Evaluation of analgesic activity and toxicity of alkaloids in Myristica fragrans seeds in mice

A Al-Shammary Hayfaa,1 AA Malik Al-Saadi Sahar,2 M Al-Saeidy Awatif31College of Science, Department of Medical Analysis, Thi-Qar University, Thi-Qar, Iraq; 2College of Science, Biology Department, University of Basrah, Basrah, Iraq; 3College of Science, Biology Department, Thi-Qar University, Thi-Qar, IraqAim: To examine the analgesic effect of alkaloids in Myristica fragrans seed in a mouse model of acetic acid-induced visceral pain.Methods: Alkaloids were extracted from ground nutmeg seed kernels with 10% acetic acid in 95% ethyl alcohol. Visceral pain was induced in male and female BALB/c mice by intraperitoneal injection of 0.6% acetic acid. Analgesic effect of alkaloids (0.5 gram or 1 gram per kilogram [g/kg], by mouth) was assessed by evaluating writhing response. Acute toxicity was tested in response to 2, 3, 4, 5, or 6 g/kg of alkaloid extract; the median lethal dose (LD50) was determined by probit analysis.Results: Alkaloid extract at a dose of 1 g/kg significantly reduced the number of writhing responses in female, but not male mice; 0.5 g/kg of alkaloid extract had no effect in either sex. The LD50 was 5.1 g/kg. Signs of abnormal behavior, including hypoactivity, unstable gait, and dizziness were seen in animals given a dose of 4 g/kg or higher; abnormal behavior lasted for several hours after administration of the alkaloids.Conclusion: According to the classification of Loomis and Hayes, M. fragrans seed alkaloids have analgesic activity and are slightly toxic.Keywords: analgesic, mice, LD50, acetic acid, visceral pain, nutme

Preconception care for diabetic women for improving maternal and fetal outcomes : a systematic review and meta-analysis

Background Preexisting diabetes mellitus is associated with increased risk for maternal and fetal adverse outcomes. Despite improvement in the access and quality of antenatal care recent population based studies demonstrating increased congenital abnormalities and perinatal mortality in diabetic mothers as compared to the background population. This systematic review was carried out to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of preconception care in improving maternal and fetal outcomes for women with preexisting diabetes mellitus. Methods We searched the following databases, MEDLINE, EMBASE, WEB OF SCIENCE, Cochrane Library, including the CENTRAL register of controlled trials and CINAHL up to December 2009, without language restriction, for any preconception care aiming at health promotion, glycemic control and screening and treatment of diabetes complications in women of reproductive age group with type I or type II diabetes. Study design were trials (randomized and non-randomized), cohort and case-control studies. Of the 1612 title scanned 44 full papers were retrieved of those 24 were included in this review. Twelve cohort studies at low and medium risk of bias, with 2502 women, were included in the meta-analysis. Results Meta-analysis suggested that preconception care is effective in reducing congenital malformation, RR 0.25 (95% CI 0.15-0.42), NNT17 (95% CI 14-24), preterm delivery, RR 0.70 (95% CI 0.55-0.90), NNT = 8 (95% CI 5-23) and perinatal mortality RR 0.35 (95% CI 0.15-0.82), NNT = 32 (95% CI 19-109). Preconception care lowers HbA1c in the first trimester of pregnancy by an average of 2.43% (95% CI 2.27-2.58). Women who received preconception care booked earlier for antenatal care by an average of 1.32 weeks (95% CI 1.23-1.40). Conclusion Preconception care is effective in reducing diabetes related congenital malformations, preterm delivery and maternal hyperglycemia in the first trimester of pregnancy