The preliminary phytochemical investigation was performed on methanolic and hydroalcoholic extract of Datura fastuosa (syn: Datura metel) revealed the presence of alkaloids, tannins, cardiac glycosides, flavonoids, carbohydrates, amino acids and phenolic compounds, while, phytochemical analysis of Datura stramonium showed that it contained alkaloids, saponins, tannins, steroids, flavonoids, phenols and glycosides.The previous pharmacological studies of Datura fastuosa showed that it possessed antimicrobial insecticidal, antidiabetic, cytotoxic, antioxidant, antiinflammatory, analgesic, antipyretic, neurological, wound healing, reproductive and antispasmodic, while Datura stramonium exerted Antiepileptic, Anti-asthmatic, analgesic, antioxidant, antimicrobial, insecticidal, repellent and organophosphate protective effects.The current review highlights the chemical constituents and pharmacological effects of Datura fastuosa and Datura stramonium.
Candida species have emerged as successful pathogens in both invasive and mucosal infections, especially in immunocompromised patients. Additionally, there is increasing resistance of Candida species to antifungal agents, and this has greatly contributed to the high morbidity and mortality amongst affected patients. In Zambia, little is known about the distribution of Candida species and their antifungal susceptibility patterns from patients with candidiasis. Speciation of Candida species is important as knowledge of the infecting species is important for guiding therapy. The objective of this study was, therefore, to characterise Candida species isolated from different clinical specimens at the University Teaching Hospital in Lusaka. This was a laboratory-based cross-sectional study involving the identification of 96 Candida species obtained from various clinical specimens, and determination of their antifungal susceptibility patterns. Identification of the isolates was achieved by the use of the API 20C AUX kit, followed by DNA sequencing of the Internal Transcribed Spacer region of the ribosomal DNA, whilst the agar-based E-test, using fluconazole, amphotericin B, flucytosine, and caspofungin, was used for antifungal susceptibility testing. Data obtained showed that Candida albicans were the predominant species (66.7%), followed by C. lusitaniae (12.2%), C. glabrata (6.7%), C. tropicalis (5.6%), C. parapsilosis (3.3%), C. quilliermondii (3.3%), C. pelliculosa (1.1%) and C. keyr (1.1%). Most of the Candida species exhibited high levels of resistance to fluconazole and amphotericin B, but were sensitive to caspofungin and flucytosine. C. albicans was resistant to fluconazole (18.3%,) with an MIC90 of 256 g/ml and amphotericin B (10%) with MIC90 of 1.5µg/ml. C. glabrata was the most resistant species against amphotericin B (66.6%) with an MIC90 of 2µg/ml. The antifungal susceptibility testing further revealed that C. albicans and most of the non-albicans species exhibited multi-drug resistance to all the antifungal agents tested. Therefore, species identification and antifungal susceptibility testing are recommended for infection control and treatment guidance of the Candida infection.
Herbal medicine is the oldest form of medicine known to mankind.It was the mainstay of many early civilizations and still the most widely practiced form of medicine in the world today.The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that 4 billion people, 80 percent of the world population, presently use herbal medicine for some aspect of primary health care [1].Plants generally produce many secondary metabolites which are bio-synthetically derived from primary metabolites and constitute an important source of many pharmaceutical drugs .Ficus religiosa contained tannins, phenols, saponins, sugars,
1 Chronic Renal Failure Research Center, Faculty of Medicine, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran. 2 MD, Internist, The director of Continued Medical Education, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran. 3 Assistant professor, Department of Food Hygiene, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz, Ahvaz, Iran. *Corresponding author: Farshid Padyab, Chronic Renal Failure Research Center, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran. Dr_padyab@yahoo.com
-Background: Viral infections are global public health problem. Shortage of information about Hepatitis B Virus (HBV), Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) and HIV/AIDS prevalence in Afghanistan is very clear. This study aimed to describe the prevalence and risk factors associated with HBV, HCV and HIV infection among adult population of Kabul city. Methods and Materials: A province based cross-sectional survey among adult population (25-70 years) of Kabul city was conducted in November, 2015 using a WHO STEP wise tool. A total of 1174 adult citizens in Kabul city were included in the study. Demographic, socioeconomic and lifestyle factors were collected by face to face questionnaire. Blood samples were collected and rapid tests were used to find the prevalence of HBV, HCV, and HIV infections. Data management was done using Epi info v.7 and SPSS v.20. Results: The overall prevalence of HBV using HBsAg and Anti-HCV rapid tests were 3 % (35/1174) and 1.1% (13/1374) respectively. Only two individuals were positive for HIV infection out 100 samples under confirmatory test. Of total 1174 records females constituted almost half 599 (51%) with overall mean age of 38.6±12.2 years. Females were slightly more in all age groups. Approximately half of the respondents (49.6%) were illiterates while the proportion of illiteracy was more in all age groups. Two third of the study subjects were married (77.5%) and 60% of women were housewives. Risky behaviors such as tattooing, hospitalizations, history of jaundice, living with hepatitis patients and undergoing dental procedures were common among positive subjects. Conclusion: A prevalence rate of 3%, 1.1% for HBsAg and anti-HCV and two cases of HIV infection apparently represents a trigger point for action in Kabul city. Public awareness and health education regarding risk factors for viral hepatitis and encouragement for vaccination is recommended. National program for blood borne viral diseases are an axis for focus of government and donors.
