Clinical study on the efficacy of amoebex [coded herbal drug] compared with metronidazole for the treatment of amoebic dysentery

Amoebiasisis an infectious disease, which originated with the single-celled parasitic protozoan Entamoeba histolytica. The parasitic amoeba infects the liver and intestine and may cause mild diarrhea and serious dysentery with bloody and mucoid stool. A study was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of Amoebex [400mg], a herbal formulation for the treatment of amoebiasis infections as compared to that of Metronidazole [400mg]. The therapeutic evaluations of these medicines were carried out on 184 clinically diagnosed cases of the amoebiasis infection. Sample sizes of Ameobex for this study included a total of 93 patients and for Metronidazole a total of 91 were registered and treated. Comparison of the data recorded for the participants relating to sign and symptoms variables showed significant differences of efficacy between test and control groups [p<0.0357] and no side effects were at all recorded in test group. According to observation, there was a difference in the overall clinical success of both treatment groups, however, the efficacy of the test treated medication [Amoebex] was superior to that of Metronidazole as [p<0.03], and on the basis of the statistical analysis done by the chi square test, the null hypothesis was rejected. `It is clearly evident that Amoebex possesses therapeutic value for the treatment of amoebiasis associated symptoms but also the eradication rate of amoebiasis is superior by Amoebex as compared to that of Metronidazole [Control drug]

Antiurolithiatic plants: formulations used in different countries and cultures

About 12% of world population is affected by different forms of urolithiasis in which the recurrence rate in female is 47-60% and in male is 70-80%. According to WHO 75% people rely on traditional medicines for the prevention and cure of different ailments. Similarly, the majority of the world population use a number of plants to treat problems related to the urinary tract system in which urolithiasis is the major cause. The aim of the review is to collect the data of the plants used in different parts and cultures of the world against urolithiasis with their parts, mode of preparation, dosage and administration. A literature review was conducted for traditionally used antiurolithiatic plants. The articles mentioning plant, parts, mode of preparation, dose and route of administration were selected. This information was extracted to compose Mono and Poly herbal antiurolithiatic formulations used in Appalachia [region in Eastern United States], Canada, India, Iran, Israel, Italy, Jordan, Latin America, Pakistan, Turkey and Yemen. The review provides an important data about plants used as antiurolithiatic in different parts of the world. The information not only useful for common people, but also for the scientific community to carry out further phytochemical, pharmacological and toxicological studies for the discovery of new, effective and safer molecules against urolithiasis

Evaluation of antipyretic activity of some medicinal plants from Cholistan desert Pakistan

Traditional herbal healers "Hakims" use various plants of the Cholistan desert, Pakistan for treating a number of infectious and non-infectious diseases. However, there has never been a scientific validation of these plant-based therapeutics. We compared the antipyretic effect of Echinops echinatus, Alhagi maurorum, Fagonia cretica, Cymbopogon jwarancusa and Panicum turgidum in animal model. These plants were used to reduce E.coli lysate induced pyrexia in rabbits. There were five groups of rabbits having five rabbits in each group. Among these five groups, three received various doses of experimental treatment, paracetamol was given to fourth group known as positive control. The fifth group of animals served as negative control and received no treatment. Ethanol extracts of Fagonia cretica [500mg/kg], Panicum turgidum [500mg/kg and 750mg/kg], Alhagi maurorum [500 and 750mg/kg], Cymbopogon jwarancusa [250mg/kg] and Echinops echinatus [750mg/kg] showed significant antipyretic effects when compared with controls and experimental counterparts. These results revealed that ethanol extracts of the plants evaluated in this study have dose dependent antipyretic activity. Further detailed screening of these plant species is recommended

Kohl [SURMA]: retrospect and prospect

Kohl, since antiquity has always been given a prime importance in ophthalmology for the protection and treatment of various eye ailments. However, for decades various conflicting reports in the literature have been published relating to Kohl application to eyes being responsible for causing higher blood lead concentration, which may cause lead poisoning. While at the same time, a number of research studies and reports have also been published negating any such links with increased blood lead level upon Kohl [surma] application. In view of the above mentioned facts, this review article is written with the objective to highlight various data from past and present research studies and reports about Kohl, so as to provide valuable information to both the users and the research workers about it-s scientific background and effects when applied into eyes. A large number of items and topics [such as Kohl, surma, eye cosmetic, traditional eye preparations, environmental lead pollution, galena, lead sulphide etc.] have been taken into consideration while compiling this review article. In conclusion, the authors of this review article feel that the relation between Kohl and toxicity or increased blood lead concentration upon it-s application to eyes as reported elsewhere is likely to be more of theoretical nature rather than a practical health hazard