Effect of Agaricus blazei Murill on exploratory behavior of mice-model / Efeito de Agaricus blazei Murill no comportamento exploratório de modelo de camundongo

Abstract Increased anxiety and depressive symptoms have reported to be its association with long term illness. Because of having unwanted effects of newly available drugs, patients administering anxiolytic drugs usually discontinue the treatment before they are completely recovered. Therefore, there is a serious need to develop new anxiolytic drugs. The anxiolytic effect of hydro-alcoholic extract of Agaricus blazei in animal models was assessed. 24 male mice (Mus musculus genus) were included in the study. Four groups were prepared and each group contained six animals. The groups were vehicle control, positive control (diazepam 1.0 mg/kg, i.p.) as well as two treatment groups receiving Agaricus blazei hydro-alcoholic extract at a dose of 136.50 mg/kg and 273.0 mg/kg orally. The Marble burying test, Nestlet shredding test and Light and Dark box test used to assess anxiolytic activity. Mice administered with diazepam 1.0 mg/kg, i.p. while hydro-alcoholic extract of AbM (136.50 and 273.0 mg/kg, respectively) was administered via oral route which exhibited marked reduction in number of marbles-burying as compared to vehicle control group. Mice administered with diazepam 1.0 mg/kg, i.p. and Oral administration of hydro-alcoholic extract of AbM (136.50 and 273.0 mg/kg, respectively) exhibited significant decrease in nestlet shredding in comparison to vehicle control group. The oral administration of hydro-alcoholic extract at a dose of 136.5mg/kg and 273mg/kg showed elevation in time spent in light box and was comparable to standard treated group while time spent by mice following oral administration of hydro-alcoholic extract of Agaricus blazei at a dose of 273.0 mg/kg also showed elevation and was found to be more near to standard treated group (diazepam 1 mg/kg, i.p.).

Resumo O aumento da ansiedade e dos sintomas depressivos têm relatado sua associação com doenças de longa duração. Por causa dos efeitos indesejáveis dos novos medicamentos disponíveis, os pacientes que administram medicamentos ansiolíticos geralmente interrompem o tratamento antes de estarem completamente recuperados. Portanto, há uma necessidade séria de desenvolver novos medicamentos ansiolíticos. Foi avaliado o efeito ansiolítico do extrato hidroalcoólico de Agaricus blazei em modelos animais. Vinte e quatro camundongos machos (gênero Mus musculus) foram incluídos no estudo. Quatro grupos foram preparados, e cada grupo continha seis animais. Os grupos foram controle de veículo, controle positivo (diazepam 1,0 mg/kg, i.p.), bem como dois grupos de tratamento recebendo extrato hidroalcoólico de Agaricus blazei na dose de 136,50 mg/kg e 273,0 mg/kg por via oral. O teste de enterrar Marble, o teste de retalhamento Nestlet e o teste de caixa clara e escura são usados ​​para avaliar a atividade ansiolítica. Camundongos foram administrados com diazepam 1,0 mg/kg, i.p., enquanto o extrato hidroalcoólico de AbM (136,50 e 273,0 mg/kg, respectivamente) foi administrado por via oral, que exibiu redução acentuada no número de mármores enterrados em comparação com o grupo de controle de veículo. Camundongos administrados com diazepam 1,0 mg/kg, i.p. e a administração oral de extrato hidroalcoólico de AbM (136,50 e 273,0 mg/kg, respectivamente) exibiu diminuição significativa na trituração de ninhos em comparação ao grupo de controle de veículo. A administração oral de extrato hidroalcoólico na dose de 136,5mg/kg e 273mg/kg mostrou elevação no tempo gasto na caixa de luz e foi comparável ao grupo tratado padrão, enquanto o tempo gasto por camundongos após a administração oral de extrato hidroalcoólico de Agaricus blazei na dose de 273,0 mg/kg também mostrou elevação e foi mais próximo do grupo tratado padrão (diazepam 1 mg/kg, ip).

Effect of Agaricus blazei Murill on exploratory behavior of mice-model

Abstract Increased anxiety and depressive symptoms have reported to be its association with long term illness. Because of having unwanted effects of newly available drugs, patients administering anxiolytic drugs usually discontinue the treatment before they are completely recovered. Therefore, there is a serious need to develop new anxiolytic drugs. The anxiolytic effect of hydro-alcoholic extract of Agaricus blazei in animal models was assessed. 24 male mice (Mus musculus genus) were included in the study. Four groups were prepared and each group contained six animals. The groups were vehicle control, positive control (diazepam 1.0 mg/kg, i.p.) as well as two treatment groups receiving Agaricus blazei hydro-alcoholic extract at a dose of 136.50 mg/kg and 273.0 mg/kg orally. The Marble burying test, Nestlet shredding test and Light and Dark box test used to assess anxiolytic activity. Mice administered with diazepam 1.0 mg/kg, i.p. while hydro-alcoholic extract of AbM (136.50 and 273.0 mg/kg, respectively) was administered via oral route which exhibited marked reduction in number of marbles-burying as compared to vehicle control group. Mice administered with diazepam 1.0 mg/kg, i.p. and Oral administration of hydro-alcoholic extract of AbM (136.50 and 273.0 mg/kg, respectively) exhibited significant decrease in nestlet shredding in comparison to vehicle control group. The oral administration of hydro-alcoholic extract at a dose of 136.5mg/kg and 273mg/kg showed elevation in time spent in light box and was comparable to standard treated group while time spent by mice following oral administration of hydro-alcoholic extract of Agaricus blazei at a dose of 273.0 mg/kg also showed elevation and was found to be more near to standard treated group (diazepam 1 mg/kg, i.p.).

Resumo O aumento da ansiedade e dos sintomas depressivos têm relatado sua associação com doenças de longa duração. Por causa dos efeitos indesejáveis dos novos medicamentos disponíveis, os pacientes que administram medicamentos ansiolíticos geralmente interrompem o tratamento antes de estarem completamente recuperados. Portanto, há uma necessidade séria de desenvolver novos medicamentos ansiolíticos. Foi avaliado o efeito ansiolítico do extrato hidroalcoólico de Agaricus blazei em modelos animais. Vinte e quatro camundongos machos (gênero Mus musculus) foram incluídos no estudo. Quatro grupos foram preparados, e cada grupo continha seis animais. Os grupos foram controle de veículo, controle positivo (diazepam 1,0 mg/kg, i.p.), bem como dois grupos de tratamento recebendo extrato hidroalcoólico de Agaricus blazei na dose de 136,50 mg/kg e 273,0 mg/kg por via oral. O teste de enterrar Marble, o teste de retalhamento Nestlet e o teste de caixa clara e escura são usados para avaliar a atividade ansiolítica. Camundongos foram administrados com diazepam 1,0 mg/kg, i.p., enquanto o extrato hidroalcoólico de AbM (136,50 e 273,0 mg/kg, respectivamente) foi administrado por via oral, que exibiu redução acentuada no número de mármores enterrados em comparação com o grupo de controle de veículo. Camundongos administrados com diazepam 1,0 mg/kg, i.p. e a administração oral de extrato hidroalcoólico de AbM (136,50 e 273,0 mg/kg, respectivamente) exibiu diminuição significativa na trituração de ninhos em comparação ao grupo de controle de veículo. A administração oral de extrato hidroalcoólico na dose de 136,5mg/kg e 273mg/kg mostrou elevação no tempo gasto na caixa de luz e foi comparável ao grupo tratado padrão, enquanto o tempo gasto por camundongos após a administração oral de extrato hidroalcoólico de Agaricus blazei na dose de 273,0 mg/kg também mostrou elevação e foi mais próximo do grupo tratado padrão (diazepam 1 mg/kg, ip).

Comparative botanical and phytochemical evaluation of Calotropis procera Linn. and Calotropis gigantea Linn. Root.

The present study aimed to develop pharmacognostical and phytochemical descriptors (HPTLC) of Calotropis procera and Calotropis gigantea. β-sitosterol which is one of the common terpene content and a potent antioxidant, purgative, antispasmodic and expectorant, has also been studied through a simple and high-precision method using high performance thin layer chromatography (HPTLC). This may be utilized by pharmaceutical industries for quality evaluation, ensuring successful commercial exploitation of this drug. From the present study it has been observed that both Calotropis procera and C. gigantea have similar microscopic characteristics, physico-chemical parameters showed a little variation as total ash components and extractive values are little less in C. gigantea. HPTLC studies also showed similar qualitative profile with some quantitative variations in total β-sitosterol, which was higher in C. gigantea (2.79%).

Wound Healing Activity of Premna latifolia Roxb.

Aims: The study aims to understand the wound healing potentials of a 50% aqueous ethanolic extract of Premna latifolia stem using excision wound model. Study Design: The wound healing potentials were simultaneously supported by observing the bacterial functional diversity of wound swabs using Biolog Eco plates. The antioxidant activity was performed using In vitro DPPH free radical scavenging assay. Place and Duration of Study: CSIR-National Botanical Research Institute (NBRI), Lucknow, between May 2013 and November 2013. Methodology: Wound healing activity of the plant was studied using excision wound model. Animals were divided into three groups of six male rats each as control group (GI) dressed with compound free simple ointment. Test group (GII) treated with 50% aqueous ethanolic extract of P. latifolia stem (10% w/w) in ointment vehicle and standard group (GIII) group treated Nitrofurazone ointment, Himedia (0.2%w/w). The wound healing potential was further supported by the DPPH free radical scavenging and antibacterial activity of the plant. The phytochemical estimations were done using standard methods. Results: Sugar and starch content in the plant was 3.55% and 5.54% respectively. Total tannins, phenol and flavonoid content were estimated to be 0.18%, 0.54% and 2.73%. The 50% ethanolic extract of the plant showed moderate DPPH free radical scavenging activity with an IC50 of 188.02μg/ml. A 69.15% of wound closure was observed on 10th day post wounding of the rats treated with 200 mg/kg of extract. The results also indicated significant antibacterial activity of the extract. Conclusion: The 50% aqueous ethanolic extract of P. latifolia shows significant wound healing activity.

Effect of Andrographis serpyllifolia Leaves Extract on Experimentally Induced Typhoid Using Salmonella Typhi.

Aims: The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of the standardized ethanolic extract of Andrographis serpyllifolia leaves on experimentally induced typhoid. Study Design: Single dose of 1 ml Salmonella Typhi (106 CFU/mL) was administered orally to rats to induce typhoid in rats. Blood culture test confirmed typhoid infectioned rats received orally the ethanolic extract of Andrographis serpyllifolia at dose levels of 200 and 400 mg/kg twice daily for 10 days, respectively and control animals received physiological saline. Place and Duration of Study: CSIR-National Botanical Research Institute (NBRI), Lucknow, between December 2011 and June 2013. Methodology: Leaves of Andrographis serpyllifolia was extracted with ethanol and concentrated on rotavapour. Single dose of 1 ml S. Typhi (106 CFU/mL) was administered orally to rats with the help of orogastric tube to induce typhoid in rats. After seven days, typhoid confirmed rats received the standardized extract subsequently subjected to in vitro antimicrobial susceptibility test. Results: The treatment with ethanolic extract of Andrographis serpyllifolia at dose level of 200 mg/kg showed 75.0% to 87.5% protection and 100% protection observed at higher dose of 400 mg/kg on widal, blood culture and typhidot test respectively. Biochemical test carried out on blood culture isolates confirmed the presence or absence of S. Typhi. A. serpyllifolia extract at a concentration of 1.50 mg/disc showed antimicrobial activity susceptibility against S. Typhi. Conclusion: Andrographis serpyllifolia leaves extract showed antimicrobial activity against S. Typhi and accomplished the extract of A. serpyllifolia is recommended for clinical applications in the treatment of typhoid.

Pap Smears in the Diagnosis of Bacterial Vaginosis.

Pap smears are routinely used in cervical cancer screening. The purpose of our study was to determine whether the Pap smear is of diagnostic value for the detection of bacterial vaginosis using vaginal gram stain as the diagnostic standard. We studied 636 non-pregnant, married women attending the Gynecology OPD of Rama Medical College, Ghaziabad, for routine genital examination between Sep 2011 and Sep 2012. Two vaginal smears were prepared, one of which was stained by the pap method and the second by the Gram’s method. Using Gram stain diagnosis of bacterial vaginosis as the gold standard, pap smear had a sensitivity of 61.0% and a specificity of 97.6%, PPV of 85.7% and NPV of 91.6%in the diagnosis of bacterial vaginosis. Hence, although pap smear is only moderately sensitive for screening of bacterial vaginosis, because of its high specificity, it is of diagnostic value when it is positive.

A report on pharmacognostical evaluation of four Adiantum species, Pteridophyta, for their authentication and quality control

Genus Adiantum L., Pteridaceae, is an important fern used in traditional systems of medicine. Different species of Adiantum are known as avenca in Brazil; hansraj/hanmspadi in India; maiden hair fern in English. The present study aims to develop the quality control parameters of four similar looking Adiantum species viz. A. capillus-veneris L., A. lunulatum Burm. f., A. peruvianum Klotzsch, and A. venustum D. Don. Standard methods for macro-microscopic evaluation, physico-chemical parameters and HPTLC were used for authentication and identification. The salient distinctive characters under the microscope are the presence of slightly wavy elongated epidermal cells in A. capillus-veneris; epidermal cells strongly wavy in A. lunulatum; star shaped epidermal cells and mixed spores of regular and irregular shaped in A. peruvianum; stomata on both the surfaces of pinnule, absence of spinulus spores only in A. venustum. In addition, rachis anatomy showed different cellular and stellar characteristics as identifying characters of aforesaid four Adiantum species. Physico-chemical parameters and HPTLC finger print profiles along with stigmasterol and lupeol play significant role for the quality evaluation of raw drugs. The above finding will serve the purpose of quality control and assurance for the future studies.

Significance of Family Survey of Index Case for Detection of Tuberculosis.

Tuberculosis is highly prevalent amongst children in India. Contact survey has not received much attention in the Revised National Tuberculosis Control Program guidelines. This study was conducted to look for tuberculosis in asymptomatic family members of pediatric tuberculosis patients at a government hospital attached to a medical college in Central India. 168 siblings and 162 parents of 86 index cases of tuberculosis were studied. 64 tuberculosis infected siblings and 7 sputum positive parents were identified.

Effects of solvents and surfactants against Haemaphysalis bispinosa

As per the report published by FAO (2004), the tick population in India has developed resistance against all the available acaricides. Hence, newer methods of control including potential herbal agents are required to reduce the problems caused by the ticks. Most of the herbal extracts or their fractions are dissolved in polar or non-polar solvents or detergents before tested for acaricidal activity and these diluents should be of little acaricidal activity. In the present study, adult immersion test (AIT) was carried out on adult engorged female Haemaphysalis bispinosa ticks to detect the acaricidal activity of different solvents viz., nbutanol, glycerol, acetone, ethanol, methanol and surfactants (at 1 per cent dilution) like dimethyl sulphoxide (DMSO), tween 20 and triton X- 100. The study revealed that methanol was the least toxic solvent while tween 20 (1 per cent) was the least toxic detergent against H. bispinosa.

Comparative study of intranasal midazolam and intravenous diazepam sedation for procedures and seizures.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the safety and efficacy of intranasal midazolam for seizures and various procedures. METHODS: Prospective randomized study. Total 125 children of all ages of either sex, for seizure episode (n-76) and various invasive and non-invasive procedures (n-49) received either intranasal midazolam (0.2 mg/Kg) or intravenous diazepam (0.3 mg/Kg). RESULTS. Mean time from arrival at hospital to starting treatment was significantly shorter in midazolam group compared to diazepam group [2.34+/-0.90; minute vs 4.61+/-1.08 minute p< 0.001]. Mean time to control seizures after arrival in hospital was significantly shorter in midazolam group compared to diazepam group [5.25+/-0.86 minute vs 6.51+/-1.06 minute p. CONCLUSION: Midazolam by the intranasal route provides safe and equally effective non-invasive method of sedation for procedures and seizures.

Effect of stimulation in coma.

OBJECTIVE: To find out efficacy and benefits of early starting of stimulation therapy in coma patients. DESIGN: Randomized controlled trial. METHOD: Sixty children admitted to the Department of Pediatrics, having coma due to non-traumatic neurological insult were randomly selected. Both study and control groups had 30 patients each. Children in the study group were given stimulation therapy while those in control group received no stimulation. The level of consciousness was assessed before and two weeks after giving stimulation therapy. RESULTS: Improvement in level of consciousness was better in study group as compared to control after two weeks of stimulation therapy. CONCLUSION: Stimulation therapy was found to be highly effective in coma patients.

Health status of siblings of hospitalized children.

OBJECTIVE: To study health status of siblings of children hospitalized for various diseases. METHODS: A total of 308 siblings of 200 hospitalized children were studied by detailed history, anthropometry, physical examination and relevant laboratory tests. RESULTS: Only 43.83% siblings were fully immunized, 25.32% partially and 30.85% were totally unimmunized. Normal nutritional status was seen in 20.43% siblings; 26.95% had grade 1, 25.64% grade II, 24.02% grade III and 2.92% had grade IV malnutrition. Various morbid conditions were observed in siblings, the common ones were vit. A deficiency (22.40%), worm infestation (21.42%), anemia (19.15%), dental caries (13.63%), ARI (13.31%), diarrhoea (12.01%), malaria (7.46%) and scabies (7.14%). CONCLUSION: The siblings of hospitalized children are in a high-risk group as they share same environment and nutrition. They have various ailments in various stages of severity. The health screening of such children will have a positive impact in promoting health and diagnosing diseases at an early stage.

Free radical scavenging potential of Picrorhiza kurrooa Royle ex Benth.

For assessing free radical scavenging potential of P. kurrooa, the antioxidant activity of P. kurrooa extract was studied by lipid peroxidation assay using rat liver homogenate. The extract (1 mg/ml) showed marked protection (up to 66.68%) against peroxidation of liver phospholipids. Besides, reduced glutathione showed very encouraging activity. The extract also exhibited significant scavenging activity. Thus augmenting the wide use of plant in the indigenous system of medicine, which may partly be due to antioxidant and free radical scavening activity of the extract.