Combinatorial drug-loaded quality by design adapted transliposome gel formulation for dermal delivery: In vitro and dermatokinetic study.

BACKGROUND: Ursolic acid is a powerful drug that possesses many therapeutic properties, such as hepatoprotection, immunomodulation, anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, antibacterial, antiviral, antiulcer, and anticancer activity. Centella asiatica (L.) Urban (Umbelliferae) contains a triterpene called asiatic acid, which has been used effectively in traditional Chinese and Indian medicine system for centuries. Anticancer, anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotective properties are only some of the many pharmacological actions previously attributed to asiatic acid . AIM: The present work developed an optimized combinatorial drug-loaded nano-formulation by Quality by design approach. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The optimize transliposome for accentuated dermal delivery of dual drug. The optimization of drug-loaded transliposome was done using the "Box-Behnken design." The optimized formulation was characterized for vesicles size, entrapment efficiency (%), and in vitro drug release. Additionally, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM), and dermatokinetic study were performed for further evaluation of drug-loaded optimized transliposome formulation. RESULTS: The optimized combinatorial drug-loaded transliposome formulation showed a particle size of 86.36 ± 2.54 nm, polydispersity index (PDI) 0.230 ± 0.008, and an entrapment efficiency of 87.43 ± 2.66% which depicted good entrapment efficiency. In vitro drug release of ursolic acid and asiatic acid transliposomes was found to be 85.12 ± 2.54% and 80.23 ± 3.23%, respectively, as compared to optimized ursolic acid and asiatic acid transliposome gel drug release that was 67.18 ± 2.85% and 60.28 ± 4.12%, respectively. The skin permeation study of ursolic and asiatic acid conventional formulation was only 32.48 ± 2.42%, compared with optimized combinatorial drug-loaded transliposome gel (79.83 ± 4.52%) at 12 h. After applying combinatorial drug-loaded transliposome gel, rhodamine was able to more easily cross rat skin, as observed by confocal laser scanning microscopy, in comparison with when the rhodamine control solution was used. DISCUSSION: The UA_AA-TL gel formulation absorbed more ursolic acid and asiatic acid than the UA_AA-CF gel formulation, as per dermatokinetic study. Even after being incorporated into transliposome vesicles, the antioxidant effects of ursolic and asiatic acid were still detectable. In most cases, transliposomes vesicular systems generate depots in the skin's deeper layers and gradually release the medicine over time, allowing for fewer applications. CONCLUSION: In overall our studies, it may be concluded that developed dual drug-loaded transliposomal formulation has great potential for effective topical drug delivery for skin cancer.

Prevalence of inadequate vitamin D level and its predictors in children presenting with torus fractures.

BACKGROUND: Review of the published articles does not show any study done to see if children with torus fracture are with Vitamin D deficiency. The aim of this study was to determine association of inadequacy of Vitamin D level with torus fracture and its predictors in children in Karachi Pakistan. METHODS: Patient underage of 13 years came with torus fracture were included in study, and managed non-operatively with below elbow cast. Proforma was made which includes demographic data (age, gender, nutritional status) and exposure to sunlight, dietary habits, kind to apparel and type of accommodation they were living at. All participants underwent measurement of serum vitamin D level. RESULTS: Out of 558 children presented with limb fractures in emergency department, 190 (34.05%) had torus fracture, with mean age of 6.0 ± 4.2 years. 93 (48.94%) in pre-school group, 59 (31.05%) in school and 38 (20%) were breast-fed. On nutritional status, malnourished were 72 (37.89%), out of which 32 (44.44%) had first-degree malnutrition. On vitamin D level status only 52 (27.36%) participants had Vitamin D within normal range while 86 (45.26%) were found Vitamin D deficient. We found that vitamin D level is directly related to nutritional status, duration of sun exposure maternal vitamin d levels and not significantly related to age, gender, type of accommodation and different fabric types. CONCLUSION: In this study torus fracture in children is significantly associated with Vitamin D deficiency, with common predictors including nutritional status, maternal Vitamin D level for lactating mothers and duration of exposure of sunlight. Vitamin D supplementation in children can prevent a significant number of fractures via national programs for food fortification and increase the awareness of general population on the importance of sunlight exposure and intake of food rich in Vitamin D.

Evaluation of anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects of Hertia intermedia (Boiss.) Kuntze extract.

Hertia intermedia is a traditional medicinal plant of Balochistan, used for pain management and stomach problems. Current research work was intended to evaluate the anti-inflammatory and analgesic activities of crude ethanolic extract of H. intermedia. Anti-inflammatory activity was determined by the carrageenan-induced and histamine-induce Rat paw edema in rats, analgesic activity was determined by acetic acid-Induced writhing test, formalin-induced hind paw licking in mice and Tail immersion test. H. intermedia crude ethanolic extract showed significant (p<0.05) effect in both carrageenan and histamine-induced rat paw edema at both 250 and 500 mg/kg oral doses. There were significant analgesic activities in comparison with standard drug and control (p<0.05). It is concluded that H. intermedia crude ethanolic extract possesses significant anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects. However further studies may be carried out to isolate the phytochemicals responsible for anti-inflammatory and analgesic activities.

Identification of the Phytoconstituents in Methanolic Extract of Adhatoda Vasica L. Leaves by GC-MS Analysis and Its Antioxidant Activity.

BACKGROUND: Adhatoda vasica L. is a medicinal plant, known as Malabar nut in English, belonging to the family Acanthaceae. It has been used traditionally to treat respiratory disorders like severe coughs, colds, chronic bronchitis, asthma, tuberculosis, and other illnesses. The multifunctional range of bioactives found in it has piqued the interest of pharmaceutical companies, who are looking for more evidence-based ways to develop new formulations. OBJECTIVE: To analyse the A. vasica leaves by GC-MS technique and evaluation of its antioxidant activity. METHOD: Methanolic extract of A. vasica L. (MEAV) leaves was analyzed by GC-MS for identification and characterization of its bioactives and traditional therapeutic claims. A widely anticipated 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) method was used to determine the antioxidant activity of MEAV. RESULTS: The major compounds revealed in MEAV leaves are: 1,3,5-triazine-2,4,6-triamine (3.06%); 2,3-dihydro-3,5-dihydroxy-6-methyl-4H-pyran-4-one (5.35%); 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (16.82%); 2-butylphenol (6.85%); 3,4-dihydroxy-5-methyl-dihydro-furan-2-on (2.5%); 2(OR 3)-(1,1-dimethylethyl)-4-methoxyphenol (3.52%); megastigmatrienone 3 (1.02%); tetradecanoic acid (1.52%); vomifoliol (0.58%); oxalic acid, cyclobutylhexyl ester (6.03%); hexadecanoic acid (6.06%); 4-ethyl-2-oxo-2,5,6,7-tetrahydro-1H-cyclopenta[B]pyridine-3-carbonitrile (10.08%); phytol (2.01%); and vitamin E (3.18%). A significant reduction in free radicals against DPPH was observed, which revealed the antioxidant potential of MEAV. CONCLUSION: MEAV consists of both polar and nonpolar components. GC-MS analysis was used to identify these compounds. The current work validates that the antioxidant activity of MEAV is attributed to the presence of compounds such as vitamin E and terpenes. HIGHLIGHTS: This work validates the antioxidant activity of methanolic extract of A. vasica attributed to the presence of compounds like vitamin E and terpenes.

Evaluation of cardio protective, anti-inflammatory, analgesic and CNS depressant activity of Grewia asiatica L. fruit extract.

Grewia asiatica L. is a potential medicinal plant used for various diseases in traditional medicine. Current study was aimed to evaluate the cardio protective, anti-inflammatory, analgesic and CNS depressant activities of Grewia asiatica L. fruit extract. In cardio protective activity myocardial injury was produced by injection of Isoproterenol (200 mg/kg, s.c), G. asiatica 250 and 500mg/kg treated groups significantly (p<0.05) decreased the level of serum AST, ALT, LDH and CKMB, hence produced cardio protective effect. In analgesic activities G. asiatica produced significant (p<0.05) analgesic effects in acetic acid induced writhing, formalin, paw pressure and tail immersion test. G. asiatica at 250 and 500mg/kg oral dose, significantly (p<0.05) reduced the rat paw edema in carrageen an induced rat paw edema test. G. asiatica extract also produced significant CNS depressant effects in open field, hole board and thiopental sodium induced sleeping time. Findings of the current study suggest that G. asiatica fruit extract showed potential pharmacological effects and can be utilized in alternative medicine.

Formulation and evaluation of an ointment from Pinus gerardiana extracts indigenous to Balochistan.

In skin disorders such as microbial and fungal infections, plants and their parts are used. However, there have been very few scientific reports of herbal extracts of the plant Pinus gerardiana to be administered transdermally. The antifungal activity was assessed using poisoned food method against the strains of three pathogenic fungi, namely Alternaria alternata, Curvularia lunata and Bipolaris specifera. Ointment was prepared according to British pharmacopeia and physiochemical evaluation tests were performed. The GCMS was used to determine the chemical composition of the essential oil of Pinus gerardiana. 27 components were obtained. Monoterpenes= 89.97%, Oxygenated monoterpenes = 8.75%, Sesquiterpenes = 2.21% out of 100% of the total composition. The extract of pinus gerardiana showed a zone of inhibition on organism Bipolaris specifera 2.98±0.1µg/ml, Alternaria alternate 3.48±0.21µ/ml and Curvularia lunata 5.04±0.24µg/ml. Ointment was prepared with pH 5.9, conductivity 0.1, viscosity 22.24 and tested for stability. Franz cells were used in vitro and release was determined from 30 minutes to 12 hours.

A Validated, Rapid and Cost-Efficient HPTLC Method for Quantification of Gamma-Linolenic Acid in Borage Oil and Evaluation of Antioxidant Activity.

Borage oil that is extracted from (Borago officinalis Linn.) is a well-known medicinal plant having various medicinal benefits. In this work, an affordable, simple, reliable, rapid and easily accessible high-performance thin-layer chromatography (HPTLC) method was developed for the estimation of gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) in borage oil. HPTLC method employs thin-layer chromatography (TLC) aluminum plates precoated with silica gel (G60F254) as the stationary phase, and the mixture of hexane:toulene:glacial acetic acid (3:7:1, v/v/v) was used as the mobile phase. Densitometric analysis of the TLC plates was carried out at 200 nm. The developed method showed well-resolved spots with retention factor (Rf) value of 0.53 ± 0.04 for GLA. Various experimental conditions like saturation time for chamber, solvent phase migration and width of the band were studied intensely for selecting the optimum conditions. The method validation was performed for parameters like linearity, accuracy, specificity and precision. The values of limit of detection and limit of quantification for GLA were found to be 0.221 and 0.737 µg/band, respectively. In nutshell, the developed HPTLC method was found to be highly sensitive for the estimation of GLA in the herbal oil samples and formulations.

Antimicrobial activity of different plants extracts against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli.

BACKGROUND: Microbial pathogens, mainly bacteria, are a major cause of food spoilage resulting in several foodborne diseases. Food spoilage can be prevented by the application of chemical preservatives in the food industry but such process has harmful effects on human health and causes the introduction of chemicals in several food chains, leading to toxicity and long-term complications. Due to such adverse effects, the need to find natural preservatives that are safer to use, effective and less complicated is increasing. OBJECTIVES: This study is based on plant extracts that play a major role in microbicidal action (the use of natural preservatives is preferred over chemical ones). Antimicrobial action of different plant extracts was assessed using Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli as experimental bacterial strains. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Ethanolic extracts of different plants like Punica granatum, Acacia catechu and Phyllanthus emblica were highly effective against the both analyzed bacterial strains at a dosage of 10 mg/mL, while the extracts of Ocimum bacilicum and Quercus infectoria were effective only against S. aureus and E. coli, respectively. RESULTS: Punica granatum and Phyllanthus emblica extracts were found to be the most effective and exhibited bacteriostatic and bactericidal activities against the highly infectious strains of pathogenic bacteria causing food spoilage, with minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 2.5 mg/mL and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) of 5 mg/mL. CONCLUSIONS: The plant extracts used in the study were highly effective in reducing bacterial contamination and can be used as an alternative to chemical preservatives to avoid and control foodborne diseases and for preservation of food with no health-related hazards caused by chemicals.

Phytochemical-Based Nano-Pharmacotherapeutics for Management of Burn Wound Healing.

Medicinal plants have been used since ancient times for their various therapeutic activities and are safer compared to modern medicines, especially when properly identifying and preparing them and choosing an adequate dose administration. The phytochemical compounds present in plants are progressively yielding evidence in modern drug delivery systems by treating various diseases like cancers, coronary heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, inflammation, microbial, viral and parasitic infections, psychotic diseases, spasmodic conditions, ulcers, etc. The phytochemical requires a rational approach to deliver the compounds to enhance the efficacy and to improve patients' compatibility. Nanotechnology is emerging as one of the most promising strategies in disease control. Nano-formulations could target certain parts of the body and control drug release. Different studies report that phytochemical-loaded nano-formulations have been tested successfully both in vitro and in vivo for healing of skin wounds. The use of nano systems as drug carriers may reduce the toxicity and enhance the bioavailability of the incorporated drug. In this review, we focus on various nano-phytomedicines that have been used in treating skin burn wounds, and how both nanotechnology and phytochemicals are effective for treating skin burns.

Osteoporosis: Prevalence, awareness and pertinent risk factors in a cohort of elderly Asian population presenting with low-energy distal radius fractures.

BACKGROUND: This study aims to evaluate the awareness of osteoporosis and related risk factors in elderly Asian patients who present with distal radius fractures. The distal radius fracture is one of the most frequent fractures in the elderly cohort, owing to osteoporosis, and maybe a harbinger for further fractures, however, data is scarce regarding awareness of this condition among these patients. METHOD: This cross-sectional study was conducted on patients aged 45 and above that presented in the emergency department with low-energy distal radial fractures in Karachi from January-December 2018. Data were collected via a self-designed questionnaire, assessing the demographic information, knowledge about osteoporosis and its risk factors. The data was analysed using SPSS 20 for statistical significance. RESULTS: From a total of 550 patients with a mean age of 70.5 ± 32.82 years, there were 442 (80.36%) females and 108 (19.63%) males. On educational consideration, 243 (44.18%) patients could not read or write and only 110 (20%) of the patients received secondary school education. Only 123 (22.36%) were well informed about osteoporosis, the predominant source of information being their physician. There were 427 (77.63%) patients who were unaware of osteoporosis, 16% of which were smokers, 26% indicated they exercised at least 30 minutes daily, and 2% reported drinking alcohol occasionally. On dietary supplements, 24.27% of patients reported calcium and 17.81% reported vitamin D supplement consumption on regular basis. CONCLUSION: We found a positive correlation between a patient's education status and osteoporosis awareness We believe that the role of the physician could be crucial in preventing further fractures in such patients via physician lead educational campaigns to target modifiable risk factors.

GC-MS Analysis and Antioxidant Activity of Wrightia tinctoria R.Br. Leaf Extract.

BACKGROUND: Wrightia tinctoria R.Br. (Apocyanaceae) is known as a biologically effective plant for the treatment of jaundice in the Indian traditional system of medicine. It is a wild medicinal tree possessing anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, antinociceptive, hepatoprotective, antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, antipsoriatic, anticancerous, anthelmintic, aphrodisiac, analgesic, and antipyretic activities. Its constituents are of utmost interest to pharmaceutical industries owing to their many actions and biological activities. METHOD: Methanolic extract of W. tinctoria (MEWT) was investigated by gas chromatography-mass spectroscopy and provided affirmative results assisting in the identification and characterization of therapeutic claims regarding this species in the traditional system. The antioxidant activity of MEWT was determined by the most suitable DPPH method. RESULTS: The basic compounds found in MEWT were ß-caryophyllene (0.22%), mome inositol (12.02%), neophytadiene (1.61%), eicosanoic acid methyl ester (0.32%), 8,11,14-eicosatrienoic acid methyl ester (0.60%), phytol (0.94%), phytol palmitate (1.37%), squalene (1.57%), flavone 4-OH, 5-OH, 7-di-O-glucoside (29.34%), γ-tocopherol (0.49%), stigmast-5-en-3-ol (3.14%), methyl commate B (1.76%), methyl commate A (5.20%), and 24-norursa-3,12-diene (20.36%). The obtained results in the analysis of antioxidant activity of MEWT exhibited considerable free radical scavenging capacity against DPPH-generated free radicals. CONCLUSIONS: This study expands the knowledge of MEWT chemical composition and provides evidence to substantiate ethno-medicinal use of the plant by exploring antioxidant activity. The substantial antioxidant activity of MEWT could be due to presence of terpenes, flavonoids, vitamin E, and other reported compounds. HIGHLIGHTS: This study includes identification of phytochemicals and antioxidant potential of methanolic extract of Wrightia tinctoria, assisting in therapeutic claims regarding this species in the traditional system.

Simultaneous Analytical Efficiency Evaluation Using an HPTLC Method for the Analysis of Syringic Acid and Vanillic Acid and Their Anti-Oxidant Capacity from Methanol Extract of Ricinus communis L. and Euphorbia hirta L.

BACKGROUND: The well-known medicinal plants Ricinus communis L. and Euphorbia hirta L. have been traditionally used to treat a variety of ailments in the India and other countries. OBJECTIVE: In the present research, a simple, rapid, reliable, and accessible HPTLC technique has been established for concurrent quantification of phenolic compounds (syringic acid and vanillic acid) and evaluation of their anti-oxidant capacity. METHOD: The chromatographic separation was conceded on pre-coated silica gel plates 60 F254 as the stationary phase. The appropriate mobile phase combination of toluene-ethyl acetate-formic acid (7:2.5:0.5, v/v/v) were developed to expand the plates which separated components according to the marker compounds. Further, the anti-oxidant potential of methanol extract of R. communis (MERC) and E. hirta (MERH) were also assessed with 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) by using UV spectrophotometry. RESULTS: Densitometric scanning was performed with a Camag V scanner and measured at two different wave lengths, 272 and 318 nm. The marker compounds were practically resolved with RF 0.5 ± 0.04 for syringic acid and 0.6 ± 0.06 for vanillic acid. The results obtained in the study of anti-oxidant activity of MERC and MERH showed significant free radical scavenging capacity against DPPH-generated free radicals. CONCLUSIONS: The developed HPTLC method was validated for accuracy, linearity, precision, and specificity. Both the extracts revealed considerable antioxidant activity. The reported existing phenolic and flavonoids compounds are responsible for antioxidant activity of plant extracts.

Phytotherapeutic potential and pharmaceutical impact of Phoenix dactylifera (date palm): current research and future prospects.

Phoenix dactylifera (date palm) is a member of the genus Phoenix belonging to family Arecaceae. It is widely cultivated for its edible fruits and kernels. Dates have been used for both dietary purposes as well as for their phytomedicinal impacts against the variety of diseases. Date fruits are rich in alkaloids, protein, carbohydrate, fatty acid (linoleic, lauric, palmitic, and stearic acid), carotenoids, vitamins, polyphenolic compounds, flavonoids, and tannins along with different types of nutrients like potassium, calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus. Due to the presence of the variety of phytochemicals, they have greater impact on human health. They have strong antioxidant potential. It has been proposed now as a potential source of several unique medical and industrial products. In literature, much information is available on botanical descriptions, agriculture technology, and utilization in therapeutic intervention, but a little description is accessible on phytochemical relevance, formulation strategies, nutritional impact, and bioprocess technology. Therefore, the present review provides comprehensive information on the phytochemical relevance, pharmacology/bioactivity, pharmaceutical impact, their scope in bioprocess technology and nutraceutical values of date palm. According to all collected information, every portion of the plant has some beneficial properties that can serve as a source of medicine and nutraceutical.

GC-MS analysis of the methanolic extracts of Smilax china and Salix alba and their antioxidant activity.

Smilax china L. (family Smilacaceae) and Salix alba L. (family Salicaceae) are plants that have been traditionally used to treat various ailments in Indian and Chinese medicine. A quantitative estimation of the methanolic extracts of these plants was performed by GC-MS analysis to obtain insight into its phytoconstituents responsible for therapeutic action. The antioxidant potential of the methanol extracts of Smilax china (MESC) and Salix alba (MESA) were assessed with DPPH by using a UV spectrophotometer at a wavelength of 517 nm. The prevailing compounds found in MESC were lactam sugars including 2,5-dimethyl-2,4-dihydroxy-3(2H)-furanon (1.40%), 1,5-anhydro-6-deoxyhexo-2,3-diulose (4.33%), and alpha-methyl-1-sorboside (1.80%); the two alkaloids found were 1,4-methane-4,4a,5,6,7,8,9,9a-octahydro-10,10-dimethyl cyclohepta[d] pyridazine (0.87%) and 1,3,7-trimethyl-2,6-dioxopurine(0.54%); terpenes included deltacadinene (0.39%), terpineol, (+)-cedrol (22.13%), 3-thujanol (0.77%), and 9,10-dehydro-cycloisolongifolene (0.34%); fatty acids included cis-vaccenic acid (4.98%) and telfairic acid (1.10%); esters included 1,2,3-propanetriol diacetate (7.56%), 7-hexadecenoic acid, methyl ester (1.77%), eicosanoic acid, and methyl ester (0.95%); and glycerol included 1,2,3-propanetriol (28.75%). The interesting compounds found in MESA were reducing sugars like D-allose (4.40%) and pyrogallol (10.48%), alkaloids like caffeine (63.49%), and esters like methyl octadecanoate (0.53%). Both fractions revealed considerable antioxidant activity. The reported existing phenolic compounds and terpenes are responsible for the antioxidant activity of the plant extracts.

Healing potential of Adiantum capillus-veneris L. plant extract on bisphenol A-induced hepatic toxicity in male albino rats.

Bisphenol A (BPA) is a widely used environmental pollutant in the production of plastics but causes hepatotoxicity in mammals. In the present study, we studied the BPA-induced oxidative stress in rats and ameliorative potential of Adiantum capillus-veneris L. plant. It was concluded that the BPA can reduce the body and liver weight, increase in biochemical levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST), total bilirubin, and disturb the normal hepatic physiology, histology, and metabolism. Additionally, liver histology shows hepatic necrosis, congestion, and vacuolization in exposed individuals. In contrast, simultaneous exposure of A. capillus-veneris and BPA showed declining trend in serum biomarker levels and normal histopathological structures. We conclude that the A. capillus-veneris plant is antioxidant in nature and can reduce the BPA-induced toxicity. These findings are very helpful to understand the BPA-induced hepatic toxicity and ameliorative potential of A. capillus-veneris plant and are of great importance in risk assessment of xenobiotics.

Solvent Extraction and GC-MS Analysis of Sesame Seeds for Determination of Bioactive Antioxidant Fatty Acid/Fatty Oil Components.

The seed kernels of Sesamum indicum L. (family: Pedaliaceae) were extracted with ethanol and yield of components determined by Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry (GC/MS). The free radical scavenging activities of ethanolic extract against1, 1-Diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) were determined by UV spectrophotometer at 517 nm. Phytochemical screening revealed the presence of numerous bioactive compounds including steroids, phenolic, terpenoids, fatty acids and different types of ester compounds. The ethanolic extract was purified and analyzed by GC MS.The prevailing compounds found in ethanolic extract were Carvacrol (0.04%),Sesamol (0.11%), 4-Allyl-2-methoxy-phenol(0.04%),Palmitic acid (1.08%), cis-9-Hexadecenal (85.40%), Lineoleoyl chloride (0.52%), Palmitic acid ß-monoglyceride (0.40%), Dihydro-aplotaxene (0.61%), Oleoyl chloride (1.11%), (+)-Sesamin (4.73%), 1,3-Benzodioxole, 5-[4-(1,3-benzodioxol-5-yloxy)tetrahydro-1 H,3 H-furo [3,4-c]furan-1-yl], [1 S-(1,3,4,6α.), (2.01%)], 6-Nitrocholest-5-en-3-yl acetate (0.22%), Ergost-5-en-3ß-ol (2.35%) and 24-Propylidenecholesterol (0.16%). The presence ofsaturated and unsaturated fatty acids in ethanolicextract justifies the use of this plant to treat many ailments in folk and traditional medicine. Ethanolic extract have shown significant antioxidant activity(IC50120.38±2.8 µg/ml). The presence of phenolic (Sesamol), lignin (Sesamin) compounds and unsaturated fatty acids are reported as possible contributor for antioxidantactivity of seed extract.

Qing-Qi Rickshaw : A Boon Or Bane For Public Transportation? A Study Of Road Traffic Injury Patterns Involving Qing-Qi Rickshaws In Karachi Pakistan.

BACKGROUND: The three-wheeler Qing-qi and Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) auto-rickshaws were introduced in Karachi to meet the transportation demand of the growing population. These vehicles have directly or indirectly been implicated in a number of road traffic violations as well as road accidents. This study aims to describe the crash characteristics and injury patterns for Qing-qi rickshaw occupants and other road users hit by Qing-qi rickshaw in Karachi, Pakistan. METHODS: An Observational/ Descriptive study was conducted at Accident & Emergency and Orthopaedic Surgery Department, Jinnah Post Graduate Medical Centre, Karachi Pakistan from July 2014 to June 2015.All patients who came with Qing-qi rickshaw accident in Accident & Emergency (A&E) of JPMC were included. Crash characteristics, details of injuries, injury severity parameters and outcome were documented in detailed interviews. RESULTS: Four hundred and eighty-six rickshaw related injuries were noted in road traffic accidents by Qing-gi rickshaw. Age range was 2-85 (43.5±58.68). 350 injured victims were males and 136 were females. By occupation most victims were laborers and daily wage workers (45%) and students (21%). Overloading of vehicle with more than two passengers was found in (28.5%). The most common cause of injury was collision with a moving vehicle (56%), followed by fall from rickshaw. The most common contributing factor was the overloading of rickshaw and roll over on turning (61%). Injury severity on arrival were mild (49%), moderate were (32%), and severe were (19%). Injuries related to head and neck (26%), face (14%), thorax and abdomen (5%), lower extremity and pelvic girdle (31%) and upper extremity (23%) were observed. CONCLUSIONS: Qing-qi rickshaw injuries are common and these vehicles are vulnerable to road traffic accidents. Occupants and road users are both at risk of injuries.

Ecological risk assessment of an open dumping site at Mehmood Booti Lahore, Pakistan.

A robust risk assessment of Mehmood Booting Open Dumping (MBOD) site has been carried out by developing holistic risk assessment framework. Framework mainly comprises on baseline study, hazard identification, and risk quantification and evaluation. Physico-chemical analysis of groundwater and leachate, health risk assessment, and estimation of gas emissions from the site were carried out for risk evaluation. LandGEM 3.02 modelling software was used to measure the gas emissions. Analysis of leachate showed that all parameters were exceeding the WHO standard limit. Water samples were found polluted with heavy metals and total coliform contamination. Health survey inferred that problems which were faced by the majority of respondents were respiratory problems (80%). LandGEM model estimated that total landfill gas (TLG) emitted from the site for the year 2014 was 1.760E+05 Mg/year, CH4 emission was 5.445E+06 Mg/year, CO2 emission was 1.290E+05 Mg/year and for non-methane organic compound emission was 2.021E+03 Mg/year. It can be concluded that in the near future, almost all the water locations are possibly threatened with leachate contamination due to the continued accumulation of solid waste at MBOD site. The study recommends that new sanitary landfill sites should be designed to minimize the adverse effects associated with solid waste disposal and to preclude further pollution to surface water, groundwater, soil, and air.

Bisphenol A exposure and healing effects of Adiantum capillus-veneris L. plant extract (APE) in bisphenol A-induced reproductive toxicity in albino rats.

The current study presents the bisphenol A exposure and the ameliorative effects of Adiantum capillus-veneris on testicular toxicity induced by bisphenol A. Adult male albino rats were divided into five groups of five animals each: A (control), B (vehicle control), C (toxic), D (protective), and E (ameliorative) were served distilled water, olive oil, bisphenol A (BPA) at 100 mg/kg body weight, A. capillus-veneris plant extract at 25 mg/kg body weight, and BPA + A. capillus-veneris, respectively. All of the doses were administered orally for 15 days, and the rats were then sacrificed. Blood samples for the testosterone assay and both testes were collected for histological examination. The body weight, paired testes weight, relative tissue weight index, Johnsen scoring of tubules, and level of serum testosterone decreased in BPA-treated rats. Similarly, histological examination of the testes in BPA-treated animals revealed a lower number of Leydig cells, an irregular basement membrane, sloughing of germinal layers, vacuolization, a lower number of spermatocytes, and debris in the lumen. However, co-administration of A. capillus-veneris with BPA increased the total antioxidative capacity (330.82 ± 22.46 µmol/mg protein) of the testes and restored the serum testosterone level (1.70 ng/ml); histological features showed restoration in the stages of spermatogenesis. Conclusively, A. capillus-veneris plant extract overcomes the estrogenic effects of BPA on the reproductive system of rats and protects rats' testes against BPA-induced injury/damage via an antioxidative mechanism that appears to be conciliated.