new model of master of philosophy in physiological sciences

The objectives of Master of Philosophy [MPhil] in Physiological Sciences are: 1] to describe the new ways in which anatomy, biochemistry and physiology on one hand, and microbiology, pathology and pharmacology on other hand meet their functional requirements through multidisciplinary integrated concepts; 2] to elucidate relationships between cell biology, molecular biology and molecular genetics by connecting dots of how cell functions are driven by molecules and being controlled by genes. This forms the basis of cell, molecular and genetics [CMG] module upon which 7 multidisciplinary modules of Physiological Sciences follow; 3] these 24 credit hours provide the physiological basis for PhD studies as well as faculty development to enhance learning abilities of medical student; 4] the modules constitute Cardio- Respiratory Physiological Sciences, GI and Renal Physiological Sciences, Neurosciences, Endo-Reproductive Physiological Sciences.; 5] it has integrated microbiology, pathology and pharmacology in a unique way through CMG of microbes leading to associated pathology and mechanisms of prescribed drugs; 6] it has additional synopsis and thesis friendly course work leading to comprehensive examinations; 7] the year two deals with research work of 6 credit hours leading to defense of thesis; 8] The MPhil in Physiological Sciences is fundamentally different from what is being offered elsewhere. It prepares and offers a good spring board to dovetail PhD studies as well as faculty and institutional development. This is the first study that deals with innovative programmes in research, learning and education in the field of physiological sciences. This broad-based MPhil would make its recipients competent, critical, confident and productive learner. This is a completely unique design of a curriculum that has no comparable examples elsewhere. Our mission is to educate graduate students in the field of Physiological Sciences such that they have a complete grasp over the broad-based integrated concepts of basic health sciences. Upon completion of their education, the students will be able to use the duality of imagination and skepticism. Hence, the students will contribute to their fields by unfolding their creative energy

Physico-chemical standardization of Tukhm-e-qurtum [Carthamus tinctorius Linn]

Carthamus tinctorius, Linn. [Qurtum] of the family Compositae, is an annual plant which grows in tropical and sub-tropical parts of India. The seeds of the taxon are extensively used in Unani system of medicine as anti-inflammatory, antiasthmatic, aphrodisiac, blood purifier, carminative, diuretic, emmenagogue, expectorant, hepatoprotective, lithotryptic, liver tonic, purgative, sex stimulant, spermatogenic and tonic. In view of the medicinal value of this plant as described in Unani literature, the present study has been designed to set the physico-chemical standards of the seeds of Carthamus tinctorius, Linn. evolving some important parameters such as extractive value in different solvents, alcohol and water soluble contents, moisture contents, total ash value, water soluble ash value, acid insoluble ash value, bulk density, pH, chemical reactions, fluorescence analysis and thin layer chromatography. These parameters shall be valuable in quality control and identification of the drug

Ibn Sina The Prince of Physicians

Abu Ali al-Husain Ibn Abdullah Ibn Sina who has been called the 'Prince of Physicians', is known as Avicenna in the West. He was born in the village Afshana near Khorasan in Iran in August, 980 A.D. [Safar 370 H] and brought as a child to Bukhara where he received his earliest education under the direction of his father who was a high official. With an exceptional memory he had memorized the Qur'an and much Arabic poetry by the age of 10 years. Thereafter, he studied logic and metaphysics under teachers whom he soon outgrew and then spent the few years until he reached the age of 18 years in his own self education. He read avidly and mastered Islamic law, then medicine and finally metaphysics. He became court physician at the age of 18 years. He is supposed to have written 105 works upon a great variety of subjects in Arabic and Persian. The collection of his original observations intended as an appendix to the theoretical works, was unfortunately lost even before publication. He particularly contributed in the field of Aristotelian philosophy and medicine. He composed the Kitab ash-Shifa [Book of Healing], a vast philosophical and scientific encyclopedia, and Al-Qanoon Fi al-Tibb [The Canon of Medicine] which is among the most famous books in the history of medicine in both East and West. It was a compilation of his experiences in the practice of medicine and a compendium of all that was known about medicine at that time. It became the medical authority for several centuries and used at many medical schools as late as 1650 and reputedly is still used in the East. There is a need to evaluate the works done by Ibn Sina for further development of Unani medicine. Therefore, present paper is aimed at discussing the life of Ibn Sina and his contribution to medicine and related fields. The details are discussed in full length paper.

Physico-chemical standardization of seeds of kaknaj [Physalis alkekengi Linn]

Physalis alkekengi Linn. [Kaknaj] of the family Solanaceae, is a diffuse perennial herb about 80 cm [32 inches] in height. The fruits are reddish or orange red in colour, fully covered in a thin sheath of membrane giving it a shape of urinary bladder and contain large number of flattened reniform seeds of light brown colour. The fruits are extensively used in Unani System of Medicine as anaesthetic, anthelmintic, anti-inflammatory, cicatrizant, contraceptive, diuretic, haemostyptic, hepatoprotective, lithotriptic and nephroprotective. In view of the medicinal value of this plant as described in Unani literature, the present study has been designed to set the physico-chemical standards of the fruits of Physalis alkekengi Linn, evolving some important parameters such as extractive value in different solvents, alcohol and water soluble contents, moisture contents, total ash value, water soluble ash value, acid insoluble ash value, bulk density, pH, chemical reactions, fluorescence analysis and thin layer chromatography. These parameters will prove to be instrumental in quality control and identification of the drug

Pharmacological and phytochemical investigations on moringa oleifera lam

Sahajna [Moringa oleifera Lam.] is a plant drug used in Unani System of Medicine since long. It is useful in the treatment of various diseases like paralysis, epilepsy, rheumatism, gout, pain, hepatitis, asthma, bronchitis, headache, and inflammatory conditions etc. The present paper is aimed to discuss the pharmacology and phytochemistry of the plant

Studies on a non-pharmacopoeial unani drug for its effect on aspirin and ethanol-induced gastric ulcer

A non-pharmacopoeial Unani compound formulation containing 5 ingredients was studied in experimental animals for its effect against aspirin and ethanol-induced gastric ulcer in two separate tests. In the first test, the animals were divided into 3 groups and treated with distilled water [3ml], test drug [3.12g/kg] and ranitidine [50 mg/kg], respectively. After 30 min of treatment, all the animals were administered with aspirin in the dose of 200 mg/kg. Animals were treated in this way daily once for 4 days and sacrificed after 4 hours of last dosing. The stomach was dissected out and the ulcer was observed with the help of magnifying glass and the degree of ulcer was determined. In the second test, the animals were treated in same way as described earlier except that they were treated with distilled water, test drug and ranitidine once only. After one hour of the treatment, they were administered with 1 ml of 80% ethanol. Later on, after 4 hours of ethanol treatment all the animals were sacrificed and observed for ulcer as in previous test. The ulcer index was calculated by dividing the multiplied sum of average degree of ulceration [ADU] with% of rats with ulceration [RU], by 100. The results were compared with plain as well as standard control. The test drug was found to produce significant anti-ulcer effect, as it substantially reduced the level of ulcer index as compared to the control group and it was almost equally effective to that of ranitidine

Experimental study of a non-pharmacopoeal formulation with reference to its chronic anti-inflammatory activity

This study presents the chronic anti-inflammatory effect of a non-pharmacopocal Unani formulation. Both the aqueous and alcoholic extracts were tested for chronic anti-inflammatory activity by cotton pellet implant test. Since, most of the mainstream anti-inflammatory medicines have significant gastric toxicity, therefore the test combination was subjected to the test for ulcerogenic activity. For comparison of anti-inflammatory and ulcerogenic activities the standard drug Piroxicam was used. The LD50 was also performed to find out the safety margin of test drug. The test drug showed significant anti-inflammatory activity against chronic inflammation. The test combination also exhibited gastro-friendly effect and the safety margin was found very very large. Both the extracts have shown significant activity but aqueous extract was found more effective

Pharmacological investigations on cassia occidentalis linn

Cassia occidentalis. Linn, [commonly known as Kasondi], one of the very valuable indigenous drugs of India, is commonly used as a hepatoprotective agent. In Unani System of Medicine it is used to treat liver, skin and respiratory diseases. Recently its antibacterial, antifungal, antiplasmodial, anti-inflammatory, antimutagenic and most importantly antihepatotoxic activities have been reported. The present paper is meant to discuss the drug in detail

Some pharmacological studies on moringa oleifera, root

The shade dried roots of Moringa oleifera were extracted with distilled water. The extract was subjected to pharmacological studies in albino rats. The aqueous extract of Moringa oleifera root was found to possess significant analgesic, anticonvulsam and sedative activity

Analgesic and antipyretic activities of leaf of moringa oleifera Lam

Moringa oleifera Lam., is a common plant found throughout India and its different parts are used for various medicinal purposes by local people. It has also been mentioned briefly in literature of traditional medicine but it has not been investigated scientifically for its pharmacological effects. In the present study, it was investigated for analgesic effect against thermal stimuli using Eddy's hot plate test and Analgesiometer test and for antipyretic effect in DPT induced pyrexia in experimental animals. It was found that M. oleifera leaf produced analgesic effect, which started at 20 minutes and persisted up to 120 minutes. The peak effect was found at 60 minutes. Similarly, it also produced significant antipyretic effect, which started at 30 minutes of drug administration and continued till 150 minutes. It was concluded that M. oleifera leaf possess significant analgesic and antipyretic effect

physico-chemical studies of the leaf and seed of cassia sophera Linn. var. purpurea Roxb

Cassia sophera Linn. var. purpurea Roxb., commonly known as Kasondi is an important drug of Unani Medicine. It has been described to be hepatoprotective and widely used by the physicians of Unani medicine in the treatment of various liver disorders. In this paper studies carried out to determine the macroscopic, microscopic, ash values, extractive values, fluorescence analysis and thin layer chromatographic parameters are reported, which were performed to standardise the leaf and seed of the plant for its purity

physico-chemical study of the leaf and root of Moringa oleifera Lam

Moringa oleifera Lam. has got high reputation in Unani and Ayurvedic Systems of Medicine for its remarkable medicinal properties. The leaves and roots are recognised as valuable drugs and frequently used by many Unani physicians. The pharmacognostical and phytochemical details of root and leaf of Moringa oleifera Lam. are presented in the paper for quality control

Role of saline infusion sonohysterography in diagnosing endometrial polyps

Study carried out in Radiology Department of Jinnah Hospital Lahore on four patients with age ranges from 3546 years revealed that the Saline Infusion Sonohysterography plays an important role in diagnosing endometrial abnormalities especially Endometrial Polyps in women's with complaint of intermenstural bleeding. Saline Infusion Sonohysterography requires minimal patient's preparation, has few complications and is well tolerated by patients. Given its advantages over other techniques for uterine evaluation, Saline Infusion Sonohysterography will play an even larger role in pelvic imaging in future

Physico-chemical standardisation of Unani compound formulation Jawarish Zarooni Sada

Jawarish Zarooni Sada [JZS] is one of the most popular polyherbal Unani preparations, which is extensively used in renal diseases, but such an important drug has not yet been standardized for quality control. An attempt has been made in the present paper to determine various physico-chemical characteristics like extractive values, ash values, moisture contents, water and alcohol soluble contents, bulk density, pH and Rf values. These parameters would be helpful in proper identification as well as checking adulteration of the drug

study of Khar-e-Khasak Khurd [tribulus terrestris linn., fruits] on sexual behaviour

Khar-e-Khasak Khurd [Tribulus terrestris Linn, fruit] is used for treating sexual dysfunctions in the Unani System of Medicine. The effects of aqueous extract of drug were studied on sexual behaviour of male rats. In this study copulatory behaviour, penile erection, licking, grooming of genitals and copulatory movement in absence of female rats were observed. Androgenic and anabolic activities were also assessed by recording the weight of ventral prostate and levator ani muscle. The results show that test drug 500 mg/kg orally produced a significant increase in mounting frequency by 54%, Intromission frequency by 87%, mounting latency by 92%, Intromission latency by 107%, ejaculatory latency by 52% and post-ejaculatory interval by 24%. The drug produced significant increase in penile erection index, weight of prostate and levator ani muscles by 73% and 51.6%. This study supports the use of this drug in treatment of impotence, premature ejaculation and depressed libido

Study of hepatoprotective effect of a non-pharmacopoeial Unani compound drug in patients of viral hepatitis

Elevation of Marker Serum enzymes of liver functiuon and prolongation of prothrombin time are two important indications of liver cell injury and a common manifestation in patients of viral hepatitis. Effect of a non-pharmacopoeial combination of four Unani drugs viz. Solanum nigrum, Cichorium intybus, Cassia occidentalis and Achillea millefolium was investigated on SGOT, SGPT, Alk. Phosphatase, S. Bilirubin and prothrombin time in patients of viral Hepatitis A. Freshly collected juice of the leaves was administered in two divided doses of 25 ml each for 3 weeks and the above mentioned values were estimated weekly. It was found that the test combination produced remarkable hepatoprotective effect by bringing down the enzymes level and prothrombin time significantly, which were found elevated in pretreated patients. Since all the four drugs have been reported to possess many flavonoid compounds which have free radical scavenging property, the antioxidant activity appears to be likely mechanism of hepatoprotective effects

Alport's syndrome, an undiagnosed entity with different modes of inheritance and review of literature

We report here three cases of presumed Alport's Syndrome from different families presenting with mild to moderate renal failure. Two of these were teenage girls, while the third was a teenage boy. We confirmed positive family history in all cases and the mode of inheritance seemed to be Autosomal dominant, X-linked and Autosomal recessive among the three families. Sensori-neural deafness and bilateral anterior lenticonus was found in all of them. Renal biopsy was done in two cases. Histopathological changes on light microscopy were suggestive of Alport's syndrome. Electrone microscopy could not be done due to lack of facilities. Family counseling had a little impact, as apparently health family members declined to undergo screening procedures due to apprehension of having the similar disease. Hemodialysis is well-tolerated and kidney transplantation prolong renal and patient's survival. This paper highlights the fact that the condition is rather under diagnosed in our population and needs to be considered where appropriate

screening of majoon-e-azaraqi for cardiovascular and peripheral activity

Majoon-e-Azaraqi is a compund formulation of Unani drugs and is used as a general and nervine tonic. It consists of fourteen ingredients which are mainly used in arthritis, cardiovascular diseases, gout, paralysis, sciatica and in neuralgia. It is also reported to possess anti-inflammatory and analgesic activity [Khan et al., 1986]. The present study was undertaken to investigate it's cardiovascular effect. The aqueous extract of Majoon-e-Azaraqi in a dose of 10 mg/kg produces a transient fall in anaesthetized cat blood pressure followed by bradycardia. The extract did not alter the carotid occlusion response nor did it affect the responses of any of the agonists viz., acetylcholine, histamine, isoprenaline, adrenaline. It's own response was unaffected by atropine but partially blocked by mepyramine maleate. Contrary to the effect on cat blood pressure the majoon extract produced a transient rise in rat blood pressure which was found to be dose dependent. On Langendorff's heart preparation and perfused frog heart, the drug extract produced a +ve inotropic and -ve chronotropic effect. On Straub's heart preparation the lower doses of extract produced a +ve inotropic effect but at higher doses it produced a -ve inotropic effect. It antagonised histamine induced contraction of guinea pig ileum and acetylcholine induced contraction of frog rectus muscle. The majoon was thus seen to possess cardiotonic activity, contrary vasopressor effects in cat and rat, histaminic activity as well as anticholinergic activity at skeletal muscle