Antibacterial activity of seed extracts of Argemone mexicana L. on some pathogenic bacterial strains

Antibacterial activity of seed extracts of Argemone mexicana L. (Papaveraceae) was evaluated against some pathogenic bacterial strains. Chloroform extract of seeds exhibited varying level of antibacterialactivity, with minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) of 2.0 - 5.0 mg/ml, against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. The chloroform extract was found to be more active than the other extracts against all the test bacteria. MIC values were 2.0 and 3.0 mg/ml, respectively, for Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa and their respective drug-resistant strains. The sensitivity of the test bacteria varied with the species and strains. The study provides basis for the isolation andpurification of antibacterial compound(s) from the seeds of A. mexicana L

Importance of Shodhana processes of herbomineral drugs with special reference to detoxification and modification of therapeutic activities

Background: Rasachikitsa has formed an integral part of Ayurvedic treatment. It will not be wrong to state that Ayurvedic therapy is incomplete without proper usage of the Rasaushadhis. Some misconceptions are prevailing regarding toxic effects of the Rasaushadhis. It is an accepted fact that the Rasadravyas are having certain toxic effects, but this can be overcome by treating these toxic Rasadravyas along with certain Shodhana Dravyas. This article deals with the Shodhana concept of Rasaushadhis, the therapeutic utility of these Rasaushadhis, and the Shodhana processes performed on these Rasaushadhis, so as to make them therapeutically effective. Objectives: To have the critical review of Shodhana processes with reference to the changes taking place during Shodhana and to study its utility in Ayurvedic Pharmaceutics. Materials and Methods: The physical, chemical and biological changes were noted; Processes involved and role of Shodhana Dravyas was also noted; use of Shodhana in Rasaushadhi preparation; different types of Shodhana are discussed. The Panchabhautik aspect of Shodhana is also discussed. Results: Shodhana process imparts certain physical, chemical and biological changes through incorporation of certain properties of the media used. The processes involved offer multiple benefits to the Shuddha Dravyas. This imparts better therapeutic efficacy and offers a broad spectrum utility against a number of diseases. Conclusion: Shodhana is one of the most scientific methods described in the Ayurvedic texts. It is one of the Samskaras which potentiates the therapeutic properties and thus is one of the most useful processes in the Ayurvedic Pharmaceutics

Critical Review of Bhavana Processes with special reference to its Utility in Ayurvedic Pharmaceutics

Background: Bhavana is a process of wet grinding in which a powdered drug of herbal, animal or mineral origin are ground with particular liquid media (expressed juice, decoction, urine etc.) for a specific period. This process of trituration is followed by drying and is carried out till attainment of Subhavit Lakshana and complete absorption of liquid into the powder and drying of the mixture is done. Objectives: To have the critical review of Bhavana process with reference to the changes taking place during Bhavana and to study its utility in Ayurvedic Pharmaceutics. Materials and Methods: The physical, chemical and biological changes are noted; Processes involved and role of Bhavana Dravyas are also noted; role of Bhavana Dravyas, use of Bhavana in Rasaushadhi preparation; different types of Bhavana are discussed. Griffith Theory in Particle Size Reduction is also discussed in this research article. Results: Bhavana performed through Levigation or soaking method along with the prescribed liquid media imparts certain physical, chemical and biological changes. The processes involved offer multiple benefits to the Bhavana Dravyas. Conclusion: Bhavana is one of the most scientific methods described in the Ayurvedic texts. It is one of the Samskaras which potentiates the therapeutic properties and thus is most useful process in the Ayurvedic Pharmaceutics

Analytical and antimicrobial study of Vanga Bhasma with special reference to Ayurved Prakash

Background: Bhasma, the Ayurvedic organometallic preparation, is an incinerated metal or mineral prepared after several rounds of processing through Puta. Vanga Bhasma is also a novel preparation routinely prescribed for Prameha and genito-urinary disorders. Objectives: The present study deals with the preparation of Vanga Bhasma according to the procedures mentioned in Ayurved Prakash. The synthesized Bhasma samples were characterized by various analytical techniques. The Antimicrobial effects of these samples were studied against certain Gram +ve, Gram –ve and fungal organisms. Materials and Methods: The different steps involved in the synthesis of Vanga Bhasma include Shodhan, Jaran, Bhavana and Maran. Bhasma was incinerated by the traditional method of heating i.e., Puta. The obtained samples were analyzed for the quality control checks, on the parameters described in Ayurvedic texts as well as modern techniques such as SEM, EDX and XRD to find out the nature of the Vanga Bhasma samples. The anti-microbial study was done to find out the anti-microbial efficacy of the Vanga Bhasma samples. Results and Conclusions: This study reveals that the synthesized Bhasma was converted into its nontoxic oxide form and had a highly reduced particle size observed from SEM images. Average 13 Puta are required to prepare Vanga Bhasma which is grayish white coloured. Vanga Bhasma showed antimicrobial activity in inhibiting the growth of Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis, Klebsiella pneumonia, Escherichia coli and Candida albicans with a concentration of 100mg/ml

Jejunal atresia presenting with mesenteric cyst in a neonate: a case report

Jejunoileal atresia is a congenital anomaly that is characterized clinically by bilious vomiting and abdominal distension. It has been associated with various congenital anomalies but its association with mesenteric cyst has only been reported sporadically. As this is a very rare entity, it is being reported with a brief review of literature

High anorectal malformation in a five-month-old boy: a case report

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Introduction</p> <p>Anorectal malformation, one of the most common congenital defects, may present with a wide spectrum of defects. Almost all male patients present within first few days of life.</p> <p>Case presentation</p> <p>A five-month-old baby boy of Indian origin and nationality presented with anal atresia and associated rectourethral prostatic fistula. The anatomy of the malformation and our patient's good condition permitted a primary definitive repair of the anomaly. A brief review of the relevant literature is included.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>Delayed presentation of a patient with high anorectal malformation is rare. The appropriate treatment can be rewarding.</p

Prevalence of visual impairment, cataract surgery and awareness of cataract and glaucoma in Bhaktapur district of Nepal: The Bhaktapur Glaucoma Study

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Cataract and glaucoma are the major causes of blindness in Nepal. Bhaktapur is one of the three districts of Kathmandu valley which represents a metropolitan city with a predominantly agrarian rural periphery. This study was undertaken to determine the prevalence of visual impairment, cataract surgery and awareness of cataract and glaucoma among subjects residing in this district of Nepal.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>Subjects aged 40 years and above was selected using a cluster sampling methodology and a door to door enumeration was conducted for a population based cross sectional study. During the community field work, 11499 subjects underwent a structured interview regarding awareness (heard of) and knowledge (understanding of the disease) of cataract and glaucoma. At the base hospital 4003 out of 4800 (83.39%) subjects underwent a detailed ocular examination including log MAR visual acuity, refraction, applanation tonometry, cataract grading (LOCSΙΙ), retinal examination and SITA standard perimetry when indicated.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>The age-sex adjusted prevalence of blindness (best corrected <3/60) and low vision (best corrected <6/18 ≥3/60) was 0.43% (95%C.I. 0.25 - 0.68) and 3.97% (95% C.I. 3.40 - 4.60) respectively. Cataract (53.3%) was the principal cause of blindness. The leading causes of low vision were cataract (60.8%) followed by refractive error (12%). The cataract surgical coverage was 90.36% and was higher in the younger age group, females and illiterate subjects. Pseudophakia was seen in 94%. Awareness of cataract (6.7%) and glaucoma (2.4%) was very low. Among subjects who were aware, 70.4% had knowledge of cataract and 45.5% of glaucoma. Cataract was commonly known to be a 'pearl like dot' white opacity in the eye while glaucoma was known to cause blindness. Awareness remained unchanged in different age groups for cataract while for glaucoma there was an increase in awareness with age. Women were significantly less aware (odds ratio (OR): 0.63; 95%, confidence interval (CI): 0.54 - 0.74) for cataract and (OR: 0.64; 95% CI: 0.50 - 0.81) for glaucoma. Literacy was also correlated with awareness.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>The low prevalence of visual impairment and the high cataract surgical coverage suggests that cataract intervention programs have been successful in Bhaktapur. Awareness and knowledge of cataract and glaucoma was very poor among this population. Eye care programs needs to be directed towards preventing visual impairment from refractive errors, screening for incurable chronic eye diseases and promoting health education in order to raise awareness on cataract and glaucoma among this population.</p

An ATP and Oxalate Generating Variant Tricarboxylic Acid Cycle Counters Aluminum Toxicity in Pseudomonas fluorescens

Although the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle is essential in almost all aerobic organisms, its precise modulation and integration in global cellular metabolism is not fully understood. Here, we report on an alternative TCA cycle uniquely aimed at generating ATP and oxalate, two metabolites critical for the survival of Pseudomonas fluorescens. The upregulation of isocitrate lyase (ICL) and acylating glyoxylate dehydrogenase (AGODH) led to the enhanced synthesis of oxalate, a dicarboxylic acid involved in the immobilization of aluminum (Al). The increased activity of succinyl-CoA synthetase (SCS) and oxalate CoA-transferase (OCT) in the Al-stressed cells afforded an effective route to ATP synthesis from oxalyl-CoA via substrate level phosphorylation. This modified TCA cycle with diminished efficacy in NADH production and decreased CO2-evolving capacity, orchestrates the synthesis of oxalate, NADPH, and ATP, ingredients pivotal to the survival of P. fluorescens in an Al environment. The channeling of succinyl-CoA towards ATP formation may be an important function of the TCA cycle during anaerobiosis, Fe starvation and O2-limited conditions

Energy metabolism, altered proteins, sirtuins and ageing: converging mechanisms?

The predominant molecular symptom of ageing is the accumulation of altered gene products. Nutritional studies show that ageing in animals can be significantly influenced by dietary restriction. Genetics has revealed that ageing may be controlled by changes in intracellular NAD/NADH ratio regulating sirtuin activity. Physiological and other approaches indicate that mitochondria may also regulate ageing. A mechanism is proposed which links diet, exercise and mitochondria-dependent changes in NAD/NADH ratio to intracellular generation of altered proteins. It is suggested that ad libitum feeding conditions decrease NAD availability which also decreases metabolism of the triose phosphate glycolytic intermediates, glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate and dihydroxyacetone-phosphate, which can spontaneously decompose into methylglyoxal (MG). MG is a highly toxic glycating agent and a major source of protein advanced-glycosylation end-products (AGEs). MG and AGEs can induce mitochondrial dysfunction and formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), as well as affect gene expression and intracellular signalling. In dietary restriction–induced fasting, NADH would be oxidised and NAD regenerated via mitochondrial action. This would not only activate sirtuins and extend lifespan but also suppress MG formation. This proposal can also explain the apparent paradox whereby increased aerobic activity suppresses formation of glycoxidized proteins and extends lifespan. Variation in mitochondrial DNA composition and consequent mutation rate, arising from dietary-controlled differences in DNA precursor ratios, could also contribute to tissue differences in age-related mitochondrial dysfunction