Posted by admin on Jul 31, 2015 in |
Methylmercury (MeHg), a highly toxic environmental pollutant, induces oxidative stress and dysfunction in many cell types. Bacopa monniera is a perennial herb, and is used as a nerve tonic in ayurveda, a traditional medicinal system in India. This study was aimed to evaluate the effect of Bacopa monniera extract (BME) on MeHg-induced toxicity in rat cerebellum. Male Wistar rats were administered with MeHg orally at a dose of 5 mg/kg b.w. for 21 days. Experimentalrats were given MeHg and also administered with BME(40 mg/kg, orally) 1 h prior to the administration of MeHg for 21 days. After treatment MeHg induction caused increased level of Scgb3a1mRNA whereas the level was reduced by BME pretreatment. GPx4 expression was down regulated and HSP70 expression was up regulated in MeHg intoxicated group. Immunohistochemical changes were observed in TRxR1 and GFAP protein in MeHg induced group. BME pretreatment altered the expression of proteins and Immunohistochemical changes to near normal. These findings strongly implicate that BM has potential to protect brain from oxidative damage resulting...
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Posted by admin on Jul 31, 2015 in |
The present study aims to explore the ethnomedicinal knowledge of the plants and their preparations used to cure diabetes by the tribes of Mananthavady, Bathery and Vythiri taluks of Wayanad district, Kerala. Preparation of ethnomedicine using various plant parts and other information related to tribes associated; habitat, habit and status of medicinal plants recorded are highlighted. Documentation of indigenous knowledge related to cure diabetes was made by interaction with traditional healers. A total of 23 species belonging to 17 families possessing antidiabetic property were recorded. The review of literature revealed that 16 species have already been proven to be antidiabetic through scientific analysis. However reports on antidiabetic properties of Andrographis wightiana T. Anderson & Thwaites, Psilotrichum elliotii Baker & Clarke, Solanum violaceum Ortega ssp. multiflorum (Clarke), Justicia trinervia L., Dracaena terniflora Roxb., Elaeagnus conferta Roxb. and Kydia calycina Roxb. are lacking. The present study is successful in identifying seven medicinal plants used by the tribes for possessing antidiabetic activity. Most of the herbal preparations for curing diabetes were prepared...
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Posted by admin on Jul 31, 2015 in |
Objective: Immune-compromised patients are vulnerable to microbes, which are usually safe and sound for healthy individuals. The aim of this study is to provide a quality fresh fruits such as apple, grape, guava, pear and plum for immune-compromised personnel sing different doses of gamma radiation. Methods: Irradiation impacts on microbial number, in treated fruits were assessed and compared to sanitary microbial safety criteria for immune-compromised patients as suggested by IAEA. Fresh-cut fruits were exposed to various doses of gamma radiation (0, 0.5, 1.0 and 1.5 kGy) and microbial load was analyzed. Results: Microbiological analysis showed that aerobic plate counts in case of guava, grape and pearwere4.53, 3.42 and 3.24 log CFU/g respectively which were eliminated at 1.0 kGy. Aerobic spores, except apple, were totally eliminated just at 0.5 kGy. Similarly, at 0.5 kGy, total Coli form in plum, pear, guava and apple, which were 4.43, 2.25, 2.0 and 1.04 CFU/g respectively, as well as pathogenic Listeria spp. 3.3 log CFU/gin guava were also eradicated. Staphylococcus aureus were detected only...
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Posted by admin on Jul 31, 2015 in |
Ghaafis (Gentiana olivieri Griseb) has been recommended in Classical Unani literature as an important ingredient of many antipyretic formulations. Singularly, it is advocated in both crude and extract form. The present study was conducted to investigate the antipyretic activity of crude and aqueous extract of Gule Ghaafis on yeast induced pyrexia in animal model. The study was carried out by the method described by Vogel. Animals were divided into six groups of six animals each. Group I received distilled water, Group II was given subcutaneous injection of 15% suspension of Brewer’s yeast, Group III and IV were injected subcutaneous injection of 15% suspension of Brewer’s yeast, in the dose of 10ml/kg followed by powder of Gule Ghaafis in the dose of 600mg/kg and 1200mg/kg, respectively. Group V and VI were given subcutaneous injection of 15% suspension of Brewer’s, in the dose of 10ml/kg followed by aqueous extract of Gule Ghaafis in the dose of 162 mg/kg and 324mg/kg, respectively. The rectal temperature of the animals in different groups was...
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Posted by admin on Jul 31, 2015 in |
Introduction: Khat is chewed traditionally in Ethiopia, Somalia, Yemen and Kenya. In Ethiopia, khat chewing is now becoming an every-day substance of abuse for the general population regardless of its adverse effects on human health. Therefore, this study was conducted to investigate the effects of crude extract of khat fresh leaves and soft twigs on liver function in rats. Methods: Adult male Wistar rats (N = 35) aged between 14 to 16 weeks were randomly allocated into five groups of 7 animals each. Rats in group I were given 1mL of distilled water, and served as control. Rats in group II, III and VI were treated with crude extract of 150, 250, 350 and 450 mg/kg doses of khat respectively. At the end of the experiment, blood samples were collected and serum level of liver enzymes, total protein and bilirubin were determined. Results: Serum level of AST, ALT and ALP were significantly elevated while the total protein was significantly decreased (P < 0.05). The total and direct bilirubin were...
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