia for evaluation. Endoscopy was diagnostic of gastric antral vascular ectasia. He was given a trial of thalidomide after informing about the adverse effects. After starting thalidomide at 100 mg/day, his hemoglobin (Hb) improved. Post 1 month of therapy his Hb normalized, but he developed xerosis. He was given symptomatic treatment, but did not improve. Thalidomide was suspected to cause xerosis, it was discontinued for a month and post-discontinuation of drug he is symptom free for past 8 months. This paper reports a rare case of thalidomide induced xerosis with dermatological and neurological involvement.