Alcohol spiked with zolpidem and midazolam potentiates inflammation, oxidative stress and organ damage in a mouse model.

Purpose: Crime-related spiking of alcoholic drinks with prescription drugs is quite common and has been happening for centuries. This study, therefore, evaluated the effects of oral administration of alcohol spiked with the zolpidem and midazolam potent sedatives on inflammation, oxidative stress and various organ damage in male Swiss albino mice.

Methods: Mice were randomly assigned into six treatment groups; the first group constituted the normal control, the second group received 50 mg/kg body weight of zolpidem only, the third group received 50 mg/kg body weight zolpidem dissolved in 5 g/kg alcohol, the fourth group received 50 mg/kg midazolam only, the fifth group received midazolam (50 mg/kg) dissolved in 5 g/kg alcohol and the sixth group received 5 g/kg alcohol.

Calcium carbide-induced derangement of hematopoiesis and organ toxicity ameliorated by cyanocobalamin in a mouse model.

Background: Calcium carbide (CaC) is a chemical primarily used in the production of acetylene gas. The misuse of CaC to induce fruit ripening is a global challenge with a potential adverse effects to human health. Additionally, CaC is known to contain some reasonable amount of arsenic and phosphorous compounds that are toxic and pose a danger to human health when ingested.

Co-administration of chloroquine and coenzyme Q improved treatment outcome during experimental cerebral malaria.

Development of cerebral malaria (CM) is driven by parasitemia levels, harmful inflammatory response, oxidative stress and consequent breach of the blood brain barrier. Use of adjunct therapy that utilizes an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent alongside chloroquine (CQ), may improve treatment outcome and shorten recovery from post-infection sequelae. Though withdrawn in some countries, CQ is still in use for prophylaxis and treatment of malaria in many countries.

Assessment of genetic diversity of pumpkins (Cucurbita spp.) from western Kenya using SSR molecular markers.

Pumpkins (Cucurbita spp.) are among most neglected and underutilized crops cultivated for food and medicine. The major constraint to pumpkin production is lack of genetically improved seeds.

Coenzyme Q nullified khat-induced hepatotoxicity, nephrotoxicity and inflammation in a mouse model.

Ethnopharmacological Relevance: The consumption of khat ( Forsk) is on the rise despite the much publicized associated deleterious health effects. How chemicals present in khat, affect various physiological and biochemical processes requires further scrutiny. A clear understanding of these processes will provide an avenue for countering khat-driven negative effects using appropriate pharmacological and/or nutritional interventions.