A review of pharmacological effects of xylopic acid

Xylopic acid (15β-acetyloxy-kaur-16-en-19-oic acid) is a kaurene diterpene that can be obtained from various Xylopia spp. Xylopic acid has demonstrated several pharmacological activities in vitro and in vivo. The compound has shown promising effect as a potent analgesic, anti-inflammatory and anti-allergic agent. Xylopic acid is a CNS depressant and was able to ameliorate anxiety-like symptoms in mice in addition to its neuroprotective effects. Deleterious effects of xylopic acid on the reproductive system of mice have been well documented but extensive toxicity study detailing effect of the acid upon chronic exposure needs to be determined. Due to the heavy consumption of X. aethiopica fruits, it is recommended that the pharmacokinetics of xylopic acid be determined to ascertain the possible food-drug interaction that may occur when conventional drugs are taken together with foods containing xylopic acid

Spectrum of anxiety and depression reported in reproductive-aged women diagnosed with gynaecological disorders at a tertiary healthcare facility in Ghana

Background: Patients with gynaecological disorders often suffer from psychological disorders including anxiety and depression. Although depression and anxiety have been studied in Ghana, data regarding the prevalence of these disorders in patients with gynaecological disorders is non-existent. The aim of the study was to investigate the prevalence of anxiety and depression in reproductive-aged women diagnosed with gynaecological disorders.Methods: Cross-sectional observational study was conducted at the Gynaecology Clinic of Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital, a tertiary health facility in Accra, Ghana. Patients of reproductive age seeking gynaecological care at the facility from December 2018 to January 2019 were assessed for anxiety and depression using the Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) questionnaire and the Beck depression inventory (BDI) respectively. Sociodemographic and clinical information was gathered as well.Results: Of the 120 patients interviewed (mean age 34.33±0.66), 36.7% were depressed while 51.6% were reported anxiety disorders. Patients aged 35-45 years had the highest prevalence of anxiety (24.58%) and depression (29.18%). Again, prevalence rates were highest among respondents with senior high school as the highest educational qualification, (anxiety (22.15%); depression (24.20%). Patients suffering from pelvic floor disorder recorded the highest prevalence of anxiety (11.40%) and depression (13.77%). There was a significant association between depression and gynaecological disorders [χ2(25) =53.915, p=0.001, CI=95%], but there was not enough evidence of an association between anxiety and gynaecological disorders [χ2(15) =22.791, p=0.089, CI=95%].Conclusions: Anxiety and depression are prevalent amongst women in their reproductive age diagnosed presenting with gynaecological disorders and there is a significant association between gynaecological disorders and the prevalence of depression

Impact of Serum Prolactin and Testosterone Levels on the Clinical Parameters of Dry Eye in Pregnant Women

Purpose. To explore the relationship between serum prolactin, testosterone level, and tear film parameters. The potential impact of these hormones on the health of the ocular surface in pregnant women was evaluated. Methods. This was a hospital-based cross-sectional study in which ocular symptoms (Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI)), tear function (fluorescein tear breakup time, Schirmer’s test 1), corneal and conjunctival staining, meibomian gland (MG) expressibility, and quality of secretion were measured. Lid margin findings including lid notching, thickness, and lid margin telangiectasia were also recorded. Venous blood was collected and the serum concentrations of prolactin and testosterone were determined using ELISA kits. Correlation and multiple linear regression analyses were used to examine predictors of dry eye symptoms and signs. Results. A total of 160 pregnant women participated in the study and their mean age was 30.1 ± 4.6 years (range 18–42 years). The correlation analysis indicated that testosterone concentration did not significantly correlate with any of the clinical parameters hence it was not included in the linear regression analysis. However, prolactin serum concentration correlated significantly with Schirmer’s test 1. Multiple linear regression was done to predict participants’ Schirmer’s test 1 score based upon their ocular surface staining score (oxford grading scale), meibomian gland expressibility, meibomian secretion quality, and serum concentration of prolactin. Only predictors that significantly correlated with Schirmer’s test 1 in the correlation analysis were included in the linear regression analysis. A significant regression equation was obtained (F (2, 157) = 5.119, p=0.007) with an R square of 0.05. Multiple linear regression analysis revealed that concentration of prolactin (ß coefficient = 0.032, p=0.044) and meibomian gland expressibility scores (ß coefficient = 2.14, p=0.016) were associated with Schirmer’s test 1 scores when adjusted for duration of pregnancy. Conclusion. The study showed that increased serum prolactin levels have a weak but positive impact on Schirmer’s test 1 scores whilst serum testosterone level has no association with the clinical parameters of dry eye in pregnant women