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Evaluation of Some Physicochemical Properties as Quality Control Parameters of an Ayurvedic Preparation “Khadirarishta”
Kamrun Nahar,
Most. Shammi Rahman,
Shahana Jahan,
Md. Zakir Sultan,
Md. Musfaqur Rahman Sajjad,
Md. Taimuzzaman Sharif,
Nur Jaharat Lubna,
Abu Asad Chowdhury,
Shaila Kabir,
Mohammad Shah Amran
Issue:
Volume 3, Issue 2, March 2015
Pages:
17-21
Received:
9 December 2014
Accepted:
22 January 2015
Published:
16 February 2015
Abstract: Traditional or alternative medicines such as Ayurvedic drugs are getting importance and reputation day by day in the treatment of various diseases. This is because it has fewer side effects and gives necessary pharmacological action. But prolonged and excess usage may lead to harmful effects such as damage of the heart muscle leading to various types of arrhythmia and coronary artery diseases. “Khadirarista”, an Ayurvedic drug, was traditionally used for heart diseases along with jaundice, anemia, abdominal tumor and leprosy. The physicochemical properties such as pH, density, viscosity, conductivity, loss on drying (LOD), chromatographic and spectral study, and presence of metal ions the drug “Khadirarista” were studied. It was found that pH values were 4.53, 4.21 and 4.31 at 1%, 5% and 10% of test solution, respectively. It indicated that "Khadirarishta" was an acidic preparation. Density, average viscosity and residue (LOD) of the drug was 1.0076 g/mL, 25.22 pascal/second and 9.33 g/100 mL, respectively. The spectral study of the test sample was performed and peaks were obtained at the wavelengths of 275, 254, 274.80, 254.60, 275.60, 273.60, 211, 253.60 nm in UV spectrophotometer with 276.60 nm being the λmax. HPLC analysis of the sample was performed and retention time (Rt) of the possible active components were found to be 4.12, 4.22 and 4.83 min. Rt at 4.12 min was the most sharp peak. Applying TLC, the Rf values of the active compounds were found to be 0.6 and 0.7. The level of various metal ions in the sample was measured by Flame Photometry and Na, K, Ca levels were found to be 75 ppm, 5 ppm, 12 ppm, respectively.
Abstract: Traditional or alternative medicines such as Ayurvedic drugs are getting importance and reputation day by day in the treatment of various diseases. This is because it has fewer side effects and gives necessary pharmacological action. But prolonged and excess usage may lead to harmful effects such as damage of the heart muscle leading to various typ...
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Relationship of Physical, Emotional Health Variables and Functional Health Status of the Elderly in Asaba, Delta State
Issue:
Volume 3, Issue 2, March 2015
Pages:
22-25
Received:
24 December 2014
Accepted:
29 January 2015
Published:
16 February 2015
Abstract: Functional health status is the level of activities performed by an individual to realize needs of daily living in many aspects of life including physical, psychological, social, spiritual and intellectual roles. Level of performance is expected to correspond to normal expectation in the individual's nature, structure and conditions. Researching into the functional health status of the senior citizens will aid in designing a worthwhile health education programme for them. The few health-related studies carried out on the senior citizens in Asaba have not addressed their functional health status. Therefore, this study examined physical functioning, role limitations due to physical health, role limitations due to emotional problems, energy/fatigue, emotional well-being, social functioning, pain and general health as determinants of functional health status of the senior citizens in Asaba, Delta State. The study used descriptive survey research design. The sample aged 64.93 ± 11.57years in average were two hundred and fourteen (214) drawn through multistage sampling techniques from five local government areas in Asaba, Delta State. Functional Health Status was assessed using the Medical Outcomes Trust Short Form 36 (SF-36) Health Status Questionnaire that has internal consistency reliability results based on Alpha levels to range from 0.42 to 0.91. Eight hypotheses were tested and data were analyzed with the use of descriptive statistics of frequency count, percentage, mean and standard deviation as well as non-parametric statistics of chi-square (X2) at 0.05 level of significance. Results showed that physical functioning (X2=423.87, p<0.05), role limitations due to emotional problems (X2=8.46, p<0.05), energy/fatigue (X2=148.12, p<0.05), emotional well-being (X2=616.36, p<0.05), social functioning (X2=25.30, p<0.05), pain (X2=26.30, p<0.05) and general health (X2=520.78, p<0.05) were significant determinants while role limitations due to physical health was not a significant determinant of functional health status of the senior citizens in Asaba, Delta State. It was concluded that the content of health education programme for the senior citizens should strongly take the factors examined into consideration.
Abstract: Functional health status is the level of activities performed by an individual to realize needs of daily living in many aspects of life including physical, psychological, social, spiritual and intellectual roles. Level of performance is expected to correspond to normal expectation in the individual's nature, structure and conditions. Researching in...
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Sexual Behaviour Among Senior Secondary School Students in Nnewi North and Nnewi South Local Government Areas of Anambra State, South-Eastern Nigeria
Azuike Emmanuel Chukwunonye,
Iloghalu Ifeoma Chisom,
Nwabueze Simeon Achunam,
Emelumadu Obiageli Fidelia,
Balogun John Seyifumi,
Azuike Ebele Dabeluchukwu,
Obi Kamtoochukwu Mmaduneme,
Enwonwu Kenechukwu Grace,
Ebulue Charles Chukwudalu,
Obi Darlington Chukwudinma,
Chikezie Nkiru Ifeoma
Issue:
Volume 3, Issue 2, March 2015
Pages:
26-33
Received:
15 November 2014
Accepted:
15 February 2015
Published:
2 March 2015
Abstract: INTRODUCTION: Many adolescents engage in risky sexual activity without protection as shown by recent WHO report and this practice commonly resulted in sexually transmitted infections (STIs) including human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), unwanted pregnancy and unsafe abortion. OBJECTIVE: This study is intended to describe the sexual behaviour of students in senior secondary schools in Nnewi North and South LGAs of Anambra State, South-eastern Nigeria and to describe their attitude toward contraceptive use for the prevention of pregnancy and STIs. METHOD: A descriptive cross-sectional study which employed multi-stage and proportionate sampling techniques was conducted. RESULT: A total of 394 students, age range of 12 – 24 years with mean of 17 ± 1.6years were studied. 95 (24.1%) admitted to previous sexual exposure with mean age at sexual debut of 12 ± 3.6 years. More than half of them had multiple sex partners and learnt about sex from the media. 74.7% of the respondents did not use condom during their first sexual exposure and 83.3% of those who had been pregnant or got someone pregnant terminated the pregnancy. CONCLUSION: This study shows a need for better government and societal commitment to adolescent reproductive health issues and incorporation of school-based interventions relating to sexuality education into school curriculum.
Abstract: INTRODUCTION: Many adolescents engage in risky sexual activity without protection as shown by recent WHO report and this practice commonly resulted in sexually transmitted infections (STIs) including human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), unwanted pregnancy and unsafe abortion. OBJECTIVE: This study is intended to describe the sexual behaviour of stud...
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Assessment of Nutritional Status Among Primary School Pupils in Rural and Urban Areas of Anambra State
Nwabueze Achunam Simeon,
Ilika Amobi Linus,
Azuike Emmanuel Chukwunonye,
Nwabueze Nneka Chidimma,
Obi Kamtoochukwu Mmaduneme,
Onebunne Michael Emeka,
Enwonwu Kenechukwu Grace,
Aniagboso Clifford Chidiebere,
Ezenyeaku ChijiokeAmara,
Ajator Chioma Chetachukwu,
Azuike Ebele Dabeluchukwu
Issue:
Volume 3, Issue 2, March 2015
Pages:
34-38
Received:
31 January 2015
Accepted:
15 February 2015
Published:
2 March 2015
Abstract: Background: Malnutrition is a common problem in Sub-Saharan Nigeria. The untoward effects of malnutrition on children cannot be overemphasized. There is need for studies to understand the dynamics of malnutrition in order to intervene appropriately. Nutritional assessment in the community is essential for accurate planning and implementation of intervention programmes to reduce mortality and morbidity associated with malnutrition. Objectives: This study was carried out to assess the nutritional status of primary school pupils in urban and rural areas of Anambra state, compare them and find out the factors that affect their nutritional status. Methodology: A cross sectional comparative study of 365 children selected by stratified random sampling method from primary schools in both urban and rural areas of Anambra state was carried out. Their nutritional status was determined using anthropometric measures. The socioeconomic and socio demographic variables of interest were analyzed to determine their association with malnutrition in the children. Results: Three hundred and sixty five pupils participated in the study. Among the pupils 181 were in the rural area while 184 were in the urban area. The overall prevalence of underweight, stunting and overweight were 10.7%, 1.9% and 4.1% respectively. Prevalence of underweight was higher in the rural area (18.8%) than in the urban area (2.7%) and the difference was statistically significant. The prevalence of stunting was higher in the rural area (3.3%) than in the urban area (0.5%) and the difference was statistically significant. Underweight was more among the pupils whose parents had low educational level than among those whose parents had higher educational level, and the difference was statistically significant. Conclusion: Malnutrition is higher in the rural areas than the urban areas in Anambra state. Low level of education of parents predisposes children to malnutrition.
Abstract: Background: Malnutrition is a common problem in Sub-Saharan Nigeria. The untoward effects of malnutrition on children cannot be overemphasized. There is need for studies to understand the dynamics of malnutrition in order to intervene appropriately. Nutritional assessment in the community is essential for accurate planning and implementation of int...
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