Antibacterial Effects of Chloroform Henna (Lawsonia inermis) Leaf Extracts against Two Nosocomial Infection Causing Pathogens: Gram-positive Staphylococcus aureus and Gram-negative Klebsiella pneumoniae: A Comparative Study.

Evaluation of the in vitro antibacterial activity of Chloroform extracts isolated from Henna (Lawsonia inermis) leaf against two nosocomial infection causing pathogens, gram-positive Staphylococcus aureus and gram-negative Klebsiella pneumoniae. This interventional study was carried out for the period of January 2021 to December 2021 in the Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics in collaboration with the Department of Microbiology, Mymensingh Medical College, Bangladesh. The antibacterial activity was tested at different concentrations of Chloroform Henna leaf extracts by using disc diffusion and broth dilution method. The extract was prepared by using solvents chloroform and 0.1% Dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO). The test microorganisms were also tested for their activity against a standard antibiotic Ciprofloxacin by broth dilution method and the result was compared with that of Chloroform extracts. Chloroform Henna Extracts (CHE) were used initially in nine different concentrations (2.5, 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200, 500 and 1000 mg/ml). Among different concentrations of the CHE, 100mg/ml and above concentrations showed inhibitory effect against Staphylococcus aureus and Klebsiella pneumoniae. The MIC for Staphylococcus aureus and Klebsiella pneumoniae were 100 and 200mg/ml in CHE respectively. The MIC of Ciprofloxacin was 1µg/ml against Staphylococcus aureus and 1.5µg/ml against Klebsiella pneumoniae. The MIC of Ciprofloxacin was the lowest in comparison to MICs of CHE for the test organisms. This study showed that Chloroform Henna extracts demonstrated antibacterial effects against food borne pathogens. It is clearly observed that there is definite antibacterial effect of the Chloroform extract of Henna leaves (Lawsonia inermis) against Staphylococcus aureus and Klebsiella pneumoniae.

In Vitro Antibacterial Activity of Ethanol Extracts of Cinnamomum zeylanicum against Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

Cinnamomum zeylanicum as medicinal plants are measured as new resources for preparing elements in the treatment of antibiotic-resistant microbes as alternatives to antibiotics. This study was aimed to evaluate the antibacterial activity of ethanol extracts of Cinnamomum zeylanicum against a Gram-negative bacteria Pseudomonas aeruginosa. This experimental study was carried out in the department of Pharmacology & Therapeutics and department of Microbiology, Mymensingh Medical College, Mymensingh, Bangladesh from July 2017 to July 2018. Evaluation of the in vitro antibacterial activity of ethanol extracts of Cinnamomum zeylanicum against Pseudomonas aeruginosa was performed by disc diffusion method. And also in this study we used broth dilution method to determine the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC). Ethanol cinnamon extract (ECE) was found active against P. aeruginosa. Zone of inhibition (ZOI) ranged between 6-25mm at different concentration of extracts. The MIC was 0.3g/ml. Cinnamomum zeylanicum showed strong antibacterial activity against a Gram-negative bacteria Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The results may contribute to the development of potential antimicrobial agents for inclusion in antipseudomonal regimens.

The Antibacterial Activity of Ethanolic Extract of Cinnamon (Cinnamomum zeylanicum) against two Food Borne Pathogens: Staphylococcus aureus And Escherichia coli.

Evaluation of the in vitro antibacterial activity of the ethanolic extract isolated from Cinnamomum zeylanicum bark against two food borne pathogens, Gram-positive Staphylococcus aureus and Gram-negative Escherichia coli. This experimental study was carried out in the department of Pharmacology & Therapeutics in collaboration with the department of Microbiology, Mymensingh Medical College, Mymensingh, Bangladesh from July 2017 to July 2018. The antibacterial activity was tested at different concentrations of extracts of spice by using disc diffusion method. The extracts were prepared by using a solvent ethanol. The test microorganisms were also tested for their activity against a standard antibiotic Amikacin (500mg) by disc diffusion method and the result was compared with that of ethanolic extracts. Cinnamon had inhibitory activity against both Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. The ethanolic extracts were more effective against Staphylococcus aureus than E. coli. Staphylococcus aureus showed activity from 60% conc. (zone of inhibition 17mm) where E. coli from 80% conc. (ZOI 18mm). Maximum zone of inhibition was 26mm for both the test organisms. This result was also compared to those obtained against a standard antibiotic Amikacin where extract produced wider zone of inhibition of 26mm as compared to Amikacin for both test organisms. The present study showed that ethanolic extract of cinnamon demonstrated stronger antimicrobial effect against food borne pathogens.

Antibacterial Activities of Clove (Syzygium aromaticum) Extracts Against Three Food Borne Pathogens: Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

Evaluation of the in vitro antibacterial activity of aqueous and ethanolic extracts isolated from Clove (Syzygium aromaticum) buds against three food borne pathogens, gram-positive Staphylococcus aureus and gram-negative Escherichia coli & Pseudomonas aeruginosa. This interventional study was carried out during the period of July 2018 to June 2019 in the Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics with the collaboration of Department of Microbiology, Mymensingh Medical College, Mymensingh, Bangladesh. The antibacterial activity was tested at different concentrations of both extracts of spice by using disc diffusion & broth dilution method. The extracts were prepared by using solvents aqueous & ethanol. The test microorganisms were also tested for their activity against a standard antibiotic Gentamicin (80mg) by broth dilution method and the result was compared with that of Aqueous and Ethanolic extracts. Aqueous and ethanolic extracts of clove had inhibitory activity against the test bacteria. Among different concentrations of the ACE, 500µg/ml & above concentration showed inhibitory effect against Staphylococcus aureus & Escherichia coli and 700µg/ml & above concentration showed inhibitory effect against Pseudomonas aeruginosa. In case of ECE, 500µg/ml & above concentration showed inhibitory effect against aforesaid bacteria. In disc diffusion method, S. aureus was found to be most susceptible to ACE (30.5mm) & Pseudomonas aeruginosa was found to be most susceptible to ECE (38mm). Minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) of ECE were lower than ACE for the test bacteria except Staphylococcus aureus where MICs of ACE & ECE were the same. This result was also compared against a standard antibiotic Gentamicin where the MICs of Gentamicin were lower in comparison to MICs of ACE & ECE. The present study showed that aqueous and ethanolic extracts of Clove demonstrated antibacterial effects against food borne pathogens.

Antibacterial Effect of Aloe vera (Aloe barbadensis) leaf gel against Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae.

This experimental study was carried out to determine the antibacterial effect of Ethanolic extract of Aloe vera leaf gel (EAE) against standard strains of Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae in the Department of Pharmacology & Therapeutics in collaboration with the Department of Microbiology, Mymensingh Medical College, Mymensingh, Bangladesh from July 2017 to June 2018. Ethanol extract was used in five different concentrations (100, 200, 300, 400 and 500µg/ml). Dose dependent inhibitory effect was seen against the test organisms using disc diffusion method. For S. aureus, Zones of inhibition (ZOI) were 7, 12, 13, 16 and 20 mm at 100, 200, 300, 400 and 500 µg/ml respectively; for P. aeruginosa, ZOI were 0, 7, 12, 14 and 17 mm at 100, 200, 300, 400 and 500 µg/ml respectively; for E. coli, ZOI were 0, 8, 12, 15 and 18 mm at 100, 200, 300, 400 and 500 µg/ml respectively; for K. pneumoniae, ZOI were 7, 10, 11, 13 and 17 mm at 100, 200, 300, 400 and 500 µg/ml respectively. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) was assessed by broth dilution technique. The MICs of EAE for S. aureus, P. aeruginosa, E. coli and K. pneumoniae were 500, 650, 650 and 600 µg/ml respectively. From the study it is clearly observed that ethanolic extract of Aloe vera leaf gel possesses antibacterial effect against the test pathogens. Further studies are required to detect and isolate the biologically active ingredients present in the Aloe vera leaves which are responsible for this antibacterial effect. Hopefully, that would lead to the discovery of new and more potent antimicrobial agents originated from Aloe vera.

A study on the Effect of Captopril on Gentamicin Induced Nephrotoxicity in Rats.

An experimental study was carried out to evaluate the effect of Captopril on Gentamicin induced nephrotoxicity in rats in the Department of Pharmacology, Mymensingh Medical College and Dhaka Medical College, Bangladesh. Gentamicin antibiotic is most commonly employed clinically because of their potent bactericidal activities against Gram negative bacterial infections, less bacterial resistance, post-antibiotic effects and low cost. Gentamicin is associated with an induction of slow rises in serum creatinine, inflammation and perivascular edema, tubular degeneration and necrosis, tubular debris collection, glomerular atrophy which ultimately show the way to renal dysfunction. In spite of continued attractive efforts during the last decade, antioxidants like medicinal plants and different classes of drugs which were promised to reduce or ameliorate Gentamicin induced nephrotoxicity is yet a matter of debate. This study was aimed at inducing nephrotoxicity by injection Gentamicin and estimating the renal damage biochemically by measuring serum creatinine and perform histopathology of renal cortex in support of biochemical findings both in control groups, nephrotoxic and Captopril treated rats; also to determine the comparison between the concomitant and post effects of Captopril on control and nephrotoxic rats and to estimate the effect of Gentamicin withdrawal, 7 days after last injection in rats.

In Vitro Determination of Minimum Inhibitory Concentration of Aqueous Garlic Extract and Imipenem against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli.

An interventional study was performed to determine and compare the MICs of aqueous garlic extract (AGE) and Imipenem against standard strains of Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25923 & Eschericha coli ATCC 25922. The study was conducted in Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics in collaboration with Department of Microbiology, Mymensingh Medical College, Mymensingh, Bangladesh from July 2014 to January 2015. The MIC of AGE and antibiotic Imipenem were determined with the help of broth dilution method. The MIC of AGE was determined as 400µg/ml and 700µg/ml against Staphylococcus aureus, and Escherichia coli respectively and the MIC of Imipenem was 1µg/ml against Staphylococus aureus and 1.5µg/ml against Escherichia coli. The MICs of Imipenem was much lower in comparison to MICs of AGE for the test organisms. The subculture study showed the same results with that of the primary isolates. From the study it was clearly observed that AGE have anti bacterial effect but is not potent like antibiotic Imipenem. In this regard active ingredient present in garlic needs to be separated & purified for further study.

Anti-Bacterial effect of Aqueous Garlic Extract (AGE) determined by Disc Diffusion Method against Escherichia coli.

The study was performed to determine the antibacterial effect of aqueous extract of garlic (Allium sativum) against standard strain of Escherichia coli ATCC 25922. An interventional study was conducted in Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics in collaboration with Department of Microbiology, Mymensingh Medical College, Mymensingh. Antibacterial effect of AGE was determined by disc diffusion method. Sensitivity of AGE determined in disc diffusion and the zone of inhibition (ZOI) was 4 mm, 10 mm and 20 mm at 25 µg/10 µl, 50 µg/10 µl and 100 µg/10 µl concentrations respectively. From the findings it is clearly determined the extract has definite antibacterial effect upon Escherichia coli. Further studies are required to detect and isolate the active ingredients present in the Garlic extract as well as detail steps of mechanism responsible for antibacterial effect. Then their effects against the studied organism should be studied in vivo separately and its toxicity profile should also be taken into account.

Antibacterial Effect of Curcuma longa (Turmeric) Against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli.

This observational study was conducted during the period from July 2010 to June 2011 in the Department of Pharmacology in the collaboration of Department of Microbiology, Mymensingh Medical College, Mymensingh to determine the profile of antibacterial effect of Crude Turmeric paste aqueous turmeric extract, and standard antibiotic Amikacin against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. Three separate experiments were done e.g. (Expt- I) Inhibitory effect of Crude Turmeric paste incorporated into nutrient agar (NA) media, (Expt- II) Minimum inhibitory concentration of (a) Aqueous Turmeric extract and (b) Amikacin by broth dilution technique and (Expt-III) their subculture study in nutrient agar (NA) media for confirmation of respective results of previous experiments. Inhibitory effects were observed against the growth of Staph Aureus and Esch coli at 10% and 30% respectively of Crude Turmeric paste incorporated into NA media. The broth dilution technique was followed to determine the MIC of Aqueous Turmeric extract and Amikacin. The MIC of Aqueous Turmeric extract was 800 µg/ml against Staph aureus and that against Esch coli was 2000 µg/ml and the MIC of Amikacin was 10 µg/ml for both the bacteria. The MIC of Amikacin was the lowest in comparison to MIC of Aqueous Turmeric extract for complete inhibition of growth of Staph aureus and Esch coli. The subculture study showed similar results with that of previous experiments in terms of inhibitory effects of Crude Turmeric paste and MIC of Aqueous Turmeric extract and Amikacin against all of the organisms studied.

In vitro assessment of antibacterial effect of garlic (allium sativum) extracts on pseudomonas aeruginosa.

The study was aimed to determine the antibacterial effect of crude and aqueous extract of garlic (Allium stivum) against standard strain of Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 27853. An interventional study was conducted in Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics in collaboration with Department of Microbiology, Mymensingh Medical College, Mymensingh. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of aqueous garlic extract (AGE) and antibiotic Imipenem were also determined with the help of broth dilution method. Inhibitory effect of crude garlic extract (CGE) was determined by inoculation of bacteria in CGE incorporated nutrient agar (NA) media and for AGE antibacterial effect was determined by disc diffusion method. All experiments except disc diffusion procedure were reconfirmed by subculture in pure NA media. In case of CGE the growth inhibition of test organism was observed in 30% CGE incorporated NA media. On the other hand sensitivity of AGE also determined in disc diffusion and the zone of inhibition (ZOI) was 7 mm, 12 mm and 20 mm at 25 µg/10 µl, 50 µg/10 µl and 100 µg/10 µl concentrations respectively. The MICs of AGE and Imipenem were 600 µg/ml and 1µg/ml. The MIC of imipenen was far less in comparison with the MIC of AGE. From the findings it is clearly determined that both the extracts have definite antibacterial effect upon Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Further studies are required to detect and isolate the active ingredients present in the Garlic extract responsible for antibacterial effect. Then their effects against the studied organism should be studied in vivo separately and its toxicity profile should also be taken into account. Only then the Garlic extracts fulfilled the criteria for its therapeutic use. Still then external application advised for burn and superficial skin infections and may be used in food poisoning, and respiratory tract infection along with conventional antibiotics which are used in those conditions.

Hypoglycemic effect of Catharanthus roseus in normal and streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats.

The effects of crude juice (at 0.5 and 1 ml/kg b.w.) and aqueous extract (at 0.30 and 0.45 gm/kg b.w.) of leaves of Catharanthus roseus on serum glucose level in streptozotocin induced diabetic rats were examined at 8 hours, 12 hours and 24 hours following single oral administration. The administration of crude juice at 1 ml/kg b.w. continued for another 9 doses (total 10 single morning doses given) and its effect was examined on the 4th and 11th day. The rats were made diabetic by single intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin at 45 mg/kg b.w. Glibenclamide was used in the study for comparison. The crude leaf juice at 0.5 and 1 ml/kg b.w. reduced the serum glucose level in streptozotocin induced diabetic rats throughout the 24-hour period significantly (P varies between 0.05 and 0.001 at different times). The aqueous extract at 0.30 and 0.45 gm/kg reduced the serum glucose level in streptozotocin diabetic rats at 8 and 12 hour significantly (P varies between 0.05 to 0.01 at different times) but not at the 24 hour. Glibenclamide, at 500 mug/kg, also reduced the serum glucose level in streptozotocin induced diabetic rats throughout the 24-hour period (P<0.001). The crude leaf juice at 1 ml/kg also significantly reduced the serum glucose level in the streptozotocin induced diabetic rats on the 4th and 11th day (P<0.001 on both occasions). The effect of crude leaf juice at 1 ml/kg b.w administered daily orally over a 10 day period was also examined on a group of normal rats at different times. The study showed significant reduction at 8 hr (P<0.05), 12 hr, 24 hr and on the 4th day (P<0.01 on these 3 occasions) and also on the 11th day (P<0.001).

Impact of topical oils on the skin barrier: possible implications for neonatal health in developing countries.

UNLABELLED: Topical therapy to enhance skin barrier function may be a simple, low-cost, effective strategy to improve outcome of preterm infants with a developmentally compromised epidermal barrier, as lipid constituents of topical products may act as a mechanical barrier and augment synthesis of barrier lipids. Natural oils are applied topically as part of a traditional oil massage to neonates in many developing countries. We sought to identify inexpensive, safe, vegetable oils available in developing countries that improved epidermal barrier function. The impact of oils on mouse epidermal barrier function (rate of transepidermal water loss over time following acute barrier disruption by tape-stripping) and ultrastructure was determined. A single application of sunflower seed oil significantly accelerated skin barrier recovery within 1 h; the effect was sustained 5 h after application. In contrast, the other vegetable oils tested (mustard, olive and soybean oils) all significantly delayed recovery of barrier function compared with control- or Aquaphor-treated skin. Twice-daily applications of mustard oil for 7 d resulted in sustained delay of barrier recovery. Moreover, adverse ultrastructural changes were seen under transmission electron microscopy in keratin intermediate filament, mitochondrial, nuclear, and nuclear envelope structure following a single application of mustard oil. CONCLUSION: Our data suggest that topical application of linoleate-enriched oil such as sunflower seed oil might enhance skin barrier function and improve outcome in neonates with compromised barrier function. Mustard oil, used routinely in newborn care throughout South Asia, has toxic effects on the epidermal barrier that warrant further investigation.

Rapid identification and antibiotic susceptibility testing of Salmonella enterica serovar Typhi isolated from blood: implications for therapy.

The turnaround time (TAT) for Salmonella enterica serovar Typhi identification and reporting of the antibiotic susceptibility profile was determined for 391 cases of typhoid fever, using the lysis direct plating or lysis centrifugation method of blood culture along with rapid antimicrobial susceptibility testing. The TAT was more rapid (TAT for 90% of the patients [TAT(90)] = 30 h; TAT(100)

pH-adjusted periocular anaesthesia for primary vitreoretinal surgery.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the efficacy of pH-adjusted bupivacaine in conjunction with medial orbital periconal block (periocular anaesthesia). METHODS: Sixty consecutive patients undergoing primary vitreoretinal surgery were enrolled prospectively. RESULTS: Adequate anaesthesia and akinesia with no intraoperative supplementation was achieved in 53 eyes (88.3%). Factors influencing intraoperative supplementation were combined vitrectomy with scleral buckling (p = 0.005) and duration of surgery of more than 2 hours (p = 0.001). No ocular or systemic complication resulted. CONCLUSION: pH-adjusted periocular anaesthesia is safe and effective in patients undergoing primary vitreoretinal surgery.

Body iodine status in school children and availability of iodised salt in Calcutta.

Success of Universal Salt Iodization (USI) programme depends on availability of iodised salt to consumers, which should be reflected in their body iodine status. From a monitoring study in Calcutta, it was found that all packed salts were iodised and most of them (98.1% at household level and 93.6% at retailers' outlets) had iodine at a level of > or = 15 ppm. Of the loose salts, 34.6% at household level and 19.9% at retailers' outlet had iodine level < 15 ppm. A few number (0.5% at household level and 1.0% at retailers' outlets) of salts had no iodine. To ascertain the impact of consumption of iodised salt iodine excreted in urine (UIE) was measured in school children of age between 8-12 years of south, east, west, north and central parts of Calcutta. 22.95% of male children and 31.81% of female children had urinary iodine level less than 50 micrograms/l, which is cut off figure of public health concern. Children from poor slum areas were found to be at greater risk.

PIP: This paper presents a monitoring study on the availability of iodized salt at retailers' outlets and at the household level in Calcutta, as well as the impact of its consumption among school children aged 8-12 years. The children were physically examined for 3 grades of goiter. Urine samples were collected to estimate iodine excretion. Various types of salts were gathered from retailers' outlets located within a 0.5 km radius of the school that the children attended. Spot test kit and iodimetric titration methods were used in monitoring the availability of iodized salt. Results showed that all packed salts were iodized and that a majority of them (98.1% at the household level and 93.6% at the retailers' outlet level) had iodine levels of 15 ppm or higher. Only a small percentage of salts (0.5% at the household level and 1.0% at the retailers' outlet level) had no iodine content. As to the urinary iodine content among school children, 22.95% of males and 31.81% of females had urinary iodine level less than 50 mcg/l. 77% of male children and 69% of female children had satisfactory urinary iodine levels (50 mcg/l). The results confirmed the success of the Universal Salt Iodization (USI) program with regard to the availability of iodized salt.

Effect of dietary docosahexaenoic acid on in vitro thermogenesis and fatty acid compositions of brown adipose tissue.

Brown adipose tissue (BAT) is a major organ of nonshivering thermogenesis during cold acclimation, overfeeding, and nonthermal restraint stress. An increased unsaturation of fatty acids of membrane phospholipid in BAT has been shown to be closely associated with an enhanced function of this tissue as reported in other tissues. In the previous study, we found that among fatty acids detected, the n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) in BAT phospholipid is the only fatty acid that altered concomitantly with a change in the in vitro thermogenic capacity for nonshivering thermogenesis of BAT from cold acclimated and restrained rats. To examine the effect of dietary DHA on fatty acid composition of phospholipid and in vitro BAT thermogenic activity, rats were fed a standard diet supplemented with purified DHA for 4 or 16 weeks. Dietary DHA for 4 or 16 weeks increased DHA level in BAT phospholipid, and it also decreased arachidonic acid. The unsaturation index increased and remained unchanged under DHA feeding for 4 and 16 weeks, respectively. In vitro thermogenic activity of BAT remained unchanged and decreased under dietary DHA for 4 and 16 weeks, respectively. These findings indicate that dietary DHA could increase DHA level in phospholipid of BAT, but it could not improve in vitro BAT thermogenic response.

Lipid interference with fluorometric assay of DNA in adipose tissues under various conditions.

Interference by lipids with fluorometric assay of DNA in adipose tissues using Hoechst 33258 was investigated. Mixed glycerides shifted the emission maximum of standard DNA and induced a dose-dependent increase in fluorescence intensity. Glycerides in the samples containing a known concentration of DNA yielded erroneously higher DNA concentrations. The DNA concentrations obtained from acetone-defatted white and brown adipose tissues (WAT and BAT) were lower than those of non-defatted ones, while DNA content did not differ in low lipid-containing skeletal muscle between defatted and non-defatted samples, indicating that large amounts of lipids interfere with DNA measurement using Hoechst 33258 and that acetone defatting is a simple method to avoid this interference. Using this defatting method, the cellularity of WAT and BAT was estimated in rats under various experimental conditions. Cold-acclimation and repetitive immobilization stress decreased the body weight gain and the epididymal WAT weight. Sucrose overfeeding increased WAT weight but not body weight. These treatments of 4 weeks' duration did not induce any significant difference in WAT cell number from controls, while cold-acclimation increased the tissue cell number as well as the BAT weight.