Publications by authors named "K K Wijesundera"
Elucidating the potential of Annona muricata L. grown in Sri Lanka to be used in developing an anticancer drug against colorectal and breast cancers.
BMC Complement Med Ther
November 2024
Background: Since ancient times many traditional medicine systems around the world have been using different parts of Annona muricata L. (AM), to treat cancer. Indeed, numerous in vitro and in vivo studies also have shown anticancer properties of different solvent extracts of different parts of AM.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFFollowing the X-Press Pearl maritime disaster off the coast of Sri Lanka, a stranded spinner dolphin () was recovered, and the cause of death was investigated. Post-mortem examinations revealed evidence of by-catch, but a natural coinfection with dolphin morbillivirus (DMV) and gammaherpesvirus was detected by further analyses, marking the first documented case of a dual viral infection in this species within the region. Molecular diagnostics, including PCR and sequencing, were performed on tissue imprints collected on FTA cards, confirming the presence of DMV in the prescapular lymph node and gammaherpesvirus in the lesions in the oral cavity.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFArticle Synopsis
- The text details a rare case of urinary bladder infection caused by Capillaria in a domestic cat from Sri Lanka, highlighting its uncommon occurrence in pets compared to wild animals.
- The 3-year-old cat exhibited severe symptoms like frequent urination, vomiting, emaciation, and respiratory distress, which led to further medical examination.
- Advanced molecular techniques confirmed the identity of the parasite as Pearsonema, exposing the seriousness of the condition despite the rarity of clinical signs in most cases.
Identification and mechanistic investigation of ellagitannins from Osbeckia octandra that attenuate liver fibrosis via the TGF-β/SMAD signaling pathway.
Biosci Biotechnol Biochem
October 2023
Article Synopsis
- Fibrosis significantly impacts chronic liver disease, and current treatment options are limited, leading to interest in herbal alternatives.
- A study focused on the herbal plant Osbeckia octandra, testing its crude leaf suspension and boiled extract in an animal model, revealed that the boiled extract was more effective.
- Three key compounds—pedunculagin, casuarinin, and gallic acid—were identified as bioactive, and they showed beneficial effects in reducing fibrosis by inhibiting the TGF-β/SMAD signaling pathway.
Chronic liver inflammation has become a major global health concern. In the absence of clinical surrogate markers to diagnose inflammatory liver disease, the intervention with effective drugs in modern medicine tends to be late. In Sri Lanka, traditional medical practitioners prescribe herbal preparations from for the prevention and treatment of liver disorders.
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