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Korean ginseng tea (KGT), prepared from the roots of Panax ginseng, is widely used by Korean people for antistress, antifatigue, and endurance promoting effects. In the present study we evaluated neuroprotective/cerebroprotective actions of KGT in stroke, using rat global and focal models of ischemia. Varied biochemical/enzymatic alterations, produced subsequent to the application of middle cerebral artery (MCAO) and bilateral carotid artery occlusion (BCAO) followed by reperfusion viz. increase in lipid peroxidation (LPO) and decrease in glutathione (GSH), glutathione reductase (GR), catalase (CAT), glutathione-S-transferase (GST), glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and superoxide dismutase (SOD), were markedly reversed and restored to near normal levels in the groups pre-treated with KGT (350 mg/kg given orally for 10 days). It is concluded that the protective action, exhibited by KGT against hypoperfusion/reperfusion induced brain injury, suggests its therapeutic potential in cerebrovascular diseases (CVD) including stroke. These findings are important because: (a) the present treatment strategies for CVD are far from adequate and (b) KGT with wide usage is known to be a safe natural product.

Problems associated with mental health have increased tremendously in modern times. The search for effective and safe alternatives should, therefore, be pursued vigorously. Forced immobilization is one of the best explored models of stress in rats and the role of corticosterone, serotonin (5-HT) and catecholamines, i.e. norepinephrine, epinephrine, dopamine is well documented. We investigated the therapeutic potential of two gold preparations (Ayurvedic Swarna Bhasma and Unani Kushta Tila Kalan) in restraint induced stress at different time points of 1 hr, 2 hr and 4 hr. We pretreated rats with two gold preparations, Ayurvedic Swarna Bhasma and Unani Kushta Tila Kalan (25 mg/kg, orally for 10 days) prior to restraint stress. Brain catecholamine, serotonin and plasma corticosterone levels were determined following 1, 2 and 4 hr restraint stress, using HPLC and also plasma corticosterone using luminescence spectrophotometry. Gold preparations restored restraint stress-induced elevation in levels of brain catecholamines (norepinephrine, epinephrine and dopmine), 5-HT and plasma corticosterone to near normal levels. Gold, widely used in modern medicine for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, is highly valued for various medicinal uses in Indian systems of medicine. Traditional gold preparations are attributed with tonic/rejuvenating and antioxidant properties. Our earlier studies revealed interesting analgesic, immunostimulant, adaptogenic and glycogen sparing properties in these preparations, but their effects in stress and depression have not been investigated yet. Significant restoration of altered values to near normal levels suggest potentials for gold preparations in stress and depression.

Stress and depression and associated mental health problems have increased tremendously in modern times. The search for effective and safe alternatives from natural sources especially plant products should, therefore, continue. Forced immobilization is one of the best explored models of stress in rats and the role of corticosterone, serotonin and catecholamines, i.e. norepinephrine (NE), dopamine (DA) is well documented. Numerous studies have shown that Ginkgo biloba has antioxidant and neuroprotective properties and utility in cerebrovascular insufficiency and impaired cerebral performance. We investigated the effect of G. biloba on whole brain catecholamine, serotonin and plasma corticosterone levels following 1, 2 and 4 h restraint stress using HPLC and also plasma corticosterone using luminescence spectrophotometry. G. biloba extract (14 mg/kg p.o.) restored restraint stress-induced elevation in whole brain levels of catecholamines (NE, DA), 5-HT and plasma corticosterone to near normal levels. Further studies are warranted to explore the clinical potential of this encouraging lead in the management of stress and to elucidate the mechanisms involved.

Objective: the aim of this study was to find a simple and economical technique to remove postleishmaniasis scar from the face., Design: a non-randomized descriptive case series., Place and Duration of Study: the study was conducted between 1st January 1998 to 31st July 2000 in a private hospital of D.I.Khan., Patients and Methods: Ten patients with postleishmaniasis scar on the face were selected for excision and reconstruction in this study. They were operated as day care under local anesthesia. Their age ranged between 18-30 years, with an average of 23.5 years. The size of scar varied from 2 cm2 to 6 cm2 with an average of 4.1 cm(2). After scar excision, lateral cheek rotation flap (reverse face-lift) was used to reconstruct the defect. Results were statistically analyzed., Results: No major complications were encountered. However, minor complications like edema of the flap, seroma under the flap, flap tip necrosis and temporary neurapraxia were noted in two patients., Conclusion: This is an excellent technique, which can be done on a day care basis under local anesthesia. Larger studies will help to explore this technique further.

Stroke, or ischaemic brain damage, is of great geriatric importance being the third most common cause of death after cancer and heart diseases in developed countries. Despite such high frequency, its management has received inadequate attention. Many studies have shown the role of free radicals in the pathogenesis of ischaemic brain damage. Search for safe and effective antioxidant and free radial scavenger agents, therefore, appear to be a promising approach for stroke therapy. Gold, widely used in modern medicine for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, is highly valued for various medicinal uses in Indian systems of medicine. Traditional gold preparations are attributed with tonic/rejuvenating and antioxidant properties. Our earlier studies revealed interesting analgesic, immunostimulant, adaptogenic and glycogen sparing properties in these preparations, but their effects in cerebral ischaemia have not been investigated. This prompted us to initiate the present study using global and focal models of ischaemia in albino rats. Enzymatic parameters (lipid peroxidase, reduced glutathione, catalase, glutathione reductase, glutathione-S-transferase, glutatione peroxidase, superoxide dismutase, and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase) were employed to assess ischaemic brain damage and its modulation. Significant restoration of altered values to near normal levels by Ayurvedic Swarna Bhasma and Unani Kushta Tila Kalan (25 mg/kg, orally for 10 days), suggest potentials for gold preparations in cerebrovascular diseases. The preparations deserve more scientific attention for possible therapeutic exploitation.

The research work done on different species of the genus Mimosa have been reviewed with special reference to Chemistry, Biochemistry and Biological activities.