Possible fasciocidal activity of methanol extract of Dregea volubilis leaves.

In eastern and southern part of India Dregea volubilis (Family Asclepediaceae) is widely used as anthelmintic in traditional system of medicine. The present study was conducted to evaluate the fasciocidal activity of the methanol extract of D. volubilis leaves (MEDV) and to observe the drug's effect on organisms through scanning electron microscopic (SEM) study. Live parasites (Trematode: Fasciola gigantica) were collected in 0.9% phosphate-buffered saline from the bile ducts of buffalo. Those were incubated in the said media at 37 ± 1 °C either as control, or with MEDV at 5, 10, 25, 50 and 100 mg/ml as test groups or with albendazole at 10mg/ml as standard group. The efficacy of the extract was determined on the basis of paralysis (temporary loss of spontaneous movement of the organisms) and/or death of the liver flukes. Death was confirmed when the organisms lost their motility permanently and their motility could not be revived even when vigorously shaken or dipped in warm water. MEDV at all concentration effectively paralyzed first and then killed the liver flukes (p < 0.001). Maximum fasciocidal activity was found with concentration of 100 mg/ml at 38.83 ± 3.41 min. Through SEM study, severe damages were observed in both the suckers as well as on the tegumental surfaces of the treated liver flukes. The study confirmed the fasciocidal activity of the MEDV.

Effect of methanol extract of Bombax malabaricum leaves on nitric oxide production during inflammation.

In different parts of India, Bombax malabaricum DC. (Family: Bombacaceae), a lofty deciduous tree with large leaves, is traditionally used in inflammation. The aim of the present study was to confirm its antiinflammatory activity and to search for the possible mechanism of action for methanol extract of Bombax malabaricum leaves (MEBM). The anti-inflammatory activity of MEBM was evaluated in a carrageenan-induced model of acute inflammation. As inflammation usually involves increased nitric oxide (NO) production, effect of MEBM on lipopolysaccharide-induced NO production in mouse peritoneal macrophages was studied to evaluate its possible mechanism of action. It was found that MEBM was non-toxic up to a dose of 2 g/kg for mice and rats, orally. MEBM (100, 200, and 400 mg/kg) significantly reduced carrageenan-induced rat paw edema (p < 0.05, p < 0.01, p < 0.001, respectively). In mice peritoneal macrophages, the IC50 for MEBM was 258.33 +/- 6.96 microg/mL and it was non-toxic up to 125 microg/mL. MEBM (0-100 microg/mL) reduced lipopolysaccharide-induced NO production in macrophages in a dose-dependent fashion (p < 0.001). Hence, MEBM possesses antiinflammatory activity, mediated through inhibition of NO production.

A comparative study of non-operative and operative management in fracture clavicle.

The clavicle fractures managed non-operatively have shown a high prevalence of symptomatic malunion and non-union. We sought to compare patient-oriented outcome and complication rates following non-operative treatment and those after operative treatment of clavicular fractures. In a prospective randomised study, 30 patients with 30 clavicle fractures were randomised by systemic allocation to either operative treatment or non-operative treatment. Fifteen patients were in each group. Outcome analysis included standard clinical follow-up and the disability of the arm, shoulder and hand (DASH) score, and plain radiographs. The mean follow-up of both groups were 12.56 months. DASH scores were significantly improved in the operative fixation group at all time-points. The mean time to radiographic union was 27.46 weeks in the non-operative group compared with 15.73 weeks in the operative group (p = 0.000). There were no non-unions in both groups. Symptomatic malunion developed in seven patients (46.66%) in the non-operative group and in none in the operative group. The complications in the operative group were hardware-irritation (one case) and incisional numbness (one case). At final follow-up, the patients in the operative group were more satisfied with the appearance of the shoulder (p = 0.039) and with the shoulder in general than were those in the non-operative group. There were no differences between the two groups with respect to patient age, sex, side of injury or associated injuries. Operative fixation of AO type B2 clavicular fracture results in improved functional outcome and early union compared with non-operative treatment at one year of follow-up. This study supports primary operative fixation of completely displaced mid shaft clavicular fractures in active adult patients.

Comparative results of treatment of open diaphyseal fractures of tibia by the use of commonly used external fixators.

The present study was being undertaken in retrospective and prospective basis to investigate the ultimate outcome of the procedure in type IIIA and type IIIB injuries. We have used simple AO type of external fixator and applied uniplanar double tube frame and unilateral biplanar frame. Frames were selected randomly; unilateral uniplanar frame in some patients having type IIIA wound and in some patients having type IIIB wound. Similarly, unilateral biplanar frames were used in some patients with observations have shown that these external fixators are simple, easy to apply, cost-effective and yield acceptably good results. Thus, the 'external fixator' application for the management of open fractures of tibia may give good results even to the poor patients and may be suitable for underdeveloped and developing countries. A study was undertaken by the committee on fracture and traumatic surgery of the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons to evaluate the efficacy and practicability of this method of treatment. The study was carried out in the department of orthopaedics, RG Kar Medical College & Hospital, Kolkata in retrospective and prospective basis since June, 2005. Forty-seven patients were selected from the outpatients department and emergency department having open fracture of shaft of the tibia with or without fracture of the fibula and were treated in the orthopaedic indoor department. The patients were followed up for 6 months to 2 years. Out of 47 cases, 2 patients could not be communicated for follow-up. Normal union could be seen in 25 patients followed by delayed union (n = 11) and malunion (n = 11). Joint shiffness was seen in 16 patients.

In vitro and in vivo antitumor activity of a methanol extract of Dregea volubilis leaves with its antioxidant effect.

CONTEXT: In India, Dregea volubilis (L.f.) Benth. ex Hook.f. (Asclepediaceae), a large twining shrub with a woody vine, is used to treat tumors traditionally. OBJECTIVE: This study evaluated the in vitro and in vivo antitumor activity of the methanol extract of Dregea volubilis leaves (MEDV) and elucidated its possible mechanism of action. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In vitro antitumor activity of MEDV was evaluated against Ehrlich ascites carcinoma (EAC) cell-line. In vivo antitumor and antioxidant activity of MEDV at three dose levels (50, 100, and 200 mg/kg) were determined against EAC tumor-bearing mice. After 24 h of EAC inoculation, the extract was administered for 9 consecutive days. After the administration of the last dose on the 9th day followed by 18 h fasting, mice from all groups were sacrificed to determine antitumor activity and hematological profiles along with liver related biochemical parameters like lipid peroxidation, antioxidant enzymatic activity, etc. RESULTS: For in vitro antitumor activity, IC(50) value of MEDV for EAC tumor cells was 85.51 ± 4.07 µg/ml. The MEDV showed a decrease in tumor volume, packed cell volume and viable cell count and an increase in the non-viable cell count of the EAC tumor-bearing mice (p < 0.001). Hematological profile reverted near to normal level in extract treated mice. MEDV decreased the hepatic lipid peroxidation level and enhanced superoxide dismutase and catalase level in tumor-bearing mice (p < 0.001). DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: MEDV exhibited in vitro and in vivo antitumor activity in EAC tumor-bearing mice mediated through augmenting antioxidant defense system.

Anthelmintic effect of a methanol extract of Bombax malabaricum leaves on Paramphistomum explanatum.

Bombax malabaricum (family Bombacaceae) is used as anthelmintic in traditional system of medicine in Southern Punjab of Pakistan. The objective of this study was to evaluate the anthelmintic activity of the methanol extract of B. malabaricum leaves (MEBM). Live parasites (trematode: Paramphistomum explanatum) were collected from buffalo in 0.9% phosphate-buffered saline. It was incubated in Petri dishes at 37 ± 1°C in media containing either no extract (control) or MEBM, the test drug at 10, 25, 50, and 100 mg/ml dose level or albendazole, the standard drug at 10 mg/ml. The efficacy of the extract or albendazole was measured on the basis of the loss of spontaneous movement and/or death of the trematodes. Paralysis was considered when there is no movement unless shaken vigorously. Death was confirmed when the trematodes completely lost their motility, even when vigorously shaken or dipped in warm water (50°C), followed by fading away of their body color. The trematodes, both drug treated and others, were further processed for SEM study using the standard method. All trematodes died with all the above-mentioned doses of MEBM within a short period of time (less than 45 min) which was statistically highly significant (p < 0.001). MEBM at 100 mg/ml showed maximum efficacy. It paralyzed and killed trematodes in 18.50 ± 0.62 and 22.17 ± 0.48 min, respectively. SEM study showed that MEBM-treated trematodes were stretched. The study established the anthelmintic activity of MEBM.

Anthelmintic effect of a methanol extract of leaves of Dregea volubilis on Paramphistomum explanatum.

Dregea volubilis (family Asclepediaceae) is widely used as anthelmintic in traditional system of medicine in eastern and southern part of India. The aim of this study was to evaluate the anthelmintic activity of the methanol extract of D. volubilis leaves (MEDV) and to observe its effect through SEM study. Live parasites (trematode Paramphistomum explanatum) were collected from buffalo in 0.9% phosphate-buffered saline (PBS). It was incubated at 37 ± 1°C in media containing either no extract (control), the test drug, MEDV at four dose levels (10, 25, 50, and 100 mg/ml) or the standard drug, albendazole, at a dose of 10 mg/ml. The effectiveness of the extract was judged on the basis of the loss of spontaneous movement and/or complete destruction or death of the trematodes. After being removed from the experimental medium, trematodes were dipped in PBS at 37 ± 1°C and on gentle stimulation, the paralyzed parasite showed immobility. Death was confirmed when it completely lost its motility even when vigorously shaken or dipped in warm water (50°C). The trematodes, both drug treated and others, were further processed for SEM study using standard method. The anthelmintic activity was found with all the doses through paralysis and death of the organisms (p < 0.001). Maximum anthelmintic activity was found with a dose of 100 mg/ml. Minor damage was observed with both suckers, but severe distortion was found with tegumental surface of the treated trematodes. The present SEM-based study established the anthelmintic activity of MEDV.

Larvicidal activity of Dregea volubilis and Bombax malabaricum leaf extracts against the filarial vector Culex quinquefasciatus.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the larvicidal activity of two plant leaf powder and leaf-extracts, Dregea volubilis and Bombax malabaricum against Culex quinquefasciatus. METHODS: The larvicidal bioassay was done for powdered leaves of Dregea volubilis and Bombax malabaricum individually and their methanol extracts against first-, second-, third- and fourth-instar larval forms of Culex quinquefasciatus. Mortality rate was recorded after 24, 48 and 72 h of post-exposure. LC(50) and LC(90) values were calculated at different time intervals for third instar larvae. RESULTS: All the graded concentration (0.1%, 0.2%, 0.3%, 0.4%, 0.5%) of powdered leaves showed significant (P <0.05) larval mortality. The mortality rate was higher in 50 ppm doses of methanolic extracts of both the plants against Culex quinquefaciatus. The corresponding LC(50) values were 56.97 ppm and 48.85 ppm, respectively after 24 h of exposure. There is no mortality of non-target organism such as Chironomous circumdatus, Oreochromis niloticus niloticus and Diplonichus annulatum within 72 h of post exposure to 0.1%, 0.2%, 0.3% crude powdered leaves and methanolic extracts of both the two individual plants under the laboratory condition. The results of preliminary qualitative phytochemical analysis of both the plants revealed the presence of many bioactive principles such as steroids, tannins, flavonoids, triterpenoids, saponins, etc. that may be responsible for their bio-control potentiality. CONCLUSIONS: The results have shown potential and eco-friendly use of both plant extracts against larva of Culex quinquefasciatus for the first time.

Anti-inflammatory effect of a methanolic extract of leaves of Dregea volubilis.

AIM OF STUDY: The aim of this study was to establish the anti-inflammatory activity of the methanolic extract of Dregea volubilis leaves (MEDV) with its fractions and to delineate the possible mechanism of action for MEDV. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The anti-inflammatory activities of MEDV along with its petroleum ether and chloroform fractions were evaluated in a carrageenan induced model of acute inflammation. The effect of MEDV on lipopolysaccharide induced production of nitric oxide (NO) in macrophages was also studied. RESULTS: MEDV (100, 200 and 400 mg/kg body weight) significantly reduced carrageenan induced paw edema; chloroform fraction was most potent (66%, p<0.001). MEDV was non-toxic up to 125 µg/ml in mouse peritoneal macrophages wherein it (0-100 µg/ml) reduced lipopolysaccharide induced NO production. CONCLUSION: MEDV possesses significant anti-inflammatory activity. Chloroform fraction of MEDV showed best anti-inflammatory activity.