Almond protects the liver in coronary artery disease: A randomized controlled clinical trial.

Objective: To compare the effect of Pakistani and American almonds on serum concentration of liver enzymes in coronary artery disease patients.

Methods: The randomised controlled trial was conducted at the Cardiology Clinics of Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi, from February to July, 2012, and comprised patients who were randomised into intervention PA and AA groups and the control NI groups. Subjects in the intervention groups were provided Pakistani and American varieties of almonds 10g/day respectively with instructions to soak them overnight, remove the skin and eat them before breakfast for 12 weeks.

Impact of Intermittent Fasting on Lipid Profile-A Quasi-Randomized Clinical Trial.

Sub-optimal HDL is a prognostic marker of cardiovascular disease. South Asia has a high prevalence of sub-optimal HDL compared to other parts of the world. Intermittent fasting (IF) is a type of energy restriction which may improve serum HDL and other lipids thereby reducing the risk of cardiovascular diseases.

Peer-Assisted Learning (PAL): An innovation aimed at engaged learning for undergraduate medical students.

Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of Peer Assisted Learning in teaching at undergraduate level and to assess its effects on Peer Leaders and Peer Learners.

Methods: The cross-sectional study was conducted at the Aga Khan University, Karachi, from May to October 2017, and comprised Peer Learners who were trained by faculty members in workshops and pre-run of experiments. Students were divided into two groups; Group A had Peer Learners taught by Peer Leaders, and Group B had those taught by trained lab technologists.

Studies on antioxidant, hepatoprotective, and vasculoprotective potential of Viola odorata and Wrightia tinctoria.

We have reported the antidyslipidemic, antihypertensive, and Ca channel blocking activities of Viola odorata (VO) and Wrightia tinctoria (WT). This study extends our understanding of their therapeutic potential by exploring the effects on biomarkers of hepatic and vascular dysfunction together with phytochemical standardization and antioxidant potential. Total phenolic compounds, total flavonoids content, and proanthocyanins of the methanolic extracts were identified using HPLC.

Peer leader selection: A step forward for assisted peer learning at Aga Khan University.

To facilitate experiential learning with assistance from peers, fourteen consented first year AKUH MBBS students submitted an online application along with a written paragraph. Percentage in previous teaching module was also obtained. A training workshop was organized for all the consented students where after pretest and initial orientation, they were divided into two groups; A and B.

Pharmacological basis for the medicinal use of Wrightia tinctoria in hypertension and dyslipidemia.

This study was aimed to offer a possible pharmacological basis regarding the remedial utilization of Wrightia tinctoria in hypertension and dyslipidemia in certain South Asian traditional systems of medicine, using in vivo and in vitro assays. The aqueous methanolic extract of W. tinctoria seeds (Wt.

The antidiarrheal and spasmolytic activities of Phyllanthus emblica are mediated through dual blockade of muscarinic receptors and Ca2+ channels.

Aim Of The Study: This study was aimed at providing the possible mechanisms for the medicinal use of Phyllanthus emblica in diarrhea.

Materials And Methods: The in vivo studies were conducted in mice, while isolated rabbit jejunum and guinea-pig ileum were used for the in vitro experiments.

Results: The crude extract of Phyllanthus emblica (Pe.

Antihypertensive, antidyslipidemic and endothelial modulating activities of Orchis mascula.

The objective of this study was to investigate the possible mode(s) of action for the medicinal use of Orchis mascula (OM) (family Orchidaceae) in hypertension and dyslipidemia. In spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs), OM significantly (P<0.05) reduced systolic blood pressure to 174.