Abstract Background Blighia sapida (ackee) unripe fruit is known for its hypoglycaemic effect at toxic dose, however, its antidiabetic activity at small dose is fairly unknown. This study aimed to investigate antidiabetic potentials from B. sapida unripe fruit extract. Methods Unripe B. sapida fruits were air-dried, ground and extracted sequentially with n-hexane and methanol. GC-MS profiles of phytochemical consitutents were determined in B. sapida fruit extract (BSFE). In vitro antioxidant, α-glucosidase and α-amylase inhibitory activity were also determined. Antidiabetic effect was investigated in 3-weeks High-fat diet fed rats injected with streptozotocin (35 mg/kg). Rats with FBS > 200 mg/dL were randomly grouped into 5 (n = 6) and treated with vehicle, BSFE (25, 50 and 100 mg/kg) and metformin (250 mg/kg). Treatments were administered orally daily for 14 days. FBS was taken at 7 and 14 days, while blood, brain and liver were collected for biochemical and histological analysis. Results The GC-MS analysis revealed the presence of various compounds. BSFE showed potent antioxidant, as well as α-glucosidase and α-amylase inhibitory activities. The BSFE (25–100 mg/kg) when compared with diabetic control significantly reduced FBS on day 14 by 64.7%, 61.1%, and 64.2%. BSFE significantly reduced total cholesterol, triglycerides, VLDL and atherogenic index. BSFE treatment significantly reduced MDA and nitrites levels, while increasing GSH, catalase and SOD in the diabetes affected organs, liver and brain. Also, TNF-α, IL-6, caspase-3 and caspase-9 levels were reduced in the liver and brain of diabetic rats treated with BSFE. Conclusion Blighia sapida unripe fruit extract showed promising antihyperglycaemic, hepatoprotective and neuroprotective effects through antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antiapoptotic mechanisms.
Leonardo J. Uribe-Cavero MS, Patricia J. Vera-Maccha MS, Anthony Siguas-Huasasquiche MS
et al.
Background Warfarin, a commonly used anticoagulant, interacts with medicinal plants, potentially complicating patient management. Clinical Decision Resources (CDRs) provide guidance on these interactions, but inconsistencies across resources may impact clinical decisions. This study aims to evaluate the consistency of interaction reports between warfarin and medicinal plants across four online CDRs. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted. Medicinal plants assessed were selected from the World Health Organization's Phytotherapy Manual. Interaction reports were manually reviewed across four CDRs: UpToDate, ClinicalKey, DynaMed, and DrugBank. Interactions were categorized by severity as mild, moderate or severe. Results Of 141 medicinal plants reviewed, 28 were documented as interacting with warfarin in at least one of the four assessed CDRs. DynaMed reported interactions for 18 plants, ClinicalKey for 15, UpToDate for 13, and DrugBank for 3. Only one plant (Ginseng - Panax ginseng ) was consistently identified across all CDRs, although discrepancies in the direction of the interaction (whether it increased or decreased anticoagulant effect) were observed. Regarding interaction severity classifications, there was substantial variability, with ClinicalKey identifying the highest proportion of severe interactions (32.1%). Conclusion We identified significant variability among CDRs in reporting interactions between warfarin and medicinal plants, which may lead to inconsistencies in clinical decision-making. To ensure more consistent and reliable patient care, standardized and comprehensive methodologies for assessing these interactions are needed.
Shailaja Sampangiramaiah, Hilda Shanthini, Karpur Ramegowda Nagesh
et al.
Background amp Aim Natural and man-made disasters are
exponentially increasing worldwide. Healthcare professionals are key
stakeholders in the response and recovery phases of the disaster cycle.
Continuing medical education CME with hands-on training ensures they are
confident and adequately prepared to handle mass casualties. The present
study aimed to document the process of organizing a CME and workshop on
disaster management.Methods This observational study used Moorersquos
instructional design framework to plan a one-day CME and hands-on workshop
on disaster management for healthcare professionals. The event involved 38
faculty members and 10 student volunteers. It included five interactive
morning lectures and a field-based mock disaster drill followed by seven
afternoon skill stations in the simulation center. Participant engagement
and satisfaction were recorded throughout.Results Of the 84 participants
most were between 20 and 29 years of age 75 and female 54. The majority were
medical professionals 70 with others from homeopathy nursing and hospital
quality teams. Only 2 had received prior disaster management training.
Participant satisfaction was high across all metrics with most agreeing or
strongly agreeing with the programrsquos effectiveness. Key strengths
included hands-on training and the mock drill. The primary suggestion for
improvement was to extend the practice time allotted at the skill
stations.Conclusion The one-day CME on disaster management featuring expert
interactive sessions a disaster mock drill and hands-on training in basic
first-aid methods was well received by participants. Overall they expressed
high satisfaction with the programrsquos conduct.
Abstract Background There are very few drugs available for healing wounds in the aged population, which is more prone to chronic cutaneous wounds that are particularly hard to heal and require a long healing process. This study which deals with age-related wound healing, investigates the healing effect of Nishamalaki, a classic antidiabetic Ayurvedic formulation comprising turmeric (Curcuma longa) and Indian gooseberry (Phyllanthus emblica), on cutaneous wounds in aging rats. Methods Rats with excision wounds of 7 mm created on their dorsal side received Nishamalaki (500 mg/kg p.o) daily, or a combination of Nishamalaki (500 mg/kg p.o) with 1% Nishamalaki gel applied on the wound or the reference standard metformin (2 μmol) applied on the wound daily till the scabs fell off. Results All treatments enhanced the rate of formation of granulation tissue and wound contraction. All treated rats showed lower blood glucose levels compared with their 1st-day values and significantly lower blood glucose levels when compared with the Aged Control rats. A significant restoration of the aging-depleted L-hydroxyproline, hexosamine, ascorbic acid, PDGF, AMPK, and mTOR levels, and attenuation of the aging-elevated IL-6 and TNF-α levels was elicited by all treatments. The treatments significantly restored the aging-depleted endogenous antioxidants. The Nishamalaki combination treatment of the oral extract and topical gel displayed a better wound-healing effect than the oral treatment alone. The histopathological studies on skin ulceration, hair follicles, granulation tissue, and collagen fiber formation of the wound tissues corroborated the biochemical findings. Conclusion Curcumin and other antioxidant polyphenolic components of Nishamalaki may be responsible for its wound-healing effect. For the first time, the present study has investigated the action of PDGF, AMPK, and mTOR on cutaneous wounds. They seem to be acting together to promote wound healing and repair. Graphical Abstract
Aim and background: Tobacco addiction poses a significant public health challenge globally, necessitating effective smoking cessation interventions. Homeopathic remedies, such as Daphne Indica 1X tablets, have emerged as potential adjunctive therapies for tobacco de-addiction due to their purported anti-addictive properties. However, evidence supporting their efficacy remains limited.
Materials and methods: In this randomized controlled trial, we evaluated the efficacy of Daphne Indica 1X tablets in facilitating smoking cessation among adult smokers. Participants (<i>n </i>= 200) were randomly assigned to receive either Daphne Indica 1X tablets or a placebo for 12 weeks. Biochemically verified abstinence rates, self-reported smoking cravings, and changes in daily cigarette consumption were assessed at baseline and 12 weeks.
Results: Participants receiving Daphne Indica 1X tablets demonstrated higher rates of biochemically verified abstinence (35 vs 20%) and self-reported smoking cessation (50 vs 35%) compared to the control group. Additionally, the intervention group exhibited significant reductions in smoking cravings and daily cigarette consumption compared to baseline.
Conclusion: Our findings suggest that Daphne Indica 1X tablets may be a promising adjunctive therapy for tobacco de-addiction. Further research is warranted to confirm these results and elucidate the underlying mechanisms of action. Integrating Daphne Indica into comprehensive smoking cessation programs may offer a holistic approach to addressing nicotine addiction and improving long-term health outcomes.
How to cite this article: Srivastava R, Singh A, Johnson L. Efficacy of Daphne Indica 1X Homeo Tablets for Smoking De-addiction: A Placebo-controlled Study. J Dent Bio-Allied Health Sci 2024;1(1):1–5.
Abstract Background Numerous plants have been explored for their potential antidiabetic properties, and Vernonia amygdalina (VA) stands among them. This study aims to investigate the antidiabetic activities of VA and validate its efficacy. Methods An aqueous extract of Vernonia amygdalina leaves was obtained through maceration. The antidiabetic effects of this plant extract were evaluated in vivo using diabetic model rats. Albino Wistar rats were induced into a diabetic state through intraperitoneal injection of streptozocin and subsequently treated with an optimal dose of 250 mg/kg aqueous extract of VA over a 21-day period. Parameters such as body weight, blood glucose levels, and serum marker enzymes were measured. Results The results demonstrated a significant reduction (p < 0.05) in the glucose levels of streptozocin-induced diabetic rats following treatment with VA extract, highlighting its potential as an antidiabetic agent that performed comparably to the reference drug, glimepiride. Additionally, a significant increase (p < 0.05) in the body weight of the treated diabetic rats was observed. Aqueous extracts also significantly (p < 0.05) altered the serum concentrations of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) in a manner similar to the glimepiride-treated group. Conclusion This study affirms the anti-diabetic effects of the aqueous extract of Vernonia amygdalina in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats and suggests that the extract holds promise as an important phytomedicine for the development of more effective treatments for diabetes.
Background: Chronic renal failure (CRF), a debilitating condition responsible for high morbidity and mortality considered a financial burden to the government and society. Determining the prevalence of CRF in any country is important for planning the care of affected patients. Aim and Objectives: The study aimed at looking for the hematological changes before, and following hemodialysis (HD) in CRF patients. The objectives included comparing complete hemogram, coagulation profile, and blood biochemistry before and after HD; determining hematological complications post-HD; taking precautions to reduce morbidity and mortality from hematological point of view; and assessing changes in hematological profile of CRF patients undergoing HD. Materials and Methods: An institutional cross-sectional study was done on 62 patients of CRF undergoing HD. The hematological and biochemical parameters were studied along with urinary findings. Results: Males were more affected in the study. The hematological parameters which were elevated following dialysis were total leukocyte count, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, hemoglobin, hematocrit, mean corpuscular volume, mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH), bleeding and clotting time, prothrombin time, activated partial thromboplastin time, but MCH concentration and platelet count showed a fall. Postprandial blood sugar, calcium and erythropoietin showed elevated levels following hemodialysis., while decreased levels were found in fasting blood sugar, sodium, potassium, phosphate, urea, and creatinine. Urinary studies showed a increase in specific gravity and a decrease in 24 h urinary protein. Conclusion: CRF is becoming a dreadful condition in society, with dialysis playing an eminent role in treatment modality. Formulating precautions before and after dialysis based on various hematological and biochemical parameters can help to reduce morbidity and mortality.
Avi Anil Sharma, Sonali Rajiv Karekar, Yashashri Chandrakant Shetty
Context: The elderly in India form a heterogeneous subset of the population with significant disease burden variations. However, there are no data available regarding the type of research studies conducted in an elderly population in India. Aims: The aim of this study was to analyze the research studies conducted in the elderly population in India based on data from the Clinical Trials Registry of India (CTRI). Settings and Design: This was an “audit” of available data on the CTRI website. Participants and Methods: Following exemption from the Institutional Ethics Committee, all studies in the elderly population registered in CTRI from its inception (July 2007 to August 2019) were reviewed. Data captured with respect to geographical distribution, study designs used, therapy area, trial registration, and funding. Statistical Analysis Used: The variables were analyzed using descriptive statistics using SPSS version 16.0. Results: Out of a total of 21,400 studies in CTRI, a total of 99 (0.46%) studies involved only elderly patients. Of these studies, 60 (60.6%) were interventional, whereas 39 (39.4%) were observational. Of all the interventional studies, 17 (28%) tested drugs, 26 (43%) tested a lifestyle intervention, and the rest were nutraceuticals, Ayurveda, Yoga and Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, and Homeopathy, and physiotherapy. Postgraduate theses constituted 60 (60.6%) studies. Eighty-seven (87.9%) were academic projects, eight (8.1%) were government-funded studies, and only four (4%) were pharmaceutical-sponsored studies. The most commonly studied therapy area was the central nervous system, followed by community medicine and orthopedics. Conclusions: This study depicts the underrepresentation of the geriatric population in clinical studies.
Mst Nazmun Nahar, Amit Kumar Acharzo, Md Sohanur Rahaman
et al.
Abstract Background Merremia umbellata subsp. orientalis (Hallier f.), commonly known as Sapussunda in Bengali, is used in folk medicine for the treatment of different diseases such as helminthiasis, rheumatism, fever, wounds, burns, sores, management of pain due to cut etc. The present study was carried out to evaluate the antioxidant, analgesic and anthelmintic activities of ethanolic extract of stems of Merremia umbellate (ESMU). Methods Phytochemical investigation was carried by using standard chemical test as described in literatures. In vitro free radical scavenging activity of ethanolic extract was quantitatively estimated using DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) free radicals scavenging assay. Total phenolic and tannin content were spectrophotometrically determined by Folin Ciocalteu reagent whereas the flavonoid was determined by aluminum chloride colorimetric assay. Acetic acid induced writhing method and hot plate method, using Swiss albino mice, were used to investigate the analgesic effect of ESMU whereas in-vitro anthelmintic activity was evaluated against Haemonchus contortus (Nematode) of cattle. Results Phytochemical screening revealed that the ESMU contain reducing sugar, alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, gums, steroid, xanthoproteins, glycosides and acidic compound. In DPPH free radical scavenging assay, the extract showed scavenging potential with IC50 value of 161.81 μg/mL. Total phenolics, tannin and flavonoid content of crude extract were found to be 87.4 mg GAE/gm, 68.2 mg GAE /gm and 64.27 mg QE/gm respectively. Significant (P < 0.001) analgesic effect was observed in acetic acid induced writhing method at both doses 250 and 500 mg/kg. Similar effect was found in hot plate method that measures antinociceptive effect in response to heat stimuli. The ESMU also exhibited significant (P < 0.001) anthelmintic activity in a concentration dependent manner. The paralysis time and time for death were recorded as 9.30, 8.62 and 7.65 min and 19.58, 18.82, and 16.43 min respectively at a concentration of 25, 50 and 100 mg/mL respectively. Conclusion Based on the results obtained in this study clearly strengthen the traditional uses of M. umbellate stems as antioxidant, antinociceptive and anthelmintic. Therefore, this result suggested that the stems of Merremia umbellata might be a potential source of useful bioactive compounds.
Abstract Background The practice of ethnomedicine remains to be the primary source of healthcare in many parts of the world, especially among the tribal communities. However, there is a lack of scientific outlook and investigation to authenticate and validate their medicinal values. Objective The present study investigated the trace and heavy metal content, bioactive compounds, α-amylase, and α-glucosidase inhibitory activity of Rauvolfia tetraphylla and Oroxylum indicum using in vitro and in silico methods. Methods Trace and heavy metal content of Rauvolfia tetraphylla and Oroxylum indicum were detected using Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy. Bioactive compounds were analyzed and identified by the GC-MS technique. α-Amylase and α-glucosidase inhibitory activity of the plants were studied using the spectrophotometric method using UV/VIS-Spectrophotometer. In silico molecular docking was carried out in AutoDock vina and the structures visualized using PyMol and Biovia Discovery Studio software. Statistical and graphical representations were performed using Excel and OriginPro. Results The trace and heavy metallic content such as Zn, Ni, Pb, Cr, Cu, and Mn were reported from both the plant. No Cd was detected in both the plants. GC-MS analysis revealed four major compounds in R. tetraphylla and seven in O. indicum. Biochemical studies showed that the leaf extract of O. indicum posses the strongest α-amylase and α-glucosidase inhibitory activity. R. tetraphylla showed weaker enzyme inhibition. Molecular docking study revealed that three compounds from O. indicum (O2, O3, and O6) and two from R. tetraphylla (R1 and R2) showed strong binding affinity to α-amylase and α-glucosidase. However, leaf extract of O. indicum showed better binding affinity with the enzymes compared to R. tetraphylla. Conclusion Inhibition of α-amylase and α-glucosidase in an important strategy of diabetes control. The present study revealed the in vitro α-amylase and α-glucosidase inhibitory activity of Rauvolfia tetraphylla and Oroxylum indicum. In conclusion, the study identified that the leaf extract of O. indicum as a potential inhibitor of glucose metabolizing enzymes and could be a source of antidiabetic agents.
Abstract Background In an attempt to explore the scientific basis for the pharmacological benefits the antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of Ipomoea mauritiana whole plant methanol extract were assessed. Methods The total phenolic and flavonoid content were determined using standard method while antioxidant activity was determined by DPPH free radical scavenging activity method. The antimicrobial activity was evaluated by disk diffusion method and compared with standard kanamycin (30 μg/disc). Results The results revealed that I. mauritiana extract contains tannin, saponin, terpenoids, alkaloid and flavonoids. In DPPH, ascorbic acid and extract showed highest scavenging activity and it was 90.96% at concentration 800 μg/mL and I. mauritiana methanol extract showed 72.28% at a concentration of 800 μg/mL. The extract was able to reduce the stable free radical DPPH with an IC50 of 275.084 μg/mL while that of ascorbic acid was 230.09 μg/mL. Total phenolic constituent of the extract was 59.302 ± 3.289 mg/g as gallic acid equivalent. The flavonoid content of methanolic extract of I. mauritiana was 27.212 mg of QE/g. In case of antimicrobial screening, crude extracts of I. mauritiana showed notable antibacterial activity against tested microorganisms. The extract and standard showed the highest mean zone of inhibition ranging from 13 to 19 mm and 37 to 42 mm, respectively at a concentration of 400 μg /disc and against the gram positive bacteria (Bacillus cereus-19.25 mm) showed highest zone of inhibition. Conclusions The results indicate that I. mauritiana possesses considerable antioxidant and antimicrobial activity.
<b>Background:</b> To examine the knowledge, attitudes, and practice gap of yoga across India based on implicit perceptions. <b>Methods:</b> The present study is a nationwide door-to-door survey conducted using a questionnaire/screening form. The data were collected from a national survey conducted under the <i>Niyantrit Madhumeh Bharat</i> (NMB) program initiated by The Ministry of Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, Siddha, Homeopathy (AYUSH), Government of India, from all major zones of the country. A total of 162,330 participants who joined the NMB program were recruited in our study. Results: Out of the total respondents to the survey, it was observed that 11.8% [13,336/112,735] practice yoga, which was highest in the north zone [4,567/112,735] and lowest in the east zone [971/112,735]. Out of 101,643 respondents, 94,135 of the individuals who participated in the survey believed that yoga improved their lifestyle, and 90,102/98,518 believed that yoga prevented diabetes, revealing a huge knowledge−practice gap. <b>Conclusions:</b> The scale of the knowledge−practice gap coupled with the general acceptability of yoga calls for a change in the conventional healthcare provisions by its integration with modern medicine. The population-wide positive perceptions about yoga as a preventive health tool can not only catalyze consensus disease-specific yoga modules but also bridge the knowledge−practice gap that exists because of limited yoga centers and professionals.
Objectives: The aim of this study was to compare the effectiveness and safety of functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS) with microdebrider for chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP). Patients and Methods: We evaluated surgical procedures of patients with CRSwNP who underwent FESS between November 2016 and December 2017 with either a microdebrider or forceps. They were randomly assigned to receive either FESS with microdebrider (n = 38) or conventional endoscopic removal (n = 35). Ours is the retrospective study. Results: Seventy-three patients underwent FESS. In the series of microdebrider group, the intraoperative time and blood loss were significantly reduced compared with the one of conventional endoscopic surgeries with forceps or snares. Resection with microdebrider provided more visible surgical field than conventional endoscopic surgery. Conclusion: We found that the effectiveness and safety of FESS with microdebrider for CRSwNP was more advanced than conventional endoscopic surgery.
Background: Seasonal allergic rhinitis (hay fever) is common and can considerably reduce the quality of life of sufferers. Despite the wide everyday application and promising results with homeopathy, scientific evidence of its effectiveness for most ailments is scarce. Aim: The assessment of the clinical effectiveness of homeopathic remedies in the alleviation of hay fever symptoms in a typical clinical setting. Methods: We performed a clinical observational study of eight patients in the treatment of hay fever symptoms over a two-year period (2012 and 2013) using Measure Yourself Medical Outcome Profile (MYMOP) self-evaluation questionnaires at baseline and again after two weeks and four weeks of homeopathic treatment. The individualized prescription – either a single remedy or multiple remedies – was based on the totality of each patient's symptoms. Results: The average MYMOP scores for the eyes, nose, activity and wellbeing had improved significantly after two and four weeks of homeopathic treatment. The overall average MYMOP profile score at baseline was 3.83 (standard deviation, SD, 0.78). After 14 and 28 days of treatment the average score had fallen to 1.14 (SD, 0.36; P < 0.001) and 1.06 (SD, 0.25; P < 0.001) respectively. Conclusions: Individualized homeopathic treatment was associated with significant alleviation of hay fever symptoms, enabling the reduction in use of conventional treatment. The results presented in this study can be considered as a step towards a pilot pragmatic study that would use more robust outcome measures and include a larger number of patients prescribed a single or a multiple homeopathic prescription on an individualized basis.
Hammer Singh, Varsha Chaudhary, Hari Shankar Joshi
et al.
Background: Malnutrition is one of the most important health problems throughout the world, particularly in developing countries, and has undesirable effects on the mental and physical health of children. Objectives:The objectives of this study were to find out the prevalence of malnutrition in children under 5 years of age (under-five children) and epidemiological determinants associated with it. Materials and Methods:This community-based cross-sectional study was conducted on under-five children in Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh, India belonging to the field practice area of the Rural Health and Training Centre of the Department of Community Medicine of Rohilkhand Medical College and Hospital, Bareilly, applying multistage simple random sampling methodology. Data were collected through measuring weight and height, structural schedules, anthropometric nutritional indicators, and face-to-face interviews with mothers. Malnutrition was measured on the basis of the indices underweight, wasting, and stunting. The obtained data were entered and analyzed using SPSS. Multiple logistic regression analysis was applied as the test of significance. Results:The prevalence of underweight, wasting, and stunting was 33.11%, 46.88%, and 10.44%, respectively. The total prevalence of malnutrition was 57.11%. Malnutrition was found to be significantly associated with age (0-12 months and 25-36 months), sex, socioeconomic status, and maternal education. Conclusion:Malnutrition was found to be more in children aged less than 1 year and in those aged 2-3 years. It was more common in female children, in children of low socioeconomic status, in children from nuclear families, and among those whose mothers were illiterate.
Satish Kumar Budania, Monika Rathi, Shalini Singh
et al.
The thyroid hormone plays an important role in regulating the mood and cognitive functions of the body. Studies have revealed that although a majority of the cases of depression are associated with euthyroidism, thyroid dysfunction has commonly been seen associated with depression. The most commonly seen thyroid abnormality in the thyroid patients are raised levothyroxine (T4), decreased tri-iodothyronine (T3), and raised thyrotropin release hormone (TRH) levels, and a blunted thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) response. A majority of the patients with abnormal thyroid function tests are associated with subclinical hypothyroidism. It is also believed that T3 supplementation, even in the euthyroid patients with depression, is associated with improvement in their depression scores.
Euphrasia stricta D. Wolff ex J. F. Lehm. (Orobanchaceae) is a representative of plants that are widely used in folk medicine, phytomedicine, and homeopathy. The medicinal raw material derived from the drug eyebright is applied primarily in treatment of ophthalmic diseases. The investigations of trichomes in drug eyebright (Euphrasia stricta D. Wolff ex J. F. Lehm) were conducted in 2010–2011. Using light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy, their location and morphological and anatomical features were identified. Three types of non-glandular trichomes were found: short unicellular, long 1–2 celled, and long 2-celled with wall ornamentation. Additionally, 7 types of glandular trichomes were found; these included: unicellular clavate, 2–3-celled clavate, capitate with a unicellular head and a 3-cel- led stalk, capitate with a unicellular head and a 2-celled stalk, capitate with a 2-celled head, conical papillae, and ribbon-like trichomes with wall thickening.