Evaluation of phytochemical, antioxidant, and In-vitro antidiarrhoeal, activity of Euphorbia hirta

Background:  The current study was carried out to evaluate the phytochemical, antioxidant, and In-vitro antidiarrheal properties of Euphorbia hirta Methods: Extracts were obtained using cold extraction, hot extraction and autoclave extraction methods using Methanol, Chloroform, Petroleum ether and distilled water as solvents. Crude extracts were screened for different phytochemical constituents like sugars, saponins, flavonoids, tannins, and glycosides etc. Antioxidant activity was evaluated using spectrophotometric method. The in-vitro antidiarrheal activity was elucidated by the antimicrobial activity using agar diffusion method. Results: Methanol proved to be a good solvent for extraction. In-vitro antidiarrheal activity was shown by all extracts on Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Salmonella typhi bacteria which are mainly responsible for diarrhea. Conclusion: From the phytochemical screening it shows presence of phytochemicals like alkaloids, tannins, glycosides, and saponins. The plant also shows antioxidant activity, methnolic extracts shows higher activity and it shows In-vitro antidiarrhoeal activity which clearly indicates that the plant can be used for the treatment of diarrhea. Further studies should be done to isolate the compound responsible for activity in the experimental animals. Keywords: Euphrobia hirta, autoclave extraction, antidiarrheal, phytochemicals

Drug safety and Pharmacovigilance: An overview

Adverse drug reactions (ADRs) have a major impact on public health, reducing patient’s quality of life and imposing a considerable financial burden on the health care systems at a time when many health care systems are under considerable financial strain. All healthcare providers have roles to play in maintaining a balance between a medicine's benefits and risks. Once a drug is available to the public, making a determination about its safety is the shared responsibility of all who are part of the prescribing process, including patients. The role of healthcare professionals is vital in recording and reporting suspected ADRs in order that regulatory agencies are alerted of emerging safety concerns and thereby facilitating timely and appropriate action. Pharmacovigilance is an important exercise for monitoring of drug related issues after marketed in “real world setting”. Pharmacovigilance and all drug related issues are important for everyone whose life is being impacted any way by medical interventions. The evolution of Pharmacovigilance in recent years has growing importance as a science critical to effective clinical practice and public health science. The national Pharmacovigilance centers have become a significant influence on the drug regulatory authorities, at a time when drug safety concerns have become increasingly important in public health and clinical practice. This paper unfolds the basics of drug safety and other important aspects of Pharmacovigilance. Keywords: Adverse drug reactions, Pharmacovigilance, Drug regulation