Treatment of schistosomiasis by seeds of lagenaria siceraria and its comparison with allopathic drugs in Buffaloes

Background: The discovery of opioid receptors and ligand in the brain and spinal cord lead to the feasibility of their use intrathecally. Pethidine is the only narcotic that has been shown to be effective intrathecally for surgery. This is probably because it as a phenyl-piperidine derivative and has a structure and action similar to that of local anaesthetic.Subjects and Methods:50 patients belonging to ASA grade 1 and 2 physical status were randomly assigned to two groups A and B. Patients in group A received 1 ml of 5% lignocaine (heavy) intrathecally and those in group B gained intrathecal Pethidine (preservative-free) 0.5mg/kg body weight. The time for onset and level of sensory blockade, onset and degree of motor blockade, hemodynamic parameters, time for regression of sensory and motor blockade, duration of postoperative analgesia and side effects were noted and compared in both the groups.Results:Two groups were comparable with respect to age, sex, height and weight. The onset of sensory and motor blockade in-group A was 2.00±1.06min and 2.56±0.88 and in-group B it was 3.56±1.64 min and 7.22±1.11 min respectively, which was statistically significant. Grade I motor paralysis was seen in 2 cases (10%) in group A and 15 cases (75%) in groupB. Grade II motor paralysis was seen in 6 cases (30%) in group A and 5 cases (25%) in group B. Grade III motor paralysis was viewed in 12 cases (60%) in group A and 0 cases(0%) in group B. Grade I and III motor paralysis in the groups were statistically significant (p<0.05). Time for sensory regression at L1 was 65.12±4.83 min in-group A and 94.60±6.88 min in-group B that was statistically very significant (p<0.05). The time for regression of motor blockade was 60.40±3.85 in-group A and 60.20±5.02 in group B, which was statistically not significant (p>0.05). The duration of postoperative analgesia was 122.84±9.37 min in-group A and 320.60±23.02 in group B, which was statistically very significant. The incidence of side effects was comparable in both groups.Conclusion:Pethidine (preservative-free) 0.5mg/kg body weight can be used intrathecally as a sole anaesthetic agent to provide prolonged postoperative analgesia associated with hemodynamic stability and early ambulation in patients undergoing perineal surgeries.

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Lorazepam As Anxiolytic Sedative Night Before Operation

Journal of Armed Forces Medical College Bangladesh ◽

10.3329/jafmc.v7i2.10392 ◽

2012 ◽

Vol 7 (2) ◽

pp. 25-28

Author(s):

ME Karim ◽

MH Rahman ◽

MHMD Hossain ◽

MN Ahsan

Keyword(s):

Body Weight ◽

Side Effects ◽

Military Hospital ◽

Male Population ◽

Female Population ◽

Haemodynamic Parameters ◽

Elective Surgical Procedures ◽

Group A ◽

Group B ◽

Induction Of Anaesthesia

Introduction: Surgical patients have a high incidence of anxiety and there is a significant inverse relationship between anxiety and smoothness in induction of anaesthesia. The benzodiazepines are very effective at melting away the active terror of anxiety. Diazepam, a long acting benzodiazepine, is widely used by the anaesthesiologist to allay anxiety and provide sedation. The metabolism of diazepam is slow and is depressed by many factors such as old age, disease states (e.g. hepatic cirrhosis) and concomitant drug administration (e.g. cimetidine). Lorazepam, an intermediate acting benzodiazepine, is well absorbed orally. It is conjugated in the liver to the pharmacologically inactive glucuronide and its metabolism is less impaired by the above factors. Objective: To compare the anxiolytic properties of lorazepam with diazepam before elective surgical procedures. Method: One hundred patients of American Society of Anaesthesiologists (ASA) grade I and grade II, who were scheduled for general surgical, gynaecological operative procedures under general and regional anaesthesia in Combined Military Hospital, Saidpur Cantonment, during the period between June 2008 to June 2010, were included in this study. They were randomly distributed into two groups. Subjects of group A (n=50) received diazepam (Sedil) orally in a dose of 5 mg for <30 kg body weight or 10 mg for 30-70 kg body weight or 15 mg for >70 kg body weight. Subjects of group B (n=50) received lorazepam (Ativan) orally in a dose of 2 mg for <30 kg body weight or 4 mg for 30-70 kg body weight or 6 mg for >70 kg body weight. The effects of the two drugs as anxiolytic sedatives were compared on the basis of haemodynamic parameters, side effects and quality of sleep. Results: There was no significant change in haemodynamic parameters between the two groups. Drugs on group B (Lorazepam group) were found to be more anxiolytic than drugs on group A (Diazepam group). Twenty percent of patients in diazepam group complained of moderate anxiety but it was absent in lorazepam group (p<0.01). Six percent of patients were restless/agitated in preoperative period in diazepam group, but it was absent in lorazepam group. Percentage of tranquil patients was significantly higher in lorazepam group (44%) than that in diazepam group (30%). Hangover effect was noted markedly in group B patients (44%) which was nil in group A patients (p<0.01), but it was beneficial for induction of anaesthesia. Moreover this hangover effect was significantly higher (p<0.01) in female population (50%) than in male population (21.05%). Some other side effects like nausea, vertigo were also noticed in patients of both groups and females were more susceptible to these side effects than males which might be an individual variation. Conclusion: Considering all the factors, lorazepam appeared to be a better option than diazepam as anxiolytic sedative night before operation. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jafmc.v7i2.10392 JAFMC 2011; 7(2): 25-28

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LAGENARIA SICERARIA;

The Professional Medical Journal ◽

10.29309/tpmj/2019.26.05.3480 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 26 (05) ◽

Author(s):

Saima Qureshi ◽

Khadija Qamar ◽

Tassaduq Hussain

Keyword(s):

Body Weight ◽

Sodium Arsenite ◽

Control Group ◽

P Value ◽

Lagenaria Siceraria ◽

Sprague Dawley ◽

Group A ◽

Group B ◽

Group D ◽

Experimental Group

Objectives: To observe the effect of lagenaria siceraria on inflammation and fibrosis brought about by arsenic in liver of Sprague Dawley rat. Study Design: Laboratory based randomized control trial. Place and Duration of Study: This experiment was performed at Department of Anatomy, Army Medical College Rawalpindi in co-operation with National Institute of Health (NIH) Islamabad for eight weeks (1st March 2017 to 25th April 2017). Material and Methods: Fifty Sprague Dawley rats (both male and females housed separately) were carefully chosen and distributed randomly into five groups, each consisting of 10 animals. A and B were the control groups whereas C, D and E served as experimental groups. During the first four weeks, experiment groups C, D and E were given a dosage of 5milligram/kilogram body weight of sodium arsenite. At the end of four weeks, animals from control group A and experimental group C were dissected and liver samples were processed for microscopic studies. In the next 4 weeks, group D animals were set aside without any further intervention. At that time, sodium arsenite at a dose of 5 milligram/kilogram body weight and lagenaria siceraria at a dose of 100 milligram/kilogram bodyweight were administered to group E animals. Group B animals served as control for experimental groups D and E. At the end of these 4 weeks animals of groups B, D and E were dissected. Liver was processed, fixed and stained for microscopic study. Area of portal triad as well as liver lobules were studied for inflammation and fibrosis and results were analysed. Statistical tool used to analyse the data was SPSS v 22. Results were considered to be significant when p-value is ≤ 0.05. Results: Experimental group C developed moderate grade fibrosis and inflammation (grade 2 to 3) as compared to group A. Degree of inflammation and fibrosis was mild to moderate (grade 1 to 2) in group D. There was no inflammation and fibrosis (Grade 0 to 1) in group E. Group B served as a control for group D and E. Conclusion: Inflammation and fibrosis developed in the liver of adult rats when they were subjected to sodium arsenite even for a brief calculated period. Simultaneous administration of lagenaria siceraria can shield and diminish the toxic effects of arsenic. Oxidative potential and immunomodulatory properties and presence of flavonoid like substances renders lagenaria siceraria to act as ameliorative against this fibrosis and inflammation in liver lobules and surrounding area of portal triads.

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Evaluation of a New Preparation of Urokinase

Thrombosis and Haemostasis ◽

10.1055/s-0038-1649107 ◽

1973 ◽

Vol 30 (01) ◽

pp. 114-122

Author(s):

C.R.M Prentice ◽

K.M Rogers ◽

G.P McNicol

Keyword(s):

Body Weight ◽

Maintenance Therapy ◽

Initial Dose ◽

Fibrinolytic Activity ◽

Pharmacological Effect ◽

Whole Body ◽

Fibrinolytic Agent ◽

Thromboplastic Activity

SummaryThe pharmacological effect of a new preparation of urokinase (Leo) has been studied, both in vitro and in six patients suffering from thrombo-embolic disorders. It was a non-toxic, effective fibrinolytic agent if given in sufficient dosage. A regimen consisting of an initial dose of 7,200 ploug units per kg body weight, followed by hourly maintenance therapy with 3,600 ploug units per kg intravenously, gave satisfactory evidence of whole body fibrinolytic activity. The preparation had minor but insignificant thromboplastic activity both when assayed in the laboratory and when given to patients.

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Ginger and Heart Health: From Mechanisms to Therapeutics

Current Molecular Pharmacology ◽

10.2174/1874467213666201209105005 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 13 ◽

Author(s):

Sajad Fakhri ◽

Jayanta Kumar Patra ◽

Swagat Kumar Das ◽

Gitishree Das ◽

Mohammad Bagher Majnooni ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Side Effects ◽

Molecular Mechanisms ◽

Biological Activities ◽

Health Benefits ◽

Herbal Medicines ◽

Cardiovascular Complications ◽

National Database ◽

Heart Health ◽

Natural Entities ◽

Cardioprotective Effects

Background: As a major cause of morbidity and mortality, cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are globally increasing. In spite of recent development in the management of cardiovascular complications, CVDs have remained a medical challenge. Numerous conventional drugs are used to play cardioprotective roles; however, they are associated with several side effects. Considering the rich phytochemistry and fewer side effects of herbal medicines, they have gained particular attention to develop novel herbal drugs with cardioprotective potentials. Amongst natural entities, ginger is an extensively used and well-known functional food and condiment, possessing plentiful bioactivities, like antiinflammatory, antioxidant, and antimicrobial properties in several disorders management. Objective: The current review deliberated phytochemical properties as well as the ginger/ginger constituents' biological activities and health benefits in several diseases, with particular attention to cardiovascular complications. Methods: A comprehensive research was conducted using multiple databases, including Scopus, PubMed, Medline, Web of Science, national database (Irandoc and SID), and related articles in terms of the health benefits and cardioprotective effects of ginger/ginger constituents. These data were collected from inception until August 2019. Results: In recent years, several herbal medicines were used to develop new drugs with more potency and also minor side effects. Amongst natural entities, ginger is an extensively used traditional medicine in several diseases. The crude extract, along with related pungent active constituents, is mostly attributed to heart health. The cardioprotective effects of ginger are contributed to its cardiotonic, antihypertensive, anti-hyperlipidemia, and anti-platelet effects. The signaling pathways and molecular mechanisms of ginger regarding its cardioprotective effects are also clarified. Conclusion: This study revealed the biological activities, health benefits, and cardioprotective properties of ginger/ginger constituents along with related mechanisms of action, which gave new insights to show new avenue in the treatment of CVDs.

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Natural Phytochemicals and Their Therapeutic Role in Management of Several Diseases: A Review

Current Traditional Medicine ◽

10.2174/2215083805666190807111817 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 6 (1) ◽

pp. 43-53 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Nitin R. Shirsath ◽

Ajaygiri K. Goswami

Keyword(s):

Side Effects ◽

Low Cost ◽

Herbal Medicines ◽

Biological Source ◽

Natural Medicine ◽

Synthetic Chemicals ◽

Alternative Approach ◽

Health Related ◽

Activity Mechanism ◽

Natural Medicines

Introduction: These days, a lot of people face some health-related problems in day to day life. The conventional synthetic medicine is not effective enough to cure them alone. The conventional therapy for the management of these health-related issues involves the use of hazardous synthetic chemicals and surgical diagnosis, which have lots of serious side effects. It is necessary to conduct research on herbal medicines, this is an alternative approach to avoid the side effects of synthetic medicines to achieve high effectiveness, low cost and improve patient compliance. Methods: The present survey is an analysis of some of the available data on the use of plants with their biological source, active phytochemicals constituents and a probable activity/ mechanism of action of several classes of drugs. This work also focused on highlighting the advantages of natural medicines for maximum utilization. Results: This article aims to increase awareness about natural medicine and help people find a suitable herbal medicine for the treatment of specific diseases. Conclusion: This article also exhibits the scope for further process in the development of new natural substance for the management of several diseases.

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Toxic Animal-Based Medicinal Materials Can Be Effective in Treating Endometriosis: A Scoping Review

Toxins ◽

10.3390/toxins13020145 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 13 (2) ◽

pp. 145

Author(s):

Su-In Hwang ◽

Young-Jin Yoon ◽

Soo-Hyun Sung ◽

Ki-Tae Ha ◽

Jang-Kyung Park

Keyword(s):

Side Effects ◽

Clinical Studies ◽

Malignant Tumors ◽

Experimental Studies ◽

Herbal Medicines ◽

Treatment Method ◽

Reproductive Age ◽

Dependent Growth ◽

Gynecological Disorder ◽

Preclinical And Clinical Studies

Animal toxins and venoms have recently been developed as cancer treatments possessing tumor cell growth-inhibitory, antiangiogenesis, and proapoptotic effects. Endometriosis is a common benign gynecological disorder in reproductive-age women, and no definite treatment for this disorder is without severe side effects. As endometriosis and malignant tumors share similar characteristics (progressive, invasive, estrogen-dependent growth, and recurrence), animal toxins and venoms are thought to be effective against endometriosis. The objective of this study was to outline studies using toxic animal-based medicinal materials (TMM) as endometriosis treatment and to explore its clinical applicability. Preclinical and clinical studies using TMM were searched for in four databases from inception to October 2020. A total of 20 studies of TMM on endometriosis were included. In eight clinical studies, herbal medicines containing TMM were effective in relieving symptoms of endometriosis, with no side effects. In twelve experimental studies, the main therapeutic mechanisms of TMM against endometriosis were proapoptotic, antiangiogenesis, estrogen level-reducing, and possible anti-inflammatory effects. TMM are thus considered promising sources for the development of an effective treatment method for endometriosis. Further studies are needed to clarify the therapeutic mechanism of TMM against endometriosis and to provide sufficient grounds for clinical application.

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European Guidelines for Obesity Management in Adults with a Very Low-Calorie Ketogenic Diet: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Obesity Facts ◽

10.1159/000515381 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 14 (2) ◽

pp. 222-245

Author(s):

Giovanna Muscogiuri ◽

Marwan El Ghoch ◽

Annamaria Colao ◽

Maria Hassapidou ◽

Volkan Yumuk ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Weight Loss ◽

Body Composition ◽

Body Weight ◽

Side Effects ◽

Ketogenic Diet ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Dietary Treatment ◽

Obesity Management ◽

Weight Loss Interventions

Background: The very low-calorie ketogenic diet (VLCKD) has been recently proposed as an appealing nutritional strategy for obesity management. The VLCKD is characterized by a low carbohydrate content (<50 g/day), 1–1.5 g of protein/kg of ideal body weight, 15–30 g of fat/day, and a daily intake of about 500–800 calories. Objectives: The aim of the current document is to suggest a common protocol for VLCKD and to summarize the existing literature on its efficacy in weight management and weight-related comorbidities, as well as the possible side effects. Methods: This document has been prepared in adherence with Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Literature searches, study selection, methodology development, and quality appraisal were performed independently by 2 authors and the data were collated by means of a meta-analysis and narrative synthesis. Results: Of the 645 articles retrieved, 15 studies met the inclusion criteria and were reviewed, revealing 4 main findings. First, the VLCKD was shown to result in a significant weight loss in the short, intermediate, and long terms and improvement in body composition parameters as well as glycemic and lipid profiles. Second, when compared with other weight loss interventions of the same duration, the VLCKD showed a major effect on reduction of body weight, fat mass, waist circumference, total cholesterol and triglyceridemia as well as improved insulin resistance. Third, although the VLCKD also resulted in a significant reduction of glycemia, HbA1c, and LDL cholesterol, these changes were similar to those obtained with other weight loss interventions. Finally, the VLCKD can be considered a safe nutritional approach under a health professional’s supervision since the most common side effects are usually clinically mild and easily to manage and recovery is often spontaneous. Conclusions: The VLCKD can be recommended as an effective dietary treatment for individuals with obesity after considering potential contra-indications and keeping in mind that any dietary treatment has to be personalized. Prospero Registry: The assessment of the efficacy of VLCKD on body weight, body composition, glycemic and lipid parameters in overweight and obese subjects: a meta-analysis (CRD42020205189).

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Efficacy and Safety of Modified Huang-Lian-Jie-Du Decoction Cream on Cancer Patients with Skin Side Effects Caused by EGFR Inhibition

Processes ◽

10.3390/pr9071081 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 9 (7) ◽

pp. 1081

Author(s):

Ming-Yang Lee ◽

Mei-Yi Lin ◽

Yu-Ju Chang ◽

Yu-Ting Tseng ◽

I-An Huang ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Side Effects ◽

Adverse Events ◽

Kinase Inhibitors ◽

Target Therapy ◽

Herbal Medicines ◽

Skin Toxicity ◽

Dry Skin ◽

Egfr Inhibition ◽

The Mean ◽

Skin Conditions

(1) Background: The epidermal growth factor inhibitors (EGFRIs)/tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) are effective for cancer target therapy, but acneiform rashes or so-called inflammatory papulopustular exanthemas are common (50% to 90%). The conventional therapy for EGFRIs/TKIs-induced skin toxicity is steroids and antibacterial drugs, but it is still ineffective for some patients, and EGFRIs/TKIs dose reduction/interruption may be needed. In this study, a modified Chinese herbal medicine, Huang-Lian-Jie-Du decoction cream with Yin-Cold (YC) medicine characteristic, was investigated for the effect on patients suffering EGFRIs/TKIs-induced skin toxicity. (2) Methods: The modified Huang-Lian-Jie-Du (mHLJD) decoction cream was made from 10 herbal medicines, including 4 major medicines (Huanglian, Huangqin, Huangbo, and Zhizi) in traditional HLJD decoction. Patients with EGFRIs/TKIs-induced skin toxicity were enrolled. Patients were excluded if they also used other cream for skin toxicity. Skin conditions were monitored by follow up every 2 weeks. The patients’ characteristics, the skin toxicities, treatment response, and adverse events were recorded and analyzed until skin problems resolved or the study ended. (3) Results: The mHLJD decoction cream and its sub-packages were stored at 4 °C before use. Thirty-four patients who had grade 1–3 skin toxicities after receiving EGFRIs/TKIs were enrolled. Seven patients withdrew or were excluded. Finally, data from 27 patients were analyzed. The mean grade of rash acneiform was significantly decreased from 2.19 (ranged 1 to 3) to 0.88 (ranged 0 to 2) after mHLJD decoction cream treatment for 4 weeks and to 0.55 (ranged 0 to 2) after mHLJD decoction cream treatment for 8 weeks. Additionally, the mean grade of dry skin was also significantly decreased from 1.57 (ranged 1 to 2) to 0.71 (ranged 0 to 1) after mHLJD decoction cream treatment for 4 weeks. The changes of skin toxicity were significant, with no obvious adverse events. (4) Conclusions: In summary, the mHLJD decoction cream provides benefits for alleviation of EGFRIs/TKIs-induced skin rash acneiform and dry skin. Additionally, no obvious side effects were found in patients using mHLJD decoction cream.

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A comprehensive review on the medicinal importance; biological and therapeutic efficacy of Lagenaria siceraria (Mol.) (bottle gourd) Standley fruit

Current Topics in Medicinal Chemistry ◽

10.2174/1568026621666210701124628 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 21 ◽

Author(s):

Muhammad Zahoor ◽

Muhammad Ikram ◽

Nausheen Nazir ◽

Sumaira Naz ◽

Gaber El-Saber Batiha ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Herbal Medicines ◽

High Water ◽

Bottle Gourd ◽

Herbal Remedies ◽

Lagenaria Siceraria ◽

Synthetic Drugs ◽

Domestic Plant ◽

Phytochemical Constituents ◽

Cucurbitaceae Family ◽

Water Contents

: Herbal remedies have been employed for the treatment and management of different diseases for ages. Herbal medicines are a promising choice over modern synthetic drugs because of their low side effects and are thus considered safe and effective in treating human diseases. Lagenaria siceraria (Mol.) Standley fruit (Bottle gourd) belongs to the Cucurbitaceae family that has been used in a different system of traditional medication to treat various diseases. This is a domestic plant that provides food as well as medication. This vegetable has low caloric values and high water contents. The edible portion of it contains phytochemicals like vitamins, proteins, choline, minerals, terpenoids, flavonoids etc. Several bioactive compounds have been isolated from L. siceraria, including triterpenoids, sterols, cucurbitacins, flavones, C-glycosides and β-glycosides. Researchers have evaluated various parts of this plant viz., fruit, root, flowers, and leaves for pharmacological activities like antianxiety, antidepressant, diuretic, antimicrobial, cytotoxic, antihyperlipidemic, cardioprotective, analgesic, anti-inflammatory, anthelmintic, anti-hyperglycemic, antihepatotoxic, anti-urolithiatic, antistress, antiulcer, anticancer, hepatoprotective, anthelmintic, immunomodulatory, and antioxidant. In this review, an attempt has been made to explore its phytochemical constituents, traditional, medicinal, and pharmacological uses to highlight the therapeutic importance of this well-known plant. This would be helpful in reviving its importance and highlight its several promising aspects to encourage researchers for further research on L. siceraria.

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