Phytochemical screening and evaluation of cytotoxic and hypoglycemic properties of Mangifera indica peels

Objective: To investigate the presence of different phytoconstituents in Mangifera indica(M. indica) peel and evaluate its cytotoxicity to Artemia salina and hypoglycemic potential in Swiss albino mice.Methods: The methanolic extract of M. indica peel was used to determine the presence of phytoconstituents. Brine shrimp lethality bioassay method was followed to determine the cytotoxic potential of plant extract. In the case of hypoglycemic activity, oral administration of extract at 200 and 400 mg/kg and standard glibenclamide at 10 mg/kg was done, followed by determining the percentage of reduction of plasma glucose from the initial level.Results: The methanolic extract of M. indica peel showed the presence of flavonoid,saponin, steroid, tannins, terpenoids, glycosides and alkaloids. In brine shrimp lethality bioassay, the LC_(50) of the extract and standard vincristine sulfate was found to be 2.04 and0.41 mg/mL, respectively. After 90 and 150 min, the methanolic extract at 200 and 400 mg/kg showed prominent plasma glucose reduction of 13.95%, 22.48% and 14.16%,26.18% respectively compared to standard glibenclamide showing 14.90% and 20.67% plasma glucose reduction.Conclusions: This current research affirms prominent cytotoxic and moderate hypoglycemic potential of M. indica peel. Further bioactivity guided isolation of phytoconstituents and investigation on higher animals can lead to development of new drug molecules.

Development and validation of a simple UV spectrophotometric method for the determination of levofloxacin both in bulk and marketed dosage formulations

A rapid, specific and economic UV spectrophotometric method has been developed using a solvent composed of water：methanol：acetonitrile （9：0.5：0.5） to determine the levofloxacin content in bulk and pharmaceutical dosage formulations. At a pre-determined 2 of 292 nm, it was proved linear in the range of 1.0 12.0 μg/mL, and exhibited good correlation coefficient （R2=0.9998） and excellent mean recovery （99.0-100.07%）. This method was successfully applied to the determination of levofloxacin content in five marketed brands from Bangladesh and the results were in good agreement with the label claims. The method was validated statistically and by recovery studies for linearity, precision, repeatability, and reproducibility. The obtained results proved that the method can be employed for the routine analysis of levofloxacin in bulks as well as in the commercial formulations.

Genetic polymorphisms of GSTM1,GSTP1 and GSTT1 genes and lung cancer susceptibility in the Bangladeshi population

Objective:To verify possible associations between polymorphisms of glutathione S-transferase Mu(GSTM1),glutathione S-transferase θ(GSTT1) and glutathione S-transferase Pi(GSTP1)genes and susceptibility to lung cancer.Methods:A total of 106 lung cancer patients and 116 controls were enrolled in a case-control study.The GSTM1 and GSTT1 were analyzed using PCR while GSTP1 was analyzed using PCR-restriction fragment length polymorphism.Risk of lung cancer was estimated as odds ratio at 95%confidence interval using unconditional logistic regression models adjusting for age,sex,and tobacco use.Results:GSTM1 null and GSTT1 null genotypes did not show a significant risk for developing lung cancer.A significandy elevated lung cancer risk was associated with GSTP1 heterozygous,mutant and combined heterozygous+mutant variants of rs1695.When classified by tobacco consumption status,no association with risk of lung cancer was found in case of tobacco smokers and nonsmokers carrying null and present genotypes of GSTM1 and GSTTL There is a three-fold(approximately) increase in the risk of lung cancer in case of both heterozygous(AG) and heterozygous+mutant homozygous(AG+GG) genotypes whereas there is an eightfold increase in risk of lung cancer in cases of GG with respect to AA genotype in smokers.Conclusions:Carrying the GSTM1 and GSTT1 null genotype is not a risk factor for lung cancer and GSTP1Ile105 Val is associated with elevated risk of lung cancer.

Comparative toxicity assessment between generic salbutamol sulphate inhaler containing hydrofluoroalkane and Ventolin Evohaler

Salbutamol is a short-acting β2-adrenergic receptor agonist used for the relief of bronchospasm such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). It is mostly taken through an inhaler device. The comparative toxicity assessment between two salbutamol sulfate preparations containing hydrofluoroalkane (HFA) metered dose inhalers with 100 μg per puff was evaluated in selected patients with asthma and COPD after prescribing. An open label, non-randomized, non-interventional observational study was designed. A large cohort of patients with asthma or related respiratory disorder of the general population from Dhaka and Chittagong of Bangladesh were recruited and treated with prescribed generic preparation Azmasol inhaler and brand preparation Ventolin Evohaler. Total 508 patients with asthma and minor obstructive airway disease were selected by the general medical practitioners in Bangladesh those who visited out patient consultation center in hospitals and physicians’ chambers and reported any adverse side effects of inhaled medications. There were no significant differences between the metered dose generic preparation Azmasol inhaler and Ventolon Evohaler among the patients treated with the medicines in asthma and related respiratory diseases in terms of adverse effects like immune system problem,dizziness,tremor,headache,nervousness,diarrhea,nausea,vomiting,heartburn,palpitation,skin rash,hypertension and taste feeling. It is concluded that Azmasol Inhaler, the generic salbutamol sulphate metered dose preparation containing HFA was as safe as the Ventolin Evohaler,a salbutamol sulfate brand preparation containing HFA when given to the patients in primary care after their physicians’ visits. Both the preparations have shown the similar safety profiles after regular use.

Socio-Demographic Factors and Their Correlation with the Severity of Major Depressive Disorder: A Population Based Study

Objective: Genetic and neurobiological factors are considered to be the major causes of major depressive disorder (MDD). However, over last few years study results revealed that socio-demographic factors contribute a significant role in abnormal functional activity and recognized as major causative factors to the pathogenesis and severity of MDD. The aim of this study was to assess the socio-demographic characteristics of Bangladeshi MDD patients and to discover their role on the severity of disease. Material and Methods: A retrospective review of the case notes of psychiatry outpatients at Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU) was carried out between Sep-Nov 2016. A total of 234 MDD patients (aged 18 to 60 years) were randomly recruited. Relevant information was obtained by collection of prescription details from the patients or their relatives by face to face interview. Results: Mean age and body mass index (BMI) were found 34.734 years (SEM ± 0.842) and 22.014 kg/m2 respectively. Among all respondents, 56% (133) were male and 44% (106) were female where mean income was 26.84 KBDT (Kilo Bangladeshi Taka) (SEM ± 0.749). Roughly 46% (111) patients were found to be below secondary level of education. Married people (56%) had a tendency to develop depression compare to unmarried people (36%). Urban residents (64%) are more prone to suffer from depression than rural residents (36%). There was mild depression in 28% (68), moderate in 37% (157), and severe in 14% (34) patients. Correlation analysis shows that age, sex, marital status, education, family income, and area of residence (p-values 0.004, 0.001, 0.000, 0.011, 0.000 and 0.000, respectively) are associated with the severity of disease. Moreover, among all significant correlations age, marital status and area of residence were positively correlated with the severity of MDD (r = 0.184, r = 0.238 and r = 0.256) while sex, education and family income were negatively correlated with the severity of depression (r = ﹣0.207, r = ﹣0.164 and r = ﹣0.722). Conclusion: Current study shows that age, gender, marital status, education, family income, and area of residence are associated with the severity of depression. Age, marital status and residence of MDD patients are positively correlated with the severity of disease while gender, education and family income are negatively correlated with the severity of depression. It is predicted that this study will be helpful for the management and assortment of MDD patients with more accuracy based on their socio-demographic features.

Exploring the Anti-Hypertensive Properties of Medicinal Plants and Their Bioactive Metabolites: An Extensive Review

Medicinal plants are extensively used in traditional folk medicine. High blood pressure is associated with the risk of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) and many other serious health complications resulting from it as a major concern of morbidity and mortality in health sector. Use of diuretics, angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, beta adrenergic receptor antagonists (beta blockers), alpha adrenergic receptor antagonists (alpha blockers), calcium channel blockers (CCBs) etc. are not efficient enough to cure hypertension. Side effects regarding these medications lead to intolerance, impaired control of the disease, and also mismanagement of therapy. So, approach regarding quenching new potent therapeutic compounds from medicinal plants draws attention nowadays. For example, as a first-line therapeutic agent, an alkaloid is highly effective in lowering systolic blood pressure which is isolated from root extract of the plant of Rauwolfia serpentina species, namely reserpine. This article comes up with a list of 63 plant species from 37 families, compiling information related to plant parts used for making extracts, types of extract and animals used in these studies, antihypertensive effect of the extracts etc. It also refers to 74 chemically defined molecules, with in vitro and in vivo anti-hypertensive potential, isolated from these extracts along with their dosage and mechanism of action by using electronic searches of published articles from various databases and reference books. Our present work would be beneficial for researchers to investigate and invent novel antihypertensive therapy to treat hypertension.

Phytopharmacological evaluation of ethanol extract of Sida cordifolia L.roots

Objective:To investigate the phytochemical screening(group determination)and selected pharmacological activities(antioxidant,antimicrobial and analgesic activity)of the plant Sida cordifolia Linn(S.cordifolia).Methods:Eighty percent concentrated ethanol extract of the roots was used.To identify the chemical constituents of plant extract standard procedures were followed.In phytochemical screening the crude extract was tested for the presence of different chemical groups like reducing sugar,tannins,saponins,steroids,flavonoids,gums,alkaloids and glycosides.The antioxidant property of ethanolic extract of S.cordifolia was assessed by DPPH free radical scavenging activity.Analgesic activity of the extract was tested using the model of acetic acid induced writhing in mice.Diclofenac sodium is used as reference standard drug for the analgesic activity test Antibacterial activity of plant extract was carried out using disc diffusion method with five pathogenic bacteria comparison with kanamycin as a standard.Results:Phytochemical analysis of the ethanolic extract of the roots of S.cordifolia indicated the presence of reducing sugar,alkaloids,steroids and saponins.In DPPH scavenging assay the IC_(50)value was found to be 50 ug/mL which was not comparable to the standard ascorbic acid.The crude extract produced 44.3%inhibition of writhing at the dose of 300 mg/kg body weight which is statistically significant(P>0.001).The in vitro antimicrobial activity of the ethanol extract of the roots of S.cordifolia showed no antimicrobial activity against five types of microorganisms.The experiment was conducted only with five species of bacteria as test species,which do not at all indicate the total inactivity against micro-organisms.Condusions:The obtained results provide a support for the use of this plant in traditional medicine but further pharmacological studies are required.

Multi-functional pharmacological credence of triterpenoid 16-hydroxy betulinic acid isolated from Mikania cordata

OBJECTIVE To isolate and characterize bioactive compound from traditionally important medicinal plant Mikania cordata,and to investigate muti-faced pharmacological activities of the isolated compound.METHODS A triterpeenoid,16-hydroxy betulinic acid(16 HBA) was isolated from Mikania cordata leaf and the structure of the compound was determined by NMR spectroscopic means.Antimicrobial activity of 16 HBA was tested by disc diffusion method and minimum inhibitory concentration(MIC) against the tested microorganisms was determined.The analgesic property of 16 HBA was tested using acetic acid-induced writhes in mice and hot plate thermal stimulation in rats.The anti-inflammatory activity was studied using carrageenin-induced paw edema method.The antipyretic potential of 16 HBA was evaluated by using yeast-induced hyperthermia in rats.RESULTS The triterpenoid 16 HBA showed potent antibacterial activity with inhibition zone of diameter ranging from 12.0~17.5 mm and antifungal activity with mycelial growth inhibition ranges from 37.6%~54.5%.The MIC values for antibacterial and antifungal activities ranged from 31.5~125 and 250~1000 μg·mL-1 respectively.The compound(50 and100 mg·kg^(-1) body weight) showed potent peripheral and central analgesic activity having 55.19% and41% of writhing inhibition at 90 min after administration of the compound and the highest 55.98%,79.18% elongation of reaction time,respectively.In anti-inflammatory activity screening,the compound(100 mg·kg^(-1)) revealed the highest 77.08% edema inhibition at 4 h after administration of carrageenan.In antipyretic assay,16 HBA exhibited a strong antipyretic effect in yeast-induced rats.CONCLUSION The present study confirmed that 16-hydroxy betulinic acid isolated from Mikania cordata has potent antimicrobial,analgesic,anti-inflammatory and antipyretic properties.Our results can be seen as scientific support for the traditional and folklore usage of Mikania cordata in Bangladesh for the treatment of different ailments and provide opportunities to explore this plant as a source bioactive compounds for biochemical and pharmaceutical industries.

Profiling of Serum Immunoglobulins in Bangladeshi Major Depressive Disorder Patients

Background: Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) is a mental disorder characterized by a pervasive and persistent low mood which is accompanied by low self-esteem and loss of interest or pleasure in day to day activities that adversely affects a person’s family, work, and personal life. There is no sufficient laboratory test for the diagnosis of MDD and it is expected that this investigation may be helpful for better diagnosis and management of MDD. We aimed to measure serum immunoglobulin levels in MDD patients and control subjects to meet the above demand. Methods: For this purpose, we recruited 88 MDD patients from the department of psychiatry, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University, Dhaka and 89 healthy volunteers from Dhaka city matched with age, sex and socioeconomic status to the patient group. Turbidimetry method was applied to measure serum levels of immunoglobulin A, G, and M where immunoglobulin kit was utilized. Results: The current study revealed that mean serum concentrations of immunoglobulin A, G, and M in patients were found to be 209.07 ± 104.93, 791.50 ± 235.67 and 107.92 ± 47.53 mg/dL while those were 195.34 ± 92.16, 763.81 ± 175.89 and 99.17 ± 48.78 mg/dL in control subjects, respectively. Conclusion: Our result indicates that serum concentrations of immunoglobulin A, G and M were not significant between the groups and further studies are required to establish these findings.

Association between Socio-Demographic Factors and Blood Sugar Levels in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Patients in Bangladesh

Background: The aim of the current study was to evaluate the anthropometric and demographic factors and their correlation with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in Bangladesh. Methods: One hundred fourteen patients (70 males and 44 females) between 30 and 75 years of age from various areas of Bangladesh were screened for T2DM. Fasting blood sugar (FBS) was analyzed by using laboratory kits and spectrophotometric technique. Anthropometric and socio-demographic data were collected using a structured questionnaire. Body mass index (BMI) was calculated from weight (kg) and height (m) of the individual respondents. Physical activity was categorized based on activity during daily work. Economic condition is defined by respective family income and education level is categorized into 3 levels: illiterate, 0 - 12 years of education and graduate or above. Results: According to the current study results, half of the patients were from the middle-class family with low physical activity and their age was within the range of 30 - 45 years. The male and female ratio of the study population was 60:40. Most of the patients were found to be obese and educated. Urban populations were more prone to have DM than the rural population. Age, education, the area of residence (urban and rural), physical activity and co-morbid diseases were significantly correlated with T2DM in Bangladesh (P Conclusion: Our study shows that different socio-demographic factors have a significant correlation with T2DM in Bangladesh. Diabetes awareness, early diagnosis, patient education and life-style modification can be initiated to manage T2DM efficiently.