The ameliorating effects of crocetin on frozen-thawed quality, and fertility via attenuating oxidative status of bubaline spermatozoa.

Current study was conducted to appraise the cryoprotective influence of crocetin on quality, oxidative status, and fertility potential of bubaline spermatozoa. Collected semen from four bulls was diluted in five aliquots with (10 µM, 5 µM, 2 µM, 1 µM, and control [0 µM] supplementation of crocetin). After gentle dilution (37 °C), cooling (4 °C, in 2 h), equilibration (4 °C, for 4 h) and packaging of samples was done in straws (polyvinyl French, 0.5 ml), and then frozen (programmable cell freezer). This study established that crocetin supplementation significantly (p < 0.05) improves CASA (Computer Assisted Sperm motion Analyzer) total motility (%), rapid velocity (%), average-path, and curved-line velocities (µm/sec, 10 µM vs. control), and progressive motility (%), straight-line velocity (µm/sec), total antioxidant capacity (TAC, µMol/l), ATP concentrations (nmol/million), and fertility potential (%) (10 µM vs. control, and 1 µM), and mitochondrial potential (%) of buffalo spermatozoa (5, and 10 µM vs. control). Crocetin supplementation significantly (p < 0.05) alleviates DNA fragmentation, seminal plasma ROS (104 RLU/20/25 million, RLU = Relative light unit) levels, and lipid peroxidation (LPO, µMol/ml) in buffalo spermatozoa (10 µM vs. control). In a nutshell, crocetin supplementation improves post-thaw quality by means of motility parameters, motion kinematics, TAC, and ATP concentrations, and fertility potential, and abolished DNA fragmentation parameters, seminal plasma ROS, and LPO concentrations of buffalo spermatozoa. The exact mechanism by which crocetin acts are not fully elucidated; however, it is probable to speculate that the reduction in ROS, and LPO recorded in this study may be related to scavenging ability of this antioxidant during cryopreservation.

Assessment of antiandrogenic and antispermatogenic activity of Hedera nepalensis in adult male rats.

The use of medicinal plants for fertility regulation has been prevalent worldwide for many centuries. They possess natural substances having antiandrogenic properties and can be used as source of contraception. In the current study, methanolic leaf extract of Hedera nepalensis was evaluated for antiandrogenic and antispermatogenic activity in adult male rats through various reproductive parameters. Experimental findings showed significantly increased oxidative stress with reduced antioxidant activity at highest dose regimens in both in vitro and in vivo studies. Increased ROS generation and lipid peroxidation lead to DNA damage in rat sperm. In vivo determination of sperm parameters exhibited notable reduction in sperm motility, viability and DSP in dose-treated animals. Histopathological observations revealed reduced epithelial height and wider lumen having less number of spermatozoa in high-dose-treated groups. Additionally, a marked decline noted in Testosterone concentration in all extract treated groups, while plasma LH and FSH levels only in high-dose-treated groups were noted. The findings of the current study conclude that methanolic leaf extract of H. nepalensis has the potential to disturb male fertility by generating oxidative stress and hormonal imbalance leading to histological alterations and sperm DNA damage.

Improving the quality and in vitro fertilization rate of frozen-thawed semen of buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) bulls with the inclusion of vitamin B12 in the cryopreservation medium.

This study was designed to evaluate the effects of vitamin B12 in cryopreservation medium on frozen-thawed semen of buffalo (Bubalus Bubalis) bulls. Semen from five bulls (fertility-proven) were diluted in five aliquots not supplemented (control), or supplemented with 1, 2, 4, or 5 mg/mL of vitamin B12 and evaluated using the Computer Assisted Sperm motion Analysis, antioxidant enzymes, lipid peroxidation (LPO), reactive oxygen species (ROS), ATP concentrations, and in vitro fertilization rate (%). Sperm progressive motility, rapid velocity (%), mitochondrial potential, and acrosome integrity were greater (P < 0.05) with supplementation of 4, and 5 mg/mL vitamin B12 than the control sample. Similarly, compared with the control, samples with 5 mg/mL vitamin B12 supplementation had markedly greater average-path, straight-line, and curved-line velocities (µm/sec). Semen samples supplemented with 2, 4 and 5 mg/mL vitamin B12 had greater concentrations of GPx (U/mL) and SOD (U/mL), whereas LPO (µM/mL) was less (P < 0.05) compared with the control sample. Seminal plasma ROS concentrations (104/25 × 106) were less in the 5 mg/mL vitamin B12 supplemented than control sample. Semen samples supplemented with 5 mg/mL of vitamin B12 had greater concentrations of ATP than control and the 1 mg/mL vitamin B12 supplemented sample. Semen samples supplemented with 5 mg/mL of vitamin B12 had greater plasmalemma and DNA integrities (%) than the control sample. In summary, vitamin B12 supplementation augments semen quality, as evidenced by values for CASA variables, antioxidant enzymes, and ATP concentrations, which may occur as a consequence of inhibition in LPO and ROS production by buffalo spermatozoa.

Supplementation of green tea extract (GTE) in extender improves structural and functional characteristics, total antioxidant capacity and in vivo fertility of buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) bull spermatozoa.

The aim of this study was to elucidate the beneficial effects of green tea extract (GTE) in tris citric acid extender on post thaw structural and functional characteristics, DNA fragmentation (%), total antioxidant capacity (TAC, µM/L), lipid peroxidation (LPO, µM/mL) levels and in vivo fertility of buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) bull spermatozoa. GTE is a acknowledged natural antioxidant, act as a free radical scavenger and protects spermatozoa against oxidative stress. Three mature and donor buffalo bulls were used in this experiment. Two ejaculates were collected per bull on each collection day, followed by initial evaluation for consistency (colour), volume (mL), progressive motility and concentration (x109) and were diluted in five extenders @ 50 x 106/ mL (C = control, no GTE; T1 = treatment 1, GTE 0.1%; T2 = treatment 2, GTE 0.5%; T3 = treatment 3, GTE 0.75% and T4 = treatment 4, GTE1.0%). The experiment was repeated thrice. Data analysis showed that sperm progressive motility (%), plasma membrane integrity (%), supravital plasma membrane integrity (%), viable sperm with intact acrosome (%) and TAC were significantly higher (P < 0.05) in extender supplemented with T4 as compared to control. Furthermore, sperm DNA fragmentation and occurrance of LPO in buffalo bull spermatozoa were significantly lowered in T4 than control. In vitro longevity (%) of spermatozoa was significantly higher in T4 compared to control during 45 and 90 min of incubation at 37 °C. In vivo fertility rate of buffalo bull spermatozoa was significantly higher in T4 compared to control (64.96 vs. 48.40%, P < 0.05). It is concluded that supplementation of tris citric acid extender with 1.0% GTE improved structural and functional characteristics, TAC, in vitro longevity (%) and in vivo fertility, whereas decreased DNA fragmentation and LPO occurrence in buffalo bull spermatozoa after freezing and thawing protocol.

Supplementation of l-tryptophan (an aromatic amino acid) in tris citric acid extender enhances post-thaw progressive motility, plasmalemma, mitochondrial membrane potential, acrosome, and DNA integrities, and in vivo fertility rate of buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) bull spermatozoa.

The aromatic amino acid l-tryptophan is an essential and versatile molecule, acts by transferring an electron to free radicals and protects the plasma membrane from injuries. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of l-tryptophan in extender on semen quality parameters, in vitro longevity and in vivo fertility rate of buffalo spermatozoa during cryopreservation. Two ejaculates were collected from each bull (n = 2 ejaculates and n = 4 bulls) with artificial vagina at 42 °C followed by initial evaluation for volume, motility, concentrations and were diluted in five extenders (C = lacking l-tryptophan, D1 = 25 µ M l-tryptophan, D2 = 50 µ M l-tryptophan, D3 = 75 µ M l-tryptophan, and D4 = 100 µ M l-tryptophan) respectively, and cryopreserved. The experiment was repeated four times (n = 4 replicates). At post-dilution, sperm plasma membrane integrity (PMI, %), supravital plasma membrane integrity (SVPMI, %), hypo-resistivity (HR, %) and acrosome integrity (ACR-I, %) were significantly higher (P < 0.05) in extender supplemented with D4 than control. At post-thawing, progressive motility (PM, %), PMI, SVPMI, HR, ACR-I, and DNA-I of buffalo bull spermatozoa were significantly higher in D4 than control. Sperm in vitro longevity (%) assessed in terms of PM, SVPMI, and ACR-1 were significantly higher in D4 than control. Sperm mitochondrial membrane potential (%) was higher in treated groups than the control. The in vivo fertility rate was significantly higher in D4 than control (60.17% vs. 44.17%, P < 0.05). It is concluded that the supplementation of l-tryptophan in tris citric acid extender improves semen quality parameters, in vitro longevity and in vivo fertility rate of buffalo spermatozoa during freezing and thawing process.

Ameliorating potency of Chenopodium album Linn. and vitamin C against mercuric chloride-induced oxidative stress in testes of Sprague Dawley rats.

BACKGROUND: Mercury has been documented as an industrial risk that posed a serious danger to human health. Mercury exposure results in oxidative stress that may lead to the pathogenesis of male reproductive dysfunction. The present study investigated the ameliorating potential of Chenopodium album L. and vitamin C against mercuric chloride-induced oxidative deterioration of reproductive functions in adult male rats. METHODS: Group 1 (control) received saline. Group 2 received Mercury (0.15 mg/kg b.w, i.p) dissolved in distilled water. Groups 3 and 4 were given oral gavage of vitamin C (200 mg/kg b.w) and the ethanolic extract of C. album (200 mg/kg b.w) respectively, along with Mercury (0.15 mg/kg b.w, i.p). Group 5 was treated only with C. album (200 mg/kg b.w). After 30 days of the treatment, the rats were dissected and their testicular tissue and the cauda epididymis were used for biochemical analysis while blood plasma was used for protein determination. RESULTS: The applied dose-treatment of Mercury-induced oxidative stress in the testis and cauda epididymis tissues of the rats was apparent by a noteworthy decrease in total protein, CAT, SOD, POD, and GST values while there was increase in ROS and TBARS levels. Furthermore, Mercury decreases daily sperm production and enhanced sperm DNA damage as noticeable by an increase in the head and tail length of comets and decrease in intact DNA. There was no significant effect on the body weight and the weight of the reproductive tissues. Treatment with C. album significantly ameliorated the total protein, ROS, and TBARS content. Similarly, the level of CAT, SOD, POD, and GST was significantly improved and the daily sperm production was significantly increased. Furthermore, C. album administration significantly protected Mercury-induced sperm DNA damage. The results of the extract treatment group were compared with those of vitamin C in detoxifying the oxidative stress and restoring the sperm parameters. CONCLUSION: C. album showed protection against Mercury-induced oxidative stress by ameliorating antioxidant enzyme activity, daily sperm production, and DNA damage in rat testes. This suggests that C. album could be beneficial against toxicity induced by an environmental toxicant.

Palyno-morphological investigations of subtropical endangered flora of Capparidaceae through light and scanning electron microscopy.

The research was performed to investigate pollen morphology of endangered species of Capparidaceae in subtropical regions of Pakistan. The distinguishing characters were investigated by using light microscope and scanning electron microscope. Palynological study is comprised of pollen shape, pollen type, exine sculpturing, polar and equatorial diameter, length and width of colpi, mesocolpium, and exine thickness. In polar view, Cleome viscosa exhibited the highest pollen size 26.4 (32.7-24.5 µm) ±0.776 whereas Capparis spinosa appeared to be the lowest 12.6 (14.5-10.7 µm) ±0.400. In equatorial view, Cleome viscosa had the largest pollen size 17.1 (20.0-15.0 µm) ±0.606 and Capparis spinosa had the smallest pollen size 9.7 (12.50-8.00 µm) ±0.394. The maximum fertility percentage has been observed in Capparis spinosa, that is, 98.96% and minimum in Cleome viscosa, that is, 82.93%. Diagnostic key has been constructed to state the essential diagnostic features by means of which the taxa can be identified. Remarkable variations have been observed in pollen size, shape, and exine sculpturing. All the selected species were tricolporate. Prolate to subprolate pollen were observed. There is a great variation existed in exine sculpturing such as in Capparis decidua and C. sp. nova sculpturing is reticulate, in Capparis himalayensis sculpturing is Scabrate granulate, in Capparis spinosa sculpturing is Psilate, in Cleome viscosa sculpturing is regulate-reticulate, in Dipterygium glaucum sculpturing is regulate and in Gynandropsis gynandra sculpturing is striate-regulate. On the basis of overall characteristics of pollen it seems that palynology of this family is helpful at the generic and specific level.

Protective role of Monotheca buxifolia and Bosea amherstiana against H2O2 -induced DNA damage in human lymphocytes and its effect on oxidative enzymes.

Experimental based evidence suggests that most of the medicinal plants possess a wide-ranging pharmacological and biological activity that may possibly protect tissues against O2-induced damages. The objectives of the current study are: first, to investigate the effects of Monotheca buxifolia and Bosea amherstiana on H2O2 induced DNA damage in human lymphocytes and second, to determine its effect on oxidative enzymes. Cells were treated at concentration of 100µg/mL with both plants. Alkaline Single Cell Gel Electrophoresis/comet assay were used for DNA damage analysis. Activities of antioxidant enzymes TBARS, SOD, CAT and POD were assayed on treatment with the extracts. Both plants species possess the protective role against H2O2-induced lymphocytes DNA. Dichloromethane (DCM) fraction of Monotheca buxifolia (H DNA 94.79±0.29%) and methanolic fraction of Bosea amherstiana (H DNA 93.63±2.23%) possess high protection Significantly decrease occur in status of antioxidant enzymes. This study indicates that both plants have potential in preventing oxidative damages/stress related diseases and would be suitably used as supplements in combination with conventional drug for the treatment of cancer like diseases.

A biochemical and histological approach to study antifertility effects of methanol leaf extract of Asplenium dalhousiae Hook. in adult male rats.

The study was designed to investigate the antifertility properties of methanol leaf extract of Asplenium dalhousiae in adult male rats. Forty adult male Sprague Dawley rats (150 ± 10 g) divided into four groups (n = 10 animals/group) were administered with different doses (0, 50, 100, 150 mg/kg) of plant extract for 28 days. On day 29th, rats were decapitated, trunk blood and reproductive tissues were collected, and blood plasma was separated and stored until use for measuring reproductive hormones, while epididymis and testis were used for assessment of sperm parameters, oxidative stress status and morphometric analysis. Sperm motility, viability and sperm production rates were lowered in high dose treatment groups. Levels of catalase (CAT), sodium dismutase (SOD) and peroxidase (POD) decreased while stress biomarkers including reactive oxygen species (ROS) and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) were increased among all treatment groups. Concentrations of plasma testosterone and follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) were decreased while levels of luteinizing hormone (LH) increased in high extract treated groups. Histological examination of testis showed disorganisation of seminiferous tubule and reduced spermatocytes number. The findings of current study revealed that methanol leaf extract of A. dalhousiae might induce antifertility effects via oxidative stress and interfering with testicular architecture leading to spermatogenic arrest.

Genotoxic And Cytotoxic Effects Of Oral Vanadyl Sulphate.

BACKGROUND: Vanadyl sulphate is available as herbal medicine against diabetes mellitus and body building supplement, over the counter worldwide. The available data on its safety is controversial and inadequate. The objective of this study was to analyse its safety in usual therapeutic dose range. METHODS: It was an experimental study carried out at the Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Army Medical College, National University of Medical Sciences (NUMS), Rawalpindi, Pakistan, from Jun 2014 to Oct 2018. The study was carried out on 105 Sprague Dawley rats for duration of 24 weeks. The animals were randomly distributed in three groups of 35 each. The group I rats were marked as control while rats of group II & III were administered vanadyl sulphate 0.06mg/day and 0.3mg/day respectively. Alanine amino transferase (ALT) and Malondialdehyde (MDA) were measured in serum while comet assay was performed on WBCs. RESULTS: The plasma levels of ALT and MDA were significantly raised in group II and III subjects. Single cell gel electrophoresis (SCGE) / comet assay showed minimal "tail moment" in control group and increased tail moment in group II and III in a dose dependent manner which indicates dsDNA breaks. CONCLUSIONS: It was observed that vanadyl sulphate causes hepatocellular toxicity, oxidative stress and damage to the DNA in usual therapeutic/ supplemental doses. Due to hazardous effects, its use in humans as alternate medicine may be reviewed.

Antifertility effect of methanolic leaf extract of Chenopodium ambrosioides Hook. in male Sprague Dawley rats.

This study evaluated the antifertility activity of methanolic extract of Chenopodium ambrosioides leaf on male rats. During the experiment, different doses of extract (0, 50, 100 and 150 mg/kg) were orally administered to rats for 28 days. Analysis of sperm parameters revealed a dose-dependent decrease in sperm motility, viability and daily sperm production (DSP). While, increased oxidative stress in reproductive organs; and impaired testicular and epididymal histology was also evident in high dose regimen. Furthermore, a reduction in concentrations of plasma testosterone, follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) was also recorded. Reduced pregnancy outcome and small litter size in the females paired with treated male rats after 30 days of treatment withdrawn was noted in higher doses. From these findings, it is concluded that the methanolic leaf extract of C. ambrosioides is quite effective in reversible suppression of male fertility.

Effects of dietary supplements on selected hematological and biochemical parameters of Pakistani athletes.

BACKGROUND: CDC's (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) National Center for Health statistics recent reports have shown that an upsurge has occurred in the use of dietary supplements among age of 20 years since 1994 and this use shown regular increase. The purpose of our study was to investigate the effect of supplements on the reproductive health on male athletes in Pakistan. METHODS: A total of 150 adult male with mean age of 25.78 ± 0.56 years were included in this study and divided into four groups: Non-athlete control (n = 57), Non supplemental athlete control (n = 40), Supplemental athlete group I (n = 28) and supplemental athlete group II (n = 25). Blood (10 ml) was taken from each subject. Complete blood count was performed and 5 ml of blood was centrifuged to separate plasma and then analyzed for antioxidant enzyme (CAT, POD, GR and GSH) activities, Lipid peroxidation (TBARS), electrolyte, metal (sodium, potassium and zinc) and Luteinizing hormone (LH) concentration. RESULTS: Complete blood count results showed normal RBC, WBC, Platelets, Hemoglobin, Hematocrit, Mean corpuscular hemoglobin and Mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration. Antioxidant enzymes (CAT, POD, GR, GSH) increased significantly in supplemental athletes as compared to control groups. Sodium and potassium showed significant increase (p < 0.001) in supplemental athlete group I, while TBARS also showed significant increase (p < 0.05) in supplemental group I and II as compared to non athlete control while non supplemental athletes showed significant increase (p < 0.05) in TBARS concentration as compared to non athlete control. LH concentration was found to be decreased significantly (p < 0.05) in supplemental group I and II as compared to control groups. CONCLUSION: It is therefore concluded from the present results that oxidative stress was considerably elevated in response to supplement consumption among athletes which may affect their health haematological parameters and reproductive hormones.

Ethnopharmacological survey on medicinal plants used in herbal drinks among the traditional communities of Pakistan.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: There is very limited information regarding medicinal plants used by traditional healers in Pakistan, for treating wide-ranging diseases. Current study provides significant ethnopharmacological information, both qualitative and quantitative on medical plants in Pakistan and the pharmacological importance of herbal drinks, especially in the discovery of new drugs. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The current ethnomedicinal field study was conducted from various traditional communities of Pakistan to document usage of medicinal plants as herbal drinks. Data was collected through field interviews from local people and using semi-structured questionnaires. Data was analyzed using quantitative indices such as UV (use value), RFC (Relative frequency of citation), and FL (Fidelity level). RESULTS: The present study recorded 217 plant species belonging to 174 genera and 69 families used in herbal drinks preparations. Major herbal preparations include decoctions, infusions and juice. According to use reports, significant species were Aloe vera, Artemisia fragrans, Allium cepa, Senegalia catechu, Alternanthera sessilis, Malva ludwigii, Arnebia benthamii, Cichorium intybus, Coccinia grandis, Dalbergia sissoo. Major ailment treated with herbal drinks include heartburn, fever, diarrhea, hypertension, and others. Use value (UV) varies from 0.23 to 0.02, with Mentha arvensis (0.23) having the highest value of UV followed by Mentha longifolia (0.22), Plantago lanceolate (0.19), Achillea millefolium (0.18), Coriandrum sativum (0.18), Justicia adhatoda and Malva sylvestris (0.17). Values of RFC varies from 0.28 to 0.09 while Fidelity level (FL) among plants varies from 37.5 to 100. Alternanthera sessilis, Oxytropis lapponica, Millettia pinnata and Salvia bucharica had the highest FL value (100). CONCLUSION: The use of medicinal plants is prevalent in traditional communities of Pakistan. Different herbal preparations are in common practice including various herbal drinks a common tradition and much favoured herbal preparation in terms of its results and regarded as reciprocal to modern drugs. Therefore, suggesting further pharmacological, phytochemical evaluation for essential metabolites and chemical constituents.

Protective effects of different antioxidants against cadmium induced oxidative damage in rat testis and prostate tissues.

The present study was performed to determine the effects of different antioxidants on testicular histopathology and oxidative damage induced by cadmium (Cd) in rat testis and prostate. Twenty five rats were equally divided into five groups (n = 5/group). The control group was injected subcutaneously with saline while the Cd alone treated group received a subcutaneous injection of 0.2 mg/kg CdCl(2). Other groups were treated with sulphoraphane (25 µg/rat), vitamin E (75 mg/kg), and Ficus Religiosa plant extract (100 mg/kg) orally along with subcutaneous injections of 0.2 mg/kg CdCl(2) for fifteen days. Oxidative damage in the testicular and prostate tissues were assessed by the estimation of catalase (CAT), peroxidase (POD), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and glutathione reductase (GSR) activity. Lipid peroxidation (TBARS), protein estimation, and histomorphology were also assessed. Cadmium exposure caused a significant decrease in antioxidant enzymes like CAT, POD, SOD, GSR, protein concentrations, and a marked increase in TBARS activity in rat testis and prostate. Histological examination of adult male rat testes showed a disruption in the arrangement of seminiferous tubules along with a reduction in the number of germ cells, Leydig cells, tunica albuginea thickness, diameter of seminiferous tubules, and height of germinal epithelium. Co-treatment with vitamin E, sulphoraphane, and Ficus religiosa were found to be effective in reversing Cd induced toxicity, representing potential therapeutic options to protect the reproductive tissues from the detrimental effects of Cd toxicity.

Comparative analysis of antioxidants against cadmium induced reproductive toxicity in adult male rats.

The present study was conducted to compare and evaluate the potential benefits of three different antioxidants in reversing cadmium (Cd)-induced reproductive toxicity in adult male rats. Rats (n = 5) weighing 180 +/- 20 gm were divided into five groups (control, Cd, Cd + sulforaphane, Cd + vitamin E, and Cd + plant extract). Treated groups received CdCl2 (0.2 mg/kg), sulforaphane (25 µg/rat), vitamin E (75 mg/kg), and plant extract (100 mg/kg) for 15 days. Blood samples and testicular tissues were obtained for estimation of testosterone, Zn, and Cd concentration and daily sperm production/efficiency of sperm production. Cadmium exposure caused a significant decrease in final body weight (p < 0.0001). The plasma concentrations of Cd were significantly increased and Zn concentration decreased (p < 0.0001) in the Cd group as compared to the control group. The testicular concentrations of Cd were significantly increased and Zn concentration decreased (p < 0.0001) in the Cd group as compared to the control group. Cadmium exposure caused a significant decrease (p < 0.0001) in plasma testosterone concentrations and daily sperm production as compared to the control group. More significant effects were observed with Cd+sulforaphane, Cd + vitamin E, and Cd + plant extract treated groups in slashing Cd-induced toxicity. Present findings suggest that Ficus religiosa and sulforaphane are more powerful antioxidants as compared to vitamin E in reversing the oxidative stress and can have a protective role against Cd induced reproductive toxicity in adult male rats. Part of the mechanism involved in this protective role seems to be associated with the antioxidant properties of these agents in reducing reproductive damage.

Ethnopharmacological application of medicinal plants to cure skin diseases and in folk cosmetics among the tribal communities of North-West Frontier Province, Pakistan.

AIM OF THE STUDY: The present investigation is an attempt to find out ethnopharmacological application of medicinal plants to cure skin diseases and in folk cosmetics. METHOD: We interviewed respondents in 30 remote sites of North-West Frontier Province by a structured interview form in the local language and respondents were queried for the type of herbal cure known to him. RESULTS: A total of 66 plant species belonging to 45 families have been recorded. Seventy-five medications for 15 skin diseases and cosmetics were documented. The mode of application was topical as well as oral administration. Water, milk, ghee, oil, eggs, sulphur and butter are used during administration of herbal remedies. About 15 plant species are known for their use to cure multiple skin diseases. Among these Berberis lyceum, Bergenia ciliata, Melia azedarach, Otostegia limbata, Phyla nodiflora, Prunus persica and Zingiber officinale constitutes major plants. The herbal cosmetics products range from face freshness, removal of ugly spots, hair care, and colouring of palm, feet, gums, and teeth. CONCLUSION: Most of the reported species are wild and rare; this demands an urgent attention to conserve such vital resources so as to optimize their use in the primary health care system. Since most of the skin diseases are caused by bacteria, viruses and fungi in this context, phytochemical screening for active constituents, biological activities and clinical studies is of global importance.

Kohl (surma): retrospect and prospect.

Kohl, since antiquity has always been given a prime importance in ophthalmology for the protection and treatment of various eye ailments. However, for decades various conflicting reports in the literature have been published relating to Kohl application to eyes being responsible for causing higher blood lead concentration, which may cause lead poisoning. While at the same time, a number of research studies and reports have also been published negating any such links with increased blood lead level upon Kohl (surma) application. In view of the above mentioned facts, this review article is written with the objective to highlight various data from past and present research studies and reports about Kohl, so as to provide valuable information to both the users and the research workers about it's scientific background and effects when applied into eyes. A large number of items and topics (such as Kohl, surma, eye cosmetic, traditional eye preparations, environmental lead pollution, galena, lead sulphide etc.) have been taken into consideration while compiling this review article. In conclusion, the authors of this review article feel that the relation between Kohl and toxicity or increased blood lead concentration upon it's application to eyes as reported elsewhere is likely to be more of theoretical nature rather than a practical health hazard.