Diuretic and anti-diarrheal potential of four fruit extracts of Capsicum annum L.

Capsicum has been an important part of diet since centuries and has been widely used traditionally for ailments. The objective of the present analysis was to determine the diuretic and antidiarrheal potentials of four variations of Capsicum annum L. fruits available in local market of Karachi, Pakistan. It belongs to family Solanaceae and extracts were prepared in 95% ethanol and was given in doses of 200 and 400mg/kg and the activity was correlated with commonly used diuretics and anti-diarrheal further reinforcing its conventional use. Fruits extracts were evaluated for anti-diarrheal properties in castor-oil induced diarrhea to confirm its activity. The diuretic activity of the 95% ethanolic extracts of Capsicum annum L. was assessed based on diuresis of 24 hr. collected through metabolic cage. Urinary excretion of water and electrolytes (Na+ and K+) is significantly increased by the standard diuretic drug furosemide, which is comparable with the extract. The anti-diarrheal effects of 95% ethanolic extracts of Capsicum annum L. were examined by castor oil induced diarrhea and all varieties of Capsicum annum L. significantly inhibited the number of defecations.

Practical approaches to improve vancomycin-related patient outcomes in pediatrics- an alternative strategy when AUC/MIC is not feasible.

BACKGROUND: Anecdotal experience and studies have shown that most pediatric patients fail to reach target therapeutic vancomycin trough levels (VTLs) and required higher total daily doses (TDD). This retrospective study aims to evaluate the frequency of hospitalized children who achieved target VTLs with a vancomycin (VNCO) dosing regimen of 40-60 mg/kg/d q6h and to assess the VNCO-TDD required to attain the target and their effects on clinical outcomes in pediatric patients. METHODS: After ethical approval, patients of 3 month-12 years were evaluated in this chart review study who received ≥ 3 intravenous-VNCO doses and appropriately drawn blood samples of VTLs between October 2019 to June 2020. Data were retrieved for demographic and clinical characteristics, culture reports, VNCO-regimen, subsequent steady-state VTLs, concomitant nephrotoxic medications, and serum creatinine. Clinical pharmacists made interventions in VNCO therapy and higher VNCO-TDD were used. Safety of higher vs standard daily doses and their clinical impact on duration of therapy, hospital stay, and survival were evaluated. RESULTS: A total of 89 (39.1%) patients achieved target VTLs (SD-group). The smallest proportion (18.2%) of 2-6 years patients achieved target VTLs and reported the lowest mean value of 10.1 ± 0.2 mg/L which was a significant difference (p < 0.05) from all subgroups. Subtherapeutic VTLs were observed in 139 (60.9%) cases (HD-group), who received higher VNCO-TDD of 72 ± 8.9 mg/kg/d q6h to achieve the targets. Duration of therapy in culture-proven septic patients was significantly (p = 0.025) longer in SD-group [18.4 ± 12.2 days] than HD-group [15.1 ± 8.9 days]. Nephrotoxicity and electrolyte imbalance were comparable in groups. Length of hospital stay was significantly (p = 0.011) longer [median 22 (range 8-55) days] in SD-group compared to HD-group [median 16 (range 8-37) days]. Number of patients survived in HD-group were significantly (p = 0.008) higher than SD-group [129 (92.8%) vs 75 (84.3%)]. CONCLUSION: Initial Vancomycin doses of 72 ± 8.9 mg/kg/day q6h are required to achieve therapeutic target in 3 months to 12 years patients. High doses are not associated with higher nephrotoxicity than reported with low doses. In addition, efficient pharmacist intervention for the use of higher VNCO-TDD may improve clinical outcomes in terms of duration of therapy, hospital stay, and survival.

Comparative antioxidant and analgesic effect of sesame oil, fish oil and their combination in experimental animal model.

Natural oils are rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFs) like omega 3, omega 6 and other nutrients that boost physical and mental health. Traditionally these oils have been used to treat joint pain associated with several inflammatory conditions. In this study, we investigated the antioxidant and analgesic properties of the sesame oil (SO), fish oil (FO) and combination of these two oils (SO+FO). Different concentrations of the SO, FO and SO+FO combination 0.02-4mg/ml were used for assessing the free radical scavenging activity by DPPH method and the IC50 value was calculated. Acetic acid-induced abdominal writhing test, tail immersion and hot plate models were used to determined analgesic effect. Results showed that both oils were well tolerated as no signs of toxicity or death were noticed during the observational study period. SO+FO combination showed the best antioxidant properties as shown by DPPH assay. Similarly in analgesic models, SO and FO significantly reduced the number of abdominal contractions (p<0.05) however, SO+FO (1:1) exhibited highly significant results (p<0.001) in writhing reflex test. Furthermore, SO and FO both increased the reaction time on a hot plate as well as in tail flick test (p<0.05) whereas, SO+FO significantly increased reaction time (p<0.001) in hot plate and in tail flick test as compared to SO and FO single treatments. Conclusively, our results suggest that the combination of both oils (SO+FO) exhibited significant antioxidant and analgesic potential that it could be considered as one of the active combinations for relieving pain in adjunctive treatment for joint pain associated with rheumatoid arthritis.

Comparison of the antidepressant like activity of homeopathic remedies (Argentum nitricum, Staphysagria and Ignatia amara) and their effect on the behavior of rodents.

The majority of the world population suffers from mental and behavioral disorder. It is the need of the time to find an alternate of presently available medicines in order to decrease the medical expense. Homeopathic remedies are available and prescribed by homeopaths for treatment of anxiety and depression. Unfortunately, no data are available that proves its potential to relieve mental illness. The current study is designed to assess neuro behavioral and antidepressant like effects of homeopathic remedies Staphysagria, Argentum nitricum and Ignatia amara in comparison with standard drug (escitalopram). Different neuro behavioral activities were analyzed. The animals were administered the doses of all homeopathic remedied (60 µl to the rats) and escitalopram (0.042 mg to rats) through the oral route. The activities were observed on day 30th and day 60th. Our result suggests that the swimming time in Staphysagria treated group were significantly improved (p<0.001) after day 60th and significance rise was observed (p<0.01) in Ignatia amara treated animals, whereas significant decline (p<0.05) in struggling time was observed in Argentum nitricum administered animals after the 60th day as compared to 30th day. The central square crossings were improved highly significantly (p<0.001) after the 30th day dosing, by all three remedies and peripheral squares crossing were found highly significantly increased (p<0.001) after chronic dosing in Staphysagria and Ignatia amara treated groups. It is concluded from the results that all three homeopathic remedies produce comparable effects like standard drug while among all three remedies Staphysagria possess a potent antidepressant activity. To the best of our knowledge the current study reports first time the anti-depressant potential of homeopathic remedies in rodents.

Analgesic, anti-inflammatory and toxic effects of ethanol extracts of Cucumis melo and Citrullus lanatus seeds.

Plants are vital in drug discovery, since many safe and bioactive molecules have been discovered from plants in past, hence this study was designed to evaluate analgesic, anti-inflammatory and toxic effects of Cucumis melo and Citrullus lanatus. Seeds of these plants were selected due to their traditional value for medicinal use. Analgesic activity was determined in mice by Eddy's Hot plate and tail flick method, while anti-inflammatory activity was evaluated by hind paw edema method. Both seed extracts produced highly significant analgesic effects comparable to standard drugs at all three doses by both methods. The extract of C. lanatus showed significant anti-inflammatory activity at 100 mg while showed highly significant activity at 200 mg between 3 to 24 hours as compared to standard drugs. Both extracts did not reveal any mortality up to 1000mg/kg, while there was also no change in normal the gross behavior pattern of the animals at the dose of 50 and 100mg/kg, however there was increase in passivity, sedation and startle response at 200mg/kg. Analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects of extracts may be due to presence of cucurbitacin A, B or E in both seeds which are thought to inhibit COX 2. Results indicate that seeds of C. melo and C. lanatus may be effectively used as adjuvant analgesic and anti-inflammatory agents in situation of chronic pain and inflammation.

A comparative neurobehavioral study of sesame oil and fish oil on experimental animals.

Natural oils are enriched with polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) which are important for our health. Recent experimental data explained that PUFAs might have a beneficial effect on various brain functions such as anxiety, dementia, epileptic seizures, depression or bipolar and other neurobehavioral diseases. The objective of the current research work was to evaluate the effect of sesame oil, fish oil and mixture of both oils (1:1) on neurobehavioral changes and cognition. For this purpose shark fish oil and sesame oil were extracted out and there poly unsaturated and saturated fatty acids were analyzed by using GCFID that exposed the presence of different PUFs in shark fish oil, sesame oil and mixture of both oils. Neurobehavioral changes were seen after 5ml/kg/day sesame oil, 5ml/kg/day shark fish oil and 1:1 combination of both oil 5ml/kg/day administration on open field, cage crossing, light and dark, stationary rod, forced swimming induced depression test and water maze test. Our GCFID results showed sesame and fish oil enriched with higher amount of PUFs and showed significant anxiolytic and antidepressant like effect after 30 days of treatment (P<0.05) however combination of these both oils exhibited greater efficacy (P<0.01) in reducing anxiety and depression as imipramine standard drug. Results showed that combination of both oils (sesame oil and fish oil) could be a better option to treat neurobehavioral problems as compared to alone.

Effect of M. chamomilla L. tea on chlorpromazine induced catalepsy: A neuroprotective study.

We determined anti-Parkinson's activity of M. chamomilla L. tea in chlorpromazine (CPZ) developed investigational animal model. In this research, effects of M. chamomilla L. tea 2.14ml/ kg P.O were studied on cataleptic behavior and its effect on brain histopathological changes and immunohistochemistry (IHC) in rats. The experimental design was developed by administering CPZ (3mg/kg, I/P) for twenty-one days to produce Parkinson's disease-like symptoms to 4 animal groups. We observed that chlorpromazine significantly produced motor dysfunctions (catalepsy) in a time period of twenty-one days. The M. chamomilla L. significantly (P<0.005) minimized/shorten/taper down catalepsy in rats just like standard group (Levodopa/carbidopa treated group). The maximum reduction was observed from both treated and standard groups on the 21st day. M. chamomilla L. treated rats mid brain sections showed presence of proliferative blood vessels, increase cellularity with reactive glial cells as compared to CPZ group. Furthermore, immunostaining CD68 & CD21 of M. chamomilla L. treated rats mid brain region showed few CD68 cells & no polymorphs neutrophils after CD21 staining. Thus, this research work disclosed the neuroprotective effect of M. chamomilla L. tea against Parkinson's disease-like symptoms or anti-Parkinson's activity induced by CPZ.

Review: Herbs, Immunity and nCOVID-19: Old performers in new Pandemic.

The novel coronavirus (nCOVID-19) has spread to endless nations and turn out to be a pandemic around the globe. Because of the developing number of affirmed cases and open public hazard owing to its high risk of infection rate, it has expected a lot of consideration from world health organizations and national health regulatory and monitoring agencies. The world is in surge to explore or discover novel treatment options and vaccine that can lead to cure. There is no proven effective treatment for nCOVID-19 however along with available antiviral therapy Chinese researchers recommended herbal treatments as effective and alternative treatments options to treat this pandemic. Herbal products are wealthy in dynamic phytochemicals, such as the terpenoids, various collection of flavonoids, sulfides, lignans constiuents, coumarins concentrates, saponins moities, polyphenolics composite, numerous alkaloids, polyines, furyl mixtures, proteins and related compounds, thiophenes and peptides groups. In this review we discussed pathogeneis, immunity and current herbal treatment strategies of nCOVID-19 to cure this world wide pandemic.

Fennel fortified diet: New perspective with regard to fertility and sex hormones.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of Foeniculum vulgare (FV) on fertility of mice and on serum sex hormone values of rats and rabbits. We used powdered form of Foeniculum vulgare seed and added it to food of mice, rats and rabbits in 2% and 4% ratio which was provided ad libitum throughout study period. Fertility study on mice was conducted for a period of nine months and 3 generations of mice fed on study drug were observed. Rats and rabbits were given Foeniculum vulgare seed powder containing diet for two month and then serum levels of FSH, LH, estrogen, progesterone and testosterone were checked. The number of pups increased in each succeeding generation and no gross abnormality was observed in any of the pups of all 3 generations. The sex hormone levels increased in both sexes of rats and rabbits with exception of FSH and LH levels which were less than 0.1mIU/mL in all study animals. Data was analysed on SPSS. Fertility and sex hormones increased in both male and female when given special diet containing 2% and 4% Foeniculum vulgare.

The Fennel, Foeniculum vulgare incorporated diet shows anxiolytic potential: A pre-clinical study.

This novel study was conducted with objective to evaluate the anxiolytic potential of whole-crushed seeds of Foeniculum vulgare (FV) which were incorporated in diet. Albino mice were divided in three groups: Control-group, Study-group 2% FV and Study-group 4% FV, each having 10 mice. Special dietary pellets containing whole-crushed Foeniculum vulgare seeds were prepared in 2% and 4% ratio, respectively and were fed to respective Study groups whereas Control-group was given regular rodent diet for 2 months. Animal behaviour was assessed using Home Cage Activity test, Head Dip test, Light and Dark Box test and Open Field test at intervals of 15 days for a period of 2 months. The results of this study showed, decrease in Cage Crossing activity, more number of Head Dips, increased time spent in Light box and increase in number of transitions between Light and Dark Box, increased number of Central Squares Crossed and increased time spent in Central Squares of Open Field arena for both study groups in comparison with control group. Foeniculum vulgare whole-crushed seeds diet of 2% and 4% was found to have anxiolytic effect.

Salvia hispanica (White chia): A new window for its antidepressant and memory boosting activity.

To determine the effects of Salvia hispanica on activities related to memory, anxiety and depression. Albino rats as well as albino mice were utilized in the current study. Two groups of animals were made including 10 animals in each group. One was a control group and another was treated group. Neuropharmacological parameters were assessed using Light and Dark box test, Stationary rod activity, Water maze test, Open field activity and Home cage activity. The control group was maintained on water and treated group was fed with approximately 106 mg/kg extract of Salvia hispanica for 30 days. The observations were recorded on 1st day, 15th day and 30th day. The results of current study showed an increased time spent in the light box of Light and Dark box model, reduction in elapsed time utilized by animal to reach platform in Stationary rod and water maze model, reduced number of peripheral square and central square crosses in the open field and decreased number of cage crosses in the home cage activity. Salvia hispanica shows memory enhancement and also shows an antidepressant activity on chronic administration.

Anti-nociceptive potential of lyophilized Beta vulgaris L. (Beet root) powder.

Pain is a very common symptom and pain management is most important challenge to alleviate the suffering and for improving the quality of life of those living with chronic pain. Beet root is a vegetable consumed as salad and present study is designed to evaluate the analgesic activity of its lyophilized extract. The study was conducted in 2016 (March) on albino mice of both sexes weighing 18-25 gm, divided into groups comprising of 10 animals each. Group I was taken as control and administered 0.1ml distilled water orally. Group II was labeled as Treated and administered lyophilized beet root in the dose of 1000mg/kg. Group III was taken as Standard and was given acetyl salicylic acid 300mg/60kg. Analgesic activity was evaluated using Hot plate apparatus, Tail Flick method and Writhing method. Results showed significant (p<0.001) analgesic effect by beet root as compared to control. Beet root also showed significant (p<0.001) effect as compared to standard but the effect was not seen from the beginning indicating its role in the second phase of analgesia. This study suggests that beet root powder possesses analgesic potential and can be used for central as well as for peripheral analgesia.

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.

Effect of diabetes on neurological adverse effects and chemotherapy induced peripheral neuropathy in advanced colorectal cancer patients treated with different FOLFOX regimens.

This retrospective study reports impact of diabetes on incidence rate of dose limiting symptoms of neurological toxicity and chemotherapy induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN). Post-surgical colorectal cancer (CRC) patients with metastatic disease, treated with four different schedules of FOLFOX were included in this study. Neurological adverse effects were assessed by CTC v2.0. The incidence rate of adverse neurological symptoms in CRC patients, clinically diagnosed with diabetes (n=6) were compared with non-diabetic CRC patients (n=32). The results show that the difference in the incidence rate of paresthesia is significant (p=0.043) between diabetic and non-diabetic patients. The difference in the incidence rates of hypoesthesia (p=0.445), peripheral neuropathy (p=0.889), dizziness (p=0.445), insomnia (p=0.690), taste disturbances (p=0.258), and headache (p=0.498) in diabetic and non-diabetic CRC patients was not significant. The findings indicate that risk of frequent, distal and transient paresthesia within the first few minutes of Oxaliplatin infusion is higher in diabetic CRC patients.

Assessment of anti-coagulant activity of Nelumbo nucifera fruit.

The herbal agents rich in flavonoids are progressively becoming popular these days as they are considered to have anti-oxidant effects and also lack bothersome effects. That's why existing research was encircled around the anti-coagulant effect of Nelumbo nucifera fruit (NNF) as it is also a rich source of flavonoids and cultivated in abundance especially in tropical regions of Asia but its usefulness as anti-coagulant agent was never determined pharmacologically. Anticoagulant assessment was done in thirty five male Wister rats which were separated equally in 5 groups. Results of the current study revealed that NNF 200mg/kg significantly prolonged prothrombin time and thrombin time, whereas fibrinogen level was highly significantly reduced as compared to control. Fibrinogen level was also reduced highly significantly with NNF 100 mg/kg as compared to control without affecting other parameters of coagulation i.e. activated partial thromboplastin time, prothrombin time and thrombin time. NNF exhibited strong anti-coagulant activity which may be due to the inhibitory effects on platelet activation, adhesion and aggregation along with inhibitory effects on thromboxane A2 formation. Presence of alkaloid i.e. neferine and flavonoids in it may be a reason of its anti-coagulant activity but more pre-clinical and clinical evaluation needs to be conducted to establish these findings.

Vertebral spine osteoporosis treatment efficacy in local population: A clinical study.

In Pakistani population the prevalence of Calcium and vitamin D deficiency is at alarming rate. Previous studies show that globally vertebral osteoporosis is most commonly recognized site causing deterioration to personal life satisfaction. It is very unfortunate that in Pakistan ample amount of research work has not been done in the area, consequently, information on rate of vertebral osteoporosis & fracture are rare in Pakistan. There is no reduction in T-score on supplementation with calcium and vitamin D3 administration. There is reduction in T-score on supplementation with calcium and vitamin D3 administration. The prime objective of the current work was to determine vertebral spine osteoporosis treatment efficacy in local population. This is an intervention experimental study with no control. The study population was selected from the local community; consisting of individuals with vertebral spine osteoporosis, further they were followed for up to 6 months. Data was analyzed by SPSS-22. Tabs Chewable: Calcium: 1250 mg, Cholecalciferol: 125 IU, BD/Day was advised. The mean T-score before and after treatment were recorded as; Mean ±S.D: 2.890 ±1.7217 and Mean ±S.D: -2.456±0.8064 respectively. The findings of the current work do not provide support for routine supplementation with calcium and vitamin D3 orally for osteoporosis.