An Update on Impacts of Epigallocatechin Gallate Co-administration in Modulating Pharmacokinetics of Statins, Calcium Channel Blockers, and Beta-blockers.

Brewed green tea, green tea extract, and its primary active compound, epigallocatechin gallate, may interact with drugs and alter the drug's therapeutic effectiveness, ultimately leading to therapeutic failure or drug overdose. Several isolated reports have claimed that epigallocatechin gallate is the main active ingredient that causes these effects. While a few studies aimed to uncover evidence of epigallocatechin gallate-drug interactions, no study has thoroughly and collectively reviewed them. Epigallocatechin gallate is a potential cardioprotective agent used by many patients with cardiovascular diseases as a complementary medicine alongside conventional modern medications, either with or without the knowledge of their physicians. Therefore, this review focuses on the impact of concurrent epigallocatechin gallate supplementation on pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of several commonly used cardiovascular drugs (statins, beta-blockers, and calcium channel blockers). The PubMed index was searched for key words related to this review, without year limit, and the results were analyzed for interactions of cardiovascular drugs with epigallocatechin gallate. This review concludes that epigallocatechin gallate increases systemic circulation of several statins (simvastatin, fluvastatin, rosuvastatin) and calcium channel blockers (verapamil), but decreases the bioavailability of beta-blockers (nadolol, atenolol, bisoprolol). Further studies on its clinical significance in affecting drug efficacy are required.

Pulse oximeter as a home assessment tool: Knowledge and user experience among the community in Malaysia during the COVID-19 pandemic

Objective: To determine the degree of knowledge in the usage of pulse oximeter as a home assessment tool among the community in Malaysia. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted in November 2021. The questionnaire assessed the knowledge in using pulse oximeters, user experience and opinions in using pulse oximeter as a home assessment tool during the pandemic. Results: A total of 504 respondents were included in the study, and the mean score in knowledge related to application of pulse oximetry was 73.00%, while the mean score in knowledge related to factors affecting pulse oximetry readings was only 38.51%. A total of 90.5% of the respondents recognised normal pulse rate and 88.5% knew the blood oxygen saturation levels of a healthy adult, while 69.4% recognised the definition of silent hypoxia. In addition, the majority of the respondents agreed that factors such as poor blood circulation (71.2%), excessive movements (69.8%), and hand position (60.7%) affected oximetry readings. However, 61.7%, 81.7%, 77.2% and 76.8% of the respondents could not identify nail polish, skin colour, skin thickness and tattoos as factors that may affect oximetry readings respectively. Conclusions: The respondents showed a satisfactory level of knowledge related to application of pulse oximetry, but a poor level of knowledge related to factors affecting pulse oximetry readings among the community in Malaysia. Continuous efforts in educating the community on the correct use of pulse oximeters are crucial for appropriate home assessment and avoiding unnecessary stress.

Pulse oximeter as a home assessment tool: Knowledge and user experience among the community in Malaysia during the COVID-19 pandemic

Objective: To determine the degree of knowledge in the usage of pulse oximeter as a home assessment tool among the community in Malaysia. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted in November 2021. The questionnaire assessed the knowledge in using pulse oximeters, user experience and opinions in using pulse oximeter as a home assessment tool during the pandemic. Results: A total of 504 respondents were included in the study, and the mean score in knowledge related to application of pulse oximetry was 73.00%, while the mean score in knowledge related to factors affecting pulse oximetry readings was only 38.51%. A total of 90.5% of the respondents recognised normal pulse rate and 88.5% knew the blood oxygen saturation levels of a healthy adult, while 69.4% recognised the definition of silent hypoxia. In addition, the majority of the respondents agreed that factors such as poor blood circulation (71.2%), excessive movements (69.8%), and hand position (60.7%) affected oximetry readings. However, 61.7%, 81.7%, 77.2% and 76.8% of the respondents could not identify nail polish, skin colour, skin thickness and tattoos as factors that may affect oximetry readings respectively. Conclusions: The respondents showed a satisfactory level of knowledge related to application of pulse oximetry, but a poor level of knowledge related to factors affecting pulse oximetry readings among the community in Malaysia. Continuous efforts in educating the community on the correct use of pulse oximeters are crucial for appropriate home assessment and avoiding unnecessary stress.