Pharmacological evaluation and validation for the folkloric use of Oligochaeta ramosa in constipation and diarrhea

Crude extract of Oligochaeta ramosa and its fractions were studied to rationalize its traditional use in GIT disturbance. In spontaneous contracting jejunum preparation, O. ramosa (0.01-1.0 mg/mL) caused a transient spasmogenic effect followed by the spasmolytic effect at higher doses (3.0-10.0 mg/mL). In atropinized jejunum preparation, O. ramosa inhibit the spontaneous and K+ (80 mM)-induced contraction at the similar doses (0.01-1.0 mg/mL), suggesting calcium channel blocking effect. The calcium channel blocking effect was confirmed when pretreatment of tissue with O. ramosa produced a dose-dependent shift in Ca+2 dose- response curve to the right, similar to that produced by the verapamil. Activity-directed fractionation revealed that the spasmolytic effect is concentrated in the dichloromethane fraction while, aqueous fraction contains both spasmogenic and spasmolytic constituents. This study validate the presence of both spasmogenic and spasmolytic components mediated through muscarinic receptor activation and calcium channel blockade respectively, which may explain its traditional uses in constipation and diarrhea

COMPARATIVE EVALUATION OF KETOPROFEN CREAM WITH DICLOFENAC AND PIROXICAM CREAM IN PATIENTS WITH RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS DISORDERS:

Non steroidal Anti- inflammatory drugs have their origin as the derivatives of plants, which were observed to have their therapeutic effects in different disease states. They have the advantage of local action without developing central adverse effects and cognitive impairments. Side effects have been well described, although partly neglected. Topical delivery of NSAID has its therapeutic applications in management of pain and inflammation in Rheumatoid arthritis patients. Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic systemic inflammatory disorder that may affect many tissues and organs but principally attacks the synovial joints. It can be disabling and painful condition, which can lead to substantial loss of functioning and mobility if not adequately treated. The aim of the present investigation was to compare the Ketoprofen cream with Diclofenac and Piroxicam cream in a group of volunteers suffered from Rheumatoid arthritis and to compare the efficacy of these creams in reduction of inflammation. This single blind comparative study was done to determine the efficacy, tolerability and acceptability of topical application of Ketoprofen cream (1%w/w) vs diclofenac cream (1%w/w) and piroxicam cream (0.5%w/w) in Rheumatoid arthritis patients. In this study, one hundred and twenty five volunteers suffering with acute Rheumatoid arthritis and age group between 40-70 years were analyzed for assessing the intensity of pain and anti-inflammatory effects of these three creams. The study revealed that Ketoprofen cream provides a good level of pain relief removes swelling and tenderness and improves the functional impairment, without the systemic adverse events associated with oral NSAIDs.Key Words: Cream, Diclofenac, Ketoprofen, Piroxicam, Rheumatoid arthriti

Qualitative phytochemical analysis of some selected medicinal plants occurring in local area of Faisalabad, Pakistan

The Qualitative analysis is very essential to identify the phytochemical constituents present in medicinal plants. The medicinal value of plants is due to the presence of particular bioactive constituents. In present study qualitative analysis of seven medicinally important plants, namely Carica papaya (Papaya), Cichorium intybus (Cichory), Foeniculum vulgare (Fennel), Nicotiana tabacum (Tobacco),  Rosa damascena (Red rose), Solanum nigrum (Makao) and Trachyspermum ammi (Ajwain) was done. Saponins, tannins, terpenoids, steroids, starch, total sugar, free reducing sugars, ascorbic acid, alkaloids, phenols, flavoniods and glycosoides were analyzed qualitatively by following the standard protocols. Rosa damascena and Foeniculum vulgare contained all tested constituents. Terpenoids and starch were present in all plant species except Nicotiana tobaccum. Saponins were present in all plants instead of Cichorium intybus

An investigation of the antimicrobial activity of the aqueous, dichloromethane, ethanol and methanol extract of the seeds and whole plant of Ipomoea nil

Ipomoea nil (Linn) Roth, (morning glory / kaladanah; Convolvulaceae), is frequently grown in gardens and lawns for its ornamental flowers and often runs wild in hedges and wastelands. Plant is documented to possess beneficial effect in erectile dysfunction, impotence and also have antispasmodic, bronchodilator, blood purifier, diuretics, astringent, anti-inflammatory and hepato-protective etc. In this study, disc diffusion method was adopted to evaluate and compare the antimicrobial activity of the aqueous and organic (DCM, ethanol, methanol) extracts of the seeds and whole plant (leaves, flower and bark) of Ipomoea nil, in order to know the best extract and plant part having the beneficial activity against pathogenic bacteria species of both G +ve strains, i.e., Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus pumilus, Streptococcus pneumoniae, G -ve strains, i.e., Escherichia coli, Citrobacter freundii and Klebsiella pneumoniae and two species of fungi (Candida albicans, Aspergillus niger). Methanolic and ethanolic extract of the seeds of the Ipomoea nil showed significant antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus (G +ve) having the relative percentage of inhibition of 89.88 % and 85.67 % respectively, while methanolic extract of the whole plant also have relative percentage of inhibition of 83.96%, whereas ethanolic extract of the whole plant have good antibacterial activity. Aqueous and DCM extract of seeds and whole plant showed weak inhibitory response. Modified agar well diffusion method was adopted to measure the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and MIC values for G +ve, lies within the range of 30 to 60 ?g /ml (seeds), 60 to 90 ?g /ml (whole plant) and for the Gram –ve, it lies within the range of 90 to 250 ?g /ml (seeds), 180 to 500 ?g /ml (whole plant)  and for the fungi, it varies from 500  to 2000 ?g /ml. Present study clearly indicate that the antimicrobial activity varies from part to part and the plant material used and it also indicate that the methanolic extract of Ipomoea nil is a potentially good candidate for the therapy of antibacterial-resistant bacteria and would therefore require further study

Comparative In vitro study of antimicrobial activities of flower and whole plant of Jasminum officinale against some human pathogenic microbes

Jasminum officinale Linn. (Chameli / Yasmine; Oleaceae), is native to temperate region and cultivated in France, Italy, China, India and Pakistan. Plant is documented to possess beneficial effect in impotence, menstrual disorder, mental depression, analgesic, antispasmodic galactogogue, antiseptic and skin disease etc,. Although, previous studies have documented the antimicrobial study of this plant, while, this work is designated to evaluate and compare the specific antimicrobial activity of different solvent extracts (methanol, DCM) of the flowers and whole plant (leaves, barks and roots), in order to know the best extract and plant part having the beneficial activity against specific microorganisms. In-vitro, antimicrobial tests were performed by adopting disc diffusion method against pathogenic bacteria species of both G +ve strains, i.e., Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus pumilus, Streptococcus pneumoniae, G -ve strains, i.e., Escherichia coli, Citrobacter freundii and Klebsiella pneumoniae and two species of fungi (Candida albicans, Aspergillus niger), on nutrient agar and sabouraud dextrose agar respectively, to analyze the percentage zone of inhibition at the concentration range of 100 mg/ml of the extract by comparing with various standard antibiotic discs (10 ?g/disc). Whole plant extract (methanol) showed significant antimicrobial activity with relative percentage of inhibition of 83.60 (G +ve), 70.25 (G-ve) and 61.15 (fungi) while flowers extract (methanol) showed 64.30, 51.88 and 51.97 relative percentage of inhibition against G +ve, G -ve and fungi respectively. Whereas, DCM extract of flowers and whole plant showed the moderate antimicrobial activity as compared with methanolic extract of flowers and whole plant respectively. Modified agar well diffusion method was adopted to measure the minimum inhibitory concentration. From the present study, it can be inferred that the antimicrobial activity varies from part to part of plant and solvent used, so whole plant extract can be further investigated to discover antibacterial agent for developing new pharmaceuticals to control studied human pathogenic bacteria for the severe illness. Keywords: Jasminum officinale, Methanol Extract, Dichloromethane Extract, Antimicrobial Activity, Disc Diffusion Method, Minimum Inhibitory Concentratio

Antimicrobial and phytochemical screening of Oligochaeta ramose against different pathogenic microbes- An In vitro study

Biologically active compounds obtained from the medicinal plants are the effective chemotherapeutic agents and offering a broad spectrum of activity with greater emphasis on preventive action. The present study was aimed at evaluating the antimicrobial activities of crude methanolic extract of Oligochaeta ramose (Asteraceae) against pathogenic bacteria species of both G +ve strains (Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus pumilus, Streptococcus pneumoniae), G -ve strains, (Escherichia coli, Citrobacter freundii, Klebsiella pneumoniae) and fungal species (Candida albicans, Aspergillus niger). In-vitro antimicrobial test was performed by disc diffusion method on nutrient agar and sabouraud dextrose agar for bacteria and fungi respectively, in order to analyze the percentage zone of inhibition and phytochemical screening was also performed. Methanolic extract showed significantly high inhibitory effect against G +ve strains, as compared to G -ve strains, whereas, no effect against C. albicans and A. niger. Modified agar well diffusion method was used to measure the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and MIC values lies within the range of 75 to 150 ?g /ml for the G +ve while 300 to 600 ?g /ml for G-ve. Or.Cr was found to contain alkaloids, tannins, saponins, flavonoids and antraquinones and these agents may be responsible for antibacterial activity of this plant. Keywords: Oligochaeta ramose, Methanolic extract, Antimicrobial assay, Nutrient aga

Assessment of antibacterial potential of Saccharum spontaneum Linn. (family: Poaceae), against different pathogenic microbes- an in vitro study.

In this study, Saccharum spontaneum (Family: Poaceae), was evaluated for its antibacterial potential against human pathogenic bacterial strains. In-vitro antibacterial tests were performed by disc diffusion method on nutrient agar, in order to analyze the percentage zone of inhibition. Whole plant’s extract showed the significant zone of inhibition (mm), against Staphylococcus aureus (17.00), Streptococcus pneumoniae (16.50), Bacillus cereus (15.90), Bacillus pumilus (15.45), Escherichia coli (18.00), Klebsiella pneumoniae (17.10), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (15.20) and Citrobacter freundii (14.00), with relative percentages of inhibition of 76.90, 71.60, 57.40, 56.85, 70.40, 69.90, 61.05 and 54.30 respectively. Modified agar well diffusion method was used to measure the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and MIC values lies within the range of 75 to 300?g /ml for the G+ve strains while 75 to 600?g /ml for G-ve.  Due to presence of tannins and flavonoids, it inhibits the growth of bacteria on most regulatory levels such as peptidoglycan, DNA, RNA and protein synthesis

Adherence to drug therapy in psychiatric patients in Nishtar Hospital, Multan (Pakistan)

Adherence is very important issue in any drug therapy especially in psychiatric illnesses. Medicines do not work if not taken and if taken in accordance with advice, provide maximum benefit in terms of positive clinical outcomes. Adherence is defined as the extent to which a patient's behavior coincides with medical or prescribed health advice. The term adherence is preferred over compliance. Non-adherence is a major risk factor for unfavorable clinical outcomes in psychiatry patients. Observational study was carried out at Nishtar Hospital, Multan; locate in Southern Punjab (Pakistan). A questionnaire was designed for this study “Adherence to drug therapy”. Results had shown that relapses occur because of non-adherence. Major reasons for non- adherence include inappropriate information given to patient (30%), worries about addiction to medicines (20%), worries about continuous long term use (10%) and others (40%), poor financial resources and non-availability of pharmacist etc. In conclusion adherence to medication regimen among patients with psychiatric disorders is poor. These findings suggest the need for new approaches for increasing patient compliance

Anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant properties of Ipomoea nil (Linn.) Roth significantly alleviates cigarette smoke (CS)-induced acute lung injury via possibly inhibiting the NF-κB pathway

Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), a serious manifestation of acute lung injury (ALI), is a debilitating inflammatory lung disease that is caused by multiple risk factors. One of the primary causes that can lead to ALI/ARDS is cigarette smoke (CS) and its primary mode of action is via oxidative stress. Despite extensive research, no appropriate therapy is currently available to treat ALI/ARDS, which means there is a dire need for new potential approaches. In our study we explored the protective effects of 70 % methanolic-aqueous extract of Ipomoea nil (Linn.) Roth, named as In.Mcx against CS-induced ALI mice models and RAW 264.7 macrophages because Ipomoea nil has traditionally been used to treat breathing irregularities. Male Swiss albino mice (20–25 ± 2 g) were subjected to CS for 10 uninterrupted days in order to establish CS-induced ALI murine models. Dexamethasone (1 mg/kg), In.Mcx (100 200, and 300 mg/kg) and normal saline (10 mL/kg) were given to respective animal groups, 1 h before CS-exposure. 24 h after the last CS exposure, the lungs and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) of all euthanized mice were harvested. Altered alveolar integrity and elevated lung weight-coefficient, total inflammatory cells, oxidative stress, expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β and IL-6) and chemokines (KC) were significantly decreased by In.Mcx in CS-exposed mice. In.Mcx also revealed significant lowering IL-1β, IL-6 and KC expression in CSE (4 %)-activated RAW 264.7 macrophage. Additionally, In.Mcx showed marked enzyme inhibition activity against Acetylcholinesterase, Butyrylcholinesterase and Lipoxygenase. Importantly, In.Mcx dose-dependently and remarkably suppressed the CS-induced oxidative stress via not only reducing the MPO, TOS and MDA content but also improving TAC production in the lungs. Accordingly, HPLC analysis revealed the presence of many important antioxidant components. Finally, In.Mcx showed a marked decrease in the NF-κB expression both in in vivo and in vitro models. Our findings suggest that In.Mcx has positive therapeutic effects against CS-induced ALI via suppressing uncontrolled inflammatory response, oxidative stress, lipoxygenase and NF-κB p65 pathway

Anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant properties of Ipomoea nil (Linn.) Roth significantly alleviates cigarette smoke (CS)-induced acute lung injury via possibly inhibiting the NF-KB pathway

Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), a serious manifestation of acute lung injury (ALI), is a debilitating inflammatory lung disease that is caused by multiple risk factors. One of the primary causes that can lead to ALI/ ARDS is cigarette smoke (CS) and its primary mode of action is via oxidative stress. Despite extensive research, no appropriate therapy is currently available to treat ALI/ARDS, which means there is a dire need for new potential approaches. In our study we explored the protective effects of 70 % methanolic-aqueous extract of Ipomoea nil (Linn.) Roth, named as In.Mcx against CS-induced ALI mice models and RAW 264.7 macrophages because Ipomoea nil has traditionally been used to treat breathing irregularities. Male Swiss albino mice (20-25 +/- 2 g) were subjected to CS for 10 uninterrupted days in order to establish CS-induced ALI murine models. Dexamethasone (1 mg/kg), In.Mcx (100 200, and 300 mg/kg) and normal saline (10 mL/kg) were given to respective animal groups, 1 h before CS-exposure. 24 h after the last CS exposure, the lungs and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) of all euthanized mice were harvested. Altered alveolar integrity and elevated lung weightcoefficient, total inflammatory cells, oxidative stress, expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-10 and IL-6) and chemokines (KC) were significantly decreased by In.Mcx in CS-exposed mice. In.Mcx also revealed significant lowering IL-10, IL-6 and KC expression in CSE (4 %)-activated RAW 264.7 macrophage. Additionally, In.Mcx showed marked enzyme inhibition activity against Acetylcholinesterase, Butyrylcholinesterase and Lipoxygenase. Importantly, In.Mcx dose-dependently and remarkably suppressed the CS-induced oxidative stress via not only reducing the MPO, TOS and MDA content but also improving TAC production in the lungs. Accordingly, HPLC analysis revealed the presence of many important antioxidant components. Finally, In.Mcx showed a marked decrease in the NF-KB expression both in in vivo and in vitro models. Our findings suggest that In.Mcx has positive therapeutic effects against CS-induced ALI via suppressing uncontrolled inflammatory response, oxidative stress, lipoxygenase and NF-KB p65 pathway