The most common cause of pyogenic infection of the skin and soft tissues in children is Staphylococcus aureus, a fast-emerging problem due to its accompanying significant cost and morbidity. The popularity of herbal medications has increased due to the search for cheaper and more accessible alternatives. However, data is still lacking to back up these claims. Although a few in vitro studies have tested Neem leaf extract on S. aureus, there are none done on Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) despite the fact that it is being marketed for such purposes. Objectives: This study aims to determine if Neem leaf extract (Azadirachta indica) has antibacterial properties against Methicillin-sensitive and Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus and to compare the anti-staphylococcal properties of Neem leaf extract with oxacillin, vancomycin, mupirocin, and povidone iodine. Methods: An in vitro experimental study was performed using Neem leaf, properly identified and verified, was subjected to ethanol extraction of its active ingredients then diluted to produce 25%, 50%, 75%, and 100% concentrations. Standard strains of Staphylococcus aureus and clinical isolates of MRSA where inoculated on blood agar plates and subjected to the standardized disc susceptibility testing method. Zones of inhibition were measured for each test extract and compared to currently used medications, namely oxacillin, vancomycin, mupirocin, and povidone iodine with the pure diluent as negative control. The data was analyzed using difference of means hypothesis testing; it utilized the student's t-test to determine significance. Results: A trend of increasing antibacterial activity was noted with increasing concentration of the extract. Zones of inhibition started to appear at 50% concentration for S. aureus and 75% for MRSA. The antibiotics were able to produce greater zones of inhibition than the Neem extracts. Conclusion: Data from this study strongly suggest that the ethanol extract from Neem leaves exhibits in vitro antibacterial activity against both Staphylococcus aureus and MRSA with greatest zones of inhibition noted at 100% concentration.
STAPHYLOCOCCUS AUREUS ; AZADIRACHTA ; ANTI-BACTERIAL AGENTS ; METHICILLIN ;

INTRODUCTION: Dietary intervention remains an important factor in the management of diabetes mellitus, and many patients have employed herbs and oils to help manage their chronic diseases. Extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) is widely known for its cardio-vascular benefits. However, its effect on the blood glucose of type 2 diabetes mellitus patients has not been extensively studied. In this study, we aimed to determine if the addition of EVOO to meals results in a lower postprandial blood glucose among type 2 diabetes mellitus patients. METHODS: Thirteen patients were included in this randomized controlled cross-over trial. They were randomized to receive a meal with or without EVOO followed by a one week washout period, where they were given the other intervention. The primary outcome is the trans-meal blood glucose, which was calculated as the percent change in two-hour postprandial blood glucose. RESULTS: In group A, there was a noted 88.55% increase in two-hour postprandial blood glucose in taking meals with EVOO, versus 72.11% change in meals without EVOO. The same was observed in Group B, with a 71.08% and 49.22% increase in two-hour postprandial blood glucose in meals with EVOO and without EVOO, respectively. The difference was significant with a p-value of 0.044. Free fatty acids inhibit glucose transport and insulin secretion, this effect may be more predominant in asian type 2 diabetes mellitus patients. CONCLUSION: This study found that adding extra virgin olive oil on top of meals provided no additional benefit in terms of post-prandial glucose excursion.
Diet, Diabetic

Dyslipidemia is a cardiovascular risk factor that is increasing in prevalence in the country. The need to treat and manage elevated cholesterol levels, both pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic, is of utmost importance. Different medical societies and groups bonded together to formulate the 2020 Philippine Clinical Practice Guidelines for dyslipidemia. The group raised nine clinical questions that are important in dyslipidemia management. A technical working group analyzed the clinical questions dealing with non-pharmacologic management, primary prevention for both non-diabetic and individuals with diabetes, familial hypercholesterolemia, secondary prevention, adverse events of statins and the use of other lipid parameters as measurement of risk for cardiovascular disease. Randomized controlled trials and meta-analyses were included in the GRADE-PRO analysis to come up with the statements answering the clinical questions. The statements were presented to a panel consisting of government agencies, members of the different medical societies, and private institutions, and the statements were voted upon to come up with the final statements of the 2020 practice guidelines. The 2020 CPG is aimed for the Filipino physician to confidently care for the individual with dyslipidemia and eventually lower his risk for cardiovascular disease.
Dyslipidemias ; Hyperlipoproteinemia Type II ; Diabetes Mellitus