Larvicidal potential of plant-based extracts against dengue vector: A short review.

INTRODUCTION: Dengue fever, a vector borne disease transmitted primarily by Aedes albopictus and Aedes aegypti mosquitoes, has triggered a significant global resurgence. While many vector control programs depend on the use of chemical insecticides to curb outbreaks, its heavy reliance raises environmental concerns and the risk of insecticide resistance. Alternatively, botanically derived insecticidal agents with larvicidal properties offer an ecofriendlier option. This review aims to analyze scientific reports that described the effectiveness of plant-derived extracts for vector control. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A literature search was performed to analyze studies that focused on plant-based extracts used for larvicidal purposes using databases such as Science Direct. Springer, PubMed, and Scopus. The inclusion criteria for publications were larvicidal effects, published in English from the year 2017 and availability of full-text articles. The available literature was further characterized by the value of larvicidal activities of LC50 and LC90 (< 50 ppm), of 22 different parts of plant species from 7 plant families namely Apiaceae, Asteraceae, Lauraceae, Magnoliaceae, Myrtaceae, Piperaceae and Rubiaceae. RESULTS: When comparing the values of LC50, 12 plants species (Artemisia vulgaris, Crassocephalum crepidioides, Echinops grijsii, Melaleuca leucadendra, Neolitsea ellipsoidea, Pavetta tomentosa, Piper betle, Piper caninum, Piper Montium, Piper muntabile, Piper ovatum, Tarenna asiatica) showed promising larvicidal efficacies with LC50 < 10 ppm. CONCLUSION: This review emphasizes the effective alternatives of plant extracts for the potential production of larvicides. Piper betle extract and chloroform extract of Tarenna asiatica reported the most significant larvicidal activity (LC50 < 1 ppm) against mosquito vectors. Further reviews focusing on the mode of actions of its phytochemically constituents are essential for the future development of potentially significant plant-based larvicides.

Phytochemical quantification and HPLC analysis of Parkia speciosa pod extract.

INTRODUCTION: Parkia speciosa Hassk., commonly known as bitter bean or twisted cluster bean, is a tropical leguminous plant species native to Southeast Asia. The plant's edible pods have been traditionally used in various cuisines, particularly in Malaysian, Thai, and Indonesian cooking. Apart from being used as a food ingredient, the pods of P. speciosa also have a range of potential applications in other fields, including medicine, agriculture, and industry. The pods are said to have several phytochemicals that hold great therapeutic values such as reducing inflammation, improving digestion, and lowering blood sugar levels. However, there is limited information on the specific phytochemical contents of the pods in the literature. Thus, the aim of this study is to quantify the total phenolic and flavonoid compounds and to determine the concentrations of four selected phytochemical compounds in the P. speciosa pod extract (PSPE). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Quantification of the total phenolic (TPC) and flavonoid contents (TFC) in PSPE were done via colourimetric methods; and the determination of the concentrations of four specific phytochemicals (gallic acid, caffeic acid, rutin, and quercetin) were done via High- Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC). RESULTS: Colourimetric determination of PSPE showed TPC and TFC values of 84.53±9.40 mg GAE/g and 11.96±4.51 mg QE/g, respectively. Additional analysis of the phytochemicals using HPLC revealed that there were 6.45±3.36 g/kg, 5.91±1.07 g/kg, 0.39±0.84 g/kg, and 0.19±0.47 g/kg of caffeic acid, gallic acid, rutin, and quercetin, respectively. CONCLUSION: The findings show that PSPE contains substantial amounts of caffeic acid, gallic acid, rutin, and quercetin, which may indicate its potential as antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, anti-lipid, and antiviral medicines.

Metabolites alterations associated with obesity: A scoping review.

INTRODUCTION: Obesity can be considered a major public health concern throughout the world. Various studies have been conducted to combat the rising number of cases of this health problem. Therefore, identifying the roots of the disease is critical in developing the desperately needed treatment approaches. However, in order to fully understand the origin of this disease, figuring out the metabolites present, and the alterations that occurred in a particular metabolism are crucial, and the information regarding the metabolites involved is limited. The aim of this study is to analyse the literature relevant to the metabolites involved in obesity conditions through a scoping review. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This review utilises three databases (SCOPUS, Science Direct, and PubMed). The search phrases used are (Metabolomic* OR Metabolite*) for metabolomic study, (3T3-L1 OR Adipocyte OR "Adipose Tissue") for experimental design, and (Obesity) for obesity condition. Each of the search keywords was separated by an "AND" term in the databases. Other terms related to obesity, such as insulin resistance, heart disease, type 2 diabetes, muscular disorders, respiratory problems, and psychological problems were omitted because they did not contribute to the total number of studies discovered. RESULTS: A total of 27 research publications were included in this scoping review. Most of the study focuses on metabolomics in obesity. Metabolites detected were found in various metabolic pathways including amino acids, carbohydrates, lipids as well as other metabolisms. Most of these metabolites discovered in obese conditions showed an alteration when compared to the level of the metabolite in normal conditions. CONCLUSION: Unfortunately, these studies had some limitations in which the metabolites detected varied between the articles and the information concerning the relationship between the technique or instrument utilised and the metabolites detected in the samples were not well described. Therefore, using the findings obtained in this study, it can help to determine the direction of the study in the future.

Roles of primary care physicians in managing bipolar disorders in adults.

Management of bipolar disorder (BD) is challenging due to its multiple and complex facets of presentations as well as various levels of interventions. There is also limitation of treatment accessibility especially at the primary care level. Local evidence-based clinical practice guidelines address the importance of integrated care of BD at various levels. Primary care physicians hold pertinent role in maintaining remission and preventing relapse by providing systematic monitoring of people with BD. Pharmacological treatment in particular mood stabilisers remain the most effective management with psychosocial interventions as adjunct. This paper highlights the role of primary care physicians in the management of BD.

Natural history of asymptomatic gallstones: differential behaviour in male and female subjects.

OBJECTIVE: The natural history of asymptomatic (silent) gallstones has been inadequately studied. Existing information derives from studies based on oral cholecystography or relatively small sample sizes. We planned a retrospective cohort study in subjects with gallstones to determine conversion rates from asymptomatic to symptomatic. METHODS: We extracted data from computerised databases of one government hospital and two private clinics in Malaysia. Files were scrutinised to ensure that criteria for asymptomatic gallstones were fulfilled. Patients were called on telephone, further questioned to confirm that the gallstones at detection were truly asymptomatic, and asked about symptoms that were consistent with previously defined criteria for biliary colic. Appropriate ethical clearances were taken. RESULTS: 213 (112 males) patients fulfilled the criteria for asymptomatic gallstones and could be contacted. 23 (10.8%) developed pain after an average follow up interval of 4.02 years (range 0.1-11 years). Conversion rates from asymptomatic to symptomatic gallstones were high in the first two years of follow up, averaging 4.03±0.965 per year. Over time the conversion rates slowed, and by year 10 the annual conversion rate averaged only 1.38±0.29. Conversion rates were much higher for females compared to males (F:M hazard ratio 3.23, SE 1.54, p>z 0.014). The lifetime risks for conversion approached 6.15% for males, and 22.1% for females. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, asymptomatic gallstones are much more likely to convert to symptomatic in females than in males. Males in whom asymptomatic stones are discovered should be advised conservative treatment. Surgery may be preferable to conservative management if the subject is a young female.