Obstetric outcomes of Human Immunodeficiency Virus positive mothers in tertiary care hospital.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the pregnancy outcome of human immunodeficiency syndrome-positive mothers. METHODS: The prospective observational study was conducted at the Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Aziz Bhatti Shaheed Teaching Hospital, Gujrat, Pakistan, from June 2011 to March 2018, and comprised pregnant women screened positive for human immunodeficiency syndrome. Risk factors and perinatal outcomes were noted on a predesigned proforma. Data was analysed using SPSS 20. RESULTS: Of the 74 subjects with a mean age of 29±5.27 years, 63(85.1%) were multiparous and 11(14.9%) were nulliparous. Major risk factors included unsterilized nasal or ear piercing in 70(94.6%) subjects, history of blood transfusion 57(77%) and history of dental procedure in unsterilized settings 23(31.1%). Spouses of 43(58.1%) subjects were positive for human immunodeficiency syndrome, 22(29.7%) were negative and 9(12.2%) had unknown status in this regard. In terms of outcome, 12(16.3%) subjects had spontaneous abortion, 11(12.2%) had intrauterine death of foetus, 6(8.1%) had preterm delivery and 45(60.8%) reached full term and were delivered. There were 2(2.6%) patients with stage 4 disease who died during pregnancy. CONCLUSIONS: Human immunodeficiency syndrome infection in pregnant women was found to be associated with poor pregnancy outcome.

Progress and prospects in the management of psoriasis and developments in phyto-therapeutic modalities.

The aim of this study is to review the efficacy of herbal and allopathic drugs used to manage and treat psoriasis. The review has been compiled using reference materials from major databases, Online Journals, Science Direct, Scopus, Open J Gate, Google Scholar and PubMed. Psoriasis is a common skin disease affecting 2-3% of the world's population. It is cosmetically debilitating and chronic disease, which occurs both in developing and developed countries. It can affect any part of the body, but the most common sites are the elbows, knees, and scalp. It is usually treated with synthetic medicine either given systematically or applied locally. The prescribed synthetic medicines used for the treatment of psoriasis are associated with severe side effects and complications, thus researchers around the world are trying to explore new, more effective, and safer drugs from natural resources. Medicinal plants are safe and efficacious, and most of the people all over the world rely on herbal medicine due to their easy availability, low cost, and efficacy for treating psoriasis. A number of medicinal plants having therapeutic potential with high efficacy are used in the treatment of psoriasis have been described. Moreover, studies should be conducted to isolate and investigate the mechanism of actions of phytochemicals responsible for anti-psoriasis potential.

Prevalence and current therapy in chronic liver disorders.

BACKGROUND: Herbal medicine plays an important role in health, particularly in remote parts of developing areas with few health facilities. According to WHO estimates, about three-quarters of the world's population currently use herbs or traditional medicines to treat various ailments, including liver diseases. Several studies have found that the use of medicinal plants was effective in the treatment of infectious and non-infectious diseases. Hepatitis and liver cirrhosis associated with many clinical manifestations can be treated with allopathic medicines, but reports of a number of side effects including immunosuppression, bone marrow suppression, and renal complications have motivated researchers to explore more natural herbal medicines with low or no side effects and with high efficacy in treating hepatic diseases. METHODS: Databases including PubMed, Medline, and Google Scholar were searched for findings on the hepatoprotective effects of plants. RESULTS: Various medicinal plants are used for the treatment of liver disorders. The range of alternative therapies is huge, and they are used worldwide, either as part of primary health care or in combination with conventional medicine. Hepatoprotective plants contain a variety of chemical constituents including flavonoids, alkaloids, glycosides, carotenoids, coumarins, phenols, essential oil, organic acids, monoterpenes, xanthenes, lignans, and lipids. CONCLUSION: This review shows that numerous plants are found to contain hepatoprotective compounds. However, further studies are needed to determine their association with existing regimes of antiviral medicines and to develop evidence-based alternative medicine to cure different kinds of liver disease in humans.

Daclatasvir plus Sofosbuvir with or without ribavirin in patients with chronic Hepatitis C genotype 3a in Pakistani population - A real world experience.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Pakistan is among leading countries of world in prevalence of chronic hepatitis C Daclatasvir plus sofosbuvir is recommended for treatment of CHC. The purpose of study was to determine the sustained virological response in patients with chronic viral hepatitis C genotype 3a irrespective of previous treatment experience or presence of liver cirrhosis. METHODS: Open label observational study was conducted at ABSTH Gujrat from January 2017 to April 2018 using non-probability purposive sampling. Patients chronically infected with hepatitis C virus having genotype 3a irrespective of presence of cirrhosis or previous treatment experience were included. Treatment naive patients without cirrhosis were given 12 weeks regimen of daily daclatasvir 60mg along with daily sofosbuvir 400mg. Patients with either compensated cirrhosis or treatment experienced were given 24 weeks regimen of daily daclatasvir 60mg along with daily sofosbuvir 400mg with weight based ribavirin. Data analysis was done using SPSS 20.0. RESULTS: Total 125 patients were included in study out of which 42 (33.6%) were male and 83 (66.4%) were female. Early virological response and end treatment response was achieved by 124 (99.2%) patients. Twenty four patients were lost to further follow-up and SVR24 was available for 101(80.8%) patients out of which 48 were having cirrhosis and 53 were without cirrhosis. SVR24 was achieved by 96 patients (95%). Virological response was better in treatment naive patients and without cirrhosis compared to treatment experienced and those with cirrhosis. CONCLUSION: Daclatasvir plus sofosbuvir is an effective combination in patients with chronic hepatitis C genotype 3a infection.

Acute and sub acute toxicity study and randomized clinical trial of polyherbal coded drug candicure in the management of acute vulvo-vaginal candidiasis.

Vulvo-Vaginal Candidiasis is common gynecological disorder. Clinical trials are designed to evaluate the effect of medical intervention with allopathic and herbal medicine to treat vulvo-vaginal candidiasis. The toxicity index and the safety profile of test drug were assessed on animals' model. Toxicity study of polyherbal formulation was done in order to consider it safe before use. In acute toxicity study, a single dose of 2000 mg/kg was given to Swiss Albino mice and in sub-acute toxicity study three different doses were given to Wistar rats. Randomized Controlled Clinical Trials was conducted. Inclusion and exclusion criteria and informed consent from the patients were to be monitored. In acute toxicity study no morbidity and mortality noticed on single administration of dose 2000mg/kg/day. In sub -acute toxicity study no significant changes were observed in consumption of food and water, body weight, hematological parameters, Liver function test, renal function parameters and lipid profile. The statistical analysis showed C. albican was eradicated in 59 participants (78%) out of 75 participants by the use of Candicure (Test drug) and in 56 participants (74%) out of 75 participants by the use of Fluconazole therapy (Control drug). Chi-square test was applied and p-value was calculated 0.3101 which is greater than 0.05 showed that Candicure therapy and Fluconazole therapy is equally significant in eradication of C. albican. The acute and sub-acute toxicity study of polyherbal formulation on experimental animals is safe at a dose of 2000mg/kg/day. The clinical findings of randomized controlled trial revealed that the effect was almost comparable to control drug in eradicating the micro-organism.

Phytochemical screening and antipyretic effects of hydroalcoholic extracts of selected medicinal plants of Rawalakot, Azad Jammu and Kashmir in albino rats.

Pyrexia occurs due to infection, malignancy and other diseases. Majority of the antipyretic drugs are synthetic in nature which exerts side effects such as gastric ulcer, hepatic necrosis and renal damage. The antipyretic potential of the hydro-alcoholic extracts of Achillea millefolium, Taraxacum officinale, Salix alba and Trigonella foenum were investigated on the yeast-induced pyrexia in albino rats. Paracetamol was used as a positive control. Rectal temperature of albino rats was verified immediately before the administration of the extracts or vehicle or paracetamol and yet again at 1-hour gap for 6 hours using a digital thermometer. The animals having pyrexia were divided into four groups Group1: Paracetamol was given to positive control. Group 2: Distilled water was given to negative control. Group 3: (250mg/kg) extract of the plant was given to rats (treatment group 1). Group 4: (500mg/kg) extracts of the plant was given to albino rats (Treatment group 2). The extracts were also phytochemically screened for alkaloids, tannins, saponins, flavonoids, cardiac glycosides and phenols. The hydro-alcoholic extracts of plants with the dose of 500mg/kg showed significant (p<0.0001) decrease in yeast-induced pyrexia, as compared with that of set drug paracetamol (150mg/kg) where the extract dose 250mg/kg was less effective than that of standard drug (p<0.05). Phytochemical screening showed the presence of alkaloids, tannins, flavonoids, saponins and phenols. This study showed that hydro-alcoholic extracts of all plants under study at a dose of 500mg/kg have significant antipyretic potential in yeast-induced elevated temperature.

Correlates of diabetic retinopathy: A case study.

Prevalence of diabetes mellitus is increasing worldwide particularly in developing countries as according to International Diabetes Federation, globally a rise from 451 million diabetic people in 2017 to 693 million in 2045 is expected. Diabetic retinopathy is one of the major consequences of diabetes mellitus, so knowing its risk factors can be very helpful. For identifying the risk factors of the Diabetic Retinopathy (DR) in Faisalabad and to determine whether DR is more caused by type 1 or type 2 diabetes, a cross-sectional study was conducted at major hospitals in Faisalabad district during February-July 2016. Descriptive statistics were used for initial screening of the significant variables. Then binary logistic regression was applied to measure the influence of different factors on likelihood of DR. Using Odds Ratio (OR) from logistic regression as measure of influence, the problem of DR was found to be higher among males (OR=1.913; 95% C.I, 1.072~3.413), married patients (OR=5.678; 95% C.I=2.206~14.616), patients with type 1 diabetes (OR=2.195; 95% C.I=1.205~3.997), patients with obesity (OR=25.736; 95% C.I=11.033~60.031), patients using insulin treatment (OR=6.678; 95% C.I=2.330~10.138). The study demonstrated a high prevalence of DR in Faisalabad. Eye examination, social status of patients and duration of diabetes were also found as significant variables affecting DR.

Prevalence and co-infection of Malaria and Typhoid in the local population of Faisalabad, Pakistan.

Malaria and typhoid fever are among the major infectious diseases which impose significant health and socioeconomic burden on affected populations. Further, co-infection and resembling symptomatology in both infections, mostly leads to misdiagnosis and mistreatment. So co-infection of malaria and typhoid fever is becoming a major issue in tropical and subtropical countries. The current study was planned to explore the rate of co-infection of malaria and typhoid fever to show the diagnostic challenges and people health implications in the local population of Faisalabad-Pakistan. For this purpose, 144 samples (n=144) were collected from suspected subjects both male (n=74) and female (n=70) (comprises of three age group ranges viz >01-10, 11-20 and above 20 years old) of typhoid fever and malaria from October to December 2017 at Children Hospital, Faisalabad-Pakistan. Thick smear as a gold standard technique for malaria diagnosis and Widal agglutination technique for typhoid diagnosis were used. Results revealed that the prevalence of co-infection in selected subjects was 6.3% (n=9) with higher prevalence in female subjects (7.1%) as compared to males (5.4%). Further, it was also reported that age groups >01-10 years old, 11-20 years old and 21-above years old have6.6 % (n=75), 5.7 % (n=35) and 5.8% (n=34), coinfection prevalence respectively. In the present study, it could be concluded that although the prevalence of co-infection of malaria and typhoid fever in the studied population was possible but sensitivity of diagnostic tools was limited, so more reliable, specific and sensitive diagnostic tools are required to report confidently more precise correlation of these infectious diseases.

Ex-vivo abortifacient activity of Androsace foliosa n-hexane leaves extract on isolated rabbit uterus.

Androsace foliosa is a medicinal herb utilized in different areas of Pakistan for abortifacient, diabetic and liver complications. In the current research, the possible action of the n-hexane leaves extract of the Androsace foliosa on isolated rabbit uterus was examined. Abortifacient activity was examined in the existence of standard antagonist e.g. atropine and salbutamol and a uterine tonic like oxytocin. The isolated rabbit uterus is initially treated with 1mg/kg stilboesterol for 1 complete day. The consequence of oxytocin as uterine contraction agonist was observed. Additionally, antagonists e.g. salbutamol (2µg) and atropine (1-2mg) on the uterine contractile action of the extract were also examined. The A. foliosa n-hexane leaves extract fashion dose correlated amplification in the force of uterine contraction comparable to oxytocin. The drug oxytocin was pragmatic to amplify the uterine contractile action of the extract. Meanwhile pre-treating the tissue with either atropine or salbutamol earlier than administrating the extract indicates the inhibitory action of the drugs on the action of the extract.

Ex-vivo antihypertensive and calcium channel blocking activity of Androsace foliosa n-hexane leaves fraction on isolated rabbit aorta.

Hypertension is persistent elevation in blood pressure for 3-4 weeks. Estimated global prevalence of hypertension suggested that by the Year 2025 (29%) of adult worldwide are suffering from hypertension (1.56 billion). Hypertension complications are hemorrhage, atherosclerosis, renal artery stenosis, angina pectoris end organ damage, cardiomyopathy, myocardial infarction and retinopathy. Along with other drug class Calcium channel blocker are also used for the treatment of hypertension. In this study the possible action of the n-hexane leaves fraction of the Androsace foliosa on isolated rabbit aorta was examined. Antihypertensive activity was examined in the existence of standard agonist like phenylephrine and antagonist like Verapamil. Phenylephrine (PE 1µM) high K+ was used to steady the tissue materials. Additionally to observe the calcium channel blocking effect the tissues were treated with n-hexane segment of A. foliosa leaves. Aortic tissues were treated 4-5intervals with Ca+2- free preparation earlier to control calcium reaction curve (CRCs). Verapamil is utilized as standard calcium channel inhibitory mediator and is used as an antagonist. The Af. n-hexane leaves fraction completely inhibited the precontractions induced by Phenylephrine (1µM) and K+ (80 mM) precontractions, with EC50 standards of 1.0mM (0.3-1.0mg/mL) and 4.90mM (1-3mg/mL), respectively. Androsace foliosa n-hexane leaves fraction was tested for calcium channel inhibitory effect on isolated rabbit aorta. A. foliosa n- hexane leaves segment at the dosage of 1mg/mL block the calcium channel approximately (35±5%). Consequence indicates that A. foliosa n-hexane leaves segment block calcium channel in the similar manner as compared to the standard calcium channel blocker drug (verapamil).

Antiviral potential of medicinal plants against HIV, HSV, influenza, hepatitis, and coxsackievirus: A systematic review.

Viral infections are being managed therapeutically through available antiviral regimens with unsatisfactory clinical outcomes. The refractory viral infections resistant to available antiviral drugs are alarming threats and a serious health concern. For viral hepatitis, the interferon and vaccine therapies solely are not ultimate solutions due to recurrence of hepatitis C virus. Owing to the growing incidences of viral infections and especially of resistant viral strains, the available therapeutic modalities need to be improved, complemented with the discovery of novel antiviral agents to combat refractory viral infections. It is widely accepted that medicinal plant heritage is nature gifted, precious, and fueled with the valuable resources for treatment of metabolic and infectious disorders. The aims of this review are to assemble the facts and to conclude the therapeutic potential of medicinal plants in the eradication and management of various viral diseases such as influenza, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), herpes simplex virus (HSV), hepatitis, and coxsackievirus infections, which have been proven in diverse clinical studies. The articles, published in the English language since 1982 to 2017, were included from Web of Science, Cochrane Library, AMED, CISCOM, EMBASE, MEDLINE, Scopus, and PubMed by using relevant keywords including plants possessing antiviral activity, the antiviral effects of plants, and plants used in viral disorders. The scientific literature mainly focusing on plant extracts and herbal products with therapeutic efficacies against experimental models of influenza, HIV, HSV, hepatitis, and coxsackievirus were included in the study. Pure compounds possessing antiviral activity were excluded, and plants possessing activity against viruses other than viruses in inclusion criteria were excluded. Hundreds of plant extracts with antiviral effect were recognized. However, the data from only 36 families investigated through in vitro and in vivo studies met the inclusion criteria of this review. The inferences from scientific literature review, focusing on potential therapeutic consequences of medicinal plants on experimental models of HIV, HSV, influenza, hepatitis, and coxsackievirus have ascertained the curative antiviral potential of plants. Fifty-four medicinal plants belonging to 36 different families having antiviral potential were documented. Out of 54 plants, 27 individually belong to particular plant families. On the basis of the work of several independent research groups, the therapeutic potential of medicinal plants against listed common viral diseases in the region has been proclaimed. In this context, the herbal formulations as alternative medicine may contribute to the eradication of complicated viral infection significantly. The current review consolidates the data of the various medicinal plants, those are Sambucus nigra, Caesalpinia pulcherrima, and Hypericum connatum, holding promising specific antiviral activities scientifically proven through studies on experimental animal models. Consequently, the original research addressing the development of novel nutraceuticals based on listed medicinal plants is highly recommended for the management of viral disorders.

Effects of methanolic and aqueous extracts of Ipomoea batatas L on mineral contents level (calcium and magnesium) in alloxan-induced diabetic rats.

In diabetic patients, electrolyte disorders frequently occur with the characteristic changes in minerals like calcium and magnesium etc. Several medicines are used to manage diabetes mellitus but they exert adverse effects. Plants are a valuable alternative to synthetic medicines because they are easily available, economical and have fewer side effects. Ipomoea batatas L is a well-known antidiabetic plant (sweet potato) but its effects on calcium and magnesium concentration have not studied. The prime focus of this study is to estimate the potential of Ipomoea batatas L peel-off on magnesium and calcium level in Alloxan-induced diabetic rats. Alloxan monohydrate was mixed in 0.9% NaCl solution and administrated [150 mg/kg (S/C)] to male Wistar rats to induce diabetes. After three days blood samples were collected and blood glucose level was recorded. Wistar rats having a blood glucose level of 200 mg/dl and above were selected for the study. Methanol and water extract of Ipomoea batatas L peel-off was given orally with a dose rate of 4g/day. Calcium and magnesium estimation was done using an atomic absorption spectrophotometer. Our results revealed an increase in both the calcium and magnesium level in heart, brain, liver, hind limb, and forelimb after Ipomoea batatas extract treatment. In kidneys decreased calcium level was noted as they excrete calcium. Mineral (Calcium, magnesium) level was increased in all organs except kidney after both extracts treatment. Ipomoea batatas being anti-diabetic in nature also maintain the homeostasis of calcium and magnesium in diabetes. Therefore, we propose the long-term use of such agents might help in the prevention of diabetes-associated complications. However, the validation of these results to human population needs further extensive study.

Anti-diabetic activity of aqueous extract of Ipomoea batatas L. in alloxan induced diabetic Wistar rats and its effects on biochemical parameters in diabetic rats.

Diabetes is a condition where the fasting blood glucose level elevated above the normal range (80-120mg/dL). This increase in blood glucose level may be due to the insulin deficiency i.e. insulin dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM or type I) or due to insulin resistance i.e. non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM or type II). Diabetes leads to severe complications in the body even life treating complications e.g. nephropathy, retinopathy, neuropathy increased vascular permeability and delayed wound healing if left untreated. Different drugs are used for the treatment of diabetes mellitus, but synthetic drugs are costly and possess severe side effects. So, more emphasis is being placed on the use of traditional medicines because these sources have fewer side effects than the synthetics drugs and are economical. So the white skinned sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas L.) peel-off was selected for its anti-diabetic effect as well as to see its effects on biochemical parameters. Both young (3-4 months) and old (up to 1 year) Wistar rats were selected for current study. It was found that the aqueous extract of WSSP peel-off had shown beneficial effects. In addition to the decrease in blood glucose level it also decreased protein glycation level total cholesterol, triglycerides, and LDL-cholesterol. Increase in HDL-cholesterol was also observed after treating the rats with aqueous extract of Ipomoea batatas. Additionally, WSSP peel-off had also shown positive results on total protein concentration, albumin, globulin, and plasma enzymes (SGOT and SGPT). Further research would be needed in order to purify the anti-diabetic components and it should be available in compact dose form for all diabetic patients.

Enhanced production of Lovastatin by filamentous fungi through solid state fermentation.

Lovastatin is a natural competitive inhibitor of 3-hydroxy-3-methyl glutaryl coenzyme-A (HMG-CoA) reductase and inhibits specifically rate limiting step in cholesterol biosynthesis. Further, lovastatin in comparison with synthetic drugs has no well-reported side effects. Four pure isolated filamentous fungal strains including Aspergillus niger IBL, Aspergillus terreus FFCBP-1053, Aspergillus flavus PML and Aspergillus nidulans FFCBP-014 have been cultured by solid state fermentation (SSF) using rice straw as substrate for the synthesis of lovastatin. After selecting Aspergillus terreus FFCBP-1053 as the best producer of lovastatin, various selected physical parameters including pH, temperature, inoculums size and moisture content were optimized through response surface methodology (RSM) under center composite design (CCD) for lovastatin hyper production. Maximum lovastatin production of 2070±91.5 was predicted by the quadratic model in the medium having moisture content 70% and pH 4.5 at 35°C which was verified experimentally to be 2140±93.25µg/g DW of FM (microgram/gram dry weight of fermentation medium), significantly (P<0.05) high as compared to un-optimized conditions while it was noted that lovastatin production is independent on inoculum size (P>0.05) measured by spectrophotometer at 245 nm against standard. It was determined that optimized conditions for the hyper-production of lovastatin from fungal sources have a significant effect.

Effect of caffeine on anti-clotting activity of warfarin in healthy male albino rabbits.

Drug-drug interactions are most commonly occurring phenomenon in clinical practice. Many physicians are afraid of being involved in an allegation of malpractices due to the occurrence of any severe interaction. These interactions not only occur between drugs but also between any kind of food, tobacco smoke, caffeine and alcohol etc. Therefore, the present study was directed to inspect the effect of caffeine on the anticoagulation activity of warfarin in healthy adult male albino rabbits. Blank blood samples were collected from each rabbit. Rabbits were given warfarin (0.5mg kg-1) orally via stomach tube and blood samples were collected in PT/INR vials at various intervals. After a washout period of 14 days, warfarin was orally administrated at same dose rate along with caffeine (5 mg kg-1 every twelve hours for three days) and same sampling schedule was repeated. Prothrombin time (PT) and the international normalized ratio (INR) of blood samples were determined to estimate changes in the anticoagulation activity of warfarin after its concurrent administration with caffeine. The PT data revealed that Rmax and AUC increased significantly (P<0.05) from 1991.6 and 60.5 to 2124.8 and 67.5, respectively, before and after co-administration. Similarly, a significant (P<0.05) increase was observed in Rmax and AUC of INR from 6.42 and 153.7 to 7.4 and 167.5, respectively, alone and along with caffeine. However, no change was observed in Tmax associated with PT and INR either the drug was administered alone or in combination with caffeine. It was concluded that caffeine has the capacity to inhibit the metabolism of warfarin and enhance its plasma concentration and hence anticoagulant effects. Thus, patients should be advised to limit the frequent use of caffeine-rich products i.e. tea and coffee during warfarin therapy.

The evaluation ofefficacy and safety of Cough (EMA) granules used for upper respiratory disorders.

Ivy leaf is used for the treatment of respiratory diseases with the intensive mucus formation, respiratory infections, and irritating cough coming from the common cold. Conferring to clinical trials, the efficacy, and tolerability of ivy leaf is good. The main compounds accountable for biological activity are triterpene and saponins. Ivy leaves show convulsive/antispasmodic, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, analgesic, anthelmintic and anti-thrombin activity. Not only ivy but also marshmallow and mustard seeds are used for these indications. This study was conducted to evaluate the efficacy and safety of Cough (EMA; European Medicines Agency) granules used for upper respiratory disorders. This clinical trial was conducted on 150 patients, out of which 75received the Cough (EMA) granules and 75received the placebo. The age range of patients was 3 years to above 15 years. The sample paired t-test was applied to evaluate the significant level. Cough (EMA) granules were found effective in the treatment of cough, cold, and flu symptoms. The new treatment Cough (EMA) granules were safe and well tolerated in patient at given specific age group. The study recommends that Cough (EMA) granules can be used effectively in the treatment of upper respiratory tract infection.

Phytochemical analysis and hepatoprotective effect of polyherbal formulation on CCl4 induced hepatotoxicity in mice.

The potent phytotherapeutic modalities against the hepatotoxicity have motivated us to explore numerous plants and polyherbal preparations because conventional drug discovery is more expensive and tedious. So, this study was conducted to evaluate the hepatoprotective potential of a polyherbal formulation (PHF), comprising of Solanum nigrum, Silybum marianum, Atrmesia absinthium, Achillea millifolium and Cichorium intybus against carbon tetrachloride(CCl4) induced hepatotoxicity in experimental rats. CCl4intoxicationinduced vacuole formation and fastdegeneration so selective liver enzymes including alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkalinephosphatase (ALP) and total bilirubin in rat's plasma,as well as liver histological architecture, were used to evaluate the effect of herbal treatments with different doses (ranging 100-500 mg/kg) for two weeks. Statistical analysis showed that PHF significantly (P<.05) improved the level of liver enzymes as well as improve the liver architecture comparative to control groups. It could be concluded from current findings that PHF prepared from Solanum nigrum, Silybum marianum, Atrmesia absinthium, Achillea millifiloium and Cichorium intybus have some hepatoprotective activities.

Clinical efficacy of Unani medicine Renax for treatment of Urolithiasis.

Stone formation occurs most commonly in acute and chronic renal failure. A kidney stone is a solid lump made up of crystals that separate from the urine and build up on the inner surfaces of the kidney. The current study was conducted to investigate the clinical efficacy of Unani medicine Renax in comparison with allopathic medicine (Spironolactone + Furosemide) to treat urolithiasis. The study was conducted in District Dera Ghazi Khan, South Punjab region. This was case control, randomized, double blind clinical study. All patients were examined by the Physician and given either herbal or allopathic medicine for Urolithiasis. The patients were divided "into two groups" a control group and test groups. A Total of 24 patients were completely cured out of 50 by use of Renax while a total of 9 patients was cured out of 50 with allopathic medicine (Spironolactone + Furosemide). This study validated the claim of traditional healer for use of Unani medicine in the treatment of urolithiasis.

Antipyretic potential of herbal coded formulation (Pyrexol).

The antipyretic effect of the aqueous extract of herbal coded formulation containing equal amount of Salix alba, Emblica officinalis, Glycyrrhiza glabra, Adhatoda vasica, Viola odorata, Thea sinensis, Veleriana officinalis, Foeniculum vulgare, Sisymbrium irrio and Achillea millefolium was investigated using the yeast induced pyrexia model in rabbits. Paracetamol was used as a control group. Rectal temperatures of all rabbits were recorded immediately before the administration of the extract or paracetamol and again at 1 hour, after this, temperature was noted at 1 hrs interval for 5 hrs using digital thermometer. At 240mg/kg dose the extract showed significant reduction in yeast-induced elevated temperature as compared with that of standard drug paracetamol (150mg/kg). It is concluded that herbal coded medicine at a dose of 240mg/kg has marked antipyretic activity in animal models and this strongly supports the ethno pharmacological uses of medicinal plants of this formulation.

In vivo antiviral potential of Glycyrrhiza glabra extract against Newcastle disease virus.

Newcastle disease is highly infectious viral disease causing huge economic losses worldwide. These losses can be prevented by control of viral diseases. Medicinal plants have been traditionally used for treatment of different diseases since long. In this study the effect of extracts from Glycyrrhiza glabra leaves are investigated against Newcastle disease virus (NDV) by an in-vivo assay. Seven groups of nine-day-old embryonated chicken eggs were inoculated with various treatments of different plant extracts. All the groups except uninoculated negative control group were inoculated with velogenic NDV strain; five groups received different concentrations of the three extracts. Daily observe the rate of embryo survival. Allantoic fluid from treated eggs was collected for hem agglutination test. Results showed that embryo survival rate was higher 300µg/mL treated group as all the extracts showed antiviral activity. Similarly, the plant extracts effectively control virus as no viruses were identified in the allantoic fluids of all groups treated with low doses of plant. The current results have clearly verified that all the extracts especially that of methanol 300µg/mL from leaves of Glycyrrhiza glabra have strong antiviral activity against NDV in vivo.