Phytochemical, antioxidant investigations and fatty acid composition of Lepidium sativum seeds

Aim: The aim of the present study was to characterize Lepidium sativum seed for phytochemicals, fatty acid composition and antioxidant properties.Methodology: Extraction of phytochemicals in different solvents, estimation of phenolics and flavonoids, physio-chemical properties, antioxidant assay by DPPH method was carried out. Seed oil content was determined by modified cold percolation extraction method and TD-NMR, followed by fatty acid compositional analysis using GLC. Results: The perusal of data revealed that the total oil content varied from 21.36% to 24.38%, and the major fatty acids identified were linolenic acid (24.447%) followed by oleic acid (24.413%) and palmitic acid (12.278%) . Physio-chemical and phytochemical characteristics were estimated for useful functional properties and markers viz. alkaloids, sugar and proteins. L. sativum seeds exhibited high antioxidant potential (0.063mg ml-1) compared to standard compounds such as ascorbic acid, rutin and quercetin.

Platelet transfusion practice during dengue fever epidemic.

Blood components especially platelet concentrates due to their short shelf life are frequently in limited supply. Appropriate use of blood components is required to ensure their availability for needy patients as well as to avoid the unnecessary risk of transfusion-transmitted diseases. Medical audit of blood transfusion practice, which forms an important part of quality assurance programme in a transfusion centre, can provide grounds for improvement in transfusion medicine practice. During the epidemic of dengue fever in Oct., 1996, 1837 patients were admitted as dengue haemorrhagic fever in a teaching hospital in Delhi. Two hundred and eight patients (11.3%) were given platelet transfusions. Retrospective analysis of these platelet transfusions was done. It was observed that in only 52 (25%) out of 208 patients the information on platelet counts was provided. History of active bleeding was obtained only in 65 (31.2%) patients. About 35% patients received unnecessary prophylactic transfusions and during 89% of the transfusion episodes inappropriate dose of platelet concentrate was given. Information regarding post-transfusion recovery could be obtained in only 16.5% of transfusion episodes. The study emphasises the need for development of specific guidelines for transfusion of blood components, constant interaction and co-ordination amongst clinicians and transfusion centre for implementation of these guidelines, and a regular medical audit to review the optimal utilisation of blood components.