Safety and hypoglycaemic properties of aqueous leaf extract of Ocimum gratissimum in streptozotocin induced diabetic rats.

The claim by Nigerian traditional herbal medicine practitioners that Ocimum gratissimum leaves have antidiabetic properties was investigated. Diabetes mellitus was induced with streptozotocin and graded doses of the aqueous leaf extract were administered orally to the experimentally diabetic rats for 28 days. Administration of the aqueous leaf extract caused a statistically significant reduction in plasma glucose level in streptozotocin induced diabetic rats. The extract appeared nontoxic as evidenced by normal serum levels of AST, ALT, ALP, TPT, ALB and bilirubin. These data appear to agree with claimed hypoglycaemic effects of Ocimum gratissimum.Key Words: Ocimum gratissimum; Diabetes mellitus; Hypoglycaemia, Liver enzyme

A Study of Isolates from Female Genital Swab Specimens in a Nigerian Tertiary Hospital

Infective vaginal discharge, when left untreated, is a possible risk of acquisition of HIV/AIDS as well as other complications. To detect some common microbial agents of vaginal discharge in order to improve the current syndromic management of abnormal vaginal discharge. A prospective study of female genital swabs collected from Obstetrics and Gynecology units of Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital, Kano Nigeria and analyzed for microscopy, culture and sensitivity in medical microbiology laboratory from December 2007 to December 2008. Microbial agents were detected in 82% (n=1620) of a total 2000 female genital swab studied. Candida species peaked with 60.0% (n=1200) out of the 2000 samples, followed by Gardnerella vaginalis, an agent of bacteria vaginosis with 20.0%(n=400). The distribution of abnormal vaginal discharge was highest in young adults aged 21 to 30 years. The commonest microbial agents of infective vaginal discharge were Candida species, followed by Gardnerella vaginalis, an agent of bacterial vaginosis. Vaginal discharge was prevalent among young adults. We recommend prevention, early diagnosis and prompt treatment of infective female genital discharge, especially among the young sexually active group in order to reduce the menace of HIVtransmission.Key words: genital swabs, microscopy, culture, sensitivity  genital swabs, microscopy, culture, sensitivit