Illicit and Counterfeit Drug Analysis by Morphologically Directed Raman Spectroscopy

Morphologically directed Raman spectroscopy (MDRS) is a novel tool for the forensic analysis of illicit and counterfeit drug samples. MDRS combines Raman microspectroscopy with automated particle imaging so that physical and chemical information about the components of a mixture sample can be obtained. Results of automated particle imaging are used to determine samples for Raman analysis. The use of MDRS for these types of samples can be employed for both forensic investigations and adjudications of cases. The method provides insight about the physical and chemical composition of the sample, as well as about manufacturing and sample history. Here, MDRS was used in four different illicit and counterfeit drug analyses: (1) examination of a multicomponent drug mixture where the results could be used for comparative source attribution, (2) the detection of low (or trace) concentration particles in a drug sample, (3) the analysis of synthetic cathinone samples (i.e., bath salts), and (4) a study of counterfeit pharmaceutical products

Chemical, antioxidant and sensory properties of pasta from fractionated whole wheat and Bambara groundnut flour

Pasta from whole-grain wheat is highly nutritious but has poor sensory properties. Hence, this study prepared pasta from fractionated whole-grain wheat flour enriched with 20% Bambara groundnut. The chemical, antioxidant and sensory properties of the pasta were assessed using standard methods. The fat, protein, ash contents, lightness and antioxidant properties value of the flour and pasta increased, while carbohydrate and fibre contents decreased with a reduction in particle size from 500 μm to 112 μm. Potassium (246.50–249.00 mg/kg), calcium (223.50–254.00 mg/kg) and magnesium (184.50–192.00 mg/kg) were the major mineral element in the pasta samples, while zinc (1.00–2.00 mg/kg) and iron (3.50–13.00 mg/kg) are present in small quantities. The optimum cooking time of pasta (average 6.55 min) from the fractionated flours was shorter compared to the control pasta (pasta made from unfractionated wheat flour), but the cooking loss was not significantly affected. Pasta from flour with particle sizes of 300 and 112 μm were very similar in their sensory attributes and showed the highest ratings in overall acceptability. Fractionation of whole-grain wheat flour seems very promising in producing pasta with fairly good antioxidant potentials and high level of protein and fibre to improve the health of pasta-loving individuals.The Faculty of Science-University Research Committee Fellowship of the University of Johannesburg, South Africa.http://www.elsevier.com/locate/lwthj2022Consumer ScienceFood Scienc

Short communication - EFFECT OF CHRONIC GARLIC FEEDING ON SOME HAEMATOLOGICAL PARAMETERS

Some hematological parameter were investigated in rats fed with garlic juice (200mg/kg) daily for thirty days. Garlic feeding for 30 days significantly (P<0.05) increased the red cell count, haemoglobin concentration and the PCV when compared with the control. Also garlic fed rat showed a significant increase in total white blood count, neutrophils, monocytes and the lymphocytes. No significant changes were observed in the basophil and eosinophil counts of animal fed with garlic, when compared with control

Effect Of Nicotine Administration On Weight And Histology Of Some Vital Visceral Organs In Female Albino Rats

It has been emphasized that cigarette smoking is not always synonymous with nicotine administration but the toxic effect of cigarette has often been associated with the nicotine content in cigarette. Epidemiologic studies have clearly indicated that cigarette smoking have many deleterious effects on visceral tissues in women. However it is not certain whether this effect is produced entirely by nicotine as cigarettes contain other toxic substances. Using an animal model the direct effect of nicotine administration on viscera tissues in female albino rats was investigated. Twenty-four female rats with regular oestrous cycle in the same phase of the cycle were divided into two equal groups with each group receiving 0.5mg/kg nicotine and 0.9% normal saline S.C. daily respectively. Six rats from each group were killed by cervical dissociation after 30 and 60 days treatment. The ovary, uterus, brain, kidney, heart, adrenal, pituitary and the liver were removed weighed and histological study carried out. Weights of the ovary, kidney, pituitary and uterus were significantly reduced (P< 0.05) following nicotine treatment while weights of the heart and liver increased with 60days treatment with the appearance of cartilaginous cells in the heart and deposition of adipose around the portal vein in the liver. Necrosis, congestion, fibrosis, follicular and endometrial degeneration were observed in the brain, pituitary, kidney, ovary and uterus respectively. No significant difference between the weekly growth rates in nicotine treated (5.13 ± .29)and control (5.25 ± 0.18) animals. Nicotine has deleterious effects on some vital visceral organs with observations similar to those reported in women smokers

Effect of Nicotine Administration on Estrous Cycle in Female Albino Rats

Although it has been emphasized that cigarette smoking is not always synonymous with nicotine administration, the toxic effect of cigarette has often been associated with the nicotine content in cigarette. Cigarette is known to contain toxic, carcinogenic, mutagenic, growth retardative and immunosuppressive compounds. Epidemiologic studies have clearly indicated that women who smoke suffer a lowering of fertility. Is this due to the nicotine in cigarette? The effect of nicotine administration on fertility in female albino rats was investigated. Using estrus cycle and ovulation as parameters of fertility, the effect of daily 0.5mg/kg nicotine administration and equal amount of 0.9% Normal Saline, on the phases, length of the cycle and number of ova released were determined. The possible mode of action was also determined using ovulatory blocking doses of Nembutal and varying doses of ovine leutinizing hormone oLH (12.5, 25 and 50 mg/kg). Nicotine (0.5mg/kg) increased the length of estrous cycle with the introduction of a new phase -“subestrous”. Ovulation was delayed and the number of ova released reduced as in women smokers. This study suggests a likely direct action of nicotine on the ovary. Keywords: Nicotine administration, estrus cycle, ovulationNigerian Journal of Health and Biomedical Sciences Vol. 6 (2) 2007: pp. 21-2

Effect of Aqueous Extract of Phyllanthus amarus Leaves on Implantation and Pregnancy in Rats

Phyllanthus amarus is a medicinal plant used widely in the treatment of many diseases. It has a long tradition of use in the Hindu Ayurvedic system of medicine and it has long been used as a medicinal agent in cultures around the world. Traditionally, in the Yoruba speaking part of western Nigeria it is used in treating sterility and difficult childbirth. This experiment was therefore design to scientifically test the effect of aqueous extract of Phyllanthus amarus (AEPA) leaves on implantation and pregnancy. Animals were divided into two groups of 18 rats each after pregnancy has been established. Group I received 0.2mg/100g body weight of AEPA from day 1 of pregnancy. Group II received equal volume of distilled water serving as the control. Six rats from each group were sacrificed on days 6, 8 and 19 respectively. Implantation and pregnancy were assessed. AEPA reduced the time frame for implantation in the treated rats and caused abortion of pregnant rats. Although the aqueous extract of phyllanthus amarus reduces the time frame for implantation, its abortificent effect does not support the traditional claim that it can treat sterility

Effect Of Nicotine Administration On Weight And Histology Of Some Vital Visceral Organs In Female Albino Rats

It has been emphasized that cigarette smoking is not always synonymous with nicotine administration but the toxic effect of cigarette has often been associated with the nicotine content in cigarette. Epidemiologic studies have clearly indicated that cigarette smoking have many deleterious effects on visceral tissues in women. However it is not certain whether this effect is produced entirely by nicotine as cigarettes contain other toxic substances. Using an animal model the direct effect of nicotine administration on viscera tissues in female albino rats was investigated. Twenty-four female rats with regular oestrous cycle in the same phase of the cycle were divided into two equal groups with each group receiving 0.5mg/kg nicotine and 0.9% normal saline S.C. daily respectively. Six rats from each group were killed by cervical dissociation after 30 and 60 days treatment. The ovary, uterus, brain, kidney, heart, adrenal, pituitary and the liver were removed weighed and histological study carried out. Weights of the ovary, kidney, pituitary and uterus were significantly reduced (P< 0.05) following nicotine treatment while weights of the heart and liver increased with 60days treatment with the appearance of cartilaginous cells in the heart and deposition of adipose around the portal vein in the liver. Necrosis, congestion, fibrosis, follicular and endometrial degeneration were observed in the brain, pituitary, kidney, ovary and uterus respectively. No significant difference between the weekly growth rates in nicotine treated (5.13 ± .29)and control (5.25 ± 0.18) animals. Nicotine has deleterious effects on some vital visceral organs with observations similar to those reported in women smokers

Effect of Aqueous Extract of Phyllanthus amarus Leaves on Implantation and Pregnancy in Rats

Phyllanthus amarus is a medicinal plant used widely in the treatment of many diseases. It has a long tradition of use in the Hindu Ayurvedic system of medicine and it has long been used as a medicinal agent in cultures around the world. Traditionally, in the Yoruba speaking part of western Nigeria it is used in treating sterility and difficult childbirth. This experiment was therefore design to scientifically test the effect of aqueous extract of Phyllanthus amarus (AEPA) leaves on implantation and pregnancy. Animals were divided into two groups of 18 rats each after pregnancy has been established. Group I received 0.2mg/100g body weight of AEPA from day 1 of pregnancy. Group II received equal volume of distilled water serving as the control. Six rats from each group were sacrificed on days 6, 8 and 19 respectively. Implantation and pregnancy were assessed. AEPA reduced the time frame for implantation in the treated rats and caused abortion of pregnant rats. Although the aqueous extract of phyllanthus amarus reduces the time frame for implantation, its abortificent effect does not support the traditional claim that it can treat sterility