ISSN 2326-7267
Review
International Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmacology ISSN: 2326-7267 Vol. 3 (6), pp. 001-009, June, 2012. © International Scholars Journals
Review
Possible benefits of micronutrient supplementation in the treatment and management of HIV infection and AIDS
O. O. Oguntibeju*, A. J. Esterhuyse and E. J. Truter
Oxidative Stress Research Unit, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health and Wellness Sciences, Cape Peninsula University of Technology, Bellville, South Africa.
Accepted 22 March, 2012
Abstract
Recently, several reports have indicated that individuals living with HIV/AIDS undergo a condition of chronic oxidative stress with a resultant decline in nutritional antioxidants and other micronutrients. It has also been reported that these micronutrient deficiencies interfere with immune functions, weaken epithelial integrity, contribute to oxidative stress and enhance HIV disease progression. Reports from observational studies have led to an increasing interest in the possible benefits of micronutrient supplementation as a cost-effective strategy for improving oxidative and nutritional status. Micronutrient supplementation may also assist in the possible prevention of vertical transmission of HIV from mother to child especially in low -income countries where antiretroviral therapy and prophylactic drugs are not readily available. However, there are conflicting reports from other observational studies as to the usefulness or benefits of micronutrient supplementation in the treatment and management of HIV/AIDS. In this review we examine possible benefits of micronutrient supplementation in the treatment and management of HIV infection and AIDS.
Key words: Vitamins, antioxidants, micronutrients, supplementation, HIV infection, AIDS.
A. J. Esterhuyse and E. J. Truter, O. O. Oguntibeju*
Page: 1 - 9
Review
International Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmacology ISSN: 2326-7267 Vol. 3 (5), pp. 001-004, May, 2012. © International Scholars Journals
Review
Review on the importance of documenting ethnopharmacological information on medicinal plants
Berhanemeskel Weldegerima
School of Pharmacy, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar. P. O. Box 196, Ethiopia. E-mail: [email protected], [email protected]. Tel: +251912024213.
Accepted 14 January, 2012
Abstract
This paper reviews and discusses the importance of documenting ethnopharmacological information on medicinal plants. The literature review was done by collecting relevant information from journal articles, workshop proceedings, books and electronic resources. The review sums up the importance of documenting the indigenous traditional knowledge on medicinal plants as being a vehicle for; (i) preserving cultural heritage, (ii) ethnopharmacological bases of drug research and (ii) preserving of biological diversity.
Key words: Ethnopharmacology, indigenous knowledge, medicinal plants, biological and diversity.
Berhanemeskel Weldegerima
Page: 1 - 4
Research Article
International Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmacology ISSN: 2326-7267 Vol. 3 (5), pp. 001-009, May, 2012. © International Scholars Journals
Full Length Research Paper
Ototoxic effects of tuberculosis treatments: How aware are patients?
Khoza-Shangase Katijah*, Mupawose Anniah and Mlangeni Ntsako Precious
University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg.
Accepted 24 July, 2011
Abstract
This project aimed to determine awareness of South African adults with tuberculosis (TB) of the ototoxic effects of TB medication. 60 adults undergoing TB treatment in Gauteng participated. A semi-structured interview schedule was utilized to collect data. Data analysis used descriptive statistics. Results revealed a generalized lack of awareness amongst the participants regarding TB as a disease, its symptoms and how it is contracted; with 50% of the participants lacking awareness of the importance of adherence to treatment. Furthermore, even though 63% of participants reported auditory symptoms since commencement of treatment, none of them had been referred to an audiologist or an Ear, Nose and Throat specialist for management. In fact none of the participants were enrolled in an ototoxicity monitoring programme, even though 48% of the participants with auditory symptoms reported these symptoms having an impact in their daily lives. Current findings highlight the need for comprehensive counselling and education of patients on ototoxic medications through development and implementation of ototoxicity monitoring programmes as part of patient management.
Key words: Aminoglycosides, ototoxicity, hearing loss, tuberculosis, streptomycin, adults, audiologist, otolaryngology.
Khoza-Shangase Katijah*, Mupawose Anniah and Mlangeni Ntsako Precious
Page: 1 - 9
Research Article
International Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmacology ISSN: 2326-7267 Vol. 3 (5), pp. 001-007, May, 2012. © International Scholars Journals
Full Length Research Paper
Hepatoprotective effects of glycine and vitamin E, during the early phase of liver regeneration in the rat
Judith Parra-Vizuet1, Abelardo Camacho-Luis1, Eduardo Madrigal-Santillan1, Mirandeli Bautista1, Jaime Esquivel-Soto2, Cesar Esquivel-Chirino2, Manuel García Luna y González Rubio2, Jorge Alberto Mendoza-Pérez3, Jorge Chanona-Pérez3 and José A. Morales-González1*
1Instituto de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Autónoma del Estado de Hidalgo, México.
2Facultad de Odontología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, México.
3Escuela Nacional de Ciencias Biológicas, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, México.
Accepted 13 January, 2012
Abstract
Our objective was to demonstrate the protective effect of glycine (Gly) and vitamin E (VE) on a model of ethanol-induced acute liver injury during the early phase of liver regeneration after partial hepatectomy (PH) in rats. Fifty male Wistar rats (body weight (b.w.), 240 - 280 g) were divided into four groups (n = 10, each, respectively) as follows: 1) control partial hepatectomy (PH), 70%; 2) PH + ethanol (EtOH) at 1.5 g/kg b.w; 3) PH + Gly (0.6 g/kg b.w) + EtOH, and; 4) PH + VE (400 International units [IU]) + EtOH. Twenty four h after surgery, animals were killed and liver damage and oxidative stress parameters were measured. Ethanol caused a decrease in serum albumin (2.27 vs 3.12 g/dL; p < 0.05), cholesterol (31.4 vs 48.0 mg/dL; p < 0.05), Aspartate aminotransferase (AST, 70 vs 380 UI; p < 0.05), and alanine aminotransferase (ALT, 110 vs 170 UI; p < 0.05) in comparison with the PH control group, but these decreases were reverted with either Gly or VE administration. Furthermore, Gly and VE administration decreased (p < 0.05) Thiobarbituric acid reactive (TBARS) levels, stimulated superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, and a significant restitution of liver weight was observed. Our results suggested a protective effect against liver injury with glycine and VE supplementation. Treatment with either Gly or VE causes an elevation in total SOD activity and a decrease in TBARS levels, showing a protective effect in liver regeneration on a model of ethanol-induced acute liver injury after PH in rats.
Key words: Antioxidants, ethanol-induced liver injury, free radicals, glycine, liver regeneration, vitamin E.
Abelardo Camacho-Luis, Manuel GarcÃa Luna y González Rubio, Jorge Alberto Mendoza-Pére, Judith Parra-Vizuet, Mirandeli Bautista, Eduardo Madrigal-Santillan, Jaime Esquivel-Soto, Cesar Esquivel-Chirino
Page: 1 - 7
Research Article
International Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmacology ISSN: 2326-7267 Vol. 3 (5), pp. 001-005, May, 2012. © International Scholars Journals
Full Length Research Paper
Pharmacodynamic effect of piperazine citrate on the blood pressure of anaesthetized cat
Samuel Ghasi*, Chioli P. Chijioke and Raphael Anakwue
Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, College of Medicine, University of Nigeria, Enugu, Nigeria.
Accepted 14 February, 2012
Abstract
Piperazine citrate produced a dose- dependent decrease in the blood pressure of the anaesthetized cat. Both 15 mg and 30 mg/kg piperazine showed average significant reduction in blood pressure of 29.8 ± 1.65 and 78.3 ± 3.18 mm Hg respectively. The effect produced in each case was transient and returned to baseline value within 2 min. The reduction in blood pressure caused by piperazine 30 mg/kg was statistically significant compared to the average due to piperazine 15 mg/kg (P < 0.0001). The maximum falls over the baseline blood pressure were also determined to be 34 and 82 mm Hg respectively. Adrenaline 5 mg increased the blood pressure of the cat by 68 mmHg and this effect was antagonized by equipotent doses of piperazine, nifedipine and propranolol to varying degrees. The antagonism produced by equipotent doses of piperazine (15 mg/kg) or nifedipine (200 mg/kg) to blood pressure elevation by adrenaline was quite small (8.8%), compared to propranolol (10mg) which antagonized the vasopressive action by as much as 26.5% (68 - 50 mmHg). Piperazine although severely reducing the blood pressure when given intravenously to the anaesthetized cat as shown in this study, may not be an effective antihypertensive agent as its hypotensive effect is always very transient. This would rather be seen as an untoward effect and in any event that may demand that piperazine be given intravenously, the patients should be warned of hypotension and dizziness as possible adverse effects.
Key words: Piperazine citrate, anaesthetized cat, blood pressure.
Samuel Ghasi*, Chioli P. Chijioke and Raphael Anakwue
Page: 1 - 5
Research Article
International Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmacology ISSN: 2326-7267 Vol. 3 (5), pp. 001-005, May, 2012. © International Scholars Journals
Full Length Research paper
Preliminary phytochemical, analgesic and anti-inflammatory studies of the methanol extract of Anisopus mannii (N.E.Br) (Asclepiadaceae) in rodents
A. M. Musa1*, A. B. Aliyu2, A. H. Yaro3, M. G. Magaji4, H. S. Hassan1 and M. I. Abdullahi1
1Department of Pharmaceutical and Medicinal Chemistry, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria.
2Department of Chemistry, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria.
3Department of Pharmacology, Bayero University, Kano, Nigeria.
4Department of Pharmacology and Clinical Pharmacy, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria.
Accepted 10 January, 2012
Abstract
The methanol extract of the aerial parts of Anisopus mannii was evaluated for its analgesic and anti-inflammatory activities. The analgesic effect was studied using acetic acid-induced abdominal constriction test in mice, while the anti-inflammatory effect was investigated using carrageenan induced paw oedema in rats. The results of the study showed that the extract (40 mg/Kg) exhibited significant (P < 0.01) analgesic effect. It also exhibited significant (P < 0.01) anti-inflammatory effect at a dose of 20 mg/kg. Phytochemical screening of the extract revealed the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, saponins, steroids and tannins. The extract was found to have an intraperitoneal LD50 of 282.8 mg/kg in mice. The results showed that the extract contains some pharmacologically active principles and lend pharmacological credence to the ethnomedical use of the plant in the management of pain and inflammatory conditions.
Key words: Anisopus mannii, phytochemical screening, analgesic activity, anti-inflammatory activity, toxicity.
A. H. Yaro, A. B. Aliyu, A. M. Musa*, M. G. Magaji, H. S. Hassan and M. I. Abdullahi
Page: 1 - 5