Atrazine derangement of GLUT-4 and Insulin metabolism and the ameliorative effect of Virgin coconut oil in male wistar rats

We assessed the ameliorative effect of Virgin Coconut Oil following atrazine-induced metabolic derangement in rats. Adult male wistar rats weighing 180-200g were used; randomly separated into two major groups. Thirty-five rats in the test group were randomly divided into five sub-groups of 7 rats per sub-group and treated thus: Sub-group (SG) 1, 2 and 3 received 10ml/kg of distilled water, 10ml/kg VCO, 123mg/kg of Atrazine respectively, SG4 was diabetic control; SG 5 was the diabetic group treated with 10ml/kg of VCO for 2 weeks, after which the animals were sacrificed and blood collected for analysis. 35 rats for the recovery group were also divided into 5 sub-groups of 7 rats per sub-group and were treated; SG 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 received 10ml/kg distilled water, 10ml/kg VCO, 123mg/kg of ATZ respectively. After 2 weeks, the animals were re-treated thus: SG 1,2,3,4 and 5 received 10ml/kg of distilled water, 10ml/kg of VCO, 123mg/kg of ATZ, 10ml/kg VCO and 10ml/kg distilled water respectively. After 2 weeks, the animals were also sacrificed and blood collected for analysis. ATZ reduced serum insulin and a reduced expression of GLUT4. VCO restored GLUT4 levels but did not significantly restore the insulin to the normal levels

Ocimum Species: Ethnomedicinal Uses, Phytochemistry and Pharmacological Importance

Plant species belonging to the Ocimum genus are among the most popular medicinal plants and are being used for several purposes in ethnomedicine. Ocimum is universally cultivated however; the geographical distribution highlights three major centers of Ocimum diversity, these are: the tropical areas of America, the tropical region of Asia and the tropical and subtropical regions of Africa. Ocimum species have been employed traditionally for several medicinal purposes including antioxidant, antibacterial, hypoglycaemic, hepatoprotective, antiviral and other medicinal purposes. Though scientists have carried-out studies and chronicled the pharmacological potentials of Ocimum species, documents containing these data seem to be disassembled, making it difficult to really distinguish the pharmacologically useful species from those that are not and also to get comprehensive information about the medicinal species in this genus. Hence, the aim of this review is to outline classified information on the ethnopharmacology, phytochemistry and pharmacological importance of some Ocimum species that have been reported by different researchers. In carrying-out this review, the search for literature was done via relevant databases including PubMed, Springer, Web of Science, Science Direct, Embase, SciFinder, Google Scholar and Scopus. The species reviewed are the most widely used from the Ocimum genus in traditional medicine and they are also the most researched for intended use in conventional therapeutic practice. Literature reveals that these species contain several compounds which are responsible for the numerous pharmacological activities elicited by them including antimalarial, anticancer, antidiabetic, antiinflammatory and antioxidant effects.

Evidence supporting the use of Combretum nigricans as an antimalarial agent in ethnomedicine

Background: Combretum nigricans (Combretaceae) is a small, smooth bark tree used in traditional medicine for the treatment of prurigo, dysentery, fever and other symptoms of acute malaria in North-Central Nigeria. Materials and Methods: The antimalarial activity of C nigricans hydro-methanol crude leaf extract was evaluated against Plasmodium berghei in mice. The Peters’ 4-day suppressive test against early malaria infection and Rane’s curative test against established malaria were employed in assessing the antimalarial activity of the crude extract. In each test model, five groups containing five mice each were used. Group 1 mice were administered with 10 ml distilled water/kg b.w. p.o., groups 2 - 4 were administered with 200, 400, and 800 mg extract/kg b.w. p.o. respectively, while group 5 mice were administered with artesunate 10 mg/kg b.w. p.o. Result: All doses of C. nigricans extract employed for the study (200 – 800 mg/kg b.w. p.o.) gave significant (P<0.05) chemosuppressive effect against P. berghei, this effect was observed to be dose-related; while the 400 mg/kg extract dose gave the highest curative effect. Compared to control, the extract also prolonged the mean survival time at all doses, and as well prevented the characteristic decrease in body temperature elicited by P. berghei in mice. The LD50 of the extract was >5000 mg/kg b.w. p.o. in mice. Conclusion: The result from the study indicates that C. nigicans crude leaf extract is safe orally and possesses significant antimalarial activity.

Effect of sildenafil citrate on prediabetic and diabetic albino rats treated with metformin

Diabetes Miletus (DM) is a global epidemic disease. It is estimated that there are already 415 million adults aged 20–79 years diabetics worldwide. Sildenafil citrate is a phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitor, which increases cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) and metformin (MET) is a biguanide used for the treatment of type 2 diabetes which increases peripheral insulin sensitivity. Aim: This study aims to assess the effect of sildenafil citrate and metformin on lipid profile and glycemic control in diabetic and prediabetic albino rats. Materials and methods: Adult male albino rats are used and divided into nine groups each group consists of 10 rats, diabetes is induced by feeding a high-fat diet (HFD) for an initial period of 2 weeks followed by a single intraperitoneal injection of (35 mg/kg) Streptozotocin. Prediabetes is induced by feeding (HFD) and glucose in water for a period of 2 weeks. Sildenafil was given in a dose of (5 &10 mg/kg/day orally for 4 weeks), metformin was given in a dose of (50 &100 mg/kg/day orally for 4 weeks) using oral gavages to normal healthy rats, diabetic and prediabetic rats. Blood samples were collected after 4 weeks of treatment in all experimental groups. Results: Combined administration of sildenafil and metformin on diabetic rats improving hyperglycemia, oxidative stress, and hyperlipidemia induced by streptozotocin than the administration of metformin or sildenafil alone. Conclusion: Sildenafil has beneficial effects against some diabetic complications. The present study showed that sildenafil with metformin has beneficial effects against diabetic complications.

Artificial Intelligence in Pharma

This paper aims to provide a better understanding of the possible applications of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the field of Pharmacy. Artificial intelligence basically involves complex information processing. It enables machines to carry out certain functions which were originally done by human and which required human intellect. Over the past few years, the use of artificial intelligence in the pharma has grown unimaginably and is now able to revolutionize the way drugs are discovered and handled. AI is capable of impacting the field of pharmacy at multiple levels. Pharmacy and medical education, drug development, personalization of drug therapy, drug safety, rational drug use, manufacture and formulation of dosage forms are areas of impact by AI. The fact that AI can displace humans at their own tasks is a matter of concern. Although there are ethical concerns regarding the implementation of AI in healthcare, it can be assured that no machine or system can replace many of the humanitarian duties.

PHYSIOLOGICAL BASIS OF LOVE- THIS IS OUR BRAIN ON LOVE

Falling in love is one of all the great feelings in the world. Humans are not the only one among the huge diversity of species to fall for it. Combine bonding, the two-by-two partnering of creatures have been seen across the fauna. To fall in love and be enamored allows an individual to depict himself charmingly alive. Most folks will reminisce at least one time in their lives of experiencing “butterflies in their stomach”, or a sense of ‘losing oneself’ into a deep ocean of affectionate feelings for someone. We tend to encounter ourselves into being obsessional and few might have delineated their feelings as going mad for that person. Though all these descriptions appear to be magnifying the words or phrases which we come across in daily life, there appears to have some hidden facts to these thoughts and behaviors. Have you ever thought, from where would be these sensations, obsessional thoughts and sometimes out of character acts arising from? Are there any particular physiological changes occurring in our body which are answerable to the arousal of these feelings? The knowledge available to biologists have advanced vastly within the previous few decades and are using that information in deciphering the Physiology involved in both combined bonding and being in love. This review could prove engrossing and to converse about the physiological basis of affection, specially metamorphology of love in various phases of life, biological basis, neurochemistry, the neuronal circuits of affection and finally concerning over the myth of ‘ Everlasting Love’.

Cardiovascular Effects of Listening to Fast Speech and Normal Speech

Background: Some previous works on the psychological impact of speech on the cardiovascular system have mainly focused on the speaker as the individual in whom clinical outcomes are being measured. There is limited data on the effects of listening to the fast speech on cardiovascular responses. Aim: The aim of the study was to comparatively examine blood pressure and heart rate changes upon listening to normal and fast speeches. Method: A total of 88 (22 females and 66 males) normotensive adults were recruited for the study from a university population. All subjects were made to listen to two different 13-minutes audio recordings of normal speech (news commentary) and fast speech (a radio sports presentation). Blood pressure and pulse rate changes were taken at 4-minutes time intervals during listening to the audio recordings. Based on the enthusiasm and patronage of the sports program, participants were classified as ‘‘Regular’’ listeners and ‘‘Non-regular’’ listeners. Blood pressure and pulse rate changes were calculated as the mean net area under the curve response and differences were analysed with analysis of variance. Results: Systolic, diastolic and pulse rate responses were significantly higher in both the Regular and Non-Regular listener groups during listening to the fast-speech audio presentation as compared to the News Commentary presentation. Conclusion: Although there is limited data, listening to fast speech itself may act as a psychosocial stressor that predisposes to an increased cardiovascular response manifested as higher blood pressure and heart rate.

Effect of Gayatri Mantra Chanting on Attention, Memory, Anxiety and Mental State in Young Athletes: A Prospective Study

Introduction: The Gayatri Mantra (GM) is one of the oldest available divine hymns in ancient vedic literature, a mantra of physical, emotional, mental healing and spiritual awakening or self-realization. GM is a standard, validated, empowerment tool aiding in effective behavioral changes leading to optimal and healthy lifestyle. Effect of vedic chanting on consciousness and mental state has been long researched and has been documented in ancient religious literatures. However, due to its religious connotations, its scientific scrutiny and validation has been not popularized. The present study tried to assess the effect of GM chanting on attention, memory, anxiety and mental state on healthy young athletes. Methodology: The present study was a prospective one which included 45 athletes who were divided into three different study arms of 15 each – two arms were undertaking normal meditation with or without an add on GM Chanting while meditation, while one was control group. All subjects were evaluated (at baseline and 3 months) for attention (using 6 letter cancellation, digit letter substitution), memory [using digit span test (forward, backward), multiple choice apparatus], anxiety (using state trait anxiety inventory), and mental state using MMSE. Results were statistically analyzed. Results: Subjects with GM chanting showed significant improvement in attention and memory domain. Less failed attempts and prompt response to audio and visual stimuli for multiple choice apparatus was noted for the GM group. Sustained visual attention, scanning without distraction and better concentration are required for the digit cancellation test. Marked improvements in both state and trait anxiety was noted for the GM chanters. Improved mental state was observed for both meditating group compared with the control. Conclusion: GM chanting plays a significant role in the well being of the people. GM chanting has significant effects in attention, memory, anxiety and mental state. Regular chanting of GM shall improve learning power, concentration, prosperity, eternal power, peace and improves quality of life.

MEDICAL PHYSIOLOGY AS A WALK OF LIFE -PAST, CURRENT, AND FUTURE PROSPECTIVE: AN INSIGHT

In exploring the epitome of Physiology, we come across a multitude of disciplines. The history of human Physiology can be traced back to 435 BC. Now, Physiology has become an integral part of our life. Physiology and Medicine are like two faces of the same coin. While swimming through the ocean of Physiology we discover many natal systems. Physiology forms the ground on which the study of Medicine works like our laptop. Forming substratum in the arch of medical and surgical knowledge, Physiology is gaining vanity. The relevance of Physiological ideas is just like the cherry on the cake. This review is a general topic of interest and discusses the history of Physiology and the importance of Physiology beyond academics in the epoch of translational research.

Yoga and Aerodynamics

Yoga is a Sanskrit word which interprets to the meaning “the unity of body and mind”. It is a blend of breathing drills, physical stances, and contemplation, and has been practiced in eastern conventional medicine for more than thousands of years [1]. A modest effort was taken in this study to examine the effect of Long term yoga training on Aerodynamic measures and also to compare and contrast these measures between individuals who practice yoga and who don’t. A total of 120 phonation samples were obtained from participants who practice yoga and who don’t between the age ranges of 20-40 years. Samples assessing respiratory capacities were also taken from the above subjects. Statistical analysis showed a significant difference [p<0.05] between control group and experimental group for all parameters. Significant difference was also seen between genders [p<0.05]. Significant difference was seen in gender within control group [p=0.02] and also within experimental group [p=0.00]. The prevailing study establishes a positive correlation between practicing yoga and betterment in aerodynamic capacities. The results declare that there was significant escalation in vital capacity, maximum phonation duration, phonation quotient and mean air flow rate for individuals who practice regular yoga when compared to people who don’t. The outcome of the present study is a preliminary step towards creating evidence base for the practice of yoga towards overall aerodynamic improvement in healthy adults