REPORT-The phytochemical valuation and lipid profile impression with Zanthoxylum armatum (Rutaceae) through animal-model.

The exploration of promising anti-obesity influence of Zanthoxylum armatum (Rutaceae) is determined through our study of in-vitro and animal models. Obesity was induced in experimental albino rabbits by feeding highly fat diet (HFD) with regular feed for fortnight. The appraisal of anti-obesity of MZA and CZA extracts of leaves, fruit and stem of Z. armatum was performed in obese rabbits. Animals were divided into 04 groups. One group was categorized as control who received only HFD with no any extracts and drug. Other group was given orlistat orally a standard drug (10 mg/kg) in combination with the HFD regularly for 03 weeks and marked as positive control. Other 02 groups were allocated as experimental groups, 1st and 2nd experimental groups were administered daily 300 mg/kg of MZA and CMA extracts per oral route respectively for the same period. The substantial fall of lipid profile (total cholesterol, LDL, VLDL and TGs) and rise of HDL were perceived with methanolic extract on comparison to control groups. However, CMZ exhibited little response on serum lipid-profile. On conclusion, MZA extract of Z. armatum (areal parts) was considered a valid anti-obesity herbal remedy in experimental rabbits fed on high-feed diet.

Genotoxic and cytotoxic action potential of Terminalia citrina, a medicinal plant of ethnopharmacological significance.

Most herbal medicines utilized in complementary and alternative medicine lack safety evaluation setting our lives under unwarranted risks. Present study comprised of genotoxic and cytotoxic appraisal of Terminalia citrina fruits which are used as a folklore medicine for treatment of various ailments. Aqueous and ethanolic extracts of T. citrina fruit extracts were evaluated for the presence of different phytochemicals. Genotoxic potential of both the extract of T. citrina was assessed through Ames reverse mutagenicity assay in Salmonella TA 100 and 102 strains. Cytotoxic potential of T. citrina was determined in baby hamster kidney cell line (BHK-21). Statistical analysis was carried out by ANOVA following post hoc test. Phytochemical analysis showed the presence of alkaloids, carbohydrates, phenolic compounds, tannins, catechins and saponins. It was revealed that both the extracts of T. citrina exhibited significant mutagenicity in tester strains. Ethanolic extract showed higher mutagenicity in TA 100 strain, whereas aqueous extract of T. citrina exhibited higher mutagenicity in TA 102 strain than TA 100. Both the extracts of T. citrina showed dose-dependent mutagenicity. Fifty percent cell viability was exhibited by 260 and 545 µg/mL of ethanolic and aqueous extracts respectively. This study concludes that the ethanolic and aqueous fruit extracts of T. citrina may not be safe owing to their mutagenic and cytotoxic potential and it necessitates further investigation regarding its safety evaluation.

Iron deficiency anaemia in reproductive age women attending obstetrics and gynecology outpatient of university health centre in Al-Ahsa, Saudi Arabia.

BACKGROUND: Iron deficiency is the most common nutritional disorder in the world. The aim of this questionnaire based survey study was to determine the prevalence of iron deficiency anemia in reproductive age women, and their relation to variables such as age, marital status, education with those attending obstetrics and gynecology outpatient of King Faisal University Health Centre in Al-Ahsa in eastern region of Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study was conducted for the period of 6 month staring from September 2012 to February 2013. The questionnaire had three sections on personal information: their educational indicators, gynecological clinical history, and hematological indices. RESULTS: The average age was 25.97±7.17 years. According to the gynecological clinical history of the respondents, 15 (48.4%) respondents were pregnant while 16 (51.6%) were not pregnant. There was significant effect of pregnancy status on Hb level. Majority of the anemic respondents 15/17 were married. Moreover 14/17 anemic women were experiencing severe menstrual bleeding, 11/17 respondents were pregnant. 54.8% of respondents were hemoglobin deficient while 77.4% were found to have low Hct. In 87.1 % of the respondents, transferrin saturation was found to be abnormal. CONCLUSION: In this study iron deficiency anemia is quite prevalent in the university community especially among pregnant women. The fetus's and newborn infant's iron status depends on the iron status of the pregnant woman and therefore, iron deficiency in the mother-to-be means that growing fetus probably will be iron deficient as well. Thus iron deficiency anemia during pregnancy in well-educated set up needs more attention by the concerned authorities.