Muhammad Muzaffar Ali Khan Khattak

Anti-bacterial and anti-fungal activity of coleus leaves consumed as breast-milk stimulant

Purpose – The aim of this study was to evaluate anti-bacterial anti-fungal activity of six Lamiaceae family coleus plants based on their traditional uses (breast-milk stimulants) from two Asian countries (Malaysia and Indonesia). Design/methodology/approach – Plants leaves of coleus species were collected from Kuantan (Malaysia) and Jakarta (Indonesia). From Kuantan, Coleus aromaticus – Malaysia (CATM), Pogostemon cablin – Malaysia (PCM), Coleus blumei-purple leaves – Malaysia (CBPM), Coleus blumei-red leaves – Malaysia (CBRM), Coleus amboinicus – Malaysia (CALM) and from Jakarta Coleus amboinicus – Indonesia (CALI) were collected freeze dried and extracted with aqueous methanol. The antimicrobial activity of the extract was determined by making use of macro dilution and disc diffusion methods. The selected bacteria and fungus used were namely Bacillus subtilis and Staphylococcus aureus (gram positive) and Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (gram negative) and Candida albicans (a fungi). Findings...

Does religious fasting increase fat free mass (FFM) and reduce abdominal obesity

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the effect of fasting on anthropometry and body composition in fasting obese and non‐obese subjects.Design/methodology/approach – In total, 25 volunteers (male and female) were recruited during Ramadan. Age, sex, weight, height, waist and hip circumference and menstrual cycle status (in case of females) were recorded on day 1, and on day 21 weight and waist and hip circumference were also recorded. Similarly, bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) was performed on days 1 and 21 for the assessment of changes in body composition. From weight and height, basal metabolic Index (BMI) was determined. Waist‐hip ratio was determined from the waist and hip circumferences.Findings – Weight was significantly (p<0.001) reduced in obese individuals on day 21 and accompanied by significant (p<0.01) reduction in waist hip ratios. BIA showed no significant change in the intra or extra cellular water. However, there has been shift of water between the two compartments and...

Does religious fasting affect energy and macro-nutrients intakes?

Purpose – This study was designed with the aim of assessing the energy and nutrient intakes of male university students before and during Ramadan and comparing it with the Recommended Nutrient Intake (RNI) of Malaysia.Design/methodology/approach – A total of 30 male students aged between 19‐24 years from International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM) Kuantan Campus were recruited before Ramadan. The height, weight, waist and hip circumferences were recorded on day one of Ramadan and also recorded on day 21 of Ramadan to assess the changes. From the weight and height, the body mass index was calculated and from the waist and hip circumference, the waist‐to‐hip ratios were calculated. The respondents were requested to keep three days food record in household measurements; once prior to fasting and once during the third week of Ramadan. The records were then analyzed using Malaysian Food Composition Table and Food Atlas to get the averages of energy and macronutrients intakes of the subjects.Findings – Aft...

Determinants of food choice among adults in an urban community: A highlight on risk perception

Purpose – This study was conducted to explore the underlying reasons of food choice and the association with risk perception in an urban community. The paper aims to discuss these issues.Design/methodology/approach – Using a cross‐sectional design, adults between 20 and 60 years old, selected by convenience sampling from three different races; Malay, Chinese and Indian, in Sungai Petani, Kedah were surveyed. A self‐administered food choice questionnaire was used and data collected were analysed using SPSS Statistic 17.0.Findings – Religion, risk perception and sensory appeal were the most prominent factors affecting food choice of respondents. Age showed significant correlation with mood and sensory appeal. Monthly income was significantly correlated with convenience, weight control and familiarity. Risk perception was found to be correlated with all motives except familiarity and religion.Research limitations/implications – A larger sample with approximately equal number of respondents from the various r...

Does religious fasting affect cognitive performance

Purpose – The purpose of this article is to assess the effect of religious fasting on the cognitive performance during the month of Ramadan among healthy fasting individuals.Design/methodology/approach – 30 students were recruited prior the month of Ramadan to compare their cognitive performance during and after fasting. The data on cognition score were collected in two phases during and after Ramadan on four occasions (two times in Ramadan and two times after Ramadan) using structured questionnaire. The level of cognition was assessed by using two approaches: mathematical problem solving and memory testing. Five questions of mathematical problem were given to the subjects and were different at each week. However, the level of difficulty was kept constant. The time and score were recorded for each respondent during and after fasting month. For the memory test, ten pictures of items of similar sizes were displayed for 30 seconds, and the subjects were asked to recall/list down the item shown in the picture...

Religious fasting: an alternative approach to improve hyperlipidaemia

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the effect of fasting on blood lipid profile in fasting obese and non‐obese subjects.Design/methodology/approach – Male and female subjects from the International Islamic University, Malaysia (IIUM), Kuantan Campus were assessed for body compositional changes during Ramadan fasting. In total, 25 males and females volunteered to participate in this study in the holy month of Ramadan. The mean age of the volunteers was 26.5±5.86 years and the age range was 21‐45 years. The age, weight and height of the volunteers were recorded on day 1 of Ramadan and weight was also recorded on day 21. The volunteers were asked for donation of blood samples on days 1, 7, 14 and 21 of the Ramadan. The blood serum was separated and stored at −20°C immediately after each collection. The serum samples stored at −20°C were analyzed for serum glucose and lipid profile. The analysis of serum lipid profile was performed with the help of clinical kits from Bayer Health Care using Ba...

Effect of mixed spices on hyperglycemia & lipid profile in case controlled Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM): a preliminary report

Despite a considerable progress in the treatment of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM), it remains a major medical challenge in the 21st century, threatening the health and economy of all nations particularly the developing countries. Spices which are added to the preparation of diets for taste and aroma have been shown to be effective in the control of hyperglycemia both in animals and human studies. In this study, 20 patients were recruited from the Medical Out-patient Department of Hospital Tengku Ampuan Afzan Kuantan, Malaysia. The study protocol was approved by the International Islamic Medical University Malaysia Research Ethical Committee and the Clinical Research Committee (CRC) Ministry of Health Malaysia. 10 patients were provided with the Placebo and another 10 patients were served with 4 g of mixed spices daily for 30 days. Blood samples were collected before and at the end of the feeding period and analyzed for the parameters namely Fasting Blood Sugar (FBS), post-prandial blood sugar (2HPP), Glycosylated Haemoglobin (HbA1c) and Lipid Profile. The collected data was analyzed using SPSS Statistical Software version 12. All the patients tolerated mixed spices very well and showed an improvement in their general well being. The blood results showed a significant improvement in FBS and total cholesterol (p<0.05). This preliminary clinical trial shows that the formulated spices have positive effect in T2DM patients. - See more at: http://dl4.globalstf.org/?wpsc-product=effect-of-mixed-spices-on-hyperglycemia-lipid-profile-in-case-controlled-type-2-diabetes-mellitus-t2dm-a-preliminary-report#sthash.nbWHH4MH.dpuf

Torbangun (Coleus amboinicus Lour) Extracts Affect Microbial and Fungus Activities

Coleus also known as Torbangun or Ati Ati plants leaves i.e. Coleusamboinicus Lour from Indonesia (CAL-I) and Coleus aromaticus (CAT-M), Pogostemon cablin (PC-M), Coleus blumei –red leaves (CBR-M), Coleus amboinicus – (CAL-M) Coleus blumei –purple leaves (CBP-M) from Malaysia were collected, freeze dried and extracted with aqueous methanol. The effect of the extract was assessed on microbial and fungal activities in relation to their phytochemicals and antioxidants concentrations. The total phenolic content was determined according to the Folin-Ciocalteu method whilst antioxidant activity was assessed using 2, 2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) method. The anti-microbial and anti-fungal activities were assessed by minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) and disc diffusion methods. The result indicates that the extracts are rich sources of phytochemicals and antioxidants from the listed plants. When the effect of the extracts was assessed on microbial and fungal activities it was observed that the effect was more pronounced on the gram-positive bacteria compared to gram-negative bacteria. Furthermore, there was strong association between phytochemicals and antioxidants concentration and with the microbial and fungal activities. However, it was not consistent for all types of strains. This study shows that Torbangun plants extracts are rich in phenolic contents therefore; it can be used as free radical scavengers and antimicrobial agent apart from other traditional uses

Comparison of nutritional status of university students of two Asian countries

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to compare energy and macro‐nutrients intake in university hostel students in two countries of Asia.Design/methodology/approach – Female students from the hostels of International Islamic University, Malaysia (IIUM), Kuantan Campus and NWFP, Agricultural University Peshawar, Pakistan were assessed for energy and macro‐nutrients intake. A total of 140 students were registered who volunteered to participate in this study. The age range of the registered students was 22‐26 years. On the day of the registration, age, height and weight were recorded; also, food frequency questionnaires (FFQs) were provided. The participants were asked to record alternately for three days whatever they ate during the prescribed week. Out of 140 students 139 returned the FFQs. From the anthropometry, the BMI was used to assess the under, ideal, over‐weight and obese students. From the FFQs, energy and nutrient intakes were calculated using the food composition tables for Malaysia and Pakist...

Socio‐economic class affects nutritional status but not food habit

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to compare the nutritional status of two socio‐economic classes, i.e. upper and middle class females, using different approaches apart from body mass index (BMI).Design/methodology/approach – In total, 50 houses were randomly selected from a military officer colony, 25 in each social class on the basis of rank of the retired military officers. From each house a female in between the age range of 30‐50 years was selected and interviewed.Findings – On overall basis, i.e. socio‐economic class, age and activity level, the respondents were having increase over reference protein and carbohydrate, while decrease over reference fat intake. The respondents were also having lower calcium and iron intakes by 31‐34 per cent and 39‐44 per cent, respectively. The vitamin A intake was also lower by 22‐43 per cent. These data suggest that there are faulty food habits and unnecessary restrictions among the females on energy and nutrients intakes in both classes.Research limitations/i...