Beneficial effects of oral vitamin D supplementation in diabetes mellitus type II patients - a clinical study in Karachi.

Vitamins are an essential component of the human body for growth and maintaining health. All vitamins have a significant role in metabolism, as a prophylactic in preventing various diseases, and maintaining health. Literature studies have predicted the positive impact of vitamin D on sugar level in blood of type 2 diabetes. Vitamin D plays a significant role in treating diabetes mellitus because it helps produce insulin and helps in the growth of beta cells of the pancreas. The present study was conducted for evaluating the impact of oral vitamin D in reducing the hyperglycemic conditions in patients after treatment of 1-6 months duration. 52 type 2 diabetes patients were enrolled in the study. The results showed that Vitamin D supplementation of 16 weeks reduced fasting blood glucose and HbA1C significantly in Vitamin D deficient Type 2 diabetes.

Quantifying the Impact of Algae Supplement on Blood Pressure: Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.

The impact of Algae supplements and its extract on blood pressure has not concluded yet. The aim of this systematic review meta-analysis is to evaluate the antihypertensive activity of this group marine organism on human. Alga was used in some studies as capsules (from 500-mg to 8-g) and the follow-up duration changed from 17 days to 9 months. The difference in standardized mean and its corresponding 95% confidence interval (CI) was applied as the effect size of algae supplementation on systolic and diastolic blood pressure. Based on the results, a meta-analysis of 10 studies with baseline effect control demonstrated that there was no difference in the mean systolic blood pressure in the 2 groups SMD (95%CI): -1.05 (-2.85,0.76), but a significant difference in the mean diastolic blood pressure was observed and showed that the mean diastolic blood pressure in the treatment group was lower than the control group SMD(95%CI): -2.23 (-4.35,-0.11). A meta-analysis of 4 studies with no baseline control effect did not show significant results on both blood pressure. The evidence to support this systematic review meta-analysis requires more investigation and future large scale RCT clinical trial to confirm the results.

Evaluation of Hepatoprotective effects of different doses of Lyophilized Beetroot powder in albino rabbits.

Beta vulgaris L. is a vegetable most commonly consumed in salads and has been shown to possess multiple benefits. This research was carried out to observe the effects of Beta vulgaris powder at different doses orally in albino rabbits on liver biochemical parameters and coagulation. The study was carried out on albino rabbits which were divided into three groups designated as Group I (administered distilled water) Group II and III (administered beetroot powder at 500mg/kg and 1000mg/kg dose respectively) orally for 2 month duration. The sample was withdrawn at day 0, 30th and 60th day through cardiac puncture. The results showed that both doses of Beta vulgaris were considered safe for use as all the liver parameters were significantly decreased compared to control. Among both doses 500mg/kg dose was considered safer as it reduced the parameters significantly compared to 1000mg/kg dose. Blood coagulation factors at both the doses showed significant increase which was in reference range. Beta vulgaris is a highly beneficial dietary product with ample amount of flavonoids and anti-oxidant agents which might help in improving the liver function and also play a role in coagulation by increasing both fibrinogen levels and prothrombin time.

Rising trend of Nutraceuticals: Evaluation of lyophilized beetroot powder at different doses for its hypolipidemic effects.

A diet comprising of nutrients that would control hypertension as well as hyperlipidemia would be very beneficial over all. This study aimed to assess the effect of lyophilized beet root powder at different doses on lipid profile and hyperlipidemia model. Albino rabbits weighing 1500-2000gms were taken for both studies. Beetroot powder was administered to animals at 500mg/kg and 1000mg/kg doses and after two month dosing the blood samples were withdrawn and lipid profile was assessed. Next a model of hyperlipidemia was created comprising of albino rabbits that were divided into five groups each containing n=6. Group I was considered as control, Group II was marked as Negative control, Group III was taken as standard, whereas Group IV and V were considered as treated and given different doses of beetroot. Blood samples were drawn at baseline, 45th day and at day 60th of study. Highly significant decrease in lipid profile (Cholesterol, LDL and TGS) and significant increase in HDL was observed by both doses after one month. HDL was increased more at 1000mg/kg dose. The presence of flavonoids and saponins in beetroot is responsible for hypolipidemic effect. From our research we came to the conclusion that beetroot powder reduced the lipid profile and could be beneficial in treatment of cardiovascular disease due to atherosclerosis and obesity.

Determination of anxiolytic and antidepressant like activity of hydro alcoholic fruit extract of Pyrus communis (L.) and its impact on the memory after chronic dosing in animal models.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the anxiolytic and antidepressant activity of ethanolic fruit extract of Pyrus communis (pear), in comparison with escitalopram in rodents (rats and mice). Thirty Wistar rats of about 200-250gm and albino mice of 25-30gm, male gender were divided into three groups each comprising of (n=10) animal respectively. Control group received distilled water, positive control received 10mg escitalopram & treated group received 200mg/kg/day of Pyrus communis ethanolic fruit extract orally for 30 days. They were evaluated by using the open field test, forced swim test (FST), plus maze test, light and dark test, hole poking test, stationary rod test, water maze test & cage crossing activity. Results were expressed as mean ± SD. Data was analyzed by using SPSS software (VERSION 21) one way ANOVA followed by Tukey test was used for post hoc analysis. Our result showed that fruit extract had significant antidepressant-like behavior in FST (p<0.001), open field (p<0.05), cage crossing (p<0.001) , significant anxiolytic activity in light and dark box test, plus-maze activity and significantly enhanced learning in water maze and stationary rod test when compared with control. The Pyrus communis fruit extract showed the anxiolytic and antidepressant-like profile in rats and mice. However, further studies need to be carried out in clinical trials for its use in different neuropsychological disorders.

Higher incidence of prescribing rates and utilization of broad spectrum cephalosporin in young patients: A retrospective observational study in a tertiary care hospital.

Frequent use of antibiotics has been developed resistance and the use of broad spectrum cephalosporin must be limited in children. The study evaluated the association of prescribing patterns of third generation cephalosporin with diagnosis, age, availability of cultural sensitivity report and gender. It is an observational study that was carried out in the duration of six months in a low socio-economic tertiary care hospital. The data of six hundred and eighty-five (685) patients were collected from the medical records of the tertiary hospital. The cephalosporin are the most prescribed antibiotics in children 118/217 (54.3%) followed by adults 119/403 (29.5%) and teenagers 18/65 (27.6%). Whereas, 75/217 (34.5%), 126/403 (31.2%) and 22/65 (33.8%) were prescribed cephalosporin with combination in patients respectively. The culture sensitivity was performed only in 25% of patients i.e., 173/685, Of 173 culture reports 70 and 91 cases from children and adults respectively. Blood is mostly examined specimen in children and urine in adults. Escherichia coli was highly recovered pathogen in culture sensitivity report. The study concluded broad spectrum cephalosporin antibiotics were highly prescribed in children. The culture sensitivity was performed in limited number of patients. Antibiotics stewardship programme will be implemented to reduce the prescribing of broad spectrum cephalosporin in young patients.

Dose dependent anticonvulsant activity of Morus nigra in strychnine induced seizures model.

Herbal medicines have gained tremendous surge of interest in recent years. M. nigra leaves are a rich source of phenolics which are well-known for their antioxidant property. Morus nigra popularly known as black mulberry is considered to be the most significant species of genus Morus. This study was designed to evaluate its activity on seizure model in different doses. Five groups were made comprising of n=10 animals in each group respectively. Group I was on distilled water, Group II was administered with reference drug diazepam and Group III, IV and V were on 125mg/kg, 250mg/kg and 500mg/kg dose of Morus nigra for 15 days prior to experiment. On day 16th all animals were administered with strychnine after 30 minutes of respective treatments and three parameters were recorded i.e. duration, frequency and onset of seizures. M. nigra treatment showed significant seizure protection as noted by delayed latency of seizures (P<0.05), decrease in frequency and jerk's duration (P<0.05) in comparison to control and reference standard. Most significant (P<0.05) anticonvulsant effects were observed with 500mg/kg dose. Anticonvulsant activity of M. nigra could be due to potentiation of both Gabaergic and glycinergic activities. Antiepileptic potential of extract could also be amplified due to its antioxidant activity. This could serve as a non-pharmacological treatment for seizure management.

Screening of water distilled Rosa damascena Mill. flowers as hematopoietic agent in an animal model.

Pancytopenia is classified as low blood cell count. Low levels of hemoglobin, red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets are indicative of pancytopenic state. This pancytopenic state can be treatment (drug) or disease induced. Conventional approaches available to treat pancytopenia are usually associated with many undesirable adverse effects, are costly and parenterally administered. Interest in natural products has significantly increased due to their ability to stimulate cellular components of immune system. This study is designed to investigate the hematopoietic i.e. erythropoeitic, leucopoietic and thrombopoeitic potential of water distilled flowers of Rosa damascena Mill.

Effect of different doses of lyophilized beetroot on fertility and reproductive hormones.

Infertility has recently been a common issue for which multiple medicinal as well as surgical treatments are available. Beta vulgaris commonly referred to as garden beet is one of the most utilized vegetable especially in salad dressings. The Present study was conducted to evaluate the effect of lyophilized beet root on fertility and reproductive hormones. The study was carried out in January 2017 on two different animal models. For fertility purpose albino mice of both genders weighing 20-25gm were divided into 5 pairs for each group, First group was control given distilled water, next was treated I being given beetroot 500mg/kg and last one was given 1000mg/kg beetroot. Similarly 5 pairs were made of buck and doe's weighing 1.75gm-2.5gm and labelled as Control, Treated I and Treated II and were administered distilled water, 500mg/kg and 1000mg/kg beetroot respectively. The pups were again mated after they grew up and in this way F1 generation was also observed. The kits were observed for presence of anomaly. The estrogen, progesterone and testosterone levels were evaluated at baseline, during pregnancy and post pregnancy in rabbit model. Improved fertility with no anomalies in the pups and kits were observed. The reproductive hormones were also highly significantly increased (p<0.001) as compared to baseline values. The study suggests that beetroot would be very beneficial in improving fertility and maintaining hormonal level during fertility hence it would prove to be very beneficial in maintaining pregnancy as well as treating infertility.

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

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

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

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

The effects of intellan and cytacon on hematological and biochemical parameter in rabbits: a comparative study.

Several plants have been selected based on their use in traditional systems of medicine, and research has identified a number of natural compounds that could act as Nootropicagents. In this study a herbal product Intellan containing Centella asiatica, Bacopa monniera, Coriandum sativum, Amomum subulatum, Emblica officinalis and another product Cytacon (Cyanocobalamine) were selected The study was designed on animal models to explore the effects on different parameters. For this the animals were given chronic dosing for 6-8 weeks during and after which the parameters were observed to determine their effects. The purpose of focusing on such formulations is to do hematological screening in long-term use. The hematological parameter included hemoglobin/HCT, total leucocyte count, platelets. The lymphocytes and the monocytes counts were increased significantly by intellan, while cyanocobalamine increases RBC counts, platelet counts, monocyte counts, hematocrit etc significantly. The SGPT, SGOT were found increased in both of these drugs.