Evaluation of safety and tolerability of iron amino acid chelate therapy in pregnant women

Background: Anemia is a major health problem. Iron deficiency is the most common cause of anemia during pregnancy. It can be associated with increased preterm labor, preeclampsia, and maternal sepsis. It can also lead to fetal loss or even perinatal deaths. The aim of the study was to monitor the oral iron therapy [Iron Amino Acid Chelate (IAAC) equivalent to elemental iron 30 mg] administered according to hospital practice and to determine the safety, and tolerability of IAAC in pregnant women.Methods: The data of pregnant women attending the outpatient department of the hospital for antenatal care between March 2020 and February 2021 and prescribed IAAC was retrospectively analyzed. It was of interest to note the changes in the Hemoglobin (Hb) levels and serum ferritin levels. These parameters were considered as the primary efficacy parameter and were analyzed by the paired t-test.Results: The data indicated very well tolerance to IAAC preparation with increase in Hb levels. After 12 week of treatment, there were significant increases in hemoglobin levels with mean rise in Hb level was 7 to 9 gm/dL. A statistically significant difference was observed at the 4th, 8th, and 12th weeks from the baseline value to each evaluation in the Hb level due to the supplementation of oral iron.  The change in the serum ferritin levels was found to be statistically significant at the 12th week from the baseline values. Most of the women tolerated the oral IAAC preparationConclusions: This retrospective analysis showcased a significant improvement in the Hb and serum ferritin levels of pregnant women after 12 weeks

Effect of Saraswatarishta in animal models of behavior despair

Background: Saraswatarishta (SA) is a herbo-mineral formulation consisting of 18 plants some of which are Medhyarasayanas. It has been claimed to be useful in treating central nervous system disorders. Objective: To evaluate antidepressant effect of ′Saraswatarishta′(SA) alone and in combination with imipramine and fluoxetine in animal models of depression. Materials and Methods: After obtaining IAEC permission, 144 rats (n = 36/part) were randomized into 6 groups- Group 1: Distilled water (1 mL), Group 2: Imipramine (30 mg/kg), Group 3: Fluoxetine (10 mg/kg), Group 4: SA (1.8 mL/kg), Group 5: Imipramine + SA, Group 6: Fluoxetine + SA. Effects of study drugs were evaluated in forced swim test (FST) with single exposure to FST (Part 1) and repeated exposure for 14 days (Part 2). In Part 3, reserpine was used with FST and effects of study drugs were evaluated against single exposure to FST. Same model was used with repeated exposures to FST (Part 4). In each part, rats were subjected to open field test (OFT) for 5 min prior to final FST. The variables measured: Immobility time in FST; line crossing, rearing and defecation in the OFT. Results: In all four parts, individual drugs and combinations thereof produced significant decrease in immobility time as compared to control, and extent of decrease was comparable amongst these groups. However, values for combination of fluoxetine with SA group were found to be lesser than that for individual agents in Parts 2 and 3. Combination of SA with imipramine did not enhance its anti-depressant effect in any of the parts. OFT findings did not vary significantly amongst the study groups. Conclusion: Decreased immobility in FST and absence of generalized stimulation or depression of motor activity in OFT point towards potential antidepressant effect of Saraswatarishta. Its co-administration with fluoxetine showed more promising effects

Effect of Jyotiṣmatī seed oil on spatial and fear memory using scopolamine induced amnesia in mice

Background: Treatment of memory impairment associated with dementia such as Alzheimer′s disease is still inadequate and requires development of new drugs. Objective: The objective was to evaluate the memory enhancing effect of Celastrus paniculatus seed oil. Materials and Methods: C. paniculatus seed oil was mixed with equal amount of pure ghee and administered orally to mice in the dose of 200 mg/kg/day. Piracetam was used as a standard nootropic. Elevated plus maze and passive avoidance tests were used as a models to test spatial and fear memory respectively. Scopolamine (3 mg/kg, i.p.), was used as an amnestic agent. Results: Mice receiving C. paniculatus showed significant memory enhancement as compared to scopolamine group. The effect of C. paniculatus and combination of C. paniculatus with piracetam was comparable to that with piracetam alone. Conclusion: The present study demonstrates that C. paniculatus seed oil has memory enhancing effect and hence can be developed as a potential drug in the treatment of dementia