Public knowledge, attitudes, and practices towards herbal medicines; a cross-sectional study in Western Saudi Arabia.

Background: Herbal medicines, derived from medicinal plants, are among the most popular alternative remedies around the globe. In Saudi Arabia, herbal medicines are extensively used by public as part of the culture as well as religious norms. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding herbal medicines among the general population in Saudi Arabia.

The Inhibitory Effect of Human Plasma Albumin and Haptoglobin on Platelet Aggregation and 5-HT Release.

Platelet aggregation contributes to the pathogenesis of cardiovascular diseases. After activation it leads to dense granule secretion and 5-HT release. The question arises; how platelet aggregation is endogenously controlled during blood circulation.

In vitro and in vivo anti-Helicobacter pylori activity of selected medicinal plants employed for the management of gastrointestinal disorders.

Five medicinal plants Mentha piperita L., Trachyspermum ammi L., Viola odorata Linn.

Potential proapoptotic phytochemical agents for the treatment and prevention of colorectal cancer.

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the leading causes of mortality among men and women. Chemo-resistance, adverse effects and disease recurrence are major challenges in the development of effective cancer therapeutics. Substantial literature on this subject highlights that populations consuming diets rich in fibers, fruits and vegetables have a significantly reduced incidence rate of CRC.

A Comparison of Biomarkers in the Assessment of Glycemic Control in Diabetes: Reviewing the Evidence.

Background: Diabetes Mellitus (DM) is a chronic life-long progressive multisystem heterogeneous metabolic disorder with complex pathogenesis.

Introduction: Hyperglycemia is not only one of the classical signs of DM, but it also serves as the pivotal prerequisite for the diagnosis of the disease. However, with the advancement in the field of analytical biochemistry, a number of alternative and specific biomarkers have been discovered which can be used for better diagnosis of the DM.

Can Diet Modulate Helicobacter pylori-associated Gastric Pathogenesis? An Evidence-Based Analysis.

Helicobacter pylori is involved in the pathogenesis of gastritis, peptic ulcer, and gastric cancer. The infection is prevalent in more than half of the world's population. Although the infection may lead to detrimental consequences, still the majority of the infected individuals only develop mild gastritis.

Current status of Helicobacter pylori association with haematological and cardiovascular diseases: A mini review.

Helicobacter pylori infection is considered the most commonly prevalent gastrointestinal pathogen where it manages to survive despite the hostile environment of human stomach, leading to various gastric diseases including gastric cancer. Due to the chronic inflammatory state induced by H. pylori and its interaction with host immune system have diverted researchers to investigate its correlation with systemic diseases outside of the gastrointestinal tract.

Self-reported attitudes and behaviours of medical students in Pakistan regarding academic misconduct: a cross-sectional study.

Background: Honesty and integrity are key attributes of an ethically competent physician. However, academic misconduct, which includes but is not limited to plagiarism, cheating, and falsifying documentation, is common in medical colleges across the world. The purpose of this study is to describe differences in the self-reported attitudes and behaviours of medical students regarding academic misconduct depending on gender, year of study and type of medical institution in Pakistan.

Analgesic, anti-inflammatory and anti-platelet activities of the methanolic extract of Acacia modesta leaves.

The current study was aimed to evaluate Acacia modesta for analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and anti-platelet activities. The analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects were assessed in rodents using acetic acid and formalin-induced nociception, hot plate and carrageenan-induced rat paw oedema tests. The intraperitoneal (i.

Investigating GABA and its function in platelets as compared to neurons.

We have recently suggested that platelets could be used as a model for neuronal receptors. In this paper we have investigated gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) metabolism and GABA receptors in platelets and in cultured neurons to see whether platelets' GABA mimics neuronal GABA receptor activities. We used the ELISA technique for detecting the GABA concentration in platelet rich plasma and cultured neurons.

Effect of chronic treatment with a cyclooxygenase inhibitor on reproductive parameters in male rat.

Background: Indomethacin is a member of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) commonly used for treatment of gout, arthritis, and other inflammatory conditions. It has been shown to inhibit ovarian prostaglandins synthesis in mammals, birds, fish and reptiles. However, the effects of its chronic administration on male reproductive functions remain largely unknown.

Cardiovascular and airway relaxant activities of peony root extract.

Paeonia emodi (peony) is a well known plant used medicinally to treat hypertension, palpitations, and asthma. Despite its popularity, there are few reports in the scientific literature examining its use in such conditions. We prepared a 70% ethanolic extract of peony root (Pe.

Ethnopharmacological studies on antispasmodic and antiplatelet activities of Ficus carica.

Ethnopharmacological Relevance: The ripe dried fruit of Ficus carica Linn. (Moraceae) commonly known as "Fig" has medicinal value in traditional system of medicine for its use in gastrointestinal and inflammatory disorders.

Aim Of The Study: To rationalize the medicinal use of Fig (Ficus carica) in gastrointestinal and inflammatory disorders.

Lipoproteins inhibit platelet aggregation and arachidonic acid metabolism in experimental hypercholesterolaemia.

1. Human plasma contains unidentified components that inhibit arachidonic acid (AA) metabolism. In the present study, we investigated whether plasma from rabbits fed a normal or high-cholesterol diet for 16 weeks also inhibits AA metabolism.

Quantitative gait analysis as a method to assess mechanical hyperalgesia modulated by disease-modifying antirheumatoid drugs in the adjuvant-induced arthritic rat.

In the present study, azothioprine, chloroquine, D-penicillamine, methotrexate and sodium aurothiomalate (gold salt) were evaluated for possible disease-modifying effects in the adjuvant-induced arthritis model of human rheumatoid arthritis in rats. Gait analysis was used to examine the role of disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs in the development of pain. Body weights were also measured to monitor the progression of disease and the systemic antiarthritic effects of the test compounds used in this study, as well as their systemic toxicity.

Some new prospects in the understanding of the molecular basis of the pathogenesis of stroke.

Stroke is one of the leading causes of mortality and morbidity in advanced countries of the world. Despite the fact that reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (ROS and RNS) are the by-products of normal metabolic processes and mediate important physiological processes, they can inflict damage to the cell if produced in excess due to oxidative stress. In the present review, we focus on the cellular and molecular aspects of ROS and RNS generation and its role in the pathogenesis of stroke produced by hypoxia-reperfusion (H-R) phenomena that elicit oxidative stress.

Inhibitors of phosphatidylinositide 3-kinase: effects on reactive oxygen species and platelet aggregation.

Phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI 3-kinase) exists in cells as a family of isoforms. The enzymes are important regulators of fundamental metabolic processes, such as energy utilization, growth, cell proliferation and survival. They are activated by cell surface receptors for hormones, and by G-protein coupled receptors.

Dual inhibition of cyclooxygenase and lipoxygenase enzymes by human cerebrospinal fluid.

Thromboxane A2 (TXA2) formed in damaged brain tissue and after thromboembolism and subarachnoid haemorrhage is responsible for cerebral vasospasm. In the present study, we examined the effect of human cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) on the production of thromboxane-A2 (TXA2) and 12-hydroxy-eicosatetraenoic acid (12-HETE) by human blood platelets. CSF was drawn by lumbar puncture from normal healthy volunteers (n = 17) and samples judged to be normal after routine examination in the clinical laboratories and were used fresh.

Dual inhibition of cyclooxygenase and lipoxygenase by human haptoglobin: its polymorphism and relation to hemoglobin binding.

Haptoglobin (Hp) binds hemoglobin (Hb) specifically and stoichiometrically. Since Hb stimulates prostaglandin (PG biosynthesis), we investigated if Hp effects arachidonic acid (AA) metabolism. The results showed that Hp (50-250 microg protein) inhibited the biosynthesis of PGs via cyclooxygenase (COX) and 12-HETE via lipoxygenase pathway in human platelets.

Anti-ischemic effects of nimesulide, a cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitor on the ischemic model of rabbit induced by isoproterenol.

The objective was to devise an animal model of myocardial infarction (MI) against which cardioprotective drugs might be tested. We describe the effects of nimesulide, a COX experience with development and validation of such a model. The rabbit was chosen in preference to rodents because its heart and cardiac circulation more closely resemble those of human.

Role of cyclooxygenase-2 in myocardial infarction and ischaemia.

Objective: To determine the role of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), on coronary perfusion rate (CPR) in a rabbit heart model showing ischaemic damage and reperfusion injury to the myocardium.

Design: An experimental study.

Place And Duration Of Study: The animal unit of the Dr.

Latest approaches to the diagnosis and management of food allergies in children.

Adverse food reactions are a challenge for physicians. As the prevalence of this condition rises, it is important that paediatricians and other health care professionals adeptly diagnose this condition. We begin by discussing the relevant points in history and physical examination, then we discuss the recent effective diagnostic tests and techniques available for doctors and patients, along with several management options.

Myocardial ischaemia and reperfusion injury: reactive oxygen species and the role of neutrophil.

A growing body of evidence suggests that oxygen radicals can mediate myocardial tissue injury during ischaemia and, in particular, during reperfusion. This review focuses on the role of neutrophil as a mediator of myocardial damage. Upon reperfusion, neutrophils accumulate and produce an inflammatory response in the myocardium that is responsible, in part, for the extension of tissue injury associated with reperfusion.

Synergistic interaction of epinephrine and calcium ionophore in platelet aggregation.

Background: Platelets play a key role in haemostasis. Human Platelets contain alpha2 adrenergic receptors, which are coupled with guanine nucleotide proteins (G proteins). The platelet activation involves a number of receptors for agonists.