Impact of environmental factors on Apis dorsata (giant Asian honeybee) venom in Bandarawela, Sri Lanka.

Apis dorsata stings are amongst the most frequent insect-stings in Sri Lanka. A. dorsata venom consists of a mixture of components including PLA, melittin, hyaluronidase and apamin.

Microbiological quality of different tea grades produced in diverse agro-climatic regions in Sri Lanka.

In Sri Lanka, several tea grades are produced in factories located in different agro-climatic regions within three geographical elevations. The study aimed to determine the microbial quality of different tea grades and composite tea samples obtained from factories situated at diverse locations. The average APC, yeast & mould counts and coliforms in different tea grades ranged from 3.

Anti-protein glycation and free-radical scavenging properties of Sri Lankan antidiabetic medicinal plant Salacia reticulata l. (Kothala Himbutu).

Background: Decoctions of the root and stem of the medicinal plant Salacia reticulata is an indigenous remedy for diabetics and its complications in Sri Lanka. In diabetics, the formation of advanced glycation end products (AGEs) leads to many pathologies. Nevertheless, the anti-protein-glycation property of this plant is poorly documented.

Anti-inflammatory, cytotoxicity and antilipidemic properties: novel bioactivities of true cinnamon (Cinnamomum zeylanicum Blume) leaf.

Background: The leaf of Ceylon cinnamon (true cinnamon) is traditionally claimed for a variety of health benefits. However, reported scientific information is scanty and needs urgent attention for value addition.

Methods: Ethanolic (95%) and Dichloromethane:Methanol (DM, 1:1 v/v) leaf extracts of Ceylon cinnamon were evaluated for a range of medically important bioactivities namely anti-inflammatory [nitric oxide scavenging activity (NOSA), superoxide scavenging activity (SCA), COX1 and COX2 inhibition], growth inhibition & cytotoxicity against MCF7, HePG2 and AN3CA carcinoma cell lines, glutathionase-S-transferase (GST) inhibition and antilipidemic (anti-HMG-CoA reductase, anti-lipase, anti-cholesterol esterase, and cholesterol micellization inhibition) properties in vitro (n = 3).

Diagnosis of Apis dorsata venom allergy: use of recombinant allergens of Apis mellifera and a passive basophil activation test.

Background: Allergy to Apis dorsata (Giant Asian Honeybee) venom is the commonest insect allergy in Sri Lanka and South East Asia. However, laboratory diagnosis is difficult as the pure venom and diagnostic reagents are not commercially available.

Objective: This study assessed the use of four recombinant allergens of A.