Abstract Background Abrus precatorious is a member of the leguminous family with characteristic red and black seeds. The roots, leaves and seeds of this plant are used for different medicinal purpose. It principally carries flavonoids, triterpene glycosides, abrin and alkaloids. The plant had been mentioned for neuromuscular effects, neuro-protective, abortifacient, antiepileptic, anti-viral, antimalarial, antifertility, nephroprotective, immunomodulator, immunostimulatory properties, antiinflammatory activity, antidiabetic, and many others. The aim of this study was to investigate the anti-fertility activity of the methanol extract of Abrus precatorius seeds (APS) in female albino rats administered 45 and 50 mg/kg BW through oral gavage for 30 days. An Abrus precatorius seed (APS) was extracted (1:1 w/v) using methanol to obtain the crude extract. Liquid-liquid fractionation was performed on the crude methanol extract using solvents of different polarity. Methods Eighteen female rats were divided into three groups each containing six animals was used for this experiment. Group one (control), received 1 ml of saline solution, group two received 45 mg/kg and group three received 50 mg/kg body weight by oral gavage daily for a period of 30 days. At the end of the study, Body weight, Organ Weight, Estrous cycle, Hormonal Concentrations, Oxidative Stress Markers, Enzymatic Activities, Biochemical indices (Liver and Kidney panel) and Hematological parameters were also evaluated. Results Consequent upon the administration of A.precatorius seed methanol extract 45 and 50 mg/kg BW into the female rats resulted in changes pertaining to Body weight, Estrous cycle, Hormonal Concentrations, Antioxidant Enzymes, Serum Biochemical indices and Hematological indices significantly (p < 0.05) compared to control rats. Initial body weights are significantly (p < 0.05) indicated, whereas final weights were decreased significantly (p < 0.05). Organ weight changes i.e. Ovary, Liver and Kidney weights were found to be significantly (p < 0.05) decreased in APS administered rats compared to control. Estrous cycle study i.e. time duration of Proestrus, Estrus, Metestrus and Diestrus (in days) was significantly prolonged. Hormonal Concentrations represented by FSH, LH, Prolactin, Estradiol were significantly (p < 0.05) decreased, whereas Progesterone levels were significantly (p < 0.05) increased in APS administered female rats compared to control group of rats. All the antioxidant enzyme assayed CAT, SOD, GPx, GR and GST were found to be significantly (p < 0.05) decreased, whereas MDA concentration was found to be increased significantly (p < 0.05). Enzymatic activities and biomolecules includes Cholesterol and Ascorbic acid contents were significantly increased (p < 0.05), but G6PDH and Δ5 − 3β-HSD activities were found to be significantly (p < 0.05) decreased in APS administered group of female rats compared to control group. Biochemical indices of liver tissue presented by Bilirubin, SGPT, SGOT, Albumin and Globulin were found to be significantly (p < 0.05) increased whereas Alkaline Phosphate and Total Protein contents were found to be significantly (p < 0.05) decreased. The biochemical indices of kidney, i.e. Urea and Creatinine were significantly (p < 0.05) increased and Uric acid and Calcium contents were found to be significantly (p < 0.05) decreased in APS administered female rats compared to control group of rats. Hematological parameters including RBC, Hb, ESR and Clotting Time were found to be significantly (p < 0.05) increased but WBC levels were significantly (p < 0.05) increased in APS administered female rats compared to control group of rats. Conclusion A. Precatorius seeds have anti-fertility effect on female rats.
Autoimmune diseases are now well reported with COVID-19 vaccination. Rheumatological, neurological, cardiac and hematological adverse events are observed globally. Dermatological adverse events are reported in few cases but dermatological with rheumatological manifestation with reversible autoimmune phenomenon after COVID-19 vaccination is not reported commonly in literature. “Mechanics hands” is blackish discoloration of palmar aspects of both hands and knuckles commonly reported in rheumatological autoimmune condition such as dermatomyositis. In this case report, 28-year male, presented with polyarthralgia with myalgia and fatigability after 1 month of COVID-19 vaccination. His joint pain symptoms worsened over 4 weeks and developed blackish pigmentation of both hands predominantly involving palms to present as mechanics hands. Vasculitis works up was inconclusive and rheumatologic workup documented raised antinuclear antibody (ANA) titers and rheumatoid factor. We have started him on steroid and hydroxychloroquine and observed satisfactory clinical response with near complete resolution of “mechanics hands” in 24 weeks. Mechanics hands with rheumatological syndrome which is a rare vaccine related adverse event (VRAE), reversible and easily treatable with routinely available medicines and importantly it is having excellent prognosis. Mechanics hand is first time reported in medical literature after COVID-19 vaccination. Minimal systemic VRAEs are known to occur with all viral vector vaccines, but its occurrence is rare and it should not impact on routine vaccinations; as vaccination is a key step in this pandemic to protect mankind.
Dhiraj Agarwal, Makrand Ghorpade, Pam Smith
et al.
Background: Chronic respiratory diseases (CRD), especially asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), are common public health problems resulting in a substantial burden of disease for individuals. There is a need to understand the perceptions and practices of primary care physicians (“general practitioners [GPs]”) who provide most of the health care in rural India. We surveyed all private and public practitioners listed as practising in a rural area of Western India with the aim of identifying GPs (GPs: graduates, registered and allowed to practice in India) to understand their training, working arrangements, and asthma/COPD workload. Methodology: We administered a short questionnaire at educational meetings or via e-mail to all private and public practitioners listed as providing community-based services in the Junnar block, Pune district, Maharashtra. The survey asked about qualifications, experience, and working arrangements, and about current asthma and COPD workload. A descriptive analysis was performed. Results: We approached 474 practitioners (434 from private sector and 40 from public sector). Eighty-eight were no longer practising in the study area. The response rate was 330/354 (93.2%) of private and 28/32 (87.5%) of public sector practitioners. We excluded 135 nonrespiratory hospital specialists and 23 private practitioners whose highest qualification was a diploma. Our final sample of 200 GPs (70% males) was 177 from private sector and 23 from public sector. The private GPs had more experience in clinical practice in comparison to public GPs (18.6 vs. 12.8 years). Eighty-four percent of GPs from the private sector only had Ayurveda, Yoga, Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, and Homoeopathy (AYUSH) qualifications, though >90% provided “modern medicine” services. In the public sector, 43.5% GPs only had AYUSH qualifications, though all provided “modern medicine” services. A minority (9% of private GPs and 16% of public GPs) provided both services. Nearly two-thirds (62%) of private GPs had inpatient facilities compared to only 9% of public sector GPs. In both sectors, more GPs stated that they managed people with asthma than treated COPD (Private: 97% vs. 75%; Public 87% vs. 57%). Conclusion: Many GPs practising “modern medicine” only had qualifications in Ayurveda/Homeopathy and fewer GPs are involved in the management of COPD as compared to asthma. These are important factors that form the context for initiatives seeking to improve the quality of community-based care for people with CRD in Maharashtra state in India.
There is an increasing interest in complementary and alternative veterinary medicine (CAVM). There is, however, an uncertainty of the efficacy of these methods. Therefore, the aim of this systematic literature review is to assess the evidence for clinical efficacy of 24 CAVM therapies used in cats, dogs, and horses. A bibliographic search, restricted to studies in cats, dogs, and horses, was performed on Web of Science Core Collection, CABI, and PubMed. Relevant articles were assessed for scientific quality, and information was extracted on study characteristics, species, type of treatment, indication, and treatment effects. Of 982 unique publications screened, 42 were eligible for inclusion, representing nine different CAVM therapies, which were aromatherapy, gold therapy, homeopathy, leeches (hirudotherapy), mesotherapy, mud, neural therapy, sound (music) therapy, and vibration therapy. For 15 predefined therapies, no study was identified. The risk of bias was assessed as high in 17 studies, moderate to high in 10, moderate in 10, low to moderate in four, and low in one study. In those studies where the risk of bias was low to moderate, there was considerable heterogeneity in reported treatment effects. Therefore, the scientific evidence is not strong enough to define the clinical efficacy of the 24 CAVM therapies.
Monali Mitra, Priti Ashok Thakare, Berton Craig Monteiro
et al.
Context: Chronic otitis media (COM), a major cause of hearing impairment and its associated morbidity and mortality can be avoided with proper diagnosis and planned management. High-resolution computerized tomography (HRCT) is accessible and possesses role in the detection of COM. Aims: This study aims to evaluate the role of HRCT as a diagnostic tool in the evaluation and planning of management of patients with COM. Settings and Design: Prospective observational study. Subjects and Methods: The study included 100 subjects presenting with COM planned for detailed otorhinolaryngological and otoscopic examination, pure tone audiomentry, non-contrast HRCT of bilateral temporal bones and were exposed to initial medical management of symptoms and surgical management. Statistical Analysis Used: Data were expressed as percentage and mean ± standard deviation Kolmogorov–Smirnov analysis was performed for checking linearity of the data. Fischer's exact test or Chi-square test was used to analyze the significance of the difference between frequency distribution of the data. Results: For soft tissue attenuation, HRCT was 100% sensitive and specific for the presence of soft tissue mass. HRCT found to be 100% accurate in predicting cholesteatoma presence and was found to be sensitive in the range of 83.3%–100% and specific in range 87.04%–100%. For bony erosion, HRCT was found to be fairly accurate. These comparisons were found to be highly significant with P < 0.0001. Conclusions: HRCT of the temporal bone in subjects with COM can be a gold standard tool for diagnosis, surgical interventions, and follow-up.
Chinyere S. Dike, Chinna N. Orish, Chukwuemeka R. Nwokocha
et al.
Abstract The utilization of bioactive constituent of peels and seeds provide an effective, environment friendly and inexpensive therapy for different forms of human disease, and the production, improvement and documentation of novel nutraceuticals. This review systematically presents findings and further understanding of the reported benefits and therapeutic applications of peel and seed extracts on innovative cell culture and animal studies, as well as phased clinical human trial research. The extracts of seed and peels were reported to possess high quantities of bioactive substances with antioxidative, antidiabetic, hepatorenal protective, antithyroidal, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, cardiovascular protective, neuro-protective effects, anticancer and wound healing activities. Therapeutic activities of the bioactive substances of peel and seed extracts include elevation of Superoxide dismutase (SOD), GSH-Px, t-GPx, Catalase and GST activities, with the suppression of MDA levels, hydroperoxide generation and lipid peroxidized products, the extracts also regulate inflammatory mediators and cytokines as they are reported to suppress the secretion of inflammatory cytokines, which include; IL-1β, PGE2, TGF-β and TNF-α and induces apoptosis and cell differentiation. This review revealed the therapeutic importance and best utilization of peels and seed extracts of fruits and vegetables.
The current opioid crisis has spurred the need for nonpharmacological therapies for chronic low back pain. In a study published in JAMA Internal Medicine , we reported that in 282 older adults with chronic low back pain, an 8-week mind-body group program modeled on Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) decreased long-term pain and increased short-term function. Barriers to uptake remain such as patient resistance to accepting the benefits of nonpharmacological treatments for chronic low back pain. They may fear the clinician does not believe their pain complaint because they are not being offered a pain pill. By not appreciating the value of the therapy in helping their chronic low back pain, the patient may not be compliant with recommendations. Resistance likely derives from lack of understanding how a mind-body approach like MBSR can help relieve the sensation of pain as well as help increase function. Clinicians can help break through this barrier by educating their patients about the different ways in which MBSR works to reduce pain and improve function. In this commentary, we will discuss how our findings can inform the discussion clinicians have with their patients regarding the ways MBSR can relieve back pain. Pain processing is complex and top-down regulation is not fully engaged when pain is treated with pharmacotherapy alone. We share that our study showed a clinically meaningful reduction in pain and improvement in function and discuss some of the possible underlying mechanisms of MBSR’s effect.
Musri Musman, Mauli Zakia, Ratu Fazlia Inda Rahmayani
et al.
Abstract Background Ethnobotany knowledge in a community has shaped local wisdom in utilizing plants to treat diseases, such as the use of Malaka (Phyllanthus emblica) flesh to treat type 2 diabetes. This study presented evidence that the phenolic extract of the Malaka flesh could reduce blood sugar levels in the diabetic induced rats. Methods The phenolic extract of the P. emblica was administrated to the glucose-induced rats of the Wistar strain Rattus norvegicus for 14 days of treatment where the Metformin was used as a positive control. The data generated were analyzed by the two-way ANOVA Software related to the blood glucose level and by SAS Software related to the histopathological studies at a significant 95% confidence. Results The phenolic extract with concentrations of 100 and 200 mg/kg body weight could reduce blood glucose levels in diabetic rats. The post hoc Dunnet test showed that the administration of the extract to the rats with a concentration of 100 mg/kg body weight demonstrated a very significant decrease in blood glucose levels and repaired damaged cells better than administering the extract at a concentration of 200 mg/kg weight body. Conclusion The evidence indicated that the phenolic extract of the Malaka flesh can be utilized as anti type 2 Diabetes mellitus without damaging other organs.
Abstract The comparative approach has been advocated to overcome some flaws inherent to case studies. Here, the spread of homeopathy in the early nineteenth century is addressed through a comparison of the cases of Sweden and Brazil, where homeopathy met diametrically opposed fates. The parameters used for the comparison are the standard for studies on the early spread of homeopathy, such as the concept of the “introducer,” and reception by the medical and academic community, the government, and society at large. The results suggest that analysis of contexts, determinants, and the interactions of practitioners and institutions representing different health care approaches, whether dominant or alternative, seems to provide a more accurate picture of different moments in the global history of medicine.
In the article, “Insurance Reimbursement for Complementary Healthcare Services,” we reported that the likelihood of reimbursement for complementary health care services in New Hampshire was significantly lower as compared with services of primary care physicians. The relatively low likelihood of reimbursement for integrative health care suggests that many patients who want such services must pay for them out of pocket. Affordable access to these services may be similarly limited in other states; certainly the utilization of integrative health care services varies significantly across the US states, and such variation may be tied to likelihood of reimbursement. Unwarranted geographic variation in reimbursement for integrative health care services is likely to compound inequities in access to health care in general, particularly for people of lower socioeconomic status. The aspirational value of Health Justice asserts the obligation of societies to attend to the basic health needs of all, with particular attention to the disadvantaged. A new project under development, The Atlas of Integrative Healthcare, is intended to support the advancement of health justice. The Atlas project is expected to support the policy goals of the integrative health care community with regard to helping patients access the high-value integrative health care services that they need and want.
Abstract Background Commelina diffusa Burm. (Family: Commelinaceae) is usually known as “climbing dayflower or spreading dayflower” in Bangladesh. The plant is used in fever, malaria, insect, bug bites, rheumatoid arthritis, gonorrhea, influenza, and bladder infection etc. The present investigation was undertaken which deals with the evaluation of central nervous system (CNS) depressant activity of methanolic extract of C. diffusa in mice models. Methods The central nervous system (CNS) depressant activity of C. diffusa was evaluated by the classical models of depression as open field, hole cross, forced swimming, tail suspension, and thiopental sodium induced sleeping time tests in mice. The animals were divided into control, positive control, and three test groups containing five mice each. The test groups received extract at the doses of 50, 100, and 200 mg/kg body weight orally where as the control group received distilled water (0.1 mL/mouse, p.o.). Diazepam (1 mg/kg, i.p.) was used as standard drug. Results It is clear that the plant extract significantly decreased the locomotor activity of mice in open field and hole cross tests when compared to the control (p < 0.05). It is observed that the extract showed significantly (p < 0.05) increased in immobility time in forced swimming and tail suspension tests in mice. In addition, the extract produced prolongs the sleeping time with onset of action in contrast to the control group. Conclusions The present work depicts the evaluation of possible CNS depressant activity of C. diffusa in mice models. The obtained results provide support for the use of this species in traditional medicine and warrants further pharmacological investigations that could lead to novel leads in future.
Abstract Background The herbal medicinal product Bronchipret® TP film-coated tablets contains a fixed combination of thyme and primula dry extracts (BRO) and has long and successfully been used for the treatment of acute bronchitis. However, the underlying pharmacological mechanisms of action have not been determined so far. We report a tiered approach applying in vivo and in vitro studies to investigate the pharmacodynamic activity and underlying mechanisms of action, and to identify possible active ingredients contributing to the product’s pharmacodynamic activity. Results In an LPS-induced rat model of bronchoalveolitis oral administration of BRO effectively ameliorated the influx of leukocytes into the lung. This was accompanied by reduced levels of leukotriene (LT) B4, cysteinyl-LTs (cysLT), and prostaglandin (PG) E2. We also found that BRO potently reduced the production of LTB4 in vitro in rat whole blood stimulated with the Ca2+-ionophore A23187 whereas the effect on PGE2 was much less pronounced. The transferability of these findings to human cells was assessed by measuring the effects of BRO on A23187-stimulated human monocytes and neutrophils. BRO and thyme extract were potent inhibitors of LTB4 and cysLT production. We further investigated the effects of BRO, thyme extract as well as single compounds of thyme extract on enzymatic activity of 5-lipoxygenase (5-LO). 5-LO activity was potently reduced by BRO and thyme extract. Of the single ingredients, thymoquinone and rosmarinic acid showed most potent inhibitory activity against 5-LO, with lower potency for thymol and carvacrol. Conclusion BRO attenuates inflammation-induced leukotriene formation in vivo and affects leukotriene biosynthesis in vitro via 5-LO inhibition. This inhibitory activity appears to be primarily related to the thyme extract component. However, none of the single ingredients tested seems to fully account for the activity of thyme extract alone. Rather, the interaction of different compounds seems to be required for its overall inhibitory effect on leukotriene production.
Imtiaz Mahmud, Md. Nazmul Hasan Zilani, Nripendra Nath Biswas
et al.
Abstract Background In folk medicine leaves and stem of Bruguiera gymnorrhiza (L.) are commonly used to treat diarrhea, fever, diabetes, pain and a number of ailments. The present study was carried out to explore antioxidant, analgesic and antidiarrhoeal activities of ethanol extract of leaves and stem of B. gymnorrhiza and also to analyze its major bioactive natural polyphenols by HPLC-DAD. Methods Total polyphenol content was spectrophotometrically determined using Folin Chiocalteu’s reagent while the flavonoids by aluminum chloride colorimetric assay. Antioxidant activity was determined by DPPH free radical scavenging, reducing power, nitric oxide and hydrogen peroxide scavenging assays. Identification and quantification of bioactive polyphenols were done by HPLC-DAD method. Antidiarrhoeal activity of the extracts was evaluated using experimentally castor oil induced diarrhea in mice. Acetic acid induced writhing method was used to evaluate the analgesic activity. Acute oral toxicity and brine shrimp lethality assay were performed to check the cytotoxic potential. Results Both the leave and stem extracts contain significant amount of phenolic and flvonoid content. Extracts showed DPPH radical scavenging, nitric oxide, hydrogen peroxide scavenging and also concentration dependent reducing power activity. HPLC analysis of both extract indicated the presence of significant amount of vanillic acid along with other phenolic constituents. Both extracts showed significant (P < 0.01) analgesic and antidiarrhoeal activity. Furthermore, extracts showed negligible toxic effect. Conclusion Along with other phenolic compounds, vanillic acid present in the extract may be responsible for antioxidant, analgesic and antidiarrhoeal activities. Altogether these results rationalize the use of this plant in traditional medicine.
This paper uses the film Madame Bovary (1991) by Claude Chabrol to discuss concepts of medicine, his- tory of medicine and professional positioning. The originality of this article is to show the usefulness of movie in teaching homeopathy. It also shows that cinema can attract the physician or student towards literature.
Pharmacological closure with cyclooxygenase (COX) inhibitors, such as indomethacin and ibuprofen, forms the first line of treatment for a patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) in preterm neonates. However, their efficacy decreases with increasing postnatal and postconceptual age. Paracetamol is gaining acceptance worldwide as an alternative drug for PDA closure and can be used when COX inhibitors are contraindicated, although its efficacy at advanced postnatal age is not well described. Here, we describe a late preterm neonate (36 weeks, 1150 g birth weight) with a hemodynamically significant PDA, where COX inhibitor therapy could not be initiated due to thrombocytopenia, and where oral paracetamol was started at 4 weeks postnatal age and caused ductal closure after a 6-day course.