Effect of Trigonella foenum (methi) on fasting blood glucose levels in alloxan induced diabetes in rabbits

Background: Water-retaining fibers, especially the mucilaginous compounds, such as the gel fiber present in Fenugreek seeds, reduce the rate of glucose absorption and may also delay gastric emptying thereby preventing the rise in blood sugar levels following a meal. In addition to its hypoglycemic effects, the hyperlipidemic effect of Fenugreek fibers has also been documented. The objective of the study was to study the effect of Trigonella foenum (methi) on Fasting Blood Glucose levels in Alloxan induced diabetes in Rabbits.Methods: Fenugreek seed extract was prepared. Study was carried out on alloxan induced diabetic rabbits. They were prepared for the study. Then they were grouped into 5 groups depending upon the drugs used for them. The drug solutions were prepared and administered to diabetic rabbits. The blood sugar levels were recorded before and after treatment for first 15 days and once in week for next three weeks. Daily fasting blood sugar readings were taken. The blood glucose was determined with standard procedures and methods.Results: Alcohol extract of fenugreek seeds using soxhlet apparatus produced significant (P <0.001) reduction in the blood glucose levels in the alloxan induced diabetic rabbits in the 3 doses i.e. 0.5 gm/kg, 1 gm/kg and 1.5 gm/kg body weight after oral administration compared to the vehicle treated group (5 ml of 2% gum acacia) over the period of 5 weeks. The standard oral anti-diabetic drug (Metformin) in the dose of 62.5 mg/kg body weight also reduced the blood glucose level in the Alloxan induced diabetic rabbits over 5 weeks period of treatment compared to vehicle group. (5 ml of 2% gum acacia).Conclusions: All the three doses of Trigonella foenum significantly (P<0.001) reduced blood glucose levels in Alloxan induced diabetic rabbits over a period of 5 weeks in comparison to vehicle (5 ml of 2% of gum acacia) orally

Activity of Tulsi leaves (Ocimum sanctum linn) in protecting gastric ulcer in rats by cold restrain method

Background: Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum L.) common household plant, a potent adaptogen has been used for its medicinal property for many years. It is known in Ayurveda as Incomparable one, Mother of medicine of Nature and The Queen of Herbs. The present study evaluated the stress induced anti-ulcer effect of tulsi leaves in albino rats.Methods: Albino rats were randomly, allocated to different experimental groups and aqueous leaf extract of Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum) is given for 7 days. Gastric ulcers were induced by cold restrain methods and results were compared with control using distilled water and standard drug Ranitidine.Results: The Anti-ulcer effect of aqueous extract of Tulsi was significant in a dose dependent manner with cold restraint model. The percentage of ulcer protection of Tulsi leaf extract at dose 100mg/kg is 68.85% and at dose of 200mg/kg showed 65.66% and the standard drug Ranitidine showed 78.23% ulcer protection which is significant (p <0.05).Conclusions: The study showed that when Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum) is given at dose 100-200mg/kg for 7 days i.e., pre-treatment in rats for anti-ulcer effect, it caused a significant reduction in the ulcer scores and ulcer index when compared with control group, as evidenced by the gross appearance and histological findings of gastric mucosa in rats. There were few signs of mucosal injury and the percentage of damage was less compared to control group. Serosal surface revealed very few dilated blood vessels and petechial hemorrhages and mucosal surface had few ulcers of varying sizes

Prescription pattern of metformin for various indications: a prospective study

Background: Metformin, a biguanide is the most preferred choice of drug in the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus. It has many advantages - it does not cause hypoglycaemia and weight gain, prevents insulin resistance besides being cheap and relatively safe. It has other pleiotropic benefits beyond its glucose-lowering effect with preclinical evidence for many indications. This prospective observational study was conducted to assess the prescribing pattern of metformin for various indications by physicians.Methods: Prescriptions containing metformin were collected from the inpatient and Outpatient Departments of different specialities. The data collected were analysed and grouped on the bases of age, gender, disease condition and analysed for significance.Results: A total of 218 patients were included in this study. All the prescriptions containing metformin were collected and analysed. Metformin was most extensively prescribed for Type 2 diabetes (51.83%) followed by Polycystic ovarian disease (PCOD) (26.14) and least number of prescriptions were collected for prediabetes (1.37%). Most common age group receiving metformin was 31-40 years (35.77%).Conclusions: Metformin is the oldest and most widely prescribed as a first choice antihyperglycemic drug for treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus. There are many experimental and clinical studies which have shown an array of potential benefits of metformin other than in the treatment of diabetes. But its clinical application is limited despite convincing basic evidence. The possible reasons could be absence of recommendations in the guidelines and insufficient evidence for use.

A cross-sectional study evaluating the awareness of pharmacovigilance among MBBS interns of a teaching hospital in south India

Background: Spontaneous reporting is the backbone of any pharmacovigilance programme. The pharmacovigilance programme of India, started in 2010 has not seen considerable success, owing to underreporting of adverse drug reactions (ADRs). This can be attributed to a lack of awareness of pharmacovigilance among the healthcare professionals. This study was conducted with the aim to evaluate the level of knowledge, awareness, attitude and practice of pharmacovigilance among interns of a teaching hospital.Methods: An observational, cross-sectional study was done among interns of a teaching hospital. A predesigned Questionnaire was distributed among 150 interns, from which 138 completed questionnaires were considered. The questionnaire consisted of 16 questions dealing with knowledge, awareness, attitude and practice of pharmacovigilance. Data was analysed and presented as percentage of respondents.Results: 71% interns correctly identified the definition of pharmacovigilance. However, their awareness was deficient, in particular about the existence of an ADR monitoring centre in their own institution (33%). The rate of ADR reporting was immensely inadequate (12 %), which is a matter of utmost concern and requires immediate attention. The factors discouraging them from reporting ADRs were insufficient knowledge about the reporting procedure and a lack of time to report.Conclusions: Interns lacked the required level of awareness, attitude and practice of pharmacovigilance, which needs to be resolved instantly by organizing frequent training sessions. Continued medical education programmes and workshops may be helpful in increasing their awareness and consequently to improve the rate of spontaneous ADR reporting

A study on awareness and disposal practices of unused and expired medicines by consumers

Background: Hazards to the environment due to improper drug disposal practices is an issue of concern. The prescription drugs, disposed into trash /sewage, consequently enter into surface waters and contaminate even drinking water. In view of the potential hazards posed due to improper storage and disposal of medicines, evaluation of the awareness of the consumers and educating them about proper disposal methods is required. The aim of present study was to evaluate the awareness and practice of drug disposal among the population.Methods: A cross sectional, observational study was conducted at Rural Health Centre (RHTC) of Kamineni Academy of Medical Sciences and Research Centre with the patients visiting the RHTC as the study subjects. A predesigned questionnaire was used to evaluate the awareness and disposal practices of unused and expired medicines by the respondents.Results: On analysis it was observed that 80 (57%) of the respondents procure medicines from health care centre. A total of 97 (69%) respondents possess unused/leftover medicines at home, 54 (39%) of the respondents mentioned the reason to be due to self discontinuation. Among the class of drugs left unused antibiotics constituted 13%, antipyretics 6%, analgesics 6%. 49% of the respondents dispose unused medicines in domestic trash, 24% flush down toilet/sink. A majority of 121 (86%) opined that awareness must be made created.Conclusions: In present study it was observed that many of the respondents possessed leftover medicines and were unaware of the hazards of improper disposal of medicines. Thus, there is a need for proper educational and regulatory interventions

A study to evaluate prescribing pattern and cost minimization analysis of antihistamines among patients of allergy

Background: Allergy is a hypersensitivity disorder of the immune system of the human body. In this study we selected CMA, It evaluates the cost differences between two or more medication from one group and with a similar clinical effect and then determines the least costly alternative. This helps in making best possible decision ensuring the maximum available benefits from every penny spent to achieve reasonable value for money.Methods: This prospective observational study was conducted to assess the prescribing pattern and cost minimization of antihistamines in patients of allergy in a tertiary care teaching hospital. 210 outpatient and inpatient prescriptions of patients coming to tertiary hospital during the period July 2015 to July 2016 were studied and the most commonly prescribed antihistamines identified and their cost different between branded and generic versions analysed.Results: Most commonly prescribed antihistamine is cetrizine followed by levocetrizine and fexofenadine.   Conclusions: This study demonstrated a significant price difference, ranging from 4% to 83.75% between the branded and generic version of given drugs. This in turn is leading to an increase in the cost of total treatment

Effect of Trigonella foenum (methi) on fasting blood glucose levels in alloxan induced diabetes in rabbits

Background: Water-retaining fibers, especially the mucilaginous compounds, such as the gel fiber present in Fenugreek seeds, reduce the rate of glucose absorption and may also delay gastric emptying thereby preventing the rise in blood sugar levels following a meal. In addition to its hypoglycemic effects, the hyperlipidemic effect of Fenugreek fibers has also been documented. The objective of the study was to study the effect of Trigonella foenum (methi) on Fasting Blood Glucose levels in Alloxan induced diabetes in Rabbits.Methods: Fenugreek seed extract was prepared. Study was carried out on alloxan induced diabetic rabbits. They were prepared for the study. Then they were grouped into 5 groups depending upon the drugs used for them. The drug solutions were prepared and administered to diabetic rabbits. The blood sugar levels were recorded before and after treatment for first 15 days and once in week for next three weeks. Daily fasting blood sugar readings were taken. The blood glucose was determined with standard procedures and methods.Results: Alcohol extract of fenugreek seeds using soxhlet apparatus produced significant (P &lt;0.001) reduction in the blood glucose levels in the alloxan induced diabetic rabbits in the 3 doses i.e. 0.5 gm/kg, 1 gm/kg and 1.5 gm/kg body weight after oral administration compared to the vehicle treated group (5 ml of 2% gum acacia) over the period of 5 weeks. The standard oral anti-diabetic drug (Metformin) in the dose of 62.5 mg/kg body weight also reduced the blood glucose level in the Alloxan induced diabetic rabbits over 5 weeks period of treatment compared to vehicle group. (5 ml of 2% gum acacia).Conclusions: All the three doses of Trigonella foenum significantly (P&lt;0.001) reduced blood glucose levels in Alloxan induced diabetic rabbits over a period of 5 weeks in comparison to vehicle (5 ml of 2% of gum acacia) orally

A cross-sectional study evaluating the awareness of pharmacovigilance among MBBS interns of a teaching hospital in south India

Background: Spontaneous reporting is the backbone of any pharmacovigilance programme. The pharmacovigilance programme of India, started in 2010 has not seen considerable success, owing to underreporting of adverse drug reactions (ADRs). This can be attributed to a lack of awareness of pharmacovigilance among the healthcare professionals. This study was conducted with the aim to evaluate the level of knowledge, awareness, attitude and practice of pharmacovigilance among interns of a teaching hospital.Methods: An observational, cross-sectional study was done among interns of a teaching hospital. A predesigned Questionnaire was distributed among 150 interns, from which 138 completed questionnaires were considered. The questionnaire consisted of 16 questions dealing with knowledge, awareness, attitude and practice of pharmacovigilance. Data was analysed and presented as percentage of respondents.Results: 71% interns correctly identified the definition of pharmacovigilance. However, their awareness was deficient, in particular about the existence of an ADR monitoring centre in their own institution (33%). The rate of ADR reporting was immensely inadequate (12 %), which is a matter of utmost concern and requires immediate attention. The factors discouraging them from reporting ADRs were insufficient knowledge about the reporting procedure and a lack of time to report.Conclusions: Interns lacked the required level of awareness, attitude and practice of pharmacovigilance, which needs to be resolved instantly by organizing frequent training sessions. Continued medical education programmes and workshops may be helpful in increasing their awareness and consequently to improve the rate of spontaneous ADR reporting

Sodium glucose co transporter 2 inhibitors and Ramadan: Another string to the bow

Deshoulières François. La façade de l'église de Saint-Jouin de Marnes (Deux-Sèvres). In: Bulletin Monumental, tome 83, année 1924. pp. 425-426