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Ricinus cmmunis: Ethnomedicinal uses and pharmacological activities

2022-11-28T05:01:32Z

Title: Ricinus cmmunis: Ethnomedicinal uses and pharmacological activities Authors: Khan Marwat, Sarfaraz; ur-Rehman, Fazal; Ahmad Khan, Ejaz; Safdar Baloch, Mohammad; Sadiq, Muhammad; Ullah, Imdad; Javaria, Sadaf; Shaheen, Salma Abstract: Ricinus cmmunis L. (Castor oil plant) is an important medicinal plant belonging to family Euphorbiaceae. Its phytochemistry, biological and pharmacological activities, and ethnomedicinal uses have been reviewed in the present study. The reported chemical constituents showed the presence of flavonoids, phenolic compounds, fatty acids, amino acids, terpenoids, phytosterol etc. The compounds have been reported to exhibit anticonceptive, antidiabetic, antifertility, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antioxidant, hepatoprotective, insecticidal and wound-healing activities. They also showed free radical scavenging and Hg scavenging activities, and repellent properties. Various parts of R. communis have been widely used in traditional medicine such as abdominal disorders, arthritis, backache, muscle aches, bilharziasis, chronic backache and sciatica, chronic headache, constipation, expulsion of placenta, gallbladder pain, period pain, menstrual cramps, rheumatism, sleeplessness, and insomnia. Castor oil plant has also revealed toxic effects due to the presence of ricin (protein) and ricinine (alkaloid). Comparatively, ricin is more toxic. But still there is need of more research to be conducted with reference to its medicinal importance (particularly exploring of medicinal recipes) and active compounds responsible for various activities.

Lactic acid bacteria in traditional fermented Asian foods

2022-11-28T04:57:32Z

Title: Lactic acid bacteria in traditional fermented Asian foods Authors: Azam, Mariya; Mohsin, Mashkoor; Ijaz, Hira; Ruqia Tulain, Ume; Adnan Ashraf, Muhammad; Fayyaz, Ahad; ul Abadeen, Zain; Kamran, Qindeel Abstract: Lactic acid bacteria play vital roles in various fermented foods in Asia. This paper reviews many types of the world's lactic acid fermented foods and discusses the beneficial effects of lactic acid fermentation of food. The lactic acid bacteria associated with foods now include species of the genera Carnobacterium, Enterococcus, Lactobacillus, Lactococcus, Leuconostoc, Oenococcus, Pediococcus, Streptococcus, Tetragenococcus, Vagococcus and Weissella. Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) are involved in many fermentation processes of Asian traditional foods, demonstrating their profound effects on improving food quality and food safety. During the past few decades’ interest has arisen in the use of the varied antagonistic activities of LAB to extent the shelf-life of protein-rich products such as meats and fish. This review article outlines the main types of LAB fermentation as well as their typical fermented foods such as idli, kishk, sauerkraut, koumiss, Suan-tsai, stinky tofu, Chinese sausage and kefir. The roles of LAB and the reasons for their common presence are also discussed.

Antidiabetic effects of native date fruit Aseel (Phoenix dactylifera L.) in normal and hyperglycemic rats

2022-11-28T04:52:50Z

Title: Antidiabetic effects of native date fruit Aseel (Phoenix dactylifera L.) in normal and hyperglycemic rats Authors: Ahmed, Shadab; Alam Khan, Rafeeq; Jamil, Subia; Afroz, Syeda Abstract: Change in dietary pattern, sedentary life style and increasing stresses are contributing factors for high prevalence of diabetes mellitus. Diabetic complications often lead to cardiovascular diseases, hypertension and hyperlipidemia that are the leading cause death and disability all over the world. Apart from pharmacotherapy, use of antihyperglycemic medicinal food is a new aspect in diabetes management and prevention of its complications. Phoenix dactylifera (date palm) has been traditionally used for different diseases because of the presence of bioactive agents like anthocyanin, phenols, sterols, carotenoids, procyanidins and flavonoids however its potential as a medicinal food is still unclear. Native date fruit variety Aseel oral suspension was evaluated using 32 normoglycemic and hyperglycemic Sprague dawley rats with two doses (300 and 600mg/kg) against control, disease control and standard drug (Glibenclamide 2.5mg/kg). Outcomes of normoglycemic studies reveals insignificant glucose lowering effects however hyperglycemic studies (glucose challenge and Alloxan inducted hyperglycemia) demonstrates significant glucose lowering effect of Aseel date especially with 300mg/kg dose. Data obtained during this study reveal significant antihyperglycemic effects of Aseel dates in diabetes management however further preclinical and clinical studies are required to verify the same.

Colonization rates and immune status of children against Streptococcus pneumoniae before the introduction of pneumococcal conjugate vaccine

2022-11-28T04:49:34Z

Title: Colonization rates and immune status of children against Streptococcus pneumoniae before the introduction of pneumococcal conjugate vaccine Authors: Bibi, Safia; Ruba Siddiqui, Taranum; Furqan Hassan, Syed; Ahmed, Waquaruddin Abstract: Pneumococcal infections contribute to high morbidity and mortality in Pakistan. Pneumococcal colonization rates and immune status of children before and after vaccination can serve as an important indicator to determine the success of immunization program. Aim of this study was to determine the pneumococcal colonization rate and immune status of children (<3-years) before the introduction of Pneumococcal immunization in EPI program. A cross sectional study of 3-months duration was conducted in collaboration with EPI Centre of NICH, Karachi. A total of 192 healthy children aged 3-months to 3-years were included in the study. Children with chronic or recurrent pulmonary disease were excluded. Demographic data and presence of any risks for pneumococcal colonization or immunity was recorded. Nasopharyngeal swabs were collected to determine the presence of S. pneumoniae and sensitivity pattern of the isolates. Blood samples were collected to determine immune status of these children. Sixty (31%) children were found to carry S. pneumoniae in their nasopharynx. Resistance to cotrimoxazole, erythromycin, chloramphenicol, penicillin and vancomycin was 100%, 30%, 25%, 22% and 0% respectively. Mean anti-PCP titre of children was 23.3mg/L. Mean antiPCP titre in children who had previously suffered from RTI was significantly increased (p-value 0.039). This study may serve as baseline report for evaluating the success of pneumococcal immunization in future. A significant drop in nasopharyngeal colonization rates post vaccination would depict the success of pneumococcal immunization.