Preventive efficacy of hydroalcoholic extract of Cymbopogon citratus against radiation-induced DNA damage on V79 cells and free radical scavenging ability against radicals generated in vitro.

This study presents the findings of free radical scavenging and antigenotoxic effect of hydroalcoholic extract of Cymbopogon citratus (CCE). The CCE at a concentration of 60 microg/mL resulted in a significant scavenging ability of 2,2-diphenyl-2-picryl hydrazyl (DPPH; (85%), 2,2-azinobis (3-ethyl benzothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid) (ABTS; 77%), hydroxyl (70%), superoxide (76%), nitric oxide (78%) free radicals generated using in vitro and also a moderate anti-lipid peroxidative effect (57%). Further, the radiation-induced antigenotoxic potential of CCE was assessed in Chinese hamster lung fibroblast cells (V79) using micronucleus assay. The CCE resulted in a dose-dependent decrease in the yield of radiation-induced micronuclei, with a maximum effect at 125 microg/mL CCE for 1 h before 2 Gy of radiation. Similarly, there was a significant (P < 0.05-0.0001) decrease in percentage of micronuclei when V79 cells were treated with optimal dose of CCE (125 microg/mL) before exposure to different doses of gamma radiation, that is, 0.5-4 Gy, compared with radiation alone groups. The results of the micronucleus study indicated antigenotoxic effect demonstrating the radioprotective potential of CCE and, which may partly due to its and antioxidant capacity as it presented its ability to scavenge various free radicals in vitro and anti-lipid peroxidative potential.

Antioxidant, anticlastogenic and radioprotective effect of Coleus aromaticus on Chinese hamster fibroblast cells (V79) exposed to gamma radiation.

Coleus aromaticus (Benth, Family: Laminaceae), Indian Oregano native to India and Mediterranean, is well known for its medicinal properties. A preliminary study was undertaken to elucidate in vitro free radical scavenging potential and inhibition of lipid peroxidation by C.aromaticus hydroalcoholic extract (CAE). Anti-clastogenic and radioprotective potential of CAE were studied using micronucleus assay after irradiating Chinese hamster fibroblast (V79) cells. CAE at 10, 20, 40, 60, 80, 100 and 120 mug/ml resulted in a dose-dependent increase in radical scavenging ability against various free radicals viz., 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), 2,2-azinobis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS), superoxide anion (O(2)(*-)), hydroxyl (OH(*)) and nitric oxide (NO(*)) generated in vitro. A maximum scavenging potential was noticed at 100 mug/ml and a saturation point was reached thereafter with the increasing doses of CAE. The free radical scavenging potential of the extract was in the order of DPPH > ABTS > Superoxide > Hydroxyl > Nitric oxide. CAE also exhibited a moderate inhibition of lipid peroxidation in vitro, with a maximum inhibition at 60 mug/ml (33%), attaining saturation at higher doses. The extract also rendered protection against radiation induced DNA damage, as evidenced by the significant (P < 0.05) decrease in the percentage of radiation-induced micronucleated cells (MN) and frequency of micronuclei (total). A maximum anticlastogneic effect/ radioprotection was noticed at a very low concentration i.e., 5 mug/ml of CAE, treated 1 h prior to 2 Gy of gamma radiation. A significant (P < 0.0001) anticlastogenic/radioprotective effect was also observed when the cells were treated with an optimum dose of CAE (5 mug/ml) 1 h prior to 0.5, 1, 2 and 4 Gy of gamma radiation compared with the respective radiation control groups. Overall, our results established an efficient antioxidant, anticlastogenic and radioprotective potential of CAE, which may be of great pharmacological importance.

Community participation in improving environmental situation--a case study of Panchkhal. Part II.

PIP: During 1980, the Integrated Family Planning and Parasite Control Project initiated the construction of 5 low-cost toilets in the rural Panchkhal Project area of Nepal for demonstration purposes on a subsidy basis. On recommendation from the members of the cooperation committee, these toilets were constructed within school premises located in different Village Panchayats. The overall strategy adopted during the parasite control program was to generate community participation in latrine construction. In the fiscal year 1981, 30 more subsidized sanitary toilets were built in the pilot area. With a view to determine how many families would be interested in constructing sanitary toilets on a subsidy basis towards the later part of 1981, the Project invited applications from the people of the pilot area. This was done to check people's attitudes towards the program. The response was encouraging. By the end of 1981, there were 300 applications; interest would have increased if the Project could aid all of the potential applicants. UNICEF has been involved in latrine construction by granting money and aiding in latrine design. The Panchkhal experience shows that community people are prepared to spend as much as 75% of the building costs for constructing sanitary toilets, when they are convinced that their health will improve as a result. Those who can afford the toilets will pay Nepal Rs25 (about US$1.90); those who cannot pay cash will provide labor to make the cement slabs. The very poor sector of the community, upon recommendation of members of the cooperation committees, may be given squatting slabs free of charge, if they are interested in constructing latrines. Constraints to the program include: difficult geography for constructing latrines; deforestation and dried-up wells; high illiteracy; lack of higher education facilities; and lack of appropriate technology. Recommendations call for distribution of materials at a nominal charge; casting the slabs over the household pits in difficult terrains; health education to motivate the community to adopt preventive measures against malnutrition and infection; and community organization for community participation. A field questionnairre and survey results obtained in 1982 are appended to the summary.^ieng

Community participation in improving environmental situation--a case study of Panchkal.

PIP: This article describes the Integrated Family Planning and Parasite Control Project which was started as a pilot project in 1979 with financial assistance from the Japanese Organization for International Cooperation in Family Planning. The area chosen for the project was Panchkal, a small valley in Kabhre district of the country of Nepal, with an estimated population of about 24,000. The article briefly reviews the demography and geography of the area, ethnic makeup, political structure, education, and economy, and also provides information on water and sanitation services and the health and nutrition of the people. The primary objective was to test the hypothesis that acceptance of family planning will increase when parasite control services are made available as part of family planning services. The project recruited and trained 6 field workers from the local area. Methodology included the distribution of empty containers with the hope that the people would then return them with stool samples. At first containers were returned empty by some women because they felt ashamed to put their stool samples in containers to be carried by male members of the household. After initiating the use of better designed, leak proof containers and seeing the benefits of better health from the deworming, positive acceptance of the program occurred. All positive cases for parasites would then be treated. The infestation rate in June, 1979 was 89%; by June, 1981 it had fallen to 77%. The improvement in the health of the people which followed the treatment of the parasites led to the establishment of credibility between the field workers and people in the community. The project was very popular and there was a heavy demand from other areas for the same type of services. Appendices provide details of the village panchayat system and the orientation seminars used for community leaders, volunteers and social workers, and training for field workers and supervisors. The report is continued in the Spring issue.^ieng