EVALUATION OF THE ANTILEISHMANIAL EFFICACY OF MEDICINAL PLANT CHENOPODIUM ALBUM LINN. AGAINST EXPERIMENTAL VISCERAL LEISHMANIASIS.

Objective: Visceral leishmaniasis is a neglected tropical disease resulting in death if not properly treated. The ongoing search for better leishmanicidal compounds has brought herbal drugs in to the limelight as safe and effective substitutes to conventional therapies which have various drawbacks. The current study was designed to evaluate the antileishmanial efficacy of medicinal plant Chenopodium album Linn. against L donovani in inbred BALB/c mice.Methods: Inbred BALB/c mice were infected intravenously with 1x107 Leishmania donovani promastigotes and Kept for 30 days. These animals were then treated with two doses (500mg/kg body wt. and 1000mg/kg body wt.) of methanolic extracts of C. album  orally for 7 days.Results: The animals treated with methanolic extracts of C. album, revealed a significant reduction in parasite load. These animals also showed a heightened DTH response and increased IgG2a as an indicator of protective Th1 type of immune response. Moreover, the liver and kidney function tests were found to be in the normal range.Conclusion: Hence the drug proved to be a good antileishmanial but further studies recommended before it is to be tested in higher animal models.Â

Wound healing potential of medicinal plants with their screening models: A comprehensive review

A wound is a breakage in tissue continuity that can be produced by physical, chemical and thermal damage. It is a generally called as physical injury that cause opening and breaking of skin. Healing of chronic cutaneous wound is a big problem and it involves the restoration of continuity after wounding. Wounds are treated with various medicinal herbs or their extracts. Plants provide various remedies to mankind and herbal plants are nature’s gift used to treat wound with much lesser side effects. Some of those plants are Acalypha langiana, Tinospora cardifolia, Tragia involucrata, Napoleona Imperialis, Prosopis cineria, Lawsonia alba,Ginkgo biloba, Aloe vera, Catharanthus roseus. This review discusses about the wound healing potential of herbal plants and provides overview on wound healing problems and solution. A wound is a breakage in tissue continuity that can be produced by physical, chemical and thermal damage. It is a generally called as physical injury that cause opening and breaking of skin. Healing of chronic cutaneous wound is a big problem and it involves the restoration of continuity after wounding. Wounds are treated with various medicinal herbs or their extracts. Plants provide various remedies to mankind and herbal plants are nature’s gift used to treat wound with much lesser side effects. Some of those plants are Acalypha langiana, Tinospora cardifolia, Tragia involucrata, Napoleona Imperialis, Prosopis cineria, Lawsonia alba,Ginkgo biloba, Aloe vera, Catharanthus roseus. This review discusses about the wound healing potential of herbal plants and provides overview on wound healing problems and solution. Key words: wound healing, herbal remedies, open wound, close wound, models

To study the maternal and perinatal outcome following vaginal birth after caesarean section after one previous lower segment caesarean section

Background: The pronouncement “Once a caesarean, always a caesarean” by Dr. Edward Craigen in 1916, established elective repeat caesarean section as standard of care. Over the years, there have been ample studies which have concluded relative safety of a vaginal birth in most women after a low transverse caesarean section. Hence vaginal birth after caesarean appears to be the most productive approach to lowering the caesarean rate. A prospective study was carried out to evaluate maternal and perinatal outcomes in patients undergoing VBAC with history of previous one LSCS.Methods: The study was undertaken in the department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at Kasturba hospital, Delhi. Total of fifty cases of previous one LSCS who were eligible for vaginal deliveries were recruited and a prospective study was performed.Results: It was found that out of total fifty cases, 39 (78%) patients delivered vaginally and 11 (22%) patients had to be taken up for emergency LSCS for various indications. Significant association of success of VBAC was noted in patients with history of prior VBAC as compared to patients without history of prior VBAC (P value being <0.0001)There was more maternal and neonatal morbidity in case of failed VBAC as compared to successful VBAC. 18.1% neonates had NICU stay in Failed VBAC cases as compared to successful VBAC (2.56%).Conclusions: In carefully selected patients, under proper settings, VBAC can be safely practiced, thereby bringing down the rising caesarean rates.

A REVIEW ON LEUCODERMA AND REPORTED HERBS FOR ITS TREATMENT

Leucoderma is an idiopathic, acquired depigmenting disorder characterized by the loss of functional melanocytes from the epidermis. The pathogenesis of leucoderma is multifunctional and includes three main factors genetic, immunological and environmental. Recently , various treatments modalities have been introduced , and treatment options and outcomes have been improving. Excimer laser, phototherapy, epidermal grafts and lifestyle modification have improved the results of treatment and quality of lives of patients with leucoderma. Topical therapy is employed as first-line treatment in localized leucoderma. Plants have been the basis of many traditional medicines throughout the world for thousands of years and continue to provide new remedies to mankind. Plants have been one of the important sources of medicines since the beginning of human civilization. The recent resurgence of plant remedies resulted from several factors, such as effectiveness of plant medicines and lesser side effects compared with modern medicines. Psoralen containing plants have been used for centuries in popular medicine to treat leucoderma. Further advancement in treatments using different derivatives of psoralen molecules may result in decrease possibility of long-term side effects such as cutaneous malignancies. In this review we wish to present recent pharmacological approaches of furanocoumarins and a detailed investigation on various herbs that can be used for the treatment of leucoderm

Formulation and development of colon-targeted mucopenetrating metronidazole nanoparticles

Purpose: To formulation and develop colon-targeted mucopenetrating metronidazole nanoparticles.Methods: Metronidazole-loaded chitosan nanoparticles with a pH-sensitive polymer, hydroxyl propyl methyl cellulose phthalate (HPMCP), were prepared by ionic gelation technique and then coated with Eudragit S100 by solvent evaporation method. The nanoparticles were optimized using one variable at a time (OVAT) approach. Further, the nanoparticles were evaluated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and zeta sizer, as well as for in-vitro release. Muco-adhesion was evaluated by modified bioadhesion detachment force measurement balance and muco-penetration of fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC) labeled optimized nanoparticles was determined by microscopic techniqueResults: Morphological assessment results revealed smooth, spherical particles with homogeneous distribution and polydispersity index (PDI) of 0.213. The optimized formulation showed particle size of 202 ± 27 nm, zeta potential of 26.9 ± 2.4 mV as well as and entrapment efficiency of 79 ± 5.4 %. There was significant difference in drug release between coated (8.46 ± 2.49 %) and uncoated (28.96 ± 4.04%) nanoparticles at the 5th h in simulated gastric conditions. Muco-adhesion data revealed that uncoated nanoparticles (14.98 x 103 dyne/cm2) showed higher muco-adhesion detachment force compared to coated (12.34 x 103 dyne/cm2) nanoparticles. Muco-penetration results confirm the retention (for up to 12 h) of the developed formulation at the target site for enhanced therapeutic exposure of the entrapped drug.Conclusion: Eudragit S100 coating of chitosan-HPMCP nanoparticles promotes efficient drug targeting and thus provides a strategy for treating mucosal infections. .Keywords: Metronidazole, pH-sensitive nanoparticles, Hydroxylpropyl methylcellulose phthalate, Ionic gelation, Mucoadhesion, Mucopenetration, Intestinal infectio

Study of comparison of maternal and fetal outcome of elective repeat caesarean versus vaginal birth in women after one prior lower segment caesarean section

Background: Caesarean section is almost one of the oldest operation in surgery with its origin lost in antiquity and ancient mythology. A heightened awareness must occur regarding the decision to perform the first caesarean section. Therefore, a study was planned to compare maternal and perinatal outcome between VBAC and repeat elective LSCS in prior one LSCS patients and their complications.Methods: The study was undertaken in the department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Kasturba hospital, Delhi. Total of one hundred (100) cases of previous one LSCS who were eligible for vaginal delivery were recruited and randomized in two groups (VBAC and repeat elective LSCS). Each group was having fifty (50) patients and prospective study was performed.Results: It was observed that majority of the patients in group I (56%) and group II (40%) were in the age group of 20 to 24 years. Majority of the participants in both the groups were Muslims and majority of them were illiterate. Most of them were in the 39 to 40 weeks of gestation at the time of admission in the hospital. It was found that maximum number of neonates in Group I (80%) & Group II (76%) weighed between 2501-3000 grams. No maternal or perinatal death observed.Conclusions: Vaginal Birth After Caesarean section (VBAC) has always remained a domain of controversies and dilemma in obstetrics. However with improved maternity care, close fetal monitoring and institutional delivery for a previous one caesarean section, VBAC is considered safer than repeat elective caesarean section in a carefully selected patient.

The post-coital pills as over the counter drugs

Post-coital pill or emergency contraceptives are birth control measures that, if taken after sexual intercourse, may prevent pregnancy. High dose of postcoital contraceptives like diethylstilbestrol & other estrogens were being used for some time without any approval by FDA. Task force on postovulatory methods of fertility regulations 1998, conducted clinical trials leading to approval of two preparations for postcoital contraception by FDA namely levonorgestrel 0.75mg & combination of 0.25 levonorgestrel & 0.05 mg of ethinyl estradiol. Levonorgestrel is more popular in India because it is more effective & has fewer side effects. The first dose of levonorgestrel 0.75mg should be taken within 72 hours of unprotected intercourse followed by a second dose after 12 hours. This treatment reduces the risk of pregnancy by approximately 75%. Oral levonorgestrel acts as an emergency contraceptive principally by preventing ovulation or fertilization by altering tubal transport of sperm and/or ova. In addition, it may inhibit implantation by altering the endometrium. It is not effective once the process of implantation has begun

Knowledge and awareness of emergency contraception methods in rural and urban areas of Haryana, India

Background: Emergency contraception (EC) is usage of contraceptive method after an unprotected sexual intercourse. It provides a window of opportunity for females for prevention of an unplanned pregnancy. In India, emergency contraceptive usage continues to be very poor. Thus, this study was planned to analyse the knowledge, awareness, and practices of married women in Haryana towards EC methods.Methods: This observational study was undertaken in a single centre on a section of rural and urban population in Haryana. A total of 500 women of reproductive age group were included in the study. A series of questions were asked in a face to face interview from a pre-structured questionnaire in a non-formal yet confidential environment. The data were collected, analysed, and compared with data available in literature.Results: In our study, more than 50% women had never heard of EC. Of those who were aware, majority (95.83%) knew about EC pills. IUD as EC was known to a very few women (2.08%). Television was the most common source of information followed by family and friends. The most common source of procurement of EC pills was from chemist shops (83.3%). Very few women (4.1%), knew the correct time for taking the EC pills.Conclusions: Our study affirms a poor knowledge about use of emergency contraception among women in Haryana. Imparting knowledge through television, social media and incorporating and highlighting EC use in sex education programs can greatly help to increase the awareness and knowledge of correct EC use

Histo-pathological pattern of endometrial biopsy in females with abnormal uterine bleeding: a retrospective study in tertiary care hospital of Haryana

Background: This study aimed to know the various histo-pathological patterns of endometrial biopsy and their incidence in patients of AUB.Methods: Patients in the age group between 21-75 years who had presented with AUB and underwent endometrial biopsy from 1st January 2017 to 31st December 2019 were included. The endometrial biopsy specimens which were already taken from patients with AUB were scrutinized for histopathological pattern. Various patterns of histo-pathology of endometrial biopsy were noted and studied.Results: Most common age group which was affected was between 36-40 years. The endometrial biopsies and curetting’s on histopathology revealed various patterns ranging from normal endometrium to malignancy. Patterns of normal cyclical endometrium (proliferative and secretory phases) were the most common patterns.Conclusions: Evaluation of women with AUB is important around the perimenopausal age group to detect any atypical and malignant changes and intervene early. Histopathological examination in correlation to radiological findings remain the standard procedures for diagnosis

Development, physicochemical characterization and in-vitro evaluation of herbal sunscreen lotion

Ultraviolet radiations have shorter wavelengths and can reach earth’s surface through penetrating clouds. UV-A rays leads to aging while UV-B rays causes burning of skin. Sunscreens protect the skin from harmful effects of sun including appearance of erythema, premature photo-ageing and facilitate to diminish the manifestation of facial red veins and blotchiness. In this investigation, herbal sunscreen was prepared using Shea butter, almond oil, raspberry oil, jojoba oil, zinc oxide and titanium dioxide as active ingredients. Fabricated lotions were evaluated for physicochemical parameters i.e. color, pH, viscosity and spreadability. Sun protection efficacy of lotion was determined in term of sun protection factor (SPF) by in-vitro spectrophotometric method. Total 10 formulations were made with different compositions F1-F10. The pH of formulations ranges from 6.10 (F6) to 8.34 (F5). The viscosity of formulations ranges from 1500 (F1) to 3586 (F10). The spreadability of formulations ranges from 10.56±0.8 (F1) to 30.65±0.7 (F10). The physicochemical parameters of formulation F6 and F10 were found to be in controlled range justifying its compatibility with skin and confirming good cosmetological property. Stability study of optimized lotion was performed after storage of formulation at 25°C and 60 % RH as well as 40°C and 75 % RH for three months. Stability of lotion was evaluated on the basis of changes in physicochemical parameters i.e. color, pH, viscosity and spreadability and SPF. F10 has SPF value of 15.71±0.07 (medium protection sunscreen). The optimized formulations might provide good moisturizer, emollient, anti-ageing and anti-wrinkle effect with good sun protection