Hepatoprotective Effects of Ageratum conyzoides L. on Biochemical Indices Induced by Acetaminophen Toxicity in Wistar rats.

Ageratum conyzoides L. (Compositae) has been used in various parts of the world for the treatment of various diseases based on their age-old use in folklore system. Present study was aimed to investigate the hepatoprotective activity of acetone and n-hexane extracts of Ageratum conyzoides in wistar rats following acetaminophen (APAP) induced hepatotoxicity. Single high dose exposure of APAP significantly (p<0.05) increased in ALT, AST, and GGT activity and levels of BUN, CR, unconjugated bilirubin and A/G ratio, whereas activity of LDH-P, total protein, albumin, globulin and conjugated bilirubin were significantly (p<0.05) reduced as compared to control. Pre-exposure with acetone and n-hexane extracts of A. conyzoides restore the values of ALT, GGT, LDH-P, albumin, unconjugated and conjugated bilirubin as compared to control whereas the AST, globulin, A/G ratio, BUN and CR levels are not restored by administration of plant extracts. It is evident from observations that acetone and n-hexane extracts of A. conyzoides was able to restore the levels of SGPT, SGOT, LDH and bilirubin as an indication of the stabilization of plasma membrane as well as repair of hepatic tissue damages caused by APAP.

Electroantennogram responses of the potato tuber moth, Phthorimaea operculella (Lepidoptera; Gelichiidae)to plant volatiles.

Electroantennograms (EAGs)were recorded from males and females of the potato tuber moth,Phthorimaea operculella in response to a broad range of plant volatile compounds belonging to diverse chemical classes.The responses to 27 compounds were evaluated,which indicated significant differences in EAGs between chemicals as well as between sexes.The fatty acid derivatives comprising essentially green leaf volatile components elicited significantly greater responses in females.The response profile of males was,in general,lower than that of females.EAG responses to the oxygenated and hydrocarbon monoterpenes were lower in both males and females.Dose -response studies indicate differences in response between the sexes and concentrations,suggesting the existence of sexual dimorphism. Compounds belonging to the fatty acid derivatives class appear to be important for an oligophagous pest such as the potato tuber moth and the findings are discussed in relation to host plant selection in this species.

Developmental inhibition and reproductive potential impairment in Musca domestica L. by heavy metals.

Post embryonic development and adult emergence of housefly, M. domestica L. was adversely affected in varying degrees on exposure of larvae to 6 different heavy metals. Of these, salts of mercury, aluminium and cadmium exhibited significant reduction in normal adult emergence. High decline in reproductive potential in terms of female fecundity and egg hatchability was also observed in the F1 progenies of treated larvae. The results are discussed in light of heavy pollution of environment by such contaminants.

Prevalence of tuberculosis in Kishtwar Tehsil of Jammu region in Jammu and Kashmir State.

A study of prevalence of tuberculosis in Kishtwar tehsil of Jammu region was conducted from June 1991 to May 1992. A total of one thousand two hundred ninety-eight rural as well as urban population suffering from various types of lung diseases was studied for prevalence of tuberculosis and a sizeable number (98) of patients were found to be positive of various types of tuberculosis, viz, pulmonary tuberculosis, tuberculous pleural effusion and miliary tuberculosis. Of the population studied 7.55% were found to be positive for tuberculosis and among them 88.76% patients were anaemic and the commonest type of anaemia was normocytic normochromic and normocytic hypochromic. The ESR was raised in almost of all the patients. Of the population, 80.61% were seen to be positive on skiagram chest and 58.16% were found to be positive on other diagnostic tests like Mantoux's tests, sputum for acid-fast bacilli, etc. Mantoux's test was positive in 27.55% cases and sputum was positive in 30.61% cases. All the cases studied were subjected to special investigations. The changes in parameters are consistent with the diagnosis of tuberculosis. Large family size, poverty, excessive smoking, illiteracy, etc, are the major contributing factors.

Studies on psychomotor performance in healthy volunteers after diazepam, propranolol and alcohol given alone or in combination.

The effects of diazepam, propranolol or alcohol alone or in combination with each other were examined in ten normal healthy volunteers on tests of psychomotor function. Results showed impaired psychomotor performance persisting upto 4-5 h when the aforementioned agents given singly were tested on simple reaction time (SRT), multiple choice reaction time (MCRT) and critical flicker fusion frequency (CFFF) tasks. Digit cancellation task (DCT) was similarly affected by diazepam and alcohol only. No summation of adverse effects on psychomotor performance was noted when a combination of diazepam and alcohol, diazepam-propranol or alcohol plus propranolol were tested on SRT and MCRT. An additive impairment of CFFF was observed with alcohol - propranolol combination only. No summation of pharmacodynamic effects on DCT were noted when different combinations were used.

Pattern of injuries in a hydro-electric project.

A study of work-related injuries at a hydro-electric project site (May 1991-April 1992) was undertaken to determine the incidence and pattern of the injuries out of a total number of 119 injuries in the year. A significant proportion of these were orthopaedic in nature and the commonest site of injury was limbs (both upper and lower limbs) like auto-amputations and head injuries. A large proportion of these accidents (24.37%) resulted in permanent disability likely to interfere in the normal activities or locomotion of those injured.

Effect of macrocomponents of food on the pharmacokinetics of a long acting preparation of anhydrous theophylline.

In a single dose crossover study, the effect of macrocomponents of food on the pharmacokinetics of a long acting preparation of anhydrous theophylline was investigated. Compared to fasting subjects, carbohydrate and fat rich diet caused an enhancement of absorption half life and a lower Cmax with a delayed tmax and elimination of the bronchodilator. Protein coadministration decreased AUCO-OC of the drug without significantly altering its absorption or elimination kinetics.

The effect of aspirin, paracetamol and analgin on pharmacokinetics of chloroquine.

The effect of Aspirin, paracetamol and analgin on the kinetic profile of a single oral dose of chloroquine was studied in 8 healthy subjects. Aspirin did not alter the kinetic parameters of chloroquine whereas paracetamol and analgin significantly enhanced the Cmax and AUC0-alpha of chloroquine (P < 0.01, < 0.05 respectively).

Pharmacokinetics of sustained release and conventional tablets of theophylline plus hydroxyethyltheophylline and its comparison with tablet aminophylline.

Pharmacokinetics of a sustained release (SR) and conventional formulations of theophylline plus hydroxyethyltheophylline was compared with tablet aminophylline. Time concentration curve of serum theophylline with the three formulations after single and multiple dosage schedules revealed significantly retarded absorption with the SR preparation. SR tablet was also seen to produce uniform steady state levels with fluctuation of serum concentrations within the therapeutic range for a duration of over 12 hours. In comparison, aminophylline and conventional theophylline hydroxyethyltheophylline tablets produced sharp swings in steady state levels with trough levels dipping to subtherapeutic concentrations within 4-6 hours. SR formulation, therefore, is likely provide consistent serum levels and better therapeutic control in comparison to the other two conventional tablets.

Pharmacokinetics of valproic acid after administration of three oral formulations in healthy adults.

The pharmacokinetics and bioavailability of valproic acid was compared in six healthy volunteers after single dose oral administration of 400 mg of the drug in tablet, capsule and syrup form in a crossover manner. Blood samples were collected for 48 hours and valproic acid concentration analysed by enzymatic immunoassay. Following the administration of the three dosage forms, the absorption varied (Ka = Syrup K 2.64 +/- 0.5; tablet 1.57 +/- 0.22; and capsule 0.55 +/- 0.55 h-1). Valproic acid concentration reached a peak level of 102.3 micrograms.ml at 1.9 h after syrup administration, 73 micrograms/ml at 3.3 h after tablet and 44.8 micrograms/ml at 5.4 h after capsule. The bioavailability of tablet and syrup formulation was not significantly different from each other but it differed from capsule form in that the bioavailability was only 52%.

Studies on morphine analgesia.

Several agents with specific action on biologically active substances in brain were investigated for their influence on morphine analgesia. It was observed that imipramine, chlorpheniramine, and haloperidol antagonized morphine analgesia. The probable mechanism of action has been discussed.