Comparison of neuropharmacological activities of methanolic extracts of Cuminum nigrum (Linn.) and Centratherum anthelminticum (Linn.) in mice.

The study is conducted to observe and investigate the effects of oral dosing of methanolic extracts of Cuminum nigrum (L) and Centratherum anthelminticum (L) on neuropharmacological activities of mice. Methanolic extracts of Cuminum nigrum (L) and Centratherum anthelminticum (L) were soluble in Dimethyl sulphoxide (DMSO) i.e. an organic solvent, so it is used in this study. Screening for anxiolytic and antidepressant effects were performed using open field test, head dip test, stationary rod test, cage crossing test, light and dark box and swimming- induced depression test. Thirty animals were divided into three groups of 10 animals each and numbered as 1 (control, on DMSO), 2(on methanolic extract of Cuminum nigrum (L), 3 (on methanolic extract of Centratherum anthelminticum (L). The extracts and DMSO were administered orally for 60 days. Any possible change in animal behavior was evaluated on day 15, 30 and 60 of dosing. The groups 2 and 3 showed significant increase (p<0.001, p<0.01) in open field activity and light and dark box test respectively, while significantly decreased activity was observed in head dip and cage crossing activity (p<0.01) after 60 days of dosing. Based on above findings, it is suggested that the extracts of Centratherum anthelminticum (L) and Cuminum nigrum (L) have antidepressant and anxiolytic potential with sedative effects.

Comparative role of pregabalin and carbamazepine regarding efficacy in painful diabetic neuropathy.

Neuropathic pain is the most severe and resistant type of pain which has impact on quality of life and behaviour; it most commonly occurs at night causing disturbed sleep. Diabetes mellitus is a common cause of painful neuropathy. In this study, we are comparing the effectiveness of old treatment Carbamazepine with Pregabalin in painful diabetic neuropathy. The study was an open-label trial conducted in Diabetic Clinic of Medical Unit-III, Jinnah Post-graduate Medical Center, Karachi. The duration of the study was 90 days, from December 2010 to March 2011. The study has been approved from ethical committee of JPMC, Karachi with the reference NO.F.2-81/2010-GENL/195/JPMC. 60 established patients of painful diabetic peripheral neuropathy from Diabetic Clinic of Medical Unit-III OPD were included in the 90-day study, irrespective of gender, with duration of diabetes more than 10 years. All subjects are placed into two groups. In group A, comprising of 30 patients (n=30), Pregabalin was administered and in group B, also comprising of 30 patients (n=30), Carbamazepine. The intensity of pain was compared on visual analog scale of McGill pain questionnaire. In group A (Pregabalin), the mean pain score fell from 6.17±0.14 to 3.50±0.15 from day 0 to day 90 (p-value=0.001) and the percentage of change also in visual analog scale of McGill pain questionnaire was -43.31%. In group B (Carbamazepine), the changes in pain score from initially 6.07±0.14 falling to 4.23±0.13 from day 0 to day 90 (p-value=0.001) and the percentage of change was -30.31%. Pregabalin was observed to be more potent. Both drugs were well tolerated by all participants that also completed the entire duration of the trial.

The effect of traffic noise on the hearing level of people on Karachi streets.

OBJECTIVE: To study the effects of traffic noise on hearing ability of subjects prone to traffic noise exposure. METHOD: A hospital based prospective study was performed comprising of 200 selected subjects significantly exposed to traffic noise. These included rickshaw drivers, traffic constables and shopkeepers in central business area. All subjects were questioned according to a Performa after which ENT examination was carried out followed by Pure Tone Audiometery. RESULTS: Hearing impairment showed correlation with the duration of job when analyzed by linear regression analysis with correlation coefficient r = 0.36 (p < 0.001), Hearing impairment was 33.81 + 0.42 dB according to the duration of job (in years). CONCLUSION: Subjects are perceptually exposed to potentially damaging sound pressure level in the metropolis of Karachi. It was observed that audiologically consistent noise induced hearing loss was found to be 0.42 dB per octave from 500Hz to 2000Hz per year of duration of job.