Monoterpene phenolic compound thymol prevents high fat diet induced obesity in murine model.

CONTEXT: Obesity has become a worldwide health problem. Most of the synthetic anti-obesity drugs have failed to manage the obesity due to either ineffectiveness or adverse effect. The research of prominent chemical constituents from herbal for the management of obesity has greatly increased. OBJECTIVE: The main objective of the present study was intended to examine the effects of thymol in high-fat diet (HFD)-induced obesity in murine model. METHODS: Male Wistar rats were fed HFD for 6 weeks to induce obesity. Thymol (14 mg/kg) administered orally twice a day to HFD-fed rats for 4 weeks. Alteration in body weight gain, visceral fat-pads weight and serum biochemical markers were assessed. RESULTS: At the end of study, rats fed with HFD exhibited significantly (p < 0.001) enhanced body weight gain, visceral pad weight, lipids, alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransaminase (AST), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), glucose, insulin and leptin levels compared with rats fed with normal diets. Thymol treatment showed significantly (p < 0.001) decreased body weight gain, visceral fat-pad weights, lipids, ALT, AST, LDH, BUN, glucose, insulin, and leptin levels in HFD-induced obese rats. Furthermore, thymol treatment showed significantly decreased serum lipid peroxidation and increased antioxidant levels in HFD-induced obese rats. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS: Thymol prevents HFD-induced obesity in murine model through several mechanisms including attenuation of visceral fat accumulation, lipid lowering action, improvement of insulin and leptin sensitivity and enhanced antioxidant potential.

Quality Control and Stability Testing of Arq Formulations of Unani Pharmacopeia of India Using HPTLC and GC-MS.

BACKGROUND: There is an increasing global demand for traditional medicines because of their efficacy, ease of availability, and few or no side effects. The Unani medicines have long been used in India and abroad for various disorders and diseases. Arqiyat (Arq; distillate) is one of the most widely used Unani formulation prepared by simple distillation from single or combination drugs. OBJECTIVE: In the present investigation, an attempt has been made to generate data for quality control and stability testing of Arq formulations of the Unani Pharmacopeia of India that includes only three Arq formulations. METHOD: Arq-e-Nana (AeN), Arq-e-Gazar (AeG), and Arq-e-Brinjasif (AeB) were prepared through hydrodistillation. Quality control and stability analysis were performed by using HPTLC and GC-MS. RESULTS: Dichloromethane extract of AeB showed maximum of 10 bands at different retardation factor values; however, there are 7 bands in AeN as well as in AeG. GC-MS analysis showed presence of 10 metabolites in AeG, 8 in AeN, and 9 in AeB. Stability studies showed that the shelf life of Arq formulations would be enhanced at refrigeration (5 ± 2°C) conditions. CONCLUSIONS: The present study highlights quality control and stability analysis of Arq formulations of Unani Pharmacopeia of India using HPTLC and GC-MS.

Aromatic aldehyde compound cuminaldehyde protects nonalcoholic fatty liver disease in rats feeding high fat diet.

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is caused by fat accumulation and is related with obesity and oxidative stress. In this study, we investigated the effect of cuminaldehyde on NAFLD in rats fed a high fat diet (HFD). Male Wistar rats were fed a HFD for 42 days to induce NAFLD. The progression of NAFLD was evaluated by histology and measuring liver enzymes (alanine transaminase and aspartate transaminase), serum and hepatic lipids (total triglycerides and total cholesterol), and oxidative stress markers (thiobarbituric acid reactive substances, glutathione, superoxide dismutase, and catalase). The HFD feeding increased the liver weight and caused NAFLD, liver steatosis, hyperlipidemia, oxidative stress, and elevated liver enzymes. Administration of cuminaldehyde ameliorated the changes in hepatic morphology and liver weight, decreased levels of liver enzymes, and inhibited lipogenesis. Our findings suggest that cuminaldehyde could improve HFD-induced NAFLD via abolishment of hepatic oxidative damage and hyperlipidemia. Cuminaldehyde might be considered as a potential aromatic compound in the treatment of NAFLD and obesity through the modulation of lipid metabolism.

The 19 Fr. Intrauterine Bigatti Shaver (IBS®): a clinical and technical update.

In this case report we describe the first two surgeries conducted with the 19 Fr. IBS®. The indication for operative hysteroscopy in both patients was the removal of polyps. The size of the polyps was between 15 mm and 20 mm with a mean resection time of 40 seconds. Normal saline solution (500 ml) was used with a negative fluid loss (100 ml). Both operations were successfully performed under general anaesthesia and no speculum, no tenaculum and no dilatation of the cervical canal were necessary.

Operative hysteroscopy with the Bigatti shaver (IBS ®) for the removal of placental remnants.

BACKGROUND: About 15-20% of pregnant women will miscarry spontaneously during the first trimester. Traditionally, the surgical treatment of placental remnants has been dilation and curettage (D&C). However, because of its 'blind' nature there is a risk of serious complications, such as infection, adhesion, uterine perforation, or bowel injury. Hysteroscopy, with direct visualization of the uterine cavity, decreases these complications. In this retrospective case series we evaluated the efficacy and the feasibility of operative hysteroscopy using the Intrauterine Bigatti Shaver (IBS ® ) for the treatment of placental remnants, both, in a University hospital in Italy and in a private hospital in Iran. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From December 2013 to April 2018 a retrospective medical records review, of patients undergoing placental remnant removal with the IBS ® , was performed. Sixty-five patients suspected of retained products of conception (RPOC) underwent operative hysteroscopy during this period using the IBS ® . Placental remnants were confirmed histologically in 52 cases (80%). The median age of the patients was 36 years. Placental remnants were observed after 42 early miscarriages, 5 terminations of pregnancy, 4 vaginal deliveries and 1 cesarean delivery. Thirty-two patients had abnormal uterine bleeding, 15 were asymptomatic and 5 had subfertility after miscarriage. Most cases (90%) were diagnosed by transvaginal ultrasound. RESULTS: The median interval between surgery and the end of pregnancy was 56 days (a range of 15-90 days). The size of placental remnants was between 15 and 30mm. Three women showed a cavity filled with placental tissue residual (more than 4cm). The median resection time was 4.5 minutes and the median total surgery time was 6.6 minutes. Median fluid deficit [saline solution] was 240 ml. In two cases there was excessive intraoperative bleeding, and one patient required a conversion to bipolar resectoscope for hemostatic reasons. No perforation or postoperative complications occurred. There was no need for second-look operative hysteroscopy and postoperative ultrasound confirmed complete evacuation of the RPOC. Only one patient had a minor adhesion. CONCLUSION: The IBS ® seems to be an effective and safe instrument for the removal of placental remnants. It allows for short operation time with a high success and low complication rate.

Hysteroscopic tissue removal systems for the treatment of intrauterine pathology: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: The use of mechanical tissue removal systems is more frequently implemented as the first line approach for the treatment of intrauterine pathology. Scientific evidence is provided that their use is easier and faster than the conventional resectoscope. It is necessary to objectively evaluate the results on tissue removal systems for the treatment of endometrial pathology as the reports in the literature are still conflicting. OBJECTIVE: To review and compare mechanical hysteroscopic tissue removal systems (Truclear®, Myosure® or IBS®) versus conventional bipolar and monopolar resectoscopy for the treatment of polyp and myoma removal. Operation time, completeness of tissue removal, complication rate, fluid deficit, tolerability and learning curve were evaluated. METHODS: Electronic databases PubMed; Medline and Web of Science were searched for papers published from 1st January 2010 to 1st May 2019 using terms: ("hysteroscopic" or "hysteroscopy" or "hysteroscopic surgery") and ("myoma" or "polyps"). Studies were included if they were retrospective, observational and prospective randomized clinical controlled trials if they investigated the techniques between the tissue removal systems (Truclear®, Myosure® or IBS®) and conventional resectoscopy for the treatment of intrauterine pathology. Data were extracted from the included studies by two independent reviewers. Meta-analysis was performed by Rev Man 5 software (Cochrane Collaboration, London, UK). Results: Overall, 498 patients were analysed from five studies in which there was no difference in age and size of pathology treated either by the hysteroscopic tissue removal systems and the conventional resectoscope. Hysteroscopic tissue removal systems showed a significantly higher success rate of complete endometrial pathology removal (P=0.002) and a significantly shorter operation time for polyp removal (P<0.0001) compared to conventional resectoscopy. No significant differences, in terms of complications rate, were found (P=0.09). The fluid deficit was significantly higher in the tissue removal system group, compared to conventional resectoscopy (P=0.02). CONCLUSION: Hysteroscopic tissue removal systems showed a major advantage in successful removal of the pathology and total operation time. It is likely that the tissue removal systems are more accessible and have a lower complication profile including perforation, via falsa and bleeding due to its specific action mechanism and shorter operation time but higher-quality trials will be required to confirm this hypothesis.

Investigation of anti-asthmatic potential of Kanakasava in ovalbumin-induced bronchial asthma and airway inflammation in rats.

ETHNO-PHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Kanakasava is an Indian traditional Ayurvedic formulation containing Datura (Datura metel), Vasaca (Adhatoda vasica), Dhataki (Woodfordia fruticosa) and Grape (Vitis vinifera) extracts as major constituents and used to treat pulmonary diseases including coughing, breathing difficulty and asthma. The present study was designed to assess the safety and therapeutic efficacy of Kanakasava against ovalbumin-induced bronchial asthma and related airway inflammation in rats due to lack of evidence based therapeutic efficacy data. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Male wistar rats were sensitized with allergen (ovalbumin, 40mg/rat+aluminum hydroxide, 2.0mg/rat) and treated orally with standard dexamethasone (2.5mg/kg, b.w.) or Kanakasava (1.23 and 2.46ml/kg, b.w.) from day 1 to day 28. Inflammatory markers, including cell counts and cytokines such as interleukins (IL-4, IL-5, IL-1ß), tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α), leukotriene (LTD-4), immunoglobulin (IgE), nitric oxide and nitrite levels in both blood and broncheo alveolar lavaged fluid (BALF) were analyzed. Abdominal mesentery was studied histologically for mast cell degranulation, whereas lung functions were investigated by spirometer. Method was also developed to quantify gallic acid and ethyl gallate content in Kanakasava by HPTLC for its quality control. RESULTS: None of the rats exhibited mortality and Kanakasava was found to be safe at the tested doses. Treatment with Kanakasava significantly (P<0.01) reversed elevated levels of IgE, cytokines, nitrites and influx of eosinophils and neutrophils in blood and BALF. These findings were further supported by the significant improvement in lung functions (P<0.01) and suppression (P<0.01) of degranulation of mast cells. The content of gallic acid and ethyl gallate in Kanakasava was found to be 1.94% and 0.98%, respectively. CONCLUSION: These findings demonstrated the preventive effect of Kanakasava in allergen induced model of asthma providing scientific basis for its traditional use in Ayurveda, since long time.

Antidiabetic activity of an ethanol extract obtained from the stem bark of Psidium guajava (Myrtaceae).

This study analyzed the antidiabetic properties of an ethanol extract of the stem bark of Psidium guajava, an indigenous medicinal plant used to control diabetes in Indian System of Medicine. The anti-hyperglycaemic activity of this plant on blood glucose levels of normal, normal glucose loaded (OGTT) and alloxan-induced hyperglycaemic rats was evaluated. The results showed that ethanol stem bark extract exhibited statistically significant hypoglycaemic activity in alloxan-induced hyperglycaemic rats but was devoid of significant hypoglycaemic effect in normal and normal glucose loaded rats (OGTT).

In-vivo purging with the anti-CD20 antibody rituximab along with standard allogeneic peripheral blood stem cell transplantation (PBSCT) for relapsed childhood pre-B acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL).

This case report describes the use of Rituximab for in vivo purging (by intravenous infusion) in a 12 years old boy with second remission of pre-B ALL. It was followed by conditioning therapy consisted of Busulphan and Cyclophosphamide. rh-G-CSF primed stem cells from an HLA identical sibling donor were infused. Standard graft versus host disease prophylaxis was given. He engrafted within two weeks. He did not develop acute graft versus host disease (aGvHD) but localized chronic GvHD developed. He had been on regular follow-up at CMH, Rawalpindi and is in complete remission 13 months post-PBSCT with no evidence of chronic GvHD at present.

Febrile neutropenia in paediatric peripheral blood stem cell transplantation, in -vitro sensitivity data and clinical response to empirical antibiotic therapy.

OBJECTIVE: To find the in-vitro sensitivity data and clinical response in order to determine the changes required in empiric antibiotic therapy for management of febrile neutropenia in paediatric patients undergoing peripheral blood stem cell transplantation. DESIGN: A descriptive study. PLACE AND DURATION OF STUDY: Paediatric bone marrow transplant unit at Bismillah Taqee Institute of Health Sciences and Blood Disease Center from September 1999 to May 2004. PATIENTS AND METHODS: All patients were treated according to institutional protocol for febrile neutropenia. Empirical antibiotics include Ceftriaxone and Amikacin. In non-responders, changes made included Imipenem and Amikacin, Piperacillin Tazobactum/Tiecoplanin or Vancomycin/Cloxacilin/Ceftazidime. In non-responders, amphotaracin was added until recovery. RESULTS: Out of 52 patients, 5 did not develop any fever; in the remaining 47 patients there were 57 episodes of febrile neutropenia. The mean days of febrile episodes were 4.71 (range 3-8). Fever of unknown origin (FUO) occurred in 31 (54.3%) episodes. Microbiologically documented infection (MDI) occurred in 17 (29.8%) episodes of fever. Clinically documented infection (CDI) occurred in 9 (15.7%) episodes. Gram-negative organisms were isolated in 10 while gram-positive organisms in 7. Klebseilla, S. aureus were the most common isolates. Empirical therapy was effective in 12 of the 33 (36%) episodes. Out of 28, 26 (92%) responded to Imipenem/Amikacin as second line therapy while those who received any other second line combination, only 11 out of 22 (50%) showed response. Systemic Amphotericin was used in 4 patients, 2 responded. Infection related mortality rate was 4%. CONCLUSION: Gram-negative infections predominated, Imipenem/ Amikacin found to be most effective therapy while a low mortality rate is recorded in our setting suggesting good infection control.

Investigation of anti-asthmatic potential of dried fruits of Vitis vinifera L. in animal model of bronchial asthma.

BACKGROUND: Fruits of Vitis vinifera L., commonly known as grapes, are largely consumed worldwide because of their high nutritional and medicinal benefits. CONTEXT AND PURPOSE: The present study investigated effects of V. vinifera fruits in ovalbumin-induced animal model of bronchial asthma. METHODS: Male wistar rats (except group 1) were sensitized with allergen (ovalbumin, 40 mg/rat + aluminum hydroxide, 2 mg/rat). Groups of sensitized animals were treated orally with either vehicle (0.4 mL/kg), standard dexamethasone (2.5 mg/kg) or alcoholic extract of V. vinifera dried fruits (31 and 42.5 mg/kg) from day 1 to 28 (n = 6 for all groups). Inflammatory markers including cell counts, cytokines such as interleukin (IL)-4, IL-5, IL-1ß, tumor necrosis factor, immunoglobulin E (IgE), leukotrienes and nitrite levels in both blood/serum and bronchoalveolar fluid were analysed. Breathing rate and tidal volume as lung function parameters were examined by spirometer. Lung tissues were studied for histamine content and histopathology. RESULTS: Treatment of sensitized animals with dexamethasone or two doses of V. vinifera fruits extract inhibited recruitment of inflammatory cytokines, IgE, nitrites and circulating cells particularly eosinophils in blood/serum and bronchoalveolar fluid (p < 0.001, p < 0.01 and p < 0.05). Dexamethasone and V. vinifera fruits extract treatment also normalized lung functions and histamine levels compared to ovalbumin-sensitized controls (p < 0.05 and p < 0.01). Moreover, both drugs exhibited protection against airway inflammation in lung histology. CONCLUSION: Results of study demonstrate the effectiveness of V. vinifera fruits in allergic asthma possibly related to its ability to inhibit cellular response and subsequent production of inflammatory cytokines.

Effect of aqueous extract of Pterocarpus marsupium wood on alloxan-induced diabetic rats.

An aqueous extract of Pterocarpus marsupium wood was screened for hypoglycemic activity on alloxan-induced diabetic rats. During both acute and sub-acute tests, the water extract, at an oral dose of 250 mg/kg, showed statistically significant hypoglycemic activity.

Effect of Aralia cachemirica Decne root extracts on blood glucose level in normal and glucose loaded rats.

An aqueous and alcoholic extract of the roots of Aralia cachemirica (Araliaceae) were evaluated for hypoglycemic activity in normal fasted and glucose induced hyperglycemic rats. The aqueous and alcoholic extracts at a dose of 250 mg/kg showed statistically significant (p < 0.01) hypoglycemic activity in glucose loaded animals however no effect was observed in normal fasted rats.

Matrix Solid-Phase Dispersion Extraction and Quantification of Alpinetin in Amomum Seed using Validated HPLC and HPTLC Methods.

Alpinetin is a flavonoidal constituent of seeds of Amomum subulatum Roxb., recently reported to possess vasorelaxant and antiHIV activities. Simple, accurate and precise HPLC and HPTLC methods were developed for the analysis of alpinetin in A. subulatum seed extracts and extraction technique was optimized to get maximum yield using conventional, ultrasonic and matrix solid phase dispersion extraction. HPLC was performed on a C18 column with methanol and water (70:30, v/v) as mobile phase at a flow rate of 1.0 ml/min whereas HPTLC on silica aluminum sheet (60F254) using toluene, dichloromethane and ethyl acetate as solvent system. A sharp peak was obtained for alpinetin at a retention time (Rt) of 5.7 min by HPLC and retardation factor (Rf) of 0.48 by HPTLC. Both methods were validated as per the ICH guidelines and the content of alpinetin was estimated in different extracts. Matrix solid phase dispersion technique was found most suitable for extracting alpinetin as compared to other techniques. Validation data are indicative of good precision and accuracy and proved the reliability of the methods.

Quality control and in vitro antioxidant potential of Coriandrum sativum Linn.

BACKGROUND: Coriandrum sativum Linn., commonly known as coriander, is a well-known spice and drug in India. It has various health-related benefits and used in various Unani formulations. In this present study, quality assessment of coriander fruits was carried out by studying anatomical characters, physicochemical tests, and chemoprofiling using high performance thin layer chromatography (HPTLC) and gas chromatography-mass spectroscopy (GC-MS) along with in vitro antioxidant potential. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Standardization was carried out as per the pharmacopeial guidelines. Estimation of heavy metals, pesticides, and aflatoxins was carried out to ascertain the presence of any contaminant in the sample. Chemoprofiling was achieved by thin layer chromatography (TLC) by optimizing the mobile phase for different extracts. The most of the pharmacological activities of coriander are based on volatile oil constituents. Hence, GC-MS profiling was also carried out using hexane-soluble fraction of hydro-alcoholic extract. The total phenolic contents and in vitro antioxidant efficacy were determined using previously established methods. RESULTS: The quality control and anatomical studies were very valuable for the identification whereas good antioxidant potential was observed when compared to ascorbic acid. The drug was found free of contaminant when analyzed for pesticides and aflatoxins whereas heavy metals were found under reported limits. CONCLUSION: The work embodied in this present research can be utilized for the identification and the quality control of the coriander fruit.

Standardization and in vitro antioxidant activity of jatamansi rhizome.

BACKGROUND: Nardostachys jatamansi Linn. commonly known as jatamansi is a well notorious drug in Indian systems of medicines having various health-related benefits and employed in various herbal formulations due to the presence of high levels of valuable phenolic constituents. The present study was aimed to quality assessment of Jatamansi rhizome by studying macro- and micro-scopic characters along with physicochemical tests, chemo-profiling using thin layer chromatography (TLC), and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), in vitro antioxidant activity. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Standardization was carried out as per the pharmacopeial guidelines and contaminant estimation was carried out by analyzing the samples for the determination of heavy metals, pesticides, and aflatoxins. Chemo-profiling was done with TLC by optimizing the mobile phase for different extracts. The GC-MS chemo-profiling was also carried out by using hexane soluble fraction of the hydroalcoholic extract. The drug is well known for a protective role in the human body as an antioxidant, so total phenolic contents and in vitro antioxidant efficacy was also determined by using established methods. RESULTS: The results of quality control and anatomical studies were very much useful for its identification, whereas significant antioxidant efficacy was also observed. The drug was found free of contaminants when analyzed for pesticides and aflatoxins, whereas heavy metals were found under the pharmacopeial limit. CONCLUSION: The findings of the present research can be utilized for the identification and quality control of the jatamansi rhizome.

Formulation of nanoemulsion: a comparison between phase inversion composition method and high-pressure homogenization method.

There is lot of confusion in the literatures regarding the method of production of nanoemulsion. According to some authors, only the methods using high energy like high-pressure microfluidizer or high-frequency ultra-sonic devices can produce actual nanoemulsions. In contrast to this concept, one research group reported for the first time the preparation of nanoemulsion by a low-energy method. Later on many authors reported about the low-energy emulsification method. The purpose of this work is to formulate, evaluate and compare nanoemulsions prepared using high-energy as well as low-energy method. Nanoemulsions formulated were based on the phase inversion composition technique (low energy method) and were selected from the ternary phase diagram based on the criterion of their being a minimum concentration of S(mix) used in the formulation. For high-pressure homogenization method (high energy method) Design-Expert software was used, and the desirability function was probed to acquire an optimized formulation. No significant difference (p > 0.05) was observed in the globule size of formulations made by each method, but the value of poly-dispersibility index between the two methods was found to be extremely significant (p < 0.001). A very significant difference (p < 0.001) was observed in the drug release from formulations made by each method. More than 60% of the drug was released from all the formulations in the initial 2 h of the dissolution study.

Antihyperglycemic activity of Euphrasia officinale leaves.

The effects of the aqueous extract of the leaf of Euphrasia officinale on blood glucose levels in normal and alloxan-diabetic rats were investigated. The treatment of alloxan-induced diabetic rats brought down the raised glucose levels, while the extract was devoid of hypoglycemic effect in normal rats.

Norditerpenic ester and pentacyclic triterpenoids from root bark of Calotropis procera (Ait) R. Br.

A new norditerpenyl ester, named Calotropterpenyl ester, and two unknown pentacyclic triterpenoids, namely calotropursenyl acetate and calotropfriedelenyl acetate have been isolated from the root bark of Calotropis procera. Their structures have been established as 6,10,14-trimethylpentadec-6-enyl-2',4',8',12',16'-pentamethyl nonadecane ester, urs-12,19(29)-diene-3 beta-yl acetate and friedelin-1-ene-3 beta-yl acetate, respectively, on the basis of spectral data analyses and chemical reactions.

New oleanene and fernane-type triterpenes from the stem bark of Betula pendula roth.

A new oleanene-type triterpene, named betuloleanolic acid acetate and fernane-type triterpenes, namely betufernanediol A and betufernanediol B (isomers) have been isolated from the stem bark of Betula pendula. Their structures have been established as olean-12-en-3beta-ylacetate-29-oic acid, fern-22(29)-en-3beta,12beta-diol and fem-22(29)-en-3alpha,12beta-diol, respectively, on the basis of spectral data analysis and chemical reactions.