Antimicrobial Potential of Endophytes from Datura metel Linn.

Endophytes are a suite of microorganisms that grow in the tissues of higher plants. Endophytes constitute a valuable source of secondary metabolites for the discovery of new potential therapeutic drugs. Endophytes can have many effects on their host such as enhancement of stress, insect and disease resistance, and herbicide activities when in association with their host plant. The present study was to examine the antimicrobial activity of ethyl acetate extracts of endophytic fungi (both extra and intracellular) and actinomycete from the stem and root of Datura metel L. The crude extract of these endophytic isolates were screened for their antimicrobial potential. Among the endophytes, the extracellular fungal extract showed the highest antimicrobial activity when compared to intracellular fungi and actinomycetes. The studies and isolation of these compounds can be used as a good approach to search of novel products.

Antiviral potential of mangiferin against poliovirus

Poliovirus (PV),an enterovirus of the Picornaviridae family, is the agent of poliomyelitis, a devastating neurologic disease that may result in paralysis and even death.Mangiferin is the major constituent of Mangifera indica and has multiple pharmacological activities, including antiviral. This study evaluated the activity of mangiferin against poliovirus type-1 (PV-1). The compound exhibited the 50% cytotoxic concentration (CC50) > 2000 μg/mL in HEp-2 cell cultures, by the dimethylthiazolyl-diphenyltetrazolium bromide method (MTT). The 50% inhibitory concentration (IC50) was of 53.5 μg/mL, determined by the plaque reduction assay (PRA) with selectivity index (SI) > 37.4. We investigate the possible mechanism of action of mangiferin and a maximum inhibition of PV was found for virucidal and inhibition of adsorption assays, at all tested concentrations. The inhibition of viral protein synthesis was also demonstrated by immunofluorescence assay (IFA).These results suggested that mangiferin is an attractive candidate for the control of PV infection.

Fluindione and cefixime induced cutaneous bleeding manifestations –A case report and review of literature

Fluindione an oral vitamin K antagonist is associated with various hemorrhagic and immunoallergic effects. This drug is also prone to produce various drug interactions, which if not taken into consideration while prescribing, might lead to increased incidence of adverse drug reactions for the patients. We report a case of drug interaction between fluindione and cefixime leading to cutaneous bleeding manifestations and raised PT-INR. Our patient was a 59 year old lady, a known case of rheumatic heart disease and mitral valve replacement, on tablet fluindione 20 mg for past 11 years. She was prescribed tablet cefixime 200 mg two times a day for three days for treatment of upper respiratory tract infection, following which she developed cutaneous bleeding manifestations like ecchymosis and purpura in left upper and lower limbs. She also had a rise in PT-INR level to 4.2, predisposing the patient to life threatening bleeding manifestations. Hence, caution is warranted while prescribing antibiotics to patients on oral anticoagulant therapy. Antibiotics that do not cause drug interaction with the anticoagulants must be selected in these patients. Also, periodic monitoring of PT INR in patients on anticoagulants especially when a new drug is co-prescribed is essential to curb the hazards of potential adverse drug interaction.

Ethnopharmacological plants used to treat hepatitis and their anti-oxidant activity of district of Bobo-Dioulasso (Burkina Faso)

Background: Plants are frequently used by traditional healer for the care of the hepatic pathologies.Objective: This study is part of the valorization of the hepatoprotective potential of some plants used in traditional medicine for the care of hepatitis in the Hauts-Bassins region of Burkina Faso.Materials and methods: A survey realized in this region allowed retaining 5 species, after the classification according to the frequency of quotation and the bibliographic review, among the 44 species recorded: Anogeissus leiocarpus (DC.) Guill. & Perr (Combretaceae), Balanites aegyptiaca Delie. (Balanitaceae), Cassia alata L. (Ceasalpiniaceae), Opilia celtidifolia (Guill. & Perr.) Endl. (Opiliaceae) and Ziziphus mauritiana L. (Rhamnaceae). The content in phenolic compounds of the aqueous extracts of these plants was determined. Their antioxidant activity was evaluated by two methods: discoloration of radical cation ABTS and iron reduction (FRAP).Results: Anogeissus leiocarpus and Ziziphu smauritiana gave the strongest antioxidant activities and high phenolic compounds (total phenolics, total flavonoids, total tannins and flavonols). The antioxidant activity (FRAP, ABTS) was associated with the total phenolic content of the extracts expressed in tannic acid equivalent per 100 grams of dry matter with R2 of 0.8148 and 0.7966.Conclusion: The antioxidant activity and the content phenolic compounds observed during this study with Anogeissus leiocarpus and Ziziphus mauritiana indicates that these two plants have a high hépato protective potential which can justify their use by the Traditional healer in the care of hepatitis.

Major problem of today’s generations

Major depression is a mood disorder characterized by a sense of inadequacy, despondency, decreased activity, pessimism, and sadness where these symptoms severely disrupt and adversely affect the person’s life, sometimes to such an extent that suicide is attempted or results. The search for an extended understanding of the causes of depression, and for the development of additional effective treatments is highly significant. Clinical and pre-clinical studies suggest stress is a key mediator in the pathophysiology of depression.