Antimalarial activity and clinical safety of traditionally used Nyctanthes arbor-tristis Linn.

330-334Traditional systems of medicine, such as Ayurveda and Chinese medicine in Asia have been provided novel concepts and modalities for healthcare. Critical bedside observations by astute physicians have been followed up by systematic trans-disciplinary research. Such clinical hits of novel biodynamic actions can lead to new drug candidates. In the study, this path was taken up to document antimalarial activity of Nyctanthes arbor-tristis Linn. (Parijat). Nyctanthes arbor-tristis Linn., a popular plant with fragrant flowers described in Ayurveda is being sporadically used for malaria by several Ayurvedic physicians. Patients with malaria were treated with the paste of five fresh leaves of Nyctanthes arbor-tristis Linn, Given orally three times in a day for 7-10 days. The relief of symptoms and signs of malaria and the features of Visham jwara were graded basally and daily. Of 120 patients, ninety two (76.7%) showed complete clinical and parasitic cure within 7 days. Other 20 patients, who then continued on the same treatment, were cured by 10 days. Those patients who did not respond clinically and by parasite clearance were treated with standard antimalarial therapy. Parasite clearance was gradual and showed a direct temporal relationship with the level of initial parasitemia. The paste was well tolerated and no severe side effects were reported. Nyctanthes arbor-tristis Linn, with the dose used showed significant clinical antimalarial activity and good tolerability. A standardized formulation has to be prepared for further studies with critical markers of disease severity as well as parasite clearance

The Indian Practitioner q 288 q The Indian Practitioner

ABSTRACT Objective To study, the safety, tolerability and therapeutic activity of Vitamin K 2-7(MK7) in a series of patients with idiopathic muscle cramps-systremma Material and Method An open-labelled ambulant trial was conducted in 19 patients presenting with muscle cramps. Vitamin K 2-7 (100µg/Capsule/ Day) was given orally for 3 months. Patients on regular anti-coagulant treatment were excluded from the study. Patients kept the record of frequency, duration and intensity of their cramps during the baseline period of 7 days and throughout the study. They were divided in two groups A and B as per the frequency of cramps. The intensity of cramps was assessed with a Visual Analogue Scale (VAS). They were followed up in the fourth month for recurrence of any cramps. Blood biochemistry and organ function tests were studied at the baseline and at the end of therapy for safety. Prior to the study EC permission and informed consent from patients were obtained. Results Patients from Group A (n=9) had 1-2 cramps/day to 5 /day with severity of 2-9 on the VAS and duration of 1min to 10 min. Patients from Group B (n=10) had lesser frequency of 2-4/wk to at least once a week. Duration of cramps varied from less than 1 min to 10 min with a severity of 2-8 on the VAS. Patients from both the groups experienced a reduction in the frequency. In the Group A, it reduced from 1-2 cramps/day and 5 /day to no cramps or 2-3/ month and in the Group B, from 2-4/wk the frequency reduced to no cramps -1/month. There was also a reduction in the duration as well as severity recorded as 0-3 on VAS as compared to the baseline 2-9 in the Group A. Intensity of cramps was also reduced in the group B from 2-8 VAS decreasing to 0-2 score. Vitamin K 2-7 was well tolerated clinically and found to be safe on the organ function in all the patients. No severe adverse events were reported during the period of therapy. Conclusion Vitamin K 2-7 at a dose of 100 µg /day for 3 months was found to be well tolerated and safe with a therapeutic relief of muscle cramps. The therapeutic activity needs to be evaluated in a larger sample size, with a placebo -randomized cross-over double blind trial to ascertain the efficacy. (The Ind. Pract. 2010; 63(5):287-291