Divya Agrawal

Analgesic effect of ethanolic leaf extract of moringa oleifera on albino mice

Objectives: Moringa oleifera is a highly valued plant distributed in many countries of the tropic and subtropics. Moringa oleifera leaves are a potential source of phytochemical ingredients claimed to have analgesic property. Pain is an unpleasant sensation, which in many cases represents the only symptom for the diagnosis of several diseases. Therefore analgesic drugs lacking the side effect as alternative to nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and opiates are in demand by the society. The present study is undertaken to evaluate the analgesic activity of Moringa oleifera using acetic acid induced writhing test and Eddys hot plate test. Materials and Methods: It is a randomized control study. The present study was done using two experimental models. The albino mice were divided into six groups, each group consisting of 6 mice. A total of 36 mice were used in each of the two experimental models. Group I: Control (normal saline given orally at 2 ml/kg body weight); Group II: Standard (diclofenac 10 mg/kg i.p/ morphine 1 mg/kg i.p); Group III, IV, V, VI (ethanolic extract of Moringa oleifera (EMO) 50, 100, 200, 400 mg/kg, respectively). The EMO leaves were administered at 50, 100, 200, 400 mg/kg doses orally 1 hour before the experiments. For peripheral analgesic effect, acetic acid induced writhing test was used. The central analgesic effect was screened using Eddys hot plate method. The standard drug used in acetic acid induced writhing test was diclofenac and in Eddys hot plate test was morphine. Results: The EMO leaf showed significant (P < 0.01) analgesic activity at 100, 200, 400 mg/kg in the acetic acid induced writhing test showing 32.21%, 59.71% and 78.61% inhibition of writhes, respectively in comparison with the control. In the Eddys hot plate test EMO at 400 mg/kg showed significant (P < 0.01) analgesic activity from 15 min to 90 min with a mean rank ranging from 28.92 to 26.00, second mean rank following morphine in comparison with control. In both the tests, EMO showed significant (P < 0.01) analgesic activity in a dose-dependent manner. Conclusion: The ethanolic leaf extract of Moringa oleifera exhibited analgesic activity in both models showing its both central and peripheral analgesic actions.

Study of incidence and prevalence of musculoskeletal anomalies in a tertiary care hospital of eastern India.

INTRODUCTION Congenital anomalies or malformations are anatomical. Structural or functional defects present at birth leads to physical and mental disabilities. With the advent of newer drugs, infectious diseases have taken the backseat and congenital defects have emerged as an important cause of neonatal morbidity and mortality. In India, anomalies of musculoskeletal system have been most commonly reported. AIMS AND OBJECTIVES With this in view, the present study was carried out to find the incidence and types of musculoskeletal defects in a tertiary care hospital in Eastern India. Various maternal factors were also correlated and analyzed. The purpose of this communication is to report these defects so as to help doctors and parents to prevent unexpected fetal loss and better parental counseling. MATERIALS AND METHODS This study was done in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology in association with Department of Paediatrics of a tertiary care hospital in Odisha from for a period of 1 year. The newborns were examined within 1(st) three days of delivery for congenital malformations. The study group included all live borns along with still borns after 28 weeks of gestation or those dead babies whose weight was about 1kg. A thorough physical examination from head to toe was done to look for musculoskeletal defects within 24hrs of delivery. OBSERVATION AND RESULTS Out of total 7268 babies delivered, 116 babies were found to have anomalies. Thirty two of these had musculoskeletal defects. Talipes equinovarus was the commonest anomaly observed followed by polydactyly. The ratio of male babies with musculoskeletal defects to female babies was found to be 1.28:1.The malformed babies were mainly born to term mothers (77.6%), who were mostly unbooked (62.5%) and belonged to lower or middle class. But no significant relationship could be established between these factors and defects. Most mothers were in the age group of 20-35 years and there was no history of drug addiction, smoking, trauma or irradiation that could be related to the occurrence of congenital malformations. CONCLUSION It is concluded that better maternal care and improved standards of living have very little effect on the overall frequency of congenital malformations. For the better future of neonates an early recognition of correctable lesions is essential, which calls for a systematic approach to the study of musculoskeletal defects.

Analysis of the clinical profile in patients with Plasmodium falciparum malaria and its association with parasite density

Background: Malaria remains a major health hazard in the modern world, particularly in developing countries. In Plasmodium falciparum malaria, there is a direct correlation between asexual erythrocytic stage parasite density and disease severity. Accordingly, the correlations between parasite density and various clinical presentations, severity, and outcome were examined in falciparum malaria in India. Materials and Methods: The study was conducted in a tertiary health-care center in North India. Of 100 cases of falciparum malaria, 65 patients were male and 35 were female. A total of 54 patients were in the uncomplicated group and 46 patients were in the complicated malaria group. Results: Fever, anemia, icterus, splenomegaly, hepatomegaly, and hepatosplenomegaly were common clinical findings. All clinical findings were significantly more common in the complicated malaria group and patients with a high parasite density than in the uncomplicated group and those with a low parasite density. All patients in the uncomplicated malaria group had a parasite density of <5% while most patients in the complicated malaria group had a parasite density of >5%, and the difference between groups was statistically significant. The incidence of cerebral malaria was significantly higher in cases with a high parasite density; 58.33% mortality was observed in these cases. Cerebral malaria and hyperbilirubinemia was the most frequently encountered combination of complications. Conclusions: In P. falciparum malaria, parasite density was associated with complications and poor clinical outcomes. These results may inform treatment decisions and suggest that a threshold parasite density of 5% is informative.

Study of the stability of various biochemical analytes in samples stored at different predefined storage conditions at an accredited laboratory of India

Background: Storage of serum and other blood products is often necessary in laboratories because of technical issues or to preserve samples for subsequent research purposes. The aim of this study was to determine whether the stability of biochemical analytes is affected by storage conditions. Materials and Methods: A total of 17 biochemical analytes in the sera of ten patients were examined following storage. Subsequent to determining the baseline measurements, the serum of each patient was aliquoted and stored at −20°C for 7, 15, and 30 days and then analyzed for stability. The results were compared with the initial analysis measurements obtained from fresh samples. Mean changes compared to baseline (T0) concentrations were evaluated both statistically and clinically. Results: Our results show that sodium, potassium, urea, creatinine, uric acid, total calcium, phosphorus, direct bilirubin, total bilirubin, aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, total protein, albumin, cholesterol, and triglyceride levels were stable under all conditions. Serum amylase was the only analyte demonstrating instability following prolonged storage; amylase levels changed significantly (both statistically and clinically) at 7, 15, and 30 days (P < 0.05). Conclusion: Most common biochemical analytes, except for amylase, showed adequate stability in serum following 30 days of storage at −20C. Serum amylase analysis should be conducted on the same day that the sample is received in the laboratory.

Study of dyslipidemia and antioxidant status in chronic kidney disease patients at a hospital in South East Asia

Introduction: The prevalence of hyperlipidemia is a most common problem in developed and developing society. Abnormal increase level of total cholesterol, triglyceride (TG), very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL), and LDL caused cardiovascular disease (CVD) in chronic kidney disease (CKD). Dyslipidemia is a known marker for CVD in the common population. Significant abnormal total cholesterol, LDL, TG, VLDL, and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) are present in CKD patients. Materials and Methods: In this study, we tried to find out the levels of lipid profile and antioxidant levels in CKD patients and its correlation with CVD. This study included 159 human subjects of age group between 40 and 65 years, out of which 78 patients were CKD and rest 81 patients are matched healthy subjects (control group). Results and Discussion: Our study showed a significant increase in Blood Pressure compared to control subjects. Lipid profile (total cholesterol, VLDL, TG, and LDL) was found significantly deranged (P < 0.001) and there was a decrease in the levels of HDL-cholesterol compared to control subjects. Conclusion: Enzyme level (superoxide dismutase) was significantly decreased, and malondialdehyde level was significantly increased compared to control subjects which show the effect of dyslipidemia and oxidative stress associated with the chronic kidney disorder.

Antipyretic effect of ethanolic extract of Moringa oleifera leaves on albino rats

Objective The aim of the study was to evaluate the antipyretic activity of ethanolic leaf extract of Moringa oleifera using Brewer′s yeast-induced pyrexia model. Materials and methods It was a randomized controlled experimental study. A total of 60 rats were taken, dividing them in six groups, each containing 10 rats. Ethanolic extract of M. oleifera (EMO) was administered at 50, 100, 200, and 400 mg/kg doses orally to the respective four groups. The control group was fed with normal saline at 2 ml/kg. A 20% suspension of Brewer′s yeast in normal saline was injected subcutaneously at a dose of 10 ml/kg body weight below the nape of neck of rats in all groups. Pyrexia developed after 10 h of Brewer′s yeast injection and the temperature was recorded. Animals which showed a rise in body temperature to at least 39°C were included in the study, allowing a minimal of six rats in each group, total of 36 rats. Drugs were given after development of pyrexia and temperatures were recorded. Paracetamol at 100 ml/kg orally was taken as the standard drug. Results The ethanolic leaf extract of M. oleifera showed significant (P < 0.05) antipyretic activity at 100, 200, and 400 mg/kg. Paracetamol showed significant antipyretic activity from 15 min of drug administration to 12 h. EMO at a dose of 50 mg/kg did not show antipyretic effect. The onset of action of EMO 100 mg/kg was found to be 2 h and that of 200 and 400 mg/kg was found to be 30 min. For all the doses, the antipyretic effect lasted up to 12 h. Conclusion The ethanolic leaf extract of M. oleifera exhibited significant (P < 0.05) antipyretic activity at 100, 200, and 400 mg/kg.

Study of anti-inflammatory effect of neem seed oil (Azadirachta indica) on infected albino rats

Objective: To study the anti-inflammatory effect of neem seed oil (NSO) on albino rats using carrageenan-induced hind paw edema. Materials and Methods: The study sample was divided into six groups with each group consisting of six rats as follows: Group I: Control (distilled water 0.5 ml/rat); Group II: Standard (aspirin 200 mg/kg body weight orally); Groups III, IV, V, and VI (NSO 0.25 ml, 0.5 ml, 1 ml, and 2 ml/kg body weight, respectively, i.p.). The inflammation induced in the form of hind paw edema was produced by injection of 0.1 ml of 1% suspension of carrageenan in normal saline below the plantar aponeurosis of right hind paw of rats; the left hind paw served as control. The volume of edema was measured by water displacement method in microburette. Volumes of both the hind paws were measured before and after 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 12, and 24 h of carrageenan injection. Results: NSO in the dose of 0.25 ml/kg body weight did not show any significant anti-inflammatory activity. NSO showed increased inhibition of paw edema with the progressive increase in dose from 0.25 ml to 2 ml/kg body weight. At the dose of 2 ml/kg body weight, NSO showed maximum (53.14%) inhibition of edema at 4 th hour of carrageenan injection. Aspirin in the dose of 200 mg/kg body weight showed maximum inhibition of hind paw edema. Conclusion: The present study concludes that NSO exhibits significant anti-inflammatory action.

Relationship of dyslipidemia, insulin resistance, and prostate‑specific antigen with prostate cancer

Background and Objective: The incidence of prostate cancer is increasing day by day worldwide. Prostate cancer in India is the 10 th most common malignancy affecting men although its incidence is rising in India. This study is designed to the effect of dyslipidemia, altered serum glucose, insulin resistance, and prostate-specific antigen (PSA) on the risk of prostate cancer. Materials and Methods: The study was conducted on a total of 150 patients, in which 75 patients were of prostate cancer considered as cases and 75 were healthy individuals as controls. About 8 ml of blood samples was drawn to determine fasting glucose, lipid profile, serum insulin, and serum PSA. Serum glucose, total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), and triglyceride (TG) were measured using enzymatic kits of auto analyzer. Very low-density lipoprotein-C (VLDL-C) and LDL-C were calculated by Friedwalds formula. Serum insulin and serum PSA were estimated by immunoenzymatic assay. Body mass index (BMI) was calculated as weight in kilograms divided by height in meters squared (kg/m 2 ). Insulin resistance was assessed by homeostasis model assessment insulin resistance index (HOMA-IR) and calculated as follows: fasting glucose (mg/dL) × fasting insulin (mU/mL)/405. Blood pressure was measured in the sitting position after a 10 min resting period. Observation and Results: Clinical variables such as age, BMI, blood pressure, lipid profile, serum glucose, serum insulin, HOMA-IR, and serum PSA in case and control groups were compared using the unpaired Students t -test. We found that BMI and the level of serum glucose, serum insulin, HOMA-IR, and serum PSA were significantly increased in prostate cancer patients as compared to control. In prostate cancer patients, HDL-C significantly decreased ( P P Conclusion: This study has shown significant association of high BMI, dyslipidemia, insulin resistance, and PSA with prostate cancer.

Study of anxiolytic effect of ethanolic extract of drumstick tree leaves on albino mice in a basic neuropharmacology laboratory of a postgraduate teaching institute

Objectives: Anxiety is a serious condition, leading to depression. The statistics of anxiety is alarming and needs an effective, low-cost remedy. Drumstick tree is known as Moringa oleifera belonging to the Moringaceae family. In previous studies, drumstick leaves revealed a storehouse of active ingredients possessing anxiolytic property. In this study, the anxiolytic effect of drumstick leaves was studied using elevated plus maze (EPM) and staircase models at four doses 50, 100, 200, and 400 mg/kg. Materials and Methods: It is a randomized control study. Albino mice were used in this study, a total of 72, divided into six groups, each group consisting of 6 mice. Group I: Control (normal saline orally at 2 ml/kg body weight); Group II: Standard (diazepam 10 mg/kg orally); Group III, IV, V, and VI (ethanolic extract of Moringa oleifera [EMO] 50, 100, 200, and 400 mg/kg, respectively). EMO leaves were administered at 50, 100, 200, and 400 mg/kg doses orally 1 h before the experiments and their effects observed. Results: In the EPM method, the time spent in open arm and closed arm before and after drug administration was analyzed by one-way ANOVA followed by Bonferroni′s test. In the staircase test, the comparison of steps climbed and rears before and after drug administration were done by nonparametric tests, Kruskal-Wallis test followed by Mann-Whitney′s test. In both models, the extract showed a significant response at 200 and 400 mg/kg. Conclusion: Thus, EMO leaves exhibited anxiolytic activity in both models at higher doses.

A study of different parameters of human extremities and its relationship with human height in residents of eastern India

Introduction Height is defined as distance between vertex of head and surface. Reconstruction of the stature from various parameters is quite valuable for identification & for establishing the individuality of a person. Aims and Objectives The present study was done to determine the stature from parameters of upper limb & lower limb of individuals having age group of 17-25. Materials and Methods Authors have studied 213 male and 87 female, healthy subjects in Department of Anatomy, IMS & SUM Hospital, Bhubaneswar. All individuals were measured for height and arm, forearm, hand & foot length. Observation and Results The data thus obtained has been tabulated & subjected to statistical computation to derive the regression equations. Conclusion The results concluded that height has a definite correlation with the parameters. This conclusion is of utmost importance to anthropologist and forensic experts for estimation of stature from mutilated, decomposed or fragmentary skeletal remains.