Assessment of the Phytochemical Profile, Antioxidant Capacity, and Hepatoprotective Effect of Andrographis paniculata against CCl4-Induced Liver Dysfunction in Wistar Albino Rats.

Recent studies have highlighted the necessity to thoroughly evaluate medicinal plants due to their therapeutic potential. The current study delves into the phytochemical profile, antioxidant capacity, and hepatoprotective effect of Andrographis paniculata. The investigation specifically targets its effectiveness in mitigating liver dysfunction induced by carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) in Wistar albino rats, aiming to uncover its promising role as a natural remedy for liver-related ailments. A. paniculata leaf extract was screened for phytoconstituents and antioxidant and hepatoprotective effects in Wistar albino rats against CCl4-induced liver dysfunction. Phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of flavonoids, alkaloids, and phenolic compounds in all extracts. The phenolic concentration ranged from 10.23 to 19.52 mg gallic acid per gram of the sample, while the highest flavonoid concentration was found in the ethanol fraction (8.27 mg rutin equivalents per gram). The antioxidant activity varied from 10.23 to 62.23. GC-MS analysis identified several phytochemicals including octadecanoic acid, stigmasterol, phenanthrenecarboxylic acid, and others. Effects of the ethanol extract of A. paniculata were evaluated in four groups of animals. Biochemical estimations of serum glutamine oxaloacetate transaminase, serum glutamine pyruvate transaminase, and serum bilirubin were significantly higher (p < 0.05) in the CCl4-treated group. Treatment with 300 mg/kg b.w. of the ethanol extract of A. paniculata significantly (p < 0.05) decreased these serum enzymes. Lipid peroxidation levels in carbon tetrachloride-treated animals showed a substantial (p < 0.05) rise when compared to untreated animals, while the lipid peroxidation levels were considerably (p < 0.05) reduced after treatment with ethanol extract at 300 mg/kg b.w. Liver biochemical catalase activities were significantly reduced in the carbon tetrachloride-treated animals. The results of this study conclusively demonstrate that A. paniculata extracts are a rich source of phytochemicals and possess significant antioxidant, free radical scavenging, and hepatoprotective properties.

Direct Medical Expenditures Associated with Eye Complications among Adults with Diabetes in the United States.

OBJECTIVES: National estimates of healthcare expenditures by types of services for adults with comorbid diabetes and eye complications (ECs) are scarce. Therefore, the first objective of this study is to estimate total healthcare expenditures and expenditures by types of services (inpatient, outpatient, prescription, and emergency) for adults with ECs. The second objective is to estimate the out-of-pocket spending burden among adults with ECs. Study Design. A cross-sectional study design using data from multiple panels (2009-2015) of the Medical Expenditure Panel Survey was employed. The sample included adults aged 21 years or older with diabetes (n = 8,420). Principal Findings. Of adults with diabetes, 18.9% had ECs. Adults ECs had significantly higher incremental total medical expenditures of $3,125. The highest incremental expenditures were associated with outpatient and prescription drugs. After controlling for sex, age, race, poverty level, insurance coverage, prescription coverage, perceived physical and mental health, the number of chronic physical and mental conditions, marital status, education, the region of residence, smoking status, exercise, and chronic kidney disease (CKD), there was no difference in the out-of-pocket spending burden between adults with and those without ECs. However, adults with comorbid diabetes and CKD were more likely to have the out-of-pocket spending burden than those without CKD. CONCLUSIONS: The study showed that ECs in individuals with diabetes are associated with high incremental direct medical and out-of-pocket expenditures. Therefore, it requires more health initiatives, interventions, strategies, and programs to address and minimize the risk involved in such affected individuals.

Utilization pattern and side effect profile of oral anticonceptives: A community-based cross-sectional study among Saudi women.

BACKGROUND: The rapid change in the socio-demographic pattern and changing beliefs toward fertility and birth spacing have resulted in a notable increase in the use of oral anticonceptives in the Saudi Arabian community. However, information on the current utilization of oral anticonceptives and attitudes toward their use remains sparse. OBJECTIVE: The present study evaluated the utilization pattern of oral anticonceptives, attitude toward pill use, and incidence of side effects among Saudi women. SETTING: The study was conducted in a community setting in Jazan, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. METHODS: Eligible Saudi women routinely using oral anticonceptive pills were invited to participate in this prospective, cross-sectional survey. Data were collected using a standardized, pretested, semi-structured questionnaire. Jazan was selected as it recorded the highest number of women using contraceptives in Saudi Arabia. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: The pattern of pill utilization, attitude toward pill use, and incidence of side effects. RESULTS: A total of 496 women consented to participate in this study. Most of the respondents (87.5%) were using or had used oral anticonceptives for birth control. In nearly half (49.2%) of participants, oral pills were advised by a gynaecologist, and approximately two-thirds (69.0%) were using or had used combined oral anticonceptives. Nearly two-thirds (63.1%) of respondents preferred pills over other contraception methods due to their ease of use. More than one-third (39.3%) of participants agreed that oral pills are safe. Approximately half (53.2%) of participants were aware that a missed pill must be taken immediately after recalling that a dose was missed. A total of 69.6% of participants experienced at least one side effect, of which mood swings (61.1%), weight gain or increase appetite (42.2%), decreased libido (34.1%), and nausea (31.2%) were most common. CONCLUSION: Saudi women had a high acceptance rate for oral anticonceptives as a legitimate method to prevent unintended pregnancy. This was associated with a modest degree of understanding about their risks and benefits. Pharmacists should provide up-to-date information and counsel patients about the use and side effects of oral anticonceptives.