Search for Articles:
Journal:
Subject:

Search Filter

Years
Between: -
Article Types
Search Results (2768)
Order
page
文章
P. Bansal*, R. Sannd, N. Srikanth and G. S. Lavekar
Abstract: This study was conducted to establish the effect of a traditionally designed nutraceutical on stress related changes in selected immunoglobulin levels in the body. The nutraceutical was prepared from different potent herbs described in Ayurveda using standard operative procedures and were tested for heavy metal and microbial load. Initially, 21 subjects were selected in addition to 7 volunteers for control group who did not consume nutraceutical. Sampling was done at zero days and at fortnightly intervals. The levels of selected immunoglobulin IgG, IgA and IgM were estimated with turbidity metric immunoassay at different time intervals. The concentration of immunoglobulin IgA was 146±15.96 at zero day stage. The levels of these immunoglobulins were lower at all stages as compared to the concentration at zero day in trial group subjects whereas the concentration was significantly higher (t stat.>t critic. at pt critic. at pt critic. at pt critic. at p[...] Read More.
Keywords: Rasayana, immunoglobulins, Withania somnifera, Tinospora cordifolia, Chlorophytum arundinaceum, Piper longum, Prunus amygdalus, Antarctica, stress.
Full text
Views:983
Download:775
文章
Okunowo Wahab Oluwanisola* and Ogunkanmi Liasu Adebayo
Abstract: An investigation was conducted on the pH, nutritional and cost benefit of the use of different substrates for the production of Curvularia pallescens Boedijn. The growth of the organism was examined at pH range between 5.5 and 8.6 and on different growth media, potato carrot agar (PCA), potato dextrose agar (PDA), sabouraud agar (SA), tap water agar (TWA), water hyacinth agar (WHA) and Czapek-Dox agar (ZA). Also, the growth of the organism was examined on different enrichment media “Czapek-Dox” with its sodium nitrate substituted with equal amount of different nitrogen sources (ammonium chloride, ammonium nitrate, glutamine and sodium glutamate). WHA produced significantly (P < 0.001) highest amount of mycelial growth (84.95 ± 0.05 mm) on day 6 than other media types. The spore concentration was highest, 6.6 E06 ± 3.33 E05 spores/ml with TWA. The colony size was significantly (P < 0.001) highest, 84.9 ± 0.1 mm on day 10 with sodium glutamate compared with other nitrogen sources. Spore count was only observed on ammonium chloride (1.67E06 ± 3.33E05 spores/ml), the optimal growth pH was 5.5. The cost of production of the organism per culture plate on WHA was 61.3 and 82% lesser than on PDA and SA respectively. The formulated water hyacinth agar medium appeared most economically feasible for the mycelial production of C. pallescens Boedijn.[...] Read More.
Keywords: Curvularia pallescence Boedjin, growth measurement, pH measurement.
Full text
Views:809
Download:828
文章
Okey A. Ojiako* and G. O. C. Onyeze
Abstract: Possible organ infections associated with human filariasis, helminthiasis and malaria in Oguta Local Government Area of Imo State, South-Eastern Nigeria were investigated. Blood, urine and stool samples were collected in appropriate containers from 200 male and female respondents aged 31 – 85 years. Parasitological studies were carried out on blood samples for malaria and/or microfilariae parasites while stool samples were tested for the presence of some intestinal parasites. The study showed a prevalence of intestinal protozoa (Entamoeba histolytica), Wuchereria bancrofti, the intestinal helminthes Ascaris lumbricoides and Hookworms. Biochemical parameters of liver integrity were also studied across the various infection cohorts among the respondents. Results obtained show that these parasitic infections depressed the hematological parameters relative to ‘normal’ respondents. Comparative biochemical analyses showed significant (p < 0.05) differences in some liver function parameters obtained for infected respondents relative to those not infected. There was also a positive correlation between age brackets with highest filarial infection (with no malarial co infection) and age groups with elevated markers of liver dysfunction. This study can be of immense diagnostic value in the clinical management of the filariases especially in malaria-endemic and resource-poor areas.[...] Read More.
Keywords: Filariasis, co-parasitoses, Nigeria, prevalence patterns, liver dysfunction.
Full text
Views:720
Download:797
文章
Natchaya Wongeakin, Pattarin Sridulyakul, Amporn Jariyapongskul, Apichart Suksamrarn and Suthiluk Patumraj*
Abstract: Diabetes- induced endothelial dysfunction has been well recognized for its underlining causes of oxidative stress. Therefore, several studies have worked on testing active antioxidant agents such as vitamin C and E against diabetes induced oxidative stress to preserve endothelial cells. In the present study, we assessed the effects of plant-derived antioxidant, curcumin and its analog, tetrahydrocurcumin (THC) and also its preventive qualities. Using an animal model, assessment for endothelial-dependent vasodilatation and the behavior of leukocytes were accomplished by using streptozotocin -induced diabetic rats and its mesenteric microcirculation parameters. The results indicated that both antioxidants, curcumin and THC, could significantly inhibit those abnormalities typically seen in endothelial dysfunctions (P < 0.05) in relation to their hypoglycemic and hypolipidemic properties. Unfortunately, curcumin has a poor absorption quality and as a result of this, a higher dose is needed to prevent abnormal endothelial functions. On the other hand, THC was found to be a more potent antioxidant and good therapeutic agent for diabetic patients in preventing diabetes vascular abnormalities.[...] Read More.
Keywords: Curcumin, tetrahydrocurcumin, endothelial dysfunction, diabetes.
Full text
Views:787
Download:792
文章
Mungatana N. W. K., Ngure R. M., Shitandi A. A.*, Mungatana C. K. and Yole D. S.
Abstract: Schistosoma mansoniasis is a disease of grave concern due to its high morbidity and mortality in parts of the world. This study aimed at providing insight into the pathogenesis of S. mansoniasis as an aid in the development of effective control methods. Iron, zinc and copper concentrations were spectro-photometrically measured in sequential serum specimens obtained from baboons throughout the course of acute S. mansoni infection, following curative treatment with praziquantel and following post-treatment challenge with a second cercarial infection. The initial infection resulted in a two-fold increase in copper concentrations by Day 102 post-infection. Iron concentrations fell to almost half of pre-infection concentrations by Day 123 post-infection, while those of zinc fell to a third of pre-infection concentrations by Day 81 post-infection. These changes were seen to recover several weeks following treatment, though pre-infection concentrations were never achieved. Haptoglobin, a sensitive bio-marker in the acute phase response of S. mansoni, was also measured at all sampling points. Haptoglobin changes were in concordance with those of the cations. The findings demonstrate that iron, zinc and copper are reactants in the acute phase response of S. mansoni in the nonhuman primate model, Papio anubis. Furthermore, these reactants are modulated in challenge infections and may be important in the immunopathology of the disease.[...] Read More.
Keywords: Acute phase response, Schistosomiasis mansoni, serum iron, serum zinc, serum copper.
Full text
Views:745
Download:806
文章
Nwangwu Spencer C.*, Ike Francisca, Olley Misan, Oke James M., Uhunmwangho Esosa, Amegor, O. F. Ubaoji Kingsley and Nwangwu Udoka
Abstract: The lipid profile of normal adult male rats administered both ethanolic and aqueous leaf extracts of Landolphia owariensis (P. Beauv) were determined. The animals were distributed into two sets of four groups with five animals in each group. Each set had one group, which served as control while the other three groups in the two sets were administered different concentrations of the ethanolic and aqueous leaf extracts. The control groups were administered normal saline and the other groups’ 100, 200 and 300 mgkg-1 of the ethanolic and aqueous extracts respectively, twice daily for two weeks. The Total cholesterol (TC), Triacylglyceride (TAG), High Density Lipoprotein-Cholesterol (HDL-C), Low Density Lipoprotein- Cholesterol (LDL -C), and Very Low Density Lipoprotein (VLDL) levels were determined in both sets by colorimetric methods. The ethanolic extract showed a marked reduction of 87.45% in LDL -C level with the 100 mgkg-1 dose, though effect of all the three concentrations were significant but depreciated with increase in concentration. Animals administered both the extracts at all three concentrations increased in their HDL-C levels, but effect was pronounced in 100 and 200 mgkg-1 with 15 and 150% increases respectively, in the aqueous extract group. There were dose-dependent reductions of TC levels, with the 100, 200 and 300 mgkg-1 with reduction of 40.78, 37.59 and 34.56% respectively, in ethanolic extracts. There were 50.55 and 55.33% reduction in 100 and 200 mgkg-1 of the aqueous extracts on TAG level. The results are indicative of the hypocholesterolaemic potentials of L. owariensis leaf extracts.[...] Read More.
Keywords: Aqueous extract, ethanolic extract, Hypocholesterolaemia, Landolphia owariensis.
Full text
Views:852
Download:812
文章
A. J. Mahadesh Prasad*, K. Kemparaju, Elizabeth A. Frank and Cletus J. M. D’Souza
Abstract: Paraoxonase/arylesterases (EC.3.1.8.2) is an enzyme found tightly associated with high density lipoprotein particle in serum. Because of its unique enzyme activity, antioxidant property and its role as an anti atherosclerotic molecule, various methods are used for its purification from human serum. Methods involved in its purification are elaborate and complicated. Also the yield and final activity are highly variable. Here, we report a 2 step method of purification involving affinity chromatography on cibacron blue sepharose followed by gel filtration on sephadex G50.The final preparation was 27.7 fold purified compared with the serum and gave a single band in SDS-PAGE by silver staining.[...] Read More.
Keywords: Cibacron blue sepharose, paraoxonase, phenyl acetate, SDS-PAGE, silver staining.
Full text
Views:716
Download:773
文章
Seyed Hessamedin Nabavizadeh, Ozair-bin Majid and Amir Anushiravani*
Abstract: Herbal drug therapy is a common practice adopted in traditional and alternative medicine and has been used in the treatment of neonatal jaundice or hyperbilirubinemia from ancient times. This is done with the help of different herbal extracts and using different treatment methods. The knowledge of new possibilities and the fact that herbal drugs have been used in some communities for a long time, clarifies the importance of studying herbal drugs. Herbal drug therapies are used commonly which amplifies the need to evaluate the efficacy of these drugs. This study was performed to evaluate the effect of commonly used herbal drugs in neonatal jaundice, through in vitro techniques. In this study 0.5 cc (50 µg/ml) of different herbal extracts such as Chi corium intybus, Fumaria parviflora, Zizyphus jujuba and Alhagi pseudoalhgi, Purgative manna which were obtained through hydrochloric instillation and were added to 1 cc of neonatal serum with hyperbilirubinemia. Then the level of bilirubin was checked by diazo blank method. Among all of the herbal extracts, only Chi corium intybus demonstrated a lowering effect on indirect serum bilirubin. Although Chi corium intybus showed lower levels than the control group, but statistically there was no significant difference in direct bilirubin levels between these groups. Herbal drugs can decrease the bilirubin level through different mechanisms, such as increasing the activity of liver enzymes and decreasing the enterohepatic circulation. But the extract of the herb Chi corium intybus imposes its affect directly on bilirubin. Therefore further investigation is needed in order to separate the active agent in chi corium intybus.[...] Read More.
Keywords: Hyperbilirubinemia, Fumaria parviflora, Zizyphus jujuba, Chi corium intybus, Alhagi pseudoalhagi, Purgative manna.
Full text
Views:735
Download:758
文章
G. C. Jain,* Hemant Pareek, B. S. Khajja, Kusum Jain, S. Jhalani, S. Agarwal and Sameer Sharma
Abstract: In the present study, the hepatoprotective activity of methanolic extract of Apium graveolens L. (celery) seeds was tested against Di-(2- ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) induced hepatotoxicity in rats. Oral administration of DEHP (1000 mg/kg b.wt/day) for 6 weeks in rats caused a significant increase in the levels of serum marker enzymes like serum glutamate oxaloacetate transaminase (SGOT), serum glutamate pyruvate transaminase (SGPT), alkaline phosphatases (ALP) and the levels of total bilirubin and hepatic lipid peroxidation (TBARS). The levels of serum protein, hepatic glutathione (GSH) and ascorbic acid were decreased, administration of A. graveolens seeds extract (300 mg/kg b.wt./day p.o.) for 6 weeks results in a significant recovery of these biochemical parameters toward normalcy compared with the DEPC treated and control rats.[...] Read More.
Keywords: Apium graveolens, hepatic toxicity, di-(2- ethylhexyl) phthalate, hepatic marker enzymes.
Full text
Views:768
Download:839
文章
N.  O. A. Imaga*, G. O. Gbenle, V. I. Okochi, S. O. Akanbi, S. O. Edeoghon, O.  V. Oigbochie, M. O. Kehinde and S. B. Bamiro
Abstract: Sickle cell disease (SCD) results from a mutation in the hemoglobin inside the red blood cells, where a glutamic acid at position 6 is replaced by a valine. Many phytomedicines have been identified as potential antisickling agents, stemming from reported usage as ethnomedicines by the local folk. This research examined methanolic leaf extracts of Carica papaya L. (Caricaceae) for possible in vitro antisickling and membrane-stabilizing activities involving the use of positive (p-hydroxybenzoic acid 5 mg/ml) and negative (normal saline) controls for the antisickling experiments and osmotic fragility test on Hbss red blood cells obtained from non- crisis state sickle cell patients. Fragiliograms indicated that the plant extract reduced hemolysis and protected erythrocyte membrane integrity under osmotic stress conditions. Pretreatment of SS cell suspensions with C. papaya leaf extract inhibited formation of sickle cells under severe hypoxia, with only 0 - 5% sickle cells at 40 min compared with untreated SS cell suspensions which had over 60% sickle cells. These results indicate the feasibility of C. papaya as an attractive potential candidate for SCD therapy.[...] Read More.
Keywords: Antisickling, membrane-stabilizing, sickle cell disease, erythrocyte fragility, Carica papaya, toxicity profile.
Full text
Views:852
Download:858
Submit Your Manuscript Now