Acute hypotensive and diuretic activities of Berberis vulgaris root bark aqueous extract in normal rats

The aim of this study is to investigate the effectiveness of intravenous administration of Berberis vulgaris root bark aqueous extract (BRBD) on the cardiovascular and renal functions of healthy normotensive rats. The different doses of BRBD 1, 10 and 20 mg/kg were administered intravenously (i.v) in normal rats. Blood pressure, diuretic activity and serum renal profile were analyzed. Intravenous injection of BRBD at the different doses of 1, 10 and 20 mg/kg showed a dose-dependent reduction in mean arterial blood pressure (

Anti-diabetic potential of Plectranthus lanuginosus in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats

Purpose: To determine the antidiabetic effect of methanol extract of Plectranthus lanuginosus leaves in streptozotocin-induced hyperglycemic (HGD) rats. Methods: P. lanuginosus leaves were collected from Saad Medhas, Al Baha, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. After defatting with n-hexane, they were extracted in vacuo at 40 oC with 75 % methanol. Streptozotocin (50 mgkg−1, i.p.) was used to induce hyperglycemia (diabetes) in the rats. The HGD rats received either standard drug (glibenclamide, 10 mgkg−1, p.o.) or Plectranthus lanuginosus leaf methanol leaf extract (PLLM) at doses of 200 and 400 mgkg−1/day, p.o. for 21 consecutive days. Blood samples were taken from the rat tails 2 h after dosing, and at 7-day intervals (i.e., 0, 7th, 14th and 21st days). The blood samples were used for measurement of fasting blood glucose (FBS), using a glucometer. On the 21st day, the rats were sacrificed via cardiac puncture. The activities of liver marker enzymes (SGPT and SGOT), and serum lipid profile (cholesterol, triglycerides, HDL and LDL) were determined using a hemolyzer. Results: Streptozotocin treatment produced significant hyperglycemia in the rats (348.9 ± 5.6) when compared to control (79.2 ± 1.3). However, PLLM (200 and 400 mg kg−1) produced significant and dose-dependent anti-diabetic (166.4 ± 5.6 and 123.86 ± 6.8 respectively) and antihyperlipidemic effects in HGD rats, at levels similar to those produced by the standard drug, glibenclamide (120.6 ± 6.4). Conclusion: P. lanuginosus leaf extract possesses pronounced anti-diabetic and anti-hyperlipidemic properties which may be due to the presence of phenolic and flavonoid constituents in the plant. Therefore, the plant extract can be further developed for the management of diabete

Prevalence of behavioural and psychological problems in working children

OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence and screen the nature and types of behavioural and psychological problems among working children in Karachi. METHODS: A cross sectional study was conducted in three urban squatter settlements of Karachi from May to June 2006, targeting working children aged 11-16 years. Behavioural Problems of these children were estimated by using the self reported Urdu version of the Strengths and Difficulty Questionnaire. The results were cross-tabulated using SPSS 13.0 with the identified risk-factors. RESULTS: Out of a total of 225 respondents, 94.2% (n = 212) males and 5.8% (n = 13) females, the prevalence of Behavioural Problems among working children was found to be 9.8%. Peer problems were most prevalent (16.9%) seconded by Conduct problems (16.7%). Adverse family environment and work environment were closely associated with Behavioural Problems in these children. CONCLUSION: Our study reinforces the need for measures to improve the environment of the children and prevent the psychological and behavioural problems associated with working children. Gradual, long-term policies are required to decrease the need for working children, though sudden abolishment would cause more detrimental effects

Antibiotic utilization patterns for different wound types among surgical patients : findings and implications

Antimicrobial prophylaxis is effective in reducing the rate of surgical site infections (SSIs) post operatively. However, there are concerns with the extent of extend prophylaxis post-operatively especially among low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). This increases antimicrobial re-sistance (AMR), which is a key issue in Pakistan. Consequently, we conducted an observational cross-sectional study among 583 patients undergoing surgery at a leading teaching hospital in Pakistan with respect to the choice, time and duration of antimicrobials to prevent SSIs. Identi-fied varables included post-op prophylactic antimicrobials given to all patients in all surgical procedures. In addition, cephalosporins were frequently used for all surgical procedures and among these, the use of third generation cephalosporins was common. The duration of post-operative prophylaxis was 3-4 days, appreciably longer than guideline suggestions, with most patients prescribed antimicrobials up to discharge. The inappropriate choice of antimicrobials combined with prolonged post-operative antibiotic administration post-operatively need to be addressed. This includes appropriate interventions, including antimicrobial stewardship pro-grams, which have been successful in other LMICs to improve antibiotic utilization associated with SSIs and reduce AM

Antibiotic susceptibility surveillance in the Punjab Province of Pakistan : findings and implications

Background and Objectives: The increase in antimicrobial resistance (AMR) across countries has seriously impacted the effective management of infectious diseases, with subsequent impact on morbidity, mortality and costs. This includes Pakistan. Antimicrobial surveillance activities should be mandatory to continually assess the extent of multidrug-resistant bacteria and the implications for future empiric prescribing. The objective of this retrospective observational study was to monitor the susceptibility pattern of microbes in Pakistan. Materials and Methods: Clinical samples from seven laboratories in Punjab, Pakistan were collected between January 2018 and April 2019, with Punjab being the most populous province in Pakistan. The isolates were identified and their antimicrobial susceptibility was tested using the Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion assay and micro broth dilution methods. The antibiotics assessed were those typically prescribed in Pakistan. Results: In total, 2523 bacterial cultural reports were studied. The most frequently isolated pathogens were Staphylococcus aureus (866, 34.3%), followed by Escherichia coli (814, 32.2%), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (454, 18.0%) and Klebsiella pneumoniae (269, 10.7%). Most pathogens were isolated from pus (1464, 58.0%), followed by urine (718, 28.5%), blood (164, 6.5%) and sputum (81, 3.2%). Conclusions: The findings suggest that current antimicrobial options are severally restricted in Pakistan due to the emergence of multidrug-resistant pathogens. This calls for urgent actions including initiating antimicrobial stewardship programs to enhance prudent prescribing of antibiotics. This includes agreeing on appropriate empiric therapy as part of agreed guidelines, in line with the WHO EML and AWaRe book, whilst awaiting culture reports. This is alongside other measures to reduce inappropriate antimicrobial prescribing and reverse the threat of rising AMR

Ongoing strategies to improve antimicrobial utilization in hospitals across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) : findings and implications

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is an increasing global concern, increasing costs, morbidity, and mortality. National action plans (NAPs) to minimize AMR are one of several global and national initiatives to slow down rising AMR rates. NAPs are also helping key stakeholders understand current antimicrobial utilization patterns and resistance rates. The Middle East is no exception with high AMR rates. Antibiotic point prevalence surveys (PPS) provide a better understanding of existing antimicrobial consumption trends in hospitals, and assist with the subsequent imple-mentation of antimicrobial stewardship programs (ASPs). These are important NAP activities. We examined current hospital consumption trends across the Middle East along with documented ASPs. A narrative assessment of 24 PPS studies in the Region found that, on average, more than 50% of in-patients received antibiotics, with Jordan having the highest rate at 98.1%. Published studies ranged in size from single to 18 hospitals. The most prescribed antibiotics were ceftriax-one, metronidazole, and penicillin. In addition, significant postoperative antibiotic prescribing lasting up to five days or longer was common to avoid surgical site infections. These findings have resulted in a variety of suggested short-, medium-, and long-term actions among key stakehold-ers, including governments and healthcare workers, to improve and sustain future antibiotic prescribing in order to decrease AMR throughout the Middle East

EFFECTS OF UNANI ANXIOLYTICS (SOMINA) ON GENERAL REPRODUCTIVE PERFORMANCE AND TERATOLOGY IN RATS

Objective: Somina (herbal medicine) is used in Pakistan as Unani anxiolytics. It is composed of five medicinal plants. The current work was designed to evaluate the general reproductive and teratogenic effects of somina in two consecutive generations of rats according to the OECD guideline.Methods: Fertility study (a two-phase study) was done in Sprague-Dawley rats. 1st part: three groups' female rats (10 rats each group) received different doses orally. First group: The control group (saline), a single oral human dose of somina (2nd group: 285 mg/kg/day) and the high dose of somina (3rd group: 1g/kg/day) during the whole period of gestation till the delivery of pups named as F1 Breed. For the second part of study ten females were selected from each F1 breed (control, somina 285 mg/kg/d, somina 1g/kg/day) and administered the same treatment from day first of mating than the entire period of gestation until F1 breed delivered pups (F2 breed). For F1 and F2 breed the fertility index and litter size were determined. Some of the female rats (F1 and F2) were anesthetized and autopsied. The blood sample was subjected to biochemical analysis and serum liver function test: bilirubin, gamma-glutamyl transferase (γGT), alanine aminotransferase (ALT: SGPT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST: SGOT) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) were measured spectrophotometrically. The uterine growth index, fertility index, and litter size were also measured to evaluate the teratogenic effects of somina treated rats.Results: The data showed that any significant different (P>0.05) was not found during the maternal examination (uterine growth index, fertility index) and reproductive parameters (litter size, the quantity of fetus, aborted or absorbed fetus) in somina treated rats as compare to control rats (P>0.05). Control and treated Pups did not show any significant (P>0.05) malformation and any congenital defects. Non-significant (P>0.05) changes were observed in liver function test. It was found normal in all groups. Macroscopic autopsy examination also did not reveal any significant (P>0.05) pathological findings in the liver, kidneys, and uterus.Conclusion: The oral administration of somina during the gestational period of pregnant female rats was not teratogenic/fetotoxic. Any adverse or deleterious effects were not observed at the dose of 285 mg/kg (human dose) or 1g/kg (3times greater than the human dose) during pregnancy, and it is safe in rats

Identification of virus isolates inducing mosaic of sugarcane in Makarfi Local Government Area of Kaduna State, Nigeria

Sugarcane mosaic disease caused by sugarcane mosaic virus (SCMV), Johnsongrass mosaic virus (JGMV), maize dwarf mosaic virus (MDMV) and sorghum mosaic Virus (SrMV) is an economically important viral disease of sugarcane worldwide. Field survey was conducted to assess the presence of the viruses involve in mosaic disease of sugarcane in Makarfi Local Government Areas of Kaduna State (Northern Guinea Savannah), Nigeria. A range of symptoms were observed on the  infected land races from the pale green stripes to yellow chlorotic stripes on a dark green background. The purple land race (“Bakarkwama”) was highly susceptible followed by green land race (“Bahausa”) and the least infected was the white land race (“fararkwama”). 63 symptomatic and asymptomatic sugarcane leaves and stem juice extract from 14 villages of Makarfi L.G.A. were screened for the four viruses using DAS and TAS ELISA methods. SCMV, MDMV and SrMV were detected from both symptomatic and asymptomatic sugarcane leaf samples whereas JGMV was not detected in the locations sampled. SCMV isolate has the highest incidence (83%) from all the locations followed by SrMV (10%) and MDMV (5%) isolates. Mixed infections of the three viruses were also detected in some samples. This is the first report of identification of virus isolates inducing sugarcane disease in one of the major sugarcane producing areas of the Northern Guinea Savannah of Nigeria.Keywords: Sugarcane, SCMV, MDMV, SrMV, TAS-ELISA, DAS-ELISAAfrican Journal of Biotechnology, Vol 13(12), 1351-135

HYPOTENSIVE ACTIVITY OF METHANOLIC EXTRACT OF BERBERIS VULGARIS (ROOT PULP AND BARK)

ABSTRACT Many plants have been recommended in alternative systems of medicine for hypotensive activity although few systematic studies have been done. In this study, the hypotensive activity was studied in normotensive albino rats at different doses of BRPM and BB. The receptor activity was assessed by the drugs Ach on rat heart. Administration of different methanolic extract (BRPM, BB) showed significant reduction in blood pressure comparable to its respective control. Both methanolic extract completely blocked the Ach receptors in heart. This study suggests that the methanolic extract (BRPM, BB) have significant Ach receptor blocking and hypotensive activity and may be recommended for further investigation

Neuropharmacological profile of somina (a poly herbal unani formulation) in rats and mice

A number of drugs both single and compound preparations are used widely in the traditional system of medicine or Tibb-e-unani (Unani medicine) in the management of mental diseases but these drug mostly, have not been investigated for their acclaimed effect. Somina is one of such poly herbal preparation containing five ingredients mainly described to be sedative, hypnotic and anxiolytic. In the present study pharmacological properties of somina were investigated in rats and mice, using standard behavioral paradigms. The results of our study show that somina exhibited anxiolytic, sedative and hypnotic effect as shown in elevated plus maze test in rats and exploratory rearing test in mice, open field test and pentobarbital-induced sleeping time in rats. These finding validates its traditional uses and rationalized the clinical prescription and potential benefit of the somina as a sedative, hypnotic and anxiolytic drug. Keywords: somina, sedative, hypnotic, anxiolytic, exploratory rearing, dopamine Nigerian Journal of Natural Products and Medicine Vol. 9 2005: 48-5