Antidiabetic and haematological effect of aqueous extract of stem bark of Afzelia africana (Smith) on streptozotocin-induced diabetic Wistar rats

Objective: To investigate the antidiabetic properties of aqueous extract of stem bark of Afzeliaafricana (A. africana) and its beneficial effect on haematological parameters in streptozotocin induced diabetic rats. Methods: A total of 30 rats including 24 diabetic and 6 normal rats were used for this study. Diabetes was induced in male Wistar rats by intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin. After being confirmed diabetic, animals were orally treated with distilled water or extracts at 100 or 200 mg/kg body weight daily for 10 days. The haematological parameters including red blood and white blood cells and their functional indices were evaluated in diabetic treated groups compared with the controls. Results: The extract significantly reduced the blood glucose levels while the best result was obtained at 200 mg/kg body weight. The feed and water intake in diabetic rats were significantly reduced while weight loss was minimized at both dosages. Similarly, the levels of red blood, white blood cells and their functional indices were significantly improved after extract administration at both doses. Conclusions: It can be concluded that the aqueous extract of bark of A. africana possesses antihyperglycemic properties. In addition, the extract can prevent various complications of diabetes and improve some haematological parameters. Further experimental investigation is needed to exploit its relevant therapeutic effect to substantiate its ethnomedicinal usage.

A Clinical Study of Mother's Understanding About Children's Fever

One hundred mothers bringing their children to a pediatric outpatient deparment of Ewha Womans University Hospital were surveyed about their understanding of fever and method of fever therapy. Most mothers(91%) were unduly worried about low to moderate grade fever with the temperature of 39degrees C or less. They didn't know the thermoregulatory mechanism and thought that fever can rise to the temperature above 42degrsse C. Most mothers(80%) believed that fever has harmful effects such as brain damage and convulsion and only a few mothers(20%) know vaguely about the beneficial effects of fever . Hence, most mothers treated fever aggressively. 39% started fever therapy at the temperature of 37.5degrsse C or less and 65% gave antipyretic medication before the temperature reached 39.5degrsse C. From these results, it becomes clear that health education to counteract mother's overconcern about fever should be a part of routine pediatric care. A review of literature confirmed the beneficial effect of fever and only two serious rare harmful effects of fever, anmely, status epilepticus and heat stroke. Some guidelines to fever therapy are represented.