Objectives: Dhat syndrome is a cultural bound syndrome in which affected individuals have morbid pre-occupation with semen loss in their urine and its impact on the body. Previous studies have explored the symptomatology and perception regarding seminal discharge of such patients while there is lacked of literature on the assessment by quacks and practitioner of alternative and complementary practitioners (ACMP). Therefore, in addition to objectives of previous studies, this study explores the reprehensibility of such practitioners as they may not be giving correct advice to such patients. Methods: For duration of three months, this mixed method study was conducted in Rohilkhand Medical College campus; individuals were approached both in and outside the Psychiatric Outpatient Department using purposive sampling procedure. ICD-10 diagnostic criterion was used to include affected individual in the study sample. Subsequently, a semi-structured questionnaire to document their socio-demographic data and symptomatology was used. Further, previous consultation to quack, ACMPs and allopathic practitioners other than psychiatrist and advice given to the patient by them was obtained via in-depth interview. The quantitative data was analyzed through proportions whereas qualitative data via thematic analysis. Results: There were 38 out of 110 with Dhat syndrome. Invariably, they complained of undue concern regarding debilitating effects of seminal discharge and harmful for the body. A total 21.1% had prior consultation to ACMPs and attributing it to masturbation and hot weather. Surprisingly, allopathic practitioners consulted gave incorrect advices. Conclusion: Dhat syndrome affects individuals irrespective of their social and education background. Sex education among the masses and emphasis for awareness of this syndrome among ACMPs and allopathic practitioners other than psychiatrist is necessary to reduce this cultural bound syndrome.

Objective: Vascular Dementia (VaD), is associated with metabolic conditions. Diabetes is a major risk factor for the development of VaD. This study investigates the efficacy of ulinastatin (UTI) and sulforaphane (SUL) in streptozotocin (STZ)-diabetes induced vascular endothelium dysfunction and related dementia. Methods: Single dose STZ (50 mg/kg i.p.) was administered to Albino Wistar rats (male, 200−250 g). Morris water maze and attentional set shifting tests were used to assess the spatial learning, memory, reversal learning, and executive functioning in animals. Body weight, serum glucose, serum nitriteitrate, vascular endothelial function, aortic superoxide anion, brains’ oxidative markers (thiobarbituric acid reactive species-TBARS, reduced glutathione-GSH, superoxide dismutase-SOD, and catalase-CAT), inflammatory markers (IL-6, IL-10, TNF-, and myeloperoxidase-MPO), acetylcholinesterase activity-AChE, blood brain barrier (BBB) permeability and histopathological changes were also assessed. UTI (10,000 U/kg) and SUL (25 mg/kg) were used alone as well as in combination, as the treatment drugs. Donepezil (0.5 mg/kg) was used as a positive control. Results: STZ-administered rats showed reduction in body weight, learning, memory, reversal learning, executive functioning, impairment in endothelial function, BBB permeability, increase in serum glucose, brains’ oxidative stress, inflammation, AChE-activity, BBB permeability and histopathological changes. Administration of UTI and SUL alone as well as in combination, significantly and dose dependently attenuated the STZ-diabetes-induced impairments in the behavioral, endothelial, and biochemical parameters. Conclusion STZ administration caused diabetes and VaD which was attenuated by the administration of UTI and SUL.Therefore, these agents may be studied further for the assessment of their full potential in diabetes induced VaD.

Objective: Vascular Dementia (VaD), is associated with metabolic conditions. Diabetes is a major risk factor for the development of VaD. This study investigates the efficacy of ulinastatin (UTI) and sulforaphane (SUL) in streptozotocin (STZ)-diabetes induced vascular endothelium dysfunction and related dementia. Methods: Single dose STZ (50 mg/kg i.p.) was administered to Albino Wistar rats (male, 200−250 g). Morris water maze and attentional set shifting tests were used to assess the spatial learning, memory, reversal learning, and executive functioning in animals. Body weight, serum glucose, serum nitriteitrate, vascular endothelial function, aortic superoxide anion, brains’ oxidative markers (thiobarbituric acid reactive species-TBARS, reduced glutathione-GSH, superoxide dismutase-SOD, and catalase-CAT), inflammatory markers (IL-6, IL-10, TNF-, and myeloperoxidase-MPO), acetylcholinesterase activity-AChE, blood brain barrier (BBB) permeability and histopathological changes were also assessed. UTI (10,000 U/kg) and SUL (25 mg/kg) were used alone as well as in combination, as the treatment drugs. Donepezil (0.5 mg/kg) was used as a positive control. Results: STZ-administered rats showed reduction in body weight, learning, memory, reversal learning, executive functioning, impairment in endothelial function, BBB permeability, increase in serum glucose, brains’ oxidative stress, inflammation, AChE-activity, BBB permeability and histopathological changes. Administration of UTI and SUL alone as well as in combination, significantly and dose dependently attenuated the STZ-diabetes-induced impairments in the behavioral, endothelial, and biochemical parameters. Conclusion STZ administration caused diabetes and VaD which was attenuated by the administration of UTI and SUL.Therefore, these agents may be studied further for the assessment of their full potential in diabetes induced VaD.

AIMTo evaluate the possible antifertility activity of Sarcostemma acidum (Roxb) Voigt. stem extract in male rats.

METHODMale rats were given 70% methanol extract of S. acidum stem orally at dose levels of 50 and 100 mg/kg/day for 60 days. Fertility was evaluated with mating test. Sperm motility and sperm density in cauda epididymides were also assessed. Biochemical and histological analyses were performed on blood samples and on the reproductive organs.

RESULTSS. acidum stem extract resulted in an arrest of spermatogenesis without any systemic side effect. Sperm motility as well as sperm density was reduced significantly. Treatment caused a 80% reduction in fertility at the 50 mg dose and complete suppression of fertility at the 100 mg dose. There was no significant change in RBC and WBC count, hemoglobin, haematocrit, sugar and urea in the whole blood and cholesterol, protein and phospholipid in the serum. The protein and glycogen content of the testes, fructose in the seminal vesicle and protein in epididymides were significantly decreased. Cholesterol in the testes was elevated. Treatment at both of the doses caused a marked reduction in the number of primary spermatocytes (preleptotene and pachytene), secondary spermatocytes and spermatids. The number of mature Leydig cells was decreased, and degenerating Leydig cells was increased proportionately.

CONCLUSIONS. acidum stem extract arrests spermatogenesis in male rats without noticable side effects.

Animals ; Blood Cell Count ; Body Weight ; drug effects ; Cholesterol ; metabolism ; Contraceptive Agents, Male ; pharmacology ; Glycogen ; metabolism ; Leydig Cells ; drug effects ; metabolism ; Male ; Phospholipids ; blood ; Plant Extracts ; pharmacology ; Plants, Medicinal ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Spermatids ; drug effects ; Spermatocytes ; drug effects ; Spermatogenesis ; drug effects

OBJECTIVEKanchnar guggulu is a compound Ayurvedic formulation used in clinical practice for the treatment of benign and malignant tumors. The present study investigates its cytotoxic and antiproliferative activities.

METHODSThe hydro-alcoholic (50%) extract of kanchnar guggulu was prepared. Its antimitotic activity was assessed in an Allium cepa assay, while its antiproliferative effects were studied in a yeast proliferation model. Methotrexate was used as a standard anticancer agent.

RESULTSIn the Allium assay, all concentrations of the extract (1, 2 and 3 mg/mL) and methotrexate (0.02 mg/mL) significantly inhibited the division of A. cepa root cells, decreasing root growth and mitotic index compared to control; this effect was concentration-dependent for kanchnar guggulu extract. In the antiproliferative studies, treatment with the hydro-alcoholic extract of kanchnar guggulu (1, 5 and 10 mg/mL) and methotrexate (0.025, 0.05 and 0.1 mg/mL) resulted in marked reduction of dividing Saccharomyces cerevisiae cells and inhibition of cell viability compared to control. The cytotoxicity of the hydro-alcoholic extract of kanchnar guggulu, shown by its antimitotic and antiproliferative effects, may be due to the presence of flavonoids and phenolics.

CONCLUSIONKanchnar guggulu exhibited a cytotoxic effect by inhibiting cell division (antimitotic) and reducing cell proliferation. These results substantiate its potential for the treatment of cancer and support its traditional use in the treatment of cancer.