Amelioration potential of Moringa oleifera extracts against sodium arsenate induced embryotoxicity and genotoxicity in mouse (Mus musculus).

Previous studies have suggested that arsenic crosses the placenta and affects the fetus development. The study under consideration aims to show comparative ameliorative effect of Moringa oleifera leaf and flower extracts against sodium arsenate induced fetus toxicity of mice. Pregnant mice (N=44) were kept in lab and divided into eleven group from (A to K) and were orally administered the doses 6 mg/kg, 12 mg/kg for sodium arsenate, 150 mg/kg and 300 mg/kg for Moringa oleifera leaf extracts (MOLE) and 150 mg/kg and 300 mg/kg for Moringa oleifera flower extracts (MOFE) comparing with control. The investigation revealed evident reduction in the fetuses weight, hind limb, fore limb, tail and snout length, crown rump and head circumferences well as malformations in tail, feet, arms, legs, skin and eyes in the negative control group (only administered with sodium arsenate). Co-administration of sodium arsenate with MOLE and MOFE ameliorate the reversed effect of sodium arsenate on the shape, length, body weight and DNA damage of fetus significantly at 95% confidence interval. However, Moringa oleifera leaf extract showed more significant results in comparison to Moringa oleifera flower extract. Hence concluded that Moringa oleifera leaf extract ameliorated the embryo toxic effects of sodium arsenate and can be used against environmental teratogens.

Maternal health care in a rural area of Pakistan.

OBJECTIVE: The need for effective strategies for delivery of healthcare to rural women is paramount and requires a study of maternal perceptions and experiences of the healthcare system. METHOD: This article describes knowledge, attitudes and practices regarding obstetric healthcare in a rural area of Pakistan. This is a cross sectional survey of a rural area of district Hyderabad, Pakistan. A multistage sample of 1,150 households was drawn from a population of 247,257 living in 30,653 households. Structured KAP questionnaires regarding maternal health were administered to male and female respondents in study household. RESULTS: A total of 1,178 married women and 1,146 married men were interviewed. The mean age of female respondents was 29 +/- 6 years. At the time of the interview 20% women were pregnant. Sixty-one percent women received antenatal care during their last pregnancy. The most frequent antenatal care providers were female doctors (55%). Majority (67%) of women had delivered at home with the assistance of traditional birth attendants (TBAs). Overall less than 40% of respondents could correctly identify signs of obstetric complications. Thirty-eight percent women experienced obstetric complications during their last pregnancy. Estimated annual maternal mortality ratio (MMR) was 689/100,000 live births. CONCLUSION: Women have inadequate access to obstetric care due to limited healthcare options and poor knowledge of obstetric complications. This can be corrected by improving services and increasing overall maternal health awareness in the community.