Gastroprotective potential and mechanisms of action of Hedera nepalensis

Abstract Hedera nepalensis (H. nepalensis) , belonging to the family Araliaceae, is a medicinal plant traditionally used to treat stomach problems. The current study investigated the gastroprotective potential and the mechanism of action of H. nepalensis in diclofenac-and ethanol-induced ulcer models. Anti-oxidant and lipid peroxidation inhibitory prospects of H. nepalensis were checked out by free radical scavenging assay and UV spectrophotometer respectively. Effect of H. nepalensis on the pH, gastric total acidity of gastric juice and protective effects of H. nepalensis against ulcer models have been examined. Histopathological studies have been carried out. The aqueous methanol extract of H. nepalensis (100 µg/mL) showed anti-oxidant (83.55%) and lipid peroxidation inhibitory (70.88%) potential at 1000 µg/mL; the extract had no buffer potential. The extract (400 mg/kg) significantly (81.12% and 63.46%) showed gastroprotective effect in diclofenac and ethanol-induced rat ulcer models respectively. Histopathological studies confirmed the biochemical findings. FTIR analysis showed the presence of carboxylic acid, alkanes, conjugated alkanes, aldehydes and alkyl-aryl ethers. Gallic acid, M-coumaric acid and quercetin were found by HPLC analysis. H. nepalensis exhibited significant protection against diclofenac and ethanol induced gastric damage by anti-oxidant and lipid peroxidation suppression effects suggesting potential broad utility in treatment of diseases characterized with gastric damage.

Differential thalamocortical interactions in slow and fast spindle generation: A computational model.

Cortical slow oscillations (SOs) and thalamocortical sleep spindles are two prominent EEG rhythms of slow wave sleep. These EEG rhythms play an essential role in memory consolidation. In humans, sleep spindles are categorized into slow spindles (8-12 Hz) and fast spindles (12-16 Hz), with different properties. Slow spindles that couple with the up-to-down phase of the SO require more experimental and computational investigation to disclose their origin, functional relevance and most importantly their relation with SOs regarding memory consolidation. To examine slow spindles, we propose a biophysical thalamocortical model with two independent thalamic networks (one for slow and the other for fast spindles). Our modeling results show that fast spindles lead to faster cortical cell firing, and subsequently increase the amplitude of the cortical local field potential (LFP) during the SO down-to-up phase. Slow spindles also facilitate cortical cell firing, but the response is slower, thereby increasing the cortical LFP amplitude later, at the SO up-to-down phase of the SO cycle. Neither the SO rhythm nor the duration of the SO down state is affected by slow spindle activity. Furthermore, at a more hyperpolarized membrane potential level of fast thalamic subnetwork cells, the activity of fast spindles decreases, while the slow spindles activity increases. Together, our model results suggest that slow spindles may facilitate the initiation of the following SO cycle, without however affecting expression of the SO Up and Down states.

Anti-Inflammatory, analgesic and anti-pyretic activity of Fagonia bruguieri DC in rats.

Traditional medicine has employed the plant Fagonia bruguieri DC. to alleviate inflammation, fever and pain. The goal of this study was to test the anti-inflammatory, analgesic and antipyretic properties of the methanol extract of whole plant of Fagonia bruguieri (F. bruguieri). The writhing test and Eddy's hot plate test were used to assess the analgesic potential of F. bruguieri at three different doses. Carrageenan-induced rat paw edema was applied to investigate anti-inflammatory activity, whereas antipyretic activity was estimated in Brewer's yeast induced pyrexia model. Flavonoids, alkaloids, saponins, tannins and glycosides were found in F. bruguieri's phytochemical analysis. F. bruguieri at 750 mg/kg reduced writhing count by 62.23 percent, while F. bruguieri enhanced latency in Eddy's hot plate test. In carrageenan-induced edema, F. bruguieri at 750 mg/kg exhibited considerable anti-inflammatory effect (41.11 percent) after 2 nd, 3 rd and 4 th hours of therapy. F. bruguieri was also found to show antipyretic properties. The anti-inflammatory, analgesic and antipyretic properties of F. bruguieri were confirmed in this study, which might be attributable to the presence of several phyto-constituents.

Novel acetamide derivatives of 2-aminobenzimidazole prevent inflammatory arthritis in rats via suppression of pro-inflammatory mediators.

Benzimidazole ring system is an important pharmacophore with diverse pharmacological activities. In this study, we explored the anti-arthritic effects of newly synthesized acetamide derivatives of 2-aminobenzimidazole (N1 and N2) in rats. FTIR and NMR spectroscopies were used to characterize these compounds. Carrageenan (CRG) induced paw edema model was used to test the acute anti-inflammatory activity of various doses (10, 20 and 30 mg/kg) of N1 and N2 compounds. Based on acute anti-inflammatory effects, the most potent dose of each compound was selected and investigated in complete freund's adjuvant (CFA) induced inflammatory arthritis (RA) model (n = 4 in each group). Histopathological, hematological, radiographic, and RT-qPCR analyses were performed to assess the progression or resolution of inflammatory arthritis. The tested compounds produced a dose-dependent anti-inflammatory activity against CRG induced paw inflammation and similarly reduced edema in CFA induced inflammatory arthritis model. Histopathological and X-ray analyses of ankle joints revealed minimal inflammation and normal joint structures in N1 and N2 treated groups. The tested compounds also reduced the levels of autoantibodies and restored hematological parameters. Interestingly, the tested compounds did not elevate aspartate aminotransferase and alanine transaminase levels and displayed a better safety profile than methotrexate. N1 and N2 compounds also attenuated the transcript levels of IRAK1, NF-kB1, TNF-α, IL-1ß, IL17 and MMP1. In addition, N1 displayed a greater inhibition of mRNA levels of COX1, COX2, mPGES1 and PTGDS as compared to N2. Our findings demonstrate that N1 and N2 compounds possess strong anti-arthritic activity which can be attributed to the suppression of pro-inflammatory mediators.

Immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory effects of Aerva lanata in ovalbumin induced allergic asthmatic mice.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Aerva lanata Linn. (A. lanata) is traditionally used for cough, sore throat and asthma. AIM OF STUDY: The aim of the present study was to investigate the immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory potentials of A. lanata in allergic asthmatic mice. MATERIALS AND METHODS: BALB/c mice were administered with three different (methanol, n-hexane and ethyl acetate) extracts of A. lanata two weeks after immunization with ovalbumin and continued for 7 days. Inflammatory cells count was estimated in blood and broncho-alveolar lavage fluid (BALF). RT-PCR was used to find out mRNA expression levels of inflammatory mediators. GC-MS analysis was also carried out. RESULTS: Among three extracts of A. lanata, ethyl acetate extract ameliorated (p < 0.001) count of inflammatory cells both blood and BALF remarkably. This study indicated that ethyl acetate extract of A. lanata lowered (p < 0.001) the level of inflammatory modulator TNF-α and IgE antibodies. A. lanata reduced (p < 0.001) interleukin 4, 5, 13 and enhanced (p < 0.001) expression levels of AQP1 and AQP5 in asthmatic mice. GC-MS analysis of ethyl acetate fraction indicated the presence of various anti-oxidant phyto-constituents. The groups treated with A. lanata improved inflammatory, goblet cells hyperplasia scoring and alveolar thickening. CONCLUSIONS: The anti-asthmatic effect of A. lanata might be contributed by the suppression of edema, pro-inflammatory cytokines and IgE antibodies, and elevation of aquaporin expression levels, suggesting future study and clinical trials to propose it as a candidate to treat allergic asthma. The anti-oxidant phytochemicals present in A. lanata might be responsible for such potential.

Evaluation of Hepatoprotective and Gastroprotective Activities of Paspalidium flavidum Leaves Extract in Experimental Animal Models.

Paspalidium flavidum (watercrown grass), a medicinal plant, is traditionally used in liver ailments and stomach problems. The hepatoprotective and gastroprotective activities of the aqueous methanol extract of Paspalidium flavidum (AMEPF) were studied in experimental animal models. Paracetamol and aspirin were used to induce hepatotoxicity and gastric ulcer in rats, respectively. Biochemical hepatic parameters, gastric pH, total acidity, ulcer index, percentage protection, nitric oxide and TNF-α were measured in AMEPF-treated groups. Moreover, GC-MS analysis of AMEPF was performed. Pretreatment with AMEPF improved the blood lipid profile and restored liver function tests in paracetamol-induced hepatotoxicity. While in aspirin-induced gastric ulcer, oral administration of AMEPF significantly reduced (P<0.05) the gastric lesions, total acidity and ulcer scoring index, TNF-α with upregulation of nitric oxide when compared with the Diseased group. AMEPF exhibited anti-lipid peroxidation activity. Histopathological studies were in good agreement with the biochemical findings. GC-MS analysis revealed the presence of anti-oxidant phyto-constituents, including oleic acid and 1,2-benzenedicarboxylic acid, mono(2-ethylhexyl) in AMEPF. This study suggested that aqueous methanol extract from the leaves of P. flavidum has beneficial hepatoprotective and gastroprotective activities related to its anti-oxidant phytochemicals.

The potential protective effect of the Polygonum hydropiper L against the development of fructose-induced oxidative stress and metabolic disorders in male Sprague-Dawely rats.

OBJECTIVES: Polygnum hydropiper L (Polygonaceae) is commonly known as smart weed. This study was designed to assess the effect of aqueous methanolic extract of P. hydropiper on oxidative stress and metabolic changes in fructose-induced hypertensive rats. METHODS: Male Sprague-Dawely rats were divided into six groups of five animals each (n = 5) and designated as normotensive group with distilled water, fructose-fed group with 10% fructose, standard control group with 10% fructose plus amlodipine (10 mg/kg) and treated groups with different doses of the aqueous methanolic extract of P. hydropiper (100, 200 and 400 mg/kg) plus 10% fructose daily for 6 weeks. Body weight gain was checked every week. Blood pressure parameters [systolic (SBP), diastolic (DBP), mean arterial pressure (MAP) and heart rate (HR)] and reactivity of extract with phenylephrine and adrenaline were measured by invasive method. Metabolic changes and oxidative stress parameters were measured from blood samples. Phytochemical analysis was also performed. KEY FINDINGS: Aqueous methanolic extract of P. hydropiper at 400 mg/kg decreased the blood pressure, heart rate, body weight and produced significant effect on metabolic and oxidative stress changes as compared to fructose-fed group. Phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of polyphenols and flavonoids in it. CONCLUSION: The present results showed that aqueous methanolic extract of P. hydropiper possesses effect on oxidative stress and metabolic changes due to polyphenols and flavonoids.

Anti-asthmatic effect of Juglans regia Linn. in mice.

Plants are considered as an essential source to treat different diseases. In traditional system of medicine, Juglans regia (J. regia) has been used in curing sinusitis and cough. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the anti-asthmatic activity of J. regia in ovalbumin-induced allergic asthmatic BALB/c mice. The mice were sensitized intraperitoneally and subsequently challenged with ovalbumin (intranasal) to induce allergic asthma. Mice were treated with methanolic, n-hexane and ethyl acetate extracts of J. regia and methylprednisolone for 7 consecutive days, along with intranasal challenge. The total and differential leukocyte counts in blood, bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (balf) and lung wet/dry ratio were determined. GC-MS analysis was also performed. The results showed that ethyl acetate extract of J. regia significantly reduced inflammatory cells count in both blood and balf more significantly. Lung wet/dry weight ratio was reduced in asthmatic mice treated with the different extracts of J. regia. Serum IgE antibodies level was also significantly decreased in extracts treated groups. GC-MS analysis of all three extracts of J. regia showed the presence of various phytochemicals responsible for its anti-inflammatory and anti-asthmatic activity. The results of the present study validated the traditional use of J. regia in respiratory disorders like asthma and sinusitis.

Antihypertensive and safety studies of Cydonia oblonga M.

Antihypertensive studies on aqueous-methanolic extract prepared from seeds of Cydonia oblonga M. were carried out. The test extract in 200, 400 and 600 mg/kg doses was investigated in normotensive, high cholesterol and glucose fed hypertensive rats through non-invasive blood pressure measuring technique. Acute and sub-chronic toxicity studies were conducted in mice and rats, respectively. The test extract significantly decreased dose dependently the systolic, diastolic and mean arterial pressures. The test extract in 600mg/kg dose produced maximum effect and prevented rise in blood pressure of high cholesterol diet and glucose fed rats as compare to control in 21 days studies. The extract was found safe up to 4g/kg dose in mice. In sub-chronic toxicity study, no significant alteration in blood chemistry of extract treated rats was observed except reduction in the low density cholesterol levels. It is concluded that Cydonia oblonga seeds extract possess antihypertensive effect which supports its use in folklore.

Endothelium independent calcium channel blocking pathways mediate antihypertensive effect of morus nigra.

Present study was conducted to validate the folkloric claims of morus nigra l. (moraceae) using invasive blood pressure measuring and ex vivo vasorelaxant experimental techniques. Intravenous administration of mn. Aq in 0.01-30 mg/kg doses caused significant decrease in mean arterial pressure and heart rate in fructose-induced hypertensive rats. It also showed relaxation in high k+ [80 mm] and pe (1µm) mediated aortic contraction with ec50 1.25 and 3.72mg/ml values, respectively. Vaso-relaxant effect of mn.aq was partially blocked in presence of l-name with ec50, 5.32mg/ml value, but showed concentration dependent significant inhibition of ligand gated and voltage gated ca+2 channels and intracellular ca+2 release, similar to verapamil. Findings of current study designate that aqueous fraction of m. Nigra possesses antihypertensive activity with concentration-dependent vaso-relaxant effect predominantly mediated through endothelial-independent calcium channel blocking pathways accompanied by partial involvement of endothelium-dependent nos mediated relaxation.

Ontology Driven Smart Health Service Integration.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: The massive increase, in the Internet of Things applications, has greatly evolved technological aspects of human life. The drastic development of IoT based smart healthcare services have layout the smart process models to facilitate all stakeholders (e.g. patients, doctors, hospitals etc.) and made it an important social-economic concern. There are variety of smart healthcare services like remote patient monitoring, diagnostic, disease specific remote treatments and telemedicine. Many trending Internet of Health Things research and development are done in a very disjoint and independent fashion providing solutions and guidelines for variant diseases, medical resources and remote services management. These expositions work over many shared resources such as health facilities for patient and human in healthcare system. METHODS: This research discusses the ontology for merging methods to form an integrated platform with shared knowledge of smart healthcare services. The proposed process model creates an ontological framework of integrated healthcare services, which are firstly defined using ontologies and lately integrated over similarities, differences, dependencies and other semantic relations. The data and process requirements for service integration facility is derived from various smart healthcare services. RESULTS: The proposed model is evaluated using two-step ontological modeling testing method, applied at the ontological framework of integrated smart health services. First evaluation step has targeted the model consistency validation using reasoning tool while querying tools are used to validate the retrieved data entities and relations among them for predefined use-cases. CONCLUSIONS: The research concluded with a novel approach for smart health service integration using ontological modeling and merging techniques. The model efficiency enhancement and query optimization methods are listed in future tasks of the research.

Ipomoea hederacea Jacq.: A plant with promising antihypertensive and cardio-protective effects.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Seeds of Ipomoea hederacea Jacq. (family: Convolvulaceae) are traditionally used to treat high blood pressure and cardiac diseases. AIM OF THE STUDY: Present study was conducted to validate the traditional claim and explore the possible mechanism(s) of antihypertensive effects of I. hederacea. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Aqueous-ethanolic extract and activity based fractions of I. hederacea were evaluated using invasive blood pressure measuring technique, isolated tissue experiments, fructose induced hypertension/metabolic syndrome and biochemical analysis.Phytochemical analysis of active fraction was performed with aim to identify chemical composition of I. hederacea seeds. LC-MS analysis was also performed to identify the compounds proposed to be present in active fraction of I. hederacea seeds. RESULTS: Crude extract/fractions of I. hederacea showed dose (0.01-100 mg/kg) dependent significant hypotensive effect in normotensive anesthetized rats, similar to verapamil (0.01-30 mg/kg). Pretreatment with hexamethonium and atropine mediated no significant changes in hypotensive effect of butanol fraction of I. hederacea (Ih.Bn) at 3 mg/kg dose. However, a significant decrease in the hypotensive effect of Ih.Bn 3 mg/kg (-34.82 ± 3.36%; p < 0.05) was observed in the presence of L-NAME (20 mg/kg). Similarly, Ih.Bn (3 mg/kg) showed no significant effect on angiotensin-II response. However, response of phenylephrine (45.60 ± 9.63%; p < 0.05) and dobutamine (18.25 ± 2.10%; p < 0.01) was significantly decreased in the presence of Ih.Bn 3 mg/kg. Ih.Bn also exhibited dose dependent (0.01-100 mg/kg) antihypertensive effect in fructose induced hypertensive rats, similar to verapamil (0.01-30 mg/kg). Concomitant treatment with Ih.Bn (3, 10 and 30 mg/kg) for six weeks showed a dose dependent profound protection with significant (p < 0.01) effect at 30 mg/kg against fructose induced basal mean arterial pressure (142.2 ± 4.62 mmHg). Ih.Bn did not significantly change response of PE, Ang-II and Epi was observed in invasive and ex vivo techniques. However, Ih.Bn significantly (p < 0.01; p < 0.001) prevented against decrease in vascular response of acetylcholine in anesthetized rats and in isolated aorta of rat. A significant dose dependent decrease in triglyceride and glucose level (p < 0.001), and increase in HDL level (p < 0.05) was observed in Ih.Bn treated groups. Results of LC-MS analysis of Ih.Bn showed the presence of 24 compounds that belong to different chemical classes, including carboxylic acid, flavonoids, oligopeptides and tripeptide that are known to have antihypertensive and vasorelaxant properties. CONCLUSIONS: Results of present study indicate the presence of hypotensive/antihypertensive effect in crude extract/fractions of I. hederacea with most potent effect shown by butanol fraction (Ih.Bn), possibly mediated through α1 blocking, ß blocking and iNOS/cGMP stimulating activity.

Medicinal Plants Used To Treat Overactive Bladder.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Overactive bladder (OAB) is a medical condition characterized by an increase frequency and urgency, with or without urge incontinence. 80% of the world's population presently uses herbal medicine for some aspect of primary health care according to a survey conducted by World Health Organization. The objective of present review was to present an updated, comprehensive and categorized information about medicinal plants used or with potential for the treatment of overactive bladder. METHODS: All relevant literature databases were searched up. The sources of data included Google Scholar, Science Direct, Web of Science and PubMed. The search terms were plant, herb, herbal therapy, phytotherapy, overactive bladder, cystitis and urinary incontinence. RESULTS: Studies on a number of medicinal plants revealed that phytochemials extracted from different plant's part showed protective effect against increased contractile activity of urinary bladder and increased urination frequency, the characteristic manifestations of OAB. Medicinal plant extracts also reduced urinary oxidative stress markers,inflammation and agonist induced bladder contractile response. CONCLUSION: A variety of medicinal plants promise their use in overactive bladder diseases. In addition to the standardization of these medicinal plants, screening plants as anti-overactive bladder agents may help to find new sources of therapy for overactive bladder.

Maceration-Mediated Liquid-Liquid Extraction and Reverse-Phase High-Performance Liquid Chromatography-Based Pragmatic Analysis of Silybins.

This study presents a pragmatic and easily scalable maceration-mediated liquid-liquid extraction (MMLLE) and reverse-phase high-performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC)-based determination of Silybins from plant material (Curcuma longa L.). The processing of calibration standards revealed that the RP-HPLC method was linear over a concentration range of 1-100 µg/mL with regression coefficient (R2) > 0.9950, limit of detection 0.02 µg/mL and limit of quantification <0.07 µg/mL. The optimum chromatographic conditions resolved Silybin A, Silybin B, Isosilybin A and Isosilybin B within 5 min of analysis time. The reproducible recovery rates of spiked flavonolignans (96.24-115.40%) from quality controls established the effectiveness of MMLLE procedure prior to HPLC determination. The real-time analysis revealed the presence of silybins in C. longa roots. The results further endorse that MMLLE prior to chromatographic determination may provide a more pragmatic analytical solution for the analysis/isolation of silybins.

Iron and prebiotic fortified flour improves the immune function of iron deficient women of childbearing age.

Micronutrient deficiencies (MNDs) are common worldwide, in both developing as well as developed countries. MNDs such as Iron Deficiency not only compromise the nutritional status of individuals but can also put them at an increased risk of developing various other diseases by negatively affecting their immunity. The objective of the current research was to determine the effects of prebiotics and iron fortificants on various immunoglobulins among iron deficient women belonging to childbearing age. To serve the purpose, a total of seventy five iron deficient women were selected and randomly divided into one control and four treatment groups. Accordingly, different types of fortified wheat flour were prepared, based on varying dosage of prebiotics and iron fortificants, to be fed to anemic women on daily basis for three months. Two iron salts (FeSO4 and NaFeEDTA) and two prebiotics (Galacto oligosaccharides and Inulin) were used to fortify wheat flour during the trials. Overnight fasted women were asked to give blood samples on monthly basis, up to three months. Four types of Immunoglobulins including IgA, IgE, IgG and IgM were determined at baseline, 30th, 60th and 90th day of trials using their respective protocols. The results of the study indicated that a statistically significant declining trend for IgA, IgE, IgG and IgM was present among the treatment groups (P-value < 0.05), compared to the control group. The study concluded that provision of iron and prebiotic fortified flour improved the immune function of iron deficient women.

Anti-oxidant and hepatoprotective effects of Lactuca serriola and its phytochemical screening by HPLC and FTIR analysis.

Lactucaserriola (L. serriola), commonly known asprickly lettuce, is an annual and biennial herb. The plant is traditionally used as sedative, hypnotic, cough suppressant, expectorant, purgative, diuretic, vasorelaxant, demulcent, antiseptic and antispasmodic. Aim of present study was to evaluate protective effect of L. serriola in paracetamol-induced hepatotoxicity. Silymarin was used as a standard drug. Hepatoprotective effect of extract was determined by liver biochemical markers, anti-oxidant enzymes and blood lipid profile. Methanolic extract was found to be the most potent in in-vitro antioxidant assays and used for further studies. Treatment with paracetamol increased the level of hepatic biomarkers, blood lipid profile and decreased anti-oxidant enzyme levels. Pre-treatment with Lactuca serriola caused restoration of hepatic biomarkers, blood lipid profile and antioxidant enzymes. FTIR represented that L. serriola contains hydroxyl (-OH), carboxylic acid (C=O) and alkene (C=C) groups. HPLC analysis showed presence of polyphenolic compounds in the methanolic extract of L. serriola. It is concluded that the methanolic extract of Lactuca serriola possesses hepatoprotective potential that might be linked to the presence of polyphenolic compounds and their anti-oxidant activities.

Hepatoprotective effect of Ziziphus oxyphylla Edgew in paracetamol-induced hepatotoxic rat model.

Ziziphus oxyphylla Edgew (Z. oxyphylla) is a small shrub to a medium sized tree. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the hepatoprotective activity of Z. oxyphylla in paracetamol-induced hepatotoxic rat model. Silymarin was used as a standard drug. Methanol extract was found to be the most potent in in-vitro antioxidant studies. The methanol extract of Z. oxyphylla was administered to experimental animals. The hepatoprotective effect of extract was evaluated by measuring liver biochemical markers, anti-oxidant enzymes and blood lipid profile. Treatment with the paracetamol increased the level of hepatic biomarkers, blood lipid profile and decreased anti-oxidant enzymes. Pre-treatment with Z. oxyphylla caused restoration of hepatic biomarkers, blood lipid profile and antioxidant enzymes levels. It is concluded that the methanol extract of Z. oxyphylla possesses hepatoprotective activity that might be due to quercetin and kaempferol glycosides present in the plant extract. Further studies are required to elucidate the exact mechanism of action of these isolated flavonoid glycosides.

Evaluation of Gastro-protective Activity of Myristica fragrans on Ethanol-induced Ulcer in Albino Rats.

Myristica fragrans seeds are traditionally used to treat dyspepsia, vomiting and abdominal pain. The purpose of this study was to investigate the protective effect of Myristica fragrans in ethanol induced gastric ulcer. Study was carried out on rats, divided into four groups; negative control, positive control, standard drug control, and Myristica fragrans extract treated rats. The pH, ulcer index, acidity values and histopathological examination of stomach were evaluated. Myristica fragrans significantly (P<0.05) reduced gastric lesions by 41.68% in ethanol induced ulcer model at 200 mg/kg when compared to sucralfate (60.41%). However, histopathological findings appeared similar in Myristica fragrans extract treated and standard drug control groups, where stomachs were found with mild erosion of superficial epithelium and few infiltrated inflammatory cells. pH of gastric contents of rats from extract treated was increased (4.25 ± 0.25) as compared to positive control group (2.25 ± 0.25). Ulcer index of extract treated rats was improved (41.74%). Moreover, total acidity of extract treated group (60.0 ± 0.47) was decreased as compared to control group (74.50 ± 1.04). It is concluded that Myristica fragrans showed significant protecting activity in ethanol induced ulcer. Isolation and purification of phytochemicals responsible for gastroprotective activity becomes necessary.

Effect of feeding different levels of discarded date palm (Phoenix dactylifera) on digestibility, milk yield, and composition in Damani sheep.

Poor quality feed and lack of feed resource conservation in Pakistan are the major constraints influencing livestock production systems in the country. In the current study, we endeavored to ascertain the most favorable utilization of discarded date palm in sheep nutrition. Sixteen multiparous Damani sheep (average weight = 26 Kg) in the 2nd month of lactation were randomly distributed into four equal groups i.e., A, B, C, and D. They were fed with experimental rations supplemented with 0%, 10%, 20%, and 30% discarded date palm on dry matter (DM) basis, respectively, to investigate its impact on feed intake, digestibility coefficient, milk yield, and composition. The dry matter intake (DMI) significantly increased (P < 0.05) in groups C and D. Significant differences in dry matter digestibility (DMD) were noted among groups with mean values 50.2%, 56.4%, 65.2%, and 72.2%, respectively. Daily milk yield recorded for the groups was 842.00, 854.50, 921.00, and 960.00 (ml/day), respectively, showing a significant increase in groups C and D. However, investigating the mineral profile of milk, only calcium (Ca) and copper (Cu) were significantly (P < 0.05) increased in dates fed groups. In conclusion, significant utilization of discarded date palm can be achieved through incorporation of these wastes in small ruminant rations to get significant increases in DMI, DMD, and milk yield (MY), calcium (Ca) and copper (Cu) levels of milk.

Immune modulatory and anti-oxidative effect of selenium against pulmonary tuberculosis.

Prevalence of pulmonary tuberculosis (TB) in Pakistan is due to poor living conditions, malnutrition and low immunity. The present project was conducted to show the role of selenium complement to enhance the immune status against TB. Total of 80 human TB patients were divided into treatment (selenium and anti-tuberculosis drug) and control groups (anti-tuberculosis drug). Levels of selenium, immunoglobulin and leukocyte count were determined before and after treatment. Selenium showed significant increase in levels of immunoglobulin and leukocyte count in patients as compared to control group. The level of SOD, catalase, glutathione and total antioxidants were remarkably lowered among control type group as compared to treatment type group (P<0.01). However, the values of lipid peroxidation products malondialdehyde (MDA) were notably higher in control group than treatment group.