Search

The novel coronavirus, designated as “Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2” (SARS-CoV-2), is a new coronavirus that has evolved as a global pandemic recently, and it has created a widespread interest in coronaviruses causing human infections. This article compares the pathogenesis, distribution, clinical characteristics, and treatment of the three highly pathogenic coronaviruses that caused epidemics, namely, “Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus” (SARS), “Middle East Respiratory Syndrome” (MERS), and SARS-CoV-2. This narrative review is prepared using the data compiled from literature search using relevant MeSH terms. The clinical manifestation of SARS-CoV-2 infection (COVID-19) is mild with relatively low fatality rate than the other two coronaviruses; however, its overall capability to cause explosive spread of the disease and reach a pandemic level is greater. Unlike SARS and MERS, COVID-19 has no accepted treatment protocols at present. Extensive studies and analyses on COVID-19 are necessary before making strong recommendations for or against any particular treatment, although some recent medications have shown great potential. COVID-19 still needs further investigation, where all of the lessons gained from previous outbreaks of SARS and MERS and the experience from the countries that managed COVID-19 seem to be the best approaches to counteract this new global hazard at present until effective preventive vaccines are available in sufficient quantity for mass vaccination programs worldwide.

Tamsulosin is an antagonist of a subtype-specific alpha-1A- and alpha-1D-adrenoceptor (AR) that is expressed in the prostate gland, urethra, and bladder. Several reports have shown a possible relationship between ophthalmologic adverse effects and the use of alpha-1-receptor medicines, including tamsulosin. This descriptive review evaluates the intraoperative floppy iris syndrome (IFIS) associated with tamsulosin. A search of the Medline and PubMed databases was conducted to identify control trials, case reports, and observational examinations published in English. The publication dates were restricted (January 1, 2000, to January 1, 2020). Keywords (tamsulosin, alpha-blocker, ocular, eye, adverse reaction, and IFIS) were used in the searches. The searches identified 66 studies including in vitro or in vivo studies, trials, and observational studies. Twenty-two (33.33%) studies were articles citing tamsulosin and IFIS as having confirmed potential risk to ocular safety. The results of this review, including a comprehensive summary of published research on tamsulosin use in different populations, have identified several articles showing associations between tamsulosin and IFIS that merit further investigation. Suspending of potential causative pharmacological treatment of IFIS before ocular surgery including tamsulosin, proper identification of at-risk patients, preoperative prophylaxis treatments, and surgical technique modifications clearly can mitigate the anticipated risk of IFIS induced by tamsulosin.

The risk of Coronavirus infection continues, and the fear of resurgence indicates the lack of a successful therapeutic strategy. In severe COVID-19 infection, many immune cells and their products are involved, making management difficult. The abundant release of cytokines and chemokines in severe COVID-19 patients leads to profound hyper inflammation and the mobilization of immune cells, triggering the cytokine storm. The complications associated with the cytokine storm include severe respiratory distress, intravascular coagulation, multi-organ failure, and death. The enormous formation of interleukin (IL)-6 and hemopoietic factors such as granulocyte–macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) are implicated in the severity of the infection. Moreover, these inflammatory cytokines and factors signal through the Janus kinase (JAK)-signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) pathway causing the activation of cytokine-related genes. The neutralization of these proteins could be of therapeutic help in COVID-19 patients and could mitigate the risk of mortality. IL-6 antagonist, IL-6 receptor antagonists, GM-CSF receptor inhibitors, and JAK-STAT inhibitors are being investigated to prevent intense lung injury in COVID-19 patients and increase the chances of survival. The review focuses the role of IL-6, GM-CSF, and JAK-STAT inhibitors in regulating the immune response in severely affected COVID-19 patients.

Background: Drug and poison information (DPI) elective rotation develops interns into drug information experts, educators, and policymakers. DPI is an important pharmaceutical service built on technical skills, knowledge and expertise. Aim: A pre- and post-rotation survey to assess the current knowledge, attitude and perceptions of student pharmacists about DPI rotation. Methods: Three cohorts of student pharmacists responded to the survey, which was composed of closed- and open-ended questions. Descriptive statistics, McNemar's test, and Chi-square test were utilised for data analysis. Results: Knowledge of primary resources increased from 37.2% to 85.6% at the end of the rotation. In the beginning, only 13.8% were aware of Pharmacy and Therapeutic committee related activities, and 15.9% considered identification adverse drug reactions as auxiliary responsibilities. However, the proportion increased to 82% and 83.5% by the end of the rotation. Both at the beginning and the end, student pharmacists felt the training was essential to appraise literature. Twice the number of respondents expressed that there were job opportunities in the DPI centre post-rotation compared with the pre-rotation response (p

The khat plant has been culturally used in many parts of Africa and the Arabian Peninsula for many years to induce psycho-stimulating effect. Because of the global wide-spreading nature, khat chewing is being considered as a universally growing problem. Catha abbottii, Catha edulis, and Catha transvaalensis are the three species of khat commonly chewed in Saudi Arabia and nearby regions. Khat users usually prefer to chew young leaves over mature ones due to the diverse effects produced by both. Though many of the constituents of khat leaves have been identified, the complete phytochemical profile of young and mature leaves was not performed or compared; also, no evidence is available to affirm the cytotoxicity of young or mature leaves. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the phytochemical basis of the differential response of the young and mature leaves and to assess the cytotoxicity of young and mature khat leaves. Ethanolic extracts of young and mature leaves of three khat cultivars were subjected to GC-MS. Hierarchical cluster analysis revealed the existence of two major clusters. The extracts of young leaves were found to contain the maximum content of cathinone; however, methoxyamphetamine was found in only one extract of young leaves. Cytotoxicity investigations were also conducted on both types of leaves using three cancer cell lines, human breast adenocarcinoma, human ovary adenocarcinoma, and human colon adenocarcinoma and also normal human fetal lung fibroblast cell line was used. All extracts showed comparable cytotoxicity, IC50 ranging from 22–59 μg/mL on the cancer cells; however, we observed more cytotoxicity against normal cells (IC50: 6–41 μg/mL). The predominant cytotoxicity on normal cells may pose many health hazards to khat consumers.

First aid is the most basic and life-saving service provided before emergency care is received. This study aimed to assess students’ knowledge and attitudes about performing first aid for snakebite emergencies and their perception of snakes. A cross-sectional study was conducted between January and March 2019 among upper-level students (3rd year and above) of health-related courses at Jazan University, Saudi Arabia. Three hundred and nine students from four programs responded to the self-administered questionnaire. The collected data were analyzed using SPSS 23.0. The highest percentage of the study sample comprised pharmacy students (44%), followed by nursing (25.2%), medical (16.8%), and emergency medicine students (13.9%). Overall, the emergency medicine students exhibited greater knowledge of snakebite first aid. However, over three-fourths of the students were unaware of dry bites. Around two-thirds were sure that they should not massage the bite site, while nearly one-fourth were not sure about the use of a tourniquet. The fifth- and sixth-year students had extremely diverse perspectives on snakes. The majority of the participants (92.8%) did not feel good about snakes. However, most of the students (95.2%) wanted to learn about snakebite first aid and overcome their fear of snakes. Overall, the students had a positive attitude towards first aid but lacked knowledge of snakebite emergencies. Public health awareness is required to dispel first-aid myths about snakebites and misconceptions regarding snakes.

Abstract: Neuroinflammation is a trigger for several neurodegenerative and neuropsychiatric disorders. Exposure to noxious external stimuli induces homeostatic disturbances resulting in morphological changes in microglia, their activation, and elaboration of pro-inflammatory mediators. This leads to neuroinflammation with the progressive loss of neurons. Nutraceuticals such as anthocyanins are a class of brightly colored bioactive compounds present in fruits and vegetables with purported health benefits. They interfere with the activation of several signaling cascades that have a prominent role in preventing neuroinflammation. More importantly, anthocyanins can cross the blood-brain barrier and are safe. Hence, the current review focuses on the bioavailability of anthocyanins, clinical and in vitro evidence on their role in impeding the activation of transcription factors, modulating the immune milieu within the central nervous system, preventing the activation of microglia, and averting neuroinflammation.

Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) is a significant public health concern worldwide and many people continue to ignore their early warning symptoms. The present study assessed the level of knowledge about CKD the awareness of the risk factors and the awareness of the complications associated with CKD, among the general population of Jazan Province, Saudi Arabia. 440 residents of Jazan Province participated in an online cross-sectional survey during a seven-month period from November (2020) to July (2021). Data was collected using a validated 73-item self-report survey. More than half of the respondents were males (n = 286; 65%) with an age ranging from 18 to 59 years, and a mean age of 32.66 years (SD ± 10.83). A very low percentage of the sample (27.3%; 7.5%, 9.3%) demonstrated good knowledge, a high level of awareness of the risk factors, and a high level of awareness of the complications associated with CKD, respectively. Participants’ knowledge was significantly associated with being a student or being employed (Government/private employee) (χ2 = 29.90; p < 0.001), having completed graduate studies (χ2 = 63.86; p < 0.001), residing in urban areas (χ2 = 138.62; p < 0.001), belonging to the age group (18–39 years), and having no co-morbidities (χ2 = 24.55; p < 0.001). Positive and significant correlations were also noted between the knowledge score and the awareness of risk factor score (r = 0.42; p < 0.01), as well as the awareness of complications score (r = 0.25; p < 0.01). These findings warrant an urgent need for extensive CKD educational initiatives concentrating on improving the general knowledge and awareness of the public towards CKD.

Purpose. The study evaluated the neuroprotective effect and pharmacokinetic profile of turmeric extract and their metabolites in the blood and brain in an aluminum-induced neurotoxic animal model. Methods. Swiss albino mice received turmeric extract (TE), TE-essential oil combination (TE+EO) at doses of 25 and 50 mg/kg/day orally, vehicle (control), and a positive control group. Neurotoxicity was induced by injecting aluminum chloride (40 mg/kg/day, i.p.), and the effect of the intervention was studied for 45 days. The pharmacokinetic and behavioral biochemical markers of brain function and brain histopathological changes were evaluated. Results. The AUC 0- t showed a 30.1 and 54.2 times higher free curcumin concentration in plasma with 25 mg/kg and 50 mg/kg of TE+EO vs. TE, respectively. The concentration of free curcumin in the brain was 11.01 and 13.71-fold higher for 25 mg/kg and 50 mg/kg of TE+EO vs. TE, respectively. Aluminum impairs spatial learning and memory, which was significantly reversed with TE+EO by 28.6% (25 mg/kg) and 39.4% (50 mg/kg). In the elevated plus maze test, 44.8% (25 mg/kg) and 67.1% (50 mg/kg) improvements were observed. A significant reduction in aluminum-induced lipid peroxidation was observed. Also, the levels of glutathione, acetylcholinesterase, and catalase were improved with TE+EO. Damage to the hippocampal pyramidal cells was averted with TE+EO. Conclusion. The neuroprotective and antioxidant response confirms the benefits of TE+EO against aluminum-induced neurotoxicity. The presence of free curcumin and its metabolites in the brain and plasma establishes its improved bioavailability and tissue distribution. Therefore, the benefits of TE+EO could be harnessed in neurodegenerative diseases.

Background: Coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) was declared a “pandemic” by the World Health Organization (WHO) in early March 2020. Globally, extraordinary measures are being adopted to combat the formidable spread of the ongoing outbreak. Under such conditions, people's adherence to preventive measures is greatly affected by their awareness of the disease.Aim: This study was aimed to assess the level of awareness and preparedness to fight against COVID-19 among the healthcare workers (HCWs) and other residents of the South-West Saudi Arabia.Methods: A community-based, cross-sectional survey was conducted using a self-developed structured questionnaire that was randomly distributed online among HCWs and other residents (age ≥ 12 years) of South-West Saudi Arabia for feedback. The collected data were analyzed using Stata 15 statistical software.Results: Among 1,000 participants, 36.7% were HCWs, 53.9% were female, and 44.1% were aged ≥ 30 years. Majority of respondents showed awareness of COVID-19 (98.7%) as a deadly, contagious, and life-threatening disease (99.6%) that is transmitted through human-to-human contact (97.7%). They were familiar with the associated symptoms and common causes of COVID-19. Health organizations were chosen as the most reliable source of information by majority of the participants (89.6%). Hand hygiene (92.7%) and social distancing (92.3%) were the most common preventive measures taken by respondents that were followed by avoiding traveling (86.9%) to an infected area or country and wearing face masks (86.5%). Significant proportions of HCWs (P < 0.05) and more educated participants (P < 0.05) showed considerable knowledge of the disease, and all respondents displayed good preparedness for the prevention and control of COVID-19. Age, gender, and area were non-significant predictors of COVID-19 awareness.Conclusion: As the global threat of COVID-19 continues to emerge, it is critical to improve the awareness and preparedness of the targeted community members, especially the less educated ones. Educational interventions are urgently needed to reach the targeted residents beyond borders and further measures are warranted. The outcome of this study highlighted a growing need for the adoption of innovative local strategies to improve awareness in general population related to COVID-19 and its preventative practices in order to meet its elimination goals.

Objectives. National estimates of healthcare expenditures by types of services for adults with comorbid diabetes and eye complications (ECs) are scarce. Therefore, the first objective of this study is to estimate total healthcare expenditures and expenditures by types of services (inpatient, outpatient, prescription, and emergency) for adults with ECs. The second objective is to estimate the out-of-pocket spending burden among adults with ECs. Study Design. A cross-sectional study design using data from multiple panels (2009-2015) of the Medical Expenditure Panel Survey was employed. The sample included adults aged 21 years or older with diabetes (n=8,420). Principal Findings. Of adults with diabetes, 18.9% had ECs. Adults ECs had significantly higher incremental total medical expenditures of $3,125. The highest incremental expenditures were associated with outpatient and prescription drugs. After controlling for sex, age, race, poverty level, insurance coverage, prescription coverage, perceived physical and mental health, the number of chronic physical and mental conditions, marital status, education, the region of residence, smoking status, exercise, and chronic kidney disease (CKD), there was no difference in the out-of-pocket spending burden between adults with and those without ECs. However, adults with comorbid diabetes and CKD were more likely to have the out-of-pocket spending burden than those without CKD. Conclusions. The study showed that ECs in individuals with diabetes are associated with high incremental direct medical and out-of-pocket expenditures. Therefore, it requires more health initiatives, interventions, strategies, and programs to address and minimize the risk involved in such affected individuals.

Amphetamine use is associated with high tendence of homicidal or suicidal deaths and fatalities making amphetamine a persistent area of concern. This study analyzed fatalities associated with amphetamine use in Jazan city, Saudi Aarabia from 2018 to 2020 and investigated the postmortem tissue distribution of amphetamine. The fatalities associated with the use of amphetamine and other drugs were increased from 18% in 2018to 52% in 2019 and to 80% in 2020 compared to all fatalities associated with amphetamine alone. Suicidal people had the highest average amphetamine blood concentrations with a 90th percentile concentration of 7.6 mg/L. In those who use amphetamine in combination with other drugs, suicidal and homicidal deaths are more common than those who use amphetamine alone. The results demonstrate the need to raise the awareness of the increasing number of deaths associated with amphetamine use in combination with other drugs in health care providers.

This study investigated both the mutagenicity and anti-mutagenicity of alpha-lipoic acid (ALA) in the bone marrow cells of mice using a chromosomal aberration assay. Cyclophosphamide (CP) 40 mg/kg was used as a clastogen in the positive control, and a vehicle-treated negative control group was also included. Multiple dose levels (15, 30, and 100 mg/kg of ALA) were given by intraperitoneal injection (IP) alone and in combination with CP (CP was administered 1 h prior to ALA). Bone marrow samples were collected 12 and 24 h after drug administration. The results demonstrated a significant increase in the frequency of chromosomal aberrations (CA) in bone marrow cells with depressions in the mitotic index (MI) of the positive control group of mice. However, in the groups of mice treated with different doses of ALA in the presence of CP, the percentages of CA decreased significantly with increases in mitotic activity. The results also indicate that ALA given alone in different doses had no mutagenic effect on mouse bone marrow cells. ALA has a dose and time-dependent protective effect against the mutagenicity induced by CP.

Coccinia indica an annual creeper is available all over India and well known for its antidiabetic property. In the present investigation, aqueous extract, and ethanolic extract of the fruits were made using hot extraction procedure using soxhlet apparatus, decoction and maceration. The qualitative phyto-chemical screening procedure was performed on each extract. Phyto-chemical study reveals that carbohydrates, tannins, phenols, alkaloids, saponins was present in both the extracts. An attempt has been made to highlight this folk herbal medicine through present study which will assist in the identification of fresh as well as dried crude samples of fruits anatomically and physiochemically. TLC finger printing and fluorescence analysis of powdered fruits has been conducted and reported .The antidiabetic activity is conducted by enzyme inhibition (α-glycosidase) in invitro method on each extract and ethanolic extract showed significant inhibition

Carbosulfan, a wide spectrum pesticide is used to improve crop productivity. During their application, they disperse in the environment exerting harmful consequences on human health. We speculated that exposure to carbosulfan, a carbamate insecticide during early development can affect neurogenesis and synaptic development. In order to test this, pregnant dams were exposed to carbosulfan in four doses (0.5, 1, 2, and 4 mg/kg) during the embryonic period (ED 1–15). Offspring were evaluated for neurobehavioral changes, oxidative markers, acetylcholinesterase levels, and formation of carbonylated proteins. Histopathology of the cerebellum was carried out. Carbosulfan exposure produced alteration in sensorimotor tasks, motor function and elevated anxiety in pups. Carbosulfan affected growth rate of pups in a dose dependent manner. A significant increase in malondialdehyde, a lipid peroxide marker, carbonylated proteins and a dose dependent decrease in the levels of glutathione and glutathione peroxidase were observed. Carbosulfan produced a decline in acetylcholinesterase levels which might contribute to poor exploratory behavior. Distinct changes in the Purkinje cells were observed as the dose of carbosulfan increased. Largely, alteration in behavior can be due to oxidative damage, thereby, affecting neurogenesis, synaptogenesis and myelination. Therefore the propensity of carbosulfan to induce developmental disability is high and should be cautiously avoided during embryonic development.

Abrus precatorius belongs to the family Fabaceae and is a slender woody perennial climber. The genus Abrus is native to India, introduced to warmer regions of the world. It has gained scientific importance as a potential herbal remedy in treatment of chronic nephritis, diabetes, cancer, bacterial infections, convulsions, jaundice, spermatorrhoea and many others. In the present work, the root of the plant was standardized pharmacognostically by subjecting it to various evaluation parameters like microscopical, physicochemical and phytochemical evaluations. The TS and LS of the root showed prominent xylem vessels and fibres. The powdered microscopy showed the presence of pitted and scalariform xylem vessels. Chemo-microscopical studies using various staining reagents like phloroglucinol and HCl, Schules reagent, Toluidine blue, Safranin, and Sudan III were performed. The chemo-microscopical studies revealed the presence of lignin in the cell walls of xylem, starch grains in the medullary rays etc. In physicochemical evaluation, the ash values and extractive values were studied. Fluorescence analysis performed showed a wide range of fluorescence colours for the powder as well as the extracts. The powdered root was extracted with petroleum ether, benzene, chloroform, ethyl acetate, methanol, alcohol and water. The extracts obtained were concentrated and subjected to chemical tests. From the preliminary chemical tests, presence of flavonoids, tannins and phenolic compounds and saponins was observed. Variety of the compounds present in the root were detected in methanolic extract. These evaluation parameters performed will help in setting a suitable monograph for the plant, as A. precatorious root is an important medicinal herb in the alternative systems of medicine.

Objective: To evaluate the Antihypercholesterolemic effect of Boswellia ovalifoliolata Bal. Henry extract by performing invivo studies and to checkout its effects by evaluating parameters like food consumption, weight gain, fecal fat excretion, serum and liver lipid &biochemical profiles. Even the study includes confirmation of activity by the histopathological studies. Methods: Animals were fed with cholesterol rich high fat diet. Food intake, Bodyweight and fecal fat excretion were measured. Serum and liver samples were analyzed for the estimation of lipid profiles and other biochemical parameters by using different kits. Histopathological study on liver, aorta, heart and adipose tissue was done to ensure the activity. Results: The animal group administered with methanolic extract of the plant has shown decreased levels of TC, LDL, VLDL, TG, HDL+VLDL, VLDL+LDL, LDL/TC, AI, SGOT, SGPT and elevated levels of HDL, HDL/TC in a dose dependent manner significantly (p

Stress can lead to the manifestation of functional gastrointestinal disorders, the most prominent being irritable bowel disorder. The present study investigated the impact zingerone in ameliorating chronic water stress induced irritable bowel disorder, brain gut axis dysfunction and dysregulation of the intestinal barrier due to oxidative stress. Rats were randomly allocated to groups and subjected to chronic water stress for a period of 21 days for 1h and the fecal pellet output was measured. At the end of chronic stress, behavioral assessment for anxiety like behavior was recorded and plasma corticosterone levels were measured 60min after water stress. The colonic transit was determined, levels of oxidative and antioxidant biomarkers were measured in the colon homogenate. Myeloperoxidase activity was determined as an indirect index of neutrophil infiltration. Chronic water stress increased the rate of colonic transit, fecal output, induced behavioral changes, and decreased antioxidant levels. An increase in lipid peroxide levels, catalase and corticosterone was observed. Mast cell infiltration was evident in the stressed group. Zingerone significantly reduced colonic transit, fecal output, neutrophil infiltration, and lipid peroxide formation. The levels of catalase were not altered; however, a marginal increase in the levels of glutathione peroxidase was observed. Zingerone significantly enhanced the levels of superoxide dismutase, glutathione and decreased the levels of corticosterone. Zingerone produced marked improvement in stress induced irritable bowel disorder which could be attributed to the powerful antioxidant nature, direct effect on the intestinal smooth muscle and adaptogenic nature.

Aim: Self-medication is developed to encourage responsible self-care but is often carried out without sound rationality. This study assesses the reasons, knowledge, attitude, and practices toward self-medication in rural areas of south-western Saudi Arabia. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional, descriptive, and questionnaire-based study was carried out on respondents visiting the primary healthcare center. Data were collected, analyzed using SPSS software version 23 and presented as frequencies and percentage. Association between variables was established using the Chi-square test, and logistic regression. Results: Among the 500 responses obtained, 58% were female, and 42% were male. Self-medication was practiced for pain (38.3%), influenza (26.3%), cough (24%), and allergy (11.4%). Over 70% failed to consult a physician, lacked awareness of medicine information inserts (71.06%), and failed to check the expiration date (85.2%). Recurrence of symptoms and accessibility of medicines in pharmacies or online stores were a widely accepted reason for self-medication. The respondents were 2.5 times likely to use medications based on others recommendations (odds ratio [OR]: 2.56; 95% of confidence interval [CI]: 1.59–4.13); however, this was lower in females (OR: 0.55; 95% CI: 0.38–0.79; P = 0.002). A significant association was observed between the reasons for self-medication and practices undertaken if symptoms persist with demographic characteristics. Conclusion: Recurrence of symptoms, adopting others advice, the absence of information about medication inserts, and expiration date were issues that can impede responsible self-medication in rural areas. Appropriate patient counseling and conscious dispensing of medications are needed to minimize risks associated with self-medication.

The study was conducted with the purpose to method develop and validate a Ultra Performance Liquid Chromatography m ethod UV detector to determine Levodopa, Carbidopa and Entacapone content in table preparation using MeOH : Acetonitrile : phosphate buffer (pH 2.8, 30:40:3 0 v/v/v). Column is BEH C 18 (2.1 x 100 mm, 5 μ m), flow rate 0.3 ml per min ute and run time is 4 min u tes . The method was validated toward parameters of accuracy, precision, linearity, LOD, LOQ, flow rate, robustness of the Levodopa, Carbidopa, and Entacapone tablet in the form of LOD respectively 0.0060, 0.0 064, and 0.35 and LOQ respectively 1.30, 1.44 an d 1.96

Capsaicin is employed as a condiment and colorant in the cosmetic and pharmaceutical industries. Metabolism of capsaicin produces reactive phenoxy radicals, which inflict damage to DNA. Micronutrients such as zinc and selenium facilitate the expression of tissue repair factors, and lycopene has natural antioxidant action. The current study investigated the possible protective role of zinc, selenium and lycopene singly and in combination in ameliorating capsaicin induced mutagenicity. Fifty four Swiss albino mice received the vehicle, zinc (10 mg/kg), selenium (2 mg/kg), lycopene (2 mg/kg) alone, capsaicin alone (2 mg/kg), and capsaicin along with zinc (10 mg/kg), selenium (2 mg/kg) and lycopene (2 mg/kg) in combination by the oral route for 32 days. Animals were killed 24 h after the last treatment, and micronuclei formation in bone marrow and peripheral blood were assessed. Antioxidant status in plasma, the total protein, nucleic acids, and DNA fragmentation was assessed in the liver homogenate. Capsaicin substantially damaged nuclear material and increased oxidative stress. Individual therapy with lycopene was most effective in reducing micronuclei formation, lipid peroxidation, and in augmenting ferric reducing ability of plasma. This was closely followed by zinc and selenium. Zinc protected against DNA fragmentation followed by lycopene and selenium. The combination therapy was effective over individual treatment against DNA fragmentation, micronuclei and malondialdehyde formation. The combination did not exert a substantial benefit over individual therapy in enhancing the total antioxidant ability of plasma. The risk of capsaicin induced mutagenicity was lowered with the combination by reducing the generation of free radicals and by enhancing tissue repair.

Cerebellar atrophy during ageing can produce neurobehavioural changes characterized by cognitive and motor impairment. Chronic exposure to D-galactose, a reducing sugar can accelerate ageing by producing an unprecedented rise in oxidative load. This can enhance neuronal damage by promoting the oxidation of protein and lipids. We perceived that the simultaneous administration of piperine and curcumin, two powerful antioxidants can exert neuroprotective effect by inhibiting damage caused by the chronic exposure to D-galactose. Young Wistar rats treated with D-galactose (150 mg/kg, s.c.) were simultaneously treated with piperine alone, curcumin separately; and in combination for a period of 56 days by the oral route. A vehicle control, D-galactose alone and naturally aged control were also evaluated. Cognitive changes, motor impairment, protein carbonyls, protein thiols, advanced oxidation protein products, 4 hydroxynonenol and nitric oxide levels were determined in the brain homogenate. In order to ascertain the impact of cerebellum on motor performance, histopathological changes in the cerebellum were also established. Results obtained from our studies reflect a marked improvement in memory, sensorimotor performance, reduced oxidative and nitrosative burden on simultaneous treatment with piperine and curcumin. Furthermore, alterations produced in the Purkinje cells were minimized on treatment with the combination. Our studies demonstrated the influence of protein and lipid oxidation products on behavioural changes in D-galactose induced ageing model. Incorporation of these antioxidants might reduce the risk of developing neurodegenerative disorders, an important counterpart of advancing age.

The present study was designed to investigate the anti - genotoxic effect of Ocimum sanctum on fluoride induced genotoxicity and its impact on oxidative stress. Exposure to fluoride can mainly occur through drinking water when the levels far exceed th e permissible limit. Fluorosis is a serious problem the world over resulting in damage to DNA. Micronuclei assessment from bone marrow and peripheral blood was used in the present study to assess the damage to DNA. Sodium fluoride in a single dose (30 mg/kg, i.p.) was used to induce micronuclei in albino mice. Treatment with the aqueous extract of Ocimum sanctum was initiated in the single dose study (100, 400 & 800 mg/kg) and as a time cours e for 1 day, 3 days and 7 days (100 mg/kg) . 24 h after injecting sodium fluori de, the animals were sacrificed and m icronuclei were determined from smears prepared from bone marrow and peripheral blood. The antioxidant impact of the e xtract was determined using ferric ion reducing capaci ty of plasma and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances as a measure of lipid peroxidation. All doses were capable of p reventing the formation of micronuclei but 100 mg/kg of the aqueous extract was most efficacious as a single dose and in the time course study. The beneficial effect of Ocimum sanctum is possibly due to the synergistic action of constituents like polyphenols, triterpenoids, and flavonoids.

Aerial parts of Ipomea pes-tigridis were extracted by soxhlet extraction and then subjected to preliminary phytochemical screening. Results exposed similar kind of phytochemicals in the methanolic extract of all the parts. This was further confirmed by thin layer chromatographic analysis. Hence the extracts were pooled and screened for anti-bacterial activity against routine bacterial strains and then the anti acne activity against Staphylococcus epidermidis and Propionibacterium acnes. It was observed that S. epidermidis was more susceptible to the extract than P. acnes as the minimum inhibitory concentration was determined to be 96 μg.mL−1 and 100 μg.mL−1 respectively. Bioautography performed revealed that alkaloids and flavonoids were the potent inhibitors of these micro organisms. The anti-inflammatory activity was screened showed that 100 mg.kg−1 as the most effective dose.