Proximate and Elemental Analysis of Three Medicinal Plants: Cuscuta reflexa, Cassia tora and Cassia fistula

Aim: The current study explores the proximate and elemental contents of three different medicinal plants, namely Cuscuta reflexa (whole plant), Cassia tora (stem) and Cassia fistula (seed pot) that have been grown in Bangladesh. Methodology: Macro (Na, K, Ca, Mg), micro (Fe, Cu, Mn, Zn, Ni, Cr) and heavy metal (Pb, Cd, As) elements, present in C. reflexa (Whole plant), C. tora (stem), and C. fistula (seed pod) were analyzed quantitatively by flame photometer and atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS). Results: The minerals of the plants were found in substantial amounts (Na: 13763.75-16419.42 ppm, K: 6053.49-25864.92 ppm, Ca: 18912.16-2298.77 ppm, Mg: 1570.25-4602.23 ppm, Fe: 58.99-222.43 ppm, Cu: 3.16-11.61 ppm, Mn: 15.89-54.53 pm, Zn: 0.0367-50.2665 ppm, Ni: 0.9878-4.7186 ppm, Cr: 0.3279-0.8281 ppm, Pb: 0.3590-1.5030 ppm, Cd: 0.0016-0.0068 ppm and As: 0.0148-0.0675 ppm). Conclusion: It is evident that the investigated medicinal plants are enriched in some macro and micro nutrient, such as Na, K, Ca, Mg, Fe etc which are important for biological metabolism and human health. On the other hand the heavy metals are present in trace amount which indicate the plants are safe for medicinal uses.

Expression of CDX-2 and Ki-67 in different grades of colorectal adenocarcinomas.

Background: CDX2 is a caudal homeobox gene essential for intestinal differentiation and is specifi cally expressed in colorectal adenocarcinomas. Its role in colorectal carcinogenesis is not fully elucidated. Aims and Objectives: To study the expression pattern of CDX2 and Ki-67 in different grades of colorectal adenocarcinomas and to observe the relationship of their staining patterns in various tumor stages and to look for correlation if any, between Ki-67 labeling index (Ki-67 LI) and CDX2 expression. Materials and Methods: A total of 74 cases were enrolled. Detailed clinical profi le, peroperative fi ndings, histological grading and staging were noted. Immunohistochemistry for CDX2 and Ki-67 was done, and Ki-67 LI was calculated. CDX2 staining was graded semiquantitatively, and statistical analysis was done. Result: Age of presentation ranged from 20 to 75 years, and the male:female ratio was 1.83:1. There were 8, 47 and 13 cases of well, moderate and poorly differentiated adenocarcinomas, respectively. The mean Ki-67 LI of well, moderate and poorly differentiated adenocarcinomas were 14.25, 31.34 and 43.08 respectively, and their difference was statistically signifi cant, correlation was also noted with stage. CDX2 expression appeared to be stronger in poorly differentiated cases, but there was no signifi cant difference in its expression in the different grades and stages. There was no correlation between Ki-67 LI and CDX2 immunostaining pattern. The lymph node metastasis showed CDX2 positivity in all the cases. Conclusion: Expression of CDX2 does not signifi cantly change with the grade of colorectal adenocarcinomas. However, it is an important diagnostic marker in metastatic colonic lesions. The Ki-67 LI, on the other hand, showed a strong correlation with histopathological grades.

Comparative studies of Volatile Components of the essential Oil of leaves and flowers of Catharanthus roseus growing in Bangladesh by GC-MS analysis .

Catharanthus roseus is an important medicinal plant commonly known as Madagasker periwinkle. Traditionally different parts of its used in the treatment of various diseases (e.g. diabetes, menstrual regulators, hypertension, cancer and antigalactogogue etc.) in number of countries. The essential oil of leaves and flowers of Catharanthus roseus growing in Bangladesh were investigated by gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrophotometery (GC-MS) to determined the chemical composition of the volatile fraction and identify their chemotypes. Quantification of active principles through analytical tools is essential for establishing the authenticity and credibility. Extraction by steam distillation and analysis with GC-MS have been shown to be valuable tools for the identification of the constituents of essential oil of leaves and flowers of Catharanthus roseus and can provide a useful guide about the variation of the components. The main objective of the present study was focused on identification and quantification of chemical constituents present in the essential oil of leaves and flowers of Catharanthus roseus by GC-MS methods. 24 compounds consisting (95.99%) of the total for the case of leaves were identified. And total 10 compounds consisting (98.20%) of the total for the case of flowers of Catharanthus roseus were identified by GC-MS analysis in Bangladesh. For the case of leaves the identified components were : terpenoids (75.41%) , alkanes (6.0%) , aldehydes (5.5%), fatty acids (3.6 %), ketones (3.2%), alcohol (2.28%) respectively. For the case of flowers the identified components fatty acid esters (98.20) % respectively.

A neonatal intestinal obstruction with unusual presentation.

A two days old male child was admitted with features of neonatal intestinal obstruction. Straight x-ray abdomen showed distended small intestinal loops with few air fluid levels. After resuscitation abdomen was explored. There was distal ileal atresia with duplication cyst. Resection of atretic segment along with duplication cyst was performed and end to side ileo-ileal anastomosis with proximal ileostomy was done. Patient recovered uneventfully. Till now patient is doing well.