Carotenoid and mineral content of different morphotypes of Centella asiatica L. (Gotukola).

Six morphotypes of Centella asiatica designated G(1), G(2), G(3), G(7), G(8) and G(12) were analyzed for carotenoid content, proximate components and selected dietary minerals. Potassium was found to be the major element present in C. asiatica and the content in G(1) and G(3) (6,165.0 ± 125.8 mg/100 g dry weight) was significantly (P < 0.05) higher than all other morphotypes. C. asiatica is more popular for its higher contents of iron and calcium. However, no significant (P>0.05) differences in calcium content among the morphotypes were observed. The imported variety G(7) had significantly higher (P < 0.05) mean content of iron (74.3 ± 34.1 mg/100 g dry weight). The morphotypes G(8) and G(12) contained significantly higher (P < 0.05) content of ß-carotene (77.2 ± 5.1 µg/g fresh weight) and lutein (133.5 ± 10.1 µg/g, fresh weight) respectively. Lutein and ß-carotene levels of these two types were also significantly higher (P < 0.05) than those in the other varieties. The study did not provide any evidence to believe that a given morphotype is superior to another in its overall nutritional value.

Theophylline blood levels in Sri Lankan asthmatics: comparison of two methods of assay.

OBJECTIVES: To assay theophylline blood levels in a sample of Sri Lankan chronic asthmatics taking oral theophylline, and to evaluate a simple and cost effective ultraviolet spectrophotometric assay for theophylline levels in blood. SETTING: Chronic asthmatics taking oral theophylline attending medical clinics at the National Hospital of Sri Lanka (NHSL) were recruited for the study. Blood samples were collected from recruited patients on their subsequent clinic visit. DESIGN AND METHODS: A cross-sectional study of theophylline blood levels. Blood samples were assayed for trough theophylline levels using two methods: an automated homogeneous enzyme immunoassay (EMIT), and a low cost ultraviolet spectrophotometric method. RESULTS: Only 2 patients of the 24 had theophylline blood levels in the accepted therapeutic range (10 to 20 micrograms/ml) (3.4); 19 patients had levels under 5 micrograms/ml. A correlation coefficient of 0.99 was obtained in the statistical comparison of the two methods, indicating that the spectrophotometric method has similar accuracy as the reference EMIT assay. CONCLUSIONS: The results signal a need for monitoring of theophylline in asthmatics when accepted clinical indications are present. The ultraviolet spectrophotometric method is ideal to initiate therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) in the country because of its low cost (about Rs. 55 per assay), requiring only a UV recording spectrophotometer.

Plasma pharmacokinetics of a generic amoxycillin and the innovator brand: a comparison.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the bioavailability and plasma pharmacokinetics of a generic brand of amoxycillin (State Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Coporation) selected from the lower price range, with that of the innovation brand (Amoxil, Beecham). DESIGN: Sixteen healthy adult volunteers were allotted to two groups and each group was given a test dose of amoxycillin from each brand. Blood samples were collected at 0, 2, 3 and 4 hours thereafter plasma levels were assayed using high performance liquid chromatography. RESULTS: Analysis of results show that the generic product had similar bioavailability and pharmacokinetics when compared with the innovator product. CONCLUSION: The quality assured generic amoxycillin tested had similar bioavailability as a more costly branded version.

A comparative analysis of pharmacokinetics of ceftriaxone in serum and pleural fluid in humans: a study of once daily administration by intramuscular and intravenous routes.

Pleural fluid and serum pharmacokinetics of ceftriaxone were performed in thirteen patients with pleural effusion. One gram of ceftriaxone was administered once daily intravenously in six patients and intramuscularly in seven patients. Ceftriaxone concentrations were measured in serum and pleural fluids in both groups on the first day of administration and in four patients of the intramuscular group on the fourth day of administration. The mean serum peak concentration at 1 h was 199 mg/L (S.E.M. 63.2) in the iv group and 80.5 mg/L (S.E.M. 12.0) in the im group. The mean serum trough concentrations in the two groups at 24 h were 27.5 mg/L (S.E.M. 12.6) and 29.7 mg/L (S.E.M. 5.2) respectively. In the pleural fluid, mean peak concentration was 20.1 mg/L (S.E.M. 4.7) at 6 h in the iv group and 15.3 mg/L (S.E.M. 5.1) at 12 h in the im group. The mean trough concentration was 9.6 mg/L (S.E.M. 1.9) and 13.3 mg/L (S.E.M. 3.1) at 24 h in the two groups respectively. On the fourth day of intramuscular administration the serum and pleural fluid peak and trough concentrations were higher when compared with the first day, consistent with a cumulative effect. The serum and pleural fluid concentrations of ceftriaxone following intravenous and intramuscular administration were well above the MIC90 of most common respiratory pathogens indicating good penetration into extracellular spaces. Further, these serum and pleural fluid antibiotic concentrations could be maintained even after a single intramuscular injection of the drug, thus indicating its usefulness as a parenteral mode of therapy on a domicilliary basis with a significant cost-saving potential. In conclusion, intramuscular administration of ceftriaxone would appear to be a convenient method of administering parenteral therapy in lower respiratory tract infections in the hospital and community, with pharmacokinetics very similar to those exhibited by the intravenous route.

Erythema induratum (of Bazin) in a patient with endometrial tuberculosis.

We report erythema induratum in a patient who was found to have active endometrial tuberculosis. This case report emphasizes the importance of an exhaustive search for active tuberculosis in patients with erythema induratum, especially in countries where tuberculosis is prevalent, as the indiscriminate treatment of erythema induratum with steroids may be harmful.