Cardio- and hepato-protective potential of methanolic extract of Syzygium cumini (L.) Skeels seeds: A diabetic rat model study

Objective To evaluate the effect of methanolic extract of Syzygium cumini (L.) Skeels (S. cumini) seeds on the major organs in an animal model of diabetes through biochemical and histopathological studies. Methods The methanolic extracts of S. cumini seeds (100 and 200 mg/kg body weight) were administered to alloxan-induced diabetic rats daily, with fasting blood glucose levels being measured by glucometry at one-day interval for a duration of two weeks. Biochemical assays to evaluate changes in the functions of the heart, liver, pancreas and kidney were carried out. Histopathological changes in the diabetic rat organs (pancreas, liver, heart, kidney and spleen) were also observed after the 14 days of treatment with the extracts. Results Oral administration of methanolic extracts of S. cumini seeds (100 and 200 mg/kg body weight), with gliclazide as a positive control (25 mg/kg), showed beneficial effects including lowering blood glucose levels (P < 0.001), improved heart and liver functions, and hyperlipidemia due to diabetes. At 200 mg/kg, the extracts reversed cardiac and liver damage caused by alloxan. Conclusions In addition to the anti-hyperglycemic activity of methanolic extracts of S. cumini seeds, the extracts demonstrates potential to minimize cardiac and hepatic complications.

Pattern of substance use: study in a de-addiction clinic

Objectives: Substance use disorders have become a major public health problem in Bangladesh. We sought to assess the pattern of substance use and related factors among hospitalized patients

Methods: This was a descriptive study that included 105 patients. All patients who were admitted to a private drug de-addiction clinic in Dhaka, Bangladesh, between 1 July and 31 December 2013 and diagnosed with substance use disorder were enrolled in the study. Data was collected via face-to-face interviews using a semi-structured questionnaire and the information was complemented by the casenotes

Results: Almost all [90.5%] respondents were male and were poly-substance users [91.4%]. The mean age of respondents was 28.8 +/- 8.0 years. Most [27.6%] respondents used three types of substances. Smoking or inhalation was the route used by most [90.5%] respondents. More than three-fourths [81.0%] of respondents used nicotine. Among the other substances, the majority [79.0%] used opioids, followed by cannabinoids [55.2%], and alcohol [41.0%]. Curiosity, peer pressure, and for fun were identified as the common reasons for initiating substance use

Conclusions: A high proportion of poly-substance use was found in the study population. Our findings could help in the management and development of prevention strategies for substance use in Bangladesh